Researchers identified a gene mutation in dogs that is associated with neural tube defects in humans. The study found six cases of the mutation in human patients with spina bifida, suggesting a potential link between the dog gene and human neural tube defects.
Researchers found a striking degree of convergence in Anole lizard species across four Caribbean islands, with each island's species resembling those on others. The study provides evidence for the predictability of evolution over millions of years.
A comprehensive family tree of the spiny-rayed fish group, including tuna and seahorses, has revealed surprising relationships and shed light on their evolution and diversity. The study found that some groups of fish have undergone rapid diversification followed by a slowdown in evolution.
Researchers at UC Davis show that individual protein molecules can restart at any speed achieved by the whole population of enzymes, demonstrating the ergodic theorem. This finding has implications for understanding protein folding, drug interactions, and enzyme engineering.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that ocean acidification can have a profound impact on marine ecosystems, causing a loss of functional diversity and resulting in a homogenized community dominated by turf algae. This can lead to cascading effects throughout the ecosystem, making calc...
A comprehensive study published in PLOS ONE found that recreation sites had the lowest levels of fecal indicator bacteria, and no significant differences were detected between grazing lands and areas without recreation or grazing. The research suggests that livestock production and environmental goals can be compatible, challenging com...
Researchers at the University of California, Davis have made a groundbreaking discovery on how visual attention affects brain activity. By measuring signaling through single nerve connections in monkeys, they found that attention increases efficiency and boosts signal strength.
The study reveals a large block of genes from wild relatives are present in domestic tomatoes, affecting the genome in unexpected ways. Genes associated with fruit color and drought tolerance show rapid evolution among domesticated and wild varieties.
Researchers analyzed North Pacific killer-whale strandings, finding 88% fatal and 12% surviving, providing clues on species' overall life history, genetics, and health. The standardized necropsy system increased data collection from 2% to 33%, shedding light on the causes of death and human impact on orca populations.
A team of scientists from NASA's Curiosity rover mission has discovered ancient rounded pebbles on the Martian surface, formed only by water transport. This finding supports the prospect that Mars could have hosted life in the past.
A study by scientists from the University of California, Davis predicts that 82 percent of California native fish will become extinct within the next century due to climate change. The research found that native freshwater species are particularly vulnerable to extinction, while non-native species are expected to thrive.
A new technique using primate tooth analysis has been applied to Neanderthal fossils, revealing that Neanderthal babies were weaned around 7 months old, similar to modern human infants. This method provides a precise estimate of the timing of weaning in extinct species.
Researchers at UC Davis have developed a new method to create iron-platinum alloys with tailored magnetic properties, making them ideal for future magnetic recording technologies. The alloys retain information even at small nanomagnet sizes and are resistant to heat effects.
The new fabric uses microfluidic technology to form excess sweat into droplets that drain away automatically. The fabric's water-repellent properties and controlling patterns of conductive threads enable targeted sweat collection and removal.
Scientists detected H1N1 virus in free-ranging northern elephant seals off California coast, indicating potential for transmission to humans. The discovery highlights the importance of protecting workers handling marine mammals and preventing disease transmission between species.
A recent study reveals that Europeans are genetically linked over the past thousand years, tracing back to nearly the same set of ancestors. The research found subtle local differences in genetic sequences among European populations.
Researchers have discovered health defects in Gulf killifish embryos exposed to sediments from oiled locations, including heart defects and delayed hatching. The findings may predict longer-term impacts on killifish populations and highlight the potential risks for other species sharing similar habitats.
Researchers at UC Davis found major security issues in popular Android apps like Handcent SMS, WeChat, and Weibo, which can be exploited by malicious code. These vulnerabilities allow attackers to access personal data and forge fake messages.
Researchers at UC Davis found that turbulence in waves signals purple sea urchin larvae to start searching for suitable habitat. The two-step process involves an initial response to turbulence, followed by a chemical signal triggering settlement and transformation into juvenile sea urchins.
Researchers at UC Davis have identified several compounds that can increase oil production in green algae by up to 85% without affecting growth. The team used a high-throughput screening approach similar to pharmaceutical drug discovery to find these compounds.
A team of researchers identified a lettuce gene and related enzyme that inhibits germination during hot weather, enabling seeds to germinate in warm temperatures. The discovery could lead to lettuces that can grow in high temperatures, improving crop yields.
Research from the Shamatha Project at UC Davis suggests that mindfulness training can lower cortisol levels, a hormone associated with physical and emotional stress. The study found a correlation between high scores in mindfulness and low cortisol levels before and after an intensive meditation retreat.
Researchers at UC Davis have discovered that whole cells and cell fragments orient and move in response to electric fields, with two distinct pathways identified. These findings could lead to new ways to heal wounds and deliver stem cell therapies.
The Planck space mission has released its most accurate map of the oldest light in the universe, revealing a slower expansion rate and less dark energy. The new data also provide insights into dark matter and normal matter contents, challenging current models.
Researchers used computer simulations of water to predict its behavior under extreme pressure and temperature. The results suggest that magnesium carbonate, previously thought insoluble, can dissolve in water at great depths, potentially returning carbon to the surface through volcanoes.
