Peppermint is getting a genetic makeover! UC Davis researchers, led by Distinguished Professor Luca Comai, used radiation-induced mutations to create more than 250 genetically distinct peppermint variants from the popular Black Mitcham variety.
These new variants could help researchers uncover genes linked to disease resistance, flavor, and other useful traits—opening up fresh possibilities for improving this flavorful crop.
Jonathan Eisen and his collaborators have been busy this year with several exciting research and community efforts.
A new paper, in collaboration with the labs of Jay Stachowicz and Maggie Sogin, explores microbial communities and their roles in marine ecosystems. This work highlights the power of interdisciplinary collaboration to better understand the diversity and function of microorganisms. Read the paper
Professor Pamela C. Ronald of the University of California, Davis, has been recognized with two awards highlighting both her scientific contributions and her commitment to research integrity.
Ronald received the U21 Award for Climate Action for her globally recognized work in plant genetics and sustainable agriculture. Her co-development of Sub1 flood-tolerant rice has helped strengthen climate resilience for millions of farmers across Asia, addressing the growing challenges of food security and climate change.
“We need super-efficient gene editors to develop plants that can resist stressors such as drought and pathogens, or that produce higher yields,” said Savithramma Dinesh-Kumar, a professor and chair in the Department of Plant Biology.
Researchers at UC Riverside, working with UC Davis Proteomics and Metabolomics Cores, found that while most mice gained weight on a high-fat, soybean-oil–rich diet, genetically engineered mice did not. These mice produced a modified liver protein that regulates genes involved in fat metabolism and alters how the body processes linoleic acid. The findings, published in the Journal of Lipid Research, may help explain why some individuals are more prone to weight gain from soybean-oil–rich diets than others.
October, we officially launched the GC Hive Users Group (GC-HUG) to better support everyone using the Genome Center’s shared computational resources. GC-HUG was created as a space for Hive users to connect, troubleshoot, and share tips, so no one has to navigate complex analyses or cluster issues alone.
We are proud to share that David Segal has been named a 2025 Oxford-Harrington Rare Disease Centre Scholar. This prestigious recognition supports groundbreaking work in rare disease research and innovation.
As part of the program, each Scholar will receive:
I’m excited to announce the start of the 2025–2026 Mentoring Seminar Series at the Genome Center! These brown-bag seminars will take place every 1st and 3rd Thursday at noon, beginning September 4, 2025.
What makes the human brain distinctive? A new study published July 21 in Cell identifies two genes linked to human brain features and provides a road map to discover many more. The research could lead to insights into the functioning and evolution of the human brain, as well as the roots of language disorders and autism.
