Latest technologies from UCLA

Architecture and Level 2 Variable Power Control Scheme (Case No. 2013-146)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 12:58:31 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering have developed a smart EV charging architecture that dynamically optimizes EV charging loads based on real-time grid capacity and limitations. Background: The rapid increase in electric vehicle (EV) adoption creates a critical need for robust and accessible charging infrastructure, particularly in commercial parking spaces and residential garages. Current EV charging infrastructure does not dynamically adjust based on the local grid’s current capacity. Consequently, grid overload may result in decre...

A Low-Cost Non-invasive Fruit Ripeness Sensing System (Case No. 2025-007)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:31:35 GMT

Summary: Researchers in the Department of Computer Science at UCLA developed an affordable, non-invasive fruit ripeness estimation system to improve operational efficiency of food manufacturing systems. Background: Fruit waste accounts for a significant portion of global waste due to consumer purchasing trends and grower harvesting issues. Consumers often struggle to select ripe and high-quality fruit, while growers must harvest crops slightly immature to ensure they ripen during transportation. During transit, improper handling, inconsistent storage conditions, and inadequate quality...

Safe Reorientation After a Single Entry Targeted Biopsy Needle Insertion (Case No. 2024-215)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:24:39 GMT

Summary: UCLA researcher Sara Babapour has developed a biopsy guidance platform featuring a flexible, artifact-generating sheath that enables safe, multi-directional navigation and improved trajectory measured visualization during image-guided tissue sampling. The technology is designed to reduce multiple needle insertions and improve time efficiency with accuracy in MRI, CT- and ultrasound-guided biopsies. Background: Image-guided biopsies, including MRI, CT- and ultrasound-guided procedures, often require multiple needle and constant radiation for a minimum of 20-30 minutes of insertions ...

Compounds and Methods for Inducing UCP1 Expression (UCLA Case No. 2019-272)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 16:51:46 GMT

Contact UCLA Technology Development Group for more information. Keywords: Mitochondria, PKA, AKAP, adipocytes, UCP1, high-throughput screen, lipolysis, obesity

Novel Lipid Lowering, Anti-Atherosclerosis and Anti-Obesity Effects of Netrin-1 (UCLA Case No. 2019-728)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 16:29:12 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Anesthesiology have developed a novel and extremely robust lipid lowering, anti-atherosclerotic, and anti-obesity treatment with Netrin-1. BACKGROUND:Hyperlipidemia, an elevation of different forms of lipids in the bloodstream, is the most important risk factor for coronary heart disease, while causing many other health problems. Despite the robust lipid lowering effects of statins and PCSK9 inhibitors, not all patients are responsive to them, or, some patients are tolerate of these medications to develop severe side effects. Continues efforts have be...

Carbon-Negative Desalination With High-Value Materials Recovery (Case No. 2024-008)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 14:15:57 GMT

Summary: Researchers led by Dr. Eric Hoek have developed a carbon-negative method to desalinate brine and seawater and extract valuable materials from the source solution. Background: Increased global temperatures and extreme droughts are driving water shortages throughout the world. To address this, water recycling and desalination efforts have been intensely pursued. However, concentrated brines and seawater used in reverse osmosis (RO), a primary technology for desalination, can quickly cause scaling and fouling on membranes. Additional water treatment must be performed prior to RO, whic...

A Novel Biomarker and Therapeutic Target for Atrial Fibrillation in Humans (UCLA Case No. 2024-041)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 13:24:55 GMT

UCLA researchers at the Geffen School of Medicine have identified a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for early diagnosis and treatment of post-operative atrial fibrillation. BACKGROUND: Post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common complication following cardiac surgery, affecting 30-50% of patients. Patients who develop POAF have an increased risk of stroke, thromboembolism, and cardiac arrest. In addition, patients experiencing POAF also have an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence later in life, suggesting that POAF serves as a “stress test” that ...

Magnetically Levitated Inertial Sensor Using Split Magnetic Dipoles (Case No. 2026-191)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 13:22:59 GMT

Summary: Researchers in the UCLA Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a magnetically levitated inertial sensor based on a split magnetic dipole architecture. The anchorless design enables high quality factor (Q) gyroscopic sensing with independently tunable sensitivity and bandwidth, providing a robust solution for precision navigation in demanding environments. Background: Miniature gyroscopes are foundational components of inertial navigation and stabilization systems used in aerospace, robotics, defense, and autonomous platforms. These applications demand high...

Monolithically-Integrated Terahertz Optoelectronics on Quantum Well Substrates (UCLA Case No. 2024-280)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 13:12:20 GMT

UCLA researchers have developed a monolithically integrated terahertz optoelectronic platform that enables both THz generation and detection on a single chip. This approach offers a compact, scalable solution for applications in wireless communication, imaging, and spectroscopy, overcoming long-standing barriers in THz system complexity and integration. BACKGROUND: Terahertz (THz) technologies hold enormous promise for next-generation applications in wireless communications, security imaging, and chemical detection. These frequencies offer a unique combination of spatial resolution, spectral ...

Deep Learning-Enhanced Dual-Mode Multiplexed Optical Sensor for Point-Of-Care Diagnostics of Cardiovascular Diseases (Case No. 2026-178)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 09:56:53 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Departments of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Bioengineering have developed a deep-learning-enhanced multiplexed optical biosensing platform that enables rapid, high sensitivity point-of-care quantification of multiple cardiac biomarkers for cardiovascular diagnostics. Background: Rapid and accessible cardiac biomarker testing is essential for timely diagnosis and risk assessment of myocardial infarction and heart failure, which together account for more than one-third of cardiovascular mortality worldwide. Despite their severity, current laboratory...

A Novel Chemical Modification of PROTACs (Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras) to Increase Selectivity in Hypoxic Environments (UCLA Case No. 2024-094)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 16:37:02 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a novel chemical modification of PROTACs to increase their selectivity under hypoxic conditions. BACKGROUND: Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are molecules that induce targeted degradation of proteins by recruiting a ubiquitin ligase to a protein of interest (POI). PROTACs have been used as novel treatments to target previously “undruggable” disease-causing proteins since they can directly bind to the protein without needing to inhibit its active site. However, off-target toxicities hav...

Targeted Protein Degradation in Cancer via Hypoxia-Activated PROTACs and Molecular Glues (UCLA Case No. 2024-095)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 16:32:54 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology have developed a dual small-molecule platform for targeted protein degradation in cancer. By combining hypoxia-activated PROTACs with rationally designed molecular glues, this approach addresses key limitations in tumor selectivity. BACKGROUND: Despite major advances in cancer therapy, a large portion of tumor-driving proteins remain therapeutically elusive with traditional inhibitors—either due to the absence of active sites or the complexity of their interactions. Targeted protein degradation (TPD) ...

UCHL1 Inhibitors, Modifications, and Uses Thereof (UCLA Case No. 2026-123)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 20:07:04 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Molecular & Medical Pharmacology and have developed novel, highly potent small-molecule inhibitors of UCHL1 that selectively suppress tumor growth and metastasis in aggressive cancers with favorable in vivo safety profiles. BACKGROUND: Ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) is a dual-function enzyme that regulates protein stability by recycling ubiquitin through deubiquitination while also exhibiting ubiquitin ligase activity of proteasomal degradation. Dysregulation of UCHL1 has been implicated in multiple diseases, including neurodegen...

Engineered Gamma Delta T-Cells and Methods of Making and Using Thereof (UCLA Case No. 2020-913)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:49:54 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Molecular Immunology & Molecular Genetics have developed gamma delta (gd) T cell receptor gene-modified immune cells derived from stem and progenitor cells that enable scalable, off-the-shelf allogeneic cell therapies with broad therapeutic potential. BACKGROUND: Cell-based immunotherapies have demonstrated immense clinical impact but remain limited by complex, patient-specific manufacturing, high cost, and varying product quality. Conventional autologous T cell therapies require individualized production and are constrained by long manufacturing...

Engineered Models of Human Embryo Implantation - Microfabricated Cell Culture Platforms to Increase the Efficiency and Timing of Blastoid Formation and their Lineage Representation (UCLA Case No. 2026-096)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:43:30 GMT

Details available soon. Please contact UCLA Technology Development Group if you have any questions or would like more information in the meantime.

Novel Safe Potent Precisely Attenuated Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Vaccine Against Tuberculosis (UCLA Case No. 2026-109)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:42:02 GMT

Details available soon. Please contact UCLA Technology Development Group if you have any questions or would like more information in the meantime.

Gene-Modified Conventional Type 1 Dendritic Cells (UCLA Case No. 2026-093)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:41:40 GMT

Details available soon. Please contact UCLA Technology Development Group if you have any questions or would like more information in the meantime.

Microbial Regulation of Immune Tolerance and Risk for Cancer (UCLA Case No. 2026-153)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:41:00 GMT

Details available soon. Please contact UCLA Technology Development Group if you have any questions or would like more information in the meantime.

TCR-Dependent Exhaustion Signature and Blockade of HNF1B to Overcome T Cell Exhaustion for Cancer Immunotherapy (UCLA Case No. 2026-249)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:40:41 GMT

Details available soon. Please contact UCLA Technology Development Group if you have any questions or would like more information in the meantime.

Partial Transcription Factor Reprogramming to Rejuvenate Exhausted Tumor-Specific T Cells into Stem-Like Memory T Cells (UCLA Case No. 2024-240)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:39:03 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Surgery have developed a novel approach to partially reprogram exhausted tumor-infiltrating T cells into stem-like memory T cells capable of durable tumor elimination. BACKGROUND: Adoptive cell therapies, such as tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy involve isolating T cells from a patient’s tumor, expanding them ex vivo, and reinfusing them to eliminate tumor cells. This approach recently received FDA approval in February 2024 as a treatment for patients with advanced cancers. However, the success of TIL therapy depends on the presence and...

Non-Destructive Probes for Known Good Die and Assembly Testing (Case No. 2026-073)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:54:09 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a liquid-metal-based, nondestructive probing platform for high-density semiconductor die and assembly testing. Background: As semiconductor devices become smaller and more complex, manufacturers face growing challenges in testing chips before they are assembled into advanced packages. Modern chips use extremely small, closely spaced input/output (I/O) pads, making reliable electrical testing at the wafer stage increasingly difficult. Traditional probe technologies require large, dedicated...

DNA Methylation Biomarkers to Predict Chronic Lung Allograft Dysfunction (UCLA Case No. 2025-9A0)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 16:33:53 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Medicine have developed a logistic regression model using DNA methylation biomarkers that enables early, noninvasive prediction of chronic lung allograft dysfunction up to two years before clinical disease onset. BACKGROUND: Chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) is the leading cause of long-term graft failure and mortality following lung transplantation. Current surveillance methods rely heavily on pulmonary function testing and histopathology. However, these methods typically detect disease only after irreversible damage has occurred. Thus, ther...

Superconducting Diodes for Qubit Readout (Case No. 2026-079)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 14:54:56 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers led by Professor Pri Narang have developed a fully superconducting, on-chip readout architecture that improves signal fidelity and limits backpropagation in quantum processors Background: Superconducting quantum processors can perform complex calculations orders of magnitude quicker than classical computers. Current superconducting quantum processors rely on dispersive readouts to measure a superconducting qubit’s state. To ensure high-fidelity measurement, traditional systems utilize ferrite-based components that limit the scalability of superconducting qua...

Superconducting Diodes for Qubit-Qubit Coupling (Case No. 2026-078)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 14:52:16 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a superconducting diode-based nonreciprocal interconnect that enables low-loss, directional microwave signal routing between qubits, chips, and cryogenic modules while preserving quantum coherence and suppressing back-propagating noise. Background: Scalable superconducting quantum processors require low-loss, high-fidelity interconnects for signal routing between qubits, chips, and distributed cryogenic modules. Conventional microwave interconnects are reciprocal, allowing back-propagating noise, crosstalk,...

Design of High Thermal Conductivity Through-Glass Vias (TGVS) Interposers (Case No. 2026-157)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 14:43:58 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a novel method for producing electrically insulating, high–thermal conductivity through-glass vias. Background: Advanced semiconductor systems rely on 3D integrated circuits (3DICs) to meet rising demands for higher performance, reduced form factor, and lower latency. Glass interposers and substrates are being adopted for advanced packaging systems due to their low cost and favorable electrical properties. Unlike the current standard of silicon, glass has low thermal conductivity, which...

Through-Glass Vias (TGVS) Thermal Management for Advanced 3DIC Packaging (Case No. 2026-156)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 14:38:50 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a novel approach to enhance the thermal performance of through-glass vias for advanced semiconductor packaging. Background: Advanced semiconductor systems rely on 3D integrated circuits (3DICs) to meet rising demands for higher performance, reduced form factor, and lower latency. Glass interposers are being adopted as substrates for advanced packaging systems due to their low cost and favorable electrical properties, including lower signal loss and scalability. But unlike the current st...

Compositions and Methods to Modulate MAVS-Mediated Immunity (UCLA Case No. 2026-096)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 14:33:20 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics have developed methods to target TOM70, a mitochondrial outer membrane protein, to selectively modulate innate immune signaling and control pathological or protective immune responses across a range of clinical conditions. BACKGROUND: Innate immune detection of viral and endogenous nucleic acids is mediated by RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs), which activate the mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein MAVS to induce type. Interferons (IFNs) and pro-inflammatory cytokines. While MAVS signaling is essential for ...

The Use of Voltage Sensitive Mitochondrial Uncouplers as Selective Anti-Cancer Drugs (UCLA Case No. 2022-327)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 16:20:12 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Medicine have identified an anti-cancer drug that targets mitochondrial membrane potential to selectively kill tumor cells, showing efficacy for traditionally treatment-resistant lung cancers. BACKGROUND: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a devastating disease that will claim the lives of approximately 125,000 Americans in 20261. Recent advances with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and targeted therapy have revolutionized the treatment of advanced metastatic NSCLC, but most patients eventually develop therapy resistance. In addition, tumors with...

Indole-3-Propionic Acid (IPA) Protects Against Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF) (UCLA Case No. 2022-142)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 15:47:41 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology have identified the protective effects of gut-heart crosstalk mediated by 3-propionic acid (IPA) in the progression of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). IPA supplementation could rescue the IPA deficiency associated heart defects, protect against heart malfunction, and serve as a treatment for HFpEF. BACKGROUND: Heart failure is one of the leading causes of death and disease with over 500,000 cases diagnosed each year in the United States and over 60 million worldwide. Heart failure with preserved eje...

Coagulation Factor XI (FXI) Functional Roles and Regulation for Treatment of Heart Failure (UCLA Case No. 2022-141)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 15:40:52 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Medicine have discovered a novel therapeutic target to treat heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), which afflicts approximately half of all patients with heart failure. BACKGROUND: Heart failure is one of the leading causes of death and disease with over 500,000 cases diagnosed each year in the United States and over 60 million worldwide. Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) refers to the condition of which the heart pumps less blood out to the body than is needed, also termed diastolic dysfunction. HFpEF makes up app...

Microfluidic Lab-on-Chip Device, Small Molecules and Three-Dimensional Spheroids for Cell Reprogramming (UCLA Case No. 2020-881)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 15:24:24 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering at Samueli School of Engineering developed bioengineering approaches that can significantly promote cell reprogramming with higher efficiency. This invention is important for basic science, disease modeling, therapeutic testing, and cell engineering for regenerative medicine applications. BACKGROUND: Cell reprogramming is a major advancement in biology which is widely applied in regenerative medicine, disease modeling and drug screening. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be generated from somatic cells by the forced expression...

Highly Miniaturized Closed-Loop Biosensing and Drug Delivery (Case No. 2025-276)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 09:16:20 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed an implantable closed-loop system that integrates electrochemical biosensing, wireless signal transmission, and programmable drug release. Background: Conventional disease management systems rely on single-point measurements and discrete interval drug dosing schedules, limiting the ability to track dynamic physiological changes and deliver therapy in a need-responsive manner. Symptom-based and visual monitoring provide only coarse indicators and cannot support precise or timely intervention. We...

A Wearable Magnetoelastic Patch for Cervical Spines Care (Case No. 2026-076)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 10:09:20 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers have developed a soft, wearable magnetoelastic patch designed for real-time, non-invasive monitoring of cervical spine pressure and motion, enabling early detection and personalized care for infants with potential neck or spine disorders. Background: Infant cervical spine injuries present a significant diagnostic challenge due to infants' inability to communicate discomfort or pain, which can result in delayed detection and intervention. Failure to diagnose and manage these injuries promptly may lead to long-term physical disabilities or more severe complicatio...

Lesion Estimation with Geometric Object Measurement (LE-GEOM) (Case No. 2025-077)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 11:40:40 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Radiology have developed a novel, automated approach for tumor assessment by determining RANO-compliant tumor diameters from tumor segmentation data. Background: MRI tumor measurements are critical in both clinical trials and clinical practice. Traditionally, radiologists manually assessed tumors by measuring the perpendicular in-plane diameters on MRI slices, a process that is prone to operator variability, time-consuming, and resource-intensive. Software and AI-based tumor segmentation methods have become commonplace, enabling volumetric mea...

Misalignment Resilient Diffractive Optical Networks (Case No. 2020-885)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:49:04 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed and experimentally validated a comprehensive training scheme that greatly enhances the robustness of diffractive networks to 3D misalignments and fabrication tolerances in their physical implementation. Background: As an optical machine learning framework, Diffractive Deep Neural Networks (D2NN) take advantage of data-driven training methods used in deep learning to devise light-matter interaction in 3D for performing a desired statistical inference task. The multi-layer structure of diffractiv...

Regulated Gene Expression During Differentiation of Mature T Cells (UCLA Case No. 2022-147)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 14:03:33 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine have developed a process to genetically modify stem cells to express transgenes in a regulated, stage-specific manner, avoiding the negative consequences of transgene expression during T cell development. Contact UCLA Technology Development Group for more information.

Enhancing T Cell Production in Vitro From Stem and Progenitor Cells (UCLA Case No. 2022-257)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 13:56:15 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine have developed an innovative differentiation method to increase T cell production for T cell immunotherapy. Contact UCLA Technology Development Group for more information.

A Selenium Buffer Method for Making Van Der Waals Contact on CDTE Wafers With High Surface Roughness (Case No. 2025-173)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 13:44:49 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry have developed a novel method for implementation of Van der Waals contact on commercial CdTe wafers for improved photovoltaic and solar panel production. Background: Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) is a common absorber used for thin-film optoelectronics and photovoltaics, including next-generation solar panels. CdTe accounts for over half of the thin-film photovoltaic market due to its rapid energy payback time. However, current CdTe solar cells are limited by their low open-circuit voltage (Voc), which directly constrain...

Automatic Segmentation and Registration of the Cardiac Myocardium for Targeted Localization of Cardiac Arrhythmias in Radiotherapy (UCLA Case No. 2021-274)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 19:20:25 GMT

UCLA researchers from the department of Radiation Oncology have developed a novel artificial intelligence (AI) method to automatically generate a contour model from image data of patients with cardiac arrythmias for the improvement of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). Related Papers (from the inventors only): Morris E, Chin R, Wu T, Smith C, Nejad-Davarani S, Cao M. ASSET: Auto-Segmentation of the Seventeen SEgments for Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation in Radiation Therapy. Cancers (Basel). 2023 Aug 11;15(16):4062. doi: 10.3390/cancers15164062 Keywords: VT, ventricular ta...

Θ-Phase Tantalum Nitride for Thermal Management and Electronics Applications (Case No. 2026-180)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 10:51:33 GMT

Summary: Researchers in UCLA’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a novel transition metal compound that demonstrates what is thought to be the highest thermal conductivity reported among metallic materials. The material is synthesized as a single, defect-free crystal, enabling unprecedented efficiency in heat transport. This breakthrough offers exceptional heat dissipation performance and has broad applicability across heat-limited technologies, including advanced electronic systems, quantum computing hardware, and large-scale data center cooling infrastr...

An Acoustic Device for Large Area Single Cell Trapping and Selective Release (Case No. 2025-047)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 10:12:36 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed an acoustic microfluidic platform that offers a cost-effective and practical approach for handling individual cells at the microscale. Background: Single-cell manipulation is essential for understanding cellular behavior, disease progression, and therapeutic response. Recent developments in single-cell research have facilitated the emergence of new applications including ex-vivo cell processing, which have revolutionized personal medicine, cellular research, and drug development. While microf...

Peri-Operative Cancer Therapy to Preserve Anti-Tumor Immune Surveillance (UCLA Case No. 2025-257)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 16:30:58 GMT

UCLA Researchers from the Department of Surgery have developed a novel approach to preserve anti-tumor immunity in the peri-operative period through modulation of clinically relevant molecular and cellular targets. BACKGROUND: Surgical resection with curative intent is a mainstay of treatment for many solid tumors. However, even when the tumor is macroscopically removed, residual microscopic disease can lead to relapse, and eventually death. Moreover, incomplete surgical resections (where visible disease is left behind) are sometimes unavoidable and are associated with accelerated disease pro...

Oral-Gut-Brain Axis Virome/Microbiome for Periodontitis, Irritable Bowel Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnostics (UCLA Case No. 2024-222)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 15:49:32 GMT

UCLA researchers in the School of Dentistry and section of Biosystems and Function have developed a novel diagnostic protocol to accurately categorize both the virome and microbiome of the oral-gut-brain axis for periodontitis, irritable bowel disease, and Alzheimer’s disease pathologies. BACKGROUND: Humans are host to a large and diverse set of bacterial species which constitute our commensal microbiome, accounting for nearly half of all cells in the body. The disruption, or dysbiosis, of these communities is directly linked to certain pathologies such as periodontitis in the case of o...

Custom Isobaric Tandem Mass Spectrometry Quantitative Chemoproteomics Enabled by Dialkoxydiphenylsilane (DADPS) Capture Reagents (UCLA Case No. 2023-113)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 15:24:11 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Biological Chemistry have developed a chemoproteomics-based method for improved and efficient protein and drug studies. BACKGROUND: Quantitative proteomics is a method scientists use to find out how much of each protein is in a sample. It is used to compare protein levels in different situations. This information is useful for discovering how diseases work and finding new targets for medicines. This process involves tagging specific spots on proteins so scientists can capture and measure them using specific quantitative machines. However, making these tag...

A Solid-Phase Compatible Dialkoxydiphenylsilane (DADPS) Reagent for Chemoproteomics (UCLA Case No. 2023-017)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 15:09:58 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Biological Chemistry have developed two novel fluorenylmethyl carbamate functionalized dialkoxydiphenylsilane (FMOC-DADPS) reagents that provide unprecedented compatibility with solid-phase chemistry, enabling higher yield and purity in the synthesis of DADPS-based chemoproteomics capture reagents. BACKGROUND: Mass spectrometry-based chemoproteomics is a powerful technology for functional biology and drug discovery. Standard chemoproteomics workflows rely on cleavable capture reagents, typically incorporating a biotin or desthiobiotin handle connecte...

Immobilized Peptides for Rare Earth Element Separation (Case No. 2026-031)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 13:07:52 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed a bead-based chromatography platform that employs immobilized peptides for improved rare earth element separation and recovery. Background: Rare earth elements (REEs) are critical inputs for renewable energy technologies, electric vehicles, advanced electronics, and defense systems. However, their separation and extraction remain challenging due to the elements’ nearly identical physicochemical properties, frequent co-occurrence in ores, and typically low natural abundance. These factors m...

Generation of Therapeutic Human Anti-Trop-2 Extracellular Domain Antibodies (UCLA Case No. 2026-026)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 16:05:40 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology and the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics have developed a panel of human antibodies and chimeric antigen receptors targeting Trop-2, providing diagnostic and therapeutic resources for targeting Trop2-driven cancer. BACKGROUND: Trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (Trop-2) is a type-I transmembrane protein that has emerged as a clinically relevant oncogenic driver in nearly all epithelial cancers. Prior studies have demonstrated that Trop2 undergoes regulated intramembrane proteolysis, releasi...

Combinatorial RNA-LNP Immunotherapy for Enhanced Pattern Recognition Receptor (PRR) Engagement, Targeted Dendritic Cell (DC) Activation, and Versatile (UCLA Case No. 2025-237)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 15:57:31 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology have developed a cancer immunotherapy platform that uses lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery of modified RNA constructs to activate dendritic cells, enhance CD8+ T-cell priming, and drive potent anti-tumor immunity. BACKGROUND: Effective cancer immunotherapy requires robust activation of dendritic cells (DCs) to support T-cell priming and durable immune responses. Current cancer vaccines frequently induce insufficient antigen presentation, limiting their therapeutic efficacy, particularly in tumors with heterogeneous or po...

Phenotyping Single Ventricle Physiology Using Electronic Health Records (Case Nos. 2025-322 and 2025-323)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 14:51:00 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers have created a cutting-edge, automated phenotyping tool that harnesses electronic health records to enable rapid and precise identification of single ventricle physiology (SVP), especially in neonatal and pediatric populations. Background: Single ventricle physiology (SVP) is a rare heart condition that develops before birth and includes a spectrum of subtypes in which only one ventricle functions properly. SVP limits normal blood circulation due to the mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood pumping through a single chamber of the heart. Due to its complexity ...

Mental Health Functional Movement Scale (MH-FMS) (Case No. 2025-021)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 09:38:06 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences have created a novel assessment platform that objectively measures how the brain, body, and autonomic nervous system respond to stress and regulate emotion during real-time movement. By integrating a shear-stress–based neurovascular framework with a polyvagal-informed autonomic model, the system quantifies neuromuscular performance, cardiovascular adaptability, and emotional regulation capacity through functional movement analysis. This unified approach provides a precise, physiology-anchored window into m...

Multi-Level Scheduling and Partitioning of Reconfigurable Processor Arrays (Case No. 2026-011) Circular Elevator Style Network-on-Chip (Case No. 2026-012) and Pattern Compilation for Runtime Reconfigurable Arrays (Case No. 2026-013)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 10:40:03 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a high-speed runtime reconfigurable processor array (RTRA) that enables on-chip scheduling and rapid multi-program execution with unprecedented energy and area efficiency for dynamic computing workloads. Background: Dynamic digital signal processing and machine learning workloads demand high performance, energy efficiency, and low-latency hardware reconfiguration. However, existing reconfigurable architectures and scheduling solutions rely on slow off-chip software scheduling and mapping....

CDMA MIMO Readout Networks for Semiconductor-Based Compact 2-Dimensional Qubit Array (Case No. 2025-153)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 13:56:52 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a novel CDMA-MIMO qubit readout network that enables scalable, high-fidelity measurement of two-dimensional semiconductor qubit arrays for fault-tolerant quantum computing. Background: Qubit arrays form the foundation of complex quantum computations required in modern quantum processors. Their use enables the key advantages of quantum computing, including high-speed information processing and exponential computational efficiency. A critical step in quantum computing is the process of qubit read...

In Cellulo Synthesis of mRNA-Specific Stoichiometrically-Precise Virus-Like Particles (UCLA Case No. 2024-056)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 14:01:11 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a novel virus-like particle (VLP) platform for the encapsulation of mRNA for efficient therapeutic delivery. BACKGROUND: Messenger RNA (mRNA) technologies have emerged as powerful therapeutics in vaccines and gene therapies. While traditional methods of mRNA therapeutics utilize lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) as the delivery platform, existing systems are limited by several factors, including the encapsulation of uncontrolled numbers of RNA molecules per particle, variable biodistribution and rapid clearance, and un...

Tentacle (Case No. 2025-9AH)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:08:09 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Surgery have developed an auto-drying surgical sponge with an integrated suction device tailored for minimally invasive procedures. Background: Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has become the preferred standard for a wide range of medical procedures, driven by its benefits of reduced patient trauma, minimized scarring, and accelerated recovery. However, a critical challenge for the widespread adoption of MIS is maintaining clear visualization of the surgical area. Since MIS heavily relies on cameras, small traces of blood or bodily fluids can o...

Monitoring Structural Health Using Diffractive Optical Processors (Case No. 2025-201)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 14:18:06 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a novel structural health monitoring system that is highly accurate and cost effective, addressing limitations in current infrastructure and civil health monitoring and a rise in public safety concerns. Background: The need for structural health monitoring (SHM) has recently become more critical due to public safety concerns, driven by increased natural disasters and aging infrastructure. As these factors elevate the risk of structural failure, continuous monitoring of civil infrastructu...

RSA-Wearable Alertness Detecting Device (Case No. 2025-245)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 15:37:15 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers from the Department of Medicine-Pulmonary Disease have developed a novel wearable device to detect alertness and predict the onset of sleep for improved safety. Background: Hypersomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) are both symptoms of a broad class of sleeping disorders including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), circadian rhythm disturbances, and narcolepsy. These conditions can impair personal health and quality of life and pose public safety risks, particularly in situations where sustained vigilance is necessary. Several pharmacological and behavio...

Nanoparticle & dsDNA Toolkit for Decreased Toxicity and Gene Editing of Epithelial Stem Cells via Epithelial Disruption (UCLA Case No. 2023-205/209) -- for Cystic Fibrosis and other genetic diseases

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 13:49:31 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Pediatrics, Hematology/ Oncology have constructed a nanoparticle toolkit for increased integration and reduced toxicity for gene therapies that treat debilitating diseases such as Cystic Fibrosis and other critical genetic diseases. BACKGROUND: Gene therapies are the forefront of therapeutic advancements as a one-off treatment for many debilitating diseases. However, delivery and insertion of the therapeutic transgene are major hurdles that must be solved to effectively implement gene therapy solutions. Specifically, CRISPR-Cas 9 mediated gene editing pos...

Hyperbranched Polyglycerol Encapsulated Proteins for Oral Protein Delivery (Case No. 2012-425)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 12:45:21 GMT

Patent Abstract: Methods for modifying therapeutic agents such as therapeutic biomolecules, such as proteins for improved oral, rectal or transmucosal delivery, as well as compositions made using such methods and methods of administering such compositions to a subject, are disclosed. Specifically, the therapeutic agents are conjugated to hyperbranched polymers (HBPs), such as hyperbranched polyglycerol (HPG). When such conjugates are administered orally to a subject, the HBP protects the therapeutic agent from the acid environment of the stomach and protease attack in the gastro-intestinal tr...

Copyright: Locally Low-Rank Image Denoising for Multi-Coil Multi-Contrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Case No. 2025-056)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 10:51:55 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers have developed a software algorithm for locally low-rank denoising that improves image quality and diagnostic reliability in multi-coil, multi-contrast MRI by correcting complex noise and preserving fine image details. Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful, non-invasive tool widely used in both research and clinical diagnostics. To reduce scan time, modern MRI systems employ multi-coil acquisition schemes, where multiple receiver coils capture different parts of the signal simultaneously. These coil signals are then combined to reconstruct high...

Compounds for Reversing the Adverse Effects of Early Life Adversity During Childhood (UCLA Case No. 2021-078)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 14:00:22 GMT

Compositions and methods for diagnosing patients with a history of early-life adversity (ELA), and for preventing, treating, or reducing psychological distress in patients with a history of ELA. Contact UCLA Technology Development Group for more information.

Thin Bilayer Paints to Enable Passive Daytime Radiative Cooling (Case No. 2026-014)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 10:51:03 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have formulated a novel bilayer coating that enables high-performance passive daytime radiative cooling. Background: Conventional technologies for cooling buildings are highly energy-intensive, consuming about 19% of U.S. residential electricity and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC) has been proposed as a promising alternative. These solutions utilize highly solar reflective materials to reflect solar heat back into the atmosphere, cooling surfaces to below ambie...

Method and Apparatus for Improving the Signal-To-Noise Ratio in Multi-Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Data (Case No. 2025-204)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 12:54:18 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers have developed a software-based denoising method that makes cardiac MRI images clearer and more reliable, enabling more accurate heart function measurements without requiring longer scan times. Background: Cardiac MRI is a powerful imaging tool for assessing heart health because it can provide detailed pictures of how the heart muscle moves and pumps in both healthy and diseased states. Among its advanced techniques, DENSE MRI (Displacement Encoding with Stimulated Echoes) can provide very detailed measurements of myocardial strain (the stretching and contracting o...

B Cell-Based Assay to Expand Antigen-Specific T Cells (UCLA Case No. 2025-288)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 14:39:18 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Medicine have developed a novel B cell-based assay to expand antigen-specific T cells, allowing for an efficient, patient-specific platform to generate tumor antigen-specific T cells. BACKGROUND: Adoptive T cell therapies have emerged as a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy, enabling the expansion of tumor-reactive T cells that can be used to eliminate malignant cancer cells. Existing methods rely on either non-specific polyclonal activation (using antibody-presenting beads or cytokines) or complex antigen-presentation platforms (such as d...

Aerodynamics-Informed Design Optimization of Vehicles with Machine Learning (Case No. 2025-083)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 09:56:21 GMT

Intro Sentence: UCLA researchers from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a machine-learning–guided aerodynamic optimization framework that accelerates the design of electric vehicles by coupling high-fidelity simulations with data-driven shape prediction. Background: Electric vehicle (EV) technologies have revolutionized transportation, driving the need for efficient aerodynamic design. Traditional vehicle optimization relies on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and wind tunnel testing, which are limited by their high computational cost...

Silyl Ether Enables Chemoproteomic Interaction and Target Engagement (SEE-CITE) (UCLA Case No. 2024-194)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 13:42:59 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Biological Chemistry have developed a chemoproteomic platform for high-coverage, site-specific mapping of small-molecule–protein interactions using a cleavable silyl ether–based photoaffinity probe design. BACKGROUND: Small molecule drugs rely on specific and selective interactions with protein targets to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. The identification of the binding sites of these interactions relies on affinity labeling followed by proteomic studies. While chemoproteomics coupled with photoaffinity labeling (PAL) is commonly use...

Pancreas Cancer Immunotherapy using Cationic Lipid and Polymer Nanocarriers for co-delivery of KRAS Neoantigens and STING or other immunomodulators to boost the Cancer Immunity Cycle and Treat Liver Metastasis (UCLA Case No. 2024-076)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 16:27:17 GMT

UCLA researchers have developed a translational immunotherapy platform that leverages nanoparticle-based delivery of tumor-associated signals and immune-stimulatory molecules to drive localized immune activation in metastatic pancreatic cancer. This approach is designed to initiate de novo immune priming and recondition the tumor microenvironment in immune-excluded settings such as liver metastases. BACKGROUND: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the most aggressive and treatment-refractory malignancies, with a five-year survival rate below 10%. Metastatic disease, particul...

Histone H1 as a Therapeutic Target for Fibrosis (UCLA Case No. 2023-148)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 13:30:52 GMT

UCLA researchers from the David Geffen School of Medicine have identified linker histone H1 as a critical regulator of pathologic gene expression and cellular mechanics, establishing its potential role as a therapeutic target for the treatment of fibrosis. BACKGROUND: Heart failure affects ~6 million Americans and has a 5-year survival rate of ~50% in adults. A common feature of heart failure is impairing contraction and relaxation of the heart muscle, which leads to poor perfusion of the body, edema, extreme exhaustion and lethal cardiac arrhythmias. A major cause of cardiac muscle dysfuncti...

Mucus Targeting Particles (MTPs) Technology for Sustained Drug Delivery Applications (UCLA Case No. 2020-809)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 15:40:46 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering have developed a robust nanoparticle technology for effective, sustained-release ocular drug delivery. BACKGROUND: Topically applied therapeutics are the common mode of delivery for treating ocular diseases, ranging from chronic conditions like glaucoma to acute inflammation and allergies. Topicals, such as eye drops, are easy to synthesize, cost-effective, and widely available despite their low bioavailability. However, physical barriers within the eye, natural defense mechanisms such as drug-degrading enzymes, and r...

Antibiotic Drug Eluting Patches for Treatment of Ocular Inflammation (UCLA Case No. 2022-157)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 15:27:58 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering have developed an antibiotic drug eluting patch to treat eye diseases, including ocular infection and inflammation. It offers sustained drug delivery to enhance biocompatibility and antimicrobial effectiveness, and provides a localized, noninvasive, and patient-compliant method of treatment. BACKGROUND: Eye injuries caused by chronic conditions or acute physical damage often lead to a high risk of infections when the protective outer layer of the eye (e.g., the corneal or scleral epithelium) is compromised, allowing m...

