Recent rains splash into El Niño theories

Soggy shoes were traded for short skirts and scarves were swapped for sunglasses. Relentless rains last Wednesday suddenly gave way to sunshine on Thursday, much to the relief of students and their umbrellas. So far this week, the forecast has been clear. Even without another drop of rain this month, rainfall levels this January are […]

The curry cure

While many people associate spicy curry with a burning sensation on the tongue, the brain may be using the spice to prevent certain diseases. A yellow pigment in foods such as mustard and curry has the potential to combat the effects of Alzheimer’s Disease, traumatic injury to the head and Huntington’s Disease, a UCLA-Veterans Affairs […]

Laser has scientists seeing stars

Researchers throughout the University of California and California State University systems observed images of faraway galaxies with Hubble Space Telescope-like precision this week, all from the safety of a grounded observatory. A team of astronomers, which includes UCLA professors and graduate students, used its knowledge of adaptive optics to view distant galaxies and stars with […]

Tsunami was expected after large quake

The deadly wall of water that devastated the coastal communities of nearly a dozen countries in South Asia on Dec. 26 was the ocean’s natural response to the massive underwater earthquake, UCLA geophysicists say. “As far as I know, it behaved itself as it should have,” said John Vidale, professor of geophysics at UCLA. “The […]

Survivors of trauma at risk for many mental health problems

As the list of victims of the South Asian earthquake and tsunami grows to an estimated 150,000 individuals, it is crucial for rescue workers who continue to search, survivors that begin to rebuild their homes, and those following news coverage of the event to take the time to recognize and cope with the shock and […]