News: College of Sciences
![UNLV geoscientist Eugene Smith](/sites/default/files/styles/768_width/public/articles/main-images/D66836_32_TA.jpg?itok=QRUO-L96)
How a vacation in South Africa, a one-of-its-kind UNLV lab, and pieces of volcanic glass smaller than a grain of salt changed a long-held view of human history.
![rough diamond crystal](/sites/default/files/styles/768_width/public/releases/main-images/Diamond_shutterstock_136864628_0.jpg?itok=nqbhvMqW)
Scientific analysis of diamond impurities - known as inclusions - reveal naturally forming ice crystals and point to water-rich regions deep below the Earth's crust.
![Trees on main campus](/sites/default/files/styles/768_width/public/articles/main-images/Tree_main_D71671_012.jpg?itok=CW1konzZ)
Tips for avoiding the spores that make you sneeze and snore from UNLV's Pollen Monitoring Program.
![Libby Hausrath and student Seth Grainey working by microscope in lab.](/sites/default/files/styles/768_width/public/articles/main-images/D68282_11_0.jpg?itok=pdDe6hnX)
UNLV research could help assess landing locations and excavation sites for NASA’s 2020 rover mission to Mars.
![Beth Wi waves to robot Pepper](/sites/default/files/styles/768_width/public/articles/main-images/D71930_009_0.jpg?itok=nTonhbq5)
Grad students present their best work at annual Inspiration, Innovation, Impact showcase on Feb. 2.
![total lunar eclipse](/sites/default/files/styles/768_width/public/articles/main-images/TotalEclipseSized.jpg?itok=OiT35eFE)
Super, blue, and eclipsed: Come Jan. 31, it's three moons in one.
Here's a few tales from 2017 sure to make you smile.
![UNLV grad cap](/sites/default/files/styles/768_width/public/articles/main-images/D71514_06.jpg?itok=dHblgqm5)
Five UNLV graduates will be recognized by President Len Jessup during winter commencement for their combination of academic excellence and service to the community.
![two men](/sites/default/files/styles/768_width/public/articles/main-images/RandyGarcia_ArturoMontes.jpg?itok=aeGHEebh)
Med student and community leader share a vision for a healthier Las Vegas.
![Brian Hedlund sampling water in a spring.](/sites/default/files/styles/768_width/public/articles/main-images/D68838_26.jpg?itok=NFVf1Gj4)
UNLV Prof. Brian Hedlund is studying microorganisms in a Nevada hot spring; the results could help evaluate whether extraterrestrial life exists.
![Michael Pravica talks to Marshawn Lynch](/sites/default/files/styles/768_width/public/articles/main-images/PRavicaLynch_0.png?itok=oN42GDGD)
Physics professor Michael Pravica teams up with Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch in Bleacher Report web series.
![Portrait of Elizabeth Stacy.](/sites/default/files/styles/768_width/public/articles/main-images/D71786_7.jpg?itok=n2lwwFPC)
Excited about UNLV’s diversity and upward trajectory, this new life sciences professor is looking forward to involving more undergraduates in her research.