Will generative artificial intelligence rescue humanity from some of its most complex and troubling problems? Or will it open a Pandora’s box of uncontrollable computer power? The fall 2023 issue of Blueprint examines those questions, tests out AI as an artist and writer, and discusses the profound conflicts it is raising with leading researchers from UCLA to the halls of Congress.
Local spotlights include a UCLA program tackling health and homelessness, politics and Los Angeles City Hall, violent crime falling but property crime rising, how city leaders struggle for answers and much more.
Chancellor Gene Block and Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Darnell Hunt recently announced the launch of UCLA’s 2023-28 Strategic Plan. Centered on the concept of inclusive excellence, the plan ensures that equity and justice will be at the forefront of UCLA’s efforts. It offers a framework, campuswide investments overview, and a set of guiding principles that will provide high-level institutional direction for UCLA over the next five years. The plan primarily focuses on deepening and enhancing UCLA’s local and global engagement, research and creative activities, educational instruction, and institutional effectiveness.
The campus research community has come together to tackle the complex issue of hate. This initiative is a major multidisciplinary research platform that shows the possibilities of working together to address a social ill that plagues our society today. The research conducted has revealed new insights into understanding hate and its pervasive nature. For instance, one team has found that 80% of 5th-12th grade students surveyed are exposed to hate on social media. The initiative has now entered its second year and will continue to fund new research teams and host a central research hub.
In honor of Chancellor Gene Block's final year, this edition of UCLA Magazine celebrates many accomplishments over his 17 years leading the Bruin community. Block shared his thoughts on his role as chancellor that he describes as his "life's greatest honor."
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Extreme heat is becoming a major issue for K-12 schools in California, as it can lead to unhealthy temperatures in classrooms and schoolyards, making it difficult for students to learn and play on hot days. Despite there being various ways to tackle this problem, implementing effective and fair strategies can be quite challenging. To help policymakers and the public understand how heat impacts students in schools and to provide possible solutions, the researchers at UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation have created a resource kit consisting of easily accessible fact sheets and visual
infographics. These infographics aim to illustrate how hot schoolyards and classrooms can have an adverse effect on students' learning and showcase strategies to overcome these issues.
The Equatic process, developed at UCLA’s Institute for Carbon Management (ICM), has been named one of the best inventions of 2023 in the sustainability category by Time magazine. The carbon-removal technology leverages seawater to capture and store atmospheric CO2, while producing green hydrogen, a clean fuel for transport and industrial applications.
Formerly known as Project SeaChange, the Equatic technology was created by a team of researchers at the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering. The process accelerates and expands the ocean’s natural ability to absorb carbon dioxide, removing atmospheric CO2 and storing it in the forms of solid minerals and aqueous species for more than 10,000 years. In less than two years, the technique was scaled up from a bench-scale prototype into two pilot systems in Los Angeles and Singapore.
The startup Equatic was launched to commercialize the technology. “The need for scalable and sustainable solutions to reduce and remove atmospheric carbon dioxide is more urgent than ever, and we are proud to lead the charge in developing innovative solutions” said Equatic founder and ICM director Gaurav Sant.
UCLA Alumni Affairs proudly recognizes exceptional Bruins who are serving in civic positions and making a difference in people’s lives. Learn more about the alumni visionaries, volunteers and leaders engaging with community organizations, finding solutions to today’s civic issues and improving the quality of life in our communities.
Researchers at UCLA have made significant progress in using muscle stem cells to regenerate damaged muscle tissue in mice. For years, scientists have been attempting to direct human pluripotent stem cells to create skeletal muscle stem cells that can properly function in living muscle and regenerate muscle fibers.
Through transplantation of stem cells into mice, researchers discovered significant differences between lab-grown stem cells and those obtained from healthy adult humans. However, by optimizing both the surrounding environment and the stem cells, researchers were able to prompt transplanted cells to become viable for over four months and repair muscle damage caused by successive injuries.
UCLA celebrates the opening of Rosenfeld Hall, a newly expanded facility that consolidates the latest technology under one roof to enhance continuous training for future and practicing physicians and other healthcare professionals. Made possible with a $20 million gift from donors Eugene and Maxine Rosenfeld, the facility houses the UCLA Simulation Center and the UCLA Health Center for Advanced Surgical and Interventional Technology. This state-of-the-art facility will prepare trainees and clinicians for patient care challenges through the use of pioneering simulation-based techniques in such areas as surgical interventions, extended reality and artificial intelligence. The building is conveniently located in close proximity to Ronald
Reagan UCLA Medical Center and the four health sciences professional schools on UCLA’s main campus, facilitating interprofessional collaboration and learning.
Helping young people develop a sense of purpose in life could build their resilience and prevent declines in mental health, according to a report released by the National Scientific Council on Adolescence, part of the UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent.
The report's co-author, Andrew Fuligni, explains that purpose is crucial for healthy adolescent development. Resources that assist young people in discovering their sense of purpose can contribute to their mental health, resilience, reduce unhealthy behaviors, and provide motivation and direction. This support is especially important in today's world, where young people are facing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and rapidly changing digital landscapes.
