Key topics

Explore critical issues and find out more about UC's impact on the state and the world.

Agriculture
Artificial intelligence
Health care

Scientists in blue University of California labcoats inspecting plants in a lab setting

A new (and surprising) way to use solar panels

In the middle of California's Central Valley, a new way to use solar panels could change how we think about clean energy and water. It’s a simple idea that people have talked about for decades, but only now is it finally being tested in real life.

Latest news

Campuses & Locations
Categories
A water canal covered by a solar panel canopy, with a sign for the Nexus project pilot
UC Merced |

State’s first solar canal project moves from UC Merced lab to real world

State leaders gathered to celebrate the completion of the Project Nexus construction pilot, which demonstrates how covering operational irrigation canals with solar panels can help save water, generate clean energy and conserve natural lands.
A young African child gets a tongue swab test from a medical professional.
UC San Francisco |

Portable TB test matches lab accuracy in just minutes

rugs to treat tuberculosis have been around for more than 75 years, yet it remains the world’s top infectious disease killer. A big obstacle has been testing, but a new device could change that.
Modern glass office building at dusk with warm-lit interiors, front trees and parked car. A conceptual rendering of the entrance to the new small animal hospital
UC Davis |

UC Davis receives $75M historic gift in support of veterinary medicine

Kathy Chiao and Kenneth Hao’s gift supports new small animal hospital, scholarships, translational medicine and programs for those unable to afford veterinary care.
Lily Collins presents David Gross with his Breakthrough Award
UC Newsroom |

4 UC scientists honored with ‘Oscars of Science’ at the 2026 Breakthrough Prizes

Two UC Berkeley faculty, a UCLA physicist and a UC Santa Barbara Nobel laureate were awarded Breakthrough Foundation prizes for their incredible contributions to advancing science.

Get UC’s top news in your inbox

Sign up for Fiat Lux, the weekly newsletter that delivers the latest University of California news and discoveries straight to your inbox.

Subscribe