News

Physics-based Modeling Reveals Surprising Behavior of Blood Clots

June 27, 2024

A group of researchers, including physicists from UC Merced, has made discoveries about the mechanics of blood clots that could help in the development of biomaterials for tissue engineering and improved surgical adhesives. Many materials around us, including those in cells and tissues, are made of...

Innovative Engineering Projects Earn Awards at I2G

June 27, 2024

A translucent guide for needle placement to alleviate spinal pain. A collection system for urine to use as fertilizer. A system that attaches to the vents of a commuter train network to reduce the noise air makes when it is expelled. An artificial intelligence-powered chatbot to answer questions...

Study Examined How Jewish Israelis React to Human Rights Criticism. Then Oct. 7 Happened.

June 25, 2024

A UC Merced professor and his co-researchers set out to measure how Jewish Israelis react to different sources of criticism about Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. Does disapproval from internal voices move public opinion? Voices from abroad? What about reproval from the diaspora — people who...

UC Merced Engineering School, Programs Rise in U.S. News Grad Rankings

June 18, 2024

The vision of the School of Engineering at UC Merced is to be a leader in research, education and innovation. Based on U.S. News & World Report's 2024-2025 edition of Best Graduate Schools rankings released today (June 18), the school is doing just that. The School of Engineering climbed 18...

Study Offers Steps to Speed Up Research Money to Community Partners

June 12, 2024

A study of fast-tracked government funds for relief during the COVID-19 pandemic uncovered bottlenecks at federal, university and community levels that undermined partnerships. Researchers, including UC Merced Professor Nancy Burke , made several recommendations to strengthen financial...

Remapping Global History Through 5,500 Years of Malaria

June 12, 2024

In a new study, an international team of researchers — including UC Merced Distinguished Professor Emeritus Mark Aldenderfer — reconstructed the evolutionary history and global spread of malaria over the past 5,500 years, identifying trade, warfare and colonialism as major catalysts for its...

New Dean of SSHA Arriving with the Fall Semester

June 11, 2024

Professor Leonardo R. Arriola from UC Berkeley has been named dean of the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts (SSHA) as of Aug. 1. Vice Chancellor and Provost Betsy Dumont made the announcement today, saying Arriola was chosen after a nationwide search that produced a diverse array of...

Major Gift to Reimagine Humanities Research, Community-engaged Projects

June 6, 2024

Humanities education has been under fire on college campuses over the past decade. “There’s a lot of concern nationally about graduate education in the humanities. We’re producing plenty of Ph.D.s but are there enough jobs for them upon graduation?” said anthropology and heritage studies Professor...

How Scientific Research Can Inform Visitor and Environmental Management at National Parks

June 5, 2024

National Parks are magnificent landscapes where the public can go for sightseeing and recreation. They also are research labs - gorgeous, awe-inspiring and wild research labs, to be sure. And the science conducted there can help ensure that the parks' natural beauty will be available for...

Lighting the Path: Thank You and Farewell to Charles Nies

May 27, 2024

It’s spring break 2009 and Jane Lawrence is rushing across campus, the words from the phone call still ringing in her ear. The unimaginable is happening and she must tell Charles Nies, First Lady Michelle Obama is coming to UC Merced as commencement speaker. Lawrence, the vice chancellor for...