Thomas Z Davis (Zane)

Research Molecular Biologist

Poisonous Plant Research Lab

1150 E 1400 N

Logan, UT 84341

(435)797-4013

 

  

Education

 

    2006     PhD     Biochemistry, Chem/Biochem; Utah State University

    1999      BS       Biology, Biology; Utah State University

 

Isocoma pluriflora                (rayless goldenrod)	Eupatorium rugosum                (white snakeroot)	Selenium Accumulating Plant                Woody Aster

 

 

Research Interests

 

 

The mechanisms of toxicity of natural toxins on livestock. Specifically, differences in toxicity and nutrition of different forms of selenium and the mechanism of toxicity of the benzofuran ketone compounds found in white snakeroot and rayless goldenrod.

 

 

Significant Accomplishments 

•  Determined the toxicokinetics in sheep, of selenium forms commonly found in selenium-accumulating plants ( Astragalusspp. and Asterspp.) that cause toxicity in livestock. 
•  Speciated the forms of selenium found in selenium-accumulating plants that grow on seleniferous soils.
• Developed a Spanish goat model to determine the relative toxicity of the putative toxins (tremetone, dehydrotremetone, 3-hydroxytremetone, and 3-oxyangeloyl-tremetone) from white snakeroot and rayless goldenrod.