Kat Kerlin
@katkerlin.bsky.social
Environmental science writer, press officer, pro #scicomm -er for UC Davis. Covering climate change, ecology, conservation, water and wildlife. My other brain is full of paint. she/her
For 4 days I followed @ucdavis.bsky.social scientists into the High Sierra to learn secrets from a tree, a bird and a changing world. I came back with this story, a new @unfoldpodcast.bsky.social episode, tons of pics and even watercolors.🌲🪺 🎨 Enjoy! www.ucdavis.edu/climate/news...
November 10, 2025 at 11:17 PM
For 4 days I followed @ucdavis.bsky.social scientists into the High Sierra to learn secrets from a tree, a bird and a changing world. I came back with this story, a new @unfoldpodcast.bsky.social episode, tons of pics and even watercolors.🌲🪺 🎨 Enjoy! www.ucdavis.edu/climate/news...
This was one of the most rewarding reporting experiences I've ever gotten to have, and I'm so thrilled to see the story and podcast out in the world now! @ucdavis.bsky.social
A lone Jeffrey pine found over 12,000 feet up a Sierra peak sparked a 240-mile trek by UC Davis scientists to study how a bird’s seed and a single tree reveal the impacts of climate change, and why fieldwork still matters in understanding our changing world. Read more: ucdav.is/4oXjDaK
November 10, 2025 at 8:44 PM
This was one of the most rewarding reporting experiences I've ever gotten to have, and I'm so thrilled to see the story and podcast out in the world now! @ucdavis.bsky.social
Have CA schools missed the bus on providing shade to increasingly hot playgrounds? 🥵 About 85% of elementary schools have lost tree canopy. @ucdavis.bsky.social @ucdavisplants.bsky.social teams with @uclaioes.bsky.social to investigate. @latimes.com www.latimes.com/environment/...
Most of California's public K-12 students go to school on campuses with virtually no shade
A team of researchers has mapped the tree canopies at public schools across California. What they've found so far is that many kids face a dangerous lack of shade and greenery.
www.latimes.com
October 30, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Have CA schools missed the bus on providing shade to increasingly hot playgrounds? 🥵 About 85% of elementary schools have lost tree canopy. @ucdavis.bsky.social @ucdavisplants.bsky.social teams with @uclaioes.bsky.social to investigate. @latimes.com www.latimes.com/environment/...
New species of spider discovered, just in time for Halloween. But climate change and habitat loss creep around the corner, haunting this newly named trapdoor spider. @ucdavis.bsky.social paper explains. www.ucdavis.edu/climate/news...
New Species of Spider Discovered, Just in Time for Halloween
UC Davis scientists have discovered a new species of trapdoor spider in California's coastal sand dunes.
www.ucdavis.edu
October 29, 2025 at 5:54 PM
New species of spider discovered, just in time for Halloween. But climate change and habitat loss creep around the corner, haunting this newly named trapdoor spider. @ucdavis.bsky.social paper explains. www.ucdavis.edu/climate/news...
Reposted by Kat Kerlin
California playgrounds and open spaces are getting hotter, but few have much shading and many are actually losing tree cover, a team led by the UC Davis Urban Science Lab finds www.ucdavis.edu/climate/news...
California Schools Are Losing Tree Canopy
About 85% of elementary schools studied in California experienced some loss of trees between 2018 and 2022, found a UC Davis study.
www.ucdavis.edu
October 27, 2025 at 9:46 PM
California playgrounds and open spaces are getting hotter, but few have much shading and many are actually losing tree cover, a team led by the UC Davis Urban Science Lab finds www.ucdavis.edu/climate/news...
Reposted by Kat Kerlin
In Focus: What’s at Stake with Federal Research Funding Cuts www.ucdavis.edu/curiosity/ne...
What’s at Stake with Federal Research Funding Cuts
Federal research funding cuts threaten UC Davis discoveries in health, agriculture and technology that improve lives worldwide.
www.ucdavis.edu
October 15, 2025 at 7:55 PM
In Focus: What’s at Stake with Federal Research Funding Cuts www.ucdavis.edu/curiosity/ne...
Reposted by Kat Kerlin
Federal research funding turns lab work into real help. More funding means faster treatments, cleaner air and water, safer families and stronger businesses. When funding freezes, progress slows and costs rise. Learn about how UC Davis research improve lives by visiting ucdav.is/FLTL.
