UC Davis researchers have created virus-like particles based on Hepatitis E proteins to target breast cancer. These particles can carry vaccines or drugs, potentially delivered through food or drink.
Researchers reject longstanding hypothesis that zebra stripes provide camouflaging protection, citing limited visibility for zebras and their predators. The study suggests alternative explanations for the evolution of striped patterns in zebras.
UC Davis researchers discovered an enzyme, LesA, that plays a key role in the bacterial infection of grapevines with Pierce's disease. The enzyme triggers the process causing leaf damage, unrelated to previously thought mechanisms. This finding opens new avenues for understanding and combating the disease.
A study from the University of California, Davis found that 'cleared' abandoned ski runs consistently recovered to blend in with surrounding forests, while 'graded' runs showed stunted recovery. The study highlights the need for active restoration of abandoned graded ski slopes to protect water quality.
Researchers analyzed brain scans and behavioral tests of stranded sea lions to find correlations between brain damage and specific behavioral impairments. They discovered damage to the hippocampus, a key region for memory processes, and effects on interactions with other brain structures.
Researchers at UC Davis have demonstrated that DNA can be modulated to act as an electromechanical switch, enabling the design of unique nanodevices. The discovery could lead to new paradigms for computing and improve energy efficiency in electronic devices.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that treating ear mites in Santa Catalina Island foxes reduced ear tumor prevalence by 99% and inflammation by 90%. The success story highlights the impact of preventative treatments on wildlife populations, with improved conditions for foxes' ear canals and a notable decline in tumors.
UC Davis researchers have made significant progress in tumor treatment by combining guided ultrasound with nanoparticle chemotherapy, resulting in improved survival and consistent cure rates. The technique allows for complete destruction of tumors without thermal damage to surrounding tissue.
The University of California, Davis has been awarded contracts for two major federal fine particle air quality monitoring networks: IMPROVE and CSN. This will provide data that helps inform national air quality standards and regulations, with a focus on visibility and human health in urban areas.
New research suggests oxytocin may trigger anxiety in stressed females, unlike males where it increases social motivation. The hormone also had no effect on non-stressed females.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that 167 fisher deaths were attributed to rat poisoning from illegal marijuana grows, with exposure rates rising by 6% between 2012 and 2014. The poison, often used as bait, has been linked to 10% of fisher deaths and affects the animals' ability to recycle vitamin K.
A new UC Davis study finds that identifying and addressing dyslexia as early as first grade can close the achievement gap with typical readers. Implementing effective reading programs at younger ages shows promising results in narrowing this disparity.
UC Davis researchers develop ultra-low-power sensors with near-zero power consumption, targeting continuous and passive monitoring of environments. The goal is to extend sensor lifetime from months to years, enabling always-on sensing without significant power drain.
A new study finds that polygynous households in northern Tanzania have better access to food and healthier children, as well as more cattle and farmed land. However, the practice is associated with low food security and poor child health in marginalized ethnic groups.
Researchers have identified a two-molecule sensing mechanism that allows human cells to detect electric fields, opening up new avenues for understanding wound healing and cellular movement.
Researchers have successfully created stable arrays of magnetic skyrmions at room temperature, a breakthrough that could lead to the development of nonvolatile magnetic memory storage. The discovery opens up new possibilities for electronic devices and potentially reduces energy costs.
A UC Davis research team has been awarded $15.5 million to develop the world's first total-body PET scanner, which could revolutionize cancer tracking and treatment. The new technology allows for simultaneous imaging of the entire body, reducing radiation dose by a factor of 40 and scanning time from 20 minutes to just 30 seconds.
Researchers at UC Davis will investigate how the state's 'Smarter Balanced' assessments identify students as ready for college and careers, and examine early signals of college readiness on high school coursework and outcomes. The project aims to improve alignment between K-12 and higher education.
The National Science Foundation awards UC Davis a five-year, $5 million grant to utilize the large earthquake-simulating centrifuge for natural hazards engineering research. Researchers can build complex models and conduct accurate scale-model studies of soils and soil-structure systems.
A study by UC Davis researchers found that bird diversity in the Central Valley's riparian areas is similar between summer and winter, with genetic diversity even higher in winter. Neotemperate migrants from Canada fill the gap during winter months.
A new study reveals that Southern California wildfires have two distinct personalities, with Santa Ana winds-driven fires being more damaging due to faster spread, urban burns, and higher economic losses. Climate change is expected to fan flames for the region, increasing fire risk from hot summers.
The discovery of the VRN-D4 gene and its three counterpart genes is crucial for understanding vernalization and developing wheat varieties adapted to different regions or changing environments. The study also shows how ancient wheat from Pakistan and India influenced the spring growth habit in some wheat varieties.
Researchers from UC Davis developed a novel sensor coating material using nanoporous gold to detect nucleic acids in complex biological samples. The method enables sensitive detection of DNA without requiring purification, enabling faster and more efficient process for field applications.
Researchers found a thin layer of oxygen in Lake Fryxell, Antarctica, which could be a modern replica of ancient oxygen oases. This discovery sheds light on the Great Oxidation Event, a major turning point in Earth's history when oxygen became more prevalent.
Researchers found that tubulin assembly involves a single machine comprising the largest four genes, which powers the process using chemical energy and assembles microtubules that play critical roles in cell structure and division. Understanding this system may provide new strategies for controlling microtubules in cancer cells.
