Clay cache found on Mars

Since landing in 2012, NASA’s Curiosity rover has been collecting data about the geology and chemistry of the Martian surface. As a member of NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory, geology professor Dawn Sumner helps plan the route Curiosity takes as it explore ancient environments in Gale Crater. 

Synthetic Version of CBD Treats Seizures in Rats

A synthetic, non-intoxicating analogue of cannabidiol (CBD) is effective in treating seizures in rats, according to research by chemists at the University of California, Davis. The synthetic CBD alternative is easier to purify than a plant extract, eliminates the need to use agricultural land for hemp cultivation, and could avoid legal complications with cannabis-related products.

Metals Influence C-peptide Hormone Related to Insulin

Metals such as zinc, copper and chromium bind to and influence a peptide involved in insulin production, according to new work from chemists at the University of California, Davis. The research is part of a new field of “metalloendocrinology” that takes a detailed look at the role of metals in biological processes in the body. 

Lassen Is UC Davis’ Newest Natural Reserve

With a terrain covering volcanoes, steaming fumaroles and forestlands, the Lassen Field Station is the newest addition to the University of California, Davis’ Natural Reserve System. The partnership offers researchers access to a variety of park facilities such as cabins, classroom space and camping. The reserve will streamline the research permit process and open new avenues for research, teaching and public outreach.

Statistics Fellowship for Professor Debashis Paul

Professor of Statistics Debashis Paul has been elected to Fellowship in the Institute of Mathematical Statistics. IMS Fellowship honors the outstanding research and professional contributions of members in the field of statistics and probability. Each newly-elected Fellow will be presented with a plaque during the IMS awards ceremony on July 29, 2019, at the Joint Statistical Meetings/IMS Annual Meeting in Denver. 


UC Davis Chemist Marie Heffern Wins Hartwell Foundation Award

Although trace metals such as copper, zinc and cobalt play a pivotal role in human health, not much is known about how the body uses these elements. A better understanding of the role and influence of metals could lead to new biomarkers and diagnostic tests for metabolic disorders such as diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), says UC Davis professor Marie Heffern, who specializes in bioinorganic chemistry. 

Small Towns, Big Flood Waters

River flooding continues to be the deadliest and most costly natural disaster threatening the U.S. and the world. Research by Nicholas Pinter, the Roy J. Shlemon Professor of Applied Geosciences, and Huck Rees, undergraduate geology major, could help

David Britt Wins Prestigious Royal Society of Chemistry Award

UC Davis Distinguished Professor of Chemistry R. David Britt has been named winner of the prestigious Bioinorganic Chemistry Award from the Royal Society of Chemistry for developing state-of-the-art spectroscopic methods to characterize the active sites of metalloenzymes.