College of Chemistry

New research illuminates E. Coli toxin cancer-causing mechanism

September 18, 2019
UC Berkeley, College of Chemistry Press Release

E Coli

New research from a team of scientists from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), UC Berkeley and Scripps Institution of Oceanography of University of California, San Diego (SCRIPPS) has used synthetic biology to determine the active mechanism of E. Coli toxin in breaking down DNA.

A Single Dose for Good Measure: How an Anti-Nuclear-Contamination Pill Could Also Help MRI Patients

September 12, 2019
By Theresa Duque | Lawrence Berkeley National Lab

Rebecca Abergel

When chemist Rebecca Abergel (Ph.D. '06, Chem) and her team at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory successfully developed an anti-radiation-poisoning pill in 2014, they hoped it would never have to be used. Now the researchers are studying how that very same pill could help protect people from the potential toxicity of something else – the long-term retention of gadolinium, a critical ingredient in widely used contrast dyes for MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans.

Paul Alivisatos announced as 2019 Welch Award in Chemistry recipient

September 13, 2019
UC Berkeley, College of Chemistry Press Release

Paul Alivisatos and Charles Leiber

The Welch Foundation, one of the nation’s largest sources of private funding for basic chemical research, has announced that Drs. Armand Paul Alivisatos and Charles M. Lieber are the 2019 recipients of the prestigious Robert A. Welch Award in Chemistry. Highly-respected and influential leaders in the fields of nanoscience and nanotechnology, Drs. Alivisatos and Lieber are being recognized for their important research contributions which have had a significant, positive impact on humankind.

Jay Keasling awarded Doing a World of Good Medal

September 12, 2019
AIChE Press Release

AIChE Gala graphic

AIChE has announced the 2019 Doing a World of Good Medal will be presented to Jay D. Keasling, Professor, University of California, Berkeley and Senior Faculty Scientist, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Jay, is a pre-eminent scientist in the field of synthetic biology. AIChE is pleased to have the opportunity to honor Jay’s contributions and achievements for this most deserving recognition.

CBE faculty announced as Bakar Fellows

September 6, 2019
UC Berkeley, College of Chemistry Press Release

carbon nanotube

Two faculty scientists in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (CBE) at UC Berkeley including Professor Roya Maboudian and Assistant Professor Markita Landry, have been named to the 2019-20 cohort of Bakar Fellows, an honor that gives the named fellows the money and time to translate their laboratory breakthroughs into technologies ready for the marketplace. The Bakar Fellows Program was launched at UC Berkeley in 2012 and fosters faculty entrepreneurship in fields including engineering, computer science, the biological and physical sciences and architecture.

The College of Chemistry at UC Berkeley intends to explore the mutual benefits of a new Graduate Institute in Meishan, Greater Chengdu

September 4, 2019
UC Berkeley, College of Chemistry Press Release

MOA signing

The College of Chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley, the People’s Government of Meishan, Lanzhou University, and the West Hope Tequ Group signed a memorandum of agreement to explore the development of a new graduate institute in Meishang, China on September 4, 2019. The College of Chemistry’s participation would be to offer advice to Lanzhou University on this new graduate institute.

Alumni in the news

September 2, 2019
UC Berkeley, College of Chemistry Press Release

Alumni in the news

What is most notable about the array of stories we see about our alumni is the variety of disciplines and research they are involved in. From changing our fundamental understanding of how DNA works, to discovering new elements on the periodic table, and the exploration of the chemistry in paint restoration, here are some fascinating recent articles we've spotted.

Tom Maimone and Wenjun Zhang receive Presidential Early Career Awards

July 8, 2019
White House Press Release

Tom Maimone and Wenjun ZhangPresident Donald J. Trump has announced the newest recipients of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). The PECASE is the highest honor bestowed by the United States Government to outstanding scientists and engineers who are beginning their independent research careers and who show exceptional promise for leadership in science and technology.

Jay Keasling talks to Japan's NHK World about Synthetic Biology

August 14, 2019
Direct Talk | NHK World Japan

Richmond Sarpong

Jay Keasling, Professor, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering and JBEI’s Chief Executive Officer, was featured in NHK World’s interview program “Direct Talk”. Keasling, a pioneer of synthetic biology, talks about the impact that this interdisciplinary technology can have in people’s lives as well as addresses its safety concerns.

Nanomaterials whiz is developing tools to deliver DNA to plants and detect brain chemicals

August 27, 2019
by Celia Henry Arnaud | C&ENews

Markita Landry

By using nanomaterials to create new tools, Markita Landry reckons she can crack open new areas of science. Landry, an assistant professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, is harnessing the chemical and physical properties of nanomaterials to do things like deliver DNA to plants and measure signaling molecules in the brain.