UC Davis Science and Climate News

Gray Wolf Personality Research Uses Puzzle Boxes, Rain Sticks

Emily C. Dooley — September 20, 2023

Novel research out of UC Davis seeks to shed new light on the lives of gray wolves.

Scientists Investigate Green Sea Turtle Tumor Disease

Emily C. Dooley — August 31, 2023

A new epidemiological study of endangered juvenile green sea turtles in eastern Brazil suggests that factors such as water temperature, salinity and proximity to environmental stressors could trigger the development of a tumor disease associated with a herpesvirus.

Wildfire, Smoke and Air Quality Experts

Kat Kerlin — August 29, 2023

A UC Davis wildfire, smoke and air quality experts list for media, updated for 2023.

Wildfire, Soil Emissions Increasing Air Pollution in Remote Forests

Emily C. Dooley — August 29, 2023

Nitrogen dioxide levels in remote forest areas are increasang, and wildfire and soil emissions are likely the reasons why, finds a UC Davis study.

New Drone Research Advances Wildfire Monitoring

Jocelyn C Anderson — August 28, 2023

UC Davis’ new fire research utilizes drones and ground sensors for early wildfire detection, enhancing firefighter safety and promoting sustainability.

California Climate Action Grants Awarded to 4 UC Davis Projects

Kat Kerlin — August 23, 2023

UC awards four UC Davis projects with California Climate Action Grants. They'll focus on solar energy, urban streams, health impacts of wildfires and landscape resilience for California Indian Allotment lands.

Deforestation Limits Nesting Habitat for Cavity-Nesting Birds

Kat Kerlin — August 23, 2023

A UC Davis study of cavity-nesting birds in Ecuador shows the influence of deforestation on their habitat and reproductive success. Nest boxes could help.

Climate Change Experts List

Kat Kerlin — August 05, 2023

The interdisciplinary nature of the University of California, Davis, yields a deep bench of climate change experts who can discuss with reporters various aspects of climate change and the many facets of life it touches.

Find experts by category in the lists below:

Clarity, Changing Food Web Detailed in Annual Lake Tahoe Report

Emily C. Dooley — July 20, 2023

The UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center's annual Tahoe: State of the Lake Report, describes the past year as one of rapid biological change.

Skin Disease in Endangered Killer Whales Concerns Scientists

Kat Kerlin — June 28, 2023

Scientists studying endangered southern resident killer whales have observed a strong increase in the prevalence of skin disease in this population.

Climate Change Likely Led to Violence in Early Andean Populations

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — June 15, 2023

Climate change in current times has created problems for humans such as wildfires and reduced growing seasons for staple crops, spilling over into economic effects. Many researchers predict, and have observed in published literature, an increase in interpersonal violence and homicides when temperatures increase.

A Sustainable Solution: Compostable Wind Turbine Blades

Jocelyn C Anderson — May 30, 2023

Wind turbine blades are a major source of environmental pollution and waste. Learn how UC Davis is creating an ecologically sound solution for their disposal.

Global Transition to Electric Vehicles Needs Urgent Support, Report Warns

Kat Kerlin — May 25, 2023

A UC Davis report outlines policy actions needed to accelerate an equitable shift to Zero Emission Vehicles in low-income countries.

Cleanup of Inactive Gulf of Mexico Wells Estimated at $30 Billion

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — May 08, 2023

Wetlands, coastal areas and offshore waters near Alabama, Louisiana and Texas have more inactive wells than producing ones. Abandonment could cost $30 billion.

Coal Trains Increase Air Pollution in San Francisco Bay Area

Kat Kerlin — April 27, 2023

A UC Davis study based in the Bay Area is the first to quantify coal train pollution in the urban U.S, indicating environmental justice concerns for Richmond and Oakland.

Lake Tahoe’s Clarity the Best It’s Been Since 1980s

Kat Kerlin — April 10, 2023

In 2022, Lake Tahoe was the clearest it has been since the 1980s, due in part to a resurgence of the lake’s native zooplankton, finds the UC Davis Tahoe Clarity Report.

Sierra Squirrels Find Their Niche Amid a Changing Climate

Kat Kerlin — April 06, 2023

A UC Davis study of squirrels in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains finds that climate is just one factor impacting where species make their homes in a changing world.

Rainbow Trout Subspecies Newly Named

Kat Kerlin — March 29, 2023

The McCloud River redband trout, or O. mykiss calisulat, is newly identified as its own distinct subspecies of rainbow trout in a study from UC Davis. It was named in consultation with the Winnemem Wintu tribe.

How UC Davis Is Growing a Tree Canopy for Tomorrow’s Climate

Jocelyn C Anderson — March 28, 2023

Discover how UC Davis is planting a canopy of strong shade trees to prepare for the extreme heat waves central California will experience in the next 100 years.

Humans Are Leading Source of Death for California Mountain Lions, Despite Hunting Protections

Kat Kerlin — March 20, 2023

Humans are the leading source of death for California mountain lions, despite hunting protections, finds a study of the state's lions from University of Nebraska, UC Davis and other California researchers.