Prototype Software for Neuron-Centric Memory Architecture in AI (Case Nos. 2025-327/328)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 15:38:39 GMT

Summary: Researchers at UCLA’s Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology and Neurobiology have pioneered the first prototype of a novel, neuron-centric AI architecture featuring intracellular memory and adaptive computation capabilities, designed to enhance deep learning performance and efficiency. Background: Deep learning leverages algorithms inspired by the structure and function of human neural networks, offering powerful solutions to a wide range of contemporary computational challenges. Modern AI architectures such as multilayer perceptrons (MLPs) and convolution...

Cannabis Limits Cancer Stem Cell Growth in Poorly Differentiated Cancers (UCLA Case No. 2020-869)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 15:35:41 GMT

Contact UCLA Technology Development Group for more information.

Unique Tests to Assess the Expansion and Function of Natural Killer Cells in Health and Disease (UCLA Case No. 2019-635)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 15:28:51 GMT

UCLA researchers in the School of Dentistry have developed a unique set of tests to determine the expansion and function of natural killer cells in healthy subjects and cancer patients. BACKGROUND: Natural killer (NK) cells have the remarkable ability to target cancer stem cells (CSCs) and undifferentiated tumors. However, downregulation of NK receptors within the tumor microenvironment cause suppressed NK cell function in cancer patients. Immunotherapy using NK cells has been limited due to the difficulties in expanding the cells and generating enough functional cells for therapeutic be...

Sonicated Osteoclasts as Drugs to Increase NK Expansion and Function in Patients and in Manufacturing of NK Cells (Case No. 2024-272)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 15:15:20 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Dentistry have developed an innovative method to manufacture, expand and improve the function of natural killer cells by using sonicated osteoclasts for cancer immunotherapy. BACKGROUND: Natural killer cells (NK cells) are immune cells that recognize and combat pathogens and cancer cells. NK cell immunotherapy has emerged as a promising treatment for cancer by training NK cells to effectively eliminate tumor cells. One widely studied form of NK cell immunotherapy is adoptive cell transfer (ACT), which involves harvesting NK cells from patients, expandin...

Curative Locoregional Therapy Using Ablation or Catheter-Based Embolization of Targeted Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Delivering Supercharged NK Cells and CAR-NK or CAR-T Cells (UCLA Case No. 2023-115)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 15:05:44 GMT

UCLA researchers in the School of Dentistry and Interventional Radiology have developed a groundbreaking curative treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma that combines locoregional therapy, such as ablation or catheter-based embolization, with targeted delivery of supercharged NK cells and CAR-NK or CAR-T cells, offering a highly effective approach that overcomes traditional limitations of immunotherapy while minimizing off-target toxicity. BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer, ranking as the fourth-leading cause of cancer-related deaths wo...

Machine Learning to Predict Physiological Age Using Features Extracted From Arterial Blood Pressure (ABP) Waveforms (Case No. 2025-264)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 13:59:36 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Anesthesiology have introduced a novel machine learning model that accurately predicts physiological aging by analyzing features extracted from patients’ arterial blood pressure (ABP) waveforms. This approach enables efficient, data-driven assessment of biological aging in clinical settings to facilitate timely health interventions. Background: While chronological age is a widely used benchmark for assessing health risks and predicting mortality, it often fails to account for significant variability in how individuals biologically age. Tw...

Synthetic Cannabinoid WIN 55,212-2 Increased the Cytotoxicity of NK Cells and IFN-gamma Secretion Ability of Immune Cells in Humanized BLT Mouse Model (UCLA Case No. 2022-281)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 13:54:10 GMT

UCLA researchers in the School of Dentistry have developed novel strategies synergizing the anti-tumor effects of a synthetic cannabinoid, cytokine, and probiotic bacteria to augments NK cell mediated functions and target a wide variety of cancers and viral infections. BACKGROUND: Interest in the use of synthetic cannabinoids for the treatment of disease has grown in recent years in part because of the discovery that some tissue and cell types exhibit varying expression levels of cannabinoid receptors. Moreover, various cancers have now been found to abnormally increase the expression of thes...

Method for Reducing Process Variation-Induced Threshold Voltage Mismatch in FD-SOI Transistors (Case No. 2025-271)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 13:32:18 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a transistor-level method that dynamically tunes device characteristics to eliminate mismatch, achieving higher stability and precision without added area or power costs. Background: Transistors are the fundamental semiconductor building blocks for amplification, switching, and a wide range of digital processing and signal modulation applications. However, they are inherently subject to device-to-device mismatch and parametric variation due to process variability at the nanoscale. In many analo...

Antiviral Compounds Inhibiting Mpox Virus, and Methods and Mpox Treatment Thereof (UCLA Case No. 2025-037)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 12:51:48 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology have identified potent drug candidates inhibiting monkeypox virus, which may be used as therapies to prevent or treat viral infections. BACKGROUND: Monkeypox (mpox) is a viral infection related to smallpox that manifests as a rash, lesions, swollen lymph nodes, and flu-like symptoms. While symptoms are typically mild, mpox can be severe in children, as well as those who are immunosuppressed or pregnant. The first human case of mpox was diagnosed in 1970 in Central and West Africa, where the disease is endemic. Since t...

NPEPPS Enhancers for Treating Tau-Induced Neurodegeneration (UCLA Case No. 2018-161)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 12:16:43 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Neurology have developed first-in-class small-molecule activators of NPEPPS that effectively lower pathological tau, offering a novel disease-modifying strategy for Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative disorders. BACKGROUND: Neurodegenerative dementias such as Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) affect over 55 million people worldwide, with no approved disease-modifying therapies. A hallmark of these conditions is the abnormal aggregation of the tau (MAPT) protein into neurofibrillary tangles, which strongly ...

Bioinformatically-Identified Control Elements for Regulated Expression from a Lentiviral Vector to Treat X-Linked Lymphoproliferative Disease (UCLA Case No. 2022-065)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 14:40:37 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics and Pediatrics have used a bioinformatics-guided approach to design regulated lentiviral vectors for the treatment of X-linked lymphoproliferative disease type 1. BACKGROUND: X-linked lymphoproliferative disease type 1 (XLP1) is a rare primary immunodeficiency caused by mutations in the SH2D1A gene, which encodes the SLAM-associated protein (SAP). In over 90% of cases, disease onset is triggered by Epstein-Barr virus infection, leading to impaired function of B, T, and Natural Killer (NK) cells. T...

Design of Task-Specific Optical Systems Using Broadband Diffractive Neural Networks (Case No. 2020-174)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 13:59:01 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a diffractive neural network that can process an all-optical, 3D printed neural network for deep learning applications. Background: Deep learning, a method of machine learning that mimics the human brain’s connectivity through a series of “neural networks”, has been used in widespread applications such as image recognition and natural language processing. Existing forms of deep learning use either 3D print or lithography to create tandem sheets of networks that u...

Direct Carrier Fractional Frequency Synthesizer Using a DiCAD-Based Digital-To-Phase Modulator (Case No. 2025-9AA)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 11:24:59 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a low-noise, DiCAD-based fractional frequency synthesis system that enables fine frequency resolution and enhanced signal stability for millimeter-wave applications. Background: Millimeter-wave (mmW) communication and radar systems demand carrier frequency synthesizers with low phase noise and fine frequency resolution. Conventional solutions often rely on integer-N phase-locked loops (PLLs) combined with delta-sigma modulators driving multi-modulus dividers to achieve fractional frequency tuni...

Secure Agents for Flexible Clean Rooms and Access Control (Case No. 2026-043)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 10:04:44 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Computer Engineering and Mathematics have developed virtual secure agents that enable efficient, privacy-preserving collaborative computation across all standard cloud environments. Background: Data clean rooms are secured environments that allow multiple parties to safely upload and exchange data between interfaces without compromising regulatory requirements or privacy. To avoid the risk of data breaches and leaks, these clean rooms provide a secure ecosystem for data transfer and management. To achieve this, secure multi-party computation (S...

Brain Repair in Vascular Dementia and Stroke with A3AR (UCLA Case No. 2024-220)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 13:57:38 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Neurology have discovered and validated intercellular signaling pathways that can be therapeutically targeted to drive repair and functional recovery in vascular dementia. BACKGROUND: Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second leading cause of dementia and is driven by ischemic injury to cerebral white matter, producing progressive cognitive and motor decline. Existing animal models suffer from several limitations, such as a reliance on global hypoperfusion, and incompletely recapitulate human VaD pathophysiology. There are no medical therapies that directly...

Directed Differentiation Protocols to Derive Bone Fide Spinal Sensory Interneurons (UCLA Case No. 2022-224)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 17:03:53 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Neurobiology have developed innovative protocols to differentiate and expand spinal sensory interneurons for drug discovery and to utilize in cell replacement therapies to restore injured spinal cords. BACKGROUND: Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can result in the loss of controlled movement and somatosensation, the ability to perceive the environment. Surgery can resolve SCIs in some cases, but it cannot restore or replace spinal cord neurons that are already damaged. This can lead to life-long paralysis and/or loss of sensation. One potential solution to o...

Syndrome Sphere Decoding of Linearly Expurgated Tail-Biting Convolutional Codes (Case No. 2025-285)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 13:10:38 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers have developed Syndrome Sphere Decoding (SSD), a breakthrough algorithm that delivers near-optimal error correction for tail-biting convolutional codes (TBCCs) with dramatically reduced decoding complexity. By eliminating the need for large list decoders, SSD enables faster, low-power, and reliable communication across wireless, satellite, and embedded systems—without compromising frame error rate (FER) performance. Unmet Need: Modern wireless communication—whether in satellites, industrial IoT, or autonomous vehicles—depends on short, reliable me...

Miniaturized Batteryless and Wireless Biopotential Recorder with Dynamic Bandwidth and Data Rate Update for Power Optimization (Case No. 2026-015)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 11:27:20 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a miniaturized, batteryless biopotential recorder with adaptive bandwidth, low power consumption, and synchronized data acquisition for next-generation implantable medical devices. Background: Biopotential signals—including electrocardiograms, electrocorticography, electromyograms, electrooculograms, local field potentials, and action potentials—are critical physiological markers for both diagnosis and treatment. High-precision biopotential sensors enable the development of advanced...

Broad-Band Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for the Treatment of Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Case No. 2025-99J)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 10:45:32 GMT

Summary: Researchers in UCLA's Semel Institute and Department of Psychiatry have developed an innovative approach to treating depression by optimizing repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), improving its effectiveness for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and possibly diseases of the mind and brain. Background: Depression is a multifactorial disorder influenced by genetic, neurochemical, psychosocial, environmental, and hormonal factors. Conventional antidepressant medications are not reliable nor universally effective with low response and remission r...

Combination Metabolic-Epigenetic Treatment for Early Lung Cancer (UCLA Case No. 2022-247)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 13:41:05 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Division of Pulmonary Medicine at the School of Medicine uncovered a novel mechanism by which cancer cells adapt to glucose restriction and develop treatment resistance, and have in response developed a novel combination therapy to delay lung adenocarcinoma development while circumventing the development of aggressive behavior and drug resistance in lung cancer. BACKGROUND: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. According to statistics from the American Cancer Society, lung cancer egregiously causes more than 350 deaths a day in...

Doping of Thorium-229 Into High Bandgap Metal Sulfate Material (Case No. 2025-99Y)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 15:35:44 GMT

Summary: A UCLA researcher in the Department of Physics has developed a novel method for creating high-bandgap materials doped with thorium-229, enabling the development of advanced nuclear clocks. Background: Thorium-229 is the only known isotope with a nuclear transition low enough to be measured using conventional optical techniques. The combination of high stability and subtle sensitivity to environmental conditions enables the development of nuclear clocks and next-generation sensor technologies. Current thorium-229 performance is limited by long cycle times, often requiring sev...

Method and Apparatus for Acceleration of Dense MR Data Acquisition (Case No. 2025-226)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 14:04:37 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers from the Department of Radiological Sciences have developed a novel acquisition and reconstruction strategy that accelerates Displacement Encoding with Stimulated Echoes (DENSE) MRI, enabling faster and clinically feasible cardiac strain measurement. Background: Myocardial strain is an important biomarker for assessing how the heart muscle stretches and contracts during each beat and serves as an early indicator of heart dysfunction. Advances in cardiac MRI have enabled precise visualization of strain patterns, and a specialized imaging technique called DENSE (Disp...

Compliant Mechanisms That Perform Mathematical Operations via Analog Computing (Case No. 2025-230)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 11:18:35 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a fully compliant mechanism that performs mathematical operations using analog computing. Background: Mechanical computers rely on the relative motion of physical bodies to perform computations, rather than electronic signals, as electrical computers do. Unlike traditional electrical computers, mechanical computers can offer analog computing, operation in extreme environments, minimized wear, and immunity from radiation and electromagnetic interference. Compliant digital mechanisms have shown...

Combination of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Receptor (IGF1R) or Insulin Receptor Inhibitors with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Management of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (UCLA Case No. 2020-872)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 14:48:12 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department Joe C. Wen School of Nursing have developed a novel targeted therapy for triple-negative breast cancer with a potential synergy with immunotherapy. BACKGROUND: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for about 10-15% of women with breast cancer (BC), but its mortality rate is disproportionally high, causing almost 50% of all BC deaths. By definition, TNBC tumors lacks notable biomarkers to target and shows significant heterogeneity, hindering the development of effective targeted therapies. These characteristics, as well as an overall poor understandin...

Highly Selective Targeting of Interleukin 12 P40 Gene Expression for the Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases (UCLA Case No. 2020-864)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 17:08:07 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics have identified key inhibitors and inhibitory pathways targeting a pro- inflammatory molecule implicated in a vast array of autoinflammatory diseases. BACKGROUND: Inflammatory autoimmune diseases are a broad group of disorders of the immune system where the body attacks its own tissues. These disorders affect all age ranges and can be debilitating diseases with inadequate treatment options. Interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23 are inflammatory molecules critical for generating T helper cell immune responses. IL-1...

Use of Blood, Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid (BALF) or Urine Cytokines Combined With Donor-Derived Cell-Free DNA (dd-cfDNA) as a Biomarker of Allograft (UCLA Case No. 2025-316)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 14:52:07 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Pulmonology have identified a novel non-invasive combinatorial biomarker for prediction, early detection, and monitoring of acute and chronic allograft injury. BACKGROUND: Post-surgery treatment and rejection surveillance for solid organ transplantation remains challenging, primarily due to a limited ability to accurately assess and control patient immune responses. After the allograft transplantation, patients require a carefully monitored regiment of immunosuppression medications to avoid post-surgery complications which can lead to acute rejection (AR...

Antiviral Compounds Inhibiting Zika Virus (ZIKV), and Methods and Zika Treatment Thereof (UCLA Case No. 2025-241)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 14:45:43 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Molecular and Medical Pharmacology Department and CNSI have identified antiviral compounds that effectively inhibit Zika virus infection and cytopathic effects, potentially leading to improved therapeutics and treatment outcomes. BACKGROUND: Zika virus (ZIKV), a flavivirus now endemic to several regions globally, can cause neurological complications, adverse fetal outcomes, and congenital brain/ocular abnormalities. To ensure successful viral replication, ZIKV manipulates host cell pathways, metabolism, cell proliferation, and immune responses. Kinases, well-establis...

Smart Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging and Grid Integration Apparatus and Methods (Case No. 2010-903)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 16:16:02 GMT

Summary Researchers at UCLA have developed a smart EV charging and grid integration system that uses real-time control, state estimation, and bidirectional energy flows to manage EV charging and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) operations. The system optimizes charging schedules based on grid constraints, user preferences, and energy market signals while ensuring grid stability and battery health. Background As EV adoption increases, uncontrolled charging at peak times can overload distribution infrastructure, cause transformer stress, and destabilize power networks. Utilities generally mitigate...

A Glucose-Responsive Glucagon-Micelle for the Prevention of Hypoglycemia (UCLA Case No. 2024-161)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 14:46:09 GMT

Contact UCLA Technology Development Group to learn more. More information available soon. Keywords: drug delivery, nanomedicine, nanocarriers, Polymeric Micelles

Method of Creating Hydrogels Through Oxime Bond Formation (UCLA Case No. 2013-180)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 14:27:40 GMT

UCLA researchers led by Professor Heather Maynard in the Department of Chemistry have developed a method for creating hydrogels using a patented and specific type of chemical reaction called oxime bond formation (or oxime ligation). BACKGROUND: While many methods exist to create hydrogels (cross-linked materials used in biomedicine), most suffer from significant drawbacks, including toxicity to payloads and stability issues. Existing methods for chemically crosslinking hydrogels include: Michael Addition, Radical Crosslinking, Self-Assembly, as well as other specific chemistries like thiol-en...

IL-2 Independent Ultrahigh Human T Cell Activations Through Biomimetics of Immune Synapses by Graphene Oxides (UCLA Case No. 2021-068)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 13:53:38 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have constructed a novel graphene oxide-based platform for robust T cell activation through artificial immune synapse formation. BACKGROUND: T cells are a critical arm of the immune system with tremendous therapeutic value for immune disorders and cancer. However, modulation of T cells in a clinical context can be difficult due to low efficiency and off-target effects that lead to toxicity. Current methods for T cell activation and proliferation typically involve the addition of external interleuikin-2 (IL-2); however, th...

CD1a Presentation of Microbial Peptide Antigens to T Cells (UCLA Case No. 2026-067)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 17:24:32 GMT

Contact UCLA Technology Development Group to learn more. More information available soon.

Spectral Kernel Machines With Electrically Tunable Photodetectors (Case No. 2025-105)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 16:31:33 GMT

Summary: Spectral machine vision traditionally acquires dense 3D hypercubes (x, y, λ) of spatial and spectral information, which must be processed downstream. This imposes major computational burdens, tradeoffs in spatial/spectral resolution, frame rate, and power. The innovation embodied in spectral kernel machines (SKM) is a photodetector architecture that learns tasks in situ: instead of outputting raw spectra, the device’s photocurrent encodes the classification or identification result directly. By combining electrically tunable detection layers (e.g. bipolar black phos...

Increasing Linear Growth in Osteogenesis Imperfecta (UCLA Case No. 2025-258)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 16:14:11 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, OBGYN, and Human Genetics have identified the drug infigratinib as a potential therapeutic to treat osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). BACKGROUND: Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) is a heterogeneous genetic condition that can be characterized by brittle bones, recurrent fractures, and short stature. Current treatment options include medications that help increase bone density and orthopedic surgeries to correct bone deformities. However, the medications used to treat OI do not fully restore the normal structure of the growth plate&mda...

TRP: Human Schwannoma Cell Line (UCLA Case No. 2015-213)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 15:11:57 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Head & Neck Surgery have developed the only available human NF2 schwannoma cell line, offering an in vitro model for studying tumor cell biology and therapeutic development. BACKGROUND: Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder caused by inactivating mutations in the NF2 tumor suppressor gene. It is primarily characterized by the development of bilateral vestibular schwannomas. These are benign but often progressive tumors arising from Schwann cells that exhibit deregulated growth, contributing to hearing loss, balance dys...

The Zip Suture (Case No. 2024-129)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 14:39:46 GMT

Intro Sentence: UCLA researchers from the Department of Surgery have developed a novel knotless suturing technique that functions similarly to a surgical-grade zip tie, offering a potentially transformative approach to wound closure. Background: Suturing remains a critical component of surgical wound closure across nearly all procedures, from open to minimally invasive techniques. Traditional suturing requires tying secure knots—an often technically demanding and time-consuming task, especially in confined or difficult-to-access surgical fields. This can lead to complications includi...

Interactive Systems and Methods for Identifying Target Proteins in Drug Discovery (Case No. 2025-098)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 14:00:21 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a novel computational system for target protein identification, enabling integrative drug discovery. Background: Target identification (Target ID) in drug discovery involves the identification and evaluation of protein candidates that could interact with disease-associated proteins and therapeutically relevant ligands. This complex process is computationally intensive and requires the evaluation of protein-protein interaction networks and their role in disease development. This process also...

TRP: Cell Lines Expressing a DNA Construct Expressing Mutant TRPV4 (UCLA Case No. 2021-361)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 12:21:05 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology have developed stable cell lines expressing wild-type or disease-associated mutant TRPV4 channels, providing a powerful platform for mechanistic and drug discovery studies. BACKGROUND: TRPV4 is a non-selective cation channel that regulates calcium influx in response to diverse stimuli, including mechanical, osmotic, and thermal fluctuations. TRPV4 is expressed in multiple tissues and cell types, and mutations in TRPV4 have been implicated in a broad spectrum of human diseases, ranging from skeletal dysplasias a...

Optical Generative Models (Case No. 2025-067)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 11:43:38 GMT

Summary: Researchers in the UCLA Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed an optics-based system to rapidly generate synthetic images. Background: Generative AI models that create synthetic images, human-like natural language processing capabilities, and even new protein designs are critical for a diverse array of applications. Well-known systems like ChatGPT, DALL-E3, and Sora have seen widespread adoption in many industries due to their versatility. However, as these models grow larger, their increasing power and memory consumption have become a concerning bottlenec...

A Novel Method to Reduce Radiation Dose for Dynamic CT Scan (Case No. 2014-9AC)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 10:07:24 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed a low-dose CT scanning system that uses pulsed X-ray emission at selected rotation angles combined with advanced reconstruction algorithms to maintain image quality while reducing radiation exposure by factors of ~4–8× compared to continuous CT protocols. Background Computed tomography (CT) is widely used in medicine (e.g. perfusion CT, angiography), but continuous X-ray emission throughout the scan leads to substantial radiation dose to patients. Dynamic CT protocols (multiple time frames) multiply dose exposure. Conventional method...

Therapeutic Targets from Subproteomes of Astrocytes and Neurons (UCLA Case No. 2024-162)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 13:34:07 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Physiology have identified specific endogenous receptors that activate an astrocyte signaling pathway, which is beneficial for restoring astrocyte morphology and ameliorating phenotypes associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder and other brain disorders. BACKGROUND: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by obsessive thoughts and repetitive behaviors, which are often linked to dysfunction in cortical-striatal neural circuits. Astrocytes, a predominant type of glial cell, are significantly implicated in...

Balloon Catheter for Thermal Ablation Protection (Case No. 2024-210)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 11:12:03 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed a novel planar balloon catheter that reliably separates and protects organs during thermal ablation procedures. By creating a sheet-like thermal barrier, the device mitigates unintended injury to nearby healthy tissues—particularly the stomach and bowel—thereby enabling safer and more effective treatment of tumors previously considered too high-risk for ablation. Unmet Need Thermal ablation has become a cornerstone of minimally invasive oncology, offering curative or palliative treatment for patients ineligible for surgery. However, a pers...

High-Throughput Cell Screening With Interferometric Cytometry (Case No. 2007-720)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 15:15:39 GMT

Summary The combined technology platform encompasses optical cytometry via interferometric membrane probing and cell mechanical / membrane property characterization, using reflective microparticles and interferometric imaging to measure deformation and viscoelastic response of live cells. The approach links physical membrane dynamics to cellular state, enabling label-free diagnostics, mechanical phenotyping, or response monitoring. One of the patents (US 10,802,012 B2) applies interferometry with microparticles to observe membrane motion in response to magnetic actuation to infer cell viscoel...

Pulsed Laser Triggered High Speed Microfluidic Switch and Applications in Flourescent Activated Cell Sorting (Case No. 2009-063)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 14:58:13 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed a pulsed-laser triggered microfluidic switching mechanism capable of sub-100 µs switching (e.g. ~70 µs), enabling ultrafast cell/particle sorting in a microfluidic fluorescence-activated cell sorting (µFACS) platform using cavitation bubbles rather than mechanical valves. Background Flow cytometry and FACS are key tools in biology and medicine for sorting cells by fluorescence or other markers. Traditional droplet-based FACS systems are bulky, require open fluidics, high voltages, or mechanical parts, and may generate aerosols or dam...

A Nanoengineered Immunosensor to Detect Multiple Circulating Biomarkers for Rapid Prediction of Acute Thrombosis (UCLA Case No. 2025-015)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 14:30:46 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Cardiology have developed a nanoengineered immune sensor that uses machine learning to detect multiple circulating biomarkers for rapid, accurate prediction of acute thrombosis. BACKGROUND: Acute thrombosis represents a significant contributor to both acute and chronic illnesses. Moreover, the correlation between respiratory viral infections, such as COVID-19, and clinical thrombotic events is well established, emphasizing the importance of personalized prediction and prompt intervention. The rapid and precise stratification of thrombotic risk among hospi...

TRP: Precursor Towards 18F-Clofarabine (UCLA Case No. 2017-379)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 14:23:51 GMT

Tangible Research Property (TRP) Contact UCLA Technology Development Group to learn more.

Continuous Whole-Chip 3-Dimensional Dep Cell Sorter and Its Fabrication (Case No. 2012-612)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 12:07:51 GMT

Summary Researchers at UCLA have developed a continuous, whole-chip, three-dimensional dielectrophoretic (DEP) cell sorting device, integrating multi-layer microfluidics and electrode geometries to sort cells or particles throughout the thickness of a microfluidic chip, not merely at a single plane. Background Microfluidic cell sorting is vital in many biomedical applications (e.g. diagnostics, single cell analysis, cell therapy). Conventional DEP sorters typically operate in 2D or at single planar electrode interfaces, limiting throughput, spatial sorting depth, or the ability to manipulat...

Pulse Laser Driven High Speed, On-Demand, and Multiplexed Droplet Generator (Case No. 2013-184)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 11:43:39 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed a high-speed, on-demand microfluidic droplet platform that allows rapid and precise generation, manipulation, and merging of microdroplets for advanced lab-on-a-chip applications. The technology enables controlled droplet initiation and synchronized merging at high throughput, making it a versatile platform for single-cell analysis, biochemical assays, drug discovery, and diagnostics. Background Microfluidic droplet systems are central to modern biomedical research and diagnostics, offering miniaturized reaction compartments for cells, nucleic acids, ...

Device to Produce X-Rays for Use in Imaging (Case No. 2009-627)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 10:07:34 GMT

Summary Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a compact, addressable flat-panel x-ray source based on pyroelectric / piezoelectric crystals with integrated field emitters. The design produces electron emission by temperature (or stress) cycling of crystals, which then strike a target to generate x-rays. The array architecture enables selectable activation of x-ray modules, potentially enabling portable, low-power, high-flexibility imaging systems without bulky high-voltage supplies. Background Conventional x-ray tubes require bulky high-voltage power supplies, vacuum systems, a...

Lens-Free Wide-Field Super-Resolution Imaging (Case No. 2010-598)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 10:01:16 GMT

Summary Researchers at UCLA have developed a lens-free, wide-field super-resolution imaging platform that uses a scanned illumination aperture and computational reconstruction to overcome the pixel size limit and achieve high-resolution imaging across large fields of view. The system captures multiple low-resolution holograms under shifted illumination and uses sub-pixel registration and algorithmic reconstruction to produce a high-resolution final image. Background Traditional optical microscopy systems often face a trade-off between field of view (FOV) and spatial resolution. When placing...

A Radix-3 Network Architecture for Boundary-Less Hierarchical Interconnects (Case No. 2013-162)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 15:32:24 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed a method for designing and implementing boundary-less hierarchical interconnect networks — switching architectures that reduce path length and routing complexity by transforming conventional hierarchical switch networks into “boundary-less” (or more flexible radix) topologies, enabling improved connectivity, lower latency, and more efficient routing in circuits such as FPGAs, SoCs, or reconfigurable logic fabrics. Background In modern digital integrated systems—FPGAs, system-on-chip (SoC) interconnects, reconfigurable fabrics&m...

Fine-Grained Power-Gating Circuitry in FPGA Interconnects (Case No. 2013-181)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 15:19:41 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have invented a method and circuit architecture for fine-grained power gating within FPGA (field-programmable gate array) interconnects. By selectively disabling (power gating) unused multiplexers and routing segments at a fine granularity, the approach reduces leakage power in FPGA interconnects while preserving performance and flexibility. Background In modern FPGAs and programmable logic devices, much of the silicon area is used for interconnect routing (multiplexers, switches, wiring). Even when routing paths are unused, static leakage and parasitic capacitance ...

TRP: Helper-Dependent Adenoviral Vector Expressing Murine Carbamoyl Phosphate Synthetase 1 (UCLA Case No. 2018-907)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 15:13:52 GMT

Tangible Research Property (TRP) Contact UCLA Technology Development Group to learn more.

TRP: Prostate Stem Cell Antigen (PSCA) Antibody Material (Related to UCLA Case Nos. 2004-190, 2006-490, 2008-088, 2019-335)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 14:33:56 GMT

Tangible Research Property (TRP) Contact UCLA Technology Development Group to learn more.

Automated Detection of Lung Nodules in Medical Images (Case No. 2012-512)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 14:26:39 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed an automated image processing system that segments lung regions in CT scans, identifies candidate high-intensity structures (like nodules), and classifies lung nodules (including solid and ground glass) using geometric analysis. The system aims to reduce false positives while maintaining high sensitivity in lung cancer screening workflows. Background Lung cancer screening via computed tomography (CT) is effective but time-consuming and subject to radiologist variability. Detecting small lung nodules—solid or ground-glass—amid surroun...

Developing Physical Deformable Lung Phantom With Subject Specific Elasticity (2013-705)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 14:19:01 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed a subject-specific, deformable lung phantom that mimics both the mechanical (elastic) and radiological (attenuation) properties of a real human lung. The phantom is designed to replicate lung deformation during respiration, integrate imaging and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) data, and be used in radiotherapy quality assurance to improve treatment planning and patient outcomes. Background For radiation therapy, accurately modeling how the lung and tumor move during breathing is critical to minimize radiation delivered to healthy tissue while...

Compositions and methods for cellular delivery (UCLA Case No. 2019-899)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 14:15:32 GMT

Contact UCLA Technology Development Group to learn more. BACKGROUND: Hierarchical structure (e.g., micelle, vesicle, nanoparticle and nanoemulsion) formulations can improve the pharmaceutical properties of a biotherapeutic (e.g., a drug) by, for example, enhancing circulation half-life and facilitating the accumulation in a target tissue. Compared to conventional approaches, formulations of hierarchical structures can protect antigen/adjuvant payloads from the surrounding biological environment, thus increasing their half-life and minimizing their systemic toxicity. A critical advantage ...

Molecular Regulation of Stroke-Resistant Neurons (UCLA Case No. 2020-937)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 13:15:17 GMT

Researchers in the Department of Neurology at UCLA have identified pharmacologic compounds capable of crossing the blood brain barrier that dramatically promote neurite outgrowth after stroke, thereby promoting recovery. Background: A stroke occurs when the blood supply of oxygen is interrupted to the brain, preventing brain tissue from receiving oxygen and nutrients: leading to brain cell death within minutes. It is estimated that every 40 seconds, someone in the United States will experience a stroke. There are over 7 million stroke survivors in the United States, though many have long-term...

Open Metal-Organic Frameworks With Exceptional Pore Apertures for Inclusion of Large Molecules (Case No. 2012-216)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 12:26:04 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)/isoreticular MOFs (IRMOFs) that have exceptionally large pore apertures, enabling improved capacity and performance in gas storage, separation, and related applications. Background MOFs are porous crystalline materials made of metal nodes and organic linkers; large aperture pores are desirable for accommodating large molecules, improving mass transport, and increasing usable capacity. Existing MOFs sometimes suffer from limited pore size, pore blockage, or slow kinetics for molecules or gases to diffuse in/out. There is...

Lithography-Based 3D Microbattery (Case No. 2015-524)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 12:00:20 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed a 3D microbattery design that significantly increases energy storage for small-footprint devices. The battery uses a substrate with an array of vertical posts forming the first electrode, a conformal selectively-cured electrolyte coating, and a second electrode encasing the coated first electrode, yielding higher capacity in millimeter-to-centimeter scale microbatteries. Background As microsystems (sensors, implantables, microelectronics) proliferate, there has been an increase in functions like sensing, communication, and computation that n...

Methods and Compositions for Promoting Anti-Tumor Immunity of T Cells (UCLA Case No. 2026-037)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 15:16:04 GMT

Contact UCLA Technology Development Group to learn more.

Treatment for the Rare and Fatal Disease Calciphylaxis (UCLA Case No. 2026-010)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 14:52:42 GMT

Contact UCLA Technology Development Group to learn more.

A Microbial Metabolite That Promotes Stress/Anxiety (UCLA Case No. 2026-007)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 14:34:52 GMT

Contact UCLA Technology Development Group to learn more.

Targeting Metabolic and Molecular Drivers to Stop Treatment- and Immune-Resistant Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (UCLA Case No. 2025-9AD)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 14:28:51 GMT

Contact UCLA Technology Development Group to learn more.

Lipid Nanoparticle-Mediated Delivery of Gene Editing Reagents for Targeted Disruption of Oncogenic Drivers in C-Myc Overexpressing Malignancies (UCLA Case No. 2025-9A9)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 14:15:30 GMT

Contact UCLA Technology Development Group to learn more.

An Organometallic Chemistry Approach to Peptide Tricycles (UCLA Case No. 2025-99O)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 13:21:08 GMT

Contact UCLA Technology Development Group to learn more. Preprint: Adhami N, Rebelo M, Jenkins R, Olivares E, Loo R, Qu S, et al. An Organometallic Chemistry Approach to Peptide Tricycles. ChemRxiv. 2025; doi:10.26434/chemrxiv-2025-mkz71

Compounds that Disaggregate Alzheimer's Disease-Associated Fibrils of Tau Protein (UCLA Case No. 2022-145, 2025-329)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 12:56:21 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Biological Chemistry, Chemistry and Biochemistry developed a new tau-inhibiting seven residue peptide and conjugated it to magnetic nanoparticles for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. These compounds disaggregate pathogenic tau amyloid fibrils at atomic resolution, restore normal neuronal function, and rescue cognitive deficits in AD mouse models. BACKGROUND: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that destroys memory and other cognitive function. According to the CDC, as many as 5.8 million Americans wer...

Catch Bond-Enhanced Human T Cell Receptors Targeting Prostatic Acid Phosphatase on HLA-A*02:01 (UCLA Case No. 2025-138)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 12:11:48 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics and Stanford researchers from the Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology have developed novel enhanced T cell receptors engineered to specifically recognize prostatic acid phosphatase, offering a powerful and precise immunotherapeutic strategy for prostate cancer. BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death among men, with limited effective treatment options for advanced or recurrent disease. Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) is a well-recognized prostate cancer antigen ...

Food Derived Compounds for Improving Cognitive Health (UCLA Case No. 2025-279)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 18:07:49 GMT

Contact UCLA Technology Development Group to learn more.

Methods for Disrupting Leukemia Stem Cell Function (UCLA Case No. 2025-253)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 17:56:07 GMT

Contact UCLA Technology Development Group to learn more.

Methods for Determining Drug-Target Structures by Combining Mass Spectrometry and Electron Diffraction (UCLA Case No. 2025-229)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 17:44:41 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a novel approach to study protein-ligand interactions by integrating native mass spectrometry with electron diffraction. BACKGROUND: The accurate characterization of small molecule-protein interactions is crucial for biomedical research. High-throughput structural methods, such as X-ray crystallography, provide atomic-resolution views of complexes that guide drug development. However, traditional structural methods require well-ordered crystals and struggle to capture ligand binding. Thus, there is a need for a no...

Improving Responses to mTOR Inhibitors (UCLA Case No. 2025-205)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 17:28:19 GMT

Contact UCLA Technology Development Group to learn more.

Small molecule sAPPalpha enhancers that inhibit brain p-Tau as a therapeutic for Alzheimer’s Disease (UCLA Case No. 2025-163)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 16:41:00 GMT

Contact UCLA Technology Development Group to learn more.

Self-Amplifying RNA Form of a Constitutively-Active Sting Protein for Enhancing T-Cell Response to Antigen-Presenting Cells (UCLA Case No. 2020-771)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 16:13:15 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a novel method for delivering RNA to induce an immune response to cancer cells. BACKGROUND: Cancer therapy continues to remain a challenge despite improvements in detection and clinically available therapies. Recently, improvements to this field have been mainly in the field of immunotherapy, which has been able to develop personalized therapies for each patient. Even though there are many advantages, many of these personalized therapeutics, such as CAR-T therapy, are cumbersome and costly, thus preventing widespr...

