The world of dinosaurs has long captivated the human imagination, and with each new archaeological discovery, our understanding of these ancient creatures continues to evolve. In the realm of dinosaur conservation and education, significant advancements have been made in recent decades, thanks to the tireless efforts of pioneering researchers and institutions dedicated to preserving the past and inspiring future generations.
Unlocking the Secrets of Amber-Preserved DNA
The groundbreaking work of George Poinar Jr., a paleobiologist at the University of California, Berkeley, has paved the way for a new era in the study of ancient DNA. Poinar’s research, which he conducted alongside his wife, Roberta Hess, an electron microscopy specialist, has shed light on the remarkable preservation of genetic material in fossilized insects trapped in amber. Their 1982 study, published in the journal Science, described a 40-million-year-old fungus gnat that had been so well-preserved that its cell nuclei and other intracellular structures were still identifiable.
Poinar’s findings captivated the imagination of author Michael Crichton, who later visited the researcher’s lab to learn more about the potential for recovering ancient DNA. Crichton’s novel “Jurassic Park,” and the subsequent blockbuster film adaptation by Steven Spielberg, brought the concept of resurrecting dinosaurs from ancient DNA into the public consciousness, sparking a renewed interest in the field of paleogenetics.
Safeguarding the Majestic Giant Sequoias
The College of Natural Resources at the University of California, Berkeley, has a long and storied history of stewardship over the giant sequoias of the Sierra Nevada mountains. For over a century, Berkeley researchers have been tracking and studying these towering trees, which can live for thousands of years.
One of the researchers at the forefront of this effort is Robert York, an assistant professor of Cooperative Extension in forestry, who carries on the legacy of his predecessors in monitoring the health and growth of these ancient trees. Unfortunately, the effects of climate change-driven drought and wildfires have posed a significant threat to the giant sequoia population, with an estimated 19% of all large sequoias in the world being destroyed by the Castle KNP Complex and Windy fires in 2020 and 2021.
In response to these challenges, the university has joined forces with the Giant Sequoia Lands Coalition, a collaborative effort focused on conserving these unique ecosystems. The research conducted at Whitaker Forest, a UC Berkeley-managed property, continues to provide valuable insights into the sequoias’ resilience and adaptation to changing environmental conditions.
Revolutionizing Fungal Taxonomy and Phylogenetics
The College of Natural Resources at UC Berkeley has also been at the forefront of advancements in molecular biology and genetics, with a landmark study published in 1990 that has had a profound impact on the field of fungal taxonomy and phylogenetics.
The study, led by professors John Taylor and Tom Bruns, along with PhD alumni Tom White and Steven Lee, described the development of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers and methods that enabled the molecular identification and classification of fungi. This breakthrough has been cited nearly 50,000 times and has revolutionized the way ecologists and microbiologists study the diversity and distribution of fungi in the environment, from soil and water to the human microbiome.
Bridging Academia and Athletics
The College of Natural Resources at UC Berkeley has also been home to remarkable individuals who have left an indelible mark on both academia and the world of sports. One such individual is Darrall Imhoff, a three-and-a-half-credit short of graduating forestry major, who cemented his place in Cal history by making the game-winning shot in the 1959 NCAA championship game. Imhoff went on to win an Olympic gold medal in 1960 and played in the NBA for 12 seasons, ultimately returning to UC Berkeley in 1994 to complete his degree.
Harnessing the Power of Synthetic Biology and CRISPR
The Rausser College of Natural Resources at UC Berkeley is home to a team of scientists affiliated with the Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI) who are using cutting-edge synthetic biology and CRISPR gene editing techniques to tackle a wide range of challenges, from improving crop yields and plant resistance to pathogens to removing carbon from the air and mitigating the effects of global warming.
These researchers, led by professors Jill Banfield and Brian Staskawicz, are leveraging the latest advancements in biotechnology to develop innovative solutions that have the potential to transform the way we approach environmental and agricultural issues.
Nurturing the Next Generation of Nutrition Experts
The College of Natural Resources has also played a pivotal role in the field of nutrition, with the establishment of the university’s first accredited dietetics program over 50 years ago, led by Professor Emerita Janet King. King’s work, along with that of her successors, has had a profound impact on nutritional guidelines and practices across the country, including her role in developing the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
The college’s legacy in nutrition research continues to this day, with the launch of the Master of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics (MNSD) program, which builds on the work of King and other researchers to train the next generation of nutrition experts.
