We’re on the quest to explore the diversity of biological systems found in plants, animals and microbes. 

A broad understanding of biology is necessary to reveal disease mechanisms, explore responses to environmental challenges and develop new technologies. 

To obtain this knowledge, College of Biological Sciences researchers study of a wide range of organisms.

Our scientists work with hundreds of different organisms in the laboratory and in the field. Some, like the Drosophila genus of fruit flies, are well known, while we’re only just beginning to explore others in depth.

The Hydra, a small freshwater invertebrate, is one such creature. It renews its stem cells throughout its life. Because of this, it may hold the clues to cellular regeneration and longevity. A new National Science Foundation grant will help Assistant Professor Celina Juliano develop genetic tools to better understand the Hydra.

Model organism diversity creates unique opportunities for our students to study and learn firsthand alongside some of the world’s top researchers.

It’s just one of the defining qualities that makes life sciences programs at UC Davis one-of-a-kind.

Go Ags!

To help protect our food sources, Assistant Professor Philipp Zerbe, Department of Plant Biology, investigates how crops—like maize—deal with environmental stressors at the molecular level, defining the networks that give rise to chemical defenses. 

The Center for Plant Diversity holds more than 300,000 dried plant specimens. Student employees learn many skills, including how to use plant presses, create labels and mount plants for display.

Researchers at UC Davis and the University of Alberta, Canada, have made preliminary discoveries about how Zika and hepatitis C viruses reproduce at the cellular level, providing new insight into a family of viruses that also includes West Nile and dengue.

A new study from Professor Gabrielle Nevitt, Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, appearing in Molecular Ecology delves into the sexual selection behaviors of Leach's storm-petrels, a seabird that may be able to sniff out a suitable mate.

A new study, published by Steve Theg, Department of Plant Biology, Iniyan Ganesan, a plant biology Ph.D. student and their colleagues reexamines how protein trafficking occurs in the chloroplasts of green pea plants. The findings add nuance to the protein trafficking dogma.

Since joining the UC Davis faculty in 2004, Eric Sanford has worked closely with shellfish industry businesses to promote sustainable aquaculture for ecologically and economically important coastal species.