This project builds on previous work investigating the responses of wildlife foraging to the presence of domesticated dog urine in coastal California. In this study, we continued measuring Giving-Up Density (GUD; the density of food remaining in a patch after foraging) for nocturnal small mammals in 19 artificial foraging patches (50 g of sunflower seeds in sand) established in a reserve closed to the public in coastal California. We placed dog urine in scent dispensers next to treatment foraging patches and water next to control patches for three consecutive nights in August 2025. Previous work found higher GUD for nocturnal small mammals foraging in patches near dog urine than near water. Now, with additional sampling, our preliminary results demonstrate the same pattern. Although we had hypothesized that small mammals would perceive domestic dog urine as a direct cue for risk and would reduce foraging near it, our results suggest the scent of domestic dog urine may instead attract the attention of small mammals and lead to increased foraging in its presence. Understanding how the presence of odors left by domestic dogs influences the foraging of wildlife will be useful for the management of domestic dogs in natural areas throughout coastal California.

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder in which fluid-filled cysts develop and grow in the kidneys, eventually reducing kidney function and potentially leading to kidney failure. Recent studies suggest that inflammation plays an important role in cyst growth and disease progression. The goal of our research is to investigate whether Resolvin D1 (RvD1), a molecule that helps the body resolve inflammation, can reduce kidney inflammation and slow the progression of PKD. Using a mouse model of PKD, we are studying the effects of RvD1 on kidney inflammation, cyst growth, fibrosis, and cellular signaling pathways associated with disease progression. Our preliminary results show that RvD1 decreases renal inflammation, reduces cyst growth, lowers cyclic AMP levels, and decreases fibrosis in PKD mice. To better understand how RvD1 works, we are investigating its effects on immune cells in the kidney and on signaling pathways such as NF-kB, AMPK, and cAMP CREB. We are also examining whether RvD1 directly affects kidney epithelial cells and exploring its potential use in human PKD cells and tissues. This research will help improve our understanding of the relationship between inflammation and PKD progression and may contribute to the development of new treatment strategies for patients living with PKD.