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SoCal native Katin Houser returns as Illinois' starting quarterback
UCLA's defense will face Southern California native Katin Houser and the Illinois Fighting Illini in Week 11.
CFP Earthquake Sees Georgia Retake #1
Georgia moved to No. 1 in the College Football Playoff rankings while Indiana slid and UCLA surged. Hunter Yurachek explains the chaos.
UCLA earns highest College Football Playoff ranking in school history
UCLA ascended to No. 4 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings, while crosstown rival USC moved up to No. 18 when the top 25 was revealed Tuesday.
Comparing Nico Iamaleava and Ty Dieffenbach through 116 pass attempts
Both Nico Iamaleava and Ty Dieffenbach have had 116 pass attempts this season with the two UCLA QBs posting similar numbers.
Most overrated/underrated teams in Week 10 coaches poll
College football rankings shift after Miami falls as voters continue to overlook undefeated UCLA in the coaches poll.
UCLA Public Health Grads Drive Veterans Health Research at LA VA
UCLA Fielding School of Public Health researchers published 32 peer-reviewed studies on veterans' health in 2024, partnering with VA Greater Los Angeles to improve care for 84,000+ veterans.
UCLA won’t let idiotic CFP selection committee leave it behind 8 ball
MINNEAPOLIS — Take that, you inattentive dolts. Eat this, you SEC apologists. Get lost, you power-hungry losers. With its majestic triumph over Minnesota on Saturday, UCLA delivered the only statement...
Big Ten recap: Week 10 scores, updated standings, bowl eligibility
For the most part, it was a good week to be a road team in the Big Ten. A total of 6 road teams won this weekend in Big Ten play, leaving just 2 teams to be able to defend their home turf. UCLA, Oregon, and Iowa were among the road victors this weekend to remain in the hunt for a spot in the Big Ten championship game at the end of the season, while Ohio State suffered a potentially playoff-bursting loss at home.
Big Ten recap: Week 10 scores, updated standings, bowl eligibility
Ohio State's playoff chances took a devastating blow and UCLA remains undefeated after Week 10.
No. 5 UCLA turns up the speed late to stay unbeaten with 34-20 win at Minnesota
Coach Bob Chesney has them unbeaten — and unbothered
UCLA finds a new hero in a wild fourth quarter
Ty Dieffenbach and Aidan Mizell turned two snaps into a 150-yard swing, helping the Bruins stay unbeaten after Minnesota had made the game uncomfortable.
College football live analysis: Utah, UCLA, Texas make huge Week 10 statements
College football’s wild Week 10 is changing the CFP picture, with Utah, UCLA and Texas making major playoff statements.
Undefeated #8 UCLA pulled away to beat Minnesota 34-20
The UCLA Bruins continued their undefeated season by going on the road to beat the Minnesota Gophers 34-20. Quarterback Ty Dieffenbach needed just eight completions to get 300 yards and three touchdowns as the Bruin offense put up 24 points in the second half to pull away from Minnesota. The first half was split, with […]
Jaylin Hicks injury update: Minnesota DL carted off field with air cast on leg
Minnesota DL Jaylin Hicks was put in an air cast and carted off after suffering an apparent left leg injury against UCLA.
College football games, scores, live updates: Utah vs. BYU, Texas vs. Missouri, UCLA vs. Minnesota and more
No. 8 UCLA vs Minnesota live updates: Score, highlights, analysis
UCLA plays Minnesota in a pivotal Big Ten showdown. Follow live score updates, highlights, injury news, key plays, and instant analysis.
UCLA vs Minnesota Prediction: Can the Bruins Stay Hot?
It won't be that cold in Minneapolis, but the weather isn't the only factor when UCLA takes on the Gophers. Here's our prediction and game preview.
College football on TV today: Saturday, Nov. 7
Feels like the best regular season day of college football in a long, long time. No. 9 BYU at No. 3 Utah | 12 p.m. | ABCNo. 8 UCLA at Minnesota | 12 p.m. | FOXNo. 7 Texas at No. 18 Missouri | 12 p.m. | ESPNIowa State at Baylor | 12 p.m. | FS1Clemson […]
In brief: Putting the squeeze on gene-editing techniques
Xiaojun “Lance” Lian, associate professor of biomedical engineering and of biology at Penn State, alongside biomedical engineering doctoral candidate Tahir Haideri contributed to a paper recently published in Matter. The research, led by scientists at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), introduced a physical system that squeezes cells, temporarily loosening the DNA inside and making space for gene-editing tools to reach the target genes. The team said this is an improvement upon previous approaches because it enables a better yield of cell reprogramming, when researchers can coax one cell type to turn into another cell type. Lian and Haideri supported the research by guiding the molecular engineering of reprogramming cells from one type to another, building on their prior work improving how gene-editing tools are delivered to the cell’s genetic material. Editor’s note: The full article describing this work can be found on the UCLA news site.
