Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering

Research shines a light on development of the visual cortex during the critical period after birth

January 19, 2022
UC Berkeley, College of Chemistry Press Release

imagery of cortex

Different layers of the cortex are visualized as depths in the ocean, with the sun playing the role of light/vision. (Illustration by Julia Kuhl.)

Scientists have long researched the interplay of how nature (genetics) and nurture (sensory experience following birth) shape our brains and make us who we are. In early brain...

Microbes provide sustainable hydrocarbons for petrochemical industry

January 7, 2022
By Robert Sanders | UC Berkeley media relations

Illustration of a bio-petroleum process

Researchers from UC Berkeley and the NSF Center for Sustainable Polymers have developed a chemical technology that combines fermentation and chemical refining (center panels) to produce petroleum-like liquids (right) from renewable plants (left). (Image by John Beumer, courtesy of NSF Center for Sustainable Polymers)

If the petrochemical industry is ever to wean...

Markita Landry named CITRIS Innovation Fellowship and AIC Award​ee

December 17, 2024
College of Chemistry
Markita Landry's project, nanotechnologies for rapid crop bioengineering, has made her the recipient of the CITRIS Innovation Fellowship and an AIC Award​ee.

Rui Wang joins Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering faculty at UC Berkeley

October 30, 2018
The College of Chemistry is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Rui Wang as assistant professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (CBE) commencing January 2019.

David Schaffer receives Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Intercampus Research Award

October 31, 2018
Berkeley Neuroscience News
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
By Veronica Bartell | College of Chemistry
A potential new treatment for epilepsy uses light pulses to stop seizure-like activity.

First natural enzyme creates azides from scratch

September 30, 2024
By Veronica Bartell | College of Chemistry
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
College of Chemistry Press Release
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
by Aliyah Kovner | Berkeley Lab
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
Christopher Jackson | New America Policy Essay

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...