genomes | College of Biological Sciences

Giraffe, Gemsbok Genome Assemblies Add to Map of Life

The genomes of wild animals can help us understand how they have adapted to unique situations, give insight into their evolution and help in efforts to protect or restore endangered species. Two examples are recently published chromosome-scale genome assemblies for the Masai giraffe and the gemsbok.

Human and Animal Health

From Sheep and Cattle to Giraffes, Genome Study Reveals Evolution of Ruminants

A team of researchers has carried out a detailed study of the genomes of ruminants, giving new insight into their evolution and success.

Human and Animal Health

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

Professor Mark Goldman Appointed to the Joel Keizer Endowed Chair in Theoretical and Computational Biology

An advocate for computational and quantitative biology, Professor Mark Goldman has been appointed to the Joel Keizer Endowed Chair in Theoretical and Computational Biology. The position honors the late Professor Joel Keizer, a pioneering UC Davis faculty member and theoretical biologist who spent 28 years on campus.

Awards and Recognition

Coast Redwood and Giant Sequoia Mega-Genomes Sequenced

Scientists have successfully sequenced the coast redwood and giant sequoia genomes, completing the first major milestone of a five-year project to develop the tools necessary to study these forests’ genomic diversity.

Food, Agriculture and Plant Biology

The Language of Biology: How the Heck Do Scientists Assemble a Genome?

The genome—the complete suite of an organism’s DNA and genes—is likened to a blueprint for life. On the surface, this comparison provides some understanding of a biological concept. But according to some scientists, it misses the mark.

Human and Animal Health

$1.5 Million NSF Grant Will Help Make Hydra a Better Model for Studying Regeneration

With a grant from the National Science Foundation, Assistant Professor Celina Juliano will help develop genomic tools that will promote regenerative research and hopefully increase the number of researchers using Hydra as a model system.

Cellular and Microbiology

Fly Genomes Provide Clues to Parallel Evolution

In a paper appearing in PLOS Genetics, Professor David Begun, Department of Evolution and Ecology in the UC Davis College of Biological Sciences, compared the genomes of different fly species to understand how genes—both within and between species—evolve adaptively. He found that two fly species that diverged from a common ancestor some 50 million years ago, exhibited parallel evolution on both short- and long-term timescales.

Ecology and Environment

How a Genetic Mutation From 1 Bull Caused the Loss of Half a Million Calves Worldwide

Pawnee Farm Arlinda Chief was one of the most prolific bulls in the history of Holstein cattle breeding — but he also introduced a lethal gene into the population, responsible for an estimated half million spontaneous abortions worldwide. Now researchers have identified the mutation responsible, enabling ranchers to test for and avoid it.

Food, Agriculture and Plant Biology

Leading Genomics Scholars to Speak at Public Symposium Honoring Stephen Kowalczykowski

Colleagues, alumni and the general public are invited to a free symposium February 12-13 celebrating four decades of scientific achievements by Stephen Kowalczykowski, distinguished professor of microbiology and molecular genetics.

Awards and Recognition