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Scientists in blue University of California labcoats inspecting plants in a lab setting

A new (and surprising) way to use solar panels

In the middle of California's Central Valley, a new way to use solar panels could change how we think about clean energy and water. It’s a simple idea that people have talked about for decades, but only now is it finally being tested in real life.

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Low flames burn a patchwork pattern on a dry forest floor
UC Berkeley |

Prescribed burning helps store forest carbon in big, fire-resistant trees

A two decade-long experiment in the Sierra Nevada found that regular prescribed burns promote carbon sequestration in live trees and plants, maintaining forests’ long-term ability to store carbon while also reducing wildfire hazard.
View of a person standing on pavement with only their legs and boots visible, positioned above two large white arrows painted on the ground—one pointing left labeled “LATER” and one pointing right labeled “NOW.”
UC Santa Barbara |

A two-minute fix for procrastination

UCSB study on the science of starting inspires Dawdle AI — transforming the hardest part of any task into the easiest step forward.
Illustration of a woman sitting at a desk looking down at her computer while a large, menacing robot looms behind her with clawed hands raised, suggesting anxiety or threat from technology.
UC Merced |

People don’t worry about losing jobs to AI, even when told it could happen soon

Surveyed workers were slightly more worried by a shorter AI-takeover timeline, but it didn't significantly change their views about government safety nets, according to new research from UC Merced.
A row of jars of Erewon-brand sea moss gel in muted pastel tones
UC San Diego |

Your feed is full of nutrition trends. Are any of them legit?

UC San Diego experts unpack the science behind seven of social media’s food, drink and supplement trends.

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