Lawren Sack, professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, along with graduate student Christine Scoffoni, three UCLA undergraduate researchers, and colleagues have discovered new laws that determine the construction of leaf vein systems as leaves grow and evolve. The research, has a range of fundamental implications for global ecology and allows researchers to estimate original leaf sizes from just a fragment of a leaf. W improve scientists' prediction and interpretation of climate in the deep past from leaf fossils.

John Novembre, assistant professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology recently led a large study of human genetic variation, published today in the online version of the journal Science. The study shows that rare genetic variants are not so rare after all and offers insights into human diseases.

Fernando Gomez-Pinilla, a professor of neurosurgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine, and a professor of Integrative Biology and Physiology, was co-author of a recent study showing that a steady high-fructose diet can slow the brain and hamper memory and learning in rats — and how omega-3 fatty acids can minimize the damage.

This LA Weekly food blog describes the fun had at the last “Science and Food” public lecture, with Integrative Biology and Physiology professor Amy Rowat, and celebrity guest lecturers: Rene Redzepi and Lars Williams.

On May 4, 2012, Paul Terasaki was presented with the Edward A. Dickson Alumnus of the Year award for his vital contributions to the field of organ transplantation, and for his immensely generous contributions to UCLA, in particular to the Division of Life Sciences.

Kendra Knudson, a UCLA undergraduate majoring in psychobiology, was awarded the 2012 Charles E. Young Humanitarian Award for developing the Creative Minds Project at Step Up on Second, a nonprofit organization in Santa Monica that serves people with mental illness. The project utilizes creative art therapies to foster change and progress toward recovery, stability and reintegration into society.

UCLA Biochemistry professor Sabeeha Merchant, a valued contributor to UCLA Life Sciences’ plant research program was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in recognition of her "distinguished and continuing achievements in original research."

Matthew Lieberman, UCLA professor of Psychology and of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral sciences, led a study in which researchers imaged the brains of smokers while they were asked to rate the effectiveness of several anti-smoking ads, with surprising results.

James A. Lake, Distinguished professor of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology and Human Genetics, and Larry Simpson, Professor of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics are among 220 distinguished scholars, scientists, authors, artists, and business and philanthropic leaders elected today to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in recognition of their outstanding accomplishments.