News | College of Biological Sciences

Dark Centers of Chromosomes Reveal Ancient DNA

Geneticists exploring the dark heart of the human genome have discovered big chunks of Neanderthal and other ancient DNA. The results open new ways to study both how chromosomes behave during cell division and how they have changed during human evolution.

Ecology and Environment

Using Genomics to Trace Human Family Origins with Undergraduate of the Year Cole Williams

For his outstanding research and service, Cole Williams, who graduated this month, was named the 2019 College of Biological Sciences Undergraduate of the Year.

Awards and Recognition

Different Strokes for Different Fly Folks: Study Links Reproductive Evolution of Hawaiian Flies to Environment

In a new study, UC Davis postdoctoral researcher Didem Sarikaya and her colleagues analyzed egg-laying strategies of 65 different Hawaiian Drosophila species and found that egg-laying capacities diverged in response to their unique environments, which directly affected the number of cells involved in each species’ ovarian development.

Ecology and Environment

Trial by Cellular Culture: Baskin Research Award Winner Wenzhe Li Walks with Motor Proteins

In Richard McKenney’s lab, Wenzhe Li studies the motor protein cytoplasmic dynein. Aided by her interest in psychology, Li aims to link cellular and molecular biology processes to mind and behavior. For her work, she was awarded the Ronald and Lydia Baskin Research Award.

Awards and Recognition

A Tradition of Terrestriality: Population Biology Ph.D. Student Victoria Morgan Journeys Among Land Crabs

Population Biology Ph.D. student Victoria Morgan uses genetics to understand how land crabs adapted to living on land. Her research has taken her all the way to Christmas Island, home to the annual Christmas lsland Red Crab migration.

Ecology and Environment

College of Biological Sciences Medalist Joleen Cheah Stretches Cells and Her Capabilities

For her outstanding research activities and scholarship, Joleen Cheah was awarded the College of Biological Sciences Medal. She was also recently awarded the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Research and the University Honors Program’s Research and Innovation Award.

Awards and Recognition

Discovering Curiosity: The Buggy Scent of Desire with Distinguished Professor Walter Leal

To inform pest management techniques and fight threats like Citrus Greening disease, Walter Leal and his colleagues use reverse chemical ecology to identify sex pheromones in insects. From Brazil to Japan to Davis, Calif., Leal's research path has been unique.

Ecology and Environment

Survive, Thrive and Communicate: Baskin Award Winner Lynne Hagelthorn Explores the Chemical World of Plants

Senior biochemistry and molecular biology student Lynne Hagelthorn is one of the recipients of this year’s Ronald and Lydia Baskin Award, which recognizes a graduating senior for excellence in biological sciences research.

Awards and Recognition

A Menagerie of Model Organisms

What can a worm or fish tell us about the human body? When it comes to biology, quite a lot actually. Learn how UC Davis researchers are using animal models to answer basic biological questions that will build the foundation for revolutions in human health in the new feature story "A Menagerie of Model Organisms."

Human and Animal Health

Engineering a Balanced Diet? Hormone FGF21 Promotes Protein Preference

In a study appearing in Endocrinology, Associate Professor Karen Ryan and her colleagues identified the hormone fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21) as a control for regulating dietary protein intake in male mice. They found that male mice injected with the hormone increased their intake of dietary protein over carbohydrates and fats.

Human and Animal Health