News Archive - Liezel Labios

‘Pop-up’ Electronic Sensors Could Detect When Individual Heart Cells Misbehave

UC San Diego engineers developed a powerful new tool that directly measures the movement and speed of electrical signals inside heart cells, using tiny “pop-up” sensors that poke into cells without damaging them. It could be used to gain more detailed insights into heart disorders and diseases.

Flu Virus Shells Could Improve Delivery of mRNA Into Cells

UC San Diego nanoengineers developed a new and potentially more effective way to deliver messenger RNA (mRNA) into cells. Their approach involves packing mRNA inside nanoparticles that mimic the flu virus—a naturally efficient vehicle for delivering genetic material such as RNA inside cells.

Decoding Birds’ Brain Signals Into Syllables of Song

Researchers can predict what syllables a bird will sing—and when it will sing them—by reading electrical signals in its brain, reports a new study from the University of California San Diego. The work is an early step toward building vocal prostheses for humans who have lost the ability to speak.

New Upgrades to Old Wireless Tech Could Enable Real-Time 3D Motion Capture

A wireless technology that is helping people find their keys and wallets could one day be used for precise and real-time 3D motion capture, thanks to upgrades developed by electrical engineers at the University of California San Diego.

How a Plant Virus Could Protect and Save Your Lungs From Metastatic Cancer

Using a virus that grows in black-eyed pea plants, researchers developed a new therapy that could keep metastatic cancers from spreading to the lungs, as well as treat established tumors in the lungs.

These Fridge-Free COVID-19 Vaccines Are Grown in Plants and Bacteria

Nanoengineers at the University of California San Diego have developed COVID-19 vaccine candidates that can take the heat. Their key ingredients? Viruses from plants or bacteria.

This Technology Could Bring the Fastest Version of 5G to Your Home and Workplace

A new technology developed by electrical engineers at UC San Diego might one day allow more people to have access to 5G connectivity that provides ultra-fast download speeds along with widespread, reliable coverage—all at the same time.

Ultrasound Remotely Triggers Immune Cells to Attack Tumors in Mice Without Toxic Side Effects

A new cancer immunotherapy pairs ultrasound with cancer-killing immune cells to destroy malignant tumors while sparing normal tissue. The approach could make chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy safer and effective at treating solid tumors.

Soft Skin Patch Could Provide Early Warning for Strokes, Heart Attacks

UC San Diego engineers developed a soft, stretchy ultrasound patch that can be worn on the skin to monitor blood flow through vessels deep inside the body. Such a device can make it easier to detect cardiovascular problems, like blockages in the arteries that could lead to strokes or heart attacks.

Calling All Couch Potatoes: This Finger Wrap Can Let You Power Electronics While You Sleep

A new wearable device turns the sweat and press of a fingertip into a source of power for small electronics and sensors. This sweat-fueled device is the first to generate power even while the wearer is asleep—no exercise or movement required.