Siobhan Brady, a professor at UC Davis, aims to understand plant root responses to environmental stressors and develop more resilient plants. With HHMI funding, she will explore roots in new ways and incorporate innovative techniques to tackle climate change.
Venkatesan Sundaresan has been awarded the 2024 Wolf Prize in Agriculture for his groundbreaking research on plant reproductive biology. His work enables the production of clonal seeds from hybrid plants, simplifying crop breeding and increasing yields.
A study found hundreds of wild bat specimens being sold on Etsy and eBay as jewelry and decorations, threatening the painted woolly bat's conservation status. The trade's impact is exacerbated by the bats' slow life history and declining global populations.
Researchers at UC Davis discover that uncertainty drives anxiety by changing how we perceive hazard rates. The study found that when the timing of a potential threat is unknown, our brains respond with increased anxiety.
Researchers have developed a new nonhuman primate model that allows for the tracking and treatment of early-stage Alzheimer's disease. The study shows a six-month window in which disease progression can be measured, enabling preclinical testing of interventions targeting the tau protein.
A study found that nearly all US lakes were exposed to wildfire smoke for at least one day per year between 2019 and 2021. The researchers introduced a new metric, the 'lake-smoke day', to track smoke prevalence at lakes, which could help establish a baseline to better understand the extent of wildfire impacts.
A new research paper finds higher particulate pollution in areas near the Salton Sea after water was diverted to San Diego. The study, led by University of California - Davis professor Eric Edwards, models lakebed exposure and tracks dust movement over time, showing increased pollution in disadvantaged communities.
Researchers at UC Davis have updated their guidelines on neutering popular dog breeds, finding major differences in joint disorders and cancers. The study emphasizes personalized decisions, considering breed, sex, and context, and provides a table with guidelines for all 40 studied breeds.
A study by UC Davis found that schools with authoritative climates and supportive adults are linked to lower rates of hate speech among Asian American adolescents. Students in more structured environments experienced less hate speech, while those who engaged in fights were more likely to be targeted.
A recent study published in Communications: Earth & Environment found that wildfires covered 70% of California during the largest fire seasons on record. The study measured the impact of wildfire smoke on lakes and found changes in temperature, light, and oxygen levels, affecting lake productivity and health.
Researchers have documented 75 locations across northern Alaska's Brooks Range where remote streams and rivers are turning from crystal clear blue to cloudy orange. The staining is likely caused by minerals exposed by thawing permafrost, resulting in highly acidic and corrosive conditions.
A study from the University of California, Davis, estimates that U.S. reservoirs contain approximately 7.7 billion pounds of fish, with southern reservoirs holding over 4 billion pounds. Proper management could play a major role in food security and fisheries conservation.
A new study from the University of California, Davis found that coal train pollution has significant health effects disproportionately impacting communities of color and low-income populations. The study estimates that six additional deaths may occur annually among exposed populations under severe scenarios.
Researchers found that autocratic regimes have a higher degree of control over transit networks, enabling state-led monitoring and control of internet traffic. This is achieved through state-owned entities dominating transit networks in poorer but politically similar countries.
Researchers tracked 50 pregnant Angus and Hereford beef cows fitted with GPS collars to understand individual grazing patterns. They found consistent and distinct patterns across the two years, even when water sources changed, suggesting that recognizing personality types can benefit both animal health and environmental conditions.
Scientists at UC Davis discovered specific strains of soil bacteria that induce resistance to witchweed, a parasitic plant that affects 20% of Africa's sorghum crop. The bacteria alter root anatomy and degrade chemical cues, making it harder for witchweed to latch on, and have great promise as soil additives to improve yields.
A new study published in Aging and Mental Health found that people with dementia can assist their spousal caregivers, providing mutual benefits. The research suggests that reciprocated care can reduce caregiver burden and slow the progression of dementia symptoms, improving overall health outcomes.
A ketogenic diet significantly delays early stages of Alzheimer's-related memory loss in mice, according to a new study published in Communications Biology. The molecule beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is found to play a pivotal role in preventing this decline, improving synaptic function and memory formation.
Researchers have identified genetic variants linked to cognitive control and social problems in schizophrenia, potentially paving the way for more effective treatments. The study found that these variants are not targeted by current medications, which often focus on dopamine pathways.
A new study maps the potential impact of renewable energy on biodiversity in the southwestern US. Joshua trees and kit foxes are expected to lose significant habitats by 2070 due to climate change. The study suggests advanced computer modeling can help site renewable energy resources without overlapping with biodiversity hotspots.
A recent survey of parents whose infants were under six months old during the 2022 baby formula shortage found that 81% switched formulas, with 60% experiencing issues such as fussiness, gas, spit-up, constipation, and diarrhea. The study highlights the need for improved lactation education and support to prevent infant-feeding crises.
A new study analyzed over 5,700 invasive plant species and found nearly one-third exhibited lag periods between introduction and rapid expansion, with the average time being 40 years. This latency allows them to be overlooked, contributing to their eventual emergence as a serious ecological threat.
Researchers at UC Davis identified a promising new fungicide, ebselen, that targets the autophagy pathway to prevent fungal infections in crops. The chemical has shown anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties in humans and is more effective than currently available fungicides.
A new analysis of Perucetus colossus, a 30 million year-old fossil whale, estimates its weight to be between 60-70 tons, significantly less than the original estimate of 180 metric tons. This revised size allows the whale to maintain neutral buoyancy in water and come to the surface to breathe.
A study found that the avian influenza virus H5N1 has adapted to spread between birds and marine mammals, with nearly identical genome sequences detected in four sea lions, one fur seal, and a tern. The virus's ability to infect birds remains unchanged, while its transmission among marine mammals is concerning.
