College of Letters and Science Content

Nowcasting and the Kamchatka Earthquake

Andy Fell — August 07, 2025 - 9:54am

The July 29 earthquake on Russia's Kamchatka peninsula was among the most powerful recorded by modern instruments, setting off tsunami warnings around the Pacific rim. The magnitude 8.8 earthquake caused part of the peninsula to sink by about six feet and set off volcanic eruptions, according to the Unified Geophysical Service of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Fortunately, there do not appear to have been any fatalities or major damage.

Tariffs Can Improve U.S. Economy, But Global Trade Realities, Retaliation, Could Offset Gains

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — August 07, 2025 - 9:20am

The United States could achieve modest economic benefits by applying uniform tariffs on all trade partners, according to new research led by a ɫ��ɫ, economist. However, the complicated realities of supply chains, global trade and its downstream effects on people and businesses could offset economic gains and even lead to significant losses.

Psychedelics and Non-hallucinogenic Analogs Work Through the Same Receptor, Up to a Point

Andy Fell — August 04, 2025 - 2:00am

Understanding exactly how psychedelics promote new connections in the brain is critical to developing targeted, non-hallucinogenic therapeutics that can treat neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases. To achieve this, researchers are mapping the biochemical pathways involved in both neuroplasticity and hallucinations.

Rainy Tropics Could Face Unprecedented Droughts as an Atlantic Current Slows

Andy Fell — July 30, 2025 - 8:00am

New research warns that global rainfall patterns could shift dramatically as a result of climate change

Does Following News on Social Media Help People Tell Fact from Fiction?

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — July 28, 2025 - 10:17am

In social media’s flood of information, all facts appear equal. Except they’re not. According to new research, having the news in your feed makes you better at telling the difference.

How do you Analyze Past Climates?

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — July 28, 2025 - 9:54am

The key to unlocking climates of the ancient past, including weather seasonality and rainfall, may lie in an unexpected place: primate teeth.

Molecular Simulations Show Graphite ‘Hijacks’ Diamond Formation Through Unexpected Crystallization Pathways

Andy Fell — July 09, 2025 - 10:31am

The graphite found in your favorite pencil could have instead been the diamond your mother always wears. What made the difference? Researchers are finding out.

How molten carbon crystallizes into either graphite or diamond is relevant to planetary science, materials manufacturing and nuclear fusion research. However, this moment of crystallization is difficult to study experimentally because it happens very rapidly and under extreme conditions.

Massive Burps of Carbon Dioxide Led to Oxygen-less Ocean Environments in the Deep Past

Andy Fell — June 23, 2025 - 12:00pm

New research from the ɫ��ɫ, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Texas A&M University reveals that massive emissions, or burps, of carbon dioxide from natural earth systems led to significant decreases in ocean oxygen concentrations some 300 million years ago.

First Images Revealed From Vera C. Rubin Observatory

Andy Fell — June 23, 2025 - 10:47am

The results of two decades of scientific and technological innovation were unveiled today with the reveal of the first imagery captured by the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, a facility jointly funded by the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science.

ɫ��ɫ Experts on Immigration, Citizenship, Labor and Human Trafficking

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — June 18, 2025 - 1:44pm

The following ɫ��ɫ, experts on immigration policy are available to speak to the news media. Keep an eye on this and other current expert lists at www.ucdavis.edu/news/experts . These resources will be updated regularly. This list was updated in June 2025.