News

The American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) has elected Dan Starr, professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, as a 2026 ASCB Fellow.

Starr is one of 15 scientists elected this year in recognition of exceptional contributions to cell biology and the society. ASCB Fellows are selected by their peers and approved by the ASCB Council, recognizing careers distinguished by scientific excellence, leadership and service to the cell biology community.

The tiny aquatic hydra looks fragile at first glance, with tentacles that are slender and translucent. But if you cut it in half, each fragment regenerates into a complete new animal. Scientists studying this amazing feat have discovered a surprising detail: to trigger healing, specialized cells first have to invade the wound in a manner similar to what cancer cells do as they spread through the body.

Three College of Biological Sciences research core facilities are among 20 across UC Davis selected to receive funding through the university's new Research Cores Central Investment (RCCI) Program. The one-time awards will help sustain essential shared research infrastructure, supporting advanced imaging, plant growth facilities, and other specialized resources that enable discoveries across the biological sciences.

A nerve cell resembles a vast tree with branches that communicate with thousands of other cells. To function, it depends on a motor protein that walks on two legs, hauling urgent cargo from the center of the cell to the faraway tips of every branch. Scientists have unveiled a new structure of this walking protein, showing how cells control it.

Sean Burgess, a professor of molecular and cellular biology whose research has advanced understanding of chromosome inheritance, reproductive biology and human developmental disorders, has been named chair of the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB). She will begin serving in the role on September 1.

Each spring, the College of Biological Sciences celebrates graduating students whose achievements exemplify the spirit of discovery, leadership, and service that define UC Davis. At the college’s annual undergraduate awards ceremony, students are recognized for exceptional accomplishments in research, academics, mentorship, and community engagement.

Robert D. “Bob” Grey, Ph.D., a pillar of the UC Davis campus and community for nearly 60 years, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, in May at the age of 86.

Frédéric Chédin, a professor and chair of the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and a renowned expert in genome biology, will be the next dean of the UC Davis College of Biological Sciences. Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Mary Croughan selected Chédin to lead the college following a nationwide search. He will start on September 1.

Thousands of times per year, a family’s moment of joy turns to unexpected grief. A seemingly healthy infant stops smiling or making eye contact. Their limbs grow weak. The tiny child suffers seizures and breathing problems.

Jawdat Al-Bassam, an associate professor of molecular and cellular biology at the University of California, Davis, often hears from these families. “I’ve gotten emails from folks all over the world,” he said.

Scientific breakthroughs don’t happen in isolation. They are built through mentorship, curiosity and hands-on discovery. In this month’s episode of Face to Face With Chancellor May, undergraduate researcher Azucena “Zucy” Virgen and Celina Juliano, an associate professor of cellular and molecular biology, share how their collaboration is advancing regenerative biology while shaping the next generation of scientists.