The Microgarden: A Living Collection of Microbial Diversity
One of the hidden gems within the College of Natural Resources is the Microgarden, a facility that houses a diverse collection of algae and fungi specimens, some dating back to the 1930s. Curated by faculty and staff, the Microgarden serves as an invaluable resource for researchers and students, providing living cultures for use in a wide range of courses and investigations.
“Unlike most other culture collections which store frozen or dried samples, the Microgarden houses living cultures that require diligent care to survive,” explains Dr. Juliana Cho, a former curator of the Microgarden. “Thousands of students use organisms from the Microgarden every semester, and the facility is a unique resource that is difficult to find elsewhere.”
Trailblazing Women in Leadership
The College of Natural Resources at UC Berkeley has a rich history of trailblazing women in leadership roles, paving the way for future generations of scholars and administrators.
In 1981, Doris Calloway became the first woman to break into the ranks of UC Berkeley’s senior administration when she was appointed Provost of Professional Schools and Colleges by Chancellor Ira Michael Heyman. Calloway, a renowned nutritional science professor, worked tirelessly to increase the hiring of women and minority faculty and helped establish the campus-wide Peace and Conflict Studies program.
Nearly 30 years later, Catherine Koshland made history as the first Vice Chancellor for Undergraduate Education, following in Calloway’s footsteps and working across colleges and departments to support undergraduate education and the student experience.
Innovating in Termite Control
The College of Natural Resources has also made significant contributions to the field of pest control, particularly in the area of termite management. In the 1990s, Cooperative Extension professor Vernard Lewis and his partners from the United States Forest Service and California Structural Pest Control Board developed a unique concept called “Villa Termiti” – a 400-square-foot structure designed to be eaten by termites.
The purpose of this innovative project was to determine the most effective methods for eradicating the six-legged pests, including conventional fumigation and alternative treatments such as freezing, electrical zapping, and microwave heating. The results of this research, published in 1996, continue to inform the practices of pest control professionals around the world.
Pioneering Plant Science and the Arabidopsis Revolution
The College of Natural Resources has long been at the forefront of plant science, with faculty members who have made significant contributions to the field. One such pivotal moment was the sequencing of the Arabidopsis thaliana genome, a process that was led by Athanasios Theologis, an adjunct professor in the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology.
Arabidopsis, also known as thale cress, has long been a model organism for plant biologists, and the completion of its genome sequence in 2000 represented a major milestone. “This work pioneered new methods and still influences how plant science is done today,” says Sheng Luan, the current chair of the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology.
The legacy of Arabidopsis research at UC Berkeley continues to this day, with a dozen faculty labs and countless students exploring the insights and applications of this influential plant species.
Revolutionizing Frost Control with Genetically Modified Bacteria
Another significant breakthrough in the College of Natural Resources’ history is the work of Steven Lindow, a plant pathologist who received permission in 1987 to field-test a genetically modified strain of the Pseudomonas syringae bacteria as a frost-preventive on potatoes.
Lindow’s research, which built upon his personal experiences growing up on a farm, led to the development of a modified bacterial strain that could compete with the naturally occurring ice-nucleating bacteria, effectively preventing the formation of damaging frost on crops. This pioneering work in the field of genetic engineering and its real-world agricultural applications paved the way for further advancements in sustainable farming practices.
Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future
The College of Natural Resources at the University of California, Berkeley, has a rich history of groundbreaking research, innovative discoveries, and impactful contributions to the world of science, conservation, and education. From the preservation of ancient DNA to the safeguarding of majestic giant sequoias, and from the revolutionizing of fungal taxonomy to the nurturing of the next generation of nutrition experts, the college’s legacy is one of continuous learning, discovery, and the pursuit of knowledge.
As the college celebrates its 50th anniversary, its researchers and students continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, harnessing the power of cutting-edge technologies and interdisciplinary collaboration to address the pressing challenges of our time. By preserving the past and inspiring the future, the College of Natural Resources at UC Berkeley remains a beacon of excellence, driving progress and shaping the understanding of our natural world.