CFP Explains Puzzling Reasoning For UCLA Snub
UCLA football has taken the college football world by storm this season: one of three undefeated teams (8-0) remaining in FBS, ranked No. 5 in the AP Poll and alone atop the Big Ten’s standings. But the College Football Playoff Committee wants more. In the first edition of the 2026 CFP Rankings, UCLA shockingly came […] The post CFP Explains Puzzling Reasoning For UCLA Snub appeared first on LA Sports Report.
UCLA Health to lead national study on menstrual symptoms and breast pain in NCAA Division I student-athletes
UCLA Health is set to lead a national study examining how premenstrual symptoms, menstrual pain and breast pain affect collegiate female student-athletes’ training, competition and overall well-being.
Three keys to a Gopher win and how to watch
How to watch the Gophers vs UCLA and 3 keys to a Minnesota win
LA film students are eager to pick up Hollywood's pieces
Mergers, layoffs, AI and runaway production have shaken Hollywood. Film students at USC, UCLA and LMU explain why they're pursuing the industry anyway.
Kim Kardashian Notes ‘Irony’ of Undergoing Endoscopy at UCLA Health Center, Which She and Her Sisters Funded in Their Dad’s Honor
Kim Kardashian discusses the irony of receiving an endoscopy at the UCLA esophageal health center she and her sisters funded after their dad Robert died of esophageal cancer.
APT29-Linked Hackers Hijack Web Analytics Script to Deliver iOS and Android Exploits
APT29-linked attackers use compromised sites and Plerdy analytics to deliver iOS and Android exploits that steal browser and device data.
Favorite 'Dogs: Back Panthers Over Broncos; Minnesota To Cover vs. UCLA
Will Hill delivers his best underdog bets for the weekend ahead, including the Broncos' good fortune to hit a snag.
Nielsen ranked the best college basketball fan bases. Did your school make it?
Michigan and UCLA, the 2026 NCAA champs in men's and women's basketball, didn't make Nielsen's ranking of the sport's top 20 markets. Here's who did.
TOP 25: WEEK 11
We will keep it short this week as our bracketology post goes live later today, but as we move into the back half of the season, this is our Top 25 entering CFP rankings week. DOMINANCE REIGNS SUPREME UCLA, LSU, Utah, Wake Forest. These four teams are a combination of zero losses with a weaker […]
Neil Garg wins 2026 Science and Education Pioneer Award
Indian American UCLA professor honored for inspiring public engagement with science education, particularly among young people.
Bob Chesney’s Blunt Reaction to UCLA Attendance Questions Turns Heads
UCLA head coach Bob Chesney has guided the No. 7 Bruins to a stellar 8-0 Start and a top-10 national ranking. The historic program is thriving on the field under his leadership, following a dominant 27-0 shutout victory over Nevada on Saturday. Yet the newly appointed leader faced a quiet reality at home stadium. Addressing […] The post Bob Chesney’s Blunt Reaction to UCLA Attendance Questions Turns Heads appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.
Common pesticide linked to 2.5 times the risk of Parkinson’s disease
A UCLA study found that long-term exposure to a common pesticide was linked to more than 2.5 times the risk of Parkinson's disease. Scientists also uncovered how the chemical damages brain cells and identified a promising way to protect them.
No. 7 UCLA turns Rose Bowl into House of Horrors in monstrous win over Nevada
Halloween is the one time of year when everyone’s worst nightmares are laid bare. For Nevada quarterback Luke Duncan, that nightmare took the form of the No. 7 UCLA Bruins’ defense, which terrorized the senior caller all afternoon — picking him off three times in a dominant 27-0 victory at the Rose Bowl on Saturday.
Letters to Sports: The Lincoln Riley debate and hate continues
Readers of the Los Angeles Times Sports section give their thoughts on the USC and UCLA football teams, the Brewers winning the World Series and more.
