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Matt Miller
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mrmille2@uci.edu

Michelle Heath
Manager
mstrombe@hs.uci.edu

Shani Murray
Senior Science Writer
shanim@hs.uci.edu

Communications & PR Office

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Text: Translational Addiction Podcast, a Loftipour Lab production, with a backdrop of opioid pills

Oct 31, 2025 | UC Irvine School of Medicine

The Translational Addiction Podcast Talks with Dr. Emily Castro

In the Lotfipour Lab's latest podcast, hosts interview Emily Castro, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow in the Lotfipour Lab, exploring her scientific journey and passion for addiction research.
Federico E. Vaca stands next to a car door, in front of a large wrap-around screen showing a city road.

Oct 24, 2025 | UC Irvine News

Driving Ambition

Federico Vaca and his team combine behavioral science and technology to improve teen and young adult safety behind the wheel.
Text: Translational Addiction Podcast, a Loftipour Lab production, with a backdrop of opioid pills

Sep 25, 2025 | UC Irvine School of Medicine

Translational Addiction Podcast Explores 'Glia, Substance Use and the Adolescent Brain'

In the Lotfipour Lab's latest podcast, hosts Michaela Sumortin and Tanvi Garneni unpack how glial cells — astrocytes and microglia — shape the brain’s response to drugs of abuse.
Music & Health Conference 2025: September 22, 2025, UCLA Luskin Conference Center

Sep 02, 2025 | UC Irvine School of Medicine

Exploring the Power of Music: Inaugural Music & Health Conference

Register today for the inaugural Music & Health Conference and join Sean Young, PhD, in exploring novel approaches to using music as a tool for health and behavior change.
Headshot of Federico Vaca

Aug 08, 2025 | WBUR

Why Teens Aren't Driving as Much as They Used to

Federico E. Vaca, MD, MPH, professor and executive vice chair of emergency medicine, talks to WBUR, Boston's NPR, about why teens aren't driving as much as they used to.

Federico E. Vaca stands next to a car door, in front of a large wrap-around screen showing a city road.

Aug 04, 2025 | UC Irvine School of Medicine

Free Event to Train Teen Drivers Aims to Save Lives

Register your teen for the Ford Driving Skills for Life event in Anaheim on Aug. 16 and 17, and join Federico E. Vaca, MD, MPH in helping to keep young drivers safe.
Text: Translational Addiction Podcast, a Loftipour Lab production, with a backdrop of opioid pills

Jul 24, 2025 | UC Irvine School of Medicine

Lotfipour Lab Launches Podcast Series Exploring Addiction

The Lotfipour Lab has launched a new podcast series, The Translational Addiction Podcast, exploring cutting-edge addiction science through timely and relatable topics.
Shahrdad Lotfipour

Jul 24, 2025 | UC Irvine School of Medicine

New Podcast Explores Matthew Perry, Opioids, and the Gut-Brain Connection

The Lotfipour Lab has launched a new podcast series, The Translational Addiction Podcast, exploring cutting-edge addiction science through timely and relatable topics.

Artist's rendering of UCI Health — Irvine building.

Jun 26, 2025 | UCI Health

UCI Health Making History With Nation’s First All-Electric Acute Care Hospital

CBS News interviews UCI Health about its plan to open its sixth hospital in December, expanding access to care in the region.

Outside headshot of Yasamin Heydary

May 12, 2025 | Department of Emergency Medicine

Mentoring Excellence in the Lotfipour Lab

The Lotfipour lab celebrates Yasamin Heydary receiving the 2025 Chancellor's Award for Distinguished Mentoring at UC Irvine! Honored by UROP, she'll be recognized May 16 at the Bren Center for her dedication to undergraduate research.