Campus Science News

The following news items are from various campus, college and department sources.

Scientists discover how algae colonized corals

Phillip Cleves, assistant professor of molecular and cell biology, standing next to one of the saltwater aquaria in which he raises coral that spawn throughout the year. Brandon Sanchez Mejia for UC BerkeleyPhillip Cleves, Assistant Professor of Genetics, Genomics, Evolution, and Development, and his lab used their new state-of-the-art laboratory to uncover clues about how the symbiotic relationship between algae and corals evolved. 
Department of Molecular and Cell Biology
Nogales awarded Vanderbilt Prize in Biomedical Science

Nogales awarded 2026 Vanderbilt Prize in Biomedical ScienceProfessor of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Structural Biology, Eva Nogales, was awarded the 2026 Vanderbilt Prize in Biomedical Science. The prize recognizes scientists of national reputation who have a stellar record of research accomplishments and are known for mentoring others in science. Read the full press release from Vanderbilt Health News here. 
 
Department of Molecular and Cell Biology
New fossils upend catastrophist narrative that flowering plants flourished only after dinosaur extinction
Examples of seeds and fruits from the Dori’s Tuff flora of the Jose Creek Formation in New Mexico. The photos show tiny seeds (upper left) and a group of large fruits (right).

IB professor Cindy Looy, grad student Jaemin Lee, former doctoral student Dori Contreras, and former undergrad student James Saulsbury reported that Dori's Tuff flora contained large fruits from flowering trees, suggesting that animals were eating larger seeds produced by angiosperms 75 million years ago. Read the full story in Berkeley News.
Department of Integrative Biology
Aris and Lowet receive Jane Coffin Childs Fellowships
Congratulations to two postdoctoral scholars in BioE lab who have been named 2026 Jane Coffin Childs Fellows! The charitable fund supports brilliant postdoctoral fellows conducting fundamental research on cancer and human disease. Kevin Aris, PhD, works in Aaron Streets' lab on tools to measure DNA supercoiling in living cells, to build a genome-wide map of DNA shape. Adam Lowet, PhD. works with Michael Yartsev to explore the computational and biological mechanisms underlying social decision-making in the Egyptian fruit bat.
Department of Bioengineering
Newly identified fossil sheds light on evolutionary history of saber-toothed cats
A collection of 3D scans of fossil sabertooth skulls from various groups

Postdoctoral fellow Narimane Chatar is researching carnivore molars in the lab of IB professor Jack Tseng. Chatar discovers the cranial and mandibular remains of Adelphailurus kansensis and compares them to Smilodon, the most recognizable saber-toothed cat. Read the full story in Berkeley News.
Department of Integrative Biology
Student Profile: Esha Ananth
Esha Ananth was selected for the 2026 Bioengineering Chair’s Award, which honors one graduating senior for their outstanding achievements in an area of personal passion, in addition to maintaining the highest academic performance. She graduated in May 2026 from the Management, Entrepreneurship, & Technology (MET) Program, giving her dual degrees in Bioengineering and Business. From…
Department of Bioengineering