2026-2027 Audree V. Fowler Fellows in Protein Science
Graduate students Lenka Milojević (Zhou group), Akshaya Narayanasamy (Lindert group), Sarah Singleton (Conway group), and Janet Zhong (Feigon group) have been selected as 2026–27 Fowler Fellows and shared their research at a special event on Oct. 13, 2026. 2026-27 Fowler Fellows – Sarah Singleton, Lenka Milojević, Janet Zhong, and Akshaya Narayanasamy. Akshaya Narayanasamy and Prof. Steffen Lindert. Sarah Singleton and Prof. Stuart Conway. Janet Zhong and Prof. Juli Feigon. About the 2026-27 Audree Fowler Fellows in Protein Science Lenka Milojević is a fifth-year Biophysics Ph.D. candidate in the lab of Professor Z. Hong Zhou at UCLA. As an undergraduate at Maastricht University, she studied the structural basis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis virulence and amyloid-β fibril nucleation in the lab of Professor Peter Peters. She completed her bachelor’s thesis research at UCLA in the lab of Professor David Eisenberg, focusing on amyloid disaggregation, before beginning her doctoral studies. In the Zhou lab, Lenka uses cryo-electron tomography to visualize and characterize membrane-associated protein assemblies across a range of viral and cellular systems. Akshaya Narayanasamy is a fifth-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UCLA, mentored by Professor Steffen Lindert. She earned her B.S.-M.S. in Chemistry from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Thiruvananthapuram, where she worked in Professor Mahesh Hariharan’s lab investigating how single-atom substitutions influence crystal packing and charge transport behavior. She received her M.S. in Physical Chemistry from The Ohio State University before moving with the Lindert lab to UCLA. At UCLA, Akshaya develops integrative modeling methods that combine deep learning and Rosetta with experimental data, such as ion mobility mass spectrometry and cryo-EM, to improve protein structure prediction. Her current work focuses on developing an experimentally guided diffusion model and designing de novo protein binders with potential antibacterial activity. Ultimately, she aims to bridge AI-based structure prediction and experimental data to make computational protein models more reliable for drug discovery and therapeutic design. Sarah Singleton is a 4th year BMSB student, working in Professor Stuart Conway’s lab. She earned her B.S. in Biochemistry at Simmon University (Fenway, MA). Her research is centered on drugging the previously undruggable class of proteins—transcription factors. Zinc finger (ZF)-containing transcription factor proteins typically contain multiple ZF motifs, but little is known about the principles that govern the recognition of multi-ZF arrays by immunomodulatory imide drugs (IMiDs). In a multi-ZF array that contains several potentially targetable ZFs, which will be accessible and why? How does the surrounding protein architecture inform IMiD recognition? Sarah’s research aims to utilize her findings on the fundamental principles of ZF recognition to design IMiD therapeutics for transcription factors involved in health and disease. Janet Zhong is a fourth-year BMSB student, working in Professor Juli Feigon’s laboratory. She received her BSc and MRes from Imperial College London. At UCLA, Janet combines cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and biochemical approaches to investigate how proteins and RNAs assemble into ribonucleoprotein structures. Her research focuses on telomerase, the enzyme that maintains chromosome ends, with interests in its structure, assembly, and mechanisms. She has also worked on capturing the cryo-EM structure of a small bacterial non-coding RNA called raiA motif RNA. About Dr. Audree Fowler A strong supporter of the basic sciences and medicine at UCLA, alumna Dr. Audree Fowler (B.S. ’56 chemistry, Ph.D. ’63 biochemistry) established the Audree V. Fowler Fellows in Protein Science in 2008. Fowler was Director UCLA Protein Microsequencing Facility from 1984-1999 and is a Researcher Emeritus of the UCLA Department of Biological Chemistry. She is one of the first four women to receive a Ph.D. from the UCLA Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry. In 2018, the women were awarded the department’s 2018 Alumni Legacy Awards in recognition of their achievements in life, and generous support and service to UCLA. “The sciences gave me a great life. Now I want to help others have access to the same opportunities I enjoyed,” Fowler explained when she established the Fowler Fellowships endowment. Applications for the fellowships are solicited from graduate students in the Molecular Biology Interdepartmental (MBI) Ph.D. Program, Biological Chemistry, and Chemistry & Biochemistry Departments. In addition to presenting their research at a special seminar, the recipients each receive a $5,000 award. Previous Fowler Fellows from the UCLA Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry 2025-26 – Nikki Cheung (Clubb Group), Jonathan Jih (Zhou Group), Eileen Olivares (Loo Group), and Lily Taylor (Rodriguez Group) 2024-25 – Andrew Goring (Clubb lab), Eric Pang (S. Clarke and Rodriguez labs), and Miranda Villanueva (Backus lab) 2023-24 – Alexandra Turmon (Backus lab), Cindy Wang (S. Clarke and C. Clarke labs) 2022-23 – Cody Gillman (Gonen lab), Declan Evans (Houk lab), Troy Lowe (S. Clarke lab), Ashley Julio (Backus lab), and Alex Stevens (Hong Zhou lab) 2021-22 – Weixian Deng (Wohlschlegel/Plath labs), Yi Xiao “Sean” Jiang (Eisenberg lab), Maria Flores (Rodriguez lab), Carter Lantz (Loo lab), and Logan Richards (Rodriguez lab). 2020-21 – Janine Fu (Loo lab), Calina Glynn (Rodriguez lab), and Jiahui Lu (Eisenberg lab) 2019-20 – David Boyer (Eisenberg lab), Orlando Martinez (Clubb lab) and John Muroski (Loo lab) 2018-19 – Scott McConnell (Clubb lab), Kevin Murray (Eisenberg lab), Rebeccah Warmack (S. Clarke lab) 2017-18 – Michael Hughes (Eisenberg lab), Yuxi Liu (Yeates lab), Kanishk Jain (S. Clarke lab) 2016-17 – Brendan Amer (Clubb Lab) and Jeff Vinokur (Bowie Lab) 2015-16 – Henry Chan (Feigon lab), Smriti Sangwan (Eisenberg lab), Nicholas Woodall (Bowie lab) 2014-15 – Dan McNamara (Yeates lab) 2013-14 – Alex Jacobitz (Clubb lab), Alexander Patananan (S. Clarke lab), Carly Ferguson (Loo lab) 2012-13 – Letian Xie (C. Clarke lab), Anni Zhao (Eisenberg lab) 2011-12 – Timothy Anderson (Clubb lab), Soohong Kim (Weiss lab) 2010-11 – Zeynep Durer (Reiser lab), Cecilia Zurita-Lopez (S. Clarke lab) 2009-10 – Luki Goldschmidt (Eisenberg lab), Kristofer Webb (S. Clarke lab), Sheng Yin (Loo lab) 2008-09 – Nathan Joh (Bowie lab), Neil King (Yeates lab) Photos courtesy of Helen Houldsworth, the Molecular Biology Institute.
