A study found that a perfect storm of events led to the decline of California's bull kelp forests, resulting in the loss of over 90% of kelp and 96% of red abalone. Purple sea urchin populations exploded, devouring all available food sources. However, researchers are exploring urchin ranching as a potential solution to restore kelp beds.
A recent study reveals that half of the Earth's land surface remains relatively wild, but fragmented into small pieces, posing a threat to their future. The report identifies high-priority areas for protection, including remote boreal forests and tropical rainforests.
Researchers at the University of California, Davis have successfully genome-edited a dairy bull to prevent it from growing horns, and their findings show that none of its offspring developed horns. The study also highlights the need for screening and selection to address plasmid integration when using genome-editing in livestock.
Researchers at UC Davis aim to deliver CRISPR genome editing machinery to gut cells to fix genes responsible for a rare form of familial cancer. They will use an engineered, non-infectious hepatitis E virus to orally deliver CRISPR into cells in the gastrointestinal tract of mice.
Researchers at UC Davis developed a breath test that can detect opioid drugs in exhaled breath, providing a non-invasive alternative to blood tests. The test was tested on patients receiving pain medications, showing promise in tracking medication usage and detecting potential overdose risk.
A study by University of California, Davis, found that high-severity fires are turning forest patches into shrub fields, indefinitely in some cases. The researchers suggest a multifaceted management approach to help forests adapt and preserve plant diversity.
A graduate student's essay explores why there are no animals with three legs, citing the challenges of stability and balance. Thomson notes that tripod stances and three-limbed movement exist in some animals, but the evolutionary pressures favor bilateral symmetry.
Research reveals plant mitochondrial DNA is a complex mixture of branching structures, ribbons, and rings, shuffling genes around in different combinations
A new study published in The Lancet Global Health found that nutrition programs have limited impact on cognitive skills and brain development compared to caregiving programs. Caregiving interventions such as parents playing games with their children significantly improved children's cognitive, language, and motor skills.
A new study published in PLOS ONE suggests that many volatile compounds from a male cat's anal sacs are produced by a community of bacteria, rather than the cat itself. This discovery challenges traditional views on scent marking and communication in cats.
UC Davis' Crocker Nuclear Laboratory has received a $340,000 grant to manufacture astatine-211, a tumor-killing element with promise in targeted alpha therapy. The lab aims to test the feasibility of producing astatine-211 at its facilities.
Researchers developed a new method to measure pore structure and water flow in soil, providing more accurate estimates of contaminant movement. This approach has implications for efficient resource use and understanding environmental toxins.
Researchers aim to create genetically modified poplar trees that can thrive in drought-prone environments and produce feedstocks for bioenergy. The project involves using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing tools to identify the ideal tree species for these conditions, with the goal of delivering new genotypes by the end of the project.
A study from the University of California, Davis, identifies the specific strains of Toxoplasma gondii killing southern sea otters as connected to a bobcat and domestic cats from nearby watersheds. The researchers found that infectious agents can spread from cat feces on land to the sea, harming marine wildlife.
A new study suggests that modern humans reached Mongolia around 45,000 years ago, challenging previous estimates of 35,000 years. The discovery includes stone tools and animal remains indicating a warm climate and human occupation in the region.
Researchers from the University of California, Davis and the University of Wisconsin-Madison identified neurotrophin-3 as a key molecule in anxiety models. Boosting this molecule reduced anxiety-related behaviors in nonhuman primates.
Researchers found that adding compost and cover crops to organic-certified systems increased soil carbon content by 12.6% over a 19-year period, outperforming the international '4 per 1000' initiative. This approach stores more carbon than previously calculated, highlighting the importance of balancing diet for microorganisms in soils.
Despite progress, women's attitudes toward equality with men have shown no signs of improvement over the last four decades. The study found that highly educated white people who work long hours are more likely to hold negative attitudes toward women's work.
A new study by the University of California, Davis, reveals that climate change could lead to a significant decline in oyster habitats in California bays. The research found that changes in dissolved oxygen levels, water temperature, and salinity would have a greater impact on oyster growth than ocean acidification.
A UC Davis study highlights the need for a coordinated international policy to address the global nitrogen problem. The research suggests that applying fertilizers more precisely, removing pollution from the environment, and empowering consumers to think about sustainable food options can help alleviate the issue.
A team of researchers has identified dozens of genetic mutations linked to rare eye and skin disorders in knockout mice. These discoveries may help clinicians identify equivalent genes in human patients with no known genetic cause.
A study examining fishing boat captains found that those who explored new territory experienced less impact from disruptions when popular grounds were closed, suggesting the benefits of exploration in uncertain environments. This strategy may provide a way to future-proof livelihoods by drawing on knowledge of alternatives.
Scientists at UC Davis have traced the fate of hydra's cells, revealing how three lines of stem cells become nerves, muscles or other tissues. This high-resolution map will help researchers understand regulatory gene networks in place early in evolution.
A new study published in Journal of Applied Ecology provides a method for verifying the effectiveness of marine protected areas (MPAs) by comparing data collected before and after their implementation. This approach helps scientists determine whether adjustments are needed to improve the impact of MPAs on fish populations.
A study on Minecraft communities reveals that amateur gamers develop essential leadership and governance skills, creating effective self-governance systems. The research demonstrates the transferability of these skills to real-world environments, highlighting the potential for internet communities to shape healthier democracy.
A team of researchers has reconstructed the late accretion history of the moon, resolving a long-standing problem about the source of highly siderophile elements. By modeling millions of meteor impacts, they found that less material was retained on the moon than on Earth due to its smaller size and shallow impact angles.
