UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
LightNews LightNews
banner
ucdaviscaes.bsky.social
UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
@ucdaviscaes.bsky.social
91 followers 22 following 88 posts
The College of #Agricultural and #Environmental Sciences
@UCDavis is the No. 1 college in the nation for #agriculture & #forestry #research.
Posts Replies Media Videos
ucdaviscaes.bsky.social
California schools are losing tree cover, which means students could be exposed to extreme heat outdoors. A #UCDavis team measured temps of up to 120 degrees at schoolyards. Knowing this, districts can protect students by planting trees & preparing for the future. caes.ucdavis.edu/news/researc...
A student with a roving sensor and the words: Measuring heat exposure to safeguard students A slide that reads: Schools in California are losing tree cover, which means students on playgrounds, courts and fields could be exposed to extreme heat under a glaring sun. A #UCDavis team measured temps of up to 120 degrees at schoolyards. With this information districts can protect students by planting trees and preparing for a hotter future. A sign that reads: The U.S. Forest Service and Green Schoolyards America funded this research.
November 12, 2025 at 9:58 PM
ucdaviscaes.bsky.social
Ecology Ph.D. student Megan McDaniels won a MAB Young Scientist Award from UNESCO to study a skin disease called sarcoptic mange and how it affects animals, plants and ecosystems in Argentina’s San Guillermo Reserve. Congrats, Megan!
www.unesco.org/en/articles/...
November 7, 2025 at 9:59 PM
ucdaviscaes.bsky.social
Too much fertilizer can pollute water supplies and harm crop production. #UCDavis researchers are working on ways to evaluate crop health from the sky with tree-by-tree specificity. This can help farmers pinpoint treatment, safeguarding human health & the environment. bae.ucdavis.edu/news/new-res...
November 5, 2025 at 10:15 PM
ucdaviscaes.bsky.social
Happy Halloween, Aggies! Make sure to stop by Wellman Hall today (before 3 p.m.) to see the @ucdavissheepmowers in their spooky costumes. #ucdavis
A sheep wearing an orange Halloween-themed collar with pumpkin and flower designs, standing on grass.
October 31, 2025 at 5:10 PM
ucdaviscaes.bsky.social
Drought takes a toll on rice crops, but now farmers have help deciding what to plant. #UCDavis & partners developed a tool that calculates the cost of transitioning to less thirsty crops like dry beans, sunflower or tomato.
#UCDavisDelivers…economic stability #UCDD
caes.ucdavis.edu/news/new-too...
A flooded rice field with the words: Helping Farmers Make Crop Choices A slide that reads: Drought takes a toll on rice crops, but now farmers have help deciding what to plant. UC Davis and partners developed a tool that explains the cost of transitioning to less thirsty crops like dry beans, sunflower or tomato. This helps farmers adapt to drought and other environmental issues while feeding a growing population. A slide that reads: The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture helped support this research.
October 29, 2025 at 8:36 PM
ucdaviscaes.bsky.social
The latest edition of our Highlights newsletter is out & full of some great college updates, including research news on schoolyard heat, reducing methane emissions via diet & upcycling food scraps. It also has photos, awards & a note from Dean Stokes! mailchi.mp/caes.ucdavis...
October 29, 2025 at 6:36 PM
ucdaviscaes.bsky.social
Is that a weed or a plant? It can be hard to tell, but now there’s help. #UCDavis researchers developed WeedChat, an AI-powered chatbot to help growers, gardeners and anyone with green space identify and treat weeds, helping stop the spread of unwanted plants.
caes.ucdavis.edu/news/weedcha...
A parasitic weed growing among tomatoes with the words: Answering all your weedy questions. A slide that reads: Is that a weed or a plant? It can be hard to tell, but now there’s help. #UCDavis researchers developed WeedChat, an AI-powered chatbot to help growers, gardeners and anyone with green space identify and treat weeds, helping stop the spread of unwanted plants. A slide that reads: WeedChat was funded via the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, an initiative of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in partnership with states.
October 22, 2025 at 9:07 PM
ucdaviscaes.bsky.social
When Alaska’s most pristine rivers & creeks began turning a rusty orange, #UCDavis researchers sped into action. They uncovered that thawing permafrost was exposing minerals to weathering & staining water supplies. #FromLabsToLives #SpeakUp4Science
https://www.ucdavis.edu/research/labs-to-lives

Aerial view of vivid multicolored geological formations in Alaska, with text overlay reading "Finding answers in Alaska" and the UC Davis logo below "From Labs to Lives."
