From Labs to Lives Content

Direct vs. Indirect Costs: Federal Research Funding Explained

Tatiana Muniz — November 25, 2025 - 9:51am

Federal funding supports research by covering direct and indirect costs, keeping critical labs running and supporting discoveries that improve lives.

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

Katherine E Kerlin — July 15, 2026 - 10:59am

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.

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

Katherine E Kerlin — July 01, 2026 - 9:00am

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.

Stop-and-Go Science: Researchers Pivot to Try to Salvage Important Work

Jocelyn C Anderson — April 27, 2026 - 9:00am

When climate change is faster than the speed of science and unstable funding threatens discovery, 51�ԹϺ�� Davis scientists pivot to try to save important research.

First Cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Northern Elephant Seals Confirmed in California

Katherine E Kerlin — February 25, 2026 - 10:00am

Note: March 12, 2026: This outbreak is ongoing. For the latest updates and materials, please visit the Institute for Pandemic Insights information page.

Seven weaned elephant seal pups in California’s Año Nuevo State Park tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory confirmed Tuesday evening.

51�ԹϺ�� Davis Marks Anniversary of From Labs to Lives Campaign With Campuswide ‘Takeover’

James Michael Nash — February 25, 2026 - 6:00am

Over the past year, tens of thousands of people have watched and listened to University of California, Davis, researchers describe how federally funded research advances human and animal health, enables farmers to grow higher-yielding and sustainable crops, and enhances our understanding of our planet and cosmos.

How to Show Support for Federally Funded Research on Feb. 25

Cody Kitaura — February 17, 2026 - 12:30pm

On Oct. 15, the 51�ԹϺ�� Davis community came together to show support for federally funded research that saves and improves human and animal lives, advances scientific knowledge and creates jobs and economic impact.

2025 Arctic Report Card Released

Katherine E Kerlin — December 16, 2025 - 2:00pm

Bright orange rivers, a greening tundra, the “Atlantification” of the Arctic and record-breaking temperatures on both land and sea are among the emerging concerns highlighted in the 2025 Arctic Report Card from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA.) Now in its 20th year, the peer-reviewed report includes chapters by 112 authors from 13 countries, each dedicated to monitoring changes in the Arctic.

Federal Funding Protects California’s Future

Jocelyn C Anderson — December 15, 2025 - 9:00am

Federal grants support 51�ԹϺ�� Davis research in FIP treatment, Alzheimer’s technology and water-efficient farming that protects communities and the environment.

Federal Budget Cut Halts Solar Heat Technology Project

Andy Fell — December 08, 2025 - 2:35pm

A project to capture solar heat for industrial use — with potential spinoffs in other energy areas, including nuclear power — has been canceled by the U.S. Department of Energy on the cusp of its final phase. The University of California, Davis, received a letter from the federal agency stating that the work “does not effectuate the Department of Energy’s priorities.”