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University of California - Davis


Growing up in poverty increases diagnoses of psychosis-spectrum mental illnesses

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalDevelopment and Psychopathology·DateApr 24, 2019

Predicting heat waves? Look half a world away

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateApr 12, 2019

Inflammation inhibitor blocks neurodevelopmental disorders in mouse model

A study published in PNAS shows that an enzyme inhibitor reduces inflammation in the brains of mice born to mothers with maternal immune activation, reversing cognitive and social interaction deficiencies. The findings suggest a potential new treatment approach for neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 2019

Breeding a better strawberry

Researchers have sequenced and analyzed the cultivated strawberry genome, providing a genetic roadmap for more precise selection of desired traits. This will help breeders grow strawberries that are resistant to diseases and meet consumer demands for quality.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 25, 2019

Rice plants that grow as clones from seed

Researchers at UC Davis have made a breakthrough in plant biology by discovering a way to produce crops as clones from seed. This process, known as apomixis, allows for the reproduction of high-yielding and disease-resistant crops without the need for expensive hybrid seeds. The discovery has significant implications for global food se...

Mantle neon illuminates Earth's formation

Researchers used neon isotopes to study Earth's mantle formation, finding evidence of rapid early planet formation and delivery of vital compounds. The findings support the idea that a planet must reach a certain size before absorbing these ingredients, which is consistent with observations of other solar systems.