University News

Prescribed Burns Saved Thousands of Giant Sequoias

Katherine E Kerlin — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 09:00:00 PDT

When two major wildfires burned through the Sierra Nevada in 2020 and 2021, they took thousands of giant sequoia trees with them. Without prescribed burns, thousands more would have died, according to a new study from the University of California, Davis.

How Will AI Affect Social Inequality?

Jocelyn C Anderson — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 10:50:05 PDT

Over the past few years, artificial intelligence, or AI, has emerged as an important topic of discussion among social scientists, particularly in terms of its usefulness as a research tool, ethical implications, and potential effects on society. For the most part, these conversations have been speculative.

A Native California Wildflower Isn’t Keeping Up with Climate Change

Katherine E Kerlin — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 09:00:00 PDT

The mountain jewelflower inhabits a wide swath of California and Oregon, from summer-scorched foothills to high mountains where snow falls during winter. But it is already suffering from climate change, with plants in the mountains struggling to survive both summers and winters, according to a study from the University of California, Davis.

Surfing Webcams Help Demystify Oregon’s Coastal Fog

Katherine E Kerlin — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 09:00:00 PDT

Webcams commonly used by surfers are helping scientists measure Oregon's coastal fog, shows a study from 51�ԹϺ�� Davis and the USDA Forest Service.

Tahoe State of the Lake Report Released

Katherine E Kerlin — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 10:43:11 PDT

The University of California, Davis, Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) today released its “Tahoe: State of the Lake Report 2026” which presents data from 2025 in the context of the long-term record.

The report provides an annual update for non-scientists on the Lake Tahoe Basin’s ecological health. It includes data related to temperature, precipitation and snowmelt, nutrients, algae, water clarity and more.

That Avocado Oil Chip You’re Eating May Not Be Made With Pure Avocado Oil

Amy M Quinton — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 14:05:43 PDT

51�ԹϺ�� Davis researchers tested 54 avocado oil chips, mayo and dressings. Nearly 9 in 10 were adulterated with cheaper oils despite label claims.

‘Enchanted Broomstick’ Protein Walks on Two Stubby Legs to Keep Our Nerve Cells Alive

Katherine E Kerlin — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 10:59:23 PDT

A nerve cell resembles a vast tree with branches that communicate with thousands of other cells. To function, it depends on a motor protein that walks on two legs, hauling urgent cargo from the center of the cell to the faraway tips of every branch. Scientists have unveiled a new structure of this walking protein, showing how cells control it.

7 Early Career Faculty Honored for Creativity, Innovation

Cody Kitaura — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 11:15:00 PDT

Seven early career faculty members at 51�ԹϺ�� Davis are being recognized with awards from the university and the 51�ԹϺ�� Office of the President that highlight their research and creative exploration.

ORG CHART: Associate Dean, 5 Department Chairs

Cody Kitaura — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 11:00:00 PDT

In this week's Org Chart, we have news of several new department chairs, plus an associate dean. Read on to find out the details.

Artist Cassils Appointed to Maria Manetti Shrem Endowed Chair in Art Studio

Cody Kitaura — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 10:45:00 PDT

Renowned performance artist Cassils has been appointed to the Maria Manetti Shrem Endowed Chair in the Maria Manetti Shrem Art Studio Program at 51�ԹϺ�� Davis. Cassils is a Canadian transgender artist who makes their own body the material and protagonist of powerful performances that examine the histories of LGBTQIA+ violence, representation and struggle while illuminating narratives of resilience and empowerment.

51�ԹϺ�� Davis’ Record $676M Fundraising Year Marks New Era of Philanthropy

Katherine E Kerlin — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 09:00:00 PDT

51�ԹϺ�� Davis raised more than $676 million in philanthropic support during fiscal year 2025–26, marking the strongest fundraising year in its history.

Independent Audit Released of 51�ԹϺ�� Davis Equestrian Team Financial Records

Amy M Quinton — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 13:35:50 PDT

The University of California, Davis’ Audit and Management Advisory Services (AMAS) today released its independent audit of the financial records related to the NCAA Division I Women’s Equestrian program, which transitioned to a club sport on July 1, 2026.

How an Adolescent’s Brain Reacts to Faces May Predict Their Social Future

Amy M Quinton — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 09:52:33 PDT

51�ԹϺ�� Davis researchers have found how an adolescent's brain responds to a face might predict how well they socialize in the future.

Melting Icebergs Can Weaken a Massive, Far-Off Ocean Current System

Katherine E Kerlin — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 09:00:00 PDT

Melting and breaking icebergs in the far-off, northeastern region of the Pacific Ocean can weaken a massive current system in the Atlantic Ocean, according to a University of California, Davis study published in Nature Communications.

Aggie Venture Accelerator Welcomes Inaugural Cohort of Life Science Startups

James Michael Nash — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 08:55:00 PDT

The University of California, Davis Innovation and Economic Development Office has announced the inaugural cohort of the Aggie Venture Accelerator (AVA), selecting SinewUS, Pharm to Food and ThriveSpan Labs as the program’s first participating startups.

California Wolves Feed Heavily on Cattle, Study Finds

Amy M Quinton — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 11:00:00 PDT

California wolves primarily eat cattle and their presence cause significant stress among livestock, a new study finds.

CHANCELL-ING: Aggies Moving into Summer

Cody Kitaura — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 11:47:47 PDT

Welcome to the start of the Davis summer, and I hope that each of you is enjoying a wonderful Fourth of July weekend with friends, family and community.

Students Learn Plant Breeding, Gain Career Experience

Jocelyn C Anderson — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 09:00:42 PDT

How does plant breeding support organic farming? Students are developing new crops that help organic farmers grow healthy, strong plants.

Honeybee Queens Push Pesticides to Eggs to Protect Themselves Over Their Offspring

Katherine E Kerlin — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 08:00:00 PDT

A 51�ԹϺ�� Davis study reveals the extent a queen bee will go to survive.

51�ԹϺ�� Davis to Set Standard for Measuring Airborne Nanoplastic Health Risks

Katherine E Kerlin — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 09:00:18 PDT

51�ԹϺ�� Davis researchers have received a nearly $4 million grant NIEH to develop the world’s first standardized method for measuring and describing the neurotoxicity of airborne nanoplastics.