October 15, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Federal research funding turns lab work into real help. More funding means faster treatments, cleaner air and water, safer families and stronger businesses. When funding freezes, progress slows and costs rise. Learn about how UC Davis research improve lives by visiting ucdav.is/FLTL.
You don't have to tell me about the power of siblings. My big sis is the best ever. But it's very cool to see this bond is so important in other species, too, like these songbirds, according to a new @ucdavis.bsky.social study from @sonjawild.bsky.social. www.ucdavis.edu/climate/news...
These Songbirds Learn More From Siblings Than From Parents
The powerful role of siblings is highlighted in this UC Davis study of a songbird species with limited parental care.
www.ucdavis.edu
October 9, 2025 at 6:21 PM
You don't have to tell me about the power of siblings. My big sis is the best ever. But it's very cool to see this bond is so important in other species, too, like these songbirds, according to a new @ucdavis.bsky.social study from @sonjawild.bsky.social. www.ucdavis.edu/climate/news...
Reposted by Kat Kerlin
The existence of small, starless clumps of dark matter can help astronomers learn more about the mystery stuff that makes up a quarter of the universe @ucdlands.bsky.social www.ucdavis.edu/news/astrono...
Astronomers Find Mystery Dark Object in Distant Universe
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 theo...
www.ucdavis.edu
October 9, 2025 at 3:47 PM
The existence of small, starless clumps of dark matter can help astronomers learn more about the mystery stuff that makes up a quarter of the universe @ucdlands.bsky.social www.ucdavis.edu/news/astrono...
"Resilience shows up in sediment cores and microbial communities, in carbon storage and stress responses, and also in career pivots, broken funding pipelines, and the uncertainty that shadows early-career science today." Great ✍️by @ucdmarinescience.bsky.social storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/69cd...
Resilience from the Ground Up
What Early-Career Scientists Are Learning from Seagrass, Sediment, and Oysters
storymaps.arcgis.com
October 8, 2025 at 5:11 PM
"Resilience shows up in sediment cores and microbial communities, in carbon storage and stress responses, and also in career pivots, broken funding pipelines, and the uncertainty that shadows early-career science today." Great ✍️by @ucdmarinescience.bsky.social storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/69cd...
Carson Jeffres has loved and studied fish for 40 years. Here, he reflects on salmon, identity and CA's past and future as a Salmon Society. It "has been difficult to have hope, but some changes are happening now." @ucdavis.bsky.social @ucdaviswater.bsky.social californiawaterblog.com/2025/10/05/c...
California: A Salmon Society?
By Carson Jeffres Consider for a moment the identity of the Pacific Northwest as a Salmon Society. When you fly into an airport in the Pacific Northwest, salmon are on the floors and wal…
californiawaterblog.com
October 7, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Carson Jeffres has loved and studied fish for 40 years. Here, he reflects on salmon, identity and CA's past and future as a Salmon Society. It "has been difficult to have hope, but some changes are happening now." @ucdavis.bsky.social @ucdaviswater.bsky.social californiawaterblog.com/2025/10/05/c...
As the climate warms and nutrient levels shift, what can cool, clear mountain lakes expect? Study from @ucdavis.bsky.social @ucdavistahoe.bsky.social @ucdaviscaes.bsky.social www.ucdavis.edu/climate/news...
Lake Tahoe Algae Experiment Suggests Seasonal Shifts Ahead
As the climate warms and nutrient inputs shift, algal communities in cool, clear mountain lakes like Lake Tahoe will likely experience seasonal changes, according to a study from the University of Cal...
www.ucdavis.edu
October 6, 2025 at 4:20 PM
As the climate warms and nutrient levels shift, what can cool, clear mountain lakes expect? Study from @ucdavis.bsky.social @ucdavistahoe.bsky.social @ucdaviscaes.bsky.social www.ucdavis.edu/climate/news...
Hey! @ucdavisnews.bsky.social is on Bsky. Go follow us for research and other news from UC Davis!
October 3, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Hey! @ucdavisnews.bsky.social is on Bsky. Go follow us for research and other news from UC Davis!
Drastic changes to the National Flood Insurance Program could dismantle a half-century of U.S. policy on dealing with natural disasters, Nicholas Pinter of @ucdavis.bsky.social tells the @latimes.com. www.latimes.com/environment/...
180,000 Californians rely on federally backed flood insurance. Trump could overhaul the system
The Trump administration is looking to overhaul FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program. That leaves insurance at risk for 180,000 policyholders in California.
www.latimes.com
September 29, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Drastic changes to the National Flood Insurance Program could dismantle a half-century of U.S. policy on dealing with natural disasters, Nicholas Pinter of @ucdavis.bsky.social tells the @latimes.com. www.latimes.com/environment/...
