A study led by UC Davis reveals that vanilla farmers in Madagascar prioritize their crops over forest conservation, but innovative payment schemes can promote a balanced landscape. The game FallowMe helped farmers explore tradeoffs between livelihoods, food security, and biodiversity.
Researchers discover how an anticancer drug triggers an 'outside in' signal to get sucked into a cancer cell, providing insights into adhesion regulation and potential drug design targets. The study reveals a new mechanism for delivering drugs using P-cadherin protein.
Researchers at UC Davis created nanoislands with trapped platinum clusters, demonstrating improved hydrogenation catalytic activity and stability. The confinement of metal clusters on a tiny island of cerium oxide supports the production of stable catalysts for the chemical industry.
A University of California, Davis study of 4,500 blind dates found that both men and women are drawn to younger partners, with women's preferences revealing a surprising trend. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests that youth may be more appealing in initial attraction settings.
A study in San Francisco found that coyotes' diets are heavily influenced by the presence of restaurants and impervious surfaces, with consumption of rats highest near restaurants and human-sourced food prevalent in paved areas. This research highlights the adaptability of coyotes to urban environments.
A new study from UC Davis suggests that farmers can co-manage their areas for both agriculture and conservation by assessing the size of bird droppings. Smaller poops from smaller birds carry very low risk of foodborne pathogens, making it unnecessary to remove habitat or implement no-harvest buffers.
Researchers found a thriving mussel bed community in Northern California, similar to one surveyed in 1941, revealing more species than expected. The study highlights the value of non-traditional resources like old manuscripts and Indigenous knowledge.
A newly resurveyed mussel bed in Northern California has found 90 species of invertebrates living within it, including warm-adapted species not typically found in the area. The study, published in Scientific Reports, documents a thriving mussel bed community that shows signs of climate change.
Researchers developed a new model to identify potential hosts of ebolaviruses, focusing on bat species with strong NPC1 protein binding and previous outbreak locations. The study uses large-scale binding assays and machine learning to guide future surveillance efforts.
The Zika virus hijacks the host protein ANKLE2 to assist its own reproduction, which is important for brain development. This interaction allows the virus to hide from the immune system and replicate more efficiently.
A new study reveals that US state policies are falling short of reducing food waste, with only California, Vermont, and Arizona projected to achieve the goal. Current policies focus on recycling methods, but experts suggest a shift towards prevention and rescue strategies is needed to address food insecurity.
A new study by civil engineers and earth systems scientists at the University of California, Davis and Stanford University suggests that storing carbon in buildings could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers calculated that using carbonated aggregates to make concrete could absorb a gigaton of CO2 annually.
Researchers at UC Davis reveal a 40-million-year-old genetic mechanism controlling alternating sexes in walnuts, similar to human sex chromosomes. Two variants of a gene linked to flowering type balance each other, maintaining genetic variation and equilibrium.
Researchers observed California ground squirrels hunting, eating and competing over vole prey, revealing a carnivorous summer behavior. This flexible diet suggests they can adapt to changing environments.
A new study by University of California, Davis researchers suggests that hiring boomerang workers can bring benefits to both the organization and current employees. However, existing workers may not be as helpful to boomerangs as they are to newcomers. The study found that resentment among former colleagues can lead to reduced assistan...
A new study by University of California, Davis, found that the current estimate of the social cost of carbon is too low, increasing to over $280 per ton of CO2 emitted. This higher estimate reflects the impact of climate change on human welfare, including economic growth and unique natural systems.
A study by University of California - Davis researchers found that well-timed tree planting can boost forest recovery by up to 200% in hotter, drier areas. However, competition from shrubs can hinder this process, and the outcome depends on climate, soil, and vegetation conditions.
Researchers tracked farmworker movement and behavior in response to wildfire smoke using cell phone data from over 12,000 workers. The study found that workers reduced their hours worked by 37% on smoky days and switched fields to avoid worst conditions.
Researchers developed a microfluidic chip that can measure memory B cells' binding affinity to flu virus, helping track immunity. The device, Shear Activated Cell Sorting (SACS), can compare how well cells bind to original and new variants.
A study reveals that soil emissions account for at least a quarter of nitrogen oxide emissions in California's Salton Sea air basin, with annual total emissions reaching 11 tons per day. The findings highlight the need to better understand and account for agricultural soils' emissions to improve air quality in rural areas.
Researchers at the University of California, Davis found that feeding grazing beef cattle a seaweed supplement reduced their methane emissions by nearly 40% without affecting health or weight. The study provides a promising approach to make cattle farming more sustainable and play a role in fighting climate change.
Plant biologists have identified two genes that work together to trigger embryo formation in rice egg cells, enabling the creation of high-yielding clonal strains. The method, which increases success rates to around 90%, has significant implications for sustainable agriculture and could provide a path forward for resource-limited farmers.
A study found that mountain lions in areas with high human recreation are more nocturnal, adjusting their activity to avoid interactions. The animals' flexibility in timing allows for coexistence between humans and wildlife.
Researchers used a mouse model to study the effects of psychedelics on anxiety and hallucinations, finding that distinct neural circuits are responsible. By targeting specific neurons, they were able to reduce anxiety-like behaviors without inducing hallucinations.