A team of researchers has identified the protein ATF7IP2 as crucial for ensuring male fertility. In sperm-forming cells, ATF7IP2 recruits the SETDB1 enzyme to compact X and Y chromosomes, preventing genomic errors. The protein also activates genes on non-sex chromosomes, important in recombination and sorting of chromosomes into sperm ...
New research shows that native wildflowers, which typically thrive after wildfires, are losing out to invasive plants due to nitrogen pollution from vehicle emissions. Invasive species outcompete native ones, leading to declining plant diversity and ecosystem imbalance.
A study published in the International Journal of Primatology confirms living Skywalker gibbons in Myanmar, leading to estimates of up to 65,000 individuals in one area. The conservation committee aims to protect this new population and promote protected areas for the species.
A study published in Advanced Science identified Engrailed-1 as a key factor promoting pancreatic cancer progression and metastasis. The researchers found that elevated Engrailed-1 levels were associated with severe pancreatic cancer, suggesting it as a potential target for therapies.
The new center will image birds of prey in flight to create 3D models of wing shapes, informing aircraft design for drones and other UAS. Researchers aim to unlock maneuverability in delivery, firefighting, and surveillance applications.
A new UC Davis study found that adolescent girls who internalize rejection experience increased brain activity in areas related to self-definition, leading to a tendency to ruminate. This knowledge can inform targeted interventions to treat rumination and prevent long-term mental health issues.
Researchers discovered that male large black chafer beetles have a 48-hour circadian clock to detect female pheromones, synchronized with females' mating behavior. The study sheds light on the biological mechanism behind this unusual cycle, leaving experts wondering about the underlying cues that govern natural rhythms.
A University of California, Davis study has documented two new potential species of lamprey fish in California waters, revealing more diversity than previously thought. This discovery could impact management practices and protect the populations, as well as support ecosystems and the food web.
Researchers at UC Davis have found that ultrafast laser pulses can significantly reduce the energy needs of data storage. The pulses accelerate magnetic domains, allowing for faster and more stable memory storage. This technology has the potential to revolutionize spintronic devices such as hard disk drives.
The UC Davis Integrative Center for Alternative Meat and Protein (iCAMP) aims to advance sustainable food innovation through research and partnerships. The center will focus on scaling up alternative protein production, improving consumer acceptance, and reducing environmental impact.
Scientists at the University of California, Davis, have successfully synthesized specific chiral molecules using rearrangements of simple hydrocarbons and complex organic catalysts. This breakthrough enables better harnessing of hydrocarbons for various purposes, including precursors to medicines and materials.
A study published in PNAS reveals that kelp forests and sandy beaches are connected through synchrony, which affects the beach food web's dynamics. The research found patterns of synchrony between kelp abundance, wave action, and beach width, highlighting the importance of kelp subsidies for shorebirds.
A new study by researchers at the University of California, Davis, reveals that tomato plants produce a water-repellent polymer called exodermal suberin to cope with drought. Without it, tomato plants are less able to withstand water stress.
New research reveals archery technology in the Andes dates back 5,000 years, coinciding with social complexity and village growth. The study analyzed over 1,000 projectile points and found a significant decrease in size around 5,000 years ago, suggesting a shift from spear-throwing to bow-and-arrow technology.
A team of researchers has decoded the genetic diversity of nine species of wild North American grapes, revealing critical traits that could accelerate grape breeding efforts. The research identifies key genes responsible for important traits such as salt tolerance, drought resistance, and defense against Pierce's disease.
A study published in Nature predicts that climate change will lead to a 9% loss of ecosystem services by 2100, with the poorest 50% of countries expected to bear 90% of the damages. The study's findings highlight the importance of accounting for natural systems and human well-being within economic frameworks.
A new paper examines the challenges of adopting AI in the food industry, citing liability risks and potential costs, and proposes a temporary on-ramp to allow companies to trial AI technology while exploring benefits and mitigation strategies.
Researchers have discovered lipid fossils in ancient rocks, providing clues about the evolution of life. The findings suggest that a shift in animal feeding strategies occurred around 1.6 billion years ago, with some species abandoning phytosterol production as they obtained this nutrient from algae.
Exposure to ocean acidification in red abalone can last across generations, affecting growth rates and reproductive potential. Scientists found that buffering the water chemistry at crucial life stages can help ease these effects for captive- and commercially raised red abalone.
A study by the University of California, Davis, found that North American mammals consistently depend on forests and avoid cities, farms, and other human-dominated areas in hotter climes. This suggests that preserving forest cover will be increasingly important for wildlife conservation as the climate warms.
A new study published in Science reveals that modern maize originated from a hybrid of two teosintes created around 5000 years ago in central Mexico. The hybridization event led to the spread of maize across the Americas and later worldwide, becoming one of the world's most important crops.
Research reveals that people with high conscientiousness and extraversion traits are less likely to receive a dementia diagnosis, unlike those with neuroticism and negative affect. The study analyzed data from over 44,000 individuals and found no link between personality traits and actual brain pathology.
Researchers from UC Davis analyzed 23 million Venmo transactions to find at least 83,068 unique users using drug-related emojis or slang. The study highlights the need for vigilance and adaptive regulatory measures to prevent digital footprints from being misused.
Researchers found that quercetin in red wine can cause headaches due to its interference with alcohol metabolism, leading to high levels of acetaldehyde. The study suggests a new hypothesis for why some people experience red wine headaches, particularly those with pre-existing migraine or primary headache conditions.
A new study by University of California, Davis researchers reveals that domestic cats use bacteria living in their anal glands to produce unique scents that convey important information. These volatile organic compounds are essential for cat behavior, social lives, and territorial marking.