October 16, 2025 at 12:30 AM
ucdaviscaes.bsky.social
#UCDavis researchers are examining if burger patties, sausages & other foods grown from cell lines in a lab can be tasty, sustainable & affordable. These products could help supplement animal-based foods.#FromLabstoLives
https://bit.ly/3jESVCN
Researcher in a lab coat examining samples under a microscope at UC Davis, with text overlay reading 'Investigating the prospects of lab-grown meat - From Labs to Lives' and the UC Davis logo.
October 15, 2025 at 10:32 PM
ucdaviscaes.bsky.social
UC Davis researchers have learned how breast milk nurtures the good bacteria that help babies thrive from the very beginning. This scientific discovery is key to protecting infant health, especially for the most vulnerable. #FromLabsToLives #SpeakUp4Science https://bit.ly/4n440Nm
An adult smiling at a baby who is wearing a yellow outfit, with text 'Helping babies thrive - From Labs to Lives' and the UC Davis logo.
October 15, 2025 at 6:45 PM
ucdaviscaes.bsky.social
#UCDavis scientists are developing new varieties of zinnias to help grow the nation’s $72-billion organic marketplace. Flowers connect us to nature, reduce stress and feed our souls!

#FromLabsToLives | #SpeakUp4Science
Image of vibrant orange flowers, with a sign saying 'From Labs to Lives' with the UC Davis logo below and the text 'Growing beauty to feed our souls' overhead.
October 15, 2025 at 5:45 PM
ucdaviscaes.bsky.social
Did you know that UC Davis Horse Day is open to everyone? This event is intended for horse enthusiasts of any age and experience level and you do not need to be a current UC Davis student. Then UC Davis Horse Day is for YOU! We hope to see you there! Register at https://bit.ly/3YdWEh8
October 9, 2025 at 7:53 PM
ucdaviscaes.bsky.social
#UCDavis is looking for ways to keep you cool. Researchers are studying how vines like Virginia creeper can serve as fast-growing alternatives to trees to help cool & shade cities while cutting energy use.
#UCDavisDelivers...answers to pressing questions #UCDD
caes.ucdavis.edu/news/could-v...
A building covered in vines and the words: Are vines the answer to urban cooling? A slide that says: UC Davis is looking for ways to keep you cool. Researchers are studying how vines like Virginia creeper and honeysuckle can serve as fast-growing alternatives to trees to help cool and shade cities while cutting energy use. A slide that reads: The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service supports this research.
October 8, 2025 at 9:21 PM
ucdaviscaes.bsky.social
Researchers developed an AI tool that can tell farmers in the field how their crops are doing nutritionally. This helps growers ensure they are using the right amount of fertilizer, which protects crops, groundwater & our lands.
#ucdavisdelivers...technology #ucdd
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MY4w...
A leaf being placed in a hand-held spectrometer to scan for nutrition information with the words: Delivering answers in the orchards. A slide that reads: Hearty crops lead to better products and a healthier environment. UC Davis researchers developed a hand-held tool that can tell farmers in the field how their crops are doing nutritionally. This helps growers ensure they are using the right amount of fertilizer, which protects crops, groundwater and our lands. A slide that reads: The tool was supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, as well as the California Table Grape Commission.
October 1, 2025 at 9:22 PM
ucdaviscaes.bsky.social
Welcome Transfer Class of 2027! #ucdavis
September 18, 2025 at 9:25 PM
ucdaviscaes.bsky.social
The spotted lanternfly looks like a work of art but the invasive insect is wreaking havoc in the US over its insatiable taste for crops. Our researchers are working on just the right fumigation method to keep the lanternflies away. #UCDavisDelivers...solutions #UCDD caes.ucdavis.edu/news/uc-davi...
September 17, 2025 at 9:45 PM
ucdaviscaes.bsky.social
Our researchers found that some disposable electronic cigarettes & vape pods emit more toxic metals like lead & nickel than traditional cigarettes. This can help consumers understand health risks & make informed decisions. #UCDavisDelivers...consumer answers. #UCDD https://bit.ly/47muNAs

A researcher in a lab examines a vial with a yellow substance, related to a study on the dangers of e-cigarettes and vape pods. Text overlay: "Uncovering the hidden dangers of e-cigarettes and vape pods - UC Davis Delivers." Graphic with text stating "UC Davis cares about your health. Our researchers found that some disposable electronic cigarettes and vape pods emit more toxic metals like lead and nickel than traditional cigarettes. Knowing this can help consumers understand health risks and make informed decisions." UC Davis Delivers logo at the bottom. Text on a blue textured background stating 'The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences helped support this research.' with the UC Davis Delivers logo at the bottom.
September 10, 2025 at 4:05 PM
ucdaviscaes.bsky.social
NASA discovered that the insect guts on aircraft was messing w/ aerodynamics & cutting fuel efficiency. Entomologist & professor emeritus Lynn Kimsey & her lab analyzed panels from real test flights & identified the culprits, which included aphids, syrphid flower flies, honeybees & lady bugs.