QB Ty Dieffenbach explains 'biggest differences' that set UCLA apart
"I think that is one of the biggest differences on this team, and why we’re so close with each other. We aren’t just isolated within position groups."
Neil Garg named recipient of the 2026 Science and Education Pioneer Award
Distinguished Professor Neil Garg has been named the recipient of the UCLA College, Division of Physical Sciences’ 2026 Science and Education Pioneer Award for his contributions to science and education. He will be honored at Exploring Your Universe, UCLA’s free science festival, on Sunday, Nov. 8, in the Court of Sciences. The ceremony and Garg’s remarks will take place at noon in Young Hall CS50, and will be livestreamed here. He will also give a family-friendly lecture, “Organic Chemistry in the Movies”, at 3 pm in Young Hall CS76. The Pioneer Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to science and inspired public engagement with science education, particularly among young people. Previous award recipients include astronaut and UCLA alumna Dr. Anna Lee Fisher (2017), mathematician and UCLA alumna Danica McKellar (2018), actress, author and neuroscientist Dr. Mayim Bialik (2019), Nobel Prize-winning astrophysicist Andrea Ghez (2020) and UCLA mathematics professor and Fields Medalist Terence Tao (2025). Garg is the Distinguished Kenneth N. Trueblood Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UCLA. He received his B.S. from New York University and Ph.D. from Caltech, and completed postdoctoral studies at UC Irvine before joining the UCLA faculty in 2007. Garg is an internationally recognized organic chemist whose research focuses on developing new chemical reactions, often challenging long-standing rules in chemistry. He has published more than 200 scientific papers. Beyond his research accomplishments and award-winning classroom teaching, Garg is passionate about making chemistry accessible and engaging for students and the broader public. He has developed innovative websites, apps, and games used in more than 175 countries, authored The Organic Coloring Book series, and created outreach programs that introduce children to chemistry, including his popular Chem Kids camp. His honors include the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Horizon Prizes for both research and education, the Cherry Award for Great Teaching, the California Professor of the Year Award, and the AAAS Mani L. Bhaumik Award for Public Engagement with Science. In 2026, he received the Royal Society of Chemistry’s prestigious Centenary Prize.
Student-run club strengthens musculoskeletal healthcare with events, screenings
A group of UCLA students are taking their fitness knowledge outside of the gym and into the healthcare field. BareBones, a student-run club founded in October 2024, aims to provide personalized musculoskeletal care – healthcare that focuses on bones, muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons – to underserved communities.
'It's a brotherhood,' UCLA coach Chesney boasts about rushing attack
"It's a brotherhood in that room, and it's not the easiest thing to do. When you go through a physical game you find that you really need each other."
Behind the science are stories. UCLA students launch LENS journal to tell them
UCLA students launched a new publication Monday that aims to raise awareness about environmental issues through storytelling. Written, edited and peer-reviewed entirely by undergraduate students, LENS: The Journal of Environmental Narratives allows students to display their creative and scholarly environmental work at the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability.
UCLA expands campus vending machines to offer 24/7 access to health essentials
UCLA announced this month that it will expand the number and operating hours of essential health vending machines on campus. The Be Well Bruin Express – launched by UCLA Arthur Ashe Student Health and Wellness Center and UCLA’s Health Education and Resource Team in partnership with UCLA Vending Services – is stocked with a variety of health-related products and operates 24 hours a day outside the Ashe Center.
Letters to the Editor: Not all patients have complaints about UCLA Health’s quality of care
'I am a retiree relying on Medicare. I am getting the best medical care of my life through UCLA Health,' writes an L.A. Times reader.
Week 9 Nebraska volleyball grades
Nebraska volleyball is still undefeated after taking down USC and No. 18 UCLA. Bergen Reilly, Harper Murray and Virginia Adriano each put up impressive performances for the Huskers. Sports reporter Danny Berg grades the performance of each position group in those victories.
UCLA Library's Data Science Center closed amid consolidation effort
UCLA Library dissolved its data consultation center and stopped offering data analysis services in August. The university consolidated the Data Science Center into UCLA Library’s research services unit as part of a broader effort to restructure the department, a UCLA Library spokesperson said in an emailed statement.