A recent study by the University of California, Davis, reveals 20 overlooked advantages of distributed solar energy, such as carbon sequestration and improvements for pollinator habitats. The study provides a framework for analyzing solar projects and highlights the potential of rooftop solar to benefit both humans and wildlife.
A study found that fish die-offs in Wisconsin lakes are strongly linked to heat waves and warmer surface water temperatures. By mid-century, fish kills are expected to double, and by 2100, they will quadruple.
A global survey has found crAssphage viruses in people's sewage across the world, with a history dating back to millions of years. The viruses are naturally occurring and not associated with health outcomes, but may help scientists target harmful gut bacteria.
Researchers found that people shared informational tweets about cervical cancer prevention significantly more than personal-experience tweets. Organization senders were more likely to share content, regardless of type.
A robotic gripper developed by researchers at UC Davis and Carnegie Mellon University can 'taste' for specific chemicals using engineered bacteria. The device is a proof-of-concept for biologically-based soft robotics and has potential applications in repair, energy generation, and biosensing.
A genome study has revealed the evolution of ruminants, including deer, antelope, and giraffes. The research provides a foundational genomic roadmap for understanding how evolution has shaped these animals, as well as their unique digestive system and adaptations to environmental changes.
Researchers found that children aged 4-6 struggle to comprehend complex moral lessons in TV shows, leading to increased stigmatization and negative attitudes towards characters with disabilities. Explicit explanations or discussions of lessons presented in the show can help improve children's responses.
The University of California, Davis, is launching a new program called SHAPE, which merges arts, humanities and science in undergraduate seminars. The program aims to broaden students' perspectives on the value of arts, humanities and sciences, regardless of major or disciplinary focus.
Researchers have discovered big chunks of ancient Neanderthal and other ancient DNA in the dark centers of human chromosomes, which can be used to study chromosome behavior during cell division and evolutionary descent. The findings also suggest that certain centromere haplotypes may influence differences in sense of smell.
Researchers at UC Davis have found a new candidate for dark matter, a magnetic monopole particle that could interact with 'dark photons'. This new theory offers a potential way to detect dark matter particles streaming through the universe. However, the predicted phase shift is extremely small, making detection challenging.
Research from the University of California, Davis suggests that working with landowners to conserve or restore forests on working landscapes can help protect wildlife. Focusing on reforesting private lands in regions that are wetter and already forested yields the greatest gains for bird communities.
A study from the University of California, Davis found that thinning forests and prescribed burns reduced tree mortality during a severe drought and bark beetle epidemic. The treatment also helped to increase forest resilience by reducing water stress and making trees more resistant to climate change.
A synthetic, non-intoxicating analogue of cannabidiol (CBD) has been found to be effective in treating seizures in rats, reducing both frequency and severity with equal efficacy to herbal CBD. This breakthrough offers a safer and more accessible alternative for epilepsy treatment, potentially paving the way for clinical trials.
A comprehensive study in Mexicali, Mexico, found that half of the neighborhoods had diagnosed human cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, with some areas having almost one in 10 infected ticks. The study also gauged residents' knowledge and found that fewer than half used pesticides to prevent bites.
Researchers at the University of California, Davis have discovered that metals can subtly affect the structure of C-peptide, a hormone involved in insulin production. The study found that certain metals, such as copper and chromium, prevent cells from taking up C-peptide, while others like zinc do not.
A recent study by researchers at the University of California, Davis, found that most homemade cat food recipes are nutritionally inadequate and may contain toxic ingredients. Only a few recipes met all but one of the essential nutrient requirements.
A species of fish in Texas' Houston Ship Channel adapted to extreme pollution due to its large population, good genes, and luck. The Gulf killifish benefited from genetic resources from a long-distant relative, the Atlantic Coast killifish, which helped it develop resilience and resistance to toxins.
Researchers discovered that Entamoeba histolytica, a parasite causing severe gut disease, hides from the immune system by 'cell nibbling' and displaying human proteins on its surface. This camouflage protects it from complement proteins, allowing it to survive in the body.
A UC Davis and Concordia University study of nearly 4,000 families found that growing up in impoverished urban neighborhoods increases psychosis-spectrum disorder diagnoses by middle adulthood. The study suggests that early intervention through social policies and neighborhood improvements could prevent future mental health issues.
Researchers discovered a potentially devastating foot disease in Chile's endangered huemul deer population, with severe pain and death caused by the condition. The study's findings highlight the need for improved monitoring and collaboration to help protect the critically endangered species.
Researchers from UC Davis and APEC Climate Center found a significant correlation between tropical rainfall and heat waves in Central California. The study analyzed data from 1979 to 2010 and identified a predictable pattern linking enhanced MJO activity in the Pacific and Indian Oceans to intense heat waves.
Katia Vega, a UC Davis design professor, has received the Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM2D Scholars Award for her innovative work in integrating technology into wearable cosmetics. The $150,000 grant provides three years of mentorship and aims to fuel development of female STEM leaders.
The UC Davis program aims to close the gender gap in STEM learning by providing mentors and hands-on STEM education tools to 11-year-old girls. The one-year pilot program will recruit 15,000 girls and pair them with mentors for up to 20 hours of guidance.
Scientists at UC Davis and USDA's ARS developed a new approach to sequence walnut genomes, using long-read DNA sequencing and optical genome mapping. The resulting high-quality genome sequences can help breeders develop disease-resistant varieties.