Our last Synergy issue (Fall 2023) focused on translational research that has advanced clinical care for animals and even humans. This issue highlights the critical role of fundamental research. Those endeavors may not immediately cure cancer or prevent Alzheimer’s, but they form the foundation for future therapeutics that could, as you’ll read about here.

Cases of Valley fever have quadrupled in the last 20 years, and human-driven climate change may be responsible. The disease, caused by the flesh-eating fungus Coccidioides, affects tens to hundreds of thousands of people annually with many experiencing no symptoms and others misdiagnosed because symptoms overlap with common illnesses like the flu. In rare cases, it can be debilitating and even fatal. The disease costs the states where it is most prevalent—Arizona and California—about $1.5 billion per year.

UC Davis researchers have identified a gene associated with longevity in golden retrievers, one of the most popular dog breeds. Individuals in the breed have an up to 65% chance of dying from cancer and the team wanted to find out if certain genetic factors could improve their survival rate. Instead of looking for genes associated with cancer, however, they focused on genes associated with longer life. The gene they identified happens to be involved with both.

Undergraduate degree: Biological Sciences with a concentration in microbiology at San Jose State University in 2015. Master’s degree: Biological Sciences while completing the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine Stem Cell program as a joint venture between San Jose State University and Stanford University in 2018. 

The microscope didn’t change much for nearly 200 years until improved technology enabled imaging to become a larger focus in medical research. Recent technological advances now allow scientists to witness cellular and developmental processes in real time—from single molecules and cells to complete tissues and embryos.

Suzzie, a 23-year-old American paint horse, was admitted to the UC Davis veterinary hospital with a severe case of squamous cell carcinoma. Over the following 18 months, she underwent multiple surgeries and chemotherapy.