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5 Ways UC Davis Says AI Is Surprisingly Good

Russell L Thebaud — August 18, 2025 - 9:27am

The capabilities of artificial intelligence are expanding every day. UC Davis is harnessing AI in many beneficial ways. Here, researchers in veterinary medicine, health, climate science, engineering and education ask how AI can help in their fields — and discover the good side of the growing technology.

Statewide Study Taps 3,000 Students for Salmon Research

Russell L Thebaud — August 18, 2025 - 9:22am

In addition to predators, river diversions, and reduced spawning grounds, California salmon now face a new challenge: Thiamine Deficiency Complex, or TDC, a nutritional deficiency that leads to neurological problems and early death. Thankfully, more than 3,000 high school students offer a way forward in tackling this urgent issue.

Is the American Dream Dead?

Russell L Thebaud — August 18, 2025 - 9:12am

White picket fences. Green, manicured lawns. Children on bicycles.

The “American Dream” conjures images of a suburban ideal and elicits hope and optimism, especially for immigrants and for those fighting for democracy in their own countries. At the same time, entire segments of society have been denied equality, freedom and life. Even today, the promise of the American Dream for millions remains completely out of reach.

Caring for Kittens

Russell L Thebaud — May 19, 2025 - 9:00am

Kaya Miller, a second-year UC Davis undergraduate, introduces her three 3-week-old foster kittens: Anna, Elsa and Merida. She explains that as a busy student, she and her roommate have taken on alternating shifts feeding and cleaning the kittens. “It’s a lot of dedication; we have to wake up every two hours, but it's so worth it,” she said.

Miller is a volunteer foster within the Orphan Kitten Project, or OKP, a nonprofit, vet-student-run club that has rescued and rehabilitated neonatal kittens since 1988.

Revisiting a Medical Marvel

Russell L Thebaud — May 19, 2025 - 9:00am

When drug breakthroughs happen, the medical community rejoices. But some people can be left behind. Case in point: Rapamycin. Now a UC Davis professor is investigating how to bring back the benefits of a revolutionary drug to the people who were there from the beginning.

Farming Caviar: A UC Davis Innovation

Russell L Thebaud — May 19, 2025 - 9:00am

Ali Bolourchi ’05, M.B.A. ’12, leads a tour of his caviar farm in Wilton, California, highlighting the long process of raising white sturgeon, pointing out that these innovations were developed at “Caviar U.”

He means UC Davis.

Bolourchi is president of Tsar Nicoulai, now the largest caviar-producing company in the United States, thanks to the acquisition last year of Sterling Caviar.

How Can People and Wildlife Better Coexist?

Russell L Thebaud — May 19, 2025 - 9:00am

Living with wildlife is just something we do, whether we’re waiting for turkeys to cross the road at UC Davis or watching a coyote trot across a field at dawn.

But as people and the built world expand into natural habitats, wild and domestic animals — including humans — are increasingly sharing the same spaces, with mixed results. Interactions with large carnivores tend to conjure the strongest feelings, from awe and wonder to fear and anxiety.

Studying Sacramento History with an Eye Toward Reparations

Jocelyn C Anderson — May 21, 2024 - 2:45am

A groundbreaking public history partnership examines past discrimination against the Black community.

California Drives Toward Electric Future

Russell L Thebaud — May 21, 2024 - 2:43am

California has ambitious plans for zero-emissions vehicles. UC Davis experts weigh in on reaching those goals.

Winning Formula: Aggies Blend Baseball and Data Science

Russell L Thebaud — May 21, 2024 - 2:41am

This season, Major League Baseball fans can find three UC Davis alumni in key leadership positions.