Headline Content

Tahoe State of the Lake Report Released for 2024

Katherine E Kerlin — July 17, 2025 - 9:00am

The 51�Թϱ�� Tahoe Environmental Research Center today released its “Tahoe: State of the Lake Report ,” which presents data from 2024 in the context of the long-term record.

First Students Move Into Aggie Square

Cody Kitaura — July 15, 2025 - 2:10pm

51�Թϱ�� celebrated a milestone on June 27 with the grand opening of Anova Aggie Square, a six-story smart residential complex that brings on-campus student housing to its Sacramento campus for the first time.

Molecular Simulations Show Graphite ‘Hijacks’ Diamond Formation Through Unexpected Crystallization Pathways

Andy Fell — July 09, 2025 - 10:31am

The graphite found in your favorite pencil could have instead been the diamond your mother always wears. What made the difference? Researchers are finding out.

How molten carbon crystallizes into either graphite or diamond is relevant to planetary science, materials manufacturing and nuclear fusion research. However, this moment of crystallization is difficult to study experimentally because it happens very rapidly and under extreme conditions.

Plants Seek Friendly Environments Rather Than Adapt

Andy Fell — July 01, 2025 - 9:33am

As jewelflowers spread into California from the desert Southwest over the past couple of million years, they settled in places that felt like home, according to a new study from the 51�Թϱ��, Davis. The work, published July 1 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, shows that the ability of plants and animals to adapt to changing climates might be more limited than it appears.

Disposable E-Cigarettes More Toxic Than Traditional Cigarettes

Katherine E Kerlin — June 25, 2025 - 5:00am

They may look like travel shampoo bottles and smell like bubblegum, but after a few hundred puffs, some disposable, electronic cigarettes and vape pods release higher amounts of toxic metals than older e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes, according to a study from the 51�Թϱ��, Davis. For example, one of the disposable e-cigarettes studied released more lead during a day’s use than nearly 20 packs of traditional cigarettes.

Lake Tahoe Clarity Report: Trend Stable, Not Improving

Katherine E Kerlin — June 16, 2025 - 5:35pm

51�Թϱ�� Tahoe Environmental Research Center releases its annual Tahoe Clarity Report.

51�Թϱ�� Launches Small-Batch Wine Label

Amy M Quinton — June 11, 2025 - 11:00am

51�Թϱ�� is selling wines to the public made by students, staff and faculty from Napa Valley and Yolo County grapes.

Student Speakers at 51�Թϱ�� Commencements To Reflect on Journeys, Look Forward

Julia Ann Easley — June 09, 2025 - 5:18pm

Editor’s note: Commencements require tickets for admission. To attend, contact Julia Ann Easley in advance at jaeasley@ucdavis.edu.

Shanlea “Sen” Tabofunda of Cupertino, California, set a goal for their first year at the 51�Թϱ��, Davis: learning to ride a bike without using their hands.

Top 51�Թϱ�� Graduate Aims To Transform Experience of Aging

Julia Ann Easley — June 03, 2025 - 4:46pm

Only on annual visits to India was Avantika Gokulnatha able to help care for her now late grandfather as his health failed. But the San Jose resident endeavored to help others near her.

Gokulnatha did just that as she studied biological sciences and researched aging at the 51�Թϱ��, Davis. She volunteered with a local hospice, revived a student organization to help seniors with technology, and led other undergraduate volunteers at a clinic providing free medical care to uninsured and marginalized people.

City-Dwelling Monarch Butterflies Stay Put

Andy Fell — May 28, 2025 - 10:00am

Monarch butterflies are famous for their annual migrations, but not all migrate. In recent years, more and more monarchs have been living and breeding year-round in California’s Bay Area, thanks in part to the growing presence of non-native milkweeds in urban gardens.