College of Letters and Science Content

Astronomers Find Mystery Dark Object in Distant Universe

Andy Fell — October 09, 2025 - 2:40pm

Using a global network of telescopes, astronomers have detected the lowest-mass dark object yet found in the universe. Finding more such objects and understanding their nature could rule out some theories about the nature of dark matter, the mystery substance that makes up about a quarter of the universe. The work is described in two papers published Oct. 9 in Nature Astronomy and Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

How Does Academic Freedom Help Society?

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — October 09, 2025 - 1:01pm

Academic freedom is fundamental to higher education. Without it, everyone loses the value created by university educators, researchers and scholars.

“If we aren't free to pursue research and teaching based on wherever the knowledge leads us, we are not truly working in the service of the public,” said Rana Jaleel, an associate professor of gender, sexuality and women’s studies and Asian American studies in the College of Letters and Science at ��о��.

��о�� Artist, Sociologist, Ph.D. Student Reflect on ‘Breathe' Exhibition at Manetti Shrem Museum

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — October 08, 2025 - 10:21am

The transparent, glass gallery doors of the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art at ��о�� act as a portal to another world where an echoing, ambient sound can be heard in the distance.

This world is dimly lit and guarded by two large human-like figures, their long hair made of gray and black fibers, dressed in what might be space suits of the future or the casualwear of an alien species, fused together with colorful yarn.

Computational Model Uses Language Theory to Predict DNA Shapes That Underlie Gene Expression and Disease

Andy Fell — October 03, 2025 - 11:19am

Your DNA contains the genetic blueprint necessary to not just build your body but to build the proteins and molecules that ensure your body’s functionality. DNA encodes RNA, RNA encodes proteins and voila, your body functions.

��о�� Researchers Develop Theoretical Model to Determine How Pilgrimages Can Emerge

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — October 01, 2025 - 3:51pm

Pilgrimages are ubiquitous across all major world religions.

Psilocybin May Present Unique Risks During the Postpartum Period

Andy Fell — September 30, 2025 - 1:14pm

Magic mushrooms may not be the answer to postpartum depression, new research from the ��о��, suggests.

‘Welcome to Davis’ Mural Celebrates City and ��о�� Legacy

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — September 30, 2025 - 9:00am

Seongmin Yoo identifies as an “Aggie” in every sense of the word. Though she grew up in South Korea, she says Davis is “home.”

Yoo has been working with the Davis Mural Team for the last three years and has helped paint five different murals downtown. She is passionate about helping the local art scene thrive.

What Do Fewer People, Immigrants Mean for the Nation?

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — September 26, 2025 - 3:36pm

For the first time since the COVID-19 years, the number of immigrants in the United States has declined.

Aggressive immigration policies have led to 1.4 million fewer immigrants in the country between January and May alone. This number includes 750,000 workers. Historically, mass immigrant exoduses and outright removals far below this scale left lasting harm on communities and local economies.

Weekender: Grand Opening of Manetti Shrem Exhibition with Artists; Gorman opens with Bartow

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — September 25, 2025 - 2:05pm

Manetti Shrem fall celebration this weekend for 'OJO' and 'Breathe'

Museum Opening Celebration Sunday, Sept. 28, 2-5 p.m.

Hayabusa-2 Sample Return Mission Suggests Protracted Wetter Asteroids

Andy Fell — September 16, 2025 - 4:36pm

New results from the Hayabusa-2 space probe show that asteroids formed at the very beginnings of our Solar System retained substantial amounts of water for hundreds of millions of years, potentially delivering water to Earth and other planets for much longer than previously thought. The work by a large international team, including Professor Qing-Zhu Yin at the ��о�� Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, was published Sept. 10 in Nature.