Research
Where there's smoke
For years, ESPM researchers have been studying fire, its causes and its repercussions. Now, in the wake of last fall's wildfires, their work has become more important than ever.
Some species of endangered frogs may be making a comeback
Research from the Rosenblum lab has found that populations of several Panamian frog species are slowly making a comeback against a deadly pathogen.
Study links eating out to increased phthalates exposure
New research suggests that restaurant meals lead to higher levels of plastic-based chemicals in the body.
Land degradation pushing planet towards sixth mass extinction
More than 100 experts from 45 countries have published a three-year study of the Earth’s land degradation.
Plants really do feed their friends
New research shows that that as plants develop they craft their own root microbiome, favoring microbes that consume very specific metabolites.
Bearded pigs adapting to oil palm production
Borneo's wild pigs are adapting to expanded agricultural production—but the species is still in need of protection.
How brightly colored spiders evolved on Hawaii again and again … and again
Rosemary Gillespie's new research sheds light on the evolution of Hawaiian Ariamnes stick spiders.
Management, firefighting crucial to determine wildfire risk
New research demonstrates that vegetation management and firefighting play major roles in determining fire risk in California.
Study reveals that chaparral fire management can devastate California’s wild birds
Fire-risk reduction practices of California's iconic shrubland ecosystem disrupt wild bird populations, new research shows.
Population genetics could help breed a hardier honey bee
New research creates a genetic snapshot of California’s honey bee populations, charting 105 years of change for this essential pollinator species.
Deploying drones to follow the water
Drones will play a key role in assessing the impact of highly variable water resources around the state thanks to a new $2.2 million grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.
Kate O’Neill examines China’s new ban on “foreign garbage”
Will China’s crackdown on imported scrap force the US to recycle more of our waste?
California birds nesting a week earlier than they did a century ago
A new study from professor Steven Beissinger suggests that many of the state’s birds are adapting to rising temperatures by breeding earlier than they did a century ago.
Cannabis Crop Expansion Threatens Wildlife Habitats
Without land-use policies to limit its environmental footprint, the impacts of cannabis farming could get worse, according to a new study.
UC Berkeley establishes new Institute for Parks, People, and Biodiversity
The new institute will be led by former National Parks Service Director Jon Jarvis.
Berkeley Food Institute podcast features ESPM researchers
Professor Kremen was recently interviewed about California’s native pollinators on an episode of Just Food.
ESPM experts on Northern California’s wildfires
Faculty and researchers share research findings, strategies for wildfire management, and policy recommendations.
New report tackles health of CA headwater forests
A new Public Policy Institute of California report calls for more active management of the state's headwater forests.
As biotic communities form, pollinators swap one plant for another
A new study from UC Berkeley researchers helps create a clearer understanding of how networks of plants and pollinators form over time to create communities.
17.6M Americans live close to active oil and gas wells
Living within a mile of active wells has been correlated to increased health risks, including heart disease and cancer.