Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering

David Schaffer receives Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Intercampus Research Award

October 31, 2018
The Chan Zuckerberg Biohub has awarded HWNI member, and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Professor, David Schaffer with an intercampus research award.

Study shows promise of optogenetics as a new epilepsy treatment

November 25, 2024
A potential new treatment for epilepsy uses light pulses to stop seizure-like activity.

First natural enzyme creates azides from scratch

September 30, 2024
A team of researchers reported the discovery of the first natural enzyme capable of creating complex molecules, azides, from simpler molecules, which could lead to safer drug development and biological research.

Markita Landry announced as laureate for Blavatnik National Award

September 12, 2024
Markita Landry is awarded the Blavatnik National Awards for Young Scientists for pioneering nanoscale chemical tools to address disparate challenges in human health and sustainability.

The Future Looks Bright for Infinitely Recyclable Plastic

April 22, 2021
A study that shows what can be accomplished if manufacturers began using PDKs on a large scale. The bottom line? PDK-based plastic could quickly become commercially competitive with conventional plastics, and the products will get less expensive and more sustainable as time goes on.

Prioritizing battery storage to bolster US national security

March 8, 2021

batteries

The urgent threat of climate change, driven by the burning of carbon fuels, requires bold and drastic action on a global scale. Communities in high-risk areas that are increasingly subject to natural disasters, such as recent wildfires in California and flooding in Texas, must adapt and relocate. Food supply chains are struggling as increased drought or volatile weather reduce crop yields and force the...

Nano-sized sensors learn new biological tricks

September 23, 2020

fluorophore labeled DNA

Rebecca Pinals mixes SWNTs with fluorophore-labeled DNA to create a nanosensor, then measures their optical response as they interact with biomolecules. (Photo credit: Rebecca Pinals).

In spite of the tremendous advances in modern medicine, there are still mysteries about routine processes in the human body that continue to elude scientists. For example, researchers have...

PDP student research becomes white papers for Givaudan

October 31, 2022

Fruit processing

Berries being processed for the marketplace. (photo Adobe Stock)

The Product Development Program (PDP) at UC Berkeley is a master’s level – non-traditional degree program. The program focuses on using real-world product development practices such as those practiced with pharmaceuticals, specialty materials, high...

Introducing our new faculty members and their lab groups

September 3, 2019

Fall semester at UC Berkeley brings cool air, sunny skies and hordes of nervous incoming first-year undergrads to the campus. At the College of Chemistry, the beginning of the semester also triggers a sudden epidemic of goofy handmade posters that seem to multiply and cover every available vertical surface.

Lab promotional posters for UC Berkeley College of Chemistry

Recruiting posters for...

Yeast produce low-cost, high-quality cannabinoids

February 27, 2019
UC Berkeley synthetic biologists have engineered brewer’s yeast to produce marijuana’s main ingredients—mind-altering THC and non-psychoactive CBD.