In Vivo CAR-T-Cell Transformation Using mRNA-Containing in Vitro Reconstituted Virus-Like Particles (UCLA Case No. 2024-057)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 16:11:02 GMT

Contact UCLA Technology Development Group to learn more. More info available soon.

Genomic Classifier for Acute Rejection After Lung Transplant (UCLA Case No. 2025-140)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 14:32:38 GMT

Contact UCLA Technology Development Group to learn more.

Wearable Sweat Sensor for Ovulatory Hormone Monitoring (UCLA Case No. 2024-127)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 14:19:42 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Psychiatry and the Department of Behavioral Sciences have developed a skin patch that tracks estradiol, progesterone, and luteinizing hormone for the accurate prediction of fertility windows. BACKGROUND: Female reproductive hormones monitoring is required to accurately predict daily fertility for decision-making, and for clinical indications, such as the diagnosing of endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome, detection of peri-menopause, and assessing several types of cancers. Current methods of hormone detection rely on standard laboratory tests and a...

Covalent Inhibitors and High Throughput Screening Platform for Inhibitor Discovery for Caspase-10 and Related Caspases (UCLA Case No. 2025-130)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 13:46:26 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Biological Chemistry have developed a high throughput screening platform to identify state-specific protease inhibitors, enabling identification of two inhibitor classes that preferentially show zymogen-directed caspase-10 inhibition. BACKGROUND: Caspases are a conserved family of cysteine proteases that play important roles in apoptosis and inflammation. Because this family of enzymes is highly homologous, current small-molecule inhibitors often lack isoform specificity, limiting their utility as research tools. Emerging studies suggest that precursor (z...

Method for Scalable Spatially Resolved Molecular Recording (UCLA Case No. 2025-049)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 14:21:54 GMT

Contact UCLA Technology Development Group to learn more. Keywords: spatially resolved omics technologies, transcriptomics, genomics, spatial molecular recording

Non-Coding Functional Variants as Cancer Biomarkers (UCLA Case No. 2023-289)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 10:31:00 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology have developed a novel method to identify rare 3’ UTR variants that regulate mRNA abundance, with potential applications in predicting cancer patient survival. BACKGROUND: Non-coding genetic variants play a significant role in diseases such as cancer yet identifying those that increase disease susceptibility has been challenging. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have linked certain DNA regions to disease, but they often miss rare variants. Researchers have identified that 3’ untranslated regions (UTRs...

Double-Stranded RNA Expression Signatures to Predict Response to Cancer Therapy (UCLA Case No. 2022-218)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 10:23:43 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology have developed a novel method to profile RNA editing in single cells from lung cancer biopsies as a method to predict patient survival. BACKGROUND: RNA editing occurs naturally in the human transcriptome and has been shown to influence cancer cell behavior and the anti-tumor immune response. Given its prevalence across various cancer types, gaining a deeper understanding of tumor-specific RNA editing and its underlying mechanisms is crucial. Prior research has detected many global RNA editing alterations in patient lun...

Composite Bone Regenerative Material (UCLA Case No. 2025-048)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 02:11:02 GMT

Contact UCLA Technology Development Group to learn more. Related publications (by the inventors only): Resorbable Poly-(D,L)-Lactide Anchorage of Nanoparticulate Mineralized Collagen Materials Maximizes In Vivo Skull Regeneration Meiwand Bedar, Xiaoyan Ren, Wei Chen, Youngnam Kang, Shahrzad Moghadam, Kelly X. Huang, Kaavian Shariati, Brendan A.C. Harley, Justine C. Lee bioRxiv 2025.07.06.663409; doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.07.06.663409

Glucagon Conjugated Trehalose Diblock Copolymers and Methods of Use (UCLA Case No. 2024-283)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 18:03:05 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Medicine-Endocrinology have formulated a novel nanoparticle for management of hypoglycemia that can efficiently deliver glucagon, while also allowing for long-term stabilization and storage. BACKGROUND: Hypoglycemia is a condition characterized by abnormally low blood glucose levels, posing a significant risk for individuals with type 1 diabetes. Glucagon (GCG) has been integral to managing hypoglycemia by promoting glycogen breakdown in the liver, thus increasing blood glucose levels. Despite its importance, GCG is unstable in aqueous solutions, presen...

Compositions and Methods for Boosting Stress, Psychological, and Cognitive Related Resilience (UCLA Case No. 2024-281)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 15:59:23 GMT

UCLA researchers have identified a novel high resilience brain gut microbiome phenotype and biological pathways by which stress related disorders may be prevented or reduced. BACKGROUND: In the United States, stress-related health care costs and lost productivity exceed $300 billion annually, underscoring the urgent need to improve resilience: the ability to regain healthy and physiological function following adversity. Most existing research has examined resilience through psychological or social lenses, focusing on personality traits, emotional and behavioral regulation strategies, and soci...

A Duplex Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay for Total α-Synuclein and PS129-α-Synuclein (UCLA Case No. 2024-132)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 16:09:01 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Neurology have developed a novel duplex assay for the detection of α-synuclein and pS129-α-synuclein proteins in biological samples. BACKGROUND: The accumulation of a-synuclein (a-syn) into protein aggregates is a defining feature of neurodegenerative disorders known as synucleinopathies, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies, and and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Phosphorylation of α-synuclein at serine 129 (pS129-a-syn) accounts for ~4% of total α-synuclein in the healthy brain but rises up to ~90...

High-Throughput, Multi-Well Spatiotemporal Illumination Microscope (UCLA Case No. 2024-100)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 15:17:17 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department in Neurology have developed a spatiotemporal illumination microscope system. The system includes a multi-well plate configured to receive live cells and a DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) configured to deliver targeted illumination to selectively illuminate a plurality of the wells. The system further includes a tandem-lens system having an objective lens and an imaging lens positioned facing each other to capture fluorescent light emitted from the cells. The system also includes an image sensor that receives fluorescent light captured by the tandem-le...

Metal Chalcogenides for Pseudocapacitive Applications (Case No. 2016-178)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 14:24:24 GMT

Summary Researchers at UCLA have developed nanocrystalline, defect-rich metal dichalcogenide materials with expanded interlayer spacing that enable pseudocapacitive charge storage for Li⁺, Na⁺, Mg²⁺, and Ca²⁺ ion systems. These materials deliver high rate performance, suppress deleterious phase transformations, and enable fast charging/discharging while maintaining structural stability. Background Modern energy storage technologies require electrodes that can combine high energy density, fast kinetics, robust cycle life, and compatibility with various ion chemistries. Traditional ...

TYRP-1 Chimeric Antigen Receptor to Treat Melanoma (UCLA Case No. 2020-106)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 13:49:22 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Departments of Surgical Oncology and Microbiology, Immunology, & Molecular Genetics. have developed a CAR-T therapy that targets TYRP-1 for the treatment of melanoma. BACKGROUND: Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is a rapidly emerging immunotherapy approach that uses patients’ immune cells to treat cancer. In contrast to conventional methods like small molecule chemotherapeutics, or more extreme measures like targeted surgery, ICB relies on the ability of the immune system to very specifically recognize tumor cells. Unfortunately, while ICB in melanoma leads t...

Nanocomposite Scintillators (Case No. 2024-203)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 09:34:11 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed a nanocomposite scintillator material combining high-atomic-number (high-Z) nanoparticles embedded in a plastic (polymer) matrix, with tunable nanoparticle loading, that delivers higher light output and ultrafast emission (nanosecond-scale) while maintaining low background radiation and environmental stability, for use in radiation detection and medical imaging. Background Scintillators are materials that emit light when exposed to ionizing radiation (X-rays, gamma rays), and are widely used in medical imaging (e.g. PET, CT), security screening, nucle...

Online Quantum Process Tomography for Orthogonal Random Unitary Channels (Case No. 2024-078)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 09:21:36 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed a new method for online quantum process tomography (QPT) that efficiently characterizes orthogonal random unitary channels, extending beyond Pauli channels to capture both incoherent and coherent noise effects in quantum devices. This approach combines efficient Pauli channel tomography with an online-learning framework, producing accurate noise models that are crucial for error mitigation and calibration in quantum computing systems. Background Characterizing noise in quantum devices is essential for building scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computer...

Nisin Lantibiotic Mitigates Brain Microbiome Dysbiosis and Alzheimer’s Disease-Like Neuroinflammation (UCLA Case No. 2024-096)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Sat, 13 Sep 2025 13:15:03 GMT

Researchers led by Professor Yvonne Kapila in the UCLA School of Dentistry have developed a technology that harnesses nisin, a well-characterized probiotic lantibiotic bacteriocin, as a novel therapeutic to address brain microbiome dysbiosis and Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-like neuroinflammation driven by periodontal disease. By targeting the microbial imbalances and inflammatory pathways linking oral health to neurodegeneration, nisin offers a cutting-edge, biologically grounded approach to mitigate complex AD pathology. INNOVATION: Microbiome Modulation: Nisin sele...

Discrete Approximation of Permanent Magnet Arrays (Case No. 2025-203)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 20:15:33 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers have created a cost-effective method to prototype complex magnet arrays using simple cube magnets and 3D-printed supports, enabling faster and safer development of advanced robotic, medical, and mechatronic systems. Background: Permanent magnets are widely used in mechatronic systems, such as motors, robotic grippers, medical devices, and sensors, because they can transfer force and energy without requiring direct contact. In many advanced applications, engineers design magnet arrays, where multiple magnets are arranged in specific orientations to shape magnetic fi...

Methods of Dealkenylative Amination and Azidation (UCLA Case No. 2024-032)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 18:17:26 GMT

UCLA researchers led by Professor Ohyun Kwon have developed a toolkit for organic synthesis, providing chemists with a robust, selective, and practical solution for the construction of amine and azide functionalities via innovative dealkenylative strategies, opening new avenues in drug discovery and complex molecule assembly. The dealkenylative amination and azidation platform is a synthetic protocol for creating and modifying molecules used in cancer, infectious, inflammatory, metabolic, and skeletal diseases, and can be broadly applied to drug discovery, diagnostics, and biomaterials.

Structure-Based Design of Antisense Oligonucleotide Drugs (UCLA Case No. 2020-916)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 17:51:16 GMT

UCLA researchers led by Professor Feng Guo have developed a next-generation platform for designing antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapeutics using RNA structure as a blueprint, achieving enhanced specificity, efficacy, and versatility for the treatment of a wide spectrum of genetic and infectious diseases. INNOVATION: UCLA researchers in the Department of Biological Chemistry have developed a transformative approach to the development of antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) drugs by leveraging structure-based design principles. Unlike traditional ASOs, which typically rely solely on Watson...

Self-Assembling Tetrahedral Protein Cages Based on Machine Learning Algorithms (UCLA Case No. 2023-300)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 17:19:57 GMT

Please contact our office for more information regarding this innovation. See also Technology -2020-922 A Universal Designed Protein Cage for Sensing and Responding to Any Other Protein Molecule Related publications (by the inventors only): Gladkov N, Scott EA, Meador K, Lee EJ, Laganowsky AD, Yeates TO, Castells-Graells R. Design of a symmetry-broken tetrahedral protein cage by a method of internal steric occlusion. Protein Sci. 2024 Apr;33(4):e4973. doi: 10.1002/pro.4973. PMID: 38533546; PMCID: PMC10966355. Miller JE, Srinivasan Y, Dharmaraj NP, Liu A, Nguyen PL, Taylor SD, Yeates TO. Des...

Structured Spiropyran Chelators for Rare Earth Element Separation Using Light (Case No. 2026-047)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 17:01:36 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering have developed structured spyropyran chelators that utilize light to selectively separate rare earth elements, offering an efficient approach to element recovery. Background: Rare earth elements (REEs) are essential materials that power modern technologies, from smartphones and electric vehicles to wind turbines and advanced electronics. Despite their importance and relative abundance, REEs are notoriously difficult to isolate due to their similar chemical properties and their presence in complex mineral ...

Self-Powered Electrical Stimulation Magnetoelastic Bandage for Accelerated Wound Healing (Case No. 2025-99N)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 16:56:57 GMT

Reference: UCLA Case No. 2025-99N Please reach out to our office for more information.

Multimodal Optical and Microfluidic Tactile Sensor (Optistrain) (Case No. 2025-99P)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 16:52:57 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers have developed a tactile sensing technology that combines optical and microfluidic sensing to provide high spatio-temporal resolution and multi-modal feedback for applications like robotics, prosthetics, and human-machine interaction. Background: Human touch depends on a unique combination of high spatial resolution—to distinguish positions and shapes—and high temporal resolution—to detect rapid changes. Together, these capabilities are essential for precise grasping and manipulation and distinguishing textures. Conventional tactile sensors strugg...

Designing a Prolonged Method of Therapeutic Delivery to Support Rehabilitation From Ototoxic Damage in a Schwann Cell Model (UCLA Case No. 2023-277)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 16:49:32 GMT

Please contact our office for information about this hearing loss innovation from UCLA Head and Neck Surgery researchers. Related Publications (from inventors only): Hong MK, Echanique KA, Hoffman LF, Kita AE. Designing a Prolonged Method of Therapeutic Delivery to Support Rehabilitation From Ototoxic Damage in a Schwann Cell Model. Otol Neurotol. 2023 Apr 1;44(4):373-381. doi: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000003839. Epub 2023 Feb 15. PMID: 36791364; PMCID: PMC10038897.

A Cell-Free DNA Biomarker for Diagnosis and Prognosis of Diseases with Degenerative Processes (UCLA Case No. 2023-250)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 16:19:57 GMT

UCLA researchers led by Professor Noah Zaitlen in the Departments of Computational Medicine and Neurology have developed a cutting-edge platform for leveraging cfDNA molecular signatures as powerful biomarkers, advancing early diagnosis and prognosis in degenerative diseases through a minimally invasive, highly sensitive liquid biopsy method. INNOVATION: This technology focuses on detecting specific patterns and alterations in cfDNA that are indicative of degenerative diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s), chronic inflammatory diseases, and pote...

Inorganic Ion Eluting Nanoparticulate Mineralized Collagen Glycosaminoglycan Materials (UCLA Case No. 2023-140)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 16:00:09 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine have developed an innovative inorganic ion-eluting nanoparticulate mineralized collagen glycosaminoglycan (MC-GAG) material designed for advanced tissue regeneration, particularly bone repair. INNOVATION: UCLA researchers led by Professor Justine Lee have developed next-generation biomaterial that innovatively couples nanoparticulate mineral release with biologically active collagen glycosaminoglycan scaffolds to optimize bone healing via a synergistic osteo...

Enhance Sensitivity of Mutation-Detection by EFIRM with a Saliva Preservative Solution (UCLA Case No. 2023-101)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 15:45:02 GMT

UCLA researchers led by Prof. David T. Wong of the School of Dentistry have developed a breakthrough in noninvasive cancer diagnostics, combining the Spectrum Saliva Collector (SDNA-1000) with a preservative solution and cutting-edge Electric Field-Induced Release and Measurement (EFIRM) technology for sensitive, rapid detection of EGFR mutations in saliva. EGFR mutations are critical biomarkers for targeted therapies in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), making timely and accurate mutation detection essential for personalized patient care. Innovation: Noninvasive Sample Collection: ...

A Smart Pen for Parkinson’s Disease Diagnostics (Case No. 2025-283)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 15:19:43 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed a smart pen for Parkinson’s Disease (PD) diagnostics that converts handwriting motions—both on paper and in air—into high-fidelity voltage signals for accurate, accessible, and low-cost disease screening. This pen leverages magnetoelastic sensing and ferrofluid ink to enable self-powered, quantitative diagnostics, with machine learning analysis achieving over 96% diagnostic accuracy in human studies. Background Early and reliable diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease is critical for effective treatment and improved patient outcomes....

Monoclonal Antibodies to Human Erythroferrone (Sequences) (UCLA Case No. 2023-059)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 15:18:01 GMT

Monoclonal Antibodies to Human Erythroferrone (Sequences) Please reach out to our office for more information.

An 18F-Labeled Novel Brain Penetrant EGFR Inhibitor to Facilitate Clinical Development for Glioblastoma (UCLA Case No. 2022-316)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 12:49:11 GMT

UCLA researchers led by Professors Jennifer Murphy and David Nathanson have developed 18F-labeled brain-penetrant EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) as PET tracers specifically designed for imaging glioblastoma (GBM), a highly aggressive brain cancer characterized by aberrant EGFR signaling. The 18F-labeled brain-penetrant EGFR TKI PET tracers represent a scientifically robust platform that addresses challenges in neuro-oncology imaging by providing selective, noninvasive, and quantitative visualization of EGFR activity in glioblastoma. This technology is poised to significantly ...

Organometallic Gold(III) Complexes for Radiolabeling Biomolecules for Applications in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Molecular Imaging (UCLA Case No. 2022-282)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 12:35:11 GMT

UCLA researchers led by Professor Jennifer Murphy in the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology have developed a novel platform that leverages organometallic gold(III) complexes for next-generation radiolabeling of biomolecules in PET molecular imaging. This technology is strategically positioned to meet the rapidly expanding demands of precision diagnostics and targeted therapeutics in oncology, neurology, and cardiology. BACKGROUND: Traditional radiolabeling methods often struggle with limited stability, complex synthesis, and lower biocompatibility. Gold(III) comp...

Method and Apparatus for Tunable Visible and Infrared Laser Generation (Case No. 2023-249)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 09:35:01 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed a versatile photonic RF waveform generator based on a silicon-nitride (Si₃N₄) chip that achieves a wide tuning range of repetition rate and generates high-quality, tunable ultrafast pulses. This system uses a fiber-amplified seed followed by a noncollinear optical parametric amplifier (NOPA) to produce signal and idler pulses in the near-infrared (NIR) region with good spectral coverage and high efficiency. Background Ultrafast pulses in the visible and near-IR are crucial for applications in spectroscopy, microscopy, quantum materials, imaging, and m...

DNA Methylation-Based Algorithm to Diagnose Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Other GI Conditions (UCLA Case No. 2022-229)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 17:03:25 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Gastroenterology have developed a DNA methylation-based algorithm to diagnose irritable bowel syndrome and other GI conditions. Blood-based genome-wide DNA methylation profiles have been utilized to develop a reliable test to diagnose irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) versus inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease and other gastrointestinal diseases that mimic IBS. These methods provide a means to rule out IBS and rule-in active IBD or celiac disease, as well as to rule-out active IBD and celiac disease, and to rule-in IBS.

Phonon Bridge Layers for Enhanced Thermal Boundary Conductance (Case No. 2024-033)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 15:59:35 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed a semiconductor device that incorporates a phonon bridge layer between the semiconductor layers and the gate electrode, topped with a diamond layer, aimed at enhancing thermal performance and device stability. In this architecture, the gate electrode is embedded in the phonon bridge layer and contacts the underlying semiconductor, while the diamond overlayer helps with heat dissipation and overall thermal management. Background As semiconductor devices scale and power densities increase, managing heat and phonon (lattice vibration) transport becomes a...

Systems and Methods for an Agile and Explainable Exploration of Efficient Hardware/Software Codesigns of DNN Accelerators (Case No. 2024-017)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 15:52:43 GMT

Summary Researchers at UCLA have developed a framework that uses bottleneck analysis to enable rapid, explainable hardware/software co-design for domain-specific computing systems. The system constructs a cost model to identify performance bottlenecks and uses that insight to guide efficient design space exploration, producing optimized hardware/software configurations more quickly and transparently. Background Designing domain-specific hardware accelerators (for tasks like deep neural network inference or specialized computing workloads) requires exploring a vast space of possible hardware...

Methods for Automation and Compositional Analyses of MicroED Data (Case No. 2023-256)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 15:48:31 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed an automated Microcrystal Electron Diffraction (MicroED) microscopy system and method that autonomously identifies, images, and analyzes micro-crystals on an EM grid. The system captures low-magnification atlases, selects promising grid squares, acquires higher-magnification montages, sets focus, captures continuous-rotation MicroED videos, estimates crystal dimensions, determines symmetry or unit cell parameters, and outputs compositional analysis of compound mixtures. Background Structural analysis of micro-crystalline materials (organic, inorganic,...

Super-Resolution Image Display Using Diffractive Decoders (Case No. 2022-302)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 15:33:43 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a super-resolution (SR) image display framework that increases the effective number of useful pixels by 16-fold. This framework combines deep learning-based digital encoding with all-optical decoding to achieve ultra-fast, energy-efficient image super-resolution for advanced display and communication applications. Background Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are poised to transform multiple industries, offering immersive experiences that blend physical reality with digital content....

TRP: P. Acnes Strains with Locus 4 (UCLA Case No. 2022-121)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 15:00:54 GMT

Tangible Research Property (TRP) Skin microbiome samples were collected using Biore Strips from human subjects. From the skin samples, researchers at UCLA and the Lundquist Institute Harbor UCLA isolated and cultured more than a dozen Propionibacterium acnes strains. By genome sequencing, the lab identified that these bacterial strains contain locus 4, which harbors genes encoded for antimicrobial peptides.

Asymmetric Multi-Party Computation (Case No. 2023-177)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 14:55:51 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers and co-inventors have developed a method and system for multi-party computation (MPC) that enables multiple parties to jointly compute a function over their inputs while keeping those inputs private. The scheme aims to improve efficiency, reduce interaction or rounds of communication, and support public verification or stronger privacy guarantees. Background Multi-party computation is crucial in settings where sensitive data from multiple sources need to be processed jointly (e.g. medical data, financial data, federated learning) without revealing individual inputs....

Synthetic Notch Receptors for Use in Customized Spatial Control of Multiple Gene Expressions and Uses Thereof (UCLA Case No. 2023-261)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 14:01:58 GMT

Researchers at UCLA and USC have developed a modular invention that enables customized spatial control of multiple gene expressions in living cells using synthetic Notch (synNotch) receptors, with broad applications in tissue engineering, synthetic morphogenesis, and regenerative medicine. BACKGROUND: Precise spatial control of gene expression is fundamental to the development and function of multicellular tissues, both naturally and in tissue engineering. Traditional approaches rely on endogenous cell surface receptors and native ligands, which offer limited versatility and co...

Efficient Methods for Trusted Remote Program Execution (Case No. 2023-072)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 13:52:38 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed a non-interactive and publicly-verifiable method for delegating computation of a program (which may be proprietary) to an untrusted remote worker, allowing any verifier (who does not know the program) to confidently accept the output by verifying a succinct proof and a hash commitment of the program. Background As cloud services and remote computation become more common, users increasingly need to rely on untrusted parties to perform computations on programs they did not author or fully share. Existing delegation schemes often require interactive prot...

On Grid Sample Growth Device for Imaging Applications (Case No. 2023-048)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 13:47:49 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed a suspended drop crystallization device and associated methods that allow a sample to be applied directly onto a support-free electron microscopy grid and then incubated in a chamber (“incubation pod”) that permits vapor diffusion from both sides. The device has viewing windows for monitoring crystal growth, and once crystals form, the grid can be removed for imaging or crystallography without intermediate handling or support films. Background In traditional crystallography and electron microscopy workflows, sample preparation often involv...

Metal Cations as Inorganic Structure-Directing Agents for the Preparation of Zeotype Aluminosilicates (Case No. 2022-246)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 13:38:08 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed a method for directing the crystallization of aluminosilicate materials into either phillipsite zeolite or tobermorite silicate hydrate phases—using specific ratios of sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), and calcium (Ca²⁺) cations in synthesis gels, without organic structure-directing agents (OSDAs). Background Zeolites (like phillipsite) and silicate hydrate minerals (like tobermorite) are highly useful for adsorption, ion exchange, catalysis, building materials, and potentially in cementitious or environmental applications. Standard synthesis o...

Vaterite Synthesis via Portlandite Carbonation (Case No. 2022-182)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 13:31:51 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed a process to manufacture stable vaterite, a calcium carbonate polymorph, by carbonating portlandite under mild conditions and using stabilizers to prevent its conversion to more stable forms. The resulting material can be used as a cement replacement to help reduce embodied carbon in concrete systems. Background Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) production is a major contributor to CO₂ emissions globally. Alternative cementitious materials and calcium carbonate polymorphs like vaterite are promising because they can bind CO₂ and substitute for OPC. Howev...

Direct Brucite Carbonation for Cementation (Case No. 2022-181)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 12:53:22 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed a method for replacing a substantial portion of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) by using direct carbonation of brucite (Mg(OH)₂) in concrete mixtures, enabling lower-carbon concrete products produced under near-ambient conditions with cost-competitive engineering performance. Background Concrete production using OPC is highly energy-intensive and a major contributor to global CO₂ emissions (~9 %). Production, clinker formation, and grinding steps require high heat and generate large emissions. There is a growing need for cementation methods that reduce...

Co-Deacidification and Dechlorination of Aqueous/Gaseous Streams by Mineral Dissolution (Case No. 2022-173)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 12:48:50 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed a method and composition for simultaneous deacidification and dechlorination of acidic aqueous solutions (including brines or electrolyte streams enriched in free-chlorine species), using mineral or rock solids containing low-valent metals to neutralize acidity and remove chlorine contaminants. Background Electrolytic processes and industrial streams (e.g., seawater electrolysis or chlorine-rich wastewater) often produce solutions with low pH and high levels of free chlorine (e.g., Cl₂, ClO⁻, HOCl). These streams are corrosive, hazardous, difficult to...

Physical Separation of Ultrashort Single-Stranded Cell-Free DNA in Biofluids Using Differential Filtration and Next-Generation Sequencing Pipeline to Detect Methylation Status of Ultrashort Single-Stranded Cell-Free DNA (UCLA 2023-077, 2023-082)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 12:48:06 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Dentistry have established novel extraction and bioinformatics pipeline of ultrashort single-stranded cell-free DNA for the use in liquid biopsy diagnostics. BACKGROUND: Liquid biopsy is a critical diagnostic tool for various human diseases. The rapid market growth of liquid biopsy is primarily driven by novel early cancer detection, monitoring, and treatment response assessment. Cancer research has uncovered new biomarkers including circulating tumor DNA which takes form as free single-stranded DNA molecule fragments. In particular, ultrashort single-str...

Analysis of Ultrashort Single-Stranded Cell-Free DNA in Patient Saliva for Disease Detection (UCLA Cases 2022-292, 2022-043)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 12:42:18 GMT

UCLA researchers have developed a novel next-generation sequencing (NGS) pipeline designed specifically to detect ultrashort single-stranded cell-free DNA (uscfDNA), providing significant advancements in sensitivity, clinical utility, and genomic research applications. Background: Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragments circulate in body fluids and have become vital biomarkers for a wide array of diagnostic and prognostic applications, especially in oncology, prenatal testing, and organ transplantation. Traditional NGS methods efficiently capture double-stranded and longer cfDNA, but often fail to de...

Ultrasonic Process for Selective Extraction of Lithium and Magnesium From Suitable Geological Precursors and Alkaline Indust (Case No. 2022-135)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:53:04 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed new methods for designing and synthesizing inorganic porous materials and extracting valuable metal ions from natural and waste sources. The first technology uses metal cations as inorganic structure-directing agents to control the formation of zeolite (phillipsite) and silicate hydrate (tobermorite) phases without organic templates. The second technology introduces apparatuses and methods for lithium, calcium, and magnesium extraction using mechanically or ultrasonically enhanced leaching systems. Together, these advances offer scalable, sustainable pa...

Cascadable All-Optical Nand Gates Using Diffractive Networks (Case No. 2022-107)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:46:28 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed cascadable, all-optical NAND gates built from passive diffractive neural networks, enabling logic operations (e.g. NAND, AND, OR, half-adder) via light propagation and diffraction rather than electronics, potentially lowering latency and power consumption. Background Traditional optical logic gates often rely on nonlinear materials, interferometers, photonic crystals, or active components, which impose constraints on input signal intensity, require precise phase or polarization control, and reduce cascadability (i.e. difficulty in chaining gates witho...

Template-Free Method for Manufacturing of Semi-Regular Functional Micro-Structured Interfaces in Viscoelastic Materials (Case No. 2022-061)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:39:51 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed a template-free, roll-to-roll method for creating semi-regular micro-/nano-scale 3D surface textures on viscoelastic polymer coatings by exploiting ribbing instabilities under shear stress. The process enables scalable manufacture of functional textured surfaces without using molds or templates. Background Micro- and nano-structured surface interfaces are known to produce desirable functionalities (e.g. superhydrophobicity, self-cleaning, biofouling resistance, radiative cooling, optical effects), but existing fabrication methods often require costly ...

System & Method for Extended Spectrum Ultrasound Training Using Animate & Inanimate Training Objects (Case No. 2022-027)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:20:25 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed a system and method for extended-spectrum ultrasound training using animate (live human) and inanimate (mannequins or models) training objects, combining tags, a reader, and rotational 3-degree-of-freedom (3-DOF) motion tracking to allow trainees to practice finding image windows and optimal ultrasound views in a virtual / simulated environment. Background Ultrasound training requires mastering two key psychomotor skills: (1) locating the correct “image window” (i.e. placing the probe over the anatomical site that gives access to the organ...

Vectors Combining Anti-Sickling Beta-AS3-Globin with Anti BCL11A ShRNAmir to Treat Beta-Hemoglobinopathies (UCLA Case No. 2021-190)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:05:36 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics and Pediatrics have developed a potent bi-functional lentiviral expression vector to treat sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia. BACKGROUND: Beta-hemoglobinopathies, such as sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia, are genetic disorders characterized by dysfunctional hemoglobin production due to a beta-globin gene mutation. These disorders can manifest in severe pain crises, stroke, and organ damage. Most current therapies are limited and non-curative, with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transfer ...

Scalable Van Der Waals Superlattices for Absorbers and Emitters (Case No. 2021-318)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 10:47:15 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed scalable Van der Waals superlattice materials designed as absorbers and emitters with tunable optical/electronic properties, enabling better control over thermal radiation or photonic emission across a range of wavelengths. Background Existing absorber and emitter materials for photonic and thermal applications often rely on fixed-bandgap semiconductors or bulky heterostructures, limiting tunability, manufacturability, and integration. High-performance devices (e.g. thermophotovoltaics, infrared emitters, sensors) generally face trade-offs between eff...

Conductive Stimuli-Responsive Coordination Network Linked With Bismuth (Case No. 2021-290)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 10:38:09 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed a conductive, stimuli-responsive metal-organic framework (MOF) network that incorporates bismuth and hydroxy-functional ligands to create a chemiresistive sensing material capable of detecting gases (e.g. NO, NH₃) and volatile organic compounds, and that can also be integrated into textiles or personal protective equipment for radiation shielding. Background Traditional coordination polymers or MOFs that are conductive tend to fall short in stability, sensitivity, or multifunctionality. Many existing materials either aren’t very responsive to en...

TRP: Sequence of Anti-EMP2 Monoclonal Antibody (UCLA Case No. 2021-369)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 18:56:32 GMT

Tangible Research Property: Sequence of Anti-EMP2 Monoclonal Antibody. Dr. Madhuri Wadehra's research and discovery efforts are focused on two related themes in tumor biology: understanding the function of a tetraspan protein epithelial membrane protein-2 (EMP2) in tumor progression, and developing therapeutic and diagnostic agents that target tumors that overexpress EMP2. Related Publications (from the inventor only): Dillard C, Kiyohara M, Mah V, McDermott SP, Bazzoun D, Tsui J, Chan AM, Haddad G, Pellegrini M, Chang YL, Elshimali Y, Wu Y, Vadgama JV, Kim SR, Goodglick L, Law SM, Pate...

Computational Sensing With a Multiplexed Vertical Flow Assay for High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Quantification (Case No. 2019-941)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 18:20:11 GMT

Summary A compact, machine-learning–powered diagnostic platform that uses a multiplexed paper-based flow-assay cartridge (vertical or lateral flow) and a mobile-reader to high-sensitivity quantify analytes—such as highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP)—within 12 minutes, overcoming assay artifacts like the hook effect. Background Point-of-care (POC) paper immunoassays are cost-effective and rapid but often suffer from poor sensitivity, signal variability, and interference (such as the hook effect). These limitations hinder their use for quantifying biomarkers like hsC...

HOW TO MANIPULATE YOUR BEDROOM ENVIRONMENT TO GET A NATURAL NIGHT’S SLEEP (Case No. 2019-319)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 17:51:58 GMT

Summary A smart sleep-environment control system that monitors both indoor and outdoor wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and automatically adjusts indoor thermal conditions to mimic natural outdoor nadirs or inflection points, thereby promoting more natural and restorative awakenings. Background Modern insulated, climate-controlled environments disconnect people from natural temperature and humidity rhythms, which can disrupt sleep and contribute to insomnia. Current aids such as wearables, light-based alarms, or basic thermostats fail to reproduce natural environmental cues. Pharmacologica...

Epidural Stimulation for Facilitation of Locomotion, Posture, Voluntary Movement, and Recovery of Autonomic, Sexual, Vasomotor, and Cognitive Function (Case No. 2019-031)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 17:44:01 GMT

Summary A neuromodulation method that applies sub-threshold electrical stimulation—via implanted or surface electrodes—to spinal circuits while patients undergo physical training, enabling spontaneous voluntary movements (e.g., stepping, weight-bearing, reaching) and autonomic and cognitive recovery in individuals with paralysis from spinal cord injury or neurological disorders. The approach offers a minimally invasive, adaptable therapy that could restore functional movement even in motor-complete paralysis. Background Current rehabilitation methods enable some recovery only in...

Novel MARK4 Inhibitors for Neurodegenerative Disorders (UCLA Case No. 2021-321)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 17:13:11 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Neurology have developed highly selective inhibitors of MARK4, aiming to revolutionize the treatment landscape for cancer and neurodegenerative disease through precise molecular targeting. BACKGROUND: MARK4 (Microtubule Affinity-Regulating Kinase 4) is a serine/threonine kinase from the AMP-activated protein kinase family, playing a pivotal role in microtubule stability and cellular signaling. Its activity influences the phosphorylation of proteins like Tau, which is crucial for neuronal function. Aberrant Tau phosphorylation leads to neurodegener...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IN VIVO DETECTION OF BIOMOLECULES IN TISSUES, ORGANS AND EXTRACELLUAR FLUID

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 16:32:36 GMT

Summary A minimally invasive electrochemical sensing platform that places tiny electrodes in or near target tissues (e.g., heart, nerves, vessels) to continuously detect specific biomolecules—including catecholamines and peptides—with high spatial and temporal resolution. This enables real-time physiologic monitoring and closed-loop therapies where today only intermittent labs or proxies exist. Background Clinicians and researchers lack a way to measure key neurochemical signals inside organs in real time. Current methods (e.g., blood draws, microdialysis, biopsy) are inte...

TRP: Melanoma Cell Line Models with Extra- and Intra-Chromosomal Focal Amplifications, Combined with Additional Resistance Mechanisms

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 15:08:29 GMT

Overview: Focal amplifications (FA) can mediate targeted therapy resistance in cancer. Understanding the structure and dynamics of FAs is critical for designing treatments that overcome plasticity-mediated resistance. UCLA researchers led by Professor Thomas Graeber have developed a melanoma model of dual MAPK inhibitor (MAPKi) resistance that bears BRAFV600 amplifications through either extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA)/double minutes (DM) or intrachromosomal homogenously staining regions (HSR). Cells harboring BRAFV600E FAs displayed mode switching between DMs and HSRs, from both de novo genetic...

Silica Gel Microbeads for Encapsulating Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria (UCLA Case No. 2021-176)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 17:25:59 GMT

UCLA researchers led by Prof. Ann Hirsch in the Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology have developed silica gel encapsulation for plant growth-promoting bacteria, with applications to enhance the stability, shelf-life, and effectiveness of these beneficial microbes for agricultural use. Overview: The silica gel encapsulation technology involves embedding plant growth-promoting bacteria within a silica gel matrix, creating a protective barrier. The encapsulation process stabilizes bacteria, minimizing their degradation and ensuring viability under stress co...

AI-Based Wearable Sensor for Dermatology (Case No. 2025-301)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 16:09:52 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a flexible, cost-effective, AI-enabled wearable sensor that facilitates early, non-invasive diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis. Background: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a hypersensitivity reaction of the skin triggered by direct contact with specific allergens. The condition affects 20% of the population yet is diagnosed ineffectively and rudimentarily. The state-of-the-art diagnostic method for ACD is patch testing, which involves applying standardized allergen panels to the skin...

