The UC Davis project, part of the FAANG Initiative, focuses on functional genomics of chicken, cow, and pig genomes to better understand gene regulation and complex traits. This research aims to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability by identifying key genetic elements influencing animal development and behavior.
Researchers at UC Davis have developed a method to measure the conformation of single molecule 'wiring', resolving a gap between theoretical predictions and experiments. This technique provides important information for theoretical modeling, enabling better design and prediction of molecule-scale circuits.
A study published by UC Davis and Public Health Institute found that children exposed to tobacco smoke in utero are two to three times more likely to develop diabetes as adults. Birth weight did not affect the risk of developing diabetes.
A study from the University of California, Davis reveals extreme oxygen loss in oceans around 10,000-17,000 years ago, coinciding with past global climate change. The findings suggest that modern oceans are moving into a state with no precedent in human history.
Scientists at UC Davis and Rice University have developed methods to manipulate natural proteins into amyloid fibrils with predictable heights. These self-assembling fibers show great toughness, withstanding boiling, digestive proteins, and ultraviolet radiation, making them suitable for tissue engineering and other applications.
A hybrid of two malaria mosquito species has been found to be highly resistant to insecticide-treated bed nets, threatening efforts to control malaria in Africa. The discovery highlights the urgent need for new and effective vector control strategies.
The study provides comprehensive tracking of maize origin in the Southwest, showing it entered via highland route around 4,100 years ago and later via coastal route about 2,000 years ago. Researchers also identified genes responsible for adaptation to drought and changes in starch composition.
A recent study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science has challenged the long-held idea that a cosmic impact triggered the Younger Dryas cold period. The research found that the scoria droplets believed to be evidence of an impact event were actually formed by heating most likely caused by Stone Age house fires.
UC Davis researchers have identified a complex network of genetic controls governing plant root growth, which may help create varieties suited for biofuel production. The study reveals how environmental changes affect the system, with potential applications in improving plant breeding and biomass conversion.
Researchers at UC Davis aim to produce Zmapp, an Ebola cocktail of antibodies, using plant cells grown in bioreactors instead of whole plants. This could enable rapid production and increase capacity for biotech companies.
Researchers used NASA wind tunnel to study threshold speeds for particle movement on Titan, finding higher speeds than predicted from Earth-based models. The findings can help understand atmospheric forces on icy moons and planets with thin or thick atmospheres.
Researchers identify nine genes involved in making cucurbitacin, a compound with anti-cancer and diabetes properties. Domestication tweaked cucumber genetics to make fruit more edible, but the same compounds have potential therapeutic applications.
UC Davis researchers use new techniques in electron microscopy to study HIV and other viruses. They find that the gp120 trimer associates with gp41 to form a structure that allows HIV to enter host cells. The study also reveals how viruses hijack cellular processes to enter cells, shedding light on potential vaccine targets.
A new fossil discovery links dolphin-like ichthyosaurs to their terrestrial ancestors, revealing a previously unknown stage in their evolution. The 248-million-year-old fossil has flexible flippers and a shorter snout than its marine counterparts, suggesting it could have moved on land with ease.
Researchers at UC Davis have developed a method to toughen up engineered cartilage and keep natural tissues strong outside the body. By depriving native or engineered cartilage of oxygen and using an enzyme called lysyl oxidase, they found that cross-linking occurs, making the material stronger.
A team of scientists has discovered the genetic mechanism behind sex determination in a species of persimmon. The OGI-MeGI system involves an unusual gene that codes for a small piece of RNA acting as molecular scissors, cutting down expression of another gene, and regulating pollen formation.
Researchers have identified the exact odorant receptor that repels mosquitoes, paving the way for better and more affordable insect repellents. The discovery of a plant defensive compound that mimics DEET could lead to new treatments for vector-borne diseases.
Researchers found that chimpanzees strategically plan their breakfast time and location based on environmental factors and food availability, taking risks to secure desired fruits. The study reveals the complexity of chimpanzee cognitive behavior in complex environments.
Tiny bubbles can adapt to changing conditions by reorganizing their membranes, allowing them to sense and react to their environment. This emergent behavior could help design microbubbles for targeted drug delivery and offer new ways to tap chemical energy in biological systems.
Research from UC Davis and Aarhus University reveals high mantle temperatures are essential for producing large amounts of magma at Bárðarbunga volcano in Iceland. This finding supports the critical role of mantle plumes in forming large igneous provinces.
A recent study published in Nature found that no-till farming often leads to yield declines compared to conventional tillage systems, except in dryland areas where it can show promise. Implementing all three conservation agriculture principles is crucial for maximizing yields and minimizing environmental impacts.
A study identified 181 California dams that may need increased water flows to protect native fish, with the top priority dams including Trinity Dam and New Melones Dam. The new tool provides a scientific basis for dam operators to prioritize management and reduce the risk of extinction for many native species.
Researchers analyzed 360 tomato varieties and wild strains to understand the impact of domestication and breeding on cultivated tomatoes. The study identified genes responsible for larger fruit size and increased disease resistance, but also found areas of genetic uniformity that could be addressed in future breeding.
Scientists at UC Davis used optogenetics to erase specific memories in mice, showing coordinated activity between the cerebral cortex and hippocampus during memory retrieval. The study confirms a long-standing idea about memory processing, providing new insights into how the brain functions.
