UC Davis College of Biological Sciences

Researchers in the Department of Plant Biology are investigating how Christmas trees’ distinctive scent could help keep pests at bay. Each year, nearly 30 million Americans purchase a real tree for the holidays. But growing the perfect holiday tree takes about seven years, during which farmers need to keep insects, fungal pathogens, and hungry deer at bay. Researchers suspect the distinctive piney smell ?? the trees emit likely plays a role in deterring these pests. However, not all trees smell the same, and the specific chemical blends that confer resistance are still unclear. ?? Philipp Zerbe, a professor of plant biology, and his team are working to uncover the optimal combination of scent molecules to deter pests while preserving the traditional fragrance we all love. ?? Their research aims to help breeders improve trees’ traits and hardiness, making them both resilient and beloved holiday staples. “Through this project, we hope to give the breeders trees that are more resistant to herbivores and microbial disease, and also trees that people really enjoy having in their homes,” said Zerbe. Read more here: bit.ly/3CEjNkw #PlantScience #ChristmasTrees #HolidayResearch #CropProtection #PinePerfection #ScienceForTheSeason #SustainableHolidays ??

Francis McNally, professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology, is eavesdropping on egg development as it unfolds inside mother worms—Caenorhabditis elegans, to be exact. This tiny soil worm, just 1 mm long and made up of 959 cells, holds big secrets thanks to its transparent body. “It gives us a rare window into something we couldn’t otherwise see,” McNally shares. “You can anesthetize the worm, watch through a microscope, and film the entire process.” Read more the story here: bit.ly/40XZpVx #MolecularBiology #CellularBiology #TransparentWorms #CaenorhabditisElegans #ScienceIsCool #EggDevelopment #MicroscopyMagic #ResearchSpotlight

??Rice feeds over half the world’s population, yet high-yield seeds remain out of reach for many farmers due to cost. UC Davis and UC Berkeley researchers have found a potential solution: activating two genes, BBM1 and WOX9A, to trigger embryo formation in rice egg cells without fertilization. This discovery boosts success rates from 30% to 90%, paving the way for high-yielding, clonal rice varieties. "In a world where resources are increasingly limited, this provides a path forward for sustainable agriculture for rice farmers, and in the future, for other crops as well," says Distinguished Professor Venkatesan Sundaresan. #RiceResearch #SustainableAgriculture #PlantBiology #Innovation ???

??? Night at the Conservatory is back! Join us Thursday, November 21, at 6:00 PM for “All About Aroids,” presented by Conservatory volunteer Bruce Ritter. ???? Dive into the fascinating world of aroids—think philodendrons, anthuriums, monsteras, and more! ?? Discover their unique features, learn tips for growing them successfully, and explore propagation techniques to expand your collection. Whether you're a seasoned plant enthusiast or just starting your green journey, this fun and interactive event is perfect for you! ?? ?? When: Thursday, November 21, 6:00 PM ?? Where: UC Davis Botanical Conservatory More info here: bit.ly/3VlCgJp Don’t miss out—come grow with us! ???#PlantLovers?#Aroids?#UCDBotanicalConservatory?#NightAtTheConservatory

BioBoosters is back! ?? This CBS student club brings students together through exciting activities, professional development, and, of course, exclusive CBS swag! ?????? All proceeds from swag sales go directly toward supporting club initiatives that connect, inspire, and empower students across the College of Biological Sciences. ?? Led by passionate CBS majors, BioBoosters creates a welcoming space to explore biology, build connections, and grow as a community. ?? Don’t miss the first swag sale of the 2024-25 year on Wednesday, November 20, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Esau Hall! Grab some gear, show your CBS pride, and support student-led programs. ?? Read more about the club and meet its new leaders here: bit.ly/3CzpUGI

John Clark Lagarias, a professor of molecular and cellular biology, uses photoreceptor research to understand how plants sense light and adapt to their environments. His discoveries reveal how plants compete for sunlight, regulate flowering, and respond to seasonal changes—knowledge that is critical for enhancing agricultural yields and sustainability ??. A member of the National Academy of Sciences and a recipient of the American Society of Plant Biologists award, Lagarias has also co-founded a startup exploring natural pigments as safe food colorants. With a career spent advancing plant biology, he credits UC Davis for its collaborative community and global expertise in agriculture. #PlantScience #UCDBiology #Photoreceptors #AgInnovation #SustainableFarming #PlantBiology

