News Archive
2023 News Releases
Nanoparticle Vaccine Could Curb Cancer Metastasis to Lungs by Targeting a Protein
October 18, 2023
UC San Diego engineers have developed an experimental vaccine that could prevent the spread of metastatic cancers to the lungs. Its success lies in targeting a protein known to play a central role in cancer growth and spread, rather than targeting the primary tumor itself. Full Story
Nanoparticles Made From Plant Viruses Could Be Farmers' New Ally in Pest Control
September 21, 2023
UC San Diego engineers have devised a new solution to control a major agricultural menace, root-damaging nematodes. Using plant viruses, the researchers created nanoparticles that can deliver pesticide molecules to previously inaccessible depths in the soil. This "precision farming" approach could potentially minimize environmental toxicity and cut costs for farmers. Full Story
A $2 Million UC San Diego Materials Science Win
September 20, 2023
Materials science researchers at UC San Diego, University of Alabama, and Colorado State University are working together to solve a vexing materials-for-extreme-environments challenge. Their efforts could pave the way for better-performing ceramic materials for a series of critical applications including concentrated solar power, hypersonic flight and nuclear fusion reactors. Full Story
3D-Printed 'Living Material' Could Clean Up Contaminated Water
September 5, 2023
A "living material," made of a natural polymer combined with genetically engineered bacteria, could offer a sustainable and eco-friendly solution to clean pollutants from water. UC San Diego researchers developed their living material using a seaweed-based polymer and bacteria that have been programmed to produce an enzyme that transforms various organic pollutants into harmless compounds. In tests, heir material decontaminated water solutions tainted with a pollutant from textile manufacturing: indigo carmine, a blue dye that is used to color denim. Full Story
Probing lithium ions near a solid's surface reveals clues to boost solid-state battery performance
April 28, 2023
Using computer simulations and X-ray experiments, researchers could "see" in detail why lithium ions move slowly in a solid-state battery—specifically, at the electrolyte-electrode interface. The work could lead to new strategies to enhance ionic conductivity in solid-state batteries. Full Story