:: UCLA TODAY Home

©2004
The Regents of the University of California
 

campus briefs

TEENY, TINY LIFT

UCLA chemists have devised an artificial molecular nanoelevator, the most sophisticated artificial nanomachine yet developed. The nanoelevator is a rig-like construct with three legs that embrace a deck-like component. Each leg of the rig has two stations — one, a strong one that relies on hydrogen bonds, and another, a much weaker one. The strong bonds between the rig and the deck can be destroyed by taking a proton away from each leg by adding base. The deck can be returned to the top level by adding acid. Postdoctoral researcher Jovica Badjic, lead author of a report in the March 19 issue of Science, works in the laboratory of Fraser Stoddart, Fred Kavli Chair in Nanosystems Sciences and director of the California NanoSystems Institute.

CLASH OVER ADMISSIONS

The regents came to the defense of UC admissions policies after Chairman John J. Moores accused UC of racial discrimination in the March 12 issue of Forbes magazine. On March 18, the regents, voting 8-6, passed a resolution reaffirming their support for comprehensive review and explaining that Moores’ views “do not represent the views of the Board of Regents.” On March 25, Moores, in an e-mail to the regents, called the action “wrong and inappropriate” and urged them to join him in asking for an independent review of admissions policies. He accused administrators of keeping the regents in the dark about “the existence of several secret studies that would have raised concerns about the legality of the UC admissions process.”

MISSING A TOOTH?

The UCLA Dental Implant Center recently opened in a modern facility in the dental school, where faculty and postgraduate residents are able to replace missing teeth. Implants, which feel and function like natural teeth, can replace missing tooth roots and help preserve bone in the jaw. Headed by Peter K. Moy, a renowned implant authority, the center will train surgical specialists in new approaches and offer continuing education and training to private practitioners. Moy was recently featured in a CBS-TV news segment using a new technique to place a dental implant in a patient in 49 minutes. For details on the clinic, call Jason McKelly at (310) 825-3072.

NEW HEAD OF UCSD?

As of press time April 9, the UC Board of Regents was scheduled to meet April 12 to consider the appointment of Marye Anne Fox as chancellor of UC San Diego. UC President Robert C. Dynes recommended Fox, a distinguished chemist and highly regarded academic administrator. She is currently chancellor of North Carolina State University.