Nicholas Spada at @ucdavis.bsky.social’ Air Quality Research Center "is one of only a handful of scientists in the world proficient at using a nuclear method for detecting toxic substances in air particles to understand their impact on human health and the environment." www.wired.com/story/the-la...
The LA Fires Spewed Out Toxic Nanoparticles. He Made It His Mission to Trace Them
Nicholas Spada is one of the only scientists in the world using a nuclear x-ray process to study deadly nanoparticles in wildfire smoke. What he’s uncovered in California is a nightmare.
www.wired.com
September 29, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Nicholas Spada at @ucdavis.bsky.social’ Air Quality Research Center "is one of only a handful of scientists in the world proficient at using a nuclear method for detecting toxic substances in air particles to understand their impact on human health and the environment." www.wired.com/story/the-la...
How rapidly reducing methane emissions "is really pulling the emergency brake" on climate change. @tessahill.bsky.social @ucdavis.bsky.social and Fatima Denton discuss new report from @climatecrisisag.bsky.social with @wedonthavetime.bsky.social at #ClimateWeekNYC www.ucdavis.edu/climate/news...
Pulling the E-Brake on Methane Emissions
As global emissions continue to climb, there is a growing call for rapidly reducing methane.
www.ucdavis.edu
September 25, 2025 at 9:56 PM
How rapidly reducing methane emissions "is really pulling the emergency brake" on climate change. @tessahill.bsky.social @ucdavis.bsky.social and Fatima Denton discuss new report from @climatecrisisag.bsky.social with @wedonthavetime.bsky.social at #ClimateWeekNYC www.ucdavis.edu/climate/news...
Valley fever is affecting people and dogs across the arid West as researchers seek solutions."Their paths are different but bound by the same invisible spores,"writes @amymquinton.bsky.social @ucdavis.bsky.social. www.ucdavis.edu/health/news/...
Valley Fever Is Spreading Across the Arid West, Affecting People and Dogs
A soil fungus fuels valley fever, now reaching beyond California and Arizona due to climate change. UC Davis doctors and veterinarians trace the threat.
www.ucdavis.edu
September 23, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Valley fever is affecting people and dogs across the arid West as researchers seek solutions."Their paths are different but bound by the same invisible spores,"writes @amymquinton.bsky.social @ucdavis.bsky.social. www.ucdavis.edu/health/news/...
Research on the tenacious little killifish sheds light on how exposure to crude oil and flame retardants impacts later generations. From @andrewwhitehead.bsky.social @ucdavis.bsky.social
2 new papers now out in #ES&T on the persistent and multi-generational impacts of flame retardants on behavior and brain biology
Press release from @ucdavis.bsky.social @ucdaviscaes.bsky.social that ties this with our work on multi-gen impacts of oil spills www.ucdavis.edu/climate/news...
Press release from @ucdavis.bsky.social @ucdaviscaes.bsky.social that ties this with our work on multi-gen impacts of oil spills www.ucdavis.edu/climate/news...
Maternal Exposure to Crude Oil, Flame Retardants Can Affect Later Generations
A tiny fish with transparent embryos is helping University of California, Davis, researchers shed light on how exposure to crude oil and flame retardants can affect behavior, skeletal growth, cardiac ...
www.ucdavis.edu
August 27, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Research on the tenacious little killifish sheds light on how exposure to crude oil and flame retardants impacts later generations. From @andrewwhitehead.bsky.social @ucdavis.bsky.social
As someone who helps prep scientists for media interviews, I love how the "stress test" in this research was to have someone do 5 minutes of public speaking! 😅 Nerve-wracking work, but so important. Another great story from Greg Watry for @ucdavis.bsky.social. www.ucdavis.edu/health/news/...
The Color Lab Uncovers the Soothing Effects of Light
Veronica Then wore an electroencephalogram, or EEG, cap and stood in front of a black curtain with a white square placed behind her like a target. Studio lights beamed down from the ceiling as a panel...
www.ucdavis.edu
July 28, 2025 at 7:59 PM
As someone who helps prep scientists for media interviews, I love how the "stress test" in this research was to have someone do 5 minutes of public speaking! 😅 Nerve-wracking work, but so important. Another great story from Greg Watry for @ucdavis.bsky.social. www.ucdavis.edu/health/news/...
