A new review by UC Davis researchers provides guidelines for growers to utilize machines in pruning, canopy management, and harvesting. Machines can save up to 80% of labor costs per acre and improve grape quality, particularly when used for mechanical canopy management.
A new study confirms that surgical masks effectively block expired particles from talking or coughing, even with leakage around the edges. The results show a significant reduction in disease transmission via expiratory particles when both infected and susceptible individuals wear masks.
A recent study found that conservation efforts have led to an increase in mountain gorilla population densities, which may raise their risk of infectious diseases. The research also discovered striking geographic differences in parasite infections across the entire range of the mountain gorilla.
Researchers at UC Davis found a link between traffic-related air pollution and an increased risk for age-related dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Exposure to polluted air accelerated Alzheimer's disease characteristics in both rats with and without the risk gene.
Researchers developed functional interferometric diffusing wave spectroscopy (fiDWS) to measure brain blood flow and activation noninvasively. The technology uses near-infrared light and has been shown to be faster and more accurate than existing methods, with applications in diagnosing strokes and monitoring brain injuries.
Frequent fires may narrow the recovery window for lichens in chaparral ecosystems, threatening biodiversity. The study found that most chaparral lichen taxa could be lost if fire intervals shorten to less than 20 years, emphasizing the importance of old-growth chaparral and sustainable land management practices.
A new study by the University of California - Davis suggests that rapid solar development may harm rare desert plant species more than common ones. The research found that weather and landscape features influenced how plants respond to solar panels, with rare species facing potential threats from panel shade.
A study by University of California - Davis found that meatpacking plants doubled per capita infection rates in affected counties, while chicken-processing plants increased transmission rates by 20 percent. The estimated costs to rural economies exceed $11 billion.
A new natural blue food coloring has been developed by converting anthocyanins in red cabbage using a custom enzyme. The discovery could provide an eco-friendly alternative to widely used synthetic blue dyes.
The UC Davis Conte Center will discover biomarkers for at-risk pregnancies and develop new treatments to prevent detrimental effects of maternal infection on brain development in offspring. The center aims to understand the origins of significant mental health disorders, with implications for current and future generations.
A new web application, SpillOver, evaluates wildlife viruses to estimate their zoonotic spillover and pandemic potential. The tool creates a watchlist of newly-discovered viruses, prioritizing them for further characterization, surveillance, and risk-reducing interventions.
A study by University of California, Davis researchers found that prioritizing vaccination for vulnerable populations like seniors and essential workers can reduce deaths, infections, and years of life lost by 17-44%. The optimal strategy depends on the outbreak conditions, including vaccine supply and transmission rates.
A new study from the University of California, Davis, found that COVID-19 cases are driven by emerging coronavirus variants. The researchers developed a metric called GENI to measure virus variation and its link to transmission rates, showing effective control of spread with measures like lockdowns and mask mandates.
A six-year study found seagrass meadows can alleviate low pH conditions for extended periods of time, even at night. The grasses can reduce local acidity by up to 30 percent, benefiting marine life such as sea turtles and fish.
A study by the University of California, Davis found that breast milk-fed babies given probiotic B. infantis persist in their gut for up to 1 year, outlasting typical probiotic effects. This persistent colonization helps regulate complex sugars and prevents potential pathogens from establishing a foothold.
Researchers have developed a new animal model of early-stage Alzheimer's disease in rhesus macaques, which could enable better testing of new treatments. The model replicates the spread of misfolded tau proteins through brain circuits, similar to human disease progression.
Researchers at the University of California, Davis, found that feeding seaweed to beef cattle can reduce methane emissions by 82 percent. The study, which tested seaweed supplements over five months, demonstrates the potential for sustainable livestock production and could help address climate change.
A study led by University of California, Davis found that invasive European green crabs increased 30-fold after 90% were removed from a California estuary. The explosion was due to cannibalization of younger individuals by adult decapod crustacea.
Researchers found that 42% of detained immigrants had chronic conditions and faced disrupted healthcare upon entering facilities. The study highlights the need for government action to reduce reliance on immigration detention, citing concerns over COVID-19 infection risks.
Researchers found that objective and subjective memory can function independently and involve different parts of the brain. People tend to make decisions based on how they feel about a memory rather than its accuracy.
Researchers propose a potential solution to dendrite growth in rechargeable lithium metal batteries, proposing the use of microfluidics to reduce dendrite growth by up to 99%. This study aims to extend the life of these high-energy density batteries while improving safety.
Researchers found that COVID-19-related financial stress and increased social isolation contribute to intimate partner violence. The study suggests a need for more communication resources and public awareness of available support services.
Researchers discover that SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV-1 share similarities due to a recombination event involving the ACE2 receptor. The study provides evolutionary context for these viruses' behavior, enabling researchers to identify high-risk viruses and estimate their potential for human spillover.
A new study found that urban areas in the US Southwest are experiencing extreme heat disparities, with lower socio-economic groups facing significantly higher temperatures. The study revealed that California's urban regions had the largest temperature differences between wealthier and poorer neighborhoods.
A new study found that individual yellow warblers exhibit similar climatic preferences across their migratory range, tracking dry or wetter areas rather than warmer or cooler ones. This adaptation could help the species respond to changing climate conditions.
