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University of California - Davis


Denisovans or Homo sapiens: Who were the first to settle (permanently) on the Tibetan Plateau?

A new study suggests that Denisovans arrived on the Tibetan Plateau around 160,000 years ago and contributed to the adaptation of modern humans to high altitudes. Genetic analysis reveals that Denisovans passed on genes such as EPAS1, which improves oxygen transport in the blood, to modern Tibetans.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 7, 2021

Most dog breeds highly inbred

A recent study published in Canine Medicine and Genetics reveals that most dog breeds are highly inbred, with an average inbreeding rate of 25% or sharing the same genetic material with a full sibling. This high level of inbreeding contributes to increased disease and healthcare costs throughout a breed's lifespan.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalCanine Medicine and Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 2, 2021

Global consensus needed to develop climate risk disclosures for companies

As investors increasingly demand climate-friendly stocks, researchers call for a global framework for mandatory climate risk disclosure by companies. A hybrid governance model that balances shareholder rights with blockholder interests is necessary to address the pressing need for a timely transition to net-zero business principles.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Energy·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 12, 2021

Antibody treatment prevents inflammation in lungs, nervous system in macaques with SARS-CoV-2

A new study found that monoclonal antibodies protected aged, diabetic rhesus macaque monkeys from SARS-CoV-2 disease by reducing signs of inflammation. The treatment prevented viral RNA in the cerebrospinal fluid and infiltration of activated immune cells, suggesting a potential preventative measure for elderly residents during outbreaks.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2021

Detector advance could lead to cheaper, easier medical scans

Researchers have demonstrated a new technique for cross-sectional medical images without the need for tomography, enabling faster and more accurate imaging. The breakthrough is made possible by ultrafast photon detectors that can precisely determine the arrival times of photons, allowing for reconstruction-free positron emission imaging.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 2021

Dwarf planet Vesta a window to the early solar system

Researchers have successfully sampled Vesta's mantle using meteorites derived from the dwarf planet, resolving the 'missing mantle problem' and providing a record of the earliest era in solar system formation. This breakthrough pushes back our knowledge to just two million years after the beginning of solar system formation.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021

Preventing child malnutrition and promoting healthy development

A small sachet of a fortified food-based supplement added to young children’s daily diets has shown remarkable results in preventing child mortality and malnutrition while promoting healthy development. The intervention resulted in lower prevalence of stunted growth, anemia, and adverse language and motor development outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 30, 2021

When it comes to reporting on sexual assault in media, words matter

A study by University of California, Davis researchers analyzed hundreds of Twitter and Reddit posts after news coverage of sexual assaults. They found that language in news reports can contribute to uncivil social media posts, including blaming victims and defending perpetrators. The study suggests that journalists may need to change ...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalCyberpsychology Behavior and Social Networking·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 28, 2021

Personality matters, even for squirrels

Researchers found that boldness, aggressiveness, activity level, and sociability are key personality traits in golden-mantled ground squirrels. These traits impact their access to food, territory, and predators, highlighting the importance of understanding animal personalities in wildlife conservation.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalAnimal Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2021

Both sucrose and high fructose corn syrup linked to increased health risks

A University of California, Davis study found that consuming sucrose and high fructose corn syrup can increase liver fat and decrease insulin sensitivity, highlighting the need for consumers to read labels carefully. The study also found no significant differences between the effects of sucrose and high fructose corn syrup.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2021

UC Davis C-STEM Center receives $2.4M grant to introduce African American girls to engineering and robotics

The UC Davis Center for Integrated Computing and STEM Education has received a $2.4 million grant to establish an initiative introducing Black/African American girls to engineering and robotics. The Ujima Girls in Robotics Leadership Project offers a free, hands-on program teaching girls middle and high school engineering and leadership.

Dog coat patterns have ancient origin

A new study by Professor Danika Bannasch and colleagues reveals that five distinct dog coat patterns have an ancient origin, dating back over 2 million years. The research suggests that lighter coat colors would have been advantageous to an extinct canid ancestor in arctic environments during glaciation periods.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2021

Why sunflowers face east

A study by researchers at the University of California, Davis found that sunflowers facing east produce more offspring due to increased morning warmth attracting bees. East-facing flower heads also tend to be warmer in the morning and release pollen earlier, coinciding with bee visits.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2021

Cultural biases impact native fish, too

A study published in Fisheries Magazine explores how colonialist attitudes toward native fishes were rooted in elements of racism and sexism, leading to overfishing and degradation of native species. The study recommends shifting to a new paradigm that's more inclusive and beneficial to all fish and people.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalFisheries·TypeSurvey·DateJul 26, 2021

To save a species, check its ID

A new decision tree tool has been developed to differentiate the endangered salt marsh harvest mouse from its abundant look-alike, the western harvest mouse. The tool uses machine learning to analyze characteristics such as belly color and tail hair, allowing for accurate identification with high accuracy.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalCalifornia Fish and Wildlife Journal·DateJul 21, 2021

Having a nice glass of French wine?

A new study from the University of California, Davis, found that France's Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system led to a significant increase in market value for French wines. The AOC system created production standards and mandatory tasting requirements, allowing wine growers to improve quality and be rewarded for it.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEuropean Economic Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 12, 2021