Science & Technology

Early ecologists thought plants were wimps. Sure, some plants have toxins or thorns, but most just sit there like wild salad bars. Plant passivity is the dark side of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. In a conflict between plant and herbivore, the caterpillar gets fat and the plant gets dead. Researchers at UC Davis, however, are studying plant responses to enemies like viruses and insects. It turns out plants are far from defenseless. They can fight off disease and even call in reinforcements. In the struggle for survival, every leaf is a battlefield.

A group of American and Russian scientists has discovered a new element that is a missing link to developing some of the heaviest bits of atomic mass ever produced. The element, still nameless, was produced by smashing together an isotope of calcium with the radioactive element berkelium in a particle accelerator near Moscow. Published in the journal Physical Review Letters, the data supports the theory that as elements become heavier, they also become more stable and live longer than other atomic structures produced before. In order for the element to gain an official name, the discovery has to be confirmed at another location. Once confirmed, the element will take its place on the periodic table.

The recent release of recommendations for computer configurations from UC Davis's Information and Education Technology department outlines what specifications students should have to achieve maximum functionality. The list, the Recommended Computer Configurations for 2010-2011, has key changes from previous versions. It orients students to have more RAM (random-access memory), bigger hard-drives and a new operating system (for both Macs and PCs). Outdated computers run the risk of not meeting campus cyber security policy, and not achieving desirable functionality both on and off campus.

Life's rough if you're a male sage grouse. First, you have to live in Montana, where there's no In-N-Out Burger. Second, you will probably never get laid. Spring is mating season for the sage grouse of the Great Plains. It's a time for migration, vocalization and twitter-pation[cq], but not a lot of action.

Slug: 100331_sc_PlantsNotes: There are s in this article! Watch out!Headline: New haploid breeding methods for plants discoveredLayercake: UC Davis researchers stumble upon procedure accidentallyBy...

Slug: 100331_sc_SSHeadline: Science SceneWomen underrepresented in science and math, study says. A report by the American Association of University Women found that despite...

UC Davis has opened a new center for stem-cell research, which facilitators believe will be the hub of regenerative cures in California over the next several years. The UC Davis Institute for Regenerative Cures opened at its location last month in Sacramento. The institute primarily focuses on clinical and research methods to devise cures for stem-cell related diseases. The state's stem cell agency - the California Institute for Regenerative

A new optical device developed at UC Davis may be able to convert pulses of light faster into electronic signals than ever before, with possible applications for a faster Internet connection and better imaging of Earth.

A paper in the March edition of The Astrophysics Journal said current astronomical efforts are being made to utilize gravitational lenses to measure the Hubble constant, a scientific value which can determine the size and age of the universe.

Obama plans Florida forum for future of NASA

Increased numbers of senior citizens smoke marijuana

Fifteen years after playing music in college, Carl Winter has found a new way to use his musical talents: to write food safety parodies.

Professor Mark Mascal said he likes to make an impact on a student's life, no matter how small.

On Feb. 10, Google launched its search for candidates to test Google Fiber, an experimental high-speed Internet network. The Davis community is set on putting the city on the map to win.

Robots can vacuum, assemble cars and explore outer space, and now they have successfully taken on a new life-saving task - lending a hand in heart surgery.