News Archive - Liezel Labios

Plant Virus Treatment Shows Promise in Fighting Metastatic Cancers in Mice

An experimental treatment made from a plant virus is effective at protecting against a broad range of metastatic cancers in mice, shows a new study from the University of California San Diego. The treatment, composed of nanoparticles fashioned from the cowpea mosaic virus—a virus that infects black-eyed pea plants—showed remarkable success in improving survival rates and suppressing the growth of metastatic tumors across various cancer models, including colon, ovarian, melanoma and breast cancer.

Engineering Professor Tackles Tricky Academic Topics on YouTube

Professor Darren Lipomi, who also serves as associate dean for students at UC San Diego’s Jacobs School of Engineering, uses his YouTube platform to candidly address the realities and tough conversations of academic life head-on.

Biodegradable ‘Living Plastic’ Houses Bacterial Spores That Help It Break Down

A new type of bioplastic could help reduce the plastic industry’s environmental footprint. Researchers have developed a biodegradable form of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) filled with bacterial spores that, when exposed to nutrients present in compost, germinate and break down the material at the end of its life cycle.

Computational Tools Fuel Reconstruction of New and Improved Bird Family Tree

Using computational methods and supercomputing infrastructure at UC San Diego, researchers have built the largest and most detailed bird family tree to date—an intricate chart delineating 93 million years of evolutionary relationships between 363 bird species, representing 92% of all bird families.

UC San Diego Engineers Inducted Into 2024 Class of the AIMBE College of Fellows

Engineering professors Ludmil Alexandrov and Sheng Xu were inducted into the College of Fellows of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE), one of the highest distinctions accorded to medical and biological engineers.

Healable Cathode Could Unlock Potential of Solid-state Lithium-sulfur Batteries

UC San Diego engineers developed a cathode material for lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries that is healable and highly conductive, overcoming longstanding challenges of traditional sulfur cathodes. The advance holds promise for bringing more energy dense and low-cost Li-S batteries closer to market.

$3 Million Gift from CorDx to Boost Sustainable Energy Innovation at UC San Diego

Through his company CorDx, entrepreneur and philanthropist Aiiso Yufeng Li (Jeff) and Dongdong Guo (Doreen) have pledged $3 million to the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering. The gift will support research, education and entrepreneurship in the Sustainable Power and Energy Center (SPEC).

Ultra-sensitive Lead Detector Could Significantly Improve Water Quality Monitoring

Engineers have developed an ultra-sensitive sensor made with graphene that can detect extraordinarily low concentrations of lead ions in water. The device achieves a record limit of detection of lead down to the femtomolar range, which is one million times more sensitive than previous technologies.

Transparent Brain Implant Can Read Deep Neural Activity From the Surface

A multidisciplinary team of researchers at UC San Diego developed a thin, transparent, flexible neural implant that can capture high-resolution information about activity deep inside the brain without damaging its delicate tissue.

Wireless Tracking System Could Help Improve the XR Experience

UC San Diego engineers developed a technology that delivers centimeter-level accuracy for real-time tracking in extended reality (XR) applications. It uses wireless signals to ensure precise asset localization and smooth tracking, promising to enhance virtual gaming experiences and workplace safety.