New research proposes a revision to classical nucleation theory, revealing a gradient of crystallinity in crystal nuclei. The study uses 3D atomic imaging to examine over 8,000 nuclei in high- and medium-entropy alloys, shedding light on the energy needed for nuclei to form and merge.
Researchers improved an existing imaging technique with a machine learning framework, enabling near-real-time sensing through complex media like fog, blood, and dusty environments. The technology has potential applications in biomedical imaging, self-driving vehicles, quality control, and waste removal.
A UCLA-led international collaboration has unveiled a new technology that enables scientists to directly compare how different molecules compete for the same binding site on a protein, all in a single experiment. The results show promising interactions between two cancer drugs and reveal previously unknown interactions.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a strategy to improve the efficiency of electrical current entering perovskite semiconductors, enabling faster and lower-power devices. By creating a thin, locally modified region under the metal contact, they enabled electrons to pass through the barrier using quantum mechanical tunneling.
Researchers developed a new nickel-iron battery that can recharge in seconds and achieve over 12,000 cycles of draining and recharging, equivalent to 30 years of daily recharges. The technology uses tiny clusters of metal patterned with proteins on a graphene aerogel substrate.
Scientists have developed prototype devices with lower noise levels than conventional electronics, using unconventional materials to form nanowires. These materials exhibit a unique property where noise drops as the electrical current increases, enabling potential applications in ultralow-noise communication and sensor technologies.
Researchers at California NanoSystems Institute developed a framework to determine the 3D positions and elemental identities of atoms in amorphous materials. They achieved 100% accuracy in mapping silicon and oxygen atoms in glass-like material.
A recent study by a UCLA-led team reveals that leftover COVID-19 viral fragments can selectively accumulate on and penetrate star-shaped surfaces of dendritic cells and T cells, killing these immune cells. In contrast, the omicron variant's smaller fragments have little effect on these cells.
Researchers at California NanoSystems Institute discover how Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses mechanical sensing to detect and bind to sugar trails, forming deadly biofilms that are resistant to antibiotics. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for cystic fibrosis patients and other biofilm-related infections.
A genetic mechanism called diversity-generating retroelements accelerates evolution in gut bacteria, allowing them to adapt to new environments. This mechanism is more common in the gut microbiome than any other environment on Earth and enables microbes to change and adapt rapidly.
Researchers at UCLA have created a technology that harnesses photonics to perform generative AI tasks optically, eliminating the need for heavy digital computation. This leads to ultrafast and secure image generators with less energy consumption and water usage.
Researchers have developed a system that processes information using a network of oscillators to solve combinatorial optimization problems. The device uses quantum properties to process data at room temperature, overcoming current limitations in processing power and energy consumption.
BioPACIFIC MIP accelerates biomaterials innovation with autonomous experimentation and robotics, supporting over 130 research projects across the US. The platform aims to connect fundamental research with industry needs, fostering paradigm shifts in new material discovery.
A research team at the California NanoSystems Institute has created the most detailed 3D map yet of the flagellum on Trypanosoma brucei, which causes sleeping sickness. The study identified 154 different proteins that make up the flagellum, including 40 unique to the parasite.
Researchers developed a sensor platform that tracks multiple metabolites continuously, offering a window into disease onset and health status. The technology harnesses natural biochemical processes, enabling reliable detection of over 800 metabolites, with potential applications in diagnosing metabolic disorders and optimizing fitness.
Researchers developed a nanoparticle that delivers an mRNA vaccine targeting a KRAS antigen, boosting the immune response against pancreatic cancer. Experiments in mice showed inhibited and prevented tumor growth, as well as long-term protection against recurrence.
Research led by a firefighter co-author sheds light on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons' affinity for DNA and ability to evade repair, highlighting potential health risks. The study's findings could inform public policy and accelerate the development of safer chemicals.
A UCLA team has unveiled a powerful tool to overcome limitations in CAR-T cell therapy by mimicking natural interactions between immune cells. The new platform facilitates a high capacity for stimulating T cells to reproduce while preserving their versatility and potency.
Researchers from UCLA's California NanoSystems Institute and their colleagues have received a $1 million grant to develop quantum sensors with unprecedented precision. The grant will enable the creation of cutting-edge quantum technologies for various applications, including navigation, telecommunications, and medicine.
Scientists have developed a technique that illuminates the mechanisms underlying many chemical reactions by determining the 3D atomic coordinates, chemical makeup, and surface composition of heterogeneous nanocatalysts. This discovery enables engineers to rationally design nanocatalysts for optimized performance.
Researchers at UCLA-developed an experimental device that reduces glare in images using low-power ambient light. The technology has potential applications in various fields, including autonomous vehicles, object recognition, image encryption, and defect detection.