USC Drops Out of AP Top 25 Poll After Wisconsin Loss, UCLA Rises Again
Both the USC Trojans and the UCLA Bruins had their rankings in the Associated Press Top 25 poll following their results from Saturday. View this post on Instagram A post shared by LA Sports Report (@lasportsreport) What Happened to USC’s Ranking? Following their loss to Wisconsin on Saturday, USC dropped out of the Top 25. […] The post USC Drops Out of AP Top 25 Poll After Wisconsin Loss, UCLA Rises Again appeared first on LA Sports Report.
UCLA’s perfect start has one glaring flaw it must fix soon
Bob Chesney has made UCLA the second-half darlings of college football, but the Bruins must address their slow starts if they hope to reach the playoff.
UCLA Health expansion raises costs and concerns
UCLA Health has fast expanded its number of hospitals and number of clinics in recent years. Critics say the expansion is raising healthcare costs and question why it hasn’t included lower-income neighborhoods.
UCLA Health expansion raises costs and concerns
UCLA Health has fast expanded its number of hospitals and number of clinics in recent years. Critics say the expansion is raising healthcare costs and question why it hasn’t included lower-income neighborhoods.
Michigan State Starting QB Out Against No. 9 UCLA
With both teams forced to start inexperienced backups, true freshman Kayd Coffman makes his first career start as the battered Spartans seek a Rose Bowl miracle.
Cherokee Nation signs historic filmmaking collaboration with UCLA
Cherokee Nation recently signed an agreement with the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television that will support an annual reciprocal filmmaking exchange between UCLA TFT and Cherokee Film with
Michigan State at No. 9 UCLA: Score Prediction
Fresh off a near-upset, the injury-riddled Spartans travel to Pasadena seeking a trap-game stunner against an undefeated Bruins squad missing its starting quarterback in a pivotal conference clash.
Fall Sports Update: Women’s Volleyball Splits In California
Women’s Volleyball (13-5) Women’s volleyball dropped a five-set heartbreaker to UCLA but rebounded with an easy 3-0 sweep of USC. Kennedy Martin had just 10 kills in the win over USC, and as a team Penn State had just 40 kills in three sets, but the defense rolled up nine blocks and held USC to […]
Michigan State Quarterback Listed as Questionable on Availability Report
Battered by injuries to Alessio Milivojevic and several defensive stars, the Spartans face a daunting road test against No. 9 UCLA while leaning heavily on their depth.
Zach Charbonnet Injury Update: Seahawks RB’s Week 7 Status Revealed
Zach Charbonnet was supposed to be the leader of the Seattle Seahawks backfield in 2026, but the veteran running back has yet to suit up thanks to an ACL injury he suffered during the team's Super Bowl run last season. Originally selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the UCLA product spent …
How to watch Nebraska volleyball vs UCLA: Time, TV channel
It's Nebraska vs. UCLA in Big Ten volleyball action. Here's how to watch, including time, channel, TV schedule and streaming info.
Cherokee Nation commits $470,000 to UCLA filmmaking exchange
Cherokee Nation has committed $470,000 over four years to a partnership with the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television that will support an annual filmmaking exchange, Cherokee‑language media production and student training. Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner joined tribal leaders and UCLA film school officials in Los Angeles on […]
Bob Chesney announces that QB Nico Iamaleava is undergoing surgery
UCLA head coach Bob Chesney announced on Monday that quarterback Nico Iamaleava will undergo surgery this week.
UCLA experts give warnings about declining vaccination rates
Amid the Trump administration’s efforts to overhaul childhood immunization policy, UCLA experts cautioned that declining vaccination rates could increase the risk of disease outbreaks on campus.
Michigan State Gets Stunning Quarterback News Ahead of UCLA Showdown
Michigan State will face a different UCLA offense Saturday after quarterback Nico Iamaleava suffered a severe knee injury. Here's what his absence means for the Spartans.
This institute could get $4 billion from a ballot measure. With just three workers, is it ready?
If California voters approve it, Prop. 38 will direct $4 billion to one research institute. Only one institute currently qualifies for the money.
UCLA’s fairy tale was supposed to end. Then Ty Dieffenbach happened
Ty Dieffenbach stepped in for Nico Iamaleava and came up clutch for UCLA to keep the undefeated start rolling for the Bruins.
Nebraska football vs. Oregon live updates, stats and highlights
Nebraska heads out west to face Oregon. The Huskers are coming off a 20-17 loss to Indiana, while the Ducks lost 17-15 to UCLA at Autzen Stadium.
Wildfires, heat waves and access to care among health-related problems facing Californians
The latest annual California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) offers a more precise look at how the 2025 wildfires affected Californians’ health and well-being. The data also reveal trends in the health of immigrants, low-income individuals, and transgender and gender-expansive communities. The 2025 CHIS data show: 500,000 more California adults said their mental health was harmed...
Can AI solve our mental health access problem?
