Biochemistry

Copper regulates sleep in zebrafish

June 9, 2018


New research on copper could lead to better understanding of role in sleep.New research on copper could lead to better understanding of role in sleep.

Breakthrough Study of Cell Signaling Holds Promise for Immune Research and Beyond

April 2, 2019

NanoEP experiment

For the first time ever, scientists have imaged the process by which an individual immune system molecule is switched on in response to a signal from the environment, leading to the critical discovery that the activation process involves hundreds of proteins suddenly coming together to form a linked network through a process known as a phase transition.

Can synthetic polymers replace the body’s natural proteins?

March 20, 2023

Illustration of biological fluids are made up of hundreds or thousands of different proteins

Biological fluids are made up of hundreds or thousands of different proteins (represented by space filling models above) that evolved to work together efficiently but flexibly. UC Berkeley polymer scientists are trying to create artificial fluids composed of random heteropolymers (threads inside spheres) with much less...

A protein voyage into cells enabled by a short helical protein

April 16, 2021

Drawing of three pathways of endocytosis

Three common pathways of endocytosis in a cell to internalize outside substances. Figure credit: scientificanimations.com, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Schepartz lab at UC Berkeley recently reported a way to efficiently deliver therapeutic proteins into live cells and...

A behind-the-scenes look at the longevity vitamin PQQ

July 27, 2020

fruit and vegetables

PQQ has been found in fruits and vegetables, such as papaya, kiwi fruit, spinach, green pepper, parsley, celery, and more. Photo: Wen Zhu.

We love food, not only for the joy of eating and sharing meals, but also for the nutrients that our bodies depend on to thrive. Beyond the essential vitamins that everyone needs regularly, scientists have found more...

The College of Chemistry celebrates Jennifer Doudna

November 12, 2020
An informal discussion with Nobel Laureate, and College faculty member, Jennifer Doudna.

UC Berkeley researchers awarded Pew Innovation Funding

September 15, 2020
Pew Scholars Polina Lishko and Ke Xu will collaborate to investigate the role of steroid hormones in Alzheimer’s, a disease affecting more than 5.8 million Americans aged 65 or older in 2020.

Students shine at "Pet Biomolecule" showcase

June 2, 2025
Hosted by Professors Jason Ryder and Wenjun Zhang, the Spring 2025 showcase marked the culmination of a semester's worth of applied learning.

Indigenous knowledge helps biotech find new drugs. This grad student wants those companies to give back.

May 1, 2025
Many successful drugs are based on medicinal plants used and stewarded for generations by Native communities. A UC Berkeley doctoral student says these communities should also benefit.

Biochemical Society announces Kevin Shokat as among 2026 award winners

April 17, 2025
Professor Kevan Shokat (Ph.D., '91, Chem) has won the Centenary Award as a part of the 2026 annual Biochemical Society Awards