A recent study found that heavy rains after droughts can cause nitrates to seep into groundwater in as little as 10 days. The study highlights the need for affordable, real-time soil nitrate monitoring tools to help farmers manage fertilizer use efficiently.
A University of California, Davis study reveals that large grazing wildlife like caribou and muskoxen influence the timing and abundance of Arctic plants. The research found that plants where these animals were present emerged earlier and were more abundant later in the season.
Children with asthma show lower scores on episodic memory tasks compared to their peers without the condition. Earlier onset and longer duration of asthma also contribute to slower memory development over time.
A study has found that H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza spread efficiently among marine mammals, leading to a devastating decline in elephant seal colonies. The virus adapted to marine mammal species, showing the need for increased surveillance and research cooperation in the region.
A study by the University of California, Davis, found that households with limited time and money turned to school meals after the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act was implemented. The new policies attracted even greater participation from households seeking healthier food for their kids.
Scientists at UC Davis have identified new clusters of cells with differing gene expression patterns in the human and non-human primate amygdala. These findings suggest that alterations in specific cell types may contribute to disorders such as anxiety, and could lead to more targeted treatments.
Researchers at UC Davis studied the Drosophila uterus and found over 20 cell types, revealing previously invisible anatomy. The study also identified seminal fluid proteins expressed in both male and female flies, which may support viable sperm for long periods.
A new study by UC Davis engineers and economists finds that producing materials like steel, plastics, and cement inflicts $79 billion a year on the global climate. The team calculated climate costs using the Environmental Protection Agency's Social Cost of Carbon standard.
A new study finds that happy intimate partners are associated with lower stress hormone levels, particularly in older adults. Positive emotions with a partner can act as a social resource, buffering cortisol production and promoting healthy aging.
A new study suggests that being part of a 'civilization' reduces violence for women, but not men, in ancient Andes populations. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, analyzed data from 8,607 adults over 3,000 years and found that women experienced reduced lethal violence in organized states.
A new video series by UC Davis aims to educate building managers on removing pollutants from indoor spaces, linked to various health issues and even economic gains. The project's three R's approach focuses on removal, reduction, and mediation of air pollution sources.
A new UC Davis study found that culturally relevant support in school positively impacts adolescents' academic engagement, emotional well-being, and social experiences. The research highlights the importance of culturally sensitive educational practices and policies to promote youth development in multicultural settings.
A new study reveals that decades of human activities have reduced Chinook salmon size and disrupted their ability to spawn successfully. Effective management strategies can involve adjusting hatchery or harvest practices, restoring spawning sites with smaller river gravel, and protecting ecosystems.
Research at UC Davis found that megafire smoke can lower energy reserves in orchard trees and cut nut production by half, affecting plants for months after the fire. The study suggests that trees are vulnerable to smoke like humans, impacting agricultural and natural environments.
A systematic review of 40 studies found associations between outdoor air pollution and differences in children's brain volumes, connections, and markers for Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that even low-level pollution can impact brain development, highlighting the need for policy changes to reduce exposure.
Research finds high levels of inbreeding in Lassen and Sierra Nevada red fox populations, highlighting genetic rescue as a viable option for restoration. The study also reveals the potential for reconnection with neighboring populations to increase adaptive potential.
Adolescents with emotional support from friends and relatives were more likely to exhibit prosocial behavior and empathy as they entered young adulthood. Family support predicted youths' helpful actions toward close others, while good friend support led to volunteer work by age 19.
A California study found that over 50% of ride-hailing trips replaced more sustainable forms of transportation or created new vehicle miles, highlighting the need to improve the sustainability of ride-hailing services. The study also identified disparities in trip cancellations among low-income and minority groups.
The center aims to harness new technologies to detect, investigate, and prevent pandemics at their source. It combines expertise from four UC Davis powerhouses: veterinary medicine, engineering, agriculture, and medicine.
Low- and moderate-severity forest wildfires can significantly reduce the intensity of future conflagrations, with effects lasting up to 20 years in certain climates. Researchers found that these reburns have a moderating effect on forest resilience, even during extreme weather conditions.
A study by UC Davis found that 83% of products in Berkeley stores were compliant with the healthy checkout policy one year after its implementation, a 63% improvement. Healthy foods and beverages at checkout more than doubled from 29% to 62%.
A new study from the University of California, Davis, reveals how plants break down the hormone strigolactone to become more bushy. The researchers found that enzymes called carboxylesterases play a crucial role in degrading strigolactone, and identified specific amino acids that allow these enzymes to bind to the hormone.
Researchers at UC Davis have developed a new method called CaST to track the activation of brain neurons and biomolecules by psychedelic drugs. The tool allows scientists to study the cellular mechanisms behind psychedelic treatments for brain disorders, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
A new study by UC Davis researchers found that male gender and residency in large towns are the strongest risk factors for active TB progression in South Africa. Higher socioeconomic status, age, and migration history also impact active TB risk.
Researchers found that humans were born to run due to their unique physiological traits and social benefits of endurance pursuits. Studies reveal that humans were engaging in endurance hunting tactics for thousands of years, with similar patterns observed across diverse environments.
A recent study by UC Davis highlights California's vulnerability to climate change, with native plant species facing extinction in hot spots like the Sierra Nevada and coastal ranges. The study suggests a 19% loss of species by 2080 under current projections.