?? Congratulations to Distinguished Professor Wolf-Dietrich Heyer, chair of the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, on receiving the 2024 Faculty Stewardship Award! ?? For over 25 years, Wolf has worked to build a lasting culture of philanthropy at UC Davis. His efforts include creating a fundraising committee in his department to support students, faculty, and programs, and personally kickstarting annual Give Day Challenges. ?? Even while on sabbatical in Japan, Heyer connected with UC Davis alumni, hosting seminars in Tokyo and Osaka to strengthen our global Aggie community. Known for his handwritten thank-you notes, he makes sure every donor feels appreciated and impactful. Heyer’s dedication has inspired countless endowments in support for the College of Biological Sciences! Congrats, Wolf! ???? #UCDavis #AggiePride #Philanthropy #FacultyAward #GiveDay #AggieAlumni #DNAResearch #DonorStewardship Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4ejiXXB Image Captions: 1 - Wolf Dietrich-Heyer, a Distinguished Professor and chair in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, and his wife, Margherita Heyer-Cáput, a professor emerita of Italian. Heyer was recognized in October for excellence in supporting the growth and impact of philanthropy at UC Davis. 2 - Heyer, pictured with PREP Scholar Ellianna Damozonio, in his DNA repair lab. 3 - From left: Mark Winey, dean, College of Biological Sciences; Sue Vigano, friend of MMG; Lin Weaver, CBS Philanthropy Leadership Council member; Deborah Neff, UC Davis Foundation board chair; Wolf Dietrich-Heyer; Margherita Heyer; Charles Cooper, CBS Philanthropy Leadership Council chair; Andrew Bowles, senior director of development, College of Biological Sciences

???? Did you know bumblebees are capable of impressive cognitive feats? Felicity Muth, an assistant professor of neurobiology, physiology and behavior studies how even a brain smaller than a sesame seed can power complex behaviors. Her work explores how plants influence bee behavior through nectar “cocktails” containing compounds like caffeine, prompting bees to remember and revisit flowers more frequently. Muth has also discovered that queen bumblebees, with only a short window to forage, learn faster than workers, offering fascinating insights into the evolution of intelligence across species. #ResearchExcellence #UCDBiology #PollinatorScience #AnimalBehavior #BeeResearch ????

We had an amazing time connecting with UC Davis undergrads at our first-ever Graduate Program Open House! ??? Each of our eight graduate groups was represented, complete with snacks, a raffle, and tons of opportunities to explore what grad school at UC Davis has to offer. With faculty from across campus, our graduate students get a one-of-a-kind interdisciplinary experience, allowing them to dive deep into their passions while exploring a diverse range of research! ?????? Thank you to all the #CBSAggies and #UCDavisAggies who stopped by – it was wonderful meeting each of you! We hope to see you again in one of our programs! ???? #UCDavisGradSchool #GraduateEducation #FutureAggies #GoAgs #DiscoverYourPassion Image Descriptions: Image 1- Students standing in front of a table talking to a graduate group. Image 2- Professor Jay Stachowicz wearing navy blue talking to a student. Image 3- Multiple people laughing around a blue table. Image 4- A student standing in front of a blue table. Image 5- A student learning information at a graduate group’s table. Image 6- A birdview of the event with all the tables. Image 7- A small stress toy with the words, “UC DAVIS Neuroscience Initiative to Enhance Diversity.”

?? We are thrilled to share that Sam Arcement, who supports nearly 500 #UCDavis #CBSGradStudents as director of our graduate advising program, has received the 2024 Outstanding Graduate Program Coordinator Award from the Office of Graduate Studies! ??? “Sam is a great asset to our campus,” said Mark Winey, dean of the College of Biological Sciences. “Her impact on the graduate student community in CBS, as well as her advocacy for improved policies, is a source of great pride among college leadership. Graduate education is a cornerstone of how UC Davis advances our shared understanding of life on Earth ??, and Sam is an integral part of our success in this regard.” Sam oversees about 60 students in #MCIP and provides background support for 480 students across the college. When asked, she says she’s “really excited” to receive the award—in part because it shows her that students are benefiting from her work. ???? #GraduateEducation #AwardWinner #StudentSupport #GoAgs ???? #ProudToBeCBS