Last week I asked you what worries you most about AI in health. It was close, but your top answer was “AI giving bad health advice.” Last week’s poll results: You’re in good company. This concern was top of mind at a conference I joined at Stanford last week, where researchers, clinicians, and people who build AI systems spent a day debating trust and safety in health AI. Stepping back, I’m also hearing your emerging concerns about AI’s impact on our well-being generally. I see this as a matter of public health, and we’ll take it in pieces as we learn together. Today we’ll focus on AI chatbots used for therapy for mental health. Early this month, Governor Newsom vetoed Senate Bill 903, California’s most ambitious attempt to regulate AI use for mental health. It’s at the center of active debate, and raises the questions patients, family members, citizens, and voters will face as AI moves deeper into health care. Let’s work through it. What is “AI-based therapy”? It’s really two things: purpose-built mental health apps designed to deliver structured support, and general chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini that people increasingly use for emotional support—even if they weren’t built for it. Spoiler alert: I don’t know whether the shift toward AI therapy is good or bad. The evidence isn’t there yet. But I do know it’s already happening, and I have some ideas about how we can roll it out with safety in mind. The therapy dilemma, in a nutshell Mental health challenges are common, and strain health and well-being across populations. Therapy (interactive dialogue with a trained, empathetic practitioner) helps many people heal. The demand for licensed therapists far exceeds the supply in California, and AI-based therapy can narrow that gap. AI-based therapy remains novel, unproven, and not well tested. Right off the bat, we can see we’re dealing with trade-offs here. Since the main driver of demand for therapy from a robot is lack of access to therapy from a human, we’ll start there. It’s too hard to find and afford a human therapist California is short roughly 55,000 licensed, non-prescribing therapists and counselors, about 40% of what we need. Psychiatrists, who rely on talk therapy as a complement to prescribed medications, are even more scarce. Eight counties have none, and density ranges from 1.7 per 100,000 residents in San Benito County, to 68.1 in Marin County. My wife is a psychiatrist in Marin, and even here access is tight. If it’s hard in the best-supplied county, imagine rural Sierra County, or the San Joaquin Valley. In 2024, more than half of Californians who tried to make a mental health appointment struggled to find a provider who took their insurance, compared with 14% for physical health care. When Senate staff posed as “secret shopper” patients and called 120 mental health providers in Medicare Advantage networks, they landed an appointment less than once for every five tries. Insurers pay behavioral health clinicians about 22% less than medical and surgical clinicians for comparable office visits. On top of that, billing denials and prior authorizations hit hardest at the solo and small practices common in mental health. Psychiatrists opt out of Medicare at the highest rate of any specialty. In many places, a cash practice for therapy fills quickly with patients paying $250 or more an hour, with no insurance paperwork at all. Families who can pay cash find providers more easily. Those who rely on insurance, including Medi-Cal enrollees, older adults, rural residents, and non-English speakers, compete for what’s left. So we can’t pretend the human system works, and we can’t blame people for turning to AI for support when they’re in distress. AI is filling the gap It’s estimated that roughly a quarter of AI users use it for mental health support. If you have internet, it’s available 24/7, it’s cheap, and it speaks your language. Uninsured adults are about twice as likely as insured adults to do it (30% vs. 14%). It feels anonymous in ways that may enable people to ask things they’re unsure or embarrassed about. The largely hidden, personal use makes it hard to study whether it’s actually helping people with their mental health issues, but researchers are trying. Does AI therapy work? A 2026 analysis of nearly 40 randomized trials found chatbots showed a real but small reduction in depression symptoms. But most of these trials were compared to an alternative of no therapy, not a human therapist. So the benefit of AI therapy is probably real, but modest, and mostly untested against the alternative of human contact. We need more studies. Serious concerns OpenAI’s own estimate is that more than a million ChatGPT users each week show signs of suicidal planning or intent. These are high stakes encounters, and AI doesn’t always get it right. That’s partly because a chatbot can sound like a therapist, but it has no license, no duty of care, and it’s not clear who to hold accountable when it gets things wrong. AI is also designed to help users in whatever task they’re seeking to accomplish. People may feel like they’re getting therapy, but they’re mainly getting a convincing conversation. It’s easy for an AI companion to wander into gray areas, like playing along with “creative writing” that may be about the user’s own suicidal intent. Courts are driving safety conversations A wave of lawsuits have been filed on behalf of families claiming that chatbots pushed people they loved toward self-harm, including teens who died by suicide. The first settlements came this year. OpenAI is headquartered in San Francisco, and dozens of cases alleging that ChatGPT drove users to suicide or self-harm are now before a San Francisco judge. Character.ai has filed for bankruptcy after several states brought lawsuits accusing the chatbot of pushing dangerous content to kids. But the technology seems to be improving. Last month, an independent evaluation found that newer AI models “almost never endorse suicide.” That’s progress, but our societal appetite for even one preventable death is very low. So how do we move forward? Finding a middle ground Earlier this month the governor vetoed Senate Bill 903, a