Bioelectric Neuromodulation Methods for Hematopoiesis Regulation During Chemotherapy (Case No. 2020-382)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 13:38:54 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed an electrical neuromodulation method to accelerate recovery from deleterious chemotherapy side effects to improve patient outcome. Background: Chemotherapy works by targeting and killing fast-growing cancer cells using anti-cancer drugs. However, because these drugs lack specificity, they also damage healthy, rapidly dividing cells—such as those in the bone marrow and nervous system. This off-target damage can lead to serious complications, including anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia, ofte...

Programmable Micro-Mirrors for Real-Time Emissivity Control and Switching (Case No. 2025-254)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 12:39:13 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a fast-switching, MEMS-based thermal metasurface that enables real-time infrared emissivity modulation via high-contrast, broadband radiative control. Background: Dynamic emissive thermal devices offer active control over infrared (IR) radiation. Unlike traditional static materials, they address critical gaps in adaptive thermal management, infrared camouflage, and tunable radiative properties. Such capabilities are particularly valuable in aerospace, defense, smart buildings, energy st...

Multilevel Buffered Link (Case No. 2025-284)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 11:34:51 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a novel on-chip link that enhances communication performance and energy efficiency in modern integrated circuits. Background: On-chip communication enables data transfer between microchip components and is critical in computing, automotive, and industrial control applications. Non-Return-to-Zero (NRZ) signaling offers energy-efficient communication; however, wire delay scales quadratically with length, leading to signal latency. As NRZ links extend, increased bandwidth demands necessitate equal...

INSPIROMARK (Case No. 2025-293)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 11:19:15 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers have developed InspiroMark, a standardized, implantable imaging marker designed to enhance the efficiency, reliability and ease of grafted vessel localization following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Background: Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery is a common procedure used to restore blood flow to the heart. In this surgery, a healthy blood vessel (graft) is taken from another part of the body and attached to bypass a blocked artery and restore blood flow, preventing heart attacks and morbidity. After the procedure, doctors often need to check the gr...

Method and Apparatus for Segmentation of Dense MR Images Using Deep Learning with Domain Adaptation (Case No. 2025-208)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 13:02:04 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers from the Department of Radiological Sciences have developed a deep learning-based segmentation framework that enables fully automated and reproducible analysis of left ventricular (LV) function in Displacement Encoding with Stimulated Echoes (DENSE) MRI. Background: Myocardial strain is a key metric for analyzing how much the heart muscle stretches and contracts during each beat and —is a powerful early indicator of heart dysfunction. It can detect subtle structural and functional changes before symptoms appear, aiding in the diagnosis and management of...

A Compact Alignment Tool for Accurate Hemodynamic Monitoring: InspiroAxis (Case No. 2025-294)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 11:19:32 GMT

Summary: UCLA Biodesign researchers have created a laser-powered, self-leveling device that enables precise intracranial pressure monitoring and accurate phlebostatic axis measurement for hemodynamic monitoring. Background: Hemodynamic monitoring is crucial for measuring the delivery of blood and oxygen throughout the body and provides invaluable information on cardiac function. This monitoring is often performed during critical procedures such as surgeries and anaesthetized operations to ensure patient safety. Accurate hemodynamic monitoring relies on measurement of the phlebostatic axis,...

Inhalational Therapy for Tuberculosis and Mycobacterial Lung Disease (UCLA Case No. 2025-278)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 15:52:05 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Medicine have identified drug combinations that can speed up treatment of tuberculosis by being delivered intranasally as well as orally. BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) is an airborne disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, affecting more than 10 million people worldwide each year. The standard treatment for drug-sensitive TB involves a six-month course of combination antibiotics, while drug-resistant TB may require therapy lasting up to fifteen months or longer. These lengthy TB treatment regimens often result in serious side effects...

Targeting the SV2 Family of Proteins for Immune Regulation (UCLA Case No. 2021-122)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 13:24:57 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Medicine have identified the SV2 family of proteins as novel druggable targets for suppressing severe inflammation, including COVID-19 pneumonia. Background: In critical COVID-19, the infection causes severe inflammation and excess fluid in the lungs, leading to breathing difficulties (COVID-19 pneumonia). Recent studies suggest that a damage-response cytokine, IL-33, may be involved in this immune hyper-responsiveness in the lungs of COVID-19 patients. IL-33 functions through its receptor ST2 to induce a type of innate immune cell called ILC2. Since ILC2...

Refractive Index-Corrected Light-Sheet Microscopy (Case No. 2025-176)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 13:27:42 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers from the Department of Medicine have developed a novel light-sheet fluorescence microscopy system that enables adaptive imaging across a range of refractive indices for enhanced biomedical imaging. Background: Light-sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) has revolutionized biomedical imaging by allowing rapid and high-resolution visualization of living organisms and large tissue volumes in three dimensions. Deep tissue imaging is achieved by employing optical clearing methods that reduce light scattering through refractive index (RI) matching between the speci...

Large-Area Solution-Processed Ionomer-Interlayered Bulk Monolayer MOS2 Membranes With Thickness-Scalable Bright Luminescence and Dual Electron-Ion Transport (Case No. 2025-281)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 10:55:33 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers have developed a novel hybrid 2D material platform that significantly improves the utility and optical performance of monolayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) by integrating a Nafion interlayer. Background: Monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), particularly MoS2, have shown promise in the fields of optics and electronics due to their direct bandgap and excitonic features. These properties make them highly attractive for applications such as photodetectors, light-emitting devices, and nonlinear optical systems. However, despite their compelling theoretica...

Method and System for Removing Stimulation Artifact in Neural Recording System Under Arbitrary Waveform Stimulations (Case No. 2024-010)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 11:20:33 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a novel hard-ware based system for real-time removal of stimulation artifacts in neural recordings, enabling greater scalability, flexibility, and efficiency in neuromodulation and neurotechnology applications. Background: Neuromodulation research depends on accurately measuring neural responses during electrical stimulation. High density electrode arrays enable these measurements but often capture strong stimulation artifacts that obscure real-time neural signals and hinder analysis. Existing ...

Engineered Mucosal-Associated Invariant T (MAIT) Cells and Methods of Making and Using Thereof (UCLA Case No. 2024-055)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 14:17:53 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Microbiology Immunology and Molecular Genetics have developed a novel platform and methodology for the production of mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells for therapeutic use in infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. BACKGROUND: Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are a subset of unconventional T cells that bridge the innate and adaptive immune systems. They are characterized by their ability to recognize microbial-derived metabolic ligands, particularly from bacteria and viruses, enabling potent antimicrobial and antiv...

Microbial Functions and Molecules to Promote the Beneficial Effects of the Ketogenic Diet (UCLA Case No. 2022-122)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 13:11:37 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology have successfully mapped the functional gut microbiota and specific metabolic molecules that promote relief from epilepsy through the ketogenic diet. BACKGROUND: Research supported by the National Institutes of Health has shown that the gut microbiome has tremendous impact on human health. Perturbations to its composition and function have been implicated in numerous chronic diseases and neural activity. Consequently, physicians and scientists have been researching the use of dietary therapies to modify the gut micr...

TRP: A Mouse Model of Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Type 2A (R1/D4) (UCLA Case No. 2021-171)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 14:20:31 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Neurology have developed a novel mouse model for limb girdle muscular dystrophy, a disorder that causes muscle weakness in the limbs and hip area. BACKGROUND: Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Type 2A (LGMDR1) is a genetic neuromuscular disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness, primarily affecting muscles around the shoulders and hips. This weakness leads to difficulties in tasks like lifting arms, climbing stairs, and getting up from a seated position. Individuals with LGMDR1 exhibit gait abnormalities, a progressive loss of muscle mass, a...

Multi-Particle System for Capture and Detection of Cellular and Molecular Analytes (Case No. 2025-267)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 15:34:19 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a novel multi-particle system that selectively confines cells and molecular reactions within cavities formed by interacting particles. Background: Screening and selecting cells with specific, beneficial traits has become a vital process in using cell-derived products for advances in biotechnology and life science research. Prevalent examples include screening for primary B cells that rapidly produce functional antibodies, activated T cells based on cytokine secretion profiles, and screeni...

Methods and Systems for Low-Cost Medical Image Annotation Using Non-experts (Case No. 2025-108)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 11:21:39 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed an AI-based interface designed to enable individuals without specialized training to identify arthritis in medical imaging. Background: The use of artificial intelligence (AI) for medical imaging analysis holds great promise for the future of healthcare. One significant application of AI is in clinical decision-making, where it boosts the accuracy and speed of medical imaging analysis. An example of a promising new application is the imaging-based diagnosis of arthritis and degenerative joint d...

Methods for Generating Spatially Resolved Genomic Profiles From Tissues (UCLA Case No. 2022-112)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 13:13:26 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Human Genetics have developed a scalable, high-precision in situ spatial barcoding method, enabling spatially-resolved single-cell and subcellular genomic profiling, including transcriptomics and epigenomics, with targeted cell selection guided by immunofluorescence. BACKGROUND: Recent advancements in spatial transcriptomics have enabled the study of gene expression patterns in tissues with varying spatial resolutions and throughputs. These approaches include in situ RNA hybridization (ISH), highly multiplexed single-molecule RNA in situ methods such as M...

Synapticflow Universal Scientific MPC/API Gateway (Case No. 2025-265)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 13:50:36 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics have developed an advanced API gateway that leverages AI to autonomously process data requests with exceptional speed, reliability, and efficiency. Background: Application Programming Interface (API) infrastructures are universally employed to enable communication between software applications and services, often requiring transfer of large and sensitive data sets. API utilization supports a range of biomedical research applications, such as ELISA data analysis, medical note-taking, single-...

Quantitatively Decoding Fatigue Levels with a Self-Powered On-Eyelid Magnetoelastic Sensor (Case No. 2025-110)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 19:46:57 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers from the Department of Bioengineering have developed an ultrathin, self-powered, and stretchable sensor that adheres directly to the upper eyelid to track fatigue levels in real time. Background: Fatigue-induced impairments have been widely recognized as major contributors to decreased performance, increased error rates, and serious accidents. However, accurately measuring fatigue in everyday settings remains a significant challenge. Existing solutions—such as self-reported fatigue scores, EEG-based systems, or computer vision approaches—are limit...

Subgraph Matching for High-Throughput DNA-Aptamer Secondary Structure Classification and Machine Learning Interpretability (Case No. 2025-104)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 15:26:30 GMT

Intro Sentence: UCLA researchers in the Department of Mathematics have developed machine learning methods to rapidly identify novel aptamer sequences for target binding to accelerate highly-accurate diagnostic and therapeutic development. Background: Aptamers are single-stranded nucleotide polymers that bind with high affinity to targets such as cells and proteins, creating unique secondary structures. Their small size, reproducible chemical synthesis, biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and structural stability make aptamers valuable for fields such as biosensing and therapeutics. The ...

Improving Immunizations by Suppressing Autophagy in Cells (UCLA Case No. 2023-291)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 16:45:46 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology have developed methods to suppress autophagy in cells to enhance immune response. These methods target local tumor sites instead of the whole body, thus reducing off-target effects and are applicable to a variety of cancer types, including solid and hematological tumors. BACKGROUND: Activating the immune response is a promising way to help the body’s natural defense mechanisms recognize and destroy cancer cells. While targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors can be effective, they benefit only a l...

Targeting the Bile Acid Pathway to Treat Cardiometabolic Disease (UCLA Case No. 2024-146)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 16:30:33 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Medicine and Division of Cardiology have identified target enzymes involved in bile acid synthesis and developed methods to improve disease outcomes in fatty liver and atherosclerosis. BACKGROUND: Dietary fat is an essential, energy-dense nutrient necessary for survival. To support this, the intestinal system has evolved to absorb dietary fat with remarkable efficiency. Yet, with the increased production and consumption of processed, readily available, and high fat foods, this conserved efficiency has led to the development of obesity. Furthermore,...

Novel AAV Serotypes Derived From a Library Screen (UCLA Case No. 2020-789)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 16:17:56 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Neurology have produced novel AAV serotypes for a wide range of tissue and cell specific gene delivery. BACKGROUND: Gene therapies are the forefront of therapeutic advancements for debilitating diseases. However, delivery and insertion of the therapeutic transgene are major hurdles that must be solved to effectively implement this technology. Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) have been widely adopted as a tool for gene therapy due to their non-pathogenicity and ability to cross the blood brain barrier. Genetic therapy is a promising approach for many s...

Use of the Thorium-229 Nuclear Transition in a Nonlinear Optical Crystal or Fiber (Case No. 2024-241 and 2025-172)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 09:50:33 GMT

Summary: Researchers in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at UCLA have developed a novel technique to harness thorium-229 using nonlinear optical crystals and fibers to generate necessary wavelengths in a vacuum-free and defect-resistant system. Background: Isomeric nuclear transition is a phenomenon that occurs when atoms transition from an excited state to a lower energy state, generating useful energy stored in nuclear bonds. The thorium-229 isomeric nuclear transition holds significant potential for advanced technologies, including ultra-precise nuclear clocks and sensors fo...

A Denoising Technique for Multi-Contrast Multi-Coil Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Case No. 2024-233)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 13:59:21 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Radiological Sciences have developed a novel MRI denoising technique that enhances image clarity, sensitivity, and precision by significantly reducing distortion and noise. Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is critical for medical diagnosis, but image quality depends on achieving a high signal-to-noise ratio. Existing solutions, such as multiple scan averages, image filtering, constrained reconstruction, and deep learning, often increase scan time, blur details, or complicate interpretation. While image-domain random matrix the...

Targeting Plasma Extracellular Vesicles as Therapy for Severe Bacterial Pneumonia (UCLA Case No. 2025-274)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 13:14:03 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine have identified a novel method of targeting plasma extracellular vesicles to help suppress inflammation and infection during severe bacterial pneumonia. BACKGROUND: Direct and indirect lung injury such as through pneumonia or following abdominal infections can lead to critical conditions such as Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) or Sepsis. Even with current antibiotics and medical technologies, the mortality rate for these pathologies remains high at 40%, with over 350,000 deaths per year in the U.S. al...

Use of Endogenous Plasma Extracellular Vesicles as an Adjuvant Therapeutic for Pneumonia (UCLA Case No. 2025-236)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 13:08:53 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine have developed a novel therapeutic approach using human extracellular vesicles (EVs) to block harmful effects of bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) in Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia. This strategy aims to reduce inflammation, disrupt bacterial communication, and improve lung function in severe infections where antibiotics alone may not be effective. BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is a leading cause of hospital-acquired pneumonia and a major driver of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in...

Ingestible Device for Medical Interaction With the Gastrointestinal Tract and Surrounding Tissues (Case No. 2024-226)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 09:37:00 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers have conceptualized an ingestible, self-powered, and wireless capsule that can be used to effectively diagnose and treat gastrointestinal disorders. Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, including conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, and gastroparesis, impact millions of people worldwide and place a significant burden on patients and healthcare systems. These disorders can cause chronic pain, malnutrition, reduced quality of life, and, in some cases, life-threatening complications. Early and accurate diagnosis, along with p...

Gut Bacterial Detoxification of Methylmercury (UCLA Case No. 2023-188)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 19:31:05 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology have developed a microbiome-based therapy for methylmercury detoxification, leveraging a genetically engineered probiotic that neutralizes methlymercury in the gut prior to systemic absorption with potential applications in acute detoxification, preventative healthcare, and environmental remediation. BACKGROUND: Methylmercury (MeHg) is a persistent environmental contaminant that bioaccumulates in aquatic ecosystems and biomagnifies through the food chain, leading to widespread dietary exposure. The primary route of hum...

Multi-Sightline Photonic Spectroscopic Unit for Sensing (Case No. 2025-164)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 13:43:56 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers from the Department of Physics & Astronomy have developed a compact, low-cost, energy-efficient, and high-resolution photonic spectrograph platform that enables quantitative sensing of atmospheric gases such as methane across multiple lines of sight. Background: Accurate, high-resolution monitoring of methane emissions is vital for meeting climate goals outlined in initiatives like the Global Methane Pledge and regulatory efforts such as the U.S. EPA’s “super emitter” program. High-spectral-resolution spectrographs are used for quantifying met...

Fish Oil Plus Diet for Prostate Health (UCLA Case No. 2024-092)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 17:54:53 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Urology have identified a dietary intervention that may slow prostate cancer progression, offering a promising accessible, safe, and non-invasive approach to managing prostate health. BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States and the fifth leading cause of death among men worldwide. Many patients with prostate cancer are eligible for active surveillance, rather than surgery or radiation therapy. However, there are currently no dietary recommendations or supplements proven to influence prostate cancer a...

A Diagnostic Epigenetic Score for Determining the Effect of Biomarkers for Asthma Drug Response (UCLA Case No. 2024-106)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 11:48:37 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Computational Medicine have developed a novel machine learning algorithm to generate an accurate molecular score for determining asthma drug response. BACKGROUND: Asthma is a globally prevalent, high-burden disease marked by substantial clinical heterogeneity and variable treatment response. This heterogeneity arises from interindividual differences in disease mechanisms, shaped by genetic predisposition, environmental exposures, and their interactions. Defining biologically and clinically meaningful subtypes is central to precision medicine efforts ...

Reverse Engineering Vaccine Antigens (UCLA Case No. 2025-074)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 11:40:37 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Pediatrics-Allergy/Immunology have developed a novel platform to reverse engineer vaccine antigens for the prevention and treatment of infectious disease and cancer. BACKGROUND: Vaccines function by introducing antigens into a host to stimulate an immune response, providing protection against pathogens and certain cancers. The process of developing a novel vaccine is usually lengthy due to challenges in to determining which antigens from the pathogen in question are capable of eliciting effective immunity in a broad swath of human recipients. Researcher...

Generating Ovarian Follicle Cells From Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (UCLA Case No. 2021-066)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 11:25:35 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Molecular Cell Developmental Biology have developed a human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived model of ovarian follicle cells that can be used to study women’s reproductive health. BACKGROUND: Ovarian follicles are essential components of the female reproductive system. They nurture and support the development of immature eggs (oocytes) and, as the follicles mature, release estrogen and progesterone, regulating the menstrual cycle and influencing fertility. Over a woman’s lifespan, ovarian follicles are depleted, eventually leading t...

Surface Oxophilic Single Atom Decoration of PT Catalyst for Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (Case No. 2025-263)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 09:16:15 GMT

Summary: Researchers at UCLA's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a novel catalyst design using oxophilic single-atom decorations that enhances the performance and durability of platinum (Pt) catalysts in alkaline exchange membrane fuel cells. Background: Hydrogen fuel cells are a promising alternative to internal combustion engines, offering reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Current commercial proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) require a substantial amount of costly Pt-based catalysts to facilitate the slow oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). On the o...

Compliant Wrist Reconstruction (Case No. 2023-261)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 12:17:05 GMT

Summary: Researchers in the Mechanical Engineering Department at UCLA have developed a compliant wrist implant as an alternative to current wrist arthroplasty devices. Background: Conventional wrist replacements often lack the longevity and stability required to make total wrist arthroplasty (TWA) the preferred treatment for active patients with pan-carpal or distal radio-ulnar joint pathologies requiring surgical intervention. The complex structure of the wrist poses significant hurdles for arthroplasty. During a TWA procedure, the ligaments of the wrist are excised along with portions of ...

Low-Power Synthesizer-Free Self-Injection Locked Radar (Case No. 2024-190)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 16:55:51 GMT

Summary: Researchers at UCLA’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a novel synthesizer-free phase imaging radar that generates high-resolution images with low power consumption. Background: Imaging radars are used in various applications, from self-driving cars and aircraft navigation to medical screening. Traditional frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar struggles with high power demands and limited resolution. While phase imaging offers superior resolution at longer wavelengths, existing systems suffer from self-interference, frequency drift, ...

Intrastromal Lamellar Keratoprosthesis (Artificial Cornea) (Case No. 2025-177)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 14:59:08 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Ophthalmology have developed an intrastromal artificial cornea implant designed to enhance biointegration and effectively restore vision. Background: Corneal opacities are among the top five causes of blindness worldwide. For patients who are not candidates for conventional corneal transplantation, keratoprosthesis (artificial cornea) serves as a last-resort option to restore vision. However, current keratoprosthesis designs carry significant risks, including infectious keratitis, endophthalmitis, glaucoma, corneal stromal necrosis, and eventua...

Method and Apparatus for Dual-Comb Sensing With Carrier Envelope Phase Stabilized Frequency Comb (Case No. 2025-073)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 10:04:17 GMT

Summary: Researchers in UCLA’s Electrical and Computer Engineering Department have developed a groundbreaking method to stabilize carrier envelope phase (CEP) shifts, achieving record-low phase noise and ultraprecise frequency detection. Background: Frequency combs enable highly precise optical frequency measurements critical for applications in spectroscopy, imaging, and quantum systems. However, current systems struggle to overcome phase noise, which significantly distorts signals and limits accuracy. Existing solutions, such as active noise correction, often fail to completely elim...

UCLA CRISPR Licensing Program (Multiple Technology Case Numbers)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 16:52:13 GMT

UCLA CRISPR Licensing Program A major challenge in CRISPR-based gene editing is efficient delivery of the editing system to target cells. UCLA has filed patents on plant viral delivery vectors expressing highly-miniaturized CRISPR systems that may overcome these challenges. The technology is based on recent work from the Jacobsen (UCLA) and Doudna (UC Berkeley) laboratories, in which a modified plant RNA virus called Tobacco Rattle Virus (TRV) is used to deliver a tiny TnpB CRISPR protein and its guide RNA (gRNA). It was shown that TRV encoding TnpB and gRNAs can induce efficient somatic gen...

Lab on a 3D Printer (Case No. 2025-094)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 11:03:42 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a novel device capable of performing automated liquid handling to a great degree of precision on a miniaturized scale and with customizable features equipped for any laboratory task. Background: Automated liquid handling is essential in pharmaceutical and biotechnology research for precise, efficient, and reproducible fluid transfer. Examples include tasks such as adding reagents and transferring samples in laboratories, conducting screenings and assays, and preparing samples for toxicity tests in drug discovery. O...

Small Molecule Enhancers of Secreted Clusterin (sCLU) as Novel Therapeutics for Alzheimer's Disease (UCLA Case No. 2024-016)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 18:51:38 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Neurology have identified and synthesized novel small molecules that enhance the levels of secreted clusterin protein, a protein that can targets a significant risk factor for the disease, and offering promising potential for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. BACKGROUND: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a leading cause of dementia, affecting over 50 million people worldwide, and it ranks as the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States. In 2021, AD cost the United States $355 billion, and this cost is predicted to triple by 2050, ma...

Hemodynamics Driven Magnetoelastic Vascular Graft (Case No. 2025-124)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 11:31:29 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a novel magnetoelastic vascular graft to provide real-time, wireless, and continuous stenosis monitoring. TITLE: Hemodynamics Driven Magnetoelastic Vascular Graft Background: Vascular grafts are commonly used to restore blood flow in patients with blocked or damaged blood vessels. However, post-implantation complications such as stenosis, or narrowing of the blood vessel due to scar tissue formation or blood clots, pose significant risks to patient health. Current approaches for vascular graft stenosis diagno...

Diffractive Waveguides (Case No. 2025-012)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 13:30:09 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed innovative high performance diffractive waveguides adaptable to any task and that achieve desired specifications for applications spanning telecommunications, sensing, spectroscopy, and integrated photonics circuits. Background: Waveguides are crucial for directing sound, light, and electromagnetic waves, ensuring that energy is transmitted effectively to a desired output. Traditional waveguide designs often rely on advanced fabrication techniques such as dispersion engineering and the sp...

Fuel Cell Technology Portfolio

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 12:49:02 GMT

Ultrafine Platinum Catalysts for Hydrogen Fuel Cells (Case No. 2023-026) Ultrafine platinum (Pt)-based catalysts present a promising avenue for achieving exceptional fuel cell activity while minimizing base transition metal content. Decreasing the levels of base metals reduces leaching and associated cation poisoning, thereby ensuring robust fuel cell stability. Conventional Pt-based catalysts exhibit non-uniform size distribution and elevated base transition metal content. Additionally, the current fabrication procedures for these catalysts are encumbered by both substantial costs and ...

Circuit Printing Technology Portfolio

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 12:45:36 GMT

Liquid Metal Printing Technique via Optical Maskless Lithography (Case No. 2024-031) A research team led by Professor Ximin He has developed a facile and scalable fabrication strategy to make soft electronics using LM particles. By using a photo-reactive ink containing LM particles and a polymer precursor, the team can precisely layer conductive surfaces onto stretchable materials. The researchers demonstrate a resolution of 20 µm and a maximum electrical conductivity of 3×106 S m-1. The fabrication process is performed at room temperature with a simple light exposure, drastically...

Hidden Image Visualization and Signal Sensing Technology Portfolio

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 12:27:59 GMT

Rapid Sensing of Hidden Objects and Defects Using a Single-Pixel Diffractive Terahertz Processor (Case No. 2023-184) Inspecting hidden structures is a critical requirement in various fields, including security, manufacturing, and medicine. Terahertz-based, non-invasive systems show promise towards this end; they penetrate most opaque materials and can identify their internal structural makeups. While terahertz systems have been successfully employed in quality control applications, existing systems are slow and offer relatively low signal-to-noise ratios. Optical processes that speed up objec...

Liang Gao Technology Portfolio

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 12:12:17 GMT

Squeezed Light Field Microscopy (SLIM) (Case No. 2024-153) UCLA researchers have developed a novel method titled Squeezed Light Field Microscopy (SLIM) to enable precise 3D imaging in real time in the NIR-II window. SLIM leverages computational imaging to provide high-resolution 3D images using a single, low-resolution camera sensor. This imaging modality is capable of depth retrieval, post-capture refocusing and extended depth of field, all necessary for surgical precision. An added benefit of SLIM beyond imaging capability is the reduced data redundancy of its output, resulting in a smaller...

Methods To Generate Constrained Fluorinated Macrocycles (UCLA Case No. 2023-139)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 30 May 2025 17:57:02 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a novel method to generate fluorinated polycycles, which may be used for downstream drug discovery and development. BACKGROUND: A significant amount of research in the field of organic chemistry centers around generating increasingly complex molecules that cyclize, forming covalent bonds and rings. These molecules hold clinical significance in their potential to be ligands for protein surfaces involved in protein-protein interactions, allowing them to serve as molecular “glue”. Various methods have b...

Modified Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogels Containing Hyaluronidase for the Time‐Controlled and Targeted Release of anti-CTLA-4 and other Therapeutic Antibodies (UCLA Case No. 2016-526)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 30 May 2025 17:50:47 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Medicine have developed a novel therapeutic platform for the administration of low-dose Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte Associated Protein 4 (CTLA-4) antibody for cancer immunotherapy that synergizes with conventional PD-1 therapy while sparing systemic autoimmune toxicity. BACKGROUND: Immune checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) proteins are upregulated by certain cancer cells to evade the host’s immune system, reducing the capacity for immune cells to eliminate cancer. Combination therapy with intravenous infusions of anti-CPI antibodies that target both the PD-1 a...

Analoging and SAR-Based Chemical Approach to Improve the Therapeutic Potency of Small-Molecule Inhibitors of Metastasis (UCLA Case No. 2024-116)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 14 May 2025 15:31:17 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology have developed an analoging and SAR-based chemical approach to generate novel, safe, and effective small-molecule inhibitors for preventing and treating cancer metastasis. BACKGROUND: The limited understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying metastasis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) contributes to the poor prognosis of this disease, despite the advent of new targeted therapies. Annually, approximately 25,000 ccRCC patients are at risk of developing metastatic disease, with those experiencing lung meta...

Mechanical Neural Network Driven by Flexure-Based, Meso-Scale, Bidirectional Thermal Actuators (Case No. 2024-235)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 14 May 2025 13:20:03 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical Engineering have developed a novel bidirectional thermal linear transducer for active vibration dampening and high precision manufacturing equipment. Background: Metamaterials are engineered structures that demonstrate properties not commonly found in natural materials. To date, most research focuses on passive metamaterial, or materials with predefined characteristics tailored to specific applications. However, passive metamaterials are limited in that they cannot dynamically respond to external forc...

Batch Processing Automation for Imaris Stitcher (Case No. 2025-089)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 13 May 2025 15:37:29 GMT

Summary: Researchers in UCLA’s Department of Neurobiology have developed a novel software tool that enhances the capabilities of Imaris Stitcher. The tool enables batch processing and automated execution of multiple image stitching jobs, significantly improving workflow efficiency and reducing hands-on time. This results in readily available, combined, aligned, high-resolution microscopic images with a faster overall turnaround. Background: Image stitching has emerged as a solution to the unique need for a complete high-resolution image of microscopic data when the subject exceeds the ...

Methods for Building RNA Organelles in Vitro (UCLA Case No. 2023-286)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 12 May 2025 12:37:38 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Bioengineering have developed artificial RNA sequences that can form condensates in vitro, allowing customization of cellular function in membrane-less organelles. BACKGROUND: RNA condensates are intracellular membrane-less compartments formed by phase separation, involving RNA and proteins. These RNA condensates play integral roles in various cellular functions, including transcriptional regulation and protection from RNA degradation. Additionally, these condensates are thought to play a role in diseases such as neurodegeneration. Because of the import...

Encapsulation of Fire-Resistant Materials in Adhesive Polymeric Carriers for Fire Prevention (Case No. 2025-240)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 12 May 2025 10:16:41 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a novel system for integrating fire-retardant compounds within an adhesive and sprayable material. Background: Fire management traditionally relies on the use of synthetic materials containing ammonium polyphosphate (APP), which are effective in fire suppression but exhibit significant environmental and operational challenges. These include toxicity to aquatic and plant ecosystems and poor adherence to different surfaces, severely limiting the utility of APP-containing formulations in long-term...

Emissions-Free Olefin Synthesis via Concentrated Solar-Thermal Pyrolysis for Cleaner Plastics (Case No. 2025-008)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 06 May 2025 10:43:51 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the department of mechanical and aerospace engineering have developed a novel technology that utilizes concentrated solar radiation to convert petroleum refinery hydrocarbons into light olefins with no CO2 emissions and generates a high-value graphitic carbon co-product. Title: Emissions-Free Olefin Synthesis via Concentrated Solar-Thermal Pyrolysis for Cleaner Plastics Background: As plastic consumption continues to rise, the demand for light olefins is projected to increase over the coming decades. Light olefins, notably ethylene a...

Apparatus and Method for Low-Power EMG and EEG Devices for HMI (Case No. 2023-146)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 16:20:56 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed compact, low-power neural signal sensing solutions to enhance human-machine interfaces (HMI), including AR/VR systems. Background: Electrogram technologies, such as electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyography (EMG), are widely used to capture biological signals, such as electrical potentials, produced by the human body. These signals are acquired using specialized apparatus, such as hats or gloves embedded with electrodes, and processed to assess key physiological functions and suppor...

Charge Storage Device Architecture for Increased Energy and Power Density (Case No. 2009-392)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 11:35:24 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers have developed a novel electrochemical capacitive energy storage device with high energy and power density, addressing limitations in current energy storage technologies and meeting the demands of increasing electrification. Background: Current energy storage devices, such as lithium-ion batteries and electrochemical capacitors, have limited energy and power densities that restrict the amount of energy stored and the rate at which energy can be delivered. While electrochemical capacitors offer high power densities, fast charging, and long lifecycles, they have sign...

A Dual-Mode Coil-Reuse Data Acquisition System for Miniaturized Wirelessly Powered Biopotential Sensing Nodes (Case No. 2024-173)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 09:46:11 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a dual-mode, batteryless coil-reuse system for biosensing devices that enables efficient wireless power transfer and long-range data transmission in a compact form. Background: A vast majority of wearable and implantable medical devices require two wireless links to perform wireless power transfer and data transmission. Current approaches, such as high-frequency systems or radio frequency recording (RFID) struggle to balance performance with miniaturization. High frequencies increase signal los...

Gene Modifications to Enhance the Function of PSC-Derived T Cells and NK Cells (UCLA Case No. 2023-129)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 11:53:43 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Medicine have generated novel pluripotent stem cell derived T cells that exhibit improved survival, expansion, and anti-tumor efficacy for use in cell therapy treatments. BACKGROUND: The Food and Drug Administration has approved several chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cell therapies since 2017 to combat lymphoma and lymphoblastic leukemia, among other malignancies. This treatment involves an ex vivo culture expansion typically ranging from 7 to 14 days and significant efforts have been made by the scientific community at large to optimize culture cond...

Non-invasive Pain Measurement of Infants and Toddlers Using Acoustic Features of Cries (Copyright; Case No. 2018-327)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 11:29:15 GMT

Summary: Researchers in the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior have developed a novel, non-invasive pain measurement tool for neonates. Background: Pain management in neonatal care remains a critical unmet need. Approximately 90% of premature infants undergo painful procedures, yet pain is only reported in 45% of cases. Current assessments rely heavily on subjective interpretation of behavioral and physiological indicators such as facial expressions, crying, and heart rate fluctuations. This subjective approach often leads to inconsistent pain management in nonve...

Biosynthesis of Diacids (Case No. 2023-238)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 16:56:28 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering have developed a novel method for the biosynthesis of a native terpenoid from cellulose with high yield and selectivity. Background: With a growing need to identify sustainable chemical production methods for replacing conventional petrochemical synthesis, bioengineered microorganisms have been increasingly utilized for producing commodity chemicals and natural products such as terpenoids and polyketides. Terpenoids have found a wide array of commercial applications, ranging from cosmetics, foods, per...

Mechanical Cutaneous Nerve Stimulation for Reducing Epileptic Seizures and Perceived Pain (Case No. 2016-686-3)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 09:56:22 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers have developed a novel, non-invasive pain management device that uses mechanical vibrations to activate cutaneous sensory fibers, reducing epileptic seizures, masking pain perception and alleviating associated symptoms. Background: Unexpected death due to epilepsy is a pressing concern, with an estimated incidence of 1.2 per 1000 adults. Repeated seizures can lead to significant life-threatening complications such as repetitive excitotoxic, hypoxic, perfusion, and other critical brain injuries. Reducing seizure activity is of critical concern to prevent sudde...

KHK Inhibitors as Agents for the Treatment of Cancer and Metabolic Syndrome (UCLA Case No. 2021-222)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 13:39:10 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have synthesized novel KHK inhibitors that can result in anticancer drugs targeting cancer metabolism. BACKGROUND: Fructose is a naturally occurring sugar found in fruits and vegetables, and is an integral part of the human diet. In comparison to its functional isomer, glucose, which can be metabolized by almost every human cell type, fructose is mainly metabolized by liver cells. Here, ingested fructose is mainly metabolized by ketohexokinase (KHK). In this process, KHK phosphorylates fructose to fructose-1-phosphate (F1P), whi...

Method for Non-invasive Assessment of Pressure and Cardiac Efficiency (Case No. 2024-258)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 12:43:25 GMT

Summary: Researchers in the Department of Medicine and Radiological Sciences at UCLA have developed a novel computational model for estimating ventricular mechanical efficiency using routine clinical exam practices. Background: Congenital heart disease (CHD) involves complex heart defects that make it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively. Because CHD results from abnormal anatomic connections, typical metrics for assessing cardiac function may not adequately reflect the heart’s ability to function efficiently. One important measure of heart function in CHD patients is...

Aydogan Ozcan - Signal Processing Technology Portfolio

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 14:07:30 GMT

Diffractive Waveguides (Case No. 2025-012) Innovation: Professor Aydogan Ozcan and his team have developed diffractive waveguides designed for optimized transmission across spectral, spatial, and polarization-specific applications. These diffractive waveguides can be cascaded together to operate at any desired wavelength simultaneously. Additionally, they facilitate the propagation of desired modes with low loss and high mode purity through capabilities such as mode splitting, mode filtering, and multiplexing polarization states. By integrating diffractive layers with deep learning optimizat...

Bone Depth Gauge Design and Deployable Mechanism (Case No. 2024-185)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 16:05:41 GMT

Summary: Researchers in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery at UCLA have developed a novel bone depth gauge and deployable mechanism for orthopaedic screw insertion. Background: Orthopaedic screws are typically used in surgeries to treat fractures that may have been caused intentionally, such as for tumor resection or joint replacement, or unintentionally, such as those from traumatic events. Screws, whether used in conjunction with plating or as individual lag screws, play a crucial role in stabilizing fractures. An orthopedic depth gauge measures the length of a drill hole in b...

