Research
Coral Reef Ecosystems
Biologists study the diversity of life in the sea and at the land-sea interface
Biodiversity in the Rainforest
Many exotic species are threatened with extinction as their habitats are destroyed
Our Research Mission
- Expand the frontiers of knowledge about how living organisms develop, function, reproduce, interact and evolve
- Apply discoveries in the biosciences to solving global problems in the areas of health, the environment, and the economy
Our research faculty are at the forefront of scientific discovery in their respective fields. Their cutting edge research addresses some of the most perplexing and urgent issues of our time, from cures for cancer and diabetes to understanding neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's, from cleaning up the environment to protecting the world's food supply, from looking for biofuel alternatives to petroleum to understanding climate change and its effects on all forms of life.
Each faculty member belongs to 1 of 4 Academic Sections and is involved in 1 or more of 8 specialty research areas.
Both our senior and junior faculty have distinguished themselves, receiving numerous honors from their peers and competing successfully for many top national awards, including Packard Fellowships, Searle Scholar Awards, Beckman Young Investigator Awards, and Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Research Fellowships.
We are creating a community where the best scientists from every background are welcome. Our high-caliber and diverse faculty ensures that our nationally ranked research and educational programs will continue to grow in excellence.
In addition to individual research programs, the division is taking the lead in establishing major interdisciplinary research initiatives focused on global health, environmental sustainability, and economic security.
Some recent news articles highlighting the basic biological research and discovery being conducted in the division.
Also see More News
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South American Ants Eating Way Across California
Carnivorous Argentine ants that have invaded coastal California devour other insects. When that food's gone, the ants become vegetarians.
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5 local scientists get slice of stem cell research pie
The state stem cell institute yesterday awarded a total of $13.2 million in grants to five San Diego scientists to help fund five years of research.
See also: UC San Diego Researcher Receives New Faculty Award for Stem Cell Research & UCSD Stem Cell website for more information -
Mice Can Sense Oxygen Through Their Skin
Mice can sense oxygen through their skin, says a new study that showed the skin plays a major role in sensing oxygen levels in the environment and in stimulating kidney production of the hormone erythropoietin (EPO) when oxygen levels decline.
EPO: Tale of Mice and (Super Men): Hormone's illicit use is benefit in endurance sports
Randy Johnson is a Harvard-educated biology professor at UCSD, and he recently headed a research project with mice that examined the role of skin in stimulating their production of red blood cells in low-oxygen environments. "I've had some weird e-mails, I have to say," Johnson says. ...