Researchers at UC Davis found that goats' milk carrying higher levels of the antimicrobial protein lysozyme successfully treated diarrhea caused by bacterial infection in young pigs. The study suggests that such milk may eventually help prevent human diarrheal diseases, which claim millions of lives annually.
Researchers found that preschoolers can use introspection to improve accuracy in decision-making. They were more likely to choose a 'don't know' option when uncertain. The study, published in Child Development, suggests that children as young as 3 are aware of their uncertainty and can use it to inform their decisions.
Infant girls exposed to high levels of DDT while pregnant are three times more likely to develop hypertension as adults. Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart disease, which claims millions of lives worldwide.
The Climate-Smart Agriculture Global Science Conference aims to bring together scientists and policymakers from around the world to discuss climate change impacts on agriculture. The conference will focus on science-based policies and actions to slow the effects of climate change while meeting the world's need for food and sustainability.
Researchers at UC Davis have identified the essential role of Rnf212 protein in chromosome crossovers, a process vital for sexual reproduction. The study found that Rnf212 defines where crossovers occur, potentially reducing fertility and leading to chromosomal diseases.
Scientists used in-brain monitoring to show that memory networks involve simultaneous brain region activation. The study confirmed the importance of the medial temporal lobe and found distinct frequencies for time and place memories.
Computer simulations show that nanoparticles of silicon BC8 can generate multiple electron-hole pairs per photon, increasing maximum efficiency to 42% beyond conventional solar cells. Using parabolic mirrors to focus sunlight could further boost efficiency up to 70%
A team of genome and computer scientists developed an algorithm that can rapidly create virtual chromosomes using NGS data. The new RACA (Reference-Assisted Chromosome Assembly) algorithm performs even better with longer DNA reads, addressing the challenge of assembling complete chromosomes from short NGS fragments.
A comprehensive snapshot of pupfish evolution reveals how natural selection drives specialization through the creation of adaptive landscapes. Research shows that species are often limited to generalist feeding styles due to stabilizing selection.
Researchers engineered blue-green algae to grow chemical precursors for fuels and plastics, a step towards replacing fossil fuels. The U.S. Department of Energy aims to obtain a quarter of industrial chemicals from biological processes by 2025.
Researchers at UC Davis study a rare meteorite, the fastest and rarest known to hit Earth, providing insights into the formation of planets. The team uses advanced techniques to analyze the meteorite's composition and internal structures.
Researchers identified a previously unidentified virus in raccoons that may be contributing to the development of brain tumors. The study found that this virus, dubbed raccoon polyomavirus, is present in all affected animals and may play a role in tumor formation.
A team led by UC Davis Professor Jonathan Eisen and graduate student Wendy Brown will send microbes to the International Space Station to study their growth. The project aims to involve the public in science, especially those not normally engaged, through a competition where samples from different environments are compared.
UC Davis chemists used a Japanese synchrotron to study hydrogenases, natural catalysts that power the 'hydrogen economy'. They discovered new details about the iron-nickel complex, revealing how atoms can move in the enzymes.
Researchers at UC Davis have teamed up with nine institutions to sequence the wheat genome, aiming to develop varieties with higher yields and enhanced nutritional content. The study provides valuable information on DNA sequences helping breeders create hardier varieties.
The Shamatha Project, led by Clifford Saron, investigates the long-term impact of intensive meditation training on cognitive, emotional, and physical processes. The new grant will aid analysis of original data and explore how changes in meditation practice relate to personal growth years later.
University of California researchers use hard X-ray angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy to study gallium manganese arsenide, a material with potential in spintronics. The study reveals fundamental understanding of electronic interactions, suggesting future materials development.
Researchers found that parents consistently rate their children as less worried and more optimistic than the children themselves. The study suggests that parental positivity bias should be taken into account when evaluating children's emotional well-being.
Researchers have shown how living organisms evolve new functions from limited genes by duplicating and mutating existing genes. The 'innovation, amplification and divergence' model explains how a newly duplicated gene sticks around long enough to pick up a useful new function.
A recent study found that rice paddies are a significant source of the potent greenhouse gas methane. The research team discovered that increasing carbon dioxide levels and rising temperatures boost rice yields but also increase methane emissions, highlighting the need for mitigation efforts to ensure a secure global food supply.
Researchers studying fruit fly genomes reveal strong evidence of pervasive natural selection, contrasting with human genome adaptation over the last 100,000 years. The study provides new insights into the forces shaping genetic variation and has implications for understanding human genetic variation.
A new study reveals that insects feeding on plants drive genetic variation in their host species across large geographic areas. The researchers found that two aphid species exert pressure on plants to create diverse chemical defenses, leading to changes in the genetic makeup of plant populations.
The UC Davis smartphone application, React Labs: Educate, allows instant live polling for the first time on a large scale. Over 12,000 students nationwide will field test the app during the three scheduled debates, enabling real-time reaction to presidential candidates.
Researchers at UC Davis discovered that early-life diet and metabolic changes can stimulate breast growth and increase the risk of breast cancer, independent of estrogen levels. The study used mice with a diet supplemented with CLA to mimic metabolic syndrome, which was found to increase mammary duct growth and tumor formation.
Researchers found that Western scrub jays gather around a dead bird's body and call loudly, attracting other birds to join in. The purpose of this behavior is unclear, but it may serve as a warning system or teach young jays about dangers.