Evolution and Ecology Content

Can Corals Be Saved?

Andy Fell — November 04, 2024 - 4:13pm

It takes a strong constitution to be a coral researcher these days. These vibrant underwater ecosystems are beset by all manner of challenges in the 21st century, from bleaching events and pollution to storm surges and overfishing. But there’s good news on the way for coral conservation.

Invisible Anatomy in the Fruit Fly Uterus

Andy Fell — October 25, 2024 - 11:06am

You have likely not spent much time thinking about the uterus of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. But then, neither have most scientists, even though Drosophila is one of the most thoroughly studied lab animals. Now a team of biologists at the University of California, Davis, has taken the first deep look at the Drosophila uterus and found some surprises, which could have implications not just for understanding insect reproduction and potentially, pest control, but also for understanding fertility in humans.

Fighting Climate Change with Bee-utiful Pollinator Gardens

Malia N Reiss — May 09, 2024 - 1:44pm

From daisies and lavender to sunflowers and orange blossoms, flower gardens not only result in beautiful table centerpieces, bragging rights and a joyful hobby. They can also be hugely beneficial to local pollinators and, by close extension, food security and biodiversity.

Maize Researcher Wins Prestigious National Academy of Sciences Prize

Andy Fell — January 23, 2024 - 10:00am

Jeffrey Ross-Ibarra, a professor in the Department of Evolution and Ecology at the University of California, Davis, has been awarded the prestigious National Academy of Sciences Prize in Food and Agriculture Sciences for 2024.

Scientists and Their Science Tattoos

Malia N Reiss — December 18, 2023 - 10:03am

What better way to mark a lifetime of science than with a tattoo? This permanent body ink is the badge of true passion for these scientists.

Laci Gerhart

Ecologists aren’t above obsessing over the cool animals in their backyards.

Renowned Marine Ecologist Jay Stachowicz Wins Teaching Prize

Andy Fell — December 05, 2023 - 9:45am

When Professor Jay Stachowicz heard that 51�ԹϺ�� Davis’ chancellor needed to speak to him urgently, he worried he had done something wrong.

More Than Meows: How Bacteria Help Cats Communicate

Andy Fell — November 15, 2023 - 10:15am

Many mammals, from domestic cats and dogs to giant pandas, use scent to communicate with each other. A new study from the University of California, Davis, shows how domestic cats send signals to each other using odors derived from families of bacteria living in their anal glands. The work was published Nov. 8 in Scientific Reports.

Genome Study Shows Recent Spread of Eelgrass

Andy Fell — July 21, 2023 - 10:52am

A study of eelgrass DNA shows that this important coastal plant spread from the Pacific to the Atlantic much later than thought. A lack of genetic diversity could make this key species more vulnerable to climate change.

Science Storytelling Through a Camera Lens

Katherine E Kerlin — January 18, 2023 - 10:07am

From Chilean tidepools to the High Sierra, 12 51�ԹϺ�� Davis graduate students traveled the world this summer in search of answers to ecology’s most pressing questions.

In the blazing 100-degree Texas sun, Jon Aguiñaga waded through polluted waters on the side of freeways to capture tiny fish, which he then ran experiments on in the garage of an Airbnb. Marissa Sandoval flew to Florida to extract sexual-selection perfumes from the green inflorescent legs of orchid bees. MJ Farruggia trekked more than 1,000 miles in the Sierra backcountry for 240 days and is “still not tired of it.”

Hibernating Corals and the Microbiomes That Sustain Them

Katherine E Kerlin — December 01, 2022 - 8:30am

What happens to a coral's microbiome while it hibernates? A 51�ԹϺ�� Davis study found microbial communities shift while a coral sleeps, which may inform coral health and recovery efforts.