Interview with Tycho Mevissen, MCB's new Assistant Professor of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Structural Biology, on his background, his lab's research, and future goals. 
 

Researchers in Michael Yartsev's lab, led by postdocs Adam Lowet and Krishna Kasuba, built a digital twin of the bat hippocampus - an AI model trained on large-scale neural activity during natural flight. The model generated new, testable hypotheses about hippocampal organization that were confirmed by real-world data.

ARPA-H's BIOGAMI program aims to transform our understanding of protein dysfunction in the earliest stages of neurodegenerative disease by developing new approaches to detect and characterize protein misfolding. BioE PhD alumnus Nicolas Fawzi leads the Brown University team on this multicampus, led at Berkeley by the Innovative Genomics Institute.

Examining large-scale neural activity from the motor cortex of freely flying Egyptian fruit bats helps Michael Yartsev's lab understand how the brain supports very complex behaviors, like buttoning a shirt or playing piano.

We are excited to announce the recipients of the 2026 MCB Outstanding Postdoc Awards! Each year, the department honors postdocs for excellence in research, leadership, and service. 

 

Thomas Li (Bateup Lab) studies the neurodevelopmental disorder Tuberous Sclerosis Complex using stem cell derived models of brain development.
 

Landen Gozashti is a 2026-27 Chancellor's Postdoctoral Fellow from Peter Sudmant's lab who studies Mobile Genetic Elements (MGEs) as well as the molecular and evolutionary mechanisms that shape evolution. Read the full story here.

Lipid nanoparticles are great delivery vehicles for mRNA treatments, but their positive charge triggers high levels of inflammation. Now researchers led by Professor Niren Murthy have engineered a new lipid nanoparticle that can switch its charge from positive to negative and may avoid triggering inflammation while still able to deliver mRNA and other nucleic acids.

Research from the labs of Professors Gloria Brar and Elçin Ünal offers new insight into the mechanisms underlying gametogenic rejuvenation.
 

The International Balzan Foundation recognized Rasmus Nielsen, a professor of statistics and integrative biology at UC Berkeley, with its 2026 Balzan Prize for Molecular Evolution.

Helen Bateup, Associate Professor of Molecular Therapeutics, and her lab are utilizing human brain organoid models to identify the underlying source of seizures in a common pediatric early-onset epilepsy, paving the way for promising treatment strategies.
 

Fyodor Urnov, Professor of Molecular Therapeutics, was honored with the 2026 UC Regents Innovation Gamechanger Award. The Gamechanger Award, recognizing the most impactful product brought to market, went to Urnov for pioneering custom gene therapies for children with rare diseases. By creating a new model that cuts personalized CRISPR development costs by 90%, Urnov has drastically expanded global access to these life-saving treatments. Read more about the 2026 UC Regents Innovation Awards and recipients here.  

Researchers in the lab of Jennifer Doudna at the Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI) have identified an evolutionary precursor to the CRISPR system, solving a complex genetic puzzle through a blend of artificial intelligence and human analysis. 
 

It is with great sadness that we recognize the passing of Dr. David Rempel, MD, MPH, CPE. A versatile expert in occupational health and long-time member of the Bioengineering Graduate Program, he was a Professor Emeritus of Medicine at UCSF and Bioengineering Berkeley. He will be missed.

Hernan Garcia, Associate Professor of Genetics, Genomics, Evolution, and Development, has been named a 2026 Schmidt Science Polymath by Schmidt Sciences. Garcia is among seven other scientists who received the award to pursue novel directions beyond their established areas of research. Learn more about the 2026 Schmidt Science Polymath award and recipients here. 

 

In a new paper out in Nature Nanotechnology, researchers in Niren Murthy’s lab show that there is a simple way to remove the toxicity of lipid nanoparticles while maintaining their ability to effectively deliver therapies to specific cells in the body.

Former UC Berkeley postdoctoral fellow Juan Manuel Vazquez conducted a study in which the Myotis genus of bat was investigated for its exceptional ability to survive for long periods of time without disease closely linked to their members' hyperactive immune systems. Read the full story in Berkeley News.

Congratulations to Gokul Upadhyayula on his promotion to MCB Associate Professor in Residence of Cell Biology, Development and Physiology!

Upadhyayula's research interests focus on bridging applied engineering with basic science. They are interested in mechanistic questions addressed at a molecular level using optical imaging acquired with high temporal and spatial resolution. Learn more about their research and the Advanced BioImaging Center (ABC) here. 

Title: Fractal cane design on irregular surfaces Names: Derrick Ma, Briana Gonzalez, Hamreet Pannu, Mridini Vijay. Client:Dr. Janice Schwartz and Dr. Evie Kalmar, UCSF Geriatrics Division.

MCB is pleased to welcome our newest PhD graduate students to the department! Learn fun facts about their favorite model organisms, childhood career aspirations, and more. 
 

Photo credit: Shoey Sindel Photography
 

Interested in becoming a UC Berkeley faculty member in MCB? We are now accepting applications for Assistant Professor positions across three divisions in MCB:
 

Assistant Professor of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Structural Biology (BBS)

Assistant Professor of Genetics, Genomics, Evolution, and Development (GGED)

Assistant Professor of Immunology and Molecular Medicine (IMM)
 

Click the links or scan the QR codes to learn more and apply by October 19, 2026.