AI-Powered System for Objective Surgical Skill Assessment in Open Procedures (Case No. 2025-207)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 08:58:44 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Surgery have developed a deep-learning architecture to efficiently and accurately assess surgeon skill level for improved medical training. Background: Objectively assessing surgical trainee performance during open procedures remains a significant challenge in medical education. Traditional evaluations rely heavily on subjective expert observation, introducing variability and bias that undermine standardized training and longitudinal skill tracking. These inconsistencies directly impact training feedback quality and create barriers...

Saliva Anti-SSA/Ro IgA1 Differentiates Sjögren’s from Non-Sjögren’s Syndrome Patients (UCLA Case No. 2023-292)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 17:01:00 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Dentistry have developed a novel methodology to accurately differentiate patients with Sjögren’s Disease from non-Sjögren’s Disease patients by monitoring saliva IgA1 forms, enabling more accurate tracking of disease progression. BACKGROUND: The presence and detection of autoantibodies within a host have been a hallmark diagnostic marker for autoimmune illnesses such as Sjögren’s Disease (SD). SD is the second most common autoimmune inflammatory disease and predominantly affects the lacrimal and salivary glands, leading to...

A Data-Driven Approach to Quality Assurance for Imagers (Radiologists) Individually and Imaging Departments as a Whole (Case No. 2014-501)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 10:58:59 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers have developed innovative software that streamlines radiological data analysis to enhance patient outcomes, evaluate radiologist performance, and assess AI algorithms in a way that mirrors radiologist decision-making. Background: Radiological imaging is critical to disease diagnosis and treatment planning for a wide array of disease states. Traditional methods of determining diagnostic accuracy and radiologist performance include peer review systems, which rely on retrospective analysis of diagnostic images by other radiologists using simple scoring systems. Accor...

Viral Vector-Based Gene Therapy for OPA1 Gene Mutation-Induced Dominant Optic Atrophy (UCLA Case No. 2025-004)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 11:18:58 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Ophthalmology have developed a viral vector-based gene therapy to restore OPA1 protein levels in patients with OPA1-mutated dominant optic atrophy. The optimized vectors will be delivered intravitreally to patients’ eyes, providing a minimally invasive, effective treatment with reduced side effects. BACKGROUND: Dominant optic atrophy (DOA) is the most common hereditary disorder of the optic nerve, with the majority of cases (60-70%) caused by mutations in the optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) gene. The OPA1 protein is essential for mitochondrial function, incl...

A Ventilated Artificial Human Lung Exposure System to Analyze and Test Human Exposures to Inhaled Substances (Case No. 2023-306)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 10:39:02 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Medicine and Environmental Health Sciences have developed a ventilated human lung system for laboratory testing of inhaled substances. Background: Measuring the toxicology of inhaled air, aerosols and other substances is challenging due to the complexity of human studies and limitations in existing testing methods. Additionally, individual differences in genetics, behavior, and/or environment make it difficult to detect early responses to inhalation exposures, often requiring decades of observation across large populations. While animal s...

Manipulating the Gut Microbiome To Modify Host Eating Behavior (UCLA Case No. 2024-181)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 14:00:09 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology have identified aspects of gut microbiome metabolism that affect host eating behavior, leading to possible microbiome therapies for appetite regulation. BACKGROUND: The microbiome consists of all microbes within the human body and has recently been shown to influence human health and disease in a multitude of ways. The microbiome is linked with metabolic states, such as obesity, as well as psychological states, such as depression and anxiety. There are trillions of microbes housed in the human gut, and these microbes...

Deep Learning-Enhanced Chemiluminescence Vertical Flow Assay for High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin I Testing (Case No. 2025-128)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 09:37:52 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering & Bioengineering have developed a novel, high-sensitivity chemiluminescence vertical flow assay for rapid cardiac diagnostics, addressing current challenges in both modern and underserved healthcare settings. Background: Point-of-care (POC) testing is performed near or at the location of the patient, making it especially important for underserved healthcare settings. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the current leading global cause of death, accounting for 17.9 million deaths a year. While common ...

Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus 8 Human Solute Carrier Family 4 Member 11 (AAV8-hSLC4A11) for Congenital Hereditary Endothelial Dystrophy (CHED) (UCLA Case No. 2025-096)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 13:54:53 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Ophthalmology have developed a novel gene therapy method to treat Congenital Hereditary Endothelial Dystrophy. BACKGROUND: Congenital Hereditary Endothelial Dystrophy (CHED) is a rare autosomal recessive disease that affects corneal endothelial cells, which can lead to blindness if left untreated. CHED is more frequently observed in regions where consanguinity is prevalent, such as in the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, and can cause the cornea to become opaque due to corneal edema (swelling) at or shortly after birth. The primary treatment...

Novel Ptosis Clamp (Case No. 2023-179)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 08:26:06 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers from the Department of Radiological Sciences have developed a novel ptosis clamp for improved positioning and tissue manipulation during surgery. Background: Drooping of the upper eyelid, or Ptosis, is a medical condition that impairs normal eyelid function and vision, necessitating surgical treatment. Existing approaches involve surgical procedures that use clamps to allow for tissue manipulation with minimal trauma. Existing clamps feature a curved and toothed design that requires specific hand movements that obstruct the field of view and complicate tissue mani...

Single-Chain Bispecific Chimeric Antigen Receptor Targeting BCMA and CS1 for the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma (UCLA Case No. 2018-680)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 23:02:07 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering have developed a single-chain bispecific chimeric antigen receptor targeting BCMA and CS1 for treating multiple myeloma. BACKGROUND: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a cancer of the plasma cells that accounts for over 30,000 new diagnoses each year, according to the American Cancer Society. Despite the availability of therapeutics ranging from monoclonal antibodies to proteasome inhibitors, MM is incurable regardless of the patient’s age and pre-diagnosis health status. Two surface antigens found on MM cells are B-cell ...

Intravitreal Injection Device (Case No. 2024-136)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 08:51:21 GMT

Summary: Researchers in the Department of Ophthalmology at UCLA have developed an intravitreal injection device for safer and more precise injections. Background: Intravitreal injections are vital for treating sight-threatening retinal conditions like age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema. These conditions rely heavily on accurate and consistent drug delivery into the vitreous humor of the eye. However, current intravitreal injection methods present several challenges. The procedure can be uncomfortable for the patient and repetitive injections heighten the risk ...

Synthetic Exosomes (SE) for CNS Delivery of CRISPR for Gene Editing in Brain Disorders (UCLA Case No. 2021-363)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 18:05:45 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Neurology have developed synthetic exosomes, a novel delivery technology capable of transporting gene-editing tools and therapeutics across the blood-brain barrier, with successful applications in repairing Alzheimer’s-related mutations and delivering proteins, antibodies, and drugs. BACKGROUND: The emergence of gene-editing technologies has revolutionized the potential treatment of genetic diseases. Many debilitating diseases, such as Sickle Cell Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease, arise from single point mutations that could be corrected thr...

Gene Therapy for DOCK8 Deficiency (UCLA Case No. 2023-178)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 15:16:00 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Pediatrics Allergy and Immunology have developed a gene therapy method to express the full-length DOCK8 protein in cells, aimed at treating DOCK8 deficiency. These method allows for safe and effective DOCK8 expression in hematopoietic stem cells without the need for an HLA-matched donor, enabling patients to undergo transplantation at a younger age and improving overall survival rates. BACKGROUND: The DOCK8 protein plays an essential role in regulating immune cell functions and maintaining a healthy immune system. Mutations in the DOCK8 gene can result in...

Event-Driven Integrate and Fire (EIF) Neuron Circuit for Neuromorphic Computing System (Case No. 2024-275)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 13:47:37 GMT

Summary: Researchers in the UCLA Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed an energy efficient neuromorphic computing architecture. Background: Widespread growth in demand for artificial intelligence systems has highlighted limitations in current central processing unit (CPU) designs, particularly in terms of energy efficiency and scalability. The rapid rise in generative AI and natural language processing applications over the past several years has significantly amplified the need for highly-efficient computing systems. New architectures, like neuromorphic computin...

Material for Enhanced Photoprotection (Case No. 2025-050)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 11:03:16 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a novel material for enhanced photoprotection in sunscreens. Background: Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun contributes to premature skin aging, sunburn, and increased risk of skin cancer. Traditional UV filters such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles are incorporated into available sunscreens to minimize UV-induced skin damage. Such nanoparticles tend to form irregular and non-uniform shapes and sizes which can lead to uneven UV absorption. Existing nanopart...

Method for Simultaneous Nonlinear Frequency Conversion and Spectro-Temporal Shaping of Lightwaves (Case No. 2024-254)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 16:15:19 GMT

Summary: Researchers in UCLA’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed an innovative method for nonlinear frequency conversion and spectro-temporal shaping. This technique operates efficiently at high power levels and offers optical tunability, enabling a wide range of customizable applications. Background: Light frequency conversion and spatial temporal pulse shaping have a wide range of applications, including spectroscopy, quantum control, optical computing, and the study of ultrafast dynamics at attosecond and zeptosecond scales. However, current methods f...

HgTe Quantum Dots With Near Unity Photoluminescent Quantum Yields in the Near and Short-Wave Infrared (Case No. 2024-256)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 11:37:36 GMT

Summary: Researchers in UCLA’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed an innovative synthesis technique to create ultrasmall Mercury Telluride (HgTe) quantum dots, offering tunable optoelectronic properties and high photoluminescent quantum yields across the infrared spectrum. Background: HgTe quantum dots are gaining popularity for research and integration into infrared and light-emitting technologies due to their unique ability to exhibit narrow energy transitions across the entire infrared spectrum. Additionally, HgTe quantum dots offer exceptional band gap tunabil...

Hemodynamic Monitoring via Transcutaneous Optical Coupling with an Implanted Fiber-Optic Sensor (Case No. 2025-003)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 11:00:19 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Urology and Surgery have developed a novel device to continuously track hemodynamic changes in the body wirelessly, compactly, and cost-effectively. Background: Continuous hemodynamic monitoring is essential to treat a variety of diseases, namely hypertension and heart failure, which are two of the leading causes of death in the United States. However, current blood pressure (BP) monitors such as the standard cuff involve a time consuming, cumbersome process causing low compliance as only 51% of at-risk adults perform recommended monitoring. Ad...

Positive Unlabeled Learning With Bias Mitigation for Fair Prediction of Undiagnosed Alzheimer’s Disease (Case No. 2025-113)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 10:03:31 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Neurology have developed a software to predict the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease without racial or ethnic biases. Background: Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) represents a major health and economic challenge in the United States. Despite its prevalence, Alzheimer’s remains significantly underdiagnosed, primarily among underrepresented populations. Studies have shown that the sensitivity of Medicare claims for detecting Alzheimer’s is only 50-65%, compared to gold standard diagnoses from longitudinal cohorts, which can a...

A Fabrication Method for High-Precision, Large-Area Acoustic Single-Cell Trapping Devices (Case No. 2025-115)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 09:08:29 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a novel fabrication method for single-cell trapping devices. Background: Single-cell analysis is critical to personalized medicine, diagnostics, and biomedical research, as it allows researchers to identify, isolate, and expand desired cell subpopulations. Existing methods of single cell mapping include flow cytometry and microfluidic devices, both of which have limited spatial resolution and precision. Other methods involve the use of acoustic manipulation devices, which lack the resolutio...

Metamorphic Hybrid Compliant Mechanisms (Case No. 2025-038)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 15:43:07 GMT

Summary: Researchers in the Mechanical Engineering Department at UCLA have developed a compliant technique that can be utilized for a wide array of industries, including next-generation joint reconstruction surgeries, precision manufacturing, robotics, aerospace transportation, and automation applications. Background: Bearings are commonly used to reduce friction and improve movement between moving parts in large mechanical systems. Conventional mechanical bearings, such as sliding and rolling bearings, have been developed to withstand large mechanical loads while decreasing friction. This ...

Development of Novel Natural Protein-Based Photo-Crosslinkable Hydrogel (Case No. 2020-440)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 19:17:24 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers from the Department of Bioengineering have developed a novel protein-based hydrogel that can be crosslinked with light for utility in a wide array of tissue engineering and regenerative applications. Background: Hydrogels are widely used in biomedical applications including 3D bioprinting and regenerative medicine. These systems consist of crosslinked polymer networks that can absorb large volumes of water and are often collagen-based. Such hydrogels are mechanically weak and have limited applicability in diverse biological environments. Other systems are also limi...

Ion-Conductive and Electron-Conductive Open Lattice Catalyst Support Framework (Case No. 2025-090)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 13:53:30 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed a novel catalyst support framework for proton-exchange membrane fuel cells. Background: Proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are promising technologies for clean energy applications due to their high efficiency and reduced emissions. These devices consist of catalyst layers that facilitate chemical reactions that convert hydrogen and oxygen into water and electricity. Traditional fuel cells consist of platinum on carbon supports with ionomers that act as proton-conductive binders. Exis...

Carrier Storage Frequency Divider Using Silicon PIN Diodes (Case No. 2025-023)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 09:48:57 GMT

Summary: Researchers in UCLA’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have designed and fabricated an innovative device capable of frequency division at the Terahertz range, featuring low power consumption, quadrature outputs, and high sensitivity. Background: Traditional electronic and optical devices struggle to operate at the terahertz range, which holds promise for ultra-fast 6G wireless data transmission, high-resolution imaging, radar, and sensing. Frequency dividers are critical in frequency synthesizer systems for these applications. However, current models, such as...

An Adaptive Approach for Synthetic Microvascular Network Generation (Case No. 2024-259)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 09:40:43 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers from the Department of Medicine have developed a method for synthetic microvascular network generation for improved coronary disease monitoring. Background: Synthetic microvascular network modeling can be used in diagnosing and managing microvascular diseases such as coronary microvascular disease (CMD). CMD is traditionally diagnosed using invasive techniques that require specialized equipment, limiting their routine use. Noninvasive imaging techniques have emerged as promising alternatives, but existing methods suffer from low and inadequate resolution for...

A Novel Lymphocyte Stimulation Assay To Quantify Immune Responses (UCLA Case No. 2022-079)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 15:32:35 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Medicine have developed lymphocyte stimulation assays to evaluate immune responses, supporting various clinical applications such as adjusting immunosuppressant drug levels and advancing COVID-19 vaccine development. The assay systems are reliable, cost-effective, and easy-to-perform, providing accurate assessments of immune response adequacy. BACKGROUND: The immune response, mediated by a complex interaction between leukocytes and signaling molecules known as cytokines, is the body’s mechanism for defending against harmful or foreign antigens such ...

Goldberg Retractor (Case No. 2024-038)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 10:02:49 GMT

Intro Sentence: UCLA researchers from the Department of Ophthalmology have developed a surgical retractor for improved ophthalmic plastic surgery. Background: Surgical retractors are commonly used in various medical disciplines and allow for improved visibility and access to delicate anatomical structures during surgical procedures. Traditional retractors were designed for broad surgical applications and do not address the fine precision required during ophthalmic plastic surgeries. Due to the fine and delicate structures of the eye and surrounding area, there is a need for instruments th...

HFSIO as Gate Insulator for N-Polar Gan HEMTs (Case No. 2024-268)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 09:46:21 GMT

Summary: Researchers in the UCLA Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a new, high-performance transistor for high-frequency and high-power systems. Background: Gallium nitride (GaN) high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) are critical for high-frequency and high-power electrical applications due to their superior material properties, including their high electron mobility, electron saturation velocity, and breakdown field. Of these, N-polar GaN HEMTs are of particular utility over G-polar GaN HEMTs due to their improved charge confinement and enhanced charge ...

A Dynamic and Adaptive Approach for Resolving Motion (Case No. 2024-250)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 16:12:12 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Radiology have developed a novel method to capture time-varying and irregular cardiac motion, producing high-precision, high-quality cine images. Background: Cine MRI is a specialized imaging technique that captures motion through a series of images, often used to evaluate cardiac function and morphology. In cases of complex arrhythmia, such as atrial fibrillation (AF), cine MRI struggles to capture dynamic changes accurately. AF has a high incidence in the United States, ranging from approximately 1-2%, further highlighting the need for enhanc...

Aerodynamics-Guided Machine Learning for Design Optimization of Vehicles (Case No. 2024-221)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 15:59:40 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers have developed a computational method to rapidly generate vehicle designs with maximum aerodynamic efficiency. Background: The global shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) has opened new opportunities in automobile design with stylistic and functional benefits. Unlike combustion engine vehicles, EVs lack a large engine block, which provides more flexibility in shaping the vehicle’s geometry. This design flexibility can be leveraged to significantly reduce wind resistance on EVs. This is a critical benefit as it enhances vehicle efficiency and range, which re...

Blurryscope (Case No. 2025-070)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 10:36:16 GMT

Summary: Researchers in the UCLA Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a cost-effective digital scanning microscope to improve pathological screening. Background: High quality pathological imaging systems are essential to carefully assess tissue sectioning samples and produce accurate diagnoses for patients. Digitization of these systems has greatly improved throughput of pathology laboratories, and the development of new machine learning algorithms has achieved diagnostic accuracies similar to that of trained specialists. However, limitations in state-of-the-art...

Modular Synthesis and Facile Hydrogelation of Catechol Functionalized Triblock Copolymers (Case No. 2025-040)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 13:22:57 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers from the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering have developed a novel strategy to synthesize copolymers that can rapidly form robust adhesive hydrogel networks. Background: Wet adhesives provide robust and strong adhesion in moist or submerged environments. These materials are often synthesized using polymers that contain functional groups that mimic the natural adhesion mechanisms used by marine organisms. Existing approaches use catechol derivatives, which can form strong adhesions through covalent bonds and reversible interactions with chelating m...

Directly Sprayed 2D Nanomaterial Coatings on Body Surfaces for Health Monitoring (Case No. 2025-051)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 11:16:07 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a novel coating that is directly sprayed on body surfaces for improved health monitoring, particularly for deep tissues. Background: Deep tissue activities, such as blood circulation and brain function, provide crucial insight into normal and pathological tissue function. These activities are traditionally detected and monitored as changes in electrical potential or impedance at the body surface. Accurate detection of these signals is challenging as electrical signals at the body surface are attenua...

Free Silicone Aspirator (Case No. 2020-490)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 10:52:53 GMT

Summary: Researchers in the Department of Plastic Surgery at UCLA have developed a new and improved drainage system for the removal of silicone from ruptured breast implants. Background: The removal of ruptured silicone breast implants has become increasingly common. Free silicone, a sticky and gelatinous substance, tends to adhere to tissue, making it challenging for surgeons to thoroughly remove it from native breast tissue. This can result in residual free silicone within the breast, posing additional complications. Currently, there are four methods for silicone removal: large inc...

A Self-Regenerative Heat Pump (Case No. 2025-042)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 14:14:12 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed an innovative device designed to optimize heat transport with improved efficiency and flexibility. Background: Heat transfer technologies play a crucial role in a wide range of applications, from thermoelectric coolers to vapor-compression systems, enabling effective heat transport in various devices. However, current systems often face significant limitations, including minimal flexibility, increased bulkiness, and suboptimal heat pumping efficiency. These constraints hinder their integration ...

Microbial Metabolites for Promoting Brain Health (UCLA Case No. 2024-196)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 11:45:09 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology have developed a maternal supplementation with microbiome-dependent metabolites to promote growth and neurobehavioral health in children impacted by maternal protein undernutrition. BACKGROUND: Protein undernutrition poses a significant risk of childhood stunting, accompanying enduring neurological issues. The gestational period is a critical developmental stage, during which deficiency in maternal protein intake can cause cognitive impairment and anxiety in adult offspring. Human and animal studies have shown that abnor...

Electrical Stimulation for Acute Stroke (Case No. 2020-787)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 13:38:14 GMT

Summary: Researchers at the UCLA Department of Neurology have developed an individualized method of delivering non-invasive electrical stimulation to treat acute human ischemic stroke. Background: Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity across the world. Over 80% of strokes are ischemic due to blockage of blood vessels, causing a low blood flow state (ischemia). Treatments for acute ischemic stroke are limited to mechanical opening of the blood vessels via Endovascular Thrombectomy (EVT) or via intravenous lytic medications that can lyse the blood clot, opening the occluded ves...

Volumetric Analysis of Multi-Dimensional Images

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 09:18:14 GMT

Summary: UCLA investigators have identified an effective and accurate algorithm for calculating the volume and surface of irregularly shaped 3D structures from points selected on an image. This method can be used to calculate geometric information for a wide range of multi-dimensional objects and has been tested accurately on calculating the size of brain aneurysms Background: Ruptured brain aneurysms account for over 5% of all stroke cases with a high fatality rate. Often, these brain aneurysms went undetected or were misdiagnosed in size due to inaccurate methods of estimating volume of...

Improved Attachment of Assistive Devices (Case No. 2022-115)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 15:57:35 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have proposed an electromagnetic attachment strategy for assistive devices that limits direct mechanical contact to soft tissue and minimizes chronic infection risks. Background: Assistive devices, such as prosthetics and exoskeletons, are common clinical outcomes for a variety of medical conditions. Despite recent improvements in assistive device technology, attachment of prostheses and exoskeletons to the body remains challenging. One main function of these assistive devices is to bear external loads...

Microcannula Injection Port (Case No. 2024-035)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 11:57:54 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Plastic Surgery have developed an easily-applied port to facilitate microcannula use for subcutaneous injections. Background: In cosmetic medicine, injectable treatments like dermal fillers are increasingly common, used to enhance facial features and combat signs of aging. Quite recently, secondary microcannula insertion has been introduced as a replacement for traditional hypodermic needle injection. This is because the use of microcannula, which have blunted, rounded tips, often leads to less bruising, discomfort, and trauma risk. A common mi...

3D Scaffold for T Cell Delivery and Suppression of Tregs for Solid Tumors (UCLA Case No. 2020-193)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 17:28:19 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a small and biodegradable implant that when placed adjacent to solid tumors, enhances immune response to cancer cells. BACKGROUND: The body’s immune system uses proteins called antibodies to train the immune response to foreign pathogens. This mechanism can combat cancerous cells in the body, but newly discovered pathways of immune evasion by cancerous cells limits the ability of the body to eliminate them. Recent efforts in therapeutics to combat immune cell evasion have focused on: flagging cancer cells to ...

VEViD: Vision Enhancement via Virtual Diffraction and Coherent Detection (Case No. 2023-083)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 10:32:32 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed an innovative approach to improve image quality when lighting conditions are suboptimal, that can be readily integrated with different machine learning techniques for more accurate object and face recognition. Background: The computer vision market size was valued at more than US$ 12.50 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.5% during 2022-2026. Low-light conditions are ubiquitous, and due to various technical and environmental constraints, many photograp...

Electrolyzer Column (Case No. 2025-032)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 15:04:04 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemical Engineering have developed a novel system for efficiently converting carbon dioxide to liquid fuel for sustainable energy storage and utilization. Background: The conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into high-energy-density liquid fuel presents a promising pathway for sustainable energy storage and utilization. Traditional CO2 electrolyzers are designed similarly to zero-gap electrode architectures used in fuel cells and water electrolyzers. However, conventional designs are fundamentally limited by low CO2 conversion rates and produce ...

CHST6 Mini Gene - CHST6 Expression Construct With Native Promoter (UCLA Case No. 2023-301)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 13:24:40 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Human Genetics and Department of Ophthalmology have developed a mini gene encoding a protein which is mutated in macular corneal dystrophy, leading to a potential gene therapy for this disorder. BACKGROUND: Macular corneal dystrophy (MCD) is a rare genetic disease caused by mutations in the CHST6 gene, which codes for a protein called carbohydrate sulfotransferase 6. This mutation leads to the loss of clarity of the cornea, which can lead to severe vision loss. There are currently no means of preventing corneal clouding or restoring clarity of the clou...

In-Situ Stochastic Computing in Memory (Case No. 2024-121)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 12:12:56 GMT

Summary: Researchers in the UCLA Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a data-converter-free in-memory computing circuit that greatly reduces data processing latencies. Background: Low latency and low power computing circuitry is in high demand for artificial intelligence (AI) / machine learning (ML) applications. Compute in memory (CIM), where computational steps are performed directly within memory arrays, can both reduce energy consumption and processing latency by minimizing data movement between memory and other computer components. Today’s analo...

Interleaved Radial Amine CEST and Sodium (INTERLACED) NMR Pulse Sequence (Case No. 2024-069)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 09:51:51 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Radiological Sciences have developed a novel MRI modality that simultaneously utilizes multiple nuclei to enhance scanning capabilities while reducing scanning times. Background: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a major tool in medical diagnostics and monitoring, as well as the primary clinical research tool for in vivo brain disorder investigation. Most modern nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-dependent activities performed today rely on hydrogen nuclei measurements. Besides hydrogen nuclei, there is potential for a magnetic resonance modali...

Creation of a Specified Probiotic Blend to Help with Weight Loss and Associated Metabolic Disease (UCLA Case No. 2023-258)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 16:43:43 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Medicine, Vatche and Tamar Manoukin Division of Digestive Diseases have developed a novel probiotic blend composed of two gut bacteria strains. This blend has the potential to be a safe supplement for treating food addiction, obesity, cognition, and other associated metabolic diseases in humans. BACKGROUND: Obesity is a complex disorder influenced by a range of elements including environmental, socioeconomic, and genetic factors, as well as personal lifestyle choices like a diet high in calories but low in nutrients. Despite advances in pharmaceutical tre...

Compounds for Improved Psychological and Resilience Measures Associated with Physical Activity (UCLA Case No. 2022-272)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 16:40:20 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Medicine have identified microbiome and metabolic markers associated with high physical activity in an obese population, leading to possible therapies that may provide the positive effects of physical activity. BACKGROUND: It is known that physical activity has a multitude of beneficial effects on health. On the other hand, a lack of physical activity leads to obesity and associated adverse health outcomes. While many of the positive effects of physical activity have been identified, the mechanisms by which physical activity leads to each of these effe...

Novel Strategy to Produce Bi-specific Chimeric Antigen Receptors (UCLA Case No. 2024-169)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 13:17:52 GMT

Researchers in the Department of Medicine and the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics have created novel bi-specific chimeric antigen receptors. BACKGROUND: Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are synthetic receptors engineered to redirect T cells towards specific targets on other cells, typically using a single chain antibody. These CAR-T cells have revolutionized treatment for B cell-based cancers by genetically modifying T cells to attack cancerous B cells. However, there are instances when having bi-specific CAR (BSCAR) CAR-T cells would be advantageous. For exampl...

An Alternative T Cell Redirecting Bispecific Antibody Against Human Cytomegalovirus (UCLA Case No. 2024-198)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 13:12:35 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Microbiology Immunology and Molecular Genetics have created a novel T cell redirecting bispecific antibody (TRBA) for treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. BACKGROUND: The human cytomegalovirus (CMV) has a seroprevalence of about 60% in the USA and nearly 100% of the population in some parts of the world. Infections in healthy individuals are lifelong and typically immunologically contained and asymptomatic. However, immunocompromised individuals and perinatally infected individuals can develop severe disseminated infections with high morbidity an...

Urine-Based Diagnostics for Prostate Cancer (UCLA Case No. 2023-302)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 15:39:54 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Human Genetics have developed a urine-based method for non-invasive prostate cancer diagnosis. By quantifying secreted and extracellular vesicles proteomes from urine, they identified protein biomarkers that enable accurate diagnosis and risk stratification of prostate cancer, outperforming the current PSA test. BACKGROUND: Non-invasive early diagnosis of prostate cancer is crucial for improving treatment and survival outcomes in patients. Current blood-based screening methods, like prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests, can result in false positives or n...

Small Molecules that Inhibit RNA Binding Protein IGF2BP3 in Cancer (UCLA Case No. 2023-215)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 15:24:52 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine have developed small molecules which inhibits the protein IGF2BP3, a highly expressed oncofetal protein in certain cancers, especially in B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia. BACKGROUND: Cancer remains the second leading cause of death in the U.S. Advancements in targeted therapies in which cancer cells are specifically targeted, in contrast to chemotherapy which kills any rapidly dividing cell, have improved patient prognosis in various cancers. However, the largest challenge in therapeutic development is identifying a suitab...

Method for Accurate Phase Measurement of Non-Coherent Signal (Case No. 2024-191)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 08:27:38 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers led by Associate Professor Aydin Babakhani have developed a novel silicon chip component that enables rapid data transmission at high power efficiencies. Background: Orbital angular momentum (OAM) has garnered significant attention recently as a novel dimension for electromagnetic signal transmission. Exploiting the inherent orthogonality of OAM waves enables multi-channel wireless communication, as these modes are independent of one another and do not interfere or overlap when they are properly separated and detected. This method of wireless transmission ha...

Methods To Predict the Efficacy of Neoadjuvant Anti-PD-1 Therapy in Resectable Oral-Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Target Post-Surgical Relapses (UCLA Case No. 2022-039)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 14:58:30 GMT

UCLA researchers in the School of Medicine have developed a novel therapeutic strategy to improve prognosis of resectable head and neck cancer patients based on clinical studies. BACKGROUND: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is an aggressive and recurrent cancer, ranked sixth among common epithelial malignancies worldwide. Over a third of patients, especially those with HPV-negative HNSCC, relapse despite intensive postoperative (adjuvant) chemoradiotherapy. With the advancement of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy, such as nivolumab or pembrolizumab, physicians have improved th...

Augmented/Virtual Reality Technology Portfolio

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 13:59:55 GMT

Enhanced Eyebox Expansion for Maxwellian View AR Displays (Case No. 2024-163) Augmented reality (AR) waveguide displays have revolutionized the way users can interact with virtual content overlaid in the real world. High quality, responsive AR systems have diverse applications that can revolutionize industries ranging from education, healthcare, industrial training, and gaming. AR system development has been focused on the quality and adaptability of the “eyebox” region, where users can observe virtual images with high clarity and brightness. Maxwellian view displays, standard opt...

Advanced Materials for Energy Efficiency and Smart Surface Applications

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 09:59:02 GMT

Transparent Semicrystalline Copolymer (Case No. 2024-267) UCLA researchers in the department of materials science and engineering have developed an innovative thermo-responsive, phase-changing copolymer for smart window applications. This transparent, semicrystalline copolymer is composed of a majority highly crystalline co-monomer and a non-compatible minority co-monomer, forming a transparent copolymer that remains clear at elevated temperatures. This innovative copolymer has the ability to transition to a scattered state at elevated temperatures, subsequently mitigating solar heat ga...

Yori Modular Automated Kitchen System (Case No. 2024-110)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 13:52:54 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed an automated robotic kitchen system capable of performing a wide variety of cooking tasks. Background: Traditional cooking robots have aided the automation of specific kitchen-related tasks, yet existing technologies suffer from several limitations. These include the use of computationally complex manipulators with multiple degrees of freedom to mimic human arm movements, which impede real-time performance. And many systems are designed to carry out a single specific task, which hinders the...

Interferon Activation Score Is a Biomarker for Immunotherapy in Malignant Glioma Patients (UCLA Case No. 2024-043)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 15:31:05 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Neurosurgery have characterized immune responses in malignant glioma patients receiving immunotherapy to develop a robust biomarker that will allow prediction of clinical outcomes following treatment. BACKGROUND: Malignant gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors in adults. No cures exist and most gliomas have high mortality rates. Standard of care therapies are toxic and have not been able to substantially improve long-term health outcomes for patients. Current immunotherapies exhibit varied response rates. Thus, next steps in treating this dis...

Synthesis of Heteroatom Containing Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (Case No. 2019-232)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 14:56:32 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry have developed an approach for synthesizing nitrogen-containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with high yield. Background: There is a widespread use of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds in small-molecule pharmaceutical intermediates. There is also a growing need for new organic compounds with interesting photophysical properties, particularly for their application in electronic devices such as OLEDs. Heterocyclic compounds, especially those including nitrogen, have been studied extensively i...

AI-Powered Technology for Safe and Smart Charging of Li-Ion Batteries (Case No. 2024-209)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 09:37:03 GMT

Summary: Researchers in the UCLA Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering have developed a new battery management system to improve lithium-ion battery lifetimes. Background: Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are crucial for powering many modern devices, from smartphones to electric vehicles due to their high energy density, long life cycle, and rechargeability. Over time, Li-ion batteries degrade, reducing performance and posing safety risks. Regular monitoring of the battery during its operational lifetime is critical, as fine-tuning the rate of charge and discharge can substanti...

2012-038 Improved Programmable Logic Circuit Architecture Using Resistive Memory Elements

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 16:03:22 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers have designed a novel FPGA architecture using resistive memory elements, which saves area and increases speed without changing architectural functions by allowing the interconnects to be entirely fabricated over the logic blocks. Background: A field-programmable gate array (FPGA) is known as an attractive alternative to application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) due to its shorter design cycle and lower engineering cost. In an FPGA-based system, a design is mapped to reconfigurable logic elements and a hierarchy of reconfigurable interconnects that allow th...

Oleate-Mediated Enhancement of Human Natural Killer Cell Function (UCLA Case No. 2024-180)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 15:00:44 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics have discovered a novel approach to boost natural killer cell function through fatty acid supplementation. BACKGROUND: Natural killer (NK) cells are part of the body’s defense system that hunts down and kills cells that are infected by viruses or have become cancerous. People lacking functional NK cells are more vulnerable to viruses, sometimes leading to early death from widespread infection. In humans, different types of NK cells have varying abilities to produce IFN-gamma and kill infected cells. Un...

Identification of a Factor That Rescues Dysregulated Endocytosis in Cultured Human Hematopoietic Stem Cells (UCLA Case No. 2023-051)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 13:27:47 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Departments of Molecular, Cell & Developmental Biology have developed a novel method to enhance the function of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to improve the transplantability of ex vivo expanded human HSCs in clinical settings. BACKGROUND: Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), present in blood and bone marrow, can form mature blood cells, including red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells. These cells are used in bone marrow transplants (BMT) to replace or rebuild a patient's hematopoietic system. According to the FDA, there are over 75 diseases afflictin...

Transparent Semicrystalline Copolymer (Case No. 2024-267)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 13:14:52 GMT

Summary: Researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at UCLA have developed a thermally responsive transparent semicrystalline copolymer for smart windows. Background: Solar heat gain and heat loss from windows lead to significant increases in energy consumption. Current insulation techniques, such as double and triple-pane glass, have been widely adopted, but are not sufficient for energy optimization. As a result of poor temperature control from insulation issues, there is an increased demand for energy efficient window options. Smart windows are an attractive optio...

A Novel “Host-Guest”-Based Supramolecular Hydrogel for Dental Pulp Regeneration (Case No. 2023-154)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 13:42:08 GMT

Summary: Researchers in the Department of Dentistry at UCLA have developed an innovative hydrogel for a vast array of biomedical and tissue engineering applications. Background: Hydrogels have emerged as powerful tools in biomedical engineering due to their ability to provide a supportive environment for cell growth, tissue repair, and drug delivery. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex, dynamic network that regulates various cellular activities, such as migration, proliferation, and differentiation, all of which are essential for tissue regeneration. However, most current hydr...

An Insertable Glucose Sensor Using a Compact and Cost-Effective Phosphorescence Lifetime Imager and Machine Learning (Case No. 2024-260)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 08:10:24 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering have developed a new phosphorescence lifetime imaging (PLI) and deep learning based continuous glucose monitoring platform with improved accuracy. Background: Glucose is a biomarker for diabetes, a chronic disease that affects over 450 million people globally. Close monitoring of glucose levels is essential to prevent hypo- and hyperglycemic events, which can cause severe health complications, including ketoacidosis, kidney failure, and death. While conventional glucose monitoring relies on invasive ...

Methods to Improve Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-T Cell Efficacy Through Rational Sequence and Structural Modifications (UCLA Case No. 2020-497)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 16:17:02 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics have developed novel engineering methodologies for CAR molecules that overcome the tonic signaling process that leads to T cell exhaustion and poor therapy efficacy. Background: Immunotherapy has become a highly effective method to combat cancer that enhances a patient’s immune system to attack tumors with high specificity. One such immunotherapy utilizes chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells that recognize unique surface antigens of cancer cells. CAR therapy has found remarkable success in the tre...

