The largest federally-funded clinical trial on medical imaging is under way at UCLA’s Jonsson Cancer Center. The cancer center is seeking 2,475 women to participate in the Digital Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial to determine whether digital mammography is equal or superior to standard film mammography. “This study is part of the digital revolution,” said Dr. […]
Category Archives: Science & Health
Stem cell research an emotional, social issue
It is widely known that advances in biotechnology, like stem cell therapy, have the potential to cure Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, diabetes and other diseases. However, there are several aspects of this research that are cause for concern and fodder for controversy. Critics worry about the destruction of embryos, meddling with natural processes and a slippery slope […]
Microscopic enemies pose imminent, unpredictable threat
On March 20, 1995, five teams of men boarded trains on the Tokyo subway system. Unnoticed amid Monday morning rush-hour traffic, the men placed lunch boxes and soft-drink containers on the floors of trains. The containers were punctured with umbrellas before the men got off. Odorless, colorless and deadly, Sarin gas was released into the […]
Surgeon simplifies chest surgery
UCLA employee Tim Alexander was born with pectus excavatum, a deformity also known as “sunken” or “concave” chest. Although he was initially advised against corrective surgery when he was younger, Alexander, now 32 years old, was able to take advantage of a new technique developed by UCLA professor of surgery Eric Fonkulsrud. “PE” is the […]
Animation meets physical reality
Physics. The science that dictates how the planets revolve around the sun; the mysterious explanations behind the occasional embarrassing fall as we navigate our way up the steps of Bruin Walk. Experienced by every body of matter, defined by Sir Isaac Newton, and now, cleverly virtualized by UCLA computer science professor, Petros Faloutsos. Faloutsos and […]
UCLA receives two $1 million undergraduate science grants
Give a professor a million dollars, and he’ll change the world of undergraduate science education. Two UCLA professors are preparing to do just that thanks to a new program funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, which awarded $1 million grants to each of 20 professors in 19 universities across the nation. Doctors Utpal Banerjee […]
Briefs
Botanical Garden seeks volunteers The Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden at UCLA is seeking volunteers to serve as docents in its public education program for school children and community groups. Experience is not required, and volunteers will receive workshop training from Arthur Gibson, professor of biology and director of the UCLA Botanical Garden. Docent trainees […]