Humor is one of the best ways we have to cut through the noise and make science fun and accessible. See how @seadocsociety.bsky.social, part of @ucdavis.bsky.social, does it in their funniest clips from Salish Sea Wild. #SciComm youtu.be/j3QxfSUOeMc?...
The Silly Side of Science & Salish Sea Wild
YouTube video by SeaDoc Society
youtu.be
July 3, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Humor is one of the best ways we have to cut through the noise and make science fun and accessible. See how @seadocsociety.bsky.social, part of @ucdavis.bsky.social, does it in their funniest clips from Salish Sea Wild. #SciComm youtu.be/j3QxfSUOeMc?...
COMPASS is awesome, gold-standard #SciComm. They're giving a free communications training for government workers July 30. Sessions fill fast. www.compassscicomm.org/event/strate...
Sharing Impact & Value: Strategic Communication for Government Workers | COMPASS
Strategically and clearly communicate the importance of your work to relevant audiences, without partisanship. Government workers at all levels — local, state, and federal — provide important and nece...
www.compassscicomm.org
July 2, 2025 at 9:27 PM
COMPASS is awesome, gold-standard #SciComm. They're giving a free communications training for government workers July 30. Sessions fill fast. www.compassscicomm.org/event/strate...
“When I first saw the lead concentrations, they were so high I thought our instrument was broken." - @ucdavis.bsky.social study author Mark Salazar on testing disposable e-cigs for toxic metals. www.ucdavis.edu/news/disposa...
Disposable E-Cigarettes More Toxic Than Traditional Cigarettes
They may look like travel shampoo bottles and smell like bubblegum, but after a few hundred puffs, some disposable, electronic cigarettes and vape pods release higher amounts of toxic metals than olde...
www.ucdavis.edu
June 25, 2025 at 12:18 PM
“When I first saw the lead concentrations, they were so high I thought our instrument was broken." - @ucdavis.bsky.social study author Mark Salazar on testing disposable e-cigs for toxic metals. www.ucdavis.edu/news/disposa...
Lake Tahoe's Annual Clarity report out today: "It’s not, at this point, noticeably worse. But it’s not getting better, and we need to find out why.” 💙 @ucdavistahoe.bsky.social www.ucdavis.edu/climate/news...
Lake Tahoe Clarity Report: Trend Stable, Not Improving
UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center releases its annual Tahoe Clarity Report.
www.ucdavis.edu
June 16, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Lake Tahoe's Annual Clarity report out today: "It’s not, at this point, noticeably worse. But it’s not getting better, and we need to find out why.” 💙 @ucdavistahoe.bsky.social www.ucdavis.edu/climate/news...
Reposted by Kat Kerlin
Amidst all the heaviness out there, so fun to share a wonderful story about our record-breaking big day a month ago!
Thanks so much to Tiffany Dobbyn of @ucdavisnews.bsky.social for writing this!
caes.ucdavis.edu/news/uc-davi...
Thanks so much to Tiffany Dobbyn of @ucdavisnews.bsky.social for writing this!
caes.ucdavis.edu/news/uc-davi...
UC Davis Team Breaks ‘Big Day’ County Record with 173 Birds
The wind was whipping across a dark, open field near the southern edge of Yolo County when two small burrowing owls suddenly burst into flight. For a team of birders from UC Davis, the birds marked th...
caes.ucdavis.edu
June 11, 2025 at 12:18 AM
Amidst all the heaviness out there, so fun to share a wonderful story about our record-breaking big day a month ago!
Thanks so much to Tiffany Dobbyn of @ucdavisnews.bsky.social for writing this!
caes.ucdavis.edu/news/uc-davi...
Thanks so much to Tiffany Dobbyn of @ucdavisnews.bsky.social for writing this!
caes.ucdavis.edu/news/uc-davi...
"The only time that we are coming across young, small turtles is when they are popping up in these bullfrog stomachs." Sidney Woodruff talks to @npr.org about their study @ucdavis.bsky.social. www.kuaf.com/npr-news/202...
By removing invasive bullfrogs, scientists help Yosemite's native turtles recover
The huge amphibians "will literally just feed on anything that fits into their mouth" — including turtle hatchlings. Clearing thousands of frogs from ponds helped other species stage a comeback.
www.kuaf.com
June 10, 2025 at 8:37 PM
"The only time that we are coming across young, small turtles is when they are popping up in these bullfrog stomachs." Sidney Woodruff talks to @npr.org about their study @ucdavis.bsky.social. www.kuaf.com/npr-news/202...