An airport worker in high-visibility clothing cleans the runway in front of a parked jet. The words "Of all the things that slow down planes, bug guts made the list'" at the bottom with the UC Davis Delivers logo. Text on a blue textured background reads "That mid-air mess was slowing planes down and wasting fuel. NASA turned to entomologist Lynn Kimsey. Her lab at UC Davis analyzed insect-covered panels from real flight tests." The logo "UCDavisDelivers" is shown at the bottom. Text on a blue textured background stating "Their findings helped engineers design insect-repelling surfaces, making flights cleaner and more fuel-efficient," with the logo "UCDavisDelivers" at the bottom.
September 3, 2025 at 4:14 PM
ucdaviscaes.bsky.social
Under sunny skies & surrounded by rows of veggies, Dean Stokes spent the morning with faculty & students checking out some cutting-edge ag tech! From drones to cameras that can "see" plant health, it's all part of our mission to study & breed more resilient crops. https://projectgemini.ucdavis.edu
August 28, 2025 at 9:15 PM
ucdaviscaes.bsky.social
Did you know shrubs hold the answers as to how well a forest might come back from a wildfire? Replanting after fire can boost recovery but UC Davis researchers discovered that reforestation depends on competition with shrubs.
#UCDavisDelivers...forest recovery #UCDD
caes.ucdavis.edu/news/shrubs-...
Researchers in a recently-burned area with the words: Helping forests recover after wildfires A slide that reads: Did you know shrubs can hold the answers as to how well a forest might come back from a wildfire? Replanting after a fire can boost recovery but UC Davis researchers discovered that reforestation depends on competition with shrubs, improving how lands are managed after fires and making lands safer for all. A slide that reads: The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Hatch Project and Joint Fire Sciences Program supported this research.
August 27, 2025 at 8:56 PM
ucdaviscaes.bsky.social
Prof. Sam Sandoval Solis and UC Davis students presented their new report on water equity at the State Capitol this week! The report highlights the lack of representation in CA water leadership and what can be done to fix it. watermanagement.ucdavis.edu/application/...
A group of seven people smiling and posing in front of the California State Capitol building. Interior of a formal hearing room with reserved seating signs, a panel of speakers seated at a desk, and attendees including a camera operator. The decor features ornate chandeliers and historical paintings.
August 22, 2025 at 5:24 PM
ucdaviscaes.bsky.social
Sulfur can be found in more than 60% of the Everglades. #UCDavis researchers traced the contamination back to fertilizer runoff from sugarcane crops, knowledge that local planners can use to reduce exposure by managing sulfur use. #UCDavisDelivers...answers #UCDD
caes.ucdavis.edu/news/sulfur-...
August 19, 2025 at 4:46 PM
ucdaviscaes.bsky.social
We’ve had so much going on this summer that we just published a bonus edition of Highlights.
Meet new CA&ES dean Ashley M. Stokes, visit the Student Farm, help name a new llama, learn about how yeast plays a role in eco-friendly cleaning products and so much more!
mailchi.mp/caes.ucdavis...
Student working in the UC Davis Student Farm
August 14, 2025 at 11:21 PM
ucdaviscaes.bsky.social
Picking tomatoes too soon or storing them in cold places make them mushy or ruin the taste. Researchers analyzed tomatoes to see how different temperatures affected ripening, shedding new light on how to reduce food loss & waste. #UCDavisDelivers...support #UCDD caes.ucdavis.edu/news/researc...
Crates of rip tomatoes with the headline: Researchers examine tiny tomato molecules to reduce crop loss on a grand scale A slide that says: Picking tomatoes too soon or storing them in cold temperatures can make them mushy or ruin the taste. Researchers analyzed tomatoes at the molecular level, discovering how different temperatures affected ripening and shelf life, shedding new light on how to reduce food loss and waste. a slide that says: The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture helped support this research.
August 13, 2025 at 8:58 PM
ucdaviscaes.bsky.social
Aerosols in smoke plumes from wildfires that are 10 days old and from distant places can generate snow, rain & cloud changes, knowledge that helps us better understand how wildfires affect regional & global climate. #UCDavisDelivers...climate understanding #UCDD
caes.ucdavis.edu/news/older-w...
A car emerging from wildfire smoke with the headline: Understanding How Wildfire Smoke Affects Weather A slide that says: UC Davis researchers found that aerosols in wildfire smoke plumes that are up to 10 days old and from distant places can play a role in generating snow, rain and cloud changes, helping to better understand how wildfires affect regional and global climate. A slide that says: The National Science Foundation, and U.S. Department of Energy’s Atmospheric System Research Program supported this research.
August 7, 2025 at 10:11 PM