A recent study by UC Davis found that mountain lions in southern California are experiencing severe genetic diversity loss, with the Santa Ana Mountains displaying lower genetic diversity than other regions. The study highlights the urgent need to maintain connectivity for coastal mountain lions across I-15.
Researchers mapped red fox ancestry across 1,000 individuals worldwide, revealing the species evolved into a new distinct species in North America after 400,000 years. The study suggests climate change and environmental shifts impacted global distribution.
A new study reveals that slime-producing molecules produced by seaweed aid in the transmission of diseases like Toxoplasma gondii from land animals to sea otters. The parasite can be embedded in particles bound together by these polymers, which are then ingested by marine snails and eventually otters.
Researchers at UC Davis have found a way to form oxygen in one step by using a high-energy vacuum ultraviolet laser to excite carbon dioxide. This process could be occurring naturally on Mars and Venus, where carbon dioxide dominates the atmosphere. The discovery adjusts models of planetary atmosphere evolution.
Researchers found that curiosity helps learn about a topic and memorize unrelated information, with increased activity in brain regions involved in reward and memory. Curiosity also enhances learning in the classroom and workplace.
A new scientific review from UC Davis reports that genetically engineered feed has no impact on animal health and nutrition. The review analyzed nearly 30 years of studies involving over 100 billion animals, finding no differences in the nutritional makeup of meat, milk, or other food products derived from GMO-fed animals.
A UC Davis engineering professor has developed a technique to mass-produce thin silicon blades at lower cost. The new technology enables the production of sharp blades with reduced manufacturing costs, opening possibilities for incorporating electrical and optical technologies.
Researchers discovered that the bluetongue virus overwinters in female midges infected during previous season, allowing it to survive colder temperatures. The findings have significant implications for predicting and controlling the disease's spread.
A global research agenda is necessary to address the challenges of climate-smart agriculture, which aims to improve farm productivity while maintaining ecosystem services. The initiative focuses on three key areas: farm and food systems, landscape and regional issues, and institutional and policy matters.
Scientists used a probe to study boron atoms in glass under pressures up to 2.5 Gigapascal, revealing the transition from flat triangular configuration to a four-sided tetrahedron shape.
Researchers discovered a biochemical communication system behind 'stuck fermentation,' enabling bacteria to switch yeast from sugar to other food sources without altering its DNA. Winemakers can now avoid stuck fermentations by altering sulfur dioxide levels or adding yeast strains that overpower bacteria.
The University of California, Davis's STAIR Grant program provides funding and support for innovative research, allowing selected researchers to generate early proof-of-concept models. The four finalists have been awarded $50,000 each to develop their projects into commercial applications.
A UC Davis memory researcher has received a $2.6 million fellowship from the U.S. Department of Defense to explore neural oscillations in brain regions involved in forming and retrieving memories. The project aims to develop new methods for assessing memory function, boosting learning, and rehabilitating soldiers with brain injuries.
Exposure to pesticide DDT before birth is linked to increased risk of metabolic syndrome in female mice, characterized by obesity, high cholesterol, and diabetes. The study also found sex differences, with females more susceptible to these conditions.
Researchers at UC Davis have sequenced the genome of Solanum pennellii, a wild relative of the domestic tomato. The new data reveals genes related to drought resistance, fruit development, and flavor compounds.
The Sino-U.S. Joint Research Center for Food Safety will conduct research on global food safety-related policies, establish an international research platform, and propose solutions for hazards in the food industry value chain.
The device allows researchers to study chemical reactions in liquid water under pressure without it freezing into a solid. High-pressure measurements shed light on calcium ions and may impact hydraulic fracturing and nuclear waste behavior.
Scientists have discovered a new pathogen, Trichomonas stableri, linked to recent mass die-offs of Pacific Coast band-tailed pigeons. The parasite, along with ancient species Trichomonas gallinae, causes severe lesions that can block the esophagus or trachea, leading to suffocation.
Researchers warn that invasive watersnakes in California pose a threat to native and endangered species, including the giant gartersnake, California tiger salamander, and foothill yellow-legged frog. The snakes' spread could disrupt ecosystems and lead to further declines of already imperiled native fish and amphibians.
A recent study from the University of California, Davis suggests that random fluctuations in brain activity may contribute to our ability to make choices. The researchers found that patterns of brain activity before a decision can predict the outcome of the decision.
A new study published in Science examines the conflict between invasive species removal and endangered species recovery. Researchers at UC Davis recommend slowing down invasive species eradication to allow restoration or natural recovery of habitats.
A study shows that strains from Southern Europe can grow better in Northern Europe than established local varieties due to rapid climate change. This suggests that the adaptive optimum has moved quickly, with southern imports performing better across different locations.
A new study suggests that Tanzanian communities are rejecting the traditional practice of rewarding lion hunters for killing non-threatening lions, which could help conserve endangered species.
Engineers at UC Davis developed three-dimensional nanowire transistors using a new approach to integrate semiconductors on silicon substrates. This technology enables devices to operate in high temperatures, handle high power or voltages, and optical applications.
Researchers at UC Davis discovered that aquatic algae can perceive light across the visible spectrum, allowing them to adapt to changing conditions. This broad spectral coverage helps algae make use of whatever light they can in the ocean.
An international team of researchers, led by a plant scientist at the University of California, Davis, reports that the domesticated chili pepper originated in central-east Mexico. The region, extending from southern Puebla and northern Oaxaca to southeastern Veracruz, was previously thought to be less suitable for the crop's origins.