An Alien Invasion Threatens Wildflower Habitat
Have you ever heard of a hibernating habitat? You may not be familiar with vernal pools, but that’s probably because they are dry, dormant, and and boring for most of the year. These odd ecosystems come to life when winter rains fall on impermeable soils and collect into shallow pools. As spring nears and the water in the pool dissipates, the receding shoreline gives rise to concentric rings of intensely beautiful wildflowers, most of which are adapted to live only in these pools. (Read more) |
Researchers Develop Field Test for Toxic Mushrooms
New diagnostic test screens for mushroom poisonings in humans, animals Researchers from UC Davis and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) have developed a portable field test for detecting the presence of the toxin amanitin found in poisonous mushrooms. Eating poisonous mushrooms causes over 100 deaths per year in humans and many more in animals. This quick screening test can help doctors and veterinarians alike determine if their patients are suffering from the effects of consuming toxic mushrooms. (Read more) |
UC Davis Researchers publish comprehensive study on female millipede reproductive structures
3D modeling of millipedes reveals complex mating strategies Scientists have finally uncovered the birds and the bees of millipedes. Millipede mating is a poorly understood topic in entomology, but a recent collaboration between UC Davis entomologists and the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago reveals the intricate anatomy of millipedes. (Read more) |
Bumblebees change flight modes to carry heavy loads of nectar
Energy-saving method of flying allows bees to forage for food more efficiently Bumblebees are the ultimate champions of carrying all their groceries home in a single trip. As UC Davis researchers discovered, bumblebees change their flight patterns to be efficient when carrying heavy loads of pollen and nectar. (Read more) |
Genetic analyses reveal why dogs have different coat colors
Redhead furry friends get goat color from repeated segments of DNA A new study from UC Davis researchers explores the genetic controls that make similar breeds of dogs exhibit variation in coat colors. This study is based on gene expression - interactions between different versions of dominant and recessive genes result in the Labrador’s classic black, brown or yellow coat. As complex as it is, this type of genetic interaction doesn’t account for all variation in coat colors. (Read more) |
"Reverse" solar panels harness Earth's heat to generate energy
Heat-radiating panels supplement solar cells meant to generate electricity at night A groundbreaking theoretical study from two UC Davis researchers explores the possibility of using “reverse” solar cells to generate power from Earth’s residual heat instead of from direct sunlight. The cells work based on the principles of heat flow, also known as thermal radiation. Heat naturally flows from warm areas to cool areas. This technology aims to harness that natural process and generate usable energy. (Read more) |
Seeds optimize sprouting time based on genetic responses to environmental cues
Genetic variation across climates affects seed germination Seeds may appear lifeless as they lay dormant in the soil, but inside each little capsule is a complex biochemical machine waiting for the right time to spring to life. A new study led by UC Davis researchers investigated how climate conditions may play a major role in regulating the timing of plant life cycles. (Read more) |
Orchid bees mix unique perfumes to signal potential mates
Evolution of scent receptor genes distinguishes a divergent species of orchid bee Orchid bees are master chemists. Each species gathers a unique mix of smells from the environment to attract mates. In a recent study, researchers surveyed two related species of orchid bees, Euglossa dilemma and Euglossa viridissima, and compared their unique perfumes. Even though the two species look identical, they are genetically attuned to their own specific scents. (Read more) |
Using drones and predatory bugs, UC Davis researchers treat crop pests
Flying into the future of agriculture Entomologists and engineers are collaborating on a new method of controlling agricultural pests. In Santa Monica, Calif., researchers flew drones with light-sensitive cameras over a strawberry field to locate pest-damaged plants. Armed with a map of leaf reflectance patterns, they deployed drones loaded with predatory bugs to spot treat the field. (Read more) |