Science & Technology

In December 2025, UC Davis researchers published cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of augmin, a protein complex that helps organize the microtubules that comprise the mitotic spindle, which helps sister chromatids separate during mitosis. The team, whose findings were published in Nature, was led by Dr. Bo Liu, a professor of plant biology, and Dr. Jawdat Al-Bassam, an associate professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology.

The technology provides a cost-effective method to help small-scale farmers increase yield    By JOANNA ABRAHAM— science@theaggie.org    In January 2026, UC Davis researchers at the Sundaresan Lab received a $4.9 million Gates Foundation Grant to further develop a novel technique, synthetic apomixis, that produces clonal hybrid seeds. Their research also received the $500,000 VinFuture […]

What the discovery of this new species means and how it questions our understanding of past findings   By EMILIA ROSE— science@theaggie.org   As many know, the dinosaur-filled “Jurassic Park” movies aren’t exactly known for their scientific accuracy. In fact, it is well understood that the ginormous, scaly creatures depicted in those films are missing […]

Students share their stories about the bioinnovation club   By NAREN KRISHNA JEGAN — science@theaggie.org   The International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) is the world’s premier international synthetic biology research competition, drawing over 11,000 student researchers from high-school, college and post-graduate levels to design solutions for the world’s most pressing issues. After a four-year hiatus, […]

A Feb. 17 annular solar eclipse darkened the surface of Antarctica   By EMILIA ROSE— science@theaggie.org   On Feb. 17, 2026, a glowing ring of fire passed over Antarctica, casting the frozen continent into a slight darkness. On that day, penguins and scientists alike witnessed the moon passing in front of the sun, which created […]

The device functions as an alternative to surgical methods and allows for quicker recovery  By JOANNA ABRAHAM— science@theaggie.org  In November 2025, UC Davis Health became the first in the world to successfully use a novel catheter device — Abbot’s G5 MitraClip and TriClip — to treat mitral and tricuspid regurgitation, or leaky heart valves. Leaky […]

UC Davis student-run underwater robotics team is set to partake in international RoboSub competition By NAREN KRISHNA JEGAN — science@theaggie.org Robots have been an increasingly present phenomenon in our everyday lives. Some restaurants, for instance, use robot waiters that serve food directly to their customers, while other establishments, such as car manufacturers, use robots as […]

Developments in pre-planned Martian rover routes may allow humans to effectively traverse new frontiers By EMILIA ROSE— science@theaggie.org From Dec. 8 to 10, amidst the parched sands of the Martian surface, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Perseverance Rover travelled along its first-ever route solely devised by another machine. On any usual day on […]

While getting 8 hours of sleep is beneficial, timing and consistency also play a role in long-term health By EMILIA ROSE — science@theaggie.org On any given night, staying up past your bedtime might not seem like a big deal: in fact, there are many reasons to stay up late — a video might run long, […]