Aug. 15 - Natural diabetes treatment; new mind/body wellness class
Section 1
A view of the Samueli College of Health Sciences is framed by a spiky succulent. Photo by Ian Parker
UCI ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NEWS
Among the team of researchers who discovered a natural way to treat Type 2 diabetes is Mahtab Jafari, professor of pharmaceutical sciences. Photo by Steve Zylius / UCI
UCI team discovers possible natural diabetes treatment
A UCI-led research team has discovered an extract from the roots of the Rhodiola rosea plant that might provide a safe and effective non-pharmaceutical way to manage Type 2 diabetes. The study, recently published online in Scientific Reports, found that in a mouse model of human Type 2 diabetes, Rhodiola rosea lowered fasting blood sugar levels, improved response to insulin injections, modulated the composition of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract and decreased several biomarkers of inflammation. The team’s next steps are to perform a larger follow-up study to confirm these findings. Ultimately, Mahtab Jafari, a professor of pharmaceutical sciences, hopes to conduct Rhodiola rosea clinical trials in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Research demonstrates how mental health positively affects physical health, says Joel Milam, professor of epidemiology and biostatistics. Photo by Steve Zylius / UCI
Professor explores role of optimism in mind-body wellness
Joel Milam, professor of epidemiology and biostatistics in UCI’s Program in Public Health, has added a “Happiness, Well-Being and Health” course to the spring catalog so that students can explore and understand the “psychological, social and behavioral factors that influence physical, mental/emotional and social well-being.” Milam’s whole-person approach requires taking action to promote wellness by practicing optimism, cultivating gratitude and leveraging social support networks as well as eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule.
UC NEWS AND GENERAL NEWS
British health officials approve Moderna omicron vaccine
Today, the United Kingdom became the first nation to authorize a coronavirus vaccine that specifically targets two variants, both the original virus and omicron, the highly contagious variant that is now responsible for the overwhelming percentage of new infections. Half of each dose of the Moderna-manufactured vaccine will target the original variant, and the other half will target omicron. In the U.S., health officials will begin a COVID-19 booster campaign next month with updated vaccines from both Pfizer and Moderna targeting new variants including omicron. Currently, only Americans over 50 and those over 12 with certain immune deficiencies are eligible for second booster doses.
Is California overdue for a ‘megaflood’?
New research suggests that California is well overdue for a so-called “megaflood,” a roughly once-per-century rain event that would overwhelm dams and reservoirs throughout the state and could bring up to 2 inches of rainfall per hour in the Los Angeles area alone. While soil data shows that such events have long been a part of California’s history, scientists believe that global warming will make future storms even more intense: a 1,200-mile-long swath of moisture hundreds of miles wide lasting about a month.
EVENTS
Free GMAT Strategy Workshop
Tuesday, 6 p.m. (sponsored by Student Resources)
Visit today.uci.edu to see and submit event listings. Events of general interest will be shared in UCI Digest two days before they occur.
UCI IN THE NEWS
Note: Some news sites require subscriptions to read articles. The UCI Libraries offer free subscriptions to The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Orange County Register and The Washington Post for students, faculty and staff.
Renters are largely left out of the eco-home movement, but solutions exist
The Orange County Register, Aug. 11
Cited: Michael Méndez, assistant professor of urban planning
Why the Human Mind Is 'Not Designed' to Stay Awake Past Midnight
Healthline, Aug. 9
Cited: Sara Mednick, professor of cognitive sciences
Banks Balk at Biden Team’s Anti-Redlining Plan, Teeing Up Clash
Bloomberg, Aug. 12
Cited: Mehrsa Baradaran, law professor
#UCICONNECTED
Elizabeth Loftus has been awarded her eighth honorary doctorate, this one in Australia. Photo by Patricia DeVoe
Elizabeth F. Loftus, Distinguished Professor of psychological science and criminology, law and society, has been awarded her eighth honorary doctorate. On the grounds of her exceptional contribution to psychological science, pioneering applications to the administration of justice and her unwavering pursuit of scientific freedom, Australian National University bestowed the Doctor of Science Honoris Causa during its commencement ceremony last month. As part of the honor, Loftus delivered the keynote address at the university’s commencement ceremony.
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