Welcome back and looking forward together
UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk welcomes the Bruin community as the new academic year begins, emphasizing the importance of connection and unity during uncertain times. Chancellor Frenk encourages the Bruin community to join UCLA Volunteer Day (which coincides with Governor Newsom’s Community Climate Action Day and Mayor Bass’ Shine L.A. initiative) on Saturday, September 27, to make a positive difference in our L.A. community.
The true cost of abandoning science
Astrophysicists study galaxies and their development over billions of years, and they gain valuable insights from the James Webb Space Telescope, which allows them to gaze out across the universe and back in time. Recent federal actions have stopped research in progress while some budget proposals recommend cuts to research going forward. In this essay, UCLA Professor Steven Furlanetto laments these actions and stresses the importance of investment in scientific research, noting that reductions in federal support for agencies like NASA and the National Science Foundation could hinder future innovations and damage the United States' standing in the global scientific community. The overall science budget constitutes a small portion of federal spending, yet a retreat in that investment
threatens the nation's scientific leadership and progress.
Postdoc training cuts hit UCLA researchers
The federal government’s termination of several pre- and postdoc training programs and suspension of millions of dollars in research grants has altered career paths for researchers such as Olivia Justynski, a postdoctoral researcher at UCLA who is conducting research that could help address diseases of the stomach, intestines and muscles. Justynski’s career is suddenly at risk because of the loss of her career development fellowship, which had provided research and teaching experience for securing faculty positions. As Justynski’s case makes clear, this disruption affects lives, careers and the work of basic medical science.
On Monday September 22, a federal judge ordered that the suspended grants be reinstated until a pending lawsuit is resolved, but it is unclear if or how that will affect Justynski’s situation and research given the two-month interruption and potential reversal of that judgement as the case plays out.
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Political violence in America: Why it’s on the rise
UCLA law Professor Jon Michaels, who specializes in political violence, links the surge in U.S. incidents to degraded political discourse. Michaels observes that people increasingly prioritize tribal loyalties over rational debate, reviving patterns from eras such as Jim Crow when violence served as a tool. He notes recent events, including the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and Democratic representatives in Minnesota, signal breakdowns in democratic conflict resolution. Michaels explains that individuals turn to violence when they view the system as broken.
How to help students have difficult conversations in the classroom
UCLA's Dialogue across Difference Initiative
promotes constructive conversations among students about gender, race, social issues and other sometimes-knotty topics. Sociology professor Abigail Saguy incorporates into her teaching an AI-assisted chat platform called Sway, to help facilitate open and honest discussions across diverse points of view. The platform allows for anonymous conversations guided by AI, helping students engage with complex topics while enhancing their critical thinking skills and understanding of differing perspectives. This approach supports UCLA's goals of fostering intellectual curiosity and creating an inclusive learning environment that equips students to navigate complex social dynamics effectively.
Finalized time, place and manner (TPM) policies now in effect
After over a year of collecting and reviewing public feedback on interim guidelines, UCLA announced permanent campus TPM policies, effective September 19, 2025. The policies support freedom of expression while prioritizing community safety, respect, and university operations. Consistent with UCLA’s First Amendment obligations, these policies apply regardless of the viewpoints expressed.
AI-driven brain interface boosts independence for users
UCLA engineers have created a wearable, noninvasive brain-computer interface that uses artificial intelligence to help people complete tasks like controlling a robotic arm or computer cursor. The system significantly speeds up task performance, especially for individuals with disabilities, by interpreting brain signals related to movement intentions. This innovative approach aims to improve independence for those with movement disorders.
UC campus Extension deans meet with federal agency officials
The Extension deans of six UC campuses, including UCLA Extension Dean Eric Bullard, travelled to Washington, D.C. last week to connect with officials at the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Labor and Education as well as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The deans discussed how their programs provide valuable continuing education and upskilling courses and certificates in business, engineering, health care, education, and many other fields. They offered to partner with the federal agencies to address mutual goals of workforce preparedness and lifelong learning.
Who manages your water in Southern California? And why it matters
The 2025 Southern California Community Water Systems Atlas, created by UCLA researchers, analyzes 663 community water systems that serve 40 percent of California's population. The Atlas presents the array of agencies and entities involved in California’s water delivery and highlights significant disparities in water quality and governance. It also reveals that varying governance structures lead to unequal service levels and accountability. For instance, Kern County experienced more than 1,500 water quality violations in the past decade, while Orange County reported only five. In addition, the report reveals that water bills in Los Angeles County rose by nearly 60 percent in ten years. The atlas can serve as a vital resource for policymakers and communities as they track performance
and devise solutions.
