The neurotransmitter serotonin, which acts as a chemical messenger between nerve cells, plays a critical role in regulating emotions such as aggression during social decision-making, new research by scientists at England's University of Cambridge and UCLA suggests. Their findings appear June 6 in the peer-reviewed journal Science.

Each year in late spring, students and faculty around the world prepare to take part in a tradition more than 800 years old, donning traditional caps and gowns — ritual items born at Europe's earliest universities. But what's the meaning behind the get-up, the variety, the peculiar symbols? Is there a message in all these fabrics and colors? UCLA's experts weigh in.

The UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television has announced this year's winners of its annual Screenwriters Showcase competition, an industry-juried screenplay and television pilot contest celebrating the creative work of students in the school's graduate screenwriting program.

Ever wonder why college students move their tassels from the right to the left upon graduating? Or about the rationale behind graduation robes and all that bling — tassels, medals, sashes and fur? Here's a UCLA-produced video explainer on the history and symbolism behind graduation regalia, which go back 800 years to Europe's first universities, including colorful silk and velvet graduation hoods that reveal personal details about the graduate: www.newsroom.ucla.edu/portal/ucla/electronicplay.aspx?fid=24472&id;=E0C5478.

"Rumble" features projects completed by students in conjunction with departmental faculty during 30-week research studios, special topics studios and technology seminars. The exposition includes 6,500 square feet of year-end studio and program installations that redefine the provocative opportunities confronting the next generation of architects.

VIDEO: Robert B. Goldberg, distinguished professor of molecular, cell and developmental biology at UCLA and a member of the National Academy of Sciences, delivers a dynamic lecture on genes, seeds and crops. "What Are the Genes Required to Make a Seed? Importance for Food, Fuel and Engineering New Crops" addresses what can be done about the 40,000 people who die each day of hunger.

"From Aldus to Aldous," an exhibit of highlights chosen from among the many remarkable books, manuscripts and objects in the UCLA Charles E. Young Research Library's Department of Special Collections, is on view through Sept. 5.

The golf title is the third NCAA championship won by UCLA athletes in the past month.

Paula Gunn Allen, a retired UCLA professor of English and American Indian studies and one of the foremost voices in Native American literature, died May 29 at her home in Fort Bragg, Calif., following a prolonged illness. She was 68.

Graduating UCLA economics major Tristan Reed, a columnist for UCLA's Daily Bruin student newspaper, will join former President Bill Clinton in delivering remarks at the UCLA College of Letters and Science commencement ceremony June 13.

Research has shown that HIV-positive African American and Hispanic men who were sexually abused as children are particularly vulnerable to engaging in high risk-sex and experiencing depressive symptoms. Now, a new UCLA study has found that interventions that address the life experiences of these men -- including their early sexual experiences -- in addition to risk and general health issues can contribute significantly toward preventing high-risk behavior and reducing depression rates.

The UCLA Health System has issued a statement regarding its liver transplant polices and guidelines.

Resumption of negotiations on Friday means the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees will drop plans to strike at University of California campuses and medical centers.

Scientists from UCLA and the Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System have for the first time pinpointed the mutated gene responsible for development of childhood absence epilepsy, which causes frequent seizures resulting in momentary loss of consciousness. Their findings are published in the May 29 online edition of the American Journal of Human Genetics.

The Brookings Institution has released a study that says Los Angeles has the second-lowest carbon footprint among the nation's metropolitan areas, as measured by residential electricity and fuel use and vehicle miles traveled. Matthew Kahn, an environmental economist at the UCLA Institute of the Environment, has written extensively about the costs and benefits of environmental regulation and has ranked the environmental practices of countries worldwide. He is co-author of a March 2008 report that drew conclusions similar to those in the Brookings study, as well as a 2006 book, "Green Cities: Urban Growth and the Environment." (Bio) To interview Kahn, contact him directly at mkahn@ioe.ucla.edu.

Tobacco smokers who eat three servings of fruits and vegetables per day and drink green or black tea may be protecting themselves from lung cancer, according to a first-of-its-kind study by UCLA cancer researchers published this month in the journal CANCER.

Former UCLA football coach Terry Donahue and former Los Angeles City Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski are among a select group of alumni, faculty and students being honored this year by UCLA's Alumni Association for their outstanding achievement, commitment to excellence, and service to the university and the greater community.

Nonprofit organization Rock Against Cancer, with the support of the Hot Topic Foundation, will present a $10,000 donation to support the music therapy program at Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA. After the check presentation, UCLA's music therapist will demonstrate music therapy with pediatric patients and their siblings.

Led by Maestro Enrique Diemecke, Mexico’s Philharmonic will premiere UCLA Professor Steven Loza’s América Tropical—a piece interpreted by Los Ángeles Opera mezzo-soprano Suzanna Guzmán and accompanied by a narrative and multimedia imagery created by UCLA Professors Jose Luis Valenzuela and Judy Baca.

As part of its new John Wooden Global Leadership Program, the UCLA Anderson School of Management will present the inaugural John Wooden Global Leadership Award to Howard Schultz, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Starbucks, on May 28 at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. The evening event will include a conversation between Schultz and Wooden, UCLA's legendary former basketball coach.