Deep Learning Achieves Super-Resolution in Fluorescence Microscopy (Case No. 2018-739)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 16:11:14 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a novel high-speed and non-iterative approach of achieving super-resolution in fluorescence microscopy using deep learning. Background: Super-resolution microscopy such as structured illumination microscopy allows visualization of intricate details of cellular features and processes. These imaging modalities often require complex optics, specific fluorophores, labor-intensive experimental setup and extensive computational processing. Typical approaches of achieving super-resolution utilize a deterministic m...

Needle Guide and Holder for Percutaneous Access to Subcutaneous and Deep Tissue Targets (Case No. 2024-207)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 15:46:52 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Interventional Radiology have developed a device to secure a needle during image-guided, minimally-invasive procedures, mitigating unwanted migration between scans. Background: Minimally invasive procedures in medicine are becoming increasingly popular, taking the place of traditional open surgeries. These procedures involve percutaneous needle punctures to access subcutaneous and deeper tissues. Unlike traditional procedures, these often do not require large incisions, making them a preferred choice of the patients undergoing them. However, si...

Needle Clamp With Rolling Sphere (Case No. 2024-211)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 11:06:01 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers from the Department of Radiology have developed a novel needle-holding clamp for use during minimally invasive procedures. Background: Minimally invasive procedures are now widely used for diagnosing and treating subcutaneous and deep tissue targets. These procedures use percutaneous needle insertions rather than large incisions to access targets, and as such rely on image guidance for precise targeting of the intended tissues. Existing methods involve continuous monitoring through repeated imaging to ensure accurate targeting. These techniques use free-hand needle...

A Highly Elastic and Tough Hydrogel for Efficient Hemostasis and Closure of Injured Internal Organs in Emergency Healthcare (UCLA Case No. 2024-001)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 16:20:37 GMT

A research group at UCLA’s Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering designed a novel, customizable bioadhesive that can stop bleeding quickly and effectively in injured tissue. BACKGROUND: Traumatic injuries that involve excessive bleeding are a significant cause of mortality world-wide and account for as much as 40% of preventable fatalities. There is a growing emphasis on controlling injury-related bleeding through research and development in bioadhesives. Bioadhesives are substances or materials that bond living tissue together and are used in medical applications, such as ...

Anti-Inflammatory Drug Eluting Patches for Treatment of Ocular Injuries (UCLA Case No. 2022-156)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 16:03:54 GMT

UCLA researchers in Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering developed a visible light crosslinkable hydrogel-based drug delivery platform that can achieve sustainable release of anti-inflammatory drug molecules to address unmet need of drug bioavailability in ocular injury treatment. BACKGROUND: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that approximately 12 million people over the age of 40 in the United States have vision impairment. Ocular inflammations are commonly associated with eye diseases, injuries, and post-operative complications. Bacterial infection is a ma...

Inhibitors of the N-terminal Domain of the Androgen Receptor (UCLA Case No. 2023-075)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 12:37:06 GMT

Researchers at UCLA under the guidance of Drs. Matthew Rettig and Michael Jung have developed novel molecular compounds that reduce growth of prostate cancer cells. Dr. Jung in collaboration with Dr. Rettig have furthered the development of these compounds by synthesizing a new series of analogues that have similar inhibitory effects. BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men worldwide. Common treatment for prostate cancer includes hormone therapies like androgen deprivation therapy that reduce circulating levels of androgens to prevent androgen receptor ...

Control of Periprosthetic Joint Infections (Case No. 2021-334)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 08:56:58 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery have developed a non-invasive method to disrupt biofilms on orthopaedic implants and decrease the overall rate of infections. Background: Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains a serious complication in hip and knee arthroplasty, with skyrocketing revision rates across all orthopaedic implants. The effective treatment of PJI is crucial to the overall success of these implants. Infections occur when a protective biofilm is formed over the orthopaedic implant. This biofilm protects the bacteria from immune...

Dissecting Microbiota-Gut-Brain Interactions for the Anti-Seizure Effects of the Ketogenic Diet (UCLA Case No. 2025-006)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 17:23:42 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology have identified specific components of ketogenic diets that alter the microbiome and improve seizure resistance, providing valuable data to optimize diet treatments for refractory epilepsy. BACKGROUND: Refractory epilepsy, a disease characterized by uncontrolled seizures, is particularly hard to treat as this condition is resistant to antiepileptic drugs. Recently, the ketogenic diet, which is high in fats and low in carbohydrates, is used to treat refractory epilepsy in children. However, prescribed ketogenic diets ...

Nisin-Based Formulations for Oral and Systemic Conditions (UCLA Case Nos. 2023-133 and 2022-306)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 17:15:05 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Dentistry have found a novel use for nisin alone, and in formulations, for use in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple inflammation states such as brain inflammation, joint inflammation, oral inflammation, systemic inflammation, inflammatory bowel diseases, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). BACKGROUND: Nisin is an antimicrobial bacteriocin produced by some Lactococcus and Streptococcus gram-positive bacteria species. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that Nisin is a safe antimicrobial and has a low pot...

Synchronized Biventricular Heart Pacing Using Wirelessly Powered Leadless Pacemakers (Cases 2019-237 & 2020-401)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 15:33:42 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the department of electrical and computer engineering have developed a device for synchronized biventricular pacing. Background: Many patients with impaired cardiac function suffer from ventricular desynchrony, a condition that involves a lack of synchronization between the contractions of the left and right ventricles of the heart. Treatment requires cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Conventional CRT relies on multi-chamber pacing using implanted devices to restore cardiac function. This approach is limited by high non-responder rates due to complicati...

System for Tissue Identification During Robotic Surgery (Case No. 2020-822)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 11:25:13 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Departments of Urology and Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a smart haptic feedback invention to restore the sense of touch in robot-assisted surgical procedures. Background: Robot-assisted surgeries have seen significant growth in adoption, with approximately 99,000 procedures performed annually—a number that has steadily increased over the past decade. These advancements allow surgeons to enhance their capabilities beyond physical limitations by augmenting the human hand, providing minimally-invasive access with increase range of mo...

Compound Drug Delivery System (Case No. 2024-015)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 15:55:56 GMT

Summary: Researchers in UCLA’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery have developed novel multi-drug delivery system that is compatible with standard syringe-based administration routes. Background: Drug compounding is the process of combining two or more medications to meet the needs of individual patients. Surgeons may mix different anesthetics and anti-inflammatory drugs tailored to specific procedures and patients. However, certain state guidelines have recently been revised such that only physicians, not medical assistants or nurses, can compound drugs. In practice, this means physi...

Copyright: Large Language Models for Electronic Health Records (Case No. 2024-216)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 09:38:19 GMT

Intro Sentence: UCLA researchers from the Department of Computational Medicine have developed a novel model for tabulating electronic health records. Background: Electronic Health Records (EHR) provide healthcare systems with insights into health histories. Machine learning models have been developed to use EHR for inference tasks based on specific diagnosis and prognosis. Existing models require pre-training using large and diverse datasets to achieve complex tasks. The widespread adoption of these models across different domains is limited by the tabular form of EHR data and the inacces...

Liquid Metal Printing Technique via Optical Maskless Lithography (Case No. 2024-031)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 16:13:37 GMT

Summary: Researchers in the UCLA Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed a facile, rapid method to print soft, wearable electronics. Background: Soft electrical circuits have garnered significant interest in a broad range of emerging technologies, including wearable electronics, brain-machine interfaces, and soft robotics. A common method of producing them is screen printing, which requires physical masks to be fabricated first. Other popular methods rely on prepatterned structures (mask, mold or pattern solid metal) for liquid metal printing, which can require consi...

Comprehensive and Individualized Menopause Care Delivery Protocol With Technological Decision Support Aid (Case No. 2024-193)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 15:51:34 GMT

Summary: Researchers in the UCLA Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology have developed a new clinical decision support system for improved menopause care. Background: Each year, approximately 1.3 million women in the United States enter menopause. This is often accompanied by symptoms such as hot flashes, mood changes, and sleep issues. In addition, other health conditions can arise during menopause, including bone density loss, cardiovascular diseases, and genitourinary issues. The wide range of specialties that menopause complications fall under can complicate patient access to proper m...

A Tissue-Like Multimodal Neural Probe (Case No. 2024-108)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 12:06:24 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed a novel self-softening and biocompatible polymer to be used in a neural probe. Background: Implantable bioelectronics are revolutionizing the diagnosis and treatment of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. Compared with noninvasive approaches, implanted neural interfaces can record signals and control brain activity with greater precision in the location of recording and maintain this accuracy over an extended period. However, there is a significant challenge from the mechanical sti...

Stimulation of Parvalbumin Neurons to Enhance Recovery After Stroke (UCLA Case No. 2024-131)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 15:29:04 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Neurology have discovered a molecular compound that promotes activation of parvalbumin neurons in the brain, enhancing behavioral recovery after stroke. BACKGROUND: Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 15 million people suffer from stroke each year, with nearly 5 million deaths and another 5 million patients left permanently disabled. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrie...

Functional Enrichment and Purification of a Therapeutically Superior Population of Cells (Case No. 2024-024)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 14:08:18 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Departments of Bioengineering and Biological Chemistry have developed a method for identifying and enriching therapeutically useful cell sub-populations based on their secretions (SEC-seq). Background: Cell function is defined by a myriad of biomolecules that they secrete; over 3 thousand proteins are estimated to be secreted by human cells, spanning a diversity of critical functions. Currently, there are no available scalable methods to link individual cell secretions over time to their transcriptional state. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been...

Cutting Needle Holder (Case No. 2024-120)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 14:18:47 GMT

Intro Sentence: Researchers from the UCLA Jules Stein Eye Institute have developed a novel multi-use surgical instrument for improved oculoplastic surgical outcomes. Background: Oculoplastic surgeries are very common in the United States, with approximately 325,000 blepharoplasties alone performed annually. Suturing during this procedure requires several separate instruments, including a needle holder, forceps and scissors. As the surgeon swaps instruments to perform suturing, surgical flow may be disrupted. This often necessitates a surgical assistant, increasing operative time, cos...

Augmentations to Lentiviral Vectors to Increase Expression (UCLA Case No. 2019-616)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 16:57:47 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics have developed a novel method to produce short lentiviral vectors with tissue-specific expression, with a primary focus on lentiviral vectors for treating sickle cell disease and other disorders of hemoglobin. BACKGROUND: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most common monogenic disorders worldwide and is a major cause of morbidity and early mortality. SCD is cause by a single amino acid change in β-globin which leads to hemoglobin polymerization and red blood cell sickling. Although SC...

MEDREX (Case No. 2024-244)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 12:54:54 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers have developed a new software package to reconcile medication lists between different electronic health records. Background: Reconciliation is a crucial process that ensures patients’ medication lists are accurate. Transitioning between facilities using different electronic health record (EHR) systems can exacerbate this risk. Drug lists are typically cross-checked and reconciled manually, which is tedious and error-prone. To mitigate and prevent avoidable medical emergencies and improve patient outcomes, there is an urgent need to develop user-friendly softw...

A Novel Device for Minimally Invasive Tubal Sterilization for Women (Case No. 2023-262)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 12:26:19 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers from the Department of Radiological Sciences have developed a novel device for minimally invasive tubal sterilization, improving upon existing contraception methods. Background: Tubal sterilization is commonly used as a method of permanent female contraception, as approximately 700,000 American women undergo this procedure each year. Traditional approaches to tubal sterilization rely on invasive surgery in which the fallopian tubes are either cut, cauterized, or clipped. These existing methods are also hindered by several limitations, including the need for ...

Squeezed Light Field Microscopy (SLIM) (Case No. 2024-153)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 14:27:57 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a computational imaging method that enables detection of 3D light signals using only a single camera sensor area for optimized surgical visualization. Background: Surgical procedures necessitate high precision imaging, especially when targeting specific anatomical structures. Current preoperative planning includes imaging from MRI, CT and ultrasound scans. These images may not reflect the dynamic changes that occur during the surgery, which can result in a technician's reliance on visual cues and feedback. This...

Feedback-Free Relays for Future 5G, 6G and mmWave Networks (Case No. 2024-188)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 12:44:00 GMT

Summary: Researchers in the Department of Computer Science have developed a novel relay system to increase the range of 5G and 6G wireless networks. Background: Advances in high-speed computing have created emerging technologies like telesurgery, robotic automation, and augmented reality that have wide-ranging applications in many fields. These applications require wireless network systems that can transfer massive amounts of data very quickly to be practical. While 5G communication networks have been used successfully in these applications, they will not be able to scale with the data tra...

Artificial Neural Network Train-Time Poison Defense via Energy-Based Model Dynamics Sampling (Case No. 2024-199)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 12:46:03 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a novel preprocessing algorithm to purify imperceptibly poisoned training datasets that may lead to misclassification and maintain image quality. Background: Large datasets are important for the effectiveness of machine learning models, serving as the main tool for the training of algorithms. Unfortunately, even a small number of poisoned images covertly inserted into these sets can cause significant harm and result in misclassifications and compromised integrity of the entire model. Thes...

Salivary Exosome (NSEV) Analysis to Elucidate Intercellular Signaling Events that Precede Pilot Fatigue (UCLA Case No. 2021-172)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 15:19:51 GMT

Researchers at UCLA’s Department of Neurology and Drug Discovery Lab have identified a novel set of biomarkers that change based on levels of Cognitive Fatigue (CF). These biomarkers can be used to non-invasively predict and assess levels of cognitive fatigue. BACKGROUND: Cognitive fatigue (CF) is an important factor in the efficiency and safety of performance-dependent tasks. CF-associated changes in overall physical state, reflect alterations in both cell signaling processes and biochemistry. It is postulated that the degree of CF experienced by an individual may be reflected by bioma...

Novel Host-Directed Therapeutic Agent to Cure Infectious Diseases (UCLA Case No. 2023-079)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 17:53:04 GMT

UCLA researchers in Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, in collaboration with Hannover Medical School in Germany, have developed a host-directed therapeutic agent targeting mammalian deoxycytidine kinase to prevent, treat, and even cure any local and systemic infectious diseases in human and animal hosts. BACKGROUND: Many clinically relevant bacterial pathogens have already developed resistance mechanisms against the most common and even last-resort drugs employed today. Hospital- and community-acquired infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens r...

A Self-Assembled Implantable Microtubular Pacemaker for Wireless Cardiac Electrotherapy (Case No. 2024-059)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 14:05:13 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a novel implantable microtubular pacemaker for reliable and comfortable pacing for patients with arrythmias. Background: Cardiac pacemakers are essential devices used to manage abnormal heart rhythms, or arrythmias, by sending electrical pulses to prompt the heart to beat at a regular pace. Traditional pacemakers, however, have several drawbacks. They require invasive surgery to implant and connect wires to the heart, which can sometimes lead to complications like infections, wire dislodgement, and mechanical strai...

Deep Neural Networks for Real-Time Non-invasive Continuous Peripheral Oxygen Saturation Monitoring (Case No. 2024-227)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 11:49:07 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Anesthesiology have developed a novel pulse oximetry methodology utilizing deep neural networks for non-invasive monitoring. Background: In the US alone, over 5 million patients are admitted to the ICU for oxygen saturation monitoring. They, as well as the more than 15 million patients undergoing surgery, require continuous blood oxygen saturation monitoring to ensure positive outcomes. Pulse oximetry is the medical standard for continuous, noninvasive measurement of peripheral arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2). Recently, concerns about t...

Intraoperative Deep Learning Model for Imputation of the Continuous Central Venous Pressure (CVP) and Pulmonary Arterial Pressure (PAP) Waveforms From (Case No. 2024-224)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 15:31:21 GMT

Summary: Researchers in the UCLA Department of Anesthesiology have developed a deep learning model to accurately represent and visualize hemodynamic waveforms, or blood flow patterns, with minimally invasive approaches. Background: Swan-Ganz (SG) catheters are used for precise cardiac hemodynamic evaluations. Indicated for patients with severe cardiopulmonary disease undergoing high risk surgery, the catheter is often inserted through the jugular or subclavian vein to access the pulmonary artery. However, this placement is invasive, has risk of complications, and lacks survival...

Affinity and Functional Based Screening of T Cell Receptor Repertoire Using Nanovials (Case No. 2024-042)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 08:58:44 GMT

Summary: Researchers in the Department of Bioengineering at UCLA have developed a hydrogel platform that measures single T cell secretions, aiding in the definition of T cell receptor repertoires for functional immunotherapy applications. Background: T cell immunotherapies, namely T cell receptor (TCR) therapies, have emerged as promising candidates for next-generation cancer treatments. TCR therapies can reach intracellular targets that present early in the cancer’s progression; however, they must be personalized to each patient by matching the T cells to antigens on the targeted cel...

A Method and System for Pre-processing Medical Images (Case No. 2024-177)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 14:09:26 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a novel pre-processing computer algorithm for automated medical imaging. Background: The integration of machine learning and artificial intelligence into medical imaging applications offers significant potential to automate the diagnosis of various disease and conditions. Despite these advancements, a significant challenge persists – managing the variability in imaging data, which can greatly affect the performance of diagnostic algorithms. This variability can arise from difference...

Low-Latency Trellis Decoder (Case No. 2024-171)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 19:38:46 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers have developed a new algorithm to rapidly decode transmitted data packets with low latency. Background: Convolutional codes (CCs) are used extensively in wireless communication systems to improve data transmission reliability over noisy signals. CCs must be decoded following transmission to be accurately interpreted by receiving computer systems. The Viterbi Algorithm is the standard mathematical method to decode these messages, however, it is not efficient enough for ultra-low latency applications. Ultra-low latency applications are networks that are designed to p...

Small Molecule Humanin Mimetics and Enhancers That Normalize Neuronal p-AKT as Novel Therapeutics for Alzheimer's Disease (UCLA Case No. 2023-230)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 17:32:35 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Neurology have discovered novel small molecule humanin mimetics for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other chronic conditions with dysregulated p-Akt. BACKGROUND: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia accounting for 60-70% of all cases. Nearly 7 million Americans are living with AD today. AD patient brain tissues are characterized by the presence of plaques largely composed of amyloid- β (Aβ). The current standard of care for AD patients includes drugs targeting glutamate receptors that modestly slow cogn...

Automated Biomarker Prediction Using Optical Coherence Tomography (Case No. 2020-467)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 13:41:39 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Computational Medicine have developed a computer program capable of automatically and accurately diagnosing optical diseases using OCT. Background: Optical diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), are serious issues that, if left untreated, can result in partial and even complete blindness. Current diagnosis methods are time consuming and expensive as specially trained physicians are needed to perform and analyze the eye exam results. This leads to both longer diagnosis times and incomplete diagnoses as there may have been un...

A Bistable Deformable Tactile Responsive Material and Device (Case No. 2024-202)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 14:42:31 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed a novel electroactive polymer membrane composition for interactive tactile interfaces. Background: Interactive tactile interfaces are soft actuators with diverse applications in medical and surgical training, actively deformable apparel, refreshable Braille displays, and more. Soft actuators generally operate by converting input stimuli into useful mechanical outputs. Phase change materials (PCMs) are an attractive component of actuation systems as they can display shape memory with actuation st...

Dual List Decoding (Case No. 2024-172)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 11:08:33 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers have developed a parallel list decoding algorithm to rapidly improve wireless communication data processing. Reference: Dual List Decoding (Case No. 2024-172) Background: Convolutional codes (CCs) are used extensively in wireless communication systems to improve data transmission reliability over noisy signals. During transmission, data is combined using generator polynomials to produce an encoded output sequence, including redundant segments to assist with error detection at the receiver. The Viterbi Algorithm is commonly used to decode these received CC...

High-Throughput Cargo Delivery Into Live Cells Using Photothermal Platforms (Case No. 2013-158)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 09:47:31 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical Engineering have developed a photothermal platform for precisely opening a cell membrane to deliver cargo into cells. Title: High-Throughput Cargo Delivery Into Live Cells Using Photothermal Platforms Background: Transferring cargo like proteins, nucleotides and particles into cells is valuable in various fields of biology from synthetic biology to clinical therapies. However, it is difficult to achieve controlled cutting of fragile, elastic, and rapidly healing mammalian cell membranes, hindering this process.. Often, the freq...

Electrically Gated Solid-State Molecular Thermal Transistor (Case No. 2024-099)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 14:46:07 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers have introduced a solid-state thermal transistor that achieves groundbreaking performance and facilitates improved heat flow manipulation. Background: The forefront of thermal management is marked by the exploration of molecular thermal transistors, driven by the quest for more efficient electronic devices. Researchers are actively engaged in manipulating heat flow at the molecular level, envisioning a molecular thermal transistor like its electronic counterpart. This revolutionary concept involves modulating a material's thermal conductance through external st...

Surgical Mesh Permanent Implant (Case No. 2023-109)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 17:07:26 GMT

Summary: UCLA Researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) that exhibits promising biocompatibility and mechanical properties that can be used as a long-term treatment for medical conditions requiring surgical mesh devices. Background: Surgical mesh devices are medical devices used to provide additional support to weakened tissue or organs, commonly in the abdominal wall or pelvic floor. They are commonly required after debulking surgeries and other clinical challenges involving volumetric muscle loss, tissue laxity, or organ pro...

Identifying Desirable T Lymphocytes by Change in Mass Responses (Case No. 2013-183)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 14:05:04 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers from the Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine have developed a novel method for the identification of T lymphocytes using live cell interferometry Background: The identification of T cell receptors (TCRs) that are specific to antigens is crucial for advancing various immunotherapies. Existing methods of characterizing TCRs suffer from several challenges, including the low frequency and low affinity of receptors that target self-antigens and the limited availability of tissue samples from patients. Traditional techniques for characterizing T cell re...

Compounds and Methods for Treating Cancer by Destroying Cancer Stem Cells (UCLA Case No. 2021-286)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 12:24:08 GMT

Researchers from UCLA’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Department of Radiation Oncology have synthesized a set of compounds for the eradication of cancer stem cells. These compounds are predicted to cross the blood brain barrier and show promise as effective interventions for glioblastoma in both in vitro and in vivo assays. BACKGROUND: With 12,000 cases diagnosed in the United States each year, glioblastoma is the most common primary brain cancer found in adults. Because of its aggressive nature and site of origin behind the blood brain barrier (BBB), treatment ...

Methods and Compositions for Treating Melanoma (UCLA Case No. 2021-324)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 16:29:31 GMT

The Graeber Laboratory at UCLA discovered a novel mechanism for treating melanoma using ferroptosis, a type of programmed cell death, that shows promise against therapy resistance. BACKGROUND: Melanoma is a highly aggressive skin cancer that spreads throughout the body and can be fatal if left untreated. Therapies for melanoma range from immunotherapy to more targeted drug therapies, such as BRAF inhibitors, that target mutated proteins involved in cancer cell proliferation. Treatment for melanoma, however, still poses significant challenges due to its propensity for therapy resistanc...

Temporal Transcriptomic Characterization of Small Cell Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancer (UCLA Case No. 2023-268)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 16:21:49 GMT

The laboratory of Dr. Thomas Graeber at UCLA developed a novel in vivo model that can characterize mechanisms of the trans-differentiation of prostate cancer into small cell neuroendocrine cancer. BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men worldwide, with an estimated 288,300 new cases in the U.S. last year. Among many reasons, cancer is difficult to treat because cancer cells are remarkably plastic, adaptive, and can evolve to form resistance over time to treatments, such as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), a common treatment for prostate cancer. In some cases...

Multi-Phasic Therapeutic Delivery System (UCLA Case No. 2020-396)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 15:47:49 GMT

Researchers in the Department of Radiological Sciences at UCLA have conceived a new methodology to overcome obstacles arising after the treatment of tumors by accessing their vascular supply by 1) targeting tumor vessels 2) delivering antineoplastic agents (e.g., chemotherapy or immunotherapy) and 3) delivering anti-angiogenic therapy to reduce blood vessel growth in a temporally controlled fashion. BACKGROUND: Developments in interventional radiology have stimulated new image-guided strategies to target diseases during the last few decades. Imaging can guide the successful targeting of tumo...

Bringing Millimeter Wave Technology to Any IOT Device (Case No. 2023-280)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 13:19:11 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Computer Science have developed a novel method of enabling any existing Internet of Things (IoT) device to operate at higher frequencies of the wireless spectrum. Background: The growing presence of smart devices that can communicate, sense, and process data places demands on current wireless networks. As IoT connectivity grows, more and more devices must connect to the wireless spectrum. These devices currently operate at lower frequency bands, causing strain resulting from the lack of critical benefits of higher frequency bands, such as high...

All-Optical Phase Conjugation Using Diffractive Wavefront Processing (Case No. 2024-104)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 13:14:51 GMT

Intro Sentence: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a novel method for all-optical phase conjugation to correct phase aberrations for various applications, including laser beam focusing and optical communications. Background: Distortion of wavefronts causes deviation from its ideal shape through propagation, often causing blurring, reduced image quality, aberrations, and reduced signal intensity. Optical phase conjugation is a method that can reverse these distortions, restoring the initial quality and information of the wavefront. Ther...

Chee Wei Wong Technology Portfolio

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 16:23:01 GMT

Parametrically Driven Intertial Sensing in Chip-Scale Optomechanical Cavities at the Thermodynamical Limits with Extended Dynamic Range (Case No. 2023-282) UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a novel optomechanical accelerometer system with an integrated optical feedback system. This accelerometer is comprised of an optical oscillator acting on a mechanical oscillator. The radiation pressure of an integrated laser drives the mechanical system into oscillation, allowing for significant improvements in measurement sensitivity and dynamic rang...

Discovering Permanent Fluidic Magnets for Liquid Bioelectronics (Case No. 2024-083)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 14:32:16 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers from the Department of Bioengineering have developed a permanent fluidic magnet that maintains stable colloids for application in a variety of fields, including physiological monitoring and bioelectronics. Background: Colloid suspensions are comprised of dispersed small solid particles in fluids. The stability of a colloid suspension depends on the interplay between the downward gravitational pull on the particles and Brownian motion, the random movement of small particles suspended in fluid. Ferrofluids are magnetic fluids that are stable colloid suspensions as l...

Engineered T Cells Capable of Simultaneous Tumor Targeting and Alteration of Tumor Microenvironment Through Vasculature Normalization (UCLA Case No. 2023-264)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 14:09:53 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics have built a series of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells that target different antigens and secrete different anti-angiogenic proteins. Additionally, researchers also constructed bispecific CARs that respond to tumor antigen and pro-angiogenic molecules. BACKGROUND: The adoptive transfer of CAR-T cells has shown robust clinical efficacy for B-cell malignancies but lacks efficacy for solid tumors. In contrast to hematological cancers, solid tumors are often characterized by highly immunosuppressive tumo...

Targeting Serotonin Transporter (SERT) for Cancer Immunotherapy (UCLA Case No. 2024-204)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 14:24:26 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Microbiology Immunology and Molecular Genetics have unveiled a novel therapeutic strategy utilizing SSRIs for solid cancer immunotherapy. BACKGROUND: Immunotherapy has become a highly effective method to combat cancer that enhances a patient’s immune system to attack tumors with high specificity. For instance, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) therapy is a type of cancer immunotherapy that targets immune system components in order to reactivate immune cells to combat tumor cells. Despite the various FDA-approved therapies, a common challenge in ICI...

Human Glioblastoma Model (UCLA Case No. 2023-273/2024-151)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 14:13:53 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Biological Chemistry have developed a novel method to study glioblastoma using human brain organoids. BACKGROUND: The National Institutes of Health defines glioblastoma as the most malignant and pervasive subtype of glioma, or glial-based cancer, and report that it is the most common primary brain tumor in adults. Glioblastomas are an aggressive cancer form that oftenrecur after surgery. Glioblastoma cells can migrate through brain tissue to distant regions outside of the tumor. The current methods for studying glioblastomas need to be improved in or...

Synthetic Lethality of IR with ABBV-155 in Glioblastoma (GBM) (UCLA Case No. 2021-232)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 14:05:46 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology have discovered that irradiation therapy can be combined with an antibody drug conjugate to form a novel therapeutic strategy to treat and extend survival of glioblastoma patients. BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma (GBM) is a fast-growing and aggressive brain tumor. The National Brain Tumor Society estimated that over 14,000 people in the United States received a GBM diagnosis in 2023. GBM’s account for an estimated 50% of all primary malignant brain tumors and survival is poor, with only a 40% survival rate after the firs...

Zeolite Imidazole Framework-8 (Zif-8)-Based Osteoinductive and Inflammation-Inhibitory Coating for Dental Implants (Case No. 2023-141)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 11:21:50 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers from the School of Dentistry have developed zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) nanoparticles-based implant coating system for the controlled release of therapeutics. Background: One of the most significant advancements in clinical dentistry over the past four decades is the development of osteointegrated dental implants. These implants have become a routine and reliable solution for replacing teeth in both completely and partially edentulous patients. Various surface modifications have been explored to enhance therapeutic effects, with implants designe...

Topological Qubits Based on Square-Root Graphene Nanoribbons Induced by Electric Fields (Case No. 2024-192)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 17:39:16 GMT

Summary: Researchers in the Physical Sciences Division and Electrical and Computer Engineering Department have developed a new class of graphene nanomaterial that can be tuned by electric fields. Background: Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) are narrow strips of graphene, which is a two-dimensional material composed of a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a lattice structure. Only a few nanometers wide, GNRs have unique properties that distinguish them from graphene sheets and carbon nanotubes. For example, GNRs can display semiconducting behavior and their electronic properties can be tun...

Efficient Stochastic Compute-In-Memory Circuit for Multi-Level OR Accumulation (Case No. 2024-122)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 14:27:57 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a novel computational hardware that combines stochastic computing with compute-in-memory techniques that improves speed and computational efficiency. Background: In recent years, the need for advanced computational technologies has surged, driven by applications requiring intensive data processing such as machine learning and deep neural networks. Stochastic computing (SC) is attractive for neural network acceleration as it requires less space than traditional methods. This is because the hardw...

Deep Learning-Enhanced Paper-Based Vertical Flow Assay for High-Sensitivity Troponin Detection Using Nanoparticle Amplification (Case No. 2024-179)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 10:01:49 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers from the Departments of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Bioengineering have developed a novel assay for point-of-care testing for acute myocardial infarction. Background: Cardiovascular diseases are responsible for a substantial number of deaths and economic burdens. Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is an event within the spectrum of cardiovascular disease that demands rapid and accurate diagnosis. AMI is commonly detected using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) assays, which quantify the blood levels of proteins associated with myocardi...

Portable, Lanyard Attachable Pill Popper Gadget (Case No. 2022-238)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 17:38:02 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers from the Department of Orthopedic Surgery have developed a portable gadget for handling medical packaging in the healthcare space. Background: Healthcare workers operate in a dynamic environment where they use a variety of medical supplies including gauze pads, pills, and face masks. Disposable supplies can be packaged in layers of plastic wrap, cardboard, and tamper-proof contraptions. Currently, there is no accepted standard for dealing with this wide array of packaging. As a result, nurses will frequently use their nails, keys, or other tools that may not ...

Flexible Electronics Technology Portfolio

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 30 May 2024 17:45:06 GMT

Speaking Without Vocal Folds Using Machine-Learning-Assisted Wearable Sensing-Actuation Systems (Case No. 2024-087) UCLA researchers led by Professor Jun Chen have created a lightweight, waterproof system proficient in generating speech without the use of vocal folds through lip-synching or regular speech. The device measures just 1.2 inches across, weighs 7.2 grams, has mechanical properties that mimic skin, and has high stretchability to ensure adhesion to the skin. The sensing component effectively captures extrinsic muscle movement across all three dimensions and converts them into high-f...

Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Derived From Dynamic Perfusion Imaging (Case No. 2023-126)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 30 May 2024 09:23:34 GMT

Intro Sentence: UCLA researchers in the Department of Radiology have developed a novel method for obtaining simultaneous perfusion and functional MRI data from a single MRI acquisition to improve the diagnosis, monitoring, and management of brain tumors and stroke. Background: Advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques are crucial for the diagnosis and management of neurological conditions. In brain tumor and stroke, for example, dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) perfusion MRI is performed with the use of contrast agents to quantify brain vascularity, blood flow, and other m...

A Scalable and Tunable Haptic Array Based on Dielectric Elastomer Actuators in a Patch-Like Form Factor (Case No. 2023-203)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 21 May 2024 16:55:05 GMT

Summary: Researchers at the Soft Materials Laboratory at UCLA developed a haptic array with high force displacement output in a patch-like, wearable form. Background: Virtual reality (VR) is advancing rapidly and projected to balloon as an industry to over $200 billion by 2029. The success of virtual and augmented reality (AR) is dependent on creating a truly immersive environment for the user. Creating realistic visual stimuli is possible, but other virtual senses remain stunted. Haptic feedback, for example, is a key component of immersion, providing tactile sensations to users, enabling ...

Intergrated Cavity Optomechanical Thermal Imaging Transducer (Case No. 2023-294)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 17 May 2024 14:29:56 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a novel transducer for integrated cavity optomechanical thermal imaging. Background: Measuring infrared (IR) radiation provides information across a range of scientific, industrial, and medical applications, and is widely used in thermography, medical imaging, and consumer electronics. Existing technologies for measuring IR radiation rely on either photon detection or thermal detection. Photon detectors use semiconducting materials that generate an electrical current when exposed to IR radia...

Quercetin as substrate for antiviral treatment against Hepatitis C virus infection (UCLA Case No. 2023-003)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 May 2024 23:41:04 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Pathology and Hematology have developed a novel antiviral treatment for Hepatitis C virus based on the metabolic modulating properties of dietary compound Quercetin. BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is responsible for 180 million infections worldwide and over 12,000 deaths in the U.S. each year. Despite most cases being asymptomatic, chronic infections can result in liver failure and liver cancer if left untreated. To date, there are no preventative vaccines for HCV infections. Antiviral therapeutics remain the most effective method to prevent HCV-ass...

Human T-Cell Receptors Targeting Tumor-Enhanced Splicing Epitopes on HLA-A for Small Cell Carcinoma (UCLA Case No. 2023-117)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 May 2024 23:06:53 GMT

UCLA Researchers in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Molecular Genetics have utilized their previously developed computational method (IRIS), to process and capture small cell carcinoma-specific RNA splicing events in small cell cancer. These events and associated epitopes were then used as the basis for generating new T cell receptors (TCRs) that can be utilized for targeting and form the basis of novel pan-small cell cancer therapies. BACKGROUND: Small cell carcinoma is a highly aggressive form of tumor commonly arising from epithelial cancers with no effective treatment....

Use of Dupilumab for Disseminated Fungal Infection (UCLA Case No. 2019-706)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 14 May 2024 13:19:38 GMT

BACKGROUND: Dupilumab, an immunomodulatory drug that blocks IL-4 signaling, is most commonly used to treat moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (a form of eczema) and asthma in both adults and adolescents. While fungal infections, such as coccidioidomycosis, can be potentially treated with immunomodulatory drugs, Dupilumab does not currently have an indication for fighting fungal infections. INNOVATION: UCLA researchers have identified a new indication for Dupilumab. An adolescent patient at Mattel UCLA Children's Hospital was successfully treated for the fungal ...

Dynamic Extension of the Eyebox for Maxwellian View AR Waveguides (Case No. 2024-163)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 14 May 2024 10:27:47 GMT

Summary: Researchers in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering have developed a new metasurface material that improves the size and resolution of augmented reality overlays. Background: Augmented reality (AR) waveguide displays have revolutionized the way users can interact with virtual content overlaid in the real world. High quality, responsive AR systems have diverse applications that can revolutionize industries ranging from education, healthcare, industrial training, and gaming. AR system development has been focused on the quality and adaptability of the...

Scalable Quantum Sensor Arrays (Case No. 2024-080)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 13 May 2024 16:13:07 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Physics have developed a scalable, multi-pixel quantum sensor capable of sensing vector signals, with utilities in various imaging modalities. Background: The sensor technology market is rapidly expanding, driven by increasing demands across various industries such as healthcare, automotive, and consumer electronics. Quantum sensing specifically is critical to maximizing high energy physics research capabilities. Existing technologies often struggle with limitations such as sensitivity, resolution, and scalability. Traditional sensors cannot al...

