Science & Technology

The development of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 has showcased the potential of RNA-based approaches, generating significant enthusiasm and investment in the field. RNA-based therapeutics offer new potential treatments for a range of diseases, taking advantage of the natural role of RNA in gene expression and allowing for targeted gene regulation and protein synthesis. In this blog, we will explore the types of RNA-based therapeutics, their advantages and limitations, and the current state of research in the field. But first, let’s define what an RNA molecule is.

In an unmarked space in the Eastern suburbs of Davis, a biotechnology startup and its group of researchers are participating in advancing the future of sustainable food.

This is Part 3 of a three-part series on biological applications of microfluidic devices. Part 1 covered the history, physics, and popular fabrication methods of microfluidic devices, while Part 2 discussed the application of microfluidic devices in low resource and point-of-care applications.

DNA damage is a phenomenon that can be detrimental to genomic integrity. Thankfully, our bodies have adapted many pathways to repair such DNA damage to prevent mutagenesis and cell death. There are many different topics related to DNA damage and repair, and I have recently focused on two other interesting topics related to this. In my first blog, I touched on the epigenetic role of DNA damage.

There have been many methods developed for the measurement of DNA repair in a “test tube.” While these methods are powerful to reveal DNA repair capacity, it is limited by the fact that the complexities of the cell are not considered.

This is Part 2 of a 3-part series on biological applications of microfluidic devices. Part 1 covered the history, physics, and popular fabrication methods of microfluidic devices. This part will cover the application of microfluidic devices in low resource and point-of-care applications, while Part 3 will discuss the role of microfluidic devices in cutting edge technologies.

Repairing DNA damage is an essential capability for humans and other multicellular organisms. Inability to repair DNA damage can lead to cells dividing randomly and the development of both benign and malignant tumors. The David Lab at UC Davis is working on understanding the molecular mechanisms of DNA repair as a first step in developing targeted therapies to prevent common cancers.

This blog is the first in a three-part series on biological applications of microfluidic devices. This Part 1 blog will cover the history, physics, and popular fabrication methods of microfluidic devices. Part 2 will cover the application of microfluidic devices in low resource and point-of-care applications, while Part 3 will discuss the role of microfluidic devices in cutting edge technologies.

This is the second entry of a two-part blog.

This is the first entry of a two-part blog.