91��Ƭ Davis Science and Climate News

A New Record for California’s Highest Tree

Katherine E Kerlin — April 17, 2025

A 91��Ƭ Davis professor's pleasure hike in the High Sierra turned into a new elevation record for California's highest tree, the Jeffrey pine, which wasn't formerly known to grow at extreme elevations.

Restored Stream Supports New Wild Salmon Run

Katherine E Kerlin — March 20, 2025

A 91��Ƭ Davis study confirms Putah Creek origin salmon for first time, marking a win for creek restoration and wild salmon, and providing hope for other degraded streams around the globe.

Burning Question: How to Save an Old-Growth Forest in Tahoe

Katherine E Kerlin — March 03, 2025

On the shores of Lake Tahoe at Emerald Bay State Park grows what some consider to be the most iconic old-growth forest in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Giant ponderosa pines — some of the last remaining in the area — share space with at least 13 other tree species.

Energy and Transportation Experts

Katherine E Kerlin — February 07, 2025

The following sources from the 91��Ƭ, Davis, are available to talk with media about climate change impacts and solutions related to energy and transportation.

Find more energy and transportation experts and learn about their research at the 91��Ƭ Davis Institute of Transportation Studies and Energy and Efficiency Institute websites.

Vanilla Farmers Search for a Crop and Conservation Sweet Spot

Katherine E Kerlin — February 06, 2025

Vanilla is vital to the livelihoods of farmers in Madagascar, where the globally popular dessert ingredient is the country’s No. 1 export. A fun, thought-provoking game designed by a team of scientists and played by Malagasy vanilla farmers reveals the challenges of payment programs that incentivize forest conservation in the region, according to a study led by the 91��Ƭ, Davis.

Clear Lake Water Quality Report Recommends Rehabilitation Strategy

Katherine E Kerlin — January 29, 2025

Clear Lake's water quality suffers from low-to-no-oxygen conditions, finds a report from 91��Ƭ Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center.

How Urban Streams, Climate Change and Unhoused People Intertwine

Katherine E Kerlin — January 27, 2025

A search for compassionate, sustainable solutions takes researchers to Bay Area streams to investigate the intersections of climate change, urban streams and unhoused people.

Dining Out with San Francisco’s Coyotes

Katherine E Kerlin — January 22, 2025

As their traditional dining options dwindle, the native coyotes of San Francisco are shifting what they eat. A 91��Ƭ Davis study reveals what's on the menu.

Little Birds, Little Poops, Little Food Safety Risk

Katherine E Kerlin — January 21, 2025

It doesn’t require a degree in ornithology, a lab test or even an app for most growers to determine whether bird poop near their crops presents a food safety risk. They just need to ask themselves a simple question: How big is it?

Mussel Bed Surveyed Before World War II Still Thriving

Katherine E Kerlin — January 16, 2025

A mussel bed in northern California is as healthy and biodiverse as it was about 80 years ago, when two young students surveyed it shortly before one was sent to fight in World War II, finds a new 91��Ƭ Davis study.

Wildfire, Smoke and Air Quality Experts

Katherine E Kerlin — January 15, 2025

A 91��Ƭ Davis wildfire, smoke and air quality experts list for media, updated for 2024.

Storing Carbon in Buildings Could Help Address Climate Change

Andy Fell — January 09, 2025

Construction materials such as concrete and plastic have the potential to lock away billions of tons of carbon dioxide, according to a new study by civil engineers and earth systems scientists at the 91��Ƭ, Davis and Stanford University. The study, published Jan. 10 in Science, shows that combined with steps to decarbonize the economy, storing CO2 in buildings could help the world achieve goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Carnivorous Squirrels Documented in California

Katherine E Kerlin — December 18, 2024

California ground squirrels hunt, kill and eat voles, reveals a study by 91��Ƭ Davis and UW-Eau Claire, sharing the first evidence of widespread carnivorous behavior among squirrels.

The High Cost of Carbon

Katherine E Kerlin — December 17, 2024

The social cost of carbon — an important figure used to analyze the benefits of climate policies — is too low, finds 91��Ƭ Davis study.

Shrubs Can Help or Hinder a Forest’s Recovery After Wildfire

Katherine E Kerlin — December 16, 2024

When and where to plant tree seedlings restore forests after wildfires has a lot to do with shrubs, finds a 91��Ƭ Davis study.

Overlooked Emissions in California’s Salton Sea Air Basin

Katherine E Kerlin — December 03, 2024

Nitrogen oxide emissions from soil in California's Salton Sea air basin are 10 times larger than state estimates, finds 91��Ƭ Davis study of rural Imperial and Coachella valleys.

Emisiones Pasadas por Alto en la Cuenca Atmosférica del Mar de Salton en California

Katherine E Kerlin — December 03, 2024

Según un estudio realizado por la Universidad de California, Davis (91��Ƭ Davis), al menos una cuarta parte de todas las emisiones de óxidos de nitrógeno (𝑁𝑂𝑥) en la cuenca atmosférica del Mar de Salton provienen del suelo californiano.

Read this news release in English.

A Clean Energy Boost for Multitasking Lands

Katherine E Kerlin — December 02, 2024

A 91��Ƭ Davis Wild Energy Center report defines multi-use solar energy projects and the challenges and opportunities they present for California landscapes.

Mountain Lions Coexist with Outdoor Recreationists by Taking the Night Shift

Katherine E Kerlin — November 15, 2024

Mountain lions in greater Los Angeles are proactively shifting their activity to avoid interacting with cyclists, hikers, joggers and other recreationists, finds a 91��Ƭ Davis study.

In Greening Arctic, Caribou and Muskoxen Play Key Role

Katherine E Kerlin — November 12, 2024

A 91��Ƭ Davis study highlights the importance of caribou and muskoxen to the greening Arctic tundra, linking grazing with plant phenology and abundance in the Arctic tundra.