News Archive - Liezel Labios

Ultra-sensitive Lead Detector Could Significantly Improve Water Quality Monitoring

Engineers have developed an ultra-sensitive sensor made with graphene that can detect extraordinarily low concentrations of lead ions in water. The device achieves a record limit of detection of lead down to the femtomolar range, which is one million times more sensitive than previous technologies.

Transparent Brain Implant Can Read Deep Neural Activity From the Surface

A multidisciplinary team of researchers at UC San Diego developed a thin, transparent, flexible neural implant that can capture high-resolution information about activity deep inside the brain without damaging its delicate tissue.

Wireless Tracking System Could Help Improve the XR Experience

UC San Diego engineers developed a technology that delivers centimeter-level accuracy for real-time tracking in extended reality (XR) applications. It uses wireless signals to ensure precise asset localization and smooth tracking, promising to enhance virtual gaming experiences and workplace safety.

UC San Diego Engineering Professors Elected Fellows of National Academy of Inventors

Jacobs School of Engineering professors Eric Fullerton and Prashant Mali have been named 2023 Fellows of the National Academy of Inventors. The distinction honors academic inventors whose work has made a tangible impact on the quality of life, economic development, and the welfare of society.

Electrical Engineer Receives Eckman Award for Research in Control Theory

Jorge Poveda, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, has received the 2023 Donald P. Eckman Award in honor of his contributions to the field of automatic control. To mark this achievement, Poveda and his lab explain what control theory is and offer a glimpse into their work.

Exploring the Diverse Applications of Robotics Beyond the Lab at UC San Diego

From the operating room to our homes and streets, robots are becoming increasingly integral to our daily activities. The UC San Diego Contextual Robotics Institute hosted its eighth annual forum with the theme “Robots in the Wild,” showcasing varied applications of robots in real-world scenarios.

‘Plug and Play’ Nanoparticles Could Make It Easier To Tackle Various Biological Targets

UC San Diego engineers have developed modular nanoparticles that can be easily customized to target different biological entities such as tumors, viruses or toxins. The nanoparticles can be tailored for various applications, ranging from targeted drug delivery to neutralizing biological agents.

Smartphone Attachment Could Increase Racial Fairness in Neurological Screening

This smartphone attachment could enable people to screen for a variety of neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and traumatic brain injury, at low cost—and do so accurately regardless of their skin tone.

Soft, Living Materials Made With Algae Glow Under Stress

Researchers have developed soft yet durable 3D-printed materials that glow in response to mechanical stress, such as compression, stretching or twisting. The materials derive their luminescence from single-celled algae known as dinoflagellates, which are embedded within the materials.

Electron-rich Metals Make Ceramics Tough to Crack

UC San Diego engineers have developed a recipe to make a certain class of ceramics tougher and more resistant to cracking. The newfound toughness of these ceramics paves the way for their use in extreme applications, such as spacecraft and other hypersonic vehicles.