Object-Detecting Deep Learning for Multi-Event Electrochemical Data (Case No. 2024-088)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 May 2024 16:38:06 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry developed a custom-designed deep learning architecture for object detection and mechanisms classification to streamline the experimental design of cyclic voltammograms. Background: Cyclic voltammetry, a widely used electrochemical test, serves as a crucial tool in understanding chemical behaviors in various environments. By manipulating electron addition and removal, researchers instigate an electrochemical reaction, providing insights into how a chemical may respond. This information can be subsequently used to incor...

Development of Novel Compounds to Suppress Neuronal Stress and Cross the Blood Brain Barrier (UCLA Case No. 2021-165)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 May 2024 12:03:32 GMT

SUMMARY: An interdisciplinary group of UCLA researchers have developed and validated a library of compounds that alleviate symptoms of Rett Syndrome and hold enormous therapeutic potential for the long-term treatment of other intellectual disability syndromes. BACKGROUND: Intellectual disability (ID) affects more than 100 million people globally and imposes a heavy economic burden of $14.7 billion annually on families and health systems. IDs, including Rett syndrome, Down syndrome and fetal alcohol syndrome, are caused by mutations in epigenetic regulatory proteins. Recently the mutatio...

Endoscopy Device Enhancement (Case No. 2021-020)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 May 2024 10:17:47 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Gastroenterology have developed a novel addition to current endoscopes that enables dynamic, user-directed movement of the device’s distal tip for improved surgical outcomes. Background: Endoscopic procedures are integral to modern gastroenterology, among other procedural medical fields. While several technologically advanced tools have emerged in recent years to widen the scope of endoscopic procedures, the fundamental tool remains the same: a distal device connected to a long, straight wire that cannot be actively curved from outs...

Strategies to Detect, Prevent and Reverse Acquired Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Blockade Therapy (UCLA Case No. 2024-085)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 May 2024 00:33:50 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Medicine have uncovered novel mechanism of acquired resistance against immune checkpoint blockade therapy in melanoma patients. BACKGROUND: Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy is a type of cancer immunotherapy that targets immune system components in order to reactivate immune cells to combat tumor cells. Despite the various FDA-approved therapies, a common challenge in ICB therapies is delayed relapses after initial anti-tumor response. The frequencies of acquired resistance to ICB is generally higher in cancer types that respond to ICB therapy at ...

Sarcospan Antibodies for Biomedical Application (UCLA Case No. 2024-082)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 May 2024 00:25:26 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology have developed a set of novel and highly specific sarcospan antibodies for use in basic and translational research. BACKGROUND: Sarcospan (SSPN) is a broadly expressed cell surface 25 kDa transmembrane protein. SSPN is critical for the function of adhesion complexes in skeletal and cardiac muscle. For instance, loss of adhesion complex function results in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Studies have also shown that overexpression of SSPN can ameliorate skeletal muscle, cardiac, and respiratory dysfunction in DMD muri...

Nanocomposite Scintillators (Case No. 2024-126)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 May 2024 10:41:02 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed a novel nanocomposite material for high-efficiency radiation detection and monitoring. Background: Scintillators are materials that emit light when they absorb radiation, such as gamma rays or x-rays. The photons generated by the scintillators can be measured on external detectors like photomultiplier tubes or other photodetectors, enabling diverse applications in industrial radiation screening and medical imaging. Large gamma scintillators are used in industrial screening at ports of en...

Giant Second-Harmonic Generation in Bulk Monolayer MoS2 Thin Films (Case No. 2024-186)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 May 2024 09:32:04 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a method to control electron density in molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) thin films that can be used to improve optical material characteristics. Background: Second harmonic generation (SHG) is an optical process in which light interacts with a nonlinear material to generate waves with twice the frequency of the initial radiation. This technique is utilized in various applications, including optical microscopy and material characterization. The advancement of SHG methods depends on discovering and fa...

Method of Proficient Typing Using a Limited Number of Classes (Case No. 2024-063)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 06 May 2024 12:14:10 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a novel software algorithm to rapidly predict text using small keyboards for various applications, including mobile computing, gaming, and human-computer interactions. Background: Advancements in mobile computing have drastically changed everyday life and created more convenient, connected lifestyles. Mobile computing utilizes portable devices such as smartphones, tablets, and wearables, which are highly dependent on efficient communication schemes with its users. In the realm of typing,...

Full Spectrum Computer Vision for Photon Counting CT (Case No. 2024-058)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 06 May 2024 11:00:46 GMT

Summary: Researchers in the Department of Radiological Sciences have developed a machine learning algorithm that processes multispectral photon counting CT data for accurate medical imaging. Background: Photon counting computed tomography (PCCT) is a tremendous engineering advancement, enabling high resolution spectral imaging with myriad applications. As opposed to traditional CT imaging methods which use an energy integrating detector, PCCT uses detectors that count individual photons. The photon counting detectors can discriminate photons based on their energy levels, potentially ...

Preparation of Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) (Case No. 2023-172)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 03 May 2024 10:29:40 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry have developed a novel method to produce hexahydrocannabinols, which are derivatives of THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis. Background: As the cannabis industry evolves with changing legal and societal opinions, derivatives of the psychoactive components of marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), are garnering interest for both recreational and medicinal purposes. Several pharmaceutical derivatives of THC have been approved by the FDA to treat chronic pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and more conditions. W...

Speaking Without Vocal Folds Using Machine-Learning-Assisted Wearable Sensing-Actuation Systems (Case No. 2024-087)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 13:02:04 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a novel, machine learning-assisted wearable loudspeaker to capture and translate muscle movement into audible speech. Background: Dysphonia, or the impairment of voice production, is commonly caused by disorders of the vocal folds or postoperative recovery of laryngeal surgery and causes significant communication difficulties. It is estimated that 30% of people will suffer from a form of dysphonia during their lives. Current treatments include vocal therapy and surgery, after which a period of absolute voice rest ...

Extended-Range Stochastic Computing (Case No. 2022-300)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 15:33:42 GMT

Short description: Demand for deep-learning compute has continued to grow, as computation errors and accuracy issues remain among stochastic computing (SC) methods. In order to increase adoptability, proposed solutions have often been exchanged for loss of runtime or training performance. To address this issue of accuracy, Prof. Gupta et. al. proposes Range-Extended Stochastic Computing (REX-SC). This method increases SC computation accuracy without trading-off the performance level. REX-SC has been demonstrated to improve SC accuracy by 3-8%, reduce energy consumption by 3.6X, and improv...

A Wearable On-Eyelid Sensor Network for Vestibular-Ocular Reflex Assessment (Case No. 2023-166)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 10:48:38 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed an ultra-thin, self-powered, waterproof, biocompatible, and sensitive on-eyelid sensor network for wireless eye movement detection, enhancing vestibular diagnostics. Background: The human balance system relies on the interaction of the vestibular system with the visual and somatosensory systems. When disorders affect the vestibular organs in the inner ear, they can result in peripheral vertigo, characterized by feelings of spinning or dizziness. Roughly 40% of U.S. adults encounter vertigo, and approximately 80% of...

Kaposi Sarcoma Associated Herpesvirus Vaccine Development (UCLA Case Nos. 2023-038, 2025-045, 2025-9A2)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 13:04:24 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology have a novel discovery showing the potential benefit of engaging complement-mediated antibody functions in future KSHV vaccine development. BACKGROUND: Kaposi Sarcoma Associated Herpesvirus (KHSV) is the etiological agent for cancers such as Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) and primary effusion lymphoma. KHSV most frequently causes KS cancer. The American Cancer Society reports that KS develops from cells that line lymph or blood vessels and form colored blotches or tumors on the skin, called lesions, most commonly occurring in the l...

High Performance Composite Membranes (Case No. 2023-303)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 11:26:00 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering have developed a novel, compaction-resistant reverse osmosis membrane for desalination under high pressures. Background: Access to safe drinking water is of utmost importance for everyone, and by 2025 half of the world’s population will live in areas where demand for clean water outpaces supply. Reverse osmosis is a popular method for treating water from nearly any source to produce ultra-pure potable water. Depending on the quality of source water, extensive treatment may be necessary to generate clean...

Methods and Compositions for Modification of the HPRT Locus (UCLA Case No. 2013-570)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 18:54:45 GMT

UCLA researchers have developed a gene editing strategy and methodology based on nuclease-based insertion. BACKGROUND: Gene therapies are the forefront of therapeutic advancements for debilitating diseases. However, delivery and insertion of the therapeutic transgene are major hurdles that must be solved to effectively implement this technology. Current gene delivery methods involve substantial tradeoffs between safety, durability, and level of expression. For instance, AAV or plasmid-based systems are generally safe but have limited duration of expression in actively replicating ce...

A New ADC Architecture (Case No. 2023-276)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 12:02:38 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a novel analog-digital conversion (ADC) Architecture that achieves high-speed, high-resolution signal conversion with reduced power consumption and increased linearity. Background: High-speed, high-resolution analog-digital converters (ADCs) are what allow modern electronics to display real-world-derived signals, making them a necessity in communication systems and consumer devices. Contemporary ADCs struggle to achieve high-speed and high-resolution conversion simultaneously, especially when c...

Copyright: A Comprehensive Platform to Shorten the Period Required for Vaccine Clinical Trial (Case No. 2024-148)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 11:58:32 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers have developed a software to accelerate vaccine clinical trial processes by modeling disease behavior and targeting future trial participants. Background: Vaccine clinical trials are time-intensive processes; ones that may be necessary during active pandemics in which time is of short supply. One of the primary factors contributing to the slow progression of trials is the recruitment of relevant participants. Recruitment processes often rely on random sampling and this step requires a diverse group of individuals. These processes can be hindered by lack of trial aw...

Cell Type Scanner (UCLA Case No. 2021-115)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 17:24:20 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a novel technology for spatial cell-type mapping in 2D and 3D tissue samples. BACKGROUND: Cell type mapping has become an integral component for many biomedical research studies and diagnostic technologies. However, a major challenge in single cell data is accurately mapping the spatial organization and architecture of tissues and organ and how it is altered in a diseased state. RNA imaging through hybridization of RNA probes results in low resolution and slow imaging inherent to the nature of RNA molecules. An...

DNA Oligo Implementation of Multi-Layer Perception (UCLA Case No. 2021-175)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 17:18:25 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a novel method for an artificial neural network to solve DNA problems of regression and classification. BACKGROUND: Organisms have diverse cell types that need to be distinguished in a clinical setting. Different cell types are known to express different molecular markers that have distinct physiological functions. Therefore, a robust method to quickly and accurately identify and quantify large quantities of cell types is important. Current methods are limited in their accuracy and limitations in fluoroph...

Feature Extraction Tool Using Temporal Landmarks in Arterial Blood Pressure and Photoplethysmography Waveforms (Case No. 2024-034)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 10:16:46 GMT

Summary: UCLA Researchers in the Department of Anesthesiology have developed an iterative envelope mean (IEM) method for the detection of specific features in arterial pressure monitoring applications. Background: The cardiac cycle consists of the distinct systolic and diastolic phases. The transition from the contracted, systolic phase to the relaxed, diastolic phase is marked by the dicrotic notch. The dicrotic notch is a distinct cardiac feature indicating aortic valve closure and ejection of oxygenated blood to peripheral tissues. Detection of the notch is essential for various c...

Multimodal Sensory System for Intraocular Surgery (Case No. 2024-014)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 17:07:15 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical Engineering have developed an intraocular device for accurate and precise sensing during intraocular surgical procedures. Background: Intraocular surgical procedures rely on accurate imaging of the surgical environment for improved patient outcome. Traditional imaging modalities include mounting an optical coherence tomography device onto a microscope, which provides only a limited view of the ocular environment. This is particularly limiting in retinal and cataract surgeries and can result in surgical complications and insufficient ...

Universal Linear Intensity Transformations Using Spatially-Incoherent Diffractive Processors (Case No. 2023-192)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 13:10:39 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a novel platform technology to facilitate the design of all-optical visual processors, which can be used to perform advanced computational tasks at the speed of light. Background: Information processing via light is a cutting-edge field among optics and photonics researchers. It holds the potential for rapid, energy efficient computation that is vital for future computing and for emerging technologies such as autonomous vehicles, where ultrafast processing of natural signals is of utmost impor...

Snapshot Multispectral Imaging Using a Diffractive Optical Network (Case No. 2023-112)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 15:51:38 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a deep learning-based system to design diffractive multispectral imagers that can capture various spectral channels without the need for powered equipment. Background: The field of advanced imaging technologies has witnessed significant progression over recent years yet remains subpar in certain areas. Traditional imaging systems, though sophisticated, often struggle with real-time data analysis due to the sequential nature of capturing images across different spectral bands. This sequential pr...

Field-Effect Transistor Biosensors Integrated With Porous Media (Case No. 2023-093)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 13:17:16 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in collaboration with the University of Chicago have developed a new diagnostic biosensor by combining field-effect transistors with porous media. Background: Point-of-care (POC) and self-testing tools rely on the real-time monitoring of biomarkers in bodily fluids. Existing technologies can only monitor single target biomarkers and are limited by complex detection mechanisms. Current methods are additionally limited by reduced shelf life and complex configurations, leading to increased manufacturing ...

Copyright: Biomechanical Deformable Models for Human Anatomy (Case No. 2022-328)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 16:46:19 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers have developed a novel method to characterize lung tissue biomechanics and applied it to the creation of a computational model to improve understanding and visualization of lung diseases. Background: Chronic lower respiratory disease (ex. COPD) was the sixth leading cause of death in the United States in 2021, taking nearly 140,000 individuals. COPD is characterized by damaged lung tissue with altered biomechanical properties and ventilation profiles. Current staging methods using pulmonary function tests are insufficient to determine COPD phenotypes, contrib...

Copyright: Biomechanical Model-Guided Elastography (Case No. 2022-329)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 16:37:07 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers have developed a novel method to characterize lung tissue biomechanics and applied it to the creation of a computational model with which to guide lung elastography. Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer in people in the US. With an increasing focus on improving the patient’s quality of life during therapy, there is a greater need to spare the normal lung regions and more precisely target the tumor. Approaches such as hypo-fractionated therapy, a method that drastically decreases treatment timelines by increasing individual doses, ...

Universal Mimo Accelerator for Next Generation Wireless Communication Systems

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 15:31:15 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the department of Electrical Engineering have developed a universal multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) decoder that incorporates all available decoding algorithms necessary for any wireless standard. Background: MIMO has become a key technology for wireless communication, but it is believed that the demands put on MIMO systems will change with emerging technology. An example of this is the integration of emerging technologies, such as Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), into systems that already operate on other standards (e.g. cel...

Prineha Narang Quantum Computing Portfolio

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 16:26:13 GMT

Lab Interview: Quantum Trailblazers: NarangLab’s Pursuit Technology Portfolio: Contracted Quantum Eigensolver for Excited States (Quantum Algorithm) (Case No. 2023-180) Prineha Narang and her team have developed a new quantum algorithm for calculating the excited states using a contracted quantum eigensolver (ES-CQE). ES-CQE uses a contraction of the Schrödinger equation to arrive at a final algorithm which is used to calculate energy states. The algorithm has been used for calculations of molecular orbitals of a rectangular system and can be expanded to other symmet...

Pulsed Dynamic Load Modulation Power Amplifier Circuit (Case No. 2006-330)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 14:22:06 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering developed a method for a power amplifier circuit with improved efficiency. Background: The wireless communication industry faces a demand for high data transfer rates with limited frequency resources. Existing methods of improving performance involve the use of power amplifiers that optimize the modulation schemes to increase the peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR), which suffer from reduced efficiency. Other techniques involve pulse load modulation, which is limited by narrow bandwidth and difficulty i...

Contracted Quantum Eigensolver for Excited States (Quantum Algorithm) (Case No. 2023-180)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 09:52:33 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers from the Division of Physical Sciences and Engineering have developed a quantum algorithm that can calculate excited states in quantum computing. Background: Quantum computing operates based on the principle of superposition. While the bits used in classical computing exist in binary (0 or 1), bits in quantum computing (qubits) exist in a superposition of states, exponentially increasing processing power. This requires algorithms, or eigensolvers, that can calculate ground and excited states. While several algorithms are used for ground state calculations, f...

1-Micron Frequency Comb OCT System (Case No. 2023-036)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 09:46:32 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a new optical coherence tomography system for clinical imaging applications. Background: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique that is used in many clinical settings. OCT is used in ophthalmology to visualize layers of the retina and in cardiology to image plaque deposition and vessel structure in the coronary arteries. This approach images biological tissue using interferometry, where a light source coupled to a beam splitter is directed at a reference mirror ...

Targeted Lentiviral Transduction of B-Cells With Desired B-Cell Receptor Specificity (UCLA Case No. 2023-237)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 15:52:38 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Division of Hematology and Oncology in the Department of Medicine, have discovered novel lentiviral vectors that can be used for gene delivery to B-cells and for the development of neutralizing antibodies against viruses. BACKGROUND: Microbial tropism is a microbiology term that describes the types of animals (including human), cells, organs, and/or tissues that a particular species and/or strain of pathogen can infect. In virology, how viruses bind host molecules and enter host cells dictate functional tropism. This is clearly seen in the case of HIV-1 virus, where th...

Using Virtual Reality to Diagnose and Treat Neurological and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Case No. 2020-498)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 16:21:04 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Physics and Neurology have developed a virtual reality and AI-based method to diagnose and treat variety of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. BACKGROUND: The majority of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders are treated with medications, psychotherapy, or if necessary, surgery. Because of the innate variability between human bodies, many of these treatments fail to help and show little to no positive effects. In the United States alone, over 10 million people suffer from epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, or other neurologic...

Integrated Molecular and Lipidomic Analysis of Glioma Tumors Identifies Therapeutic Vulnerabilities (UCLA Case No. 2023-210)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 20:30:45 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology have uncovered a novel therapeutic target for Glioblastoma leveraging an extensive lipidomic and transcriptomic database. BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma (GBM) is a fast-growing and aggressive brain tumor. The National Brain Tumor Society predicted that over 14,000 people in the United States received a GBM diagnosis in 2023. GBM’s account for an estimated 50% of all primary malignant brain tumors and survival is poor, with only a 40% survival rate after the first year of diagnosis and 17% in the second year. GBMs are di...

A Potent Short Hairpin RNA (SHRNA734) to Positively Select and Eliminate Genetically Modified Cells (UCLA Case No. 2016-524)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 19:21:16 GMT

BACKGROUND: Gene therapy strategies to modify human stem cells hold great promise for curing many human diseases. However, previous clinical studies have met with limited success, largely due to the low engraftment of gene modified stem cells. One strategy to overcome this challenge involves engineering stem cells in which HPRT expression is knocked down, thereby facilitating the selection of genetically modified cells by conferring resistance to a guanine analog antimetabolite. While efforts have been made to disrupt HPRT, there remains a need for more effective materials and methods to dir...

Novel Anti-mesothelin CAR for Use in Engineered Cell Therapies (UCLA Case No. 2023-281)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 18:41:14 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Microbiology Immunology and Molecular Genetics have developed a nanobody-based CAR T cell platform with increased stability and cross-immunogenicity between human and mouse antigens. BACKGROUND: Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy makes use of reengineered T cells to target and clear cancer cells. Conventional CAR-T cell therapy begins by collecting T-cells from patients; then, in a laboratory setting, the cells are genetically modified to express a CAR molecule on their surface. A large population of these designer cells are then reintroduc...

Synthetic Viscoelastic Activating Cells (SynVACs) for T cell engineering (UCLA Case No. 2023-190)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 14:57:36 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a novel microfluidic device that produces synthetic viscoelastic cells for efficacious therapeutic T cell activation. BACKGROUND: T cell-based therapies, such as the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment, particularly for hematologic malignancies. The current market value for T cell-based therapies is estimated to be over $2 billion dollars and is expected to markedly increase in the upcoming years. A pivotal step in the development of these therapies invol...

Inhibition of BMI1 Eliminated Cancer Stem Cells and Activates Antitumor Immunity (UCLA Case No. 2020-858)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 14:28:14 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Dentistry discovered that targeting BMI1in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) may be a viable immune checkpoint to inhibit metastatic tumor growth, and prevent tumor relapse through activation of cell-intrinsic immunity and purging cancer stem cells (CSCs). BACKGROUND: Cancer stem cells are cancer initiating cells, that are known to be associated with tumor initiation, growth and metastasis. Moloney murine leukemia virus insertion site (BMI1) is known to control the self-renewal potential and function of SCS in human cancers, such as...

Biomaterial-Based Vaccine Booster to Enhance Long-Term Immunity (UCLA Case No. 2021-170)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 18:24:51 GMT

UCLA researchers have developed injectable, cell-free, and biomaterial-based microparticles that can engage with tissue resident immune cells and enhance long-term immunity. It is the first biomaterial-based, targeted approach to induce T memory stem cells (TMSCs) in vivo. The approach was demonstrated for SARS-CoV-2 but can be used for any vaccine. This approach could also be used in the delivery of cancer vaccines. This approach addresses the unmet need of enhancing the vaccination effects in the elderly population, which suffers from compromised long-term immunity due to immunosenescence. ...

Targeted Delivery of IFN-gamma Using Antibody Fusion Proteins (UCLA Case No. 2017-543)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 17:29:00 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Departments of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics (MIMG) and Medicine have developed antibody–cytokine fusion proteins that enable the targeted delivery of active interferon-gamma (IFNγ) for cancer treatment. Interferon-gamma (IFNγ), a type II interferon, is a cytokine released by both natural killer cells and T cells. It is responsible for signaling many important cellular events such as growth inhibition, surface marker upregulation, and lymphocyte activities. Therefore, IFNγ can potentially serve as a cancer therapeutic. Howev...

Targeting Prostate Cancer with a Novel T-Cell Receptor and Tissue-Specific Cancer Antigens for Improved Immune Response (UCLA Case No. 2022-070)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 17:22:02 GMT

Researchers from UCLA’s Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Molecular Genetics (MIMG), and the department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology have identified a set of tissue-specific antigens which have been used to isolate and characterize a group of novel T-cell receptors (TCRs) which target prostate cancer specifically. Furthermore, this platform and approach are readily adaptable to other cancer types. BACKGROUND: Adoptive T-cell transfer-based cancer immunotherapy has exhibited the capacity to induce a potent response to solid tumors in patients across several di...

Simulation of Open Quantum Systems via Low-Depth Convex Unitary Evolutions (Case No. 2023-183)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 11:12:53 GMT

Intro Sentence: UCLA researchers in the Division of Physical Sciences & Engineering have developed an efficient and cost-effective method for the improved simulation of open quantum systems. Background: Open quantum systems are quantum systems that interact with their surroundings and possess dynamics that can be influenced by these interactions, leading to issues such as decoherence and dissipation. All areas of quantum mechanics face these issues of environmental interaction, as quantum systems generally exist in an open state. Existing methods of simulating open quantum systems req...

Novel Safe Potent Single Vector Platform Vaccines Against Melioidosis (UCLA Case No. 2023-119)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 18:16:10 GMT

UCLA researchers in the School of Medicine have developed a novel single-vector platform vaccine for preventing melioidosis, an infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei. BACKGROUND: Melioidosis, also known as Whitmore’s disease, is an infectious disease that can infect both humans and animals. The bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei (Bp) is responsible for the disease and is found in contaminated soil and water, especially in tropical areas. Although this disease is predominant in Southeast Asia and northern Australia, the bacterium has been identified in Mississippi, Puerto Rico a...

Molecular Quantum Random Access Memory (Case No. 2023-182)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 10:01:24 GMT

Summary: UCLA Researchers have developed a molecular quantum information system, showcasing its potential for room-temperature operation and scalability compared to current quantum random access memory (qRAM). Background: Quantum computing stands as an emerging technology with immense market significance. Leveraging the unique properties of quantum mechanics, quantum computers execute complex calculations exponentially faster than classical counterparts. Quantum random access memory holds a crucial role in quantum computing by enhancing data storage and retrieval processes, ultimately bolst...

Method for Combined Conditioning and Chemoselection in a Single Cycle (UCLA Case No. 2011-478)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 17:45:23 GMT

SUMMARY: Researchers at UCLA have developed a highly-efficient technique to engraft and select hematopoietic stem cells directly inside a patient. The invention will improve the fidelity of stem cell transplantations and reduce toxic side effects on patients. BACKGROUND: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a mainstay of treatment for many hereditary disorders and lymphatic and blood cancers. However, HSCT regimens are maligned with poor transplantation efficiency and patient complications. For instance, the toxic side effects associated with chemotherapy or radiation-mediated ...

Targeting the Intrinsic Apoptotic Machinery in Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) (UCLA Case No. 2020-446)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 17:09:11 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology identified the mechanisms of apoptotic resistance in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and developed a novel therapy to treat GBM. BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive form of brain tumor. Therapeutic options for GBM are limited and suboptimal. Treatment usually involves invasive surgery, after which chemotherapy (temozolomide [TMZ]) and radiation therapy are used. Survival and mortality rates for GBM are extremely poor; five year survival rate is 5.6% and the median overall survival (mOS) is 12-14 months....

Optoelectronic Neuron Array for Nonlinear Optical Modulation and AI Cameras (Case No. 2023-208)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 10:24:23 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Departments of Chemistry & Biochemistry and Materials Science & Engineering have developed a novel optoelectronic neuron array for computational imaging and sensing applications that can work under weak broadband incoherent light. Background: Nonlinear optical processing of ambient light is desirable for its ability to enhance information in light, reduce noise, and benefit both computational imaging and sensing. For applications such as security, autonomous vehicles, photography, and machine vision, energy loss must be minimal to preserve as much i...

A High Throughput Thermal Compression Bonding Scheme for Interposer and Wafer-Scale Advanced Packaging Constructs (Case No. 2023-144)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 12:59:15 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer and Engineering have introduced a scalable and rapid bonding method for dielet assembly on advanced packaging constructs, achieving a remarkable throughput of over 1100 units-per-hour, or 10-fold higher than the conventional assembly method. Background: In semiconductor packaging, effectively addressing the challenges of optimizing processor-to-memory bandwidth and memory capacity in a cost-efficient manner is paramount. Package scaling, made possible by decreasing the bump-to-bump pitch, becomes essential to fulfill the...

Scalable Multi-Party Networks for High-Rate Entanglement Distribution and Quantum Communications (Case No. 2024-011)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 11:36:24 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a multiparty network for improved quantum communications. Background: Fully secure quantum networks are essential in achieving efficient and rapid quantum computing. These networks connect distant quantum computers and increase the computational volume that is distributed. Existing technologies suffer from rate limitations and low efficiencies. Cost, material, and equipment issues further limit the widespread use of these networks. There remains an unmet need for a scalable quantum network wit...

Quantum Cross-Resonator Spectrometer (Case No. 2023-181)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 09:55:39 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Division of Physical Sciences and Engineering have developed a novel method of characterizing the complex dielectric function of a material. Background: The complex dielectric function is a measure of a material’s response to static or alternating electromagnetic fields and describes the microscopic behavior of electrons. Understanding it will allow characterization and prediction of important properties of materials, such as the structure of energy bands, the behavior of excitons and plasmons, and topological order. Symmetry in particular is im...

A Programming Language to Execute Biological Experiments (Command Line Biology/Biowrapper) (Case No. 2024-049)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 16:55:59 GMT

Intro Sentence: UCLA researchers in the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology have developed a programming language to automate biological experiments. Background: Manual labor is a common bottleneck in biological sciences, with automation technology still being unobtainable and impractical for most scientists in biomedical research. There are cost reasons as well as other issues associated with automation: One of these main issues is the inflexibility of automation software that uses graphical user interfaces (GUIs) to control and coordinate equipment for executing experiments....

Rapid Sensing of Hidden Objects and Defects Using a Single-Pixel Diffractive Terahertz Processor (Case No. 2023-184)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 12:50:54 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers have developed a diffractive sensor that leverages deep-learning-optimized diffractive layers to rapidly detect hidden objects and defects within a 3D sample without scanning or image processing. Background: Inspecting hidden structures is a critical requirement in various fields, including security, manufacturing, and medicine. Terahertz-based, non-invasive systems show promise towards this end; they penetrate most opaque materials and can identify their internal structural makeups. While terahertz systems have been successfully employed in quality control a...

A novel ER beta ligand prodrug to treat neurodegenerative conditions (UCLA Case No. 2017-168)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 11:59:55 GMT

Researchers from the Department of Neurology and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UCLA have developed a novel ERβ ligand prodrug that is structurally designed to confer neuroprotection in neurodegenerative conditions (multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and cognitive deficits of menopause in otherwise healthy women). BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and demyelination as well as axonal and synaptic loss in the central nervous system. Current MS treatments target immune cells and have immunomodul...

Oral Health Recommender System (oHRS) For Promoting Oral Self-Care (Case No. 2023-278)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 16:24:15 GMT

Intro Sentence: UCLA researchers in the department of dentistry developed a system to promote and enhance at-home oral hygiene practices. Background: Dental disease is a chronic illness caused by inadequate and improper oral self-care behaviors. This condition contributes to gum disease, tooth decay, and eventual tooth loss. Traditional oral hygiene instructions are provided by dental clinics and do not promote long-term dental care. Existing methods offer general and non-patient-specific care instructions that contribute to improper dental hygiene practices. There remains an unmet need f...

Smart Multistage Peripherally Inserted Cannula With Active Fixation for Temporary Cardiopulmonary Support (Case No. 2023-024)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 13:04:52 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Cardiac Surgery have developed a novel guided cannula that drains both sides of the heart and contains continuous pressure sensors. Background: The market for Extracorporeal life support modalities such as ECMO has grown by almost an order of magnitude in the last decade, with maintained growth projected through 2030. These technologies provide in-hospital support to patients undergoing cardiac and respiratory failure across a wide variety of indications. Most commonly, patients are supported using cannulae, peripherally inserted tubes th...

Intelligent Stent System for Chronic On-Demand Drug Delivery (Case No. 2021-069)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 12:45:29 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Neurology have developed an intelligent stent system for chronic on-demand drug delivery, addressing the challenge of the blood-brain barrier hindering drug therapy in the central nervous system. Background: The blood-brain barrier poses a significant obstacle to effective drug delivery to the central nervous system. Current solutions, such as SonoCloud and Stentrode, have limitations, either requiring invasive procedures or lacking versatility for various neurological disorders. SonoCloud transiently disrupts the blood-brain barrier via ...

High Performance Thin Films from Solution Processible Two-Dimensional Nanoplates (Case No. 2015-175)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 17:19:57 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the departments of Chemistry and Materials Science have recently developed a novel material for use in flexible, printed electronics. Background: Producing cheap, lightweight, and flexible electronics requires depositing electronic materials onto flexible, plastic substrates. Traditional methods of material deposition require high temperatures and/or pressures in order to produce high quality materials that are sufficiently conductive. The current material of choice for use in conductive thin films is indium tin oxide (ITO); however the cost and quality of the...

Synaptic Circuits Made From Transistors and Memory Capacitors (UCLA Case No. 2023-092)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 10:29:13 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a novel circuit architecture that emulates neural synapses for concurrent parallel computing. Background: Almost all modern computer chips consist of computing and learning processes that are implemented sequentially. To improve computing power, new types of circuits modeled after human neural synapses, neuromorphic devices, have been developed. Neuromorphic platforms are particularly well-suited for machine learning applications, like training sophisticated neural networks for a wide varie...

Lip Protector for Preventing Oral Injuries During Intubation (Case No. 2018-171)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 10:17:29 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the David Geffen School of Medicine have designed a novel lip and tooth protector for intubation processes. Background: General anesthesia usually requires an artificial airway or breathing tube to be placed in a patient’s mouth or throat in order to help with proper breathing during medical procedure. Even with skilled anesthesiologists, insertion of these devices can cause damage to the teeth or soft tissue of the mouth or nose, especially when placement of the breathing tube is difficult and requires some degree of force. Lacerations or bruising to the...

Copyright: Machine Learning-Assisted Design of High Power Laser Systems (Case No. 2024-067)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 12:18:10 GMT

Summary: UCLA Researchers from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a novel software leveraging advanced machine learning methods to simulate and design high-power laser systems. Background: High-power laser systems are crucial to many established industries and in cutting edge research. These systems can be used in manufacturing for metal cutting and additive processes, in materials processing and testing, in medical imaging, and in defense platforms for local delivery of high energy. However, laser systems are expensive to assemble and validate due to the m...

Electrocatalysts With Tailored Local Chemical Environment for High-Performance Alkaline Water Electrolysis and Renewable Fuel Generation (Case No. 2023-212)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 13:35:20 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers have developed a novel catalytic system that improves reaction kinetics, durability, and resistance to impurities, making it a promising candidate for water electrolyzers and renewable chemical fuel production. Background: Hydrogen, boasting a remarkable energy density of 140 MJ/kg (nearly triple that of typical solid fuels at 50 MJ/kg), is emerging as a promising alternative for replacing fossil fuels. Within the context of hydrogen production via electrolysis, platinum supported by carbon (Pt/C) catalysts plays a pivotal role. However, these catalysts exhibit lim...

Charge Sharing Compensation Using Coincidences for X-Ray Photon Counting Detectors (UCLA Case No. 2019-543)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 10:34:09 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Radiological Sciences have developed a novel method for coincidence counting to reduce the noise inherent in photon counting detectors. Background: The computed tomography (CT) scanning market is projected to grow from ~$6 billion to over $10 billion in 2030. Approximately 10% of this market size is the cost of the x-ray detector. Photon counting detectors (PCDs) are poised to play a critical role as components of next-generation CT technologies and are expected to eventually displace conventional energy-integrating detectors, starting from the...

A System for Detecting Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Failure (Case No. 2023-057)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 16:15:55 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the David Geffen School of Medicine and Department of Neurosurgery have created a novel ventriculoperitoneal shunt failure detection system that can alert patients and healthcare providers to prevent life-threatening emergencies. Background: Each year, an estimated 30,000 ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts are surgically implanted in the United States to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients suffering from hydrocephalus and divert it to the abdomen. A significant proportion of these shunts face failure within the first two years, due to causes such ...

Ion-Solvent-Polymer Interactions for Preparing Polymer Networks and Composites of Tunable Structures and Properties (UCLA Case No. 2023-147)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 11:10:22 GMT

Summary: Researchers in UCLA's Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed a solution-based synthesis platform capable of generating micro and nanostructured gels, polymers, and composites with simultaneously improved safety, mechanical and ionic conductivity/transport properties. Background: Pore structure engineering holds immense promise across various applications, such as energy storage, tissue engineering and drug delivery, positioning it as a versatile material platform in emerging fields like soft robotics and electronic devices. The surging demand for energy ...

Polyqubit Encoding for Quantum Information Processing (Case No. 2023-006)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 10:01:00 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Physics and Astronomy Department have developed a quantum information processing method that encodes multiple qubits within single atoms in trapped atom quantum processors, enabling efficient qubit manipulation for enhanced computational capacity. Background: Quantum computing is an emerging technology with immense market significance. The global quantum computing market is projected to reach $4.375 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of over 38%. Quantum computers leverage quantum mechanics' unique properties to perform complex calculations much faster t...

Air Quality Monitoring Technologies using Holography and Deep Learning - Aydogan Ozcan Portfolio (2023-037, 2017-513 and 2019-722)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 09:38:27 GMT

Virtual Impactor-Based Label-Free Bio-Aerosol Detection Using Holography and Deep Learning (Case No. 2023-037) Innovation: UCLA researchers have developed a virtual impactor-based bio-aerosol detector. The use of a virtual impactor is coupled with computer imaging and a neural network for classification, removing the need for any maintenance-necessitating filtration, secondary labeling, or external analysis. Multiple holographic images are captured of each particle, capturing volumetric information with a vast field-of-view; enabling higher classification accuracy and detailed visualization ...

Bio-Aerosol Detection Using Mobile Microscopy and Machine Learning (Case No. 2019-722)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 08:41:16 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed an air analysis instrument and accompanying virtual aerosol detection method that combines imaging and deep learning to sense and classify airborne particles without external labeling or post processing steps. Background: Air quality management, particularly the detection and classification of bio-aerosols, is integral to safeguarding human health, with the global surge in respiratory illnesses and increasing pollen allergies underscoring its importance. Traditional methods for analyzing airbor...