The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation has expanded its leadership team with the appointment of Danielle Fragalla as CEO and Jeri Wilson as Vice President of Development, Principal Gifts. The foundation aims to accelerate research breakthroughs in pediatric cancer care, having granted $46 million to leading researchers so far.
Human type 2 innate lymphoid cells have been found to attack and kill cancer cells in human models, with the ability to be expanded and applied in larger numbers to overpower tumors. This breakthrough could lead to a new therapeutic approach using these cells as an 'off-the-shelf' product.
A recent study in Nature Physics reports an early-stage discovery along the path to developing magnonic computers. Researchers caused two distinct types of ripples in a magnetic field and found that they interacted in a nonlinear manner.
Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 protein fragments can mimic innate immune peptides, amplifying the immune response and causing rampant inflammation. This discovery may account for some COVID-19 infection peculiarities and could influence treatment.
The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation is offering $100,000 in scholarships to eligible students affected by pediatric cancer. The scholarships support students pursuing higher education and aim to help them realize their dreams after a life-altering illness.
Researchers mapped medium- and high-entropy alloys' structure for the first time, identifying key factors that contribute to their unique combination of strength and flexibility. The study's findings could inform alloy design and unlock new properties in steel.
A new training algorithm enabled the brain-like system to learn and improve continuously, achieving higher accuracy than conventional machine-learning approaches. The system's ability to process multiple streams of data simultaneously makes it promising for tasks like pattern recognition in complex data.
Researchers have identified key genes involved in producing large amounts of immunoglobulin G, a crucial antibody in the human body. The discovery could lead to advancements in manufacturing antibody-based therapies for diseases such as cancer and arthritis.
The study reveals that metallic lithium forms a rhombic dodecahedron in the absence of corrosion, which could lead to safer lithium-metal batteries with increased performance. The researchers developed a new technique for depositing lithium faster than corrosion forms, allowing them to observe this unique shape.
A new rapid viral plaque detection system enabled by holography and deep learning can help accelerate vaccine and drug development. The system reduces the detection time of traditional viral plaque assays by up to 48 hours, eliminating chemical staining and manual counting.
Researchers at California NanoSystems Institute have developed a nanoparticle that delivers mRNA to specific cells in the liver, teaching the body's natural defenses to tolerate peanut proteins. The study found that the nanoparticle not only reversed existing peanut allergies but also prevented them from developing in mice.
A UCLA team developed a system that compresses images using AI and decodes them using an optical decoder made from a 3D-printed plastic sheet. The tech can project high-resolution 3D holograms with lower power consumption, enabling wearable technology with higher image quality.
A UCLA-developed wearable patch analyzes fluid underneath the skin to continuously record medicine concentrations in the body. The technology shows reliable forecasts of total effective medication delivery, offering a step toward improving doctors' ability to administer precise doses.
Researchers at California NanoSystems Institute developed a nanocarrier that delivers a combination therapy to pancreatic tumors using irinotecan and 3M-052, resulting in improved treatment outcomes and reduced side effects. The simultaneous delivery of the two drugs outperformed separate treatments in mouse models.
Amy Rowat's research on cultured meat has made significant progress, with a new study showing the potential for efficient production methods. By using gelatin and food-grade enzymes to create edible microcarriers, Rowat's team is paving the way for lab-grown meat alternatives.
A UCLA team has made a significant breakthrough in developing hydrogen fuel cell technology that uses tiny graphene pockets to increase efficiency and reduce platinum usage. The new approach enables the creation of smaller particles with more surface area, allowing for better catalytic activity and increased durability.
The INFEWS program, funded by the National Science Foundation, trains UCLA graduate students to solve food, energy, and water system challenges in urban centers. Students work with a diverse team of faculty and participate in site visits to learn about sustainability efforts in Los Angeles.
A new UCLA-led technology uses microscopic nanovials to sort single live cells based on their type, compound secretion, and amount. This innovation could advance basic biological research and improve the efficiency of biologic treatments.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals a protein called CLUH that regulates mitochondrial fission, which is impaired in Parkinson's disease. Increasing CLUH levels can reverse symptoms in genetically engineered fruit flies with Parkinson's-like conditions.
A new UCLA-developed smartwatch assesses cortisol levels found in sweat, allowing wearers to read and react to essential biochemical indicators of stress. The technology capitalizes on previous advances in wearable bioelectronics and biosensing transistors.
Researchers used 3D atomic imaging to directly observe atom packing in amorphous materials. The findings show that pentagonal bipyramids, not icosahedral groups of 13, are the most prevalent motif for atom arrangement.
The California NanoSystems Institute has launched a new Quantum Biology Center at UCLA, focusing on community-building and interdisciplinary research collaborations. The center aims to train students and scientists in the quantum biosciences and explore the application of quantum mechanics to biological processes.