Science & Technology

Last year, in a lab at Loyola University in New Orleans, something happened that has never been seen before — a chicken embryo regenerated a joint. We know lizards regrow their tails and salamanders are capable of growing a new leg, but never has this been seen before in a chicken. In the case of […]

The basic assumption of researchers dealing with memory, including Brian Wiltgen, an assistant professor of UC Davis’s department of psychology and the Center for Neuroscience, is that memory retrieval involves the activation of the same neurons that were engaged during learning. He is in charge of a neuroscience laboratory focused on various topics such as […]

Most animal enthusiasts are familiar with the concept of freeing captive animals. Even bringing up the subject conjures mental images of the morose circus lion longing to roam outside his small cage. It seems that some aquarium owners have taken to this concept — perhaps inspired by the film Finding Nemo — and are emptying […]

According to the May 2011 survey conducted by the AARP (American Association of Retired Persons), individuals over the age of 50 take fewer precautions to prevent fraud and are therefore more susceptible to it. With a large portion of the population reaching that susceptible age, many groups interested in protecting the interests of older adults […]

When asked to name some of the people who changed the world, there are a few obvious names that come to mind: Martin Luther King Jr., Winston Churchill, Shakespeare, Darwin, Newton, Mozart, Einstein, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs … the list goes on ad infinitum. Why do we remember these people though? Although there are […]

As nations grow and the supply of fossil fuels diminishes, demands for alternative fuel sources rise. The miniscule blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, provide a means of producing alternative fuels and other commercial products. In UC Davis, Shota Atsumi, assistant professor of chemistry, and his research group have developed a method to enable cyanobacteria to produce […]

When American scientist Carl Woese passed away Dec. 30, 2012 at the age of 84, he left behind an outsized legacy built on the study of the world’s smallest living things. In the past several years, this field has provided dramatic new insights into the pervasive influence of microorganisms on human health, global climate and […]

Since March 2010, necropsies have revealed raccoons with a significant similarity. These specimens, studied by the scientists at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and UC Davis-led California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory (CAHFS), all had tumors. Raccoons, with their short lives, are not known for getting tumors so it was rare to […]

I want to talk about something today, and I hope that it does not result in my office getting burned down. But I work in a basement, so I guess its not that much of an issue. Genetically modified crops — devil incarnate or world savior? Solution to the hunger problem, or a capitalist venture? […]

As a species, humans have historically held a unique relationship with fermented grapes. The ancient Greeks devoted an entire god’s worth of worship to them, Dionysus. For the past few millennia, the French have held the tradition of producing wine very dearly. Even wealthy Northern Californians have a longstanding history of growing, strategically smashing and, […]

With the New Year comes resolutions to eat better, make a career change or to just be a better friend. With a high volume of birthdays approaching in the coming months, the thought of getting something for your roommate or distant friend may cross your mind, especially since you are subliminally expecting something from them. […]

If someone asked you right now where the closest fire extinguisher was, would you be able to answer correctly? Or answer at all? Safety is a major issue and is emphasized with safety training. Safety preparations are all around us, from fire alarms to flight attendants’ preflight speeches, from flashing exit signs, to street lights. […]