College of Letters and Science Content

Deep-Water Sediments Reveal Patterns of Extraterrestrial Influence on Earth’s Ancient Climate

Andy Fell — October 31, 2025 - 10:42am

Roughly 34 million years ago, the Earth started transitioning from a greenhouse to an icehouse state — defined by long-term cooling trends that resulted in ice sheets in the planet’s polar regions. During this time, continental carbon reservoirs expanded as carbon dioxide decreased in the atmosphere.

But that trend has reversed. Fossil fuel consumption, among other sources of pollution, have resulted in increasing atmospheric and oceanic temperatures, leading to ice sheet melt and unprecedented shifts in our environments.

Sharing Happy Moments with Partner Better for Health than Feeling Happy Alone

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — October 30, 2025 - 1:27pm

A new study suggests that when older couples experience positive emotions together in everyday life, they have lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol that can cause health problems over time when elevated.

Weekender: Taproot Festival Begins; More Music; Celebrate Día de Los Muertos

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — October 23, 2025 - 10:33am

Listen to new music; start celebrating Día de Los Muertos. Get ready for Halloween.

Astronomers Find Mystery Dark Object in Distant Universe

Andy Fell — October 09, 2025 - 2:40pm

Using a global network of telescopes, astronomers have detected the lowest-mass dark object yet found in the universe. Finding more such objects and understanding their nature could rule out some theories about the nature of dark matter, the mystery substance that makes up about a quarter of the universe. The work is described in two papers published Oct. 9 in Nature Astronomy and Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

How Does Academic Freedom Help Society?

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — October 09, 2025 - 1:01pm

Academic freedom is fundamental to higher education. Without it, everyone loses the value created by university educators, researchers and scholars.

“If we aren't free to pursue research and teaching based on wherever the knowledge leads us, we are not truly working in the service of the public,” said Rana Jaleel, an associate professor of gender, sexuality and women’s studies and Asian American studies in the College of Letters and Science at UC Davis.

UC Davis Artist, Sociologist, Ph.D. Student Reflect on ‘Breathe' Exhibition at Manetti Shrem Museum

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — October 08, 2025 - 10:21am

The transparent, glass gallery doors of the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art at UC Davis act as a portal to another world where an echoing, ambient sound can be heard in the distance.

This world is dimly lit and guarded by two large human-like figures, their long hair made of gray and black fibers, dressed in what might be space suits of the future or the casualwear of an alien species, fused together with colorful yarn.

Computational Model Uses Language Theory to Predict DNA Shapes That Underlie Gene Expression and Disease

Andy Fell — October 03, 2025 - 11:19am

Your DNA contains the genetic blueprint necessary to not just build your body but to build the proteins and molecules that ensure your body’s functionality. DNA encodes RNA, RNA encodes proteins and voila, your body functions.

UC Davis Researchers Develop Theoretical Model to Determine How Pilgrimages Can Emerge

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — October 01, 2025 - 3:51pm

Pilgrimages are ubiquitous across all major world religions.

Psilocybin May Present Unique Risks During the Postpartum Period

Andy Fell — September 30, 2025 - 1:14pm

Magic mushrooms may not be the answer to postpartum depression, new research from the University of California, Davis, suggests.

‘Welcome to Davis’ Mural Celebrates City and UC Davis Legacy

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — September 30, 2025 - 9:00am

Seongmin Yoo identifies as an “Aggie” in every sense of the word. Though she grew up in South Korea, she says Davis is “home.”

Yoo has been working with the Davis Mural Team for the last three years and has helped paint five different murals downtown. She is passionate about helping the local art scene thrive.