Biological Sciences

A new UC Berkeley study shows that the so-called love hormone, oxytocin, is also critical for the formation of friendships.

Oxytocin is released in the brain during sex, childbirth, breastfeeding and social interactions and contributes to feelings of attachment, closeness and trust. Never mind that it’s also associated with aggression; the hormone is commonly referred to as the “cuddle” or “happy” hormone, and people are encouraged to boost their oxytocin levels for better well-being by touching friends and loved ones, listening to music and exercising.

But recent studies...

Today, the Pew Charitable Trusts announced that four UC Berkeley researchers will be recognized as 2025 Pew Scholars. The early-career biomedical scientists will receive multi-year research grants and join a rich network of more than 1,000 Pew-funded scientists.

What do Disney, Apple, Google, Genentech, Lockheed Martin, Salesforce and Boeing all have in common? Besides being global brands that drive innovation and economic growth, they are among the companies that have hired large numbers of University of California alumni over the last quarter century.

The University, in collaboration with workforce data firm Lightcast, has just released a new data dashboard that tracks UC alumni employment since 2000...

Personalized CRISPR cures for children born with rare genetic diseases are now a step closer to being more widely available. Today, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) and the Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI) announced the funding of the Center for Pediatric CRISPR Cures (Center). The Center will use CRISPR-based editing technology to advance cures for severe pediatric genetic diseases...