Latest Blog Posts

Combining Signals Could Make for Better Control of Prosthetics

Andy Fell — April 23, 2025

Combining two different kinds of signals could help engineers build prosthetic limbs that better reproduce natural movements, according to a new study from the 91��Ƭ, Davis. The work, published April 10 in PLOS One, shows that a combination of electromyography and force myography is more accurate at predicting hand movements than either method by itself.

What Is Science Outreach and Why Is It Important?

Anila Mary Lijo — April 22, 2025

How are 91��Ƭ Davis scientists educating the public about the important research conducted on their campus? And how can outreach improve science?

91��Ƭ Davis is a premier research institution where cutting-edge science is conducted daily by dedicated faculty, staff and students. One of the most important aspects of science is sharing knowledge gained from experiments and research studies.

Weekender: Music, New Book, Puppet Master and More

Jamie Sara Gelfond — April 17, 2025

This "weekender" covers two weeks of events while the Arts Blog is on hiatus next week.Jacqueline Cordova-Arrington plays flute concert

Thursday, April 17, 12:05 p.m., Recital Hall, Ann E. Pitzer Center

Avian Influenza Major Setback for the Patagonian Seal Population

Katherine E Kerlin — April 16, 2025

It may take 100 years for the southern elephant seal colony of Península Valdés in Argentine Patagonia to look like it did in 2022. A study published in Marine Mammal Science projected population trajectories after the 2023 epidemic of the High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza H5N1 virus, which killed almost all newborn pups and an unknown number of adults.

What Do Butterflies Have to Do with ADHD?

Jamie Sara Gelfond — April 15, 2025

In the garden, butterflies flutter all around and in all directions. The task is to catch them with a virtual net, but only the blue ones. The red ones are a distraction. Sometimes they end up in the net by accident.

Bridge cultures to build networks

Isabella E Beristain — April 15, 2025

Learn two tips from 91��Ƭ Davis student Ferdinand Kuanda on how international students can build community through mentorship and student organizations.

Weekender: Picnic Day Brings the Art to Davis

Jamie Sara Gelfond — April 10, 2025

The California Studio Lecture series presents Marie Lorenz, who works on water

Thursday, April 10, 4:30-6 p.m. at the Manetti Shrem Museum of Art, doors open at 4 p.m.

Map of Genetic Regulation in Chickens Could Help Fight Against Bird Flu

Andy Fell — April 09, 2025

An international team of researchers led by Professor Huaijun Zhou from the 91��Ƭ Davis Department of Animal Science has created the first-ever detailed map of how genes are regulated in chickens — a breakthrough that could help scientists breed birds that are more resistant to diseases like avian influenza.

California Rice and Conservation

Andy Fell — April 07, 2025

In 1991, the state of California largely banned burning of rice straw after harvest, and farmers turned instead to winter flooding of fields to break down straw. As a result, wildlife has flourished in rice fields which reproduce, to some extent, the wetland habitat that once covered most of California's Central Valley. Rice fields now support some 200 species including fish, birds and reptiles.

Merging the Ethereal and the Tangible

Jamie Sara Gelfond — April 07, 2025

Non-linear time sounds like something out of a science fiction movie, but what if we could rewrite our histories in ways that feel as if things don’t happen sequentially? Overlapping the concepts of time, memory and the body, Gracianne Kirsch uses many art modalities to explore their own many-sided self.

Weekender: Spring into Spring Arts

Jamie Sara Gelfond — April 03, 2025

This weekend, lots of music, exhibitions and even a party. Make reservations for upcoming events.

The Rise of Pseudocannabinoids

Andy Fell — April 02, 2025

Developing pseudocannabinoids, synthetic molecules that mimic the activity of molecules found in cannabis plants, is the goal of research by Professor Mark Mascal in the 91��Ƭ Davis Department of Chemistry. Mascal recently received a $30,000, one-year seed grant, the Dr. Mohsen Najafi Research Award in Medicinal Chemistry, to advance his work.

Play Dives into the Life of Famed Mathematician Emmy Noether

Andy Fell — March 27, 2025

Mathematics and theatrics combine this April in Diving into Math with Emmy Noether, a play about the pioneering and influential mathematician who is often referred to as the “mother of modern algebra.”

Adele Zhang Brings 91��Ƭ Davis Textile Collection to London

Jamie Sara Gelfond — March 27, 2025

Adele Zhang, senior continuing lecturer in the Department of Design at 91��Ƭ Davis, has been the Jo Ann C. Stabb Design Collection curator and manager since 2006. After spending the last year researching the collection's archive, Zhang spent the first few weeks of 2025 packing up and shipping 134 objects to London, where they will be on display at the Fashion and Textile Museum from March 28 through September 7.

Holographic 3D Printing With Soundwaves

Andy Fell — March 26, 2025

In an operating room, doctors and technicians work on repairing a broken bone. There are no scalpels, no incisions — the skin is not broken.

No, this is not science fiction, but a potential application of a groundbreaking 3D printing method developed by Mohsen Habibi, an assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at the 91��Ƭ, Davis.

The Conversation: How are Humans Different From Other Animals?

Karen Michele Nikos — March 19, 2025

Of the 8.7 million species on Earth, why are human beings the only one that paints self-portraits, walks on the Moon and worships gods?

For decades, many scholars have argued that the difference stems from our ability to learn from each other. Through techniques such as teaching and imitation, we can create and transmit complicated information over many generations.

The Conversation: Do Environmental Protection Laws Still Apply Under Trump?

Karen Michele Nikos — March 13, 2025

Environmental protection laws still apply even under Trump’s national energy emergency — here’s why

In response to President Donald Trump’s declaration of a “national energy emergency,” the U.S.

Weekender: End the Quarter with Exciting Music and Dance

Jamie Sara Gelfond — March 13, 2025

This week’s free Shinkoskey Noon Concert features Student Chamber Ensembles

Thursday, March 13, 12:05-2 p.m., Recital Hall, Ann E. Pitzer Center

Pete Nowlen, coordinator

Program

Works to be announced.

Annual M.F.A. Open Studios are back

Thursday, March 13, 4:30-6:30 p.m., at TB9 and the Art Grad Building

The Conversation: Can the Trump Administration Legally Deport Palestinian Rights Advocate Mahmoud Khalil?

Jamie Sara Gelfond — March 13, 2025

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that the government will deport lawful permanent residents who support Hamas and came to the U.S. as students “with an intent rile up all kinds of anti-Jewish student, antisemitic activities,” referencing the Palestinian rights protests at universities in 2024.

How Do 91��Ƭ Davis Scholars Tackle Antisemitism and Islamophobia?

Jamie Sara Gelfond — March 12, 2025

It was still early days of the recent conflict between Israel and Gaza when, seeing strong emotions and division erupting on their campus, two scholars at 91��Ƭ Davis decided to come together and take action.