Most teen bullying occurs among friends and friends-of-friends as they compete for higher social rungs, highlighting the need to de-emphasize popularity contests. Researchers found that those with overlapping friendships are more likely to bully each other, leading to significant emotional pain and decreased school attachment.
Researchers investigated how well speech is understood from those speaking while wearing a cloth mask. They found that masked speech was not more difficult to understand and, in some cases, understanding was improved when speakers were instructed to speak clearly. The study highlights the adaptive nature of human speech.
A 15-year experiment on Arctic shrubs in Greenland sheds light on species diversity and co-occurrence versus exclusion, with important implications for carbon sequestration. The study reveals trends related to carbon exchange as the Arctic becomes greener and browner due to climate change.
A nationwide survey conducted by UC Davis found that over a third of Americans are unlikely or hesitant to get the COVID-19 vaccine due to concerns about its safety and effectiveness. The study also identified demographic characteristics, media consumption habits, and political affiliations as factors influencing vaccination intentions.
Scientists have created a technique using stable isotopic analysis of eye lenses to reveal a fish's life history and diet. The study found that fish on floodplains grew faster and had different dietary signatures than those in rivers or hatcheries, providing valuable insights for managing habitats and conservation efforts.
Domoic acid exposure increases southern sea otters' risk of fatal heart disease by 1.7-fold, with prime-age adults particularly vulnerable. Climate change projections indicate rising toxic blooms and domoic acid levels, posing a long-term threat to the species.
Researchers found that rhesus macaques infected with SARS-CoV-2 developed protective immune responses, including the production of antibodies and Th1 cells. These findings suggest that vaccines inducing durable protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2 may stimulate robust germinal center responses.
A new study suggests that fact-checking labels from health institutions and research universities can positively impact attitudes toward vaccines. The study found that these labels generate more positive attitudes than misinformation alone, with perceived source expertise making a difference.
A new study from University of California, Davis and John Hopkins University aims to help decision-makers avoid unintended environmental consequences of renewable energy development. The study identifies key research priorities, including site selection and wildlife interactions, to promote sustainable solar and wind developments.
A new predictive mapping tool, POCSCRPT, aids forest managers in determining which areas of western US forests will naturally regrow following wildfires. The tool's accuracy is enhanced by incorporating climate and seed production data.
A study found that Zika infection during pregnancy can impact fetal retinal development and cause congenital ocular anomalies. However, the virus does not appear to affect eye growth postnatally.
Researchers found that grapevines from hot and dry regions have water-saving traits that conserve water and extend the growing season. These traits could help vines cope with climate change, but may also limit future photosynthesis and sugar production.
Researchers at UC Davis have developed a non-hallucinogenic version of the psychedelic drug ibogaine, which retains therapeutic properties without its serious side effects. The new molecule, TBG, has shown promising positive effects in animal models of depression and addiction.
Researchers found that simple warning labels on sugary drinks in a college cafeteria helped students cut back consumption by 14.5%. The study suggests that such labels could reduce sugar consumption in larger settings.
A decade-long analysis of necropsies reveals that killer whales are vulnerable to multiple human-caused deaths, affecting all age classes. The study underscores the need for improved conservation strategies and mitigation efforts to protect these endangered species.
A University of California, Davis study found that children who experienced compassionate love from their mothers were more willing to give up tokens for others. The study also showed that being generous had a calming effect on the children, reinforcing the behavior and promoting prosocial orientation.
A pilot study found that consuming Ataulfo mangoes four times a week reduced deep wrinkles by 23% in postmenopausal women after two months. However, eating more than half a cup per serving may increase wrinkles due to high sugar content.
A 9,000-year-old female hunter burial in the Andes Mountains overturns the long-held 'man-the-hunter' hypothesis, revealing that female participation in big-game hunting was nontrivial. Statistical analysis suggests that 30-50% of hunters in these populations were female, contradicting recent societal norms.
Researchers found Ebola virus antibodies in 10% of patients seeking care in the year before the 2018 outbreak, highlighting potential for more frequent exposure. Women were significantly more likely to be exposed, consistent with other studies.
A study of Monarch butterfly populations reveals a shift from larger to smaller wings in non-migrating groups, suggesting genetic influence. The findings suggest that migration favors longer wings, while non-migration leads to smaller wings.
A recent study from UC Davis found that people's views on empathy are complicated and depend on who is receiving it. Empathizers are liked and respected only when the character they're empathizing with is also well-liked, but not when the character is disliked. This challenges the notion that empathy is always a virtue.
Genome sequencing reveals a gradual decline in African ancestry across hundreds of miles as bees approach climate barriers. The study suggests that climate is the primary factor limiting the spread of Africanized bees, with colder winters posing a survival challenge.
Researchers at UC Davis have developed a new method to characterize and calibrate spectrometers using excess noise in light signals. This approach allows for faster and more accurate calibration, with results comparable to traditional methods in just a few seconds.
A study by the University of California, Davis, compares three types of energy providers in California, finding that community choice aggregations (CCAs) purchased more renewable energy but went farther to source it. The study highlights the need for energy providers to prioritize local and renewable sources.
The University of California Pavement Research Center (UCPRC) will continue its work with Caltrans for another three years. The center focuses on innovative research and engineering principles to improve pavement sustainability.