News | UC Davis Big Ideas

Isabel Patricia Montañez Appointed New Director of the John Muir Institute of the Environment

by Hannah Bireschi
September 14, 2021

Sustainability

The University of California, Davis, Office of Research is pleased to announce the selection of Isabel Patricia Montañez as the new director of the John Muir Institute of the Environment (JMIE) effective September 20.

A screenshot of a tv news program with two news anchors on the left and Dr. Garen Wintemute on the right in split screen view.

VIDEO: Understanding gun violence

July 16, 2021

Health

To get a better understanding of why there’s been an increase in shootings this summer, KCRA spoke to Dr. Garen Wintemute with the UC Davis Center for Violence Prevention Research.

Experts share how to adapt and even thrive with wildfires

by Ashley Han
July 08, 2021

Sustainability

Unchecked wildfires are a serious threat to our region and health. UC Davis experts are raising the bar for well-being by pursuing solutions that nourish communities and give people equitable access to the resources they need to thrive.

Four people posing for camera, three of the four holding blocks.

The house that doesn't burn

by Kat Kerlin
June 30, 2021

Sustainability

More than 2.7 million Californians live in places with a high or extremely high risk of wildfire, as of 2007. That number is expected to increase.

Candlelight vigil image highlights and remembers the victims of violence.

2020 was the deadliest gun violence year in decades. So far, 2021 is worse.

June 14, 2021

Health

Gunfire deaths began to rise in April 2020, when covid-19 shut down much of the country, in-person schooling was paused and more than 20 million people lost their jobs.

Over 23K Gun Owners in California are Banned from Possessing Firearms But Still Do

May 31, 2021

Health

California is one of 20 states that allow gun restraining orders, in which the government can take away a person’s firearm if they’re believed to be a threat to themselves or others. The California program, known as the Armed and Prohibited Persons System, boasts a relatively small staff of law enforcement officials, which has made it difficult to keep up with the growing list.

San Jose Shooting: UC Davis Gun Violence Expert Warns ‘We Are Likely To Have A Rough Summer’

May 27, 2021

Health

As America awakens from the COVID-19 pandemic, incidents of gun violence like Wednesday’s mass shooting in San Jose at a VTA rail yard will be on the rise across the country, a leading expert on gun violence warned.

A new initiative uses Indigenous insights to amplify soil’s ability to absorb CO₂

April 23, 2021

Sustainability

Rock dust is a common mining and industrial byproduct, and the researchers also are experimenting with compost and biochar — readily available from agricultural and timber operations — to see if various combinations further expedite the process.

Nevada Bill To Outlaw Ghost Guns Could Reduce Violent Crime In California

April 20, 2021

Health

Dr. Garen Wintemute, who leads UC Davis Health’s Violence Prevention Research Program, told CapRadio's Insight that the rise in ghost guns threatens California’s recent progress in reducing gun violence.

Can new gun violence research find a path around the political stalemate?

March 27, 2021

Health

Dr. Garen J. Wintemute, who directs the Violence Prevention Research Program at the University of California, Davis, Medical Center in Sacramento, said he lost grant money after the Dickey Amendment was enacted. In the two decades that followed, he said, his work has been supported by the state of California, by foundations, as well as the N.I.H., which was not specifically named in the Dickey Amendment, and the Justice Department. He said he had also spent a little more than $2 million of his own money to continue the work.

Three graphics tell the story of mass shootings during the pandemic

March 24, 2021

Health

While killings like in Boulder are less common than routine gun violence or firearm suicide, they tend to have a profound effect on the public and on policymakers.

Gun violence spiked during pandemic, even as the deadliest mass shootings waned

March 23, 2021

Health

Nicole Kravitz-Wirtz, an assistant professor who researches violence prevention at the University of California, Davis said that the COVID-19 pandemic likely played a major role in contributing to the rising violence.

Tractor plowing a field with crops planted

New UC Davis center paves the way for rock dust research

February 14, 2021

Sustainability

Faculty at the University of California are carrying out several remineralization studies across multiple campuses that they hope will deliver a more holistic understanding of California soils’ carbon storage potential.

Person holding a tiramisu cake with birthday candles on top. Cake is wrapped in red ribbon.

Aging In California

February 03, 2021

Health

UC Davis Health Professor Terri Harvath explains what the organization plans to focus on now and in the post-pandemic years.

Rep. Matsui and husband donate to support climate research

December 15, 2020

Sustainability

Rep. Doris Matsui of Sacramento and her husband, Roger Sant, are propelling UC Davis’ climate work with a gift to Project Carbon, which is developing new, high-tech ways to capture atmospheric carbon dioxide and reduce greenhouse gases.