A study by UC Davis researchers has identified two biomarkers that can detect lung cancer up to six months before diagnosis, with an 80% accuracy rate. The findings offer a promising alternative to expensive low-dose CT scans, which involve X-ray radiation.
A study from University of California, Davis, found that forest disturbances like wildfire and thinning are replacing understory plants with those from more southern areas, such as Mexico and Southern California. This shift is driven by climate change, leading to a potential increase in forest diversity.
A study by the University of California, Davis found that ocean changes are affecting the survival rates of Coho and Chinook salmon, causing them to become more synchronized. This loss in biodiversity can't be addressed through freshwater management alone.
The Integrated Photonics Institute for Manufacturing Innovation aims to stimulate new investment and industrial growth based on photonics technology. UC Davis' Center for Nano and Micro Manufacturing will play a major role in the West Coast hub of the institute.
A research team at the University of California, Davis, has identified a tiny protein called RaxX that helps plants fight off bacterial infections. The discovery could lead to more disease-resistant crop varieties and new treatments for microbial infections in both plants and animals.
A recent study by the University of California - Davis found that algae concentrations are key to maintaining Lake Tahoe's iconic blue color, contradicting previous assumptions about the relationship between clarity and blueness. The report also highlights improvements in water clarity and climate change impacts on the lake.
A 13-year study found that humans are the biggest threat to Southern California mountain lions, causing over half of known deaths. The population's declining genetic diversity is exacerbated by an interstate highway that bisects their habitat.
Scientists at UC Davis have identified endoplasmic reticulum stress as the significant driver of neuropathic pain. The discovery opens new avenues for treating chronic pain from various conditions, such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
A new method is being used to screen primates in remote locations without invasive sampling techniques. Saliva from discarded ropes is collected and tested for viral diseases, providing valuable information on zoonotic pathogens.
Scientists designed a new biochemical pathway in E. coli that can efficiently produce isobutyl acetate from both glucose and acetate, increasing its yield to 75 percent. This breakthrough could have significant applications in biotechnology, particularly in the production of flavoring agents, solvents, and fuels.
Researchers at UC Davis and the University of Delaware discovered that chloroplast tubes play a key role in plants' immune defense. The discovery reveals how chloroplasts deliver signals to the nucleus, inducing programmed cell death and preparing other cells to resist infection.
Native wildflowers in California are losing species diversity after multiple years of drier winters, according to a study. Drought-intolerant species suffered the worst declines, foreshadowing larger-scale extinctions.
A new study from the University of California, Davis, uses GPS tracking to show that animals living in complex societies make decisions democratically. The study breaks ground in how animal behavior data is collected, revealing patterns similar to those found in more simple societal structures.
The study identified urocortin 3 as a key player in regulating insulin production and blood sugar levels. By understanding how this hormone interacts with other cells and systems, researchers hope to develop new treatments for diabetes.
Researchers at UC Davis discover that chromosome shattering, a process previously only seen in animal cells, occurs in plant embryos when combining centromeres with weakened structures. This finding opens up new possibilities for plant breeding and could aid cancer researchers using the model plant Arabidopsis.
A $3.5 million grant will support 100 first-grade classrooms in Sacramento and Houston, teaching specific skills to struggling readers. The program aims to improve both basic reading skills and comprehension, with preliminary data showing a positive impact on struggling readers.
The University of California, Davis has awarded a total of $2 million to five interdisciplinary teams to explore high-impact discoveries in brain science. The funding will enable researchers to conduct preliminary experiments and develop compelling data to support applications for Brain Initiative awards.
A mass mortality event affected millions of purple sea urchins and tiny sea stars along a 62-mile stretch of Northern California coast. The study suggests that long-term population and ecosystem consequences are expected as these species play key roles in maintaining tide pool balance.
Researchers at UC Davis identified genes linked to electrotaxis in amoebas, which could help understand electrical signals detection. The study's findings may lead to new insights into wound healing and tissue development.
Researchers at UC Davis will investigate how virtual schooling affects student achievement and teacher effectiveness in a three-year study of Florida's K-12 virtual education sector. The study, led by Assistant Professor Cassandra Hart, aims to provide insights for policymakers and school personnel on avenues for improvement.
Seagrass ecosystems rely on small marine invertebrates to graze algae, keeping habitats clean and healthy. A recent study found that diverse communities of these animals are essential for maintaining robust seagrass populations.
The NetSage service will help network engineers understand current traffic patterns, identify loss of data and congestion issues. By analyzing large-scale data flows, researchers can optimize performance and improve the overall efficiency of international networks.
A recent study analyzed over 300 'thinspiration' images on Twitter and Pinterest, revealing that they often feature cropped body parts and promote extreme thinness. The research highlights the potential harm of such content on viewers, particularly young women who may feel pressure to achieve an unattainable ideal.
A recent study found that sugary drinks increase risk factors for cardiovascular disease in young, healthy adults. The research demonstrated a direct correlation between the amount of added sugar consumed and increased risk factors, including high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides.
Researchers at UC Davis may have discovered a new way to regenerate beta cells in the pancreas, which could potentially lead to a cure for juvenile diabetes. The study's findings suggest that immature beta cells can arise from alpha cells, offering a new paradigm shift in the treatment of the disease.