New Science and Technology Center to Shed Light On Life

What: The University of California, Davis, in collaboration with the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and eight other academic institutions will announce a new $52 million center to study the use of light and radiant energy in biology and medicine. Projects include portable detectors for anthrax and other biological agents, and new tools to diagnose and treat cancer and stroke.
When: 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24.
Where: Third floor conference room, Plant and Environmental Sciences building, UC Davis campus
Who: Dennis Matthews, the director of the new center and an expert on lasers and optics at UC Davis and LLNL, will make the announcement accompanied by UC Davis Vice Chancellor for Research Barry Klein; UC Davis Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw; and Bill Goldstein, associate director of LLNL's Physics and Advanced Technologies Directorate.
Visuals: A new device for detecting anthrax and other biological agents will be demonstrated as an example of research that will be conducted at the new center. The Microbead Amino Assay Dipstick (MIDS) uses antibodies and light to detect biological agents in air, water or soil samples. Scientists hope to turn the prototype into a handheld device for first responders such as paramedics, firefighters and police.

Background:

 

 

Biophotonics is the science of using light to understand and manipulate cells and tissues in living organisms. Applications range from DNA sequencing and biochemical studies to new ways to diagnose and treat cancer.

The new center based at UC Davis is one of six Science and Technology Centers awarded by the National Science Foundation this year. The center will receive $40 million from the NSF over ten years and $12 million in matching funds including federal and state grants and private funding. Partners in the center include UC Davis, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, UC Berkeley, UC San Francisco, Alabama A&M University, Stanford University, University of Texas at San Antonio, Hampton University, Fisk University and Louisiana State University.

Directions and Parking:

The UC Davis Plant and Environmental Sciences Building is located on the north side of the main campus between Hunt and Veihmeyer halls and northwest of the Memorial Union and Freeborn Hall.

Enter the campus from the north by taking Russell Boulevard to California Avenue. Go south on California past the playing fields and enter the first parking lot on the left, P-15. Just inside that lot, turn right and travel south to the adjacent parking lot, P-14. There is reserved parking for media in lot P-14. If your vehicle is not marked as media, leave a media business card on the dashboard. The Plant and Environmental Sciences Building is immediately south of lot P-14.


Media Resources

Andy Fell, Research news (emphasis: biological and physical sciences, and engineering), 530-752-4533, ahfell@ucdavis.edu

Carole Gan, UC Davis Medical Center Public Affairs, 916-734-9047, cfgan@ucdavis.edu

Anne Stark, LLNL Public Affairs, (925) 422-9799, stark8@llnl.gov

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