bill designed to place guardrails on the use of AI for therapy. The bill would have prohibited any AI-based platform from being advertised as psychotherapy, and would have required a licensed professional to review and approve each encounter where AI was used to support therapeutic decisions. Newsom called it overly broad, since even routine screening questions would have needed clinician sign-off. Knowing we’re already short on mental health providers, requiring human review of AI encounters may not relieve our access problems. Still, the answer isn’t no oversight. Here’s one feasible short term solution. Rather than reviewing each encounter, a licensed clinician can design the guardrails: what counts as a crisis, what triggers an immediate handoff to a human, and what gets sampled for audit each month. The AI runs inside that structure. Conversations get checked, failures get reported, and a real clinician owns the framework. Medicine already has models to learn from. The FDA process for rolling out newly approved medications is an example. After a product reaches patients, we keep watching for adverse events. Patient-facing AI needs the same “digital pharmacovigilance”: systematic tracking of harms, near misses, and the types of groups that get hurt and why. It’s also critical that users know that they can reach a human if they’re in crisis. Most chatbots now include messages like these: Bottom line The rush to use unproven AI tools for mental health support is mostly a workaround, a sign of a health system people can’t get into. We need better access to proven care from licensed clinicians. That takes reimbursement that makes accepting insurance viable, and a bigger workforce. But, built and tested well, AI could be part of the answer. It could be the 2 a.m. check-in when no one else is awake, or a way for patients to practice skills their therapist taught them. It could be the first step to get someone the right level of care, and take paperwork off clinicians’ plates so they spend more time with patients. None of this is simple. The SB 903 veto doesn’t end the debate, and the legislature will be back. In the meantime, those of us using these tools need to stay informed, ask hard questions, and hold the companies building them accountable. I’ll try to do my part, and we’ll keep learning together. Love,Matt P.S. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988- you’ll reach a real person— or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7. Dr. Matt Willis is the author of Your Local Epidemiologist in California. A California native, he’s served as a primary care physician, CDC epidemiologist, and public health officer for Marin County, where he guided the pandemic response. He lives in Marin with his family and their dogs, Teddy and Ramona. Thank you Cynthia He, MD, PhD, and Parnika Saxena, MD, for their guidance in preparing this article. Cynthia works in an outpatient mental health clinic, treating patients who have Medi-Cal or, sometimes, no insurance. Parnika works in an inpatient psychiatric unit, treating patients with public or private insurance or self-pay ability. All opinions are their own and do not represent their employers.
Inside the science and routine behind Maryland football’s strict nutrition regime
Team nutritionist Addie Quinn crafts meal plans and organizes team dinners up to months in advance to help players reach their individual fitness goals.
UCLA Health addresses healthcare accessibility issues for Spanish speakers
Three UCLA Health initiatives are working to make healthcare more accessible for Spanish speakers across Los Angeles. The UCLA Hispanic Neuropsychiatric Center of Excellence, the Equity for Latinx/Hispanic Healthy Aging and the Lifespan Assessment Through Integrated Neuropsychology Clinic address disparities in healthcare by offering bilingual training for medical professionals and conducting testing in patients’ native language.
Annual UCLA survey responses cover public health issues, including housing, heat
A growing number of Californians are experiencing extreme heat and other climate-related events, according to UCLA’s annual California Health Interview Survey released Thursday. The percentage of adults who reported that they or a household member personally experienced wildfires in the past two years more than doubled – increasing from 2.9 million to 6.5 million from 2024 to 2025, according to the report.
Wildfires, heat, food insecurity, lack of medical care affect Californians’ health: UCLA survey
Nearly 30% of LA County adults said they or members of their households experienced wildfires during the previous two years, up from 6.6% in the previous survey.
'Very overdue': Psychology department to launch youth behavior health minor
The UCLA psychology department will launch a new youth behavior health minor this winter and will welcome a cohort of more than 100 students. The department created the minor in response to a shortage of trained mental health workers who can support young people, said Alayna Park, a psychology lecturer.
Scientists identify clues to making immunotherapy more effective against glioblastoma
Two new studies led by researchers at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center provide new insight into how the immune system can successfully be activated against glioblastoma while revealing ...
Potential Steelers 2027 NFL Draft QB Target Out for Season
UCLA quarterback and potential 2027 NFL Draft selection Nico Iamaleava is expected to miss the remainder of the season after […]
This Week In Happy Valley: White Out Struggles
Penn State’s pass rush underwhelmed again in Saturday’s loss to USC. Bob Chesney’s instant success at UCLA has been hard for Penn State fans to ignore. Matt Campbell’s game management struggled on Saturday night. Where Saturday’s loss ranks as one of the highest-attended football games ever. The men’s hockey team will play at PPG Paints […]
Oregon's Season Called a 'Bust' After Loss to UCLA
Plagued by quarterback struggles and offensive stagnation, the Ducks’ national championship dreams are fading fast. Dan Lanning must ignite a turnaround before this star-studded roster faces total collapse.
