Health and Well-being – Baskin School of Engineering

Holger Schmidt holds up a nanotechnology in the lab, illuminated by a black background

Research at Baskin Engineering is expanding the world’s understanding of health and well-being—empowering individuals and communities through responsible technology aimed at improving the health of society. From advancing diagnostic tools to designing assistive devices, researchers are addressing critical challenges in medicine, public health, accessibility, biotechnology, and more. Through innovative, interdisciplinary solutions, Baskin Engineering is shaping a healthier and more equitable future.

Scientists discover ‘troublemaker’ blood cells linked to aging and disease

UC Santa Cruz researchers identified a novel group of blood platelet stem cells that contribute to clotting disorders such as strokes and cardiovascular disease, which could lead to new treatment approaches.

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Camilla Forsberg studies materials in the lab with graduate student onlooking

Research in action

New blood test for noncoding RNA significantly improves cancer detection

A novel liquid biopsy technology developed by Assistant Professor of Biomolecular Engineering Daniel Kim’s lab leverages RNA “dark matter” to enhance cancer diagnosis.

How optogenetics can put the brakes on epilepsy seizures

Using pulses of light, researchers have discovered a new way to prevent seizure-like activity in neurons — opening doors to innovative epilepsy treatments.

Rebecca DuBois and grad student work in the lab wearing white coats

Prestigious $3.8M NIH grant will advance RSV vaccine development

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common and potentially dangerous virus, yet no vaccine exists. Professor of Biomolecular Engineering Rebecca DuBois is leading efforts to develop a novel vaccine to address this critical health need.

Two people walk in a building with guide dogs

New apps will enable safer indoor navigation for blind people

New game-changing apps will impact the way blind people navigate indoor spaces, offering a safer way to move through areas where GPS can’t reach.

Computer Science and Engineering Ph.D. student Nayan Bhatia demonstrates Pulse-Fi, technology that uses WiFi signals to measure a person's heart rate.

WiFi signals can measure heart rate—no wearables needed

Heart rate is one of the most basic and important indicators of health, providing a window into a person’s physical activity, stress and anxiety, hydration level, and more. UC Santa Cruz engineers have shown that low-cost WiFi devices can achieve clinical-level heart rate monitoring.

Electrical engineer will develop next-generation x-ray technology for accessible preventative healthcare

Catching heart disease early can make a significant difference for preventing cardiovascular events. Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Shiva Abbaszadeh is developing new technology that can be easily incorporated into routine chest x-rays.

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For media inquiries contact: Emily Cerf, Engineering Writer and Media Relations Specialist: ecerf@ucsc.edu

New diagnostic approach achieves accuracy of PCR tests with faster and simpler nanopore system

A new method can test for SARS-CoV-2 and Zika virus with the same or better accuracy as high-precision PCR tests in a matter of hours — developed by UC Santa Cruz Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Holger Schmidt and his collaborators.

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UCSC tool becomes primary method to identify lineages of Covid-19 worldwide

Widespread use of a tool made by researchers at the UCSC Genomics Institute are enabling public health officials to more accurately identify and track variants of Covid-19.

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