College of Letters and Science Content

How Can Reducing Stigma for Non-traditional Romantic Relationships Benefit Everyone?

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — April 30, 2026 - 3:44pm

Not all romantic relationships between consenting adults involve only two people. For nearly one-fifth of U.S. adults at some point in their life, those relationships have included three or more.

Having more than one romantic partner at time, with the consent of all involved, is called “consensual non-monogamy.” While it’s much more common than most people realize, people who practice it face stigma and prejudice.

Restoration of Paintings Can Reveal What the Artist Intended

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — April 28, 2026 - 10:02am

Mark Tucker, a UC Davis alum and conservator, visited UC Davis as the Art History department’s guest speaker on “The Challenges of Altered Paintings” in April, explaining how restoration can reveal art in new ways for viewers.

Weekender: Stick and Bow Concert, Saxophone, Danzantes del Alma and More

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — April 23, 2026 - 10:17am

Stick and Bow at noon concert

Thursday, April 23, Pitzer Center, UC Davis

Arts at Picnic Day: The Gong Returns, Fashion, More

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — April 15, 2026 - 10:13am

As is always the case, the more than 200 events and exhibitions at Picnic Day can be a bit overwhelming. But if you want to just partake in the UC Davis arts this Saturday, April 18, there’s plenty to enjoy. And all the campus museums will be open. We also tell you how to learn about all Picnic Day events. Karen Nikos-Rose, Arts Blog Editor

Shields Up! Cosmic Rays a Challenge for Deep Space Travel

Andy Fell — April 09, 2026 - 10:38am

One of the big challenges with traveling to the Moon and beyond is protecting both human bodies and the electronics that support them in space against the onslaught of radiation from the sun and the rest of the universe.

Weekender: Music, Live Sound Installation, Art

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — April 02, 2026 - 9:52am

(This week's Arts Blog covers two weeks, as I'm on vacation next week. Please watch for a special Picnic Day weekender the week of April 13. Enjoy!

How Did a Law from 150 Years Ago Change Voting Rights Today?

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — March 30, 2026 - 1:53pm

Tati King and Toni Johnson both lost their right to vote after drug-related felony convictions. Even though both have served their prison sentences, the Virginia state constitution imposes a lifetime voting ban on anyone convicted of any felony unless restored by the state’s governor.

Media Experts on Economic Issues: Gas Prices, Inflation, Stock Market

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — March 26, 2026 - 10:07am

The following University of California, Davis, sources are available to share expertise with media on various aspects of the economy, including climbing gas prices. Specific lists on trade (including supply chain), poverty and minimum wage are linked at the bottom. See also the overall federal issues experts list. This list was updated in 2026.

Is Tea Culture Art, Political, or Some of Both?

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — March 25, 2026 - 4:27pm

There are nuances to culture that escape the detection of those not entrenched within it. Accessing this intimate knowledge relies upon deep immersion in that culture over time. It’s not something that can be analyzed in a lab.

Does Structural Racism Shorten People’s Life Expectancy?

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — March 24, 2026 - 9:40am

Not every neighborhood is near a toxic waste site. Not every block has a liquor store. These forms of neighborhood blight, as well as segregation and racial inequality, are all examples of structural racism.