Nico Iamaleava’s Post-Tennessee Saga Takes Another Twist at UCLA
Nico Iamaleava still can’t really find his footing since leaving the Tennessee Volunteers. His name was massively in the headlines more than a year ago, when he wanted more money from the Vols and couldn’t get it, so he hit the transfer portal. Iamaleava hasn’t lived up to that saga, though. He keeps hitting bumps […] The post Nico Iamaleava’s Post-Tennessee Saga Takes Another Twist at UCLA appeared first on HEAVY.
Basketball Schools Kentucky And UCLA Are Thriving In Football
UCLA (5-0) is No. 12 in the AP poll, while Kentucky (5-1) is No. 15. UCLA's Bob Chesney and Kentucky's Will Stein are each in their first seasons as coaches.
UCLA’s Season Just Took A Horrifying Turn
UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava is reportedly out for the remainder of 2026, dealing a devastating blow to the Bruins and their future. Things just went from bad to worse for UCLA football. According to a report attributed to CBS Sports, Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 season ,…
UCLA to be without star QB vs. Wisconsin
Wisconsin will face a backup quarterback on Saturday.
Nico Iamaleava knee injury update is horrible news for UCLA
The Bruins are off to a terrific start in 2026, but they got season-changing news on Monday.
UCLA QB Nico Iamaleava reportedly sidelined 'indefinitely,' could miss 'remainder of season'
Hammer Museum Director Zoë Ryan has bold ideas for the next chapter
Nearly two years into her tenure as the director of UCLA's Hammer Museum, Zoë Ryan is taking bold steps into the future with expansive new education programming and a new way of looking at L.A. art.
Why UCLA football is in trouble without Nico Iamaleava
The Bruins could be without their star QB.
Oregon's College Football Playoff Hopes Slashes After 'Fumbling' UCLA Game
The Oregon Ducks quite literally coughed up the game against UCLA and, along with it, coughed up their chances to make the College Football Playoff.
Bob Chesney speaks following UCLA's 17-15 victory over Oregon
Bob Chesney has led a severe turnaround for UCLA's football program. UCLA got a 17-15 win over Oregon.
Dylan Raiola and Ducks Offense Stumble in Loss to UCLA
Dylan Raiola and the Oregon Ducks offense had a terrible performance, leading to their loss to the UCLA Bruins.
UCLA star Nico Iamaleava sidelined after dirty hit against Oregon
The wild sequence comes just two weeks after Oregon star Dante Moore was violently hit in the USC game.
Three Keys to Victory for the Oregon Ducks Against UCLA
Oregon is facing a must-win game against the UCLA Bruins. Here are three keys to the game if they want to escape with a win.
Oregon QB Dante Moore out for No. 13 Ducks against No. 21 UCLA after head injury; Dylan Raiola to start
Oregon's Defense in Question Entering Touch Game Against UCLA
The Ducks' defense needs to be ready on Saturday.
UCLA Health awarded $4M NIH grant to study why ulcerative colitis symptoms persist after inflammation subsides
UCLA Health gastroenterologist Lin Chang and Dr. Bruce Sands of Mount Sinai were awarded a $4 million federal grant to investigate why some ulcerative colitis patients continue to experience irritable bowel syndrome-like symptoms even after inflammation has subsided.
Why Oregon-UCLA is Must-Win For Ducks Playoff Chances
The Oregon Ducks have a must-win game against the UCLA Bruins this weekend.
Islanders News: Darche on summer, Duclair on target
Good morning and happy Friday, the New York Islanders are last in the Metro. Islanders News Elsewhere Last night’s scores included the Jack Hughes getting the Devils the win in overtime after he objected to a mid-game question from AJ Mleczko about bubble wrap and plastic utensils (he was reportedly injured during a team dinner […]
UCLA professor discovers new cause of narcolepsy in ‘blue spot’ brain region
For over 20 years, many scientists believed that a loss of a particular group of brain cells – termed hypocretin cells – found in the brain’s hypothalamus was the cause of narcolepsy.
UC asks judge to dismiss DOJ's UCLA antisemitism lawsuit
UC asked a federal judge to throw out the DOJ's Title VI lawsuit accusing UCLA of ignoring antisemitism, calling the case political coercion.
UCLA Researchers to Lead NIH-Funded Center to Advance Science of Interoceptive Neuroscience
UCLA Health researchers were awarded a $3.5 million federal grant to establish a national, multisite research center to study interoceptive neuroscience – the study of how the nervous system senses, interprets and integrates signals from within the body to maintain equilibrium.
TST Images: Los Angeles Lakers Media Day
TST Images: The Los Angeles Lakers held Media Day at UCLA Health Training Center on Monday, Sept.
California coalition trains thousands of election monitors ahead of midterms
Organizers say they’re concerned recent federal actions could discourage some people from voting
Undefeated Bruins make it onto USA TODAY Sports US LBM Coaches Poll
The UCLA Bruins made their first appearance on USA TODAY Sports US LBM Coaches Poll in the fourth week of the 2026 college football season.