Santa Monica’s waves to run pink
Do not be alarmed! Researchers from the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering will release a non-toxic pink dye near the Santa Monica Breakwater on select days in September to study the impact of the breakwater on the surrounding environment and water quality. Once released, the dye will spread naturally, enabling teams to map currents without harm to people, wildlife, or plants. The project builds on previous work from the UCLA Coastal Flood Lab and involves collaboration with The Bay Foundation, a nonprofit organization.
Gas blowout and low birth weight babies
A recent study led by UCLA researchers found that women in their third trimester living within 6.2 miles of the Aliso Canyon Natural Gas Storage Facility, which experienced a major blowout from October 2015 to February 2016, had a nearly 50% increased likelihood of having low birth weight babies. During this incident, 109,000 metric tons of methane and other toxic pollutants, including benzene, were released into the air. The study analyzed birth records from Los Angeles County and noted that 9.6% of babies born to these women weighed less than 5.5 pounds, compared to 6.6% in the years prior to the blowout. The researchers found that the increase in low birth weight correlated with pollutant exposure and highlighted a connection between proximity to the gas plume and adverse birth
outcomes. Once the blowout was contained, the prevalence of low birth weight babies in the area returned to expected levels.
Cracking the shell: How a UCLA nanoparticle takes aim at peanut allergies
Dr. André Nel and his team at UCLA have developed a nanoparticle that can prevent and even reverse peanut allergies in mice by reprogramming the immune system. This breakthrough technology could offer new hope for the 1 in 50 children affected by peanut allergies, and the team is also exploring its potential to address other conditions like egg allergies and type 1 diabetes.
UCLA Library supports cultural preservation projects
The UCLA Library's Modern Endangered Archives Program (MEAP) recently awarded new grants to support the documentation and digitization of at-risk archival collections across 26 countries. Launched in 2018, MEAP focuses on preserving cultural heritage through digital means, particularly in regions vulnerable to climate change and political instability. This year's funded projects include initiatives in Angola, Bulgaria, Ethiopia, and Malawi, encompassing diverse materials such as photographs from the Angolan War of Independence and Buddhist manuscripts from Myanmar and Thailand. MEAP has funded a total of 171 projects in 64 countries since its inception, and its collections are accessible via the UCLA Library Digital Collections platform.
UCLA scientists advance gene therapy for deadly blood disorder
UCLA researchers are making significant strides in developing a stem cell gene therapy for a severe blood disorder known as alpha thalassemia major. The therapy uses a patient's own blood stem cells, incorporating the missing alpha-globin gene through a viral vector to enable the production of functional hemoglobin. This approach addresses challenges associated with traditional treatments, such as the difficulty of finding compatible bone marrow donors and associated risks. The research team, led by Dr. Donald Kohn, has successfully restored normal protein production in patient cells, showing potential for lifelong treatment once the corrected cells are reintroduced into the patient. The team has secured funding to conduct further preclinical studies and prepare for initial human
trials.
An article in Nature Medicine co-authored by UCLA’s Dr. Felicia Knaul shows how investing in gender equality and social determinants of women’s health reduces poverty and drives economic growth.
Study reveals gaps in Alzheimer’s resources for Latinos in L.A.
A recent study by UCLA Health highlights a lack of accessible digital resources for Latinos and Hispanic communities in Los Angeles regarding Alzheimer’s disease, despite these populations being at a higher risk. The research evaluated 15 leading Alzheimer’s organizations and found that only a few offered Spanish-language services, web accessibility tools, or support for familial discussions. As more healthcare resources shifted online during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, significant barriers, such as English-only forms and insufficient Spanish-speaking support, have hindered access. The findings not only reflect the current situation in Los Angeles but also suggest a broader issue regarding digital health disparities for communities at risk of developing Alzheimer's
disease.
Supporting Communities: UCLA's Impact
Discover how UCLA's students, staff, and faculty are enhancing the well-being of Greater Los Angeles through UCLA Community Partnerships.
PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
The UCLA School of Law Williams Instituteis dedicated to conducting rigorous, independent research on sexual orientation and gender identity law and public policy. The institute disseminates its research to policymakers, judges, the media, and other stakeholders.
