Drug Candidate Could Help L-Dopa Work Better for Patients with Parkinson’s
July 15, 2026
For Parkinson's patients, the drug that restores movement can stop working reliably and cause involuntary movements of its own. A new candidate from UC San Diego-born biotech Sinopia Biosciences may fix both — boosting L-dopa's benefits while easing dyskinesia. Full Story
Open-Access Genetic Map Provides Reference for What Almost Every Stem Cell Gene Does
July 13, 2026
Bioengineers have developed a genome-scale reference map that details how individual genes control the functions and identities of human stem cells. This open-access resource could help researchers build virtual cell models for complex diseases, as well as design patient-specific treatments for these diseases. Full Story
New XPS Instrument at UC San Diego Gives Researchers a Closer Look at Material Surfaces
July 13, 2026
A new XPS machine at the UC San Diego Qualcomm Institute is helping researchers advance work in battery technology, surface coatings and medical devices. Full Story
Immune Cells Get Transformed into Fungus-Fighting Nanoparticles
July 9, 2026
Nanoparticles made from the membranes of human immune cells could offer a promising new way to fight fungal infections that are becoming harder to treat. The antifungal nanoparticles target Candida albicans, a fungus responsible for oral and vaginal yeast infections as well as life-threatening bloodstream infections. In mice with severe Candida infections, the nanoparticles greatly reduced the amount of fungus in major organs and significantly improved survival. Because the nanoparticles physically damage the fungal cell, researchers believe it may be much harder for the fungus to evolve resistance. Full Story
Surgeons Use Teleoperated Humanoid Robots to Perform Live Surgery – a World First
July 8, 2026
For the first time, two teleoperated humanoid robots have been used to complete two surgeries during a preclinical trial, researchers report in the July 8 issue of the journal Nature. The work is the result of a collaboration between a team of engineers and a team of surgeons at the University of California San Diego. Full Story
Spent EV Batteries Get Second Life as Higher-Performance Battery Material
July 1, 2026
Engineers have developed an environmentally-friendly method to upcycle material from spent batteries into higher-performing parts. Their method transforms the cathode from LFP batteries — used in EVs and energy grids — into one that stores more energy. It worked on various types of LFP batteries from different manufacturers. Full Story