Light-Field Tomographic Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (Case No. 2023-130)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 16:14:38 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a novel fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy technique which enables fast 3D imaging using low dimensional detectors. Background: Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy, or FLIM, measures the fluorescence lifetime of probes embedded in tissue samples which enables visualization of biological samples at the molecular level. However, traditional FLIM methods suffer from long acquisition time, especially in 3D imaging as slices must be taken at many points along the depth axis. Other technologies such as ...

A Millimeterwave Backscatter Network (Case No. 2024-040)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 11:14:12 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Computer Science have developed the first millimeter wave communication network that enables both uplink and downlink communication as well as accurate localization using energy-efficient backscattering techniques. Background: Millimeter wave (mmWave) technology is an emerging wireless communication method that operates at extremely high frequencies, offering notable benefits such as a broad bandwidth for high-speed data transmission, miniaturization, and precise device localization. However, its major drawback is high power consumption due to ...

Highly Elastic Biomaterial Development for the Lower Urinary Tract (UCLA Case No. 2024-060)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 10:41:24 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Departments of Urology and Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering have developed biomimetic, elastic biomaterial for use in urinary tract reconstruction. Background: Lower urinary tract (LUT) reconstructions have a high failure rate leading to complications including urinary tract infections and leakage. There is no current FDA-approved biologic to replace bladder or urethral tissues and FDA-approved alternatives suffer from issues such as mismatched biology, mechanics, and structure of the native tissue. It is essential that mechanical properties of the r...

Label-Free Optical Mapping for Large-Area Biomechanical Dynamics of Multicellular Systems (Case No. 2023-290)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 13:17:33 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a novel label-free optical mapping method for profiling real-time biomechanical dynamics over larger areas with high spatiotemporal resolution. Background: Mapping biomechanical dynamics often involves the use of various advanced technologies to measure and analyze mechanical properties. Current methods include traction force microscopy, which measures movements and forces within biological systems. This technique can provide valuable insight into the functions of biological systems for ...

Stabilized Right Atrial to Pulmonary Artery Cannula for Extracorporeal Life Support (Case No. 2023-231)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 15:19:30 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the department of surgery developed a right atrial to pulmonary canula for extracorporeal life support. Background: Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is a last-resort medical intervention designed to support patients with severe cardiac or pulmonary failure. This technology involves the diversion of blood flow to an external apparatus for the oxygenation and circulation of blood. Several components are involved, including tubes for blood withdrawal and return (i.e., cannulas) and a pump. Existing ECLS technologies are limited by challenges associated with cann...

Swabseq Agnostic Diagnostic Platform (Case No. 2023-293)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 10:28:49 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Departments of Computer Science and Anatomic Pathology have developed an untargeted NGS diagnostic tool capable of detecting all known and emerging respiratory RNA viruses in a single test, enhancing our capacity to rapidly address public health crises through improved diagnostics. Background: Most clinical diagnostic tools today are designed for specific known pathogens, which are crucial, but typically only available after an outbreak begins. Developing and validating such tests is time-consuming. In the face of a pandemic or public health emergency, time ...

A Process for Identifying Health Modifying Interventions Through Epigenetic Prediction (Case No. 2023-107)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 17:28:07 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Neurology have developed a novel method that leverages epigenetic markers to identify recommended and necessary health interventions. Background: Disease risk prediction and intervention involves identifying individuals or populations with a higher likelihood of developing a particular condition based on certain factors. This process informs early detection of potential health issues and prevention plans and holds significant potential for improving patient outcomes. Traditional risk assessment methods rely on epidemiological studies that analy...

Watch Your Mouth: Silent Speech Recognition With Wearable Depth Sensing on Smartwatches (Case No. 2023-266)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 14:52:50 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a technology for high-accuracy, real-time lip-reading that can be integrated into wearable smart devices. Background: Silent speech is a promising interaction modality for information flow between human users and ambient intelligence. A current hole exists in the wearable smart device space that could potentially be filled by accurate, real-time silent speech recognition. Human speech is a process that involves intertwined movements of the lips tongue, and other facial muscles. Conventional vis...

Copyright: Phoenix Human Reliability Analysis Tool (Case No. 2023-088)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 13:11:24 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Garrick Institute for the Risk Sciences have developed a software for performing human reliability analyses using a model-based method, which provides more consistent, traceable, and reproducible results. Background: Statistical data regarding accidents in complex person operated technical systems indicate a significant human contribution to these incidents. A substantial proportion—between 60% to 90%—of system failures can be attributed to human error. Human Reliability Analysis (HRA) has progressed to better account for factors influencin...

Pharmacologic Intervention to Reduce the Risk of Episodic Weakness and Enhance Recovery from On-Going Episode of Weakness in Periodic Paralysis (UCLA Case No. 2022-274)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 18:18:39 GMT

Researchers in the Department of Physiology in the School of Medicine have identified a novel method for the treatment of periodic paralysis. This approach focuses on a type of potassium channel that the team has newly discovered which can be modulated to relieve or prevent episodes of periodic paralysis with an FDA-approved drug. BACKGROUND: Periodic paralysis is a rare genetic disorder that impact skeletal muscles and leads to bouts of extreme muscle paralysis lasting from minutes to hours, and impair quality of life and cause morbidity. This disorder comes in several forms such a...

Virtual Impactor-Based Label-Free Bio-Aerosol Detection Using Holography and Deep Learning (Case No. 2023-037)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 14:35:12 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a virtual aerosol detection method that combines imaging and deep learning to sense and classify bio-aerosols without any external labeling or post processing steps. Background: Bio-aerosol detection and classification is pivotal to understanding and monitoring air quality, which has direct implications for human health, especially for those who suffer from extremely common pollen allergies. Conventional airborne particulate sensing consists of sampling and a secondary expert analysis. The seco...

Deep Learning-Based 3D Imaging of Fluorescent Samples from 2D Image (Case No. 2019-521)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 11:35:58 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a deep learning-based approach termed Deep-Z that enables 3D imaging of fluorescent samples using a single 2D image, without mechanical scanning, additional hardware, or a trade-off resolution or speed. Background: Three-dimensional (3D) fluorescence microscopic imaging has various applications in biomedical and physical sciences. However, fluorescence emission from samples is both spatially and temporally incoherent, and fluorescence microscopy generally lacks digital image propag...

Copyright: Smart Histopathological Image Viewer With Guidance Generated by Artificial Intelligence (Case No. 2023-103)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 09:58:36 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed an AI-guided, smart histopathological image viewer to aid clinicians in the identification of regions of interest. Background: Digital pathology has transformed traditional glass histology slides into high-resolution digital slide images, priming the field of pathology for a machine intelligence-based revolution. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become increasingly capable of data-driven decision making, including assisting clinicians in making medical diagnoses. However, for higher-stake tasks...

Targeted Epigenetic Editing as Novel Therapy for Malignant Glioma (UCLA Case No. 2023-047)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 17:10:41 GMT

UCLA Researchers in the Department of Neurology/Neuro-Oncology and the David Geffen School of Medicine have developed methods for the Cas9-CRISPR mediated epigenetic targeting of malignant glioma, and which results in enhanced chemosensitivity to standard chemotherapeutic agents. BACKGROUND: Malignant gliomas are aggressive brain tumors originating from the glial cells that support and protect neurons in the central nervous system. They are the most common primary brain tumor with approximately 20,000 new cases diagnosed each year resulting in nearly 10,000 deaths. Gliomas are one o...

Wireless and Batteryless Localization and Physiological Motion Detection System (Case No. 2023-046)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 16:09:42 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department have developed a battery-free localization system equipped with wireless energy harvesting feature, allowing precise localization in gastrointestinal disease detection and treatment. Background: The evolution of wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) has emerged as a convenient and patient-friendly alternative for the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) tract diseases. Given the prevalence of GI tract diseases globally, addressing the challenges they present is paramount. In 2018 alone, there were 37.2 million visits t...

A T-Cell Redirecting Bispecific Antibody Against Human Cytomegalovirus (UCLA Case No. 2023-020)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 16:01:04 GMT

UCLA researchers at the Departments of Medicine and Microbiology Immunology and Molecular Genetics have developed a novel bispecific antibody-based immunotherapy strategy for the treatment of Cytomegalovirus infections. BACKGROUND: The human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a widespread virus estimated to infect 60% of American adults and nearly 100% of the population in some parts of the world. Most infections in healthy individuals are lifelong and immunologically contained and therefore asymptomatic. However, immunocompromised individuals and those perinatally infected can develop severe infecti...

Headar: Sensing Head Gestures for Smartwatches With Wearable Radar (Case No. 2023-265)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 13:31:54 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed Headar, a wearable radar that can be implemented in smartwatches to detect head gestures. Background: Smartwatches have recently experienced rapid technological advancement and gained a large popularity due to their wide variety of applications features such as touchscreen interface, fitness tracking, and seamless integration with smart phones. Inspired by VR headsets and eyeglasses, there has been some development in implementing inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors for smartwatches to capt...

Gene Augmentation Therapy for Usher Syndrome 1B (UCLA Case No. 2023-138)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 14:23:51 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Ophthalmology have developed a novel approach to cure Usher Syndrome 1B. BACKGROUND: Usher syndrome is defined as a condition whose major symptoms are deafness or hearing loss, and an eye disease called retinitis pigmentosa (RP), which affects vision. The ear-related effects of Usher’s disease are caused by an abnormal development of sound receptor cells in the inner ear. In contrast, progressive degeneration of RT initially causes night-blindness and a loss of peripheral vision until only central vision remains and results in a condition known as t...

Dual-Stage On-Chip Optical-To-Microwave Low-Noise Synthesizer (Case No. 2022-059)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 12:20:53 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed the Dual-Stage On-Chip Optical-To-Microwave Low-Noise Synthesizer, which achieves exceptional phase-noise performance by combining optical and microwave components and is poised to improve telecommunications efficiencies. Background: The field of low-noise synthesizers faces challenges in achieving high phase-noise performance. Existing technologies struggle to maintain frequency stability across different domains, such as from optical to microwave frequencies. This limitation hinders th...

Ultrafine Platinum Catalysts for Hydrogen Fuel Cells (Case No. 2023-026)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 16:55:31 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed a novel method to synthesize platinum-based catalysts with ultralow base transition metal-oxide content. Background: Ultrafine platinum (Pt)-based catalysts present a promising avenue for achieving exceptional fuel cell activity while minimizing base transition metal content. Decreasing the levels of base metals reduces leaching and associated cation poisoning, thereby ensuring robust fuel cell stability. Conventional Pt-based catalysts exhibit non-uniform size distribution and elevated bas...

A Deep-Learning Framework for Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Case No. 2021-268)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 13:14:14 GMT

Summary: Researchers from UCLA’s Departments of Bioengineering and Radiological Sciences have developed a novel deep learning framework for accelerated quantitative magnetic resonance imaging. Background: Fatty liver disease, or hepatic steatosis, affects nearly 2 billion people globally and has pernicious implications for deadlier diseases including cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Fortunately, steatosis can be reversible with intervention, and reduction in liver fat may diminish many of its associated risk. Thus, there is an urgent need for tools to more accurately dete...

Functionalized Materials for Surgical Closure Device (Case No. 2022-270)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 11:45:50 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Urology have developed a synthetic functionalized adhesive material that can be utilized for various purposes including wound closure. Background: Synthetic materials and adhesive polymers such as poly (glycerol sebacate) or PGS are often used in tissue engineering and medical devices. Such materials interface with biological tissue to achieve the desired therapeutic outcome due to their biocompatibility and flexbility. Existing systems require complex synthetic routes and are not customizable, limiting their use in devices that require f...

Core-Shell Hydrogel Particles With Tunable Porosity for Digital Nucleic Acid Assays (Case No. 2023-058)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 09:42:21 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a novel method to perform ultra-high sensitivity, low-cost nucleic acid amplification assays utilizing porous microdroplets. Background: Nucleic acid concentration measurement is essential in biological research and diagnostics. The 2020 pandemic underscored the importance of accessible and affordable tests to determine the presence of specific viruses or bacteria. These tests are used not only for infectious diseases but also in detecting cancers and monitoring public health, such as checking for pathogens i...

Copyright: Artificial Intelligence Augmented Expressive Writing Tool (Case No. 2023-084)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 16:37:33 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a novel software tool that leverages artificial intelligence to assist with a user’s expressive writing process. Background: With the recent rise in mental health diagnoses and awareness, there is a higher demand for mental health services which has not yet been met. Access to clinical mental health services is challenging for many people due to cost, availability, and time constraints from jobs or family commitments. One alternative to the standard-of-care talk therapy is expressive wri...

Stain-Free, Rapid, and Quantitative Viral Plaque Assay Using Deep Learning and Holography (Case No. 2022-326)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 15:17:57 GMT

Intro Sentence: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a rapid and stain-free quantitative assay using lens-free holography and deep learning to efficiently and cost-effectively determine the presence of viral plaque-forming units (PFUs) in samples. Background: A broad range of viruses have caused global health crises throughout the world, including HIV, HPV and SARS-CoV-2. Because of their ability to spread and quickly replicate, it is essential to develop methods to rapidly, accurately, and cost-effectively quantify presence of viruses. ...

AAV-Based Treatment of Guanidinoacetate Methyltransferase (GAMT) Deficiency (UCLA Case No. 2021-012)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 15:57:04 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Departments Molecular & Medical Pharmacology and Surgery in the David Geffen School of Medicine have developed a novel and tissue-specific gene therapy treatment for Guanidinoacetate methyltransferase (GAMT) deficiency. BACKGROUND: Guanidinoacetate Methyltransferase (GAMT) deficiency is caused by a mutation in the GAMT gene that is necessary for the production of creatine. Specifically, GAMT converts the intermediate guanidinoacetate (GAA) into creatine. With the loss of GAMT, there’s an accumulation of GAA and low levels of creatine, which is cri...

AI Copilot: Enhancing Brain-Machine Interface Performance (UCLA Case No. 2023-110)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 16:01:47 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) assistance framework for brain-machine interface (BMI) applications designed to enhance users' ability to complete tasks efficiently and swiftly. Background: Paralysis affects over 5 million individuals in the U.S., limiting their mobility and independence. The growing demand for therapeutics and technologies to restore mobility for those with physical impairments has spurred interest in brain-machine interfaces (BMIs). However, limited performance, high cost...

Parametric Matching Method for Broadband, High Sensitivity Reception With Electrically Small Antennas (Case No. 2022-280)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 12:40:55 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have devised a novel method for optimizing the performance of receivers with electrically small antennas, thereby enabling high sensitivity reception over a broad range of frequencies. Background: Electrically small antennas (ESAs) have broad commercial significance as they are widely used in various fields such as wireless communication, radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, and medical technologies. The small size of these antennas makes them attractive for portable devices and integration...

Intelligent, Adaptive, and Multimodal Data-Driven Epileptogenic Zone Identification and Cognitive Function Mapping Platform (UCLA Case No. 2023-214)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 09:47:56 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Departments of Neurology and Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a data-driven, deep learning-powered software platform to localize epileptogenic tissues in the brain and cognitively map nearby regions. Background: According to the World Health Organization, 50 million people around the world suffer from epilepsy with 1.2 million in the US alone. While medications can help some, about 30% of these patients have a drug-resistant form of the disease. Focal seizures, also known as partial seizures, can be treated via electrode implantation in the...

Method for Determining the Time Constant for Oxygen Uptake Kinetics (UCLA Case No. 2022-253)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 12:20:57 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Medicine have developed a novel geometric model for the determination of the time constant in variable oxygen uptake kinetic systems. Background: The kinetic response of oxygen uptake adjustment to moderate-intensity exercise is a main factor of the aerobic function. Aerobic function is an indicator of physical fitness, differing in healthy individuals, and those with various cardiovascular diseases. Typical kinetic response to a change in power can be modeled as an exponential function with a time constant (τVO2). Although critical to oxyg...

Latching Intelligent Modular Mobility System (LIMMS) (UCLA Case Nos. 2023-170 and 2023-171)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 12:18:57 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have designed a modular robotic system termed the Latching Intelligent Modular Mobility System (LIMMS) for the manipulation of a typical last-mile delivery. TITLE: Latching Intelligent Modular Mobility System (LIMMS) for Logistics and Last-Mile Delivery Background: The rapid growth of e-commerce has placed tremendous pressure on companies to efficiently deliver packages directly to customers' homes, transforming the delivery landscape and making last-mile logistics a critical focus for businesses. While ...

Interactive Reporting of Histopathological Image Analysis Performed by Artificial Intelligence (UCLA Case No. 2023-090)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 10:37:19 GMT

Summary: Researchers from UCLA's Departments of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, along with a researcher from KUMC's Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, have developed an innovative workflow for pathology, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) diagnostics with interactive reporting. Background: The digitization of medical data has led to the development of whole slide image viewers, enhancing pathologists' diagnostic efficiency and accuracy. Concurrently, significant progress has been made in creating computer vision mode...

Parametrically Driven Intertial Sensing in Chip-Scale Optomechanical Cavities at the Thermodynamical Limits with Extended Dynamic Range (Case No. 2023-282)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 14:37:48 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed an accelerometer model that uses optomechanical transduction, enabling higher precision motion detection through a simplified design. Background: Modern transportation and communication technologies rely on the measurement and transduction of minute forces for position determination. Traditional technologies use capacitive or piezoresistive techniques that incorporate micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) via integrated circuit technologies to convert accelerometer motion into an electric read...

2022-129 Development of Nano-Delivered CXCR4 Antagonist Carrier to Affect Tumor Microenvironment

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 11:24:50 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the David Geffen School of Medicine have developed a nanocarrier platform to deliver drugs that block CXCR4 directly in tumor microenvironments, with an impact on immune cell trafficking and reducing the tumor’s metastatic burden. BACKGROUND: Cancer remains among the leading causes of death worldwide, and its burden is expected to grow from approximately 18 million new cases in 2018 to almost 30 million in 2040. Despite continued progress in limiting mortality with new treatments, including monoclonal antibodies and immunotherapy, the high death rate f...

NRF2 Agonist as Therapeutic Modality to Increase Antiviral Efficacy of Existing Antivirals Against Coronavirus Infections (UCLA Case No. 2022-325)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 15:39:12 GMT

UCLA researchers in the School of Medicine’s department of Infectious Disease have identified a novel therapeutic approach that can supplement existing FDA approved treatments for SARS-CoV2-2 infections to provide robust treatments against morbidity. BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization reports that as of June 2023, there have been over 767 million confirmed COVID-19 cases. This has resulted in over 6.9 million deaths worldwide. There have been numerous efforts to prevent and treat COVID-19 infections, such as vaccines and antiviral medications. The Center for Disease C...

2022-291: Methods for Identifying and Correcting Tumor Humoral Immune Dysfunction

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 16:17:45 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a platform advancing systems serology that profiles the Fc properties of anti-tumor antibodies (ATAbs) to provide more nuanced understanding of a cancer’s humoral immunity and better guide therapeutic approaches towards overcoming the immune dysregulation. BACKGROUND: Antibodies have tumor-eliminating potential: they can block cell surface receptor signaling, prime cancer cells for immune destruction, and block signals that are preventing immune responses. Anti-tumor antibodies (ATAbs) induce abundant active humoral i...

2022-197 Novel Live Multi-Antigenic Recombinant Vaccine Against Tuberculosis

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 10:37:58 GMT

SUMMARY: Researchers at UCLA’s School of Medicine have developed a potent multi-antigen vaccine for protection against tuberculosis. BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that, when active, can affect many organs in the body but can especially cause severe lung disease manifest by chronic cough, fever, and weight loss, and, if left untreated, death. Globally, an estimated 10 million active TB cases are reported each year, resulting in ~1.5 million deaths. The only licensed vaccine against TB (BCG) was developed 100+ years ago; while reasonably effective in protection of...

2020-500: Separation of the Analgesic and Addictive Consequences of Opiate Administration

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 20:05:18 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Psychiatry have discovered a novel approach that decreases the additive response of patients to opiates, but maintains their potent pain relief property. BACKGROUND: Prescription opioids are commonly prescribed by medical doctors to treat symptoms of severe pain. Opioids function by binding and activating receptors throughout the central nervous system and other organs. Once the opioid binds to the receptors, they block pain signals from being sent to the brain and can release dopamine in the body. Although patients receive pai...

Holographic Metasurface Grating Elements for Augmented and Virtual Reality (UCLA Case No. 2022-320)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 13:47:28 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers from the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering have developed a curved grating element that enables higher efficiency and resolution in augmented (AR) and virtual reality (VR) devices. Background: Grating structures are a fundamental component of AR and VR devices and are necessary for controlling the diffraction of light waves from the source to the user’s eyes. Light can diffract either in-plane (i.e., along the plane of the grating structure) or off-plane (i.e., perpendicular to the grating structure). While 1D in-plane grating structures hav...

Assistive Device to Aid in Identification and Use of Medications (UCLA Case No. 2022-213)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 31 May 2023 10:14:35 GMT

Summary: Researchers in the UCLA Stein Eye Institute have developed a medication assistive device to aid in distinguishing medication bottles and administering medications on the correct schedules for patients, especially those with visual impairment. Background: Many ophthalmic conditions are treated with eye drop medications. These treatments have the potential to reverse or slow down the progression of the disease and/or restore vision. While treatment regimens can vary widely based on condition and severity, they typically consist of 1 to 4 eye drop medications with different schedules...

2023-123 Systems for Covertly Creating Adverse Health Effects in Subjects

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 26 May 2023 16:37:37 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Division of Physics and Astronomy have developed a less-than-lethal method for covertly creating adverse health effects in human subjects using particular waveforms. Background: Several less-than-lethal techniques for altering or influencing the behavior of target subjects without physical contact have been developed. These behavioral effects methods are of particular interest within the military and have been used to change the motivation and/or decrease the ability of test subjects. The engineering and integration of nonphysical less-than-lethal tech...

Method and System for Using Quantum Incompressible Fluid to Achieve Fusion from Cavitation (UCLA Case No. 2022-110)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 18 May 2023 18:01:13 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Physics and Astronomy have developed a novel system and method to achieve thermonuclear fusion in a laboratory scale device. Background: Many energy experts believe that nuclear has a key role to play as a clean, stable, and readily-available source of power, despite a contentious history. Nuclear power plants now generate about 10% of the world’s total electricity, and this represents 29% of all the world’s low-carbon power and 55% of the U.S low-carbon power. Nuclear fission is now widely used in nuclear power plants. This m...

The Growing Role of Digital Pathology and Machine Learning in Cancer Diagnostics (UCLA Case No. 2021-134)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 09 May 2023 13:58:13 GMT

Summary: Researchers at UCLA's Department of Radiological Sciences have developed an active learning methodology for digital pathology image analysis, addressing challenges posed by inconsistent annotations and revolutionizing the training of diagnostic algorithms. Background: The global digital pathology market is anticipated to experience significant growth in the coming years, with projections indicating an increase from $5.9 billion in 2022 to $10.7 billion by 2027. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates a 70% rise in cancer diagnoses over the next two decades, alongside near...

Syringe Stabilization Device for Ultrasound-Guided Procedures (UCLA Case No. 2023-045)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 01 May 2023 09:21:15 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Surgery have developed a novel, minimally invasive ultra-sounded guided metastatic mouse model and device enabling more secure and precise usage of in-plane ultrasound imaging of needles. Background: Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally and in the United States. Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest types, partially due to its metastatic nature. New treatments are a constant focus of research, but they must demonstrate efficacy in metastatic preclinical mice models before they go to human clinical trials. Mouse models a...

Micro-Trenches That Retain Trapped Gas Under High-Speed Water Flows (UCLA Case No. 2023-204)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 10:20:24 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a design of microstructured surfaces capable of retaining air pockets under water at flow speeds above 10 knots so that watercraft can travel with a reduced drag. Background: A major challenge limiting efficiency and speed of watercraft is the friction watercraft experience while traveling over the surface of the water. These forces slow down all traveling watercraft, leading to decreased efficiencies and increased fuel requirements. To overcome this, the undersides of watercraft are often co...

2023-043: Enhanced Gamma Delta T Cells for Immunotherapy

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 09:24:27 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics have developed a novel platform to generate potent, high quality Vδ2 T cells at scale for use in cancer immunotherapies. BACKGROUND: With rising cases of cancer in the world, immunotherapies have emerged as a promising and potentially effective therapeutic strategy. In particular, chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cell therapy makes use of reengineered T-cells to target and clear cancer cells. Conventional CAR-T cell therapy begins by collecting T-cells from patients; then, in a labora...

Multi-Resolution Model With Attention for Whole Slide Image Analysis Trained Using Weak Labels (UCLA Case No. 2019-943)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 14:45:29 GMT

Summary: UCLA Researchers in the Department of Radiology have developed a computer-aided diagnostic model that uses histology slides to interpret and detect prostate cancer diagnoses with high levels of accuracy. Background: In the United States, prostate cancer ranks as the most prevalent and second deadliest cancer among men. Diagnosing this disease typically involves manual histology reviews of biopsied tissue, which helps determine both the cancer's aggressiveness and the appropriate treatment. During this process, a pathologist must meticulously examine histology slides to i...

Digital Pathology Technologies

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 15:19:49 GMT

Interactive Reporting of Histopathological Image Analysis Performed by Artificial Intelligence (UCLA Case No. 2023-090) Dr. Anthony Chen and his research team have developed an interactive and hierarchical reporting tool for histopathological image analysis, which combines AI diagnostics optimized for explainability with the pathologist's expertise in detecting abnormal tissue samples. This tool enhances traditional slide viewers with a top-down approach, presenting the diagnosis, critical criteria, samples meeting each criterion's conditions, and flagged abnormal regions within each ...

A Uniform AI Framework for Automated Detection of Disease-Related Risk Factors in 3D Medical Imaging Data

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 12:13:35 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers from the Departments of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, Ophthalmology, Computational Medicine, and Computer Science have developed a novel uniform framework to diagnose disease-related risk factors in any volumetric medical imaging data. Background: Automated diagnosis of medical imaging is undoubtedly important as in most cases, in addition to reducing costs and treatment burden, it may ameliorate patient care. Many medical imaging diagnoses rely on 3D medical imaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, optical coherence tomography (OCT)...

Novel Method to Group Pixels for Medical Imaging (UCLA Case No. 2022-290)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 17:02:46 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Radiological Sciences have developed a new computational pipeline for identifying lesions in MRI data. Background: Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancer types with 12.6% of men diagnosed within their lifetime. Prostate cancer ranks as the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and contributes significantly to Medicare expenditures, recently ranking as the highest mean expenditure. Increasingly, current radiology-based detection methods rely on multiple MRI sequences to grade the appearance of lesi...

Multiwell Plate-Based Flow Culture for Improving the Quality of 3D Tissues (Case No. 2022-067)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 11:37:01 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a simple, innovative method for growing 3D cell cultures with improved organoid differentiation and reduced hypoxia-induced cell death. TITLE: Multiwell Plate-Based Flow Culture for Improving the Quality of 3D Tissues Background: 3D tissue culture, with a market currently valued at over $1.5 billion with an estimated growth of 15% over the next 10 years, is an important technology enabling research on cancer, stem cells, and drug discovery. Static culture methods rely on diffusion to supply t...

Soft, Stretchable, and Strain-Insensitive Bioelectronics 2022-201

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 09:35:32 GMT

Summary: UCLA Researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a library of soft, stretchable biomaterials that decouple bioelectronic interfaces resulting in improved sensing and neural stimulation devices that can withstand significant strain. Background: The interface between electronic devices and biological tissue is critical in various neuromodulation and biomarker sensing applications. It’s important that these electronic devices have material properties that closely resemble those of native tissues, such as stretchability, to ensure hi...

Quantitative COVID-19 Scores Using High Resolution Computed Tomography (UCLA Case No. 2022-225)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 14:01:02 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Radiology have developed an innovation algorithm that measures lung damage associated with COVID-19 using computed tomography (CT) data. Background: Computed tomography (CT) scans are essential in diagnosing and monitoring different types of lung damage. At present, radiologist manually inspect CT scans and provide non-standardized qualitative estimates. High resolution-computed tomography (HR-CT) scans with a quantitative aspect (QHR-CT) are being adopted to monitor the progression and recovery from respiratory diseases. The ongoing COVID-19 ...

2022-258 Deep Learning-Enabled Detection and Classification of Bacterial Colonies Using a Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Image Sensor

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 09:39:05 GMT

Summary: UCLA Researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a thin-film transistor-based image sensor that can quantify and identify bacterial colony forming units (CFUs) with high accuracy using a deep-learning algorithm. Background: Bacterial infections are a leading cause of death every year in both developed and developing nations, accounting for millions of deaths annually. The associated expense of treating bacterial infections cost more than $4 billion annually in the United States alone. Among bacterial infections, Escherichia coli (...

2022-190 Pharmacological Modulation of Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-T Cell Signaling Pathways to Improve Tumor-Killing Efficacy

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 14:27:49 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics have developed a novel chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell manufacturing process to prevent premature CAR-T cell dysfunction and enhance CAR-T cell durability and potency. BACKGROUND: Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy is an emerging pillar in cancer treatment and has provided remarkable patient response in select cancers including B-cell leukemia and lymphoma. CAR-T cell therapy takes advantage of the patient’s own immune system, utilizing T cells drawn from the patient a...

2023-131 A Method for Video Motion Detection, Segmentation, and Compression

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 14:28:06 GMT

Summary: UCLA Researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a new computationally efficient algorithm that detects and tracks motion in videos. Background: Computer vision and video processing have many applications in visual security and surveillance such as people counting, action recognition, anomaly detection, smart environments, and activity localization and tracking. These video applications all require pre-processing steps such as video dynamic (motion) processing or more long-term processing such as the appearance/disappearance of objects...

Energy-Positive, Carbon-Negative Wastewater Recycling & Resource Recovery

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 24 Feb 2023 14:26:04 GMT

Summary: UCLA Researchers in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering have developed a system for recycling wastewater that is net energy-positive and carbon-negative while generating pipeline grade natural gas and both liquid and solid fertilizer products. Background: Biological nutrient removal (BNR) is an important component of modern wastewater treatment, which is responsible for removing nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus) from wastewaters in conjunction with biological removal of carbonaceous waste. If left untreated, nutrient-containing wastewater discharges cause algae bl...

Implanted Digital Prosthesis (Case No. 2022-298)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 14:19:36 GMT

Summary: UCLA Researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a novel finger prosthetic attachment mechanism and skin-transfer procedure that allows for better prosthetic motion and functionality while allowing the user to feel “natural” sensations. Background: Limb amputations typically cause a loss of function that can interfere with activities of daily living. More specifically, having an amputated finger inhibits a person from performing some of the most basic tasks. Current prostheses lack the sensory feedback mechanism to take in data f...

2022-301 Multi-Specific Engineered Cytokines

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 14:02:07 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a novel strategy to engineer multivalent cytokine complexes that significantly increase their selectivity towards activating effector or regulatory immune cells and reduce off-target effects in immunotherapy treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases. BACKGROUND: In recent years, the use of immunotherapies for the treatment of cancers and autoimmune diseases has steadily grown. Cytokines, secreted small molecules, play a critical role in cellular communication within the immune system, modulating both the innate a...

2023-102 A Dynamic Cholesteric Liquid Crystal for Organoid, Spheroid, 3D Cell Aggregate Manufacturing

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 10:18:40 GMT

Summary: UCLA and University of Connecticut researchers have engineered a novel liquid-crystal-based biomaterial with a simple fabrication process for organoid, spheroid and 3D cell aggregate manufacturing that enables rapid cell growth. Background: The current waiting list for people who need a lifesaving organ transplant is over 100,000 cases in the United States alone. There is a huge demand in meeting this number, and the gap can continue to expand. The most reliable cure for end-stage failure of essential organs, such as kidney, lung, and heart, is transplantation. Tissue e...

2021-003 A Chemical Cocktail Driving Expansion of Myogenic Stem Cells

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 18:07:57 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a novel chemical cocktail for enhancing myogenic stem cell expansion both in vitro and in situ that could lead to more affordable and faster development of stem cell-based therapies and chemical delivery technologies for muscle regeneration. BACKGROUND: Skeletal muscle tissue serves numerous physiological functions, extending beyond locomotion to diverse vital processes such as regulating metabolism and body temperature. When injuries occur, skeletal muscles can activate resident myogenic stem cells to divide a...

2023-021 A Ferrobotic Swarm Technology for Accessible, Adaptable, and Automated Testing

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 12:28:57 GMT

Summary: UCLA Researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed an automated, algorithm-driven nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) method that is easy to manufacture, distribute, and yields accurate results with reduced demand of testing reagents. Background: Major epidemics over the last two decades have emerged with alarming regularity. Accordingly, increasing our global viral diagnostic and surveillance testing capabilities are paramount to mitigating and minimizing the next pandemic. Among current testing options are nucleic acid amplifi...

2019-839 Self-Modulating T Cells with Robust Anti-Tumor Efficacy and Reduced Propensity for Triggering Severe Cytokine Release Syndrome

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 10:13:18 GMT

SUMMARY: Researchers from UCLA’s Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics have developed methods for generating self-modulating CAR-T cells which retain robust anti-tumor function whilst having reduced adverse side effects relating to cytokine release syndrome. BACKGROUND: The immunotherapy approach of T-cell engineering to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) for greater specificity has proven successful in some hematological malignancies, most famously B-cell leukemia and lymphoma. However, one of the barriers immediately limiting the adoption of engine...

2023-056 A Method to Make High Strength, High Ductility, and High Electrical Conductivity Metals

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 12:27:46 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed ultra-strong metal nanocomposites with high ductility, thermal stability, and electrical conductivity. Background: In many different applications, including those in the aerospace, defense, electronics, energy, and transportation sectors, nanocrystalline metals play a prominent role. However, these high-strength materials often suffer from low work hardening capacity, and poor thermal stability and electrical conductivity. The existing techniques for modifying those fine-grained metal...

2023-009: Repurposing Native Cytokine Receptor Signaling for Adoptive T Cell Therapy of Cancer

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 14:58:17 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the School of Medicine have identified a cytokine receptor endowing adoptively transferred T cells with new functions that enhance the potency of adoptively transferred T cells for the treatment of solid tumors, namely by restoring their functionality in the absence of conditioning chemotherapy. BACKGROUND: T cell-based immunotherapy, wherein a patient’s T cells are re-engineered to specifically target tumors, has shown great promise in revolutionizing the long-term treatment of cancer. Amongst the different types of T...

Class-Specific Diffractive Cameras with All-Optical Erasure of Undesired Objects (Case No. 2022-287)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 11:05:40 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a novel camera design that is capable of target-specific imaging with instantaneous optical erasure of irrelevant objects. Background: There are over 1 billion surveillance cameras around the world today, and the installation of such video surveillance technology will continuously grow due to increasing adoption of automation systems in public and private settings. In this digital era, privacy protection has become a rising problem. Moreover, the demand for digital computing power and dat...

2022-284 Non-Contact Force Sensing

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 10:54:08 GMT

Summary: Researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UCLA have developed a non-contact force sensor that relies on laser speckle imaging to precisely sense changing forces on the surface of a variety of materials. Background: Force sensing capabilities enable the ubiquity of a wide range of modern technologies, from touch screen in consumer electronics and autonomous vehicles to robotics feedback systems. Useful information can be obtained from such forces, such as the weight of an object or a user’s intent, which can serve as new channels of information fo...

2022-077 Methods to Enhance Cancer Immune Surveillance and Therapeutic Efficacy in Melanoma by Control of Cancer Cell-Surface PD-L1/L2 and the E3 Ligase Itch

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 11:17:48 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Medicine have discovered an enzyme that downregulates tumor expression levels of PD-L1/L2 in MAPKi-resistant melanoma with the potential to enhance cancer immune surveillance and therapeutic efficacy in drug-resistant melanoma. TITLE: Methods to enhance cancer immune surveillance and therapeutic efficacy in melanoma by control of cancer cell-surface PD-L1/L2. BACKGROUND: Melanoma is one of the most common cancer types globally and the deadliest type of skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 100,000 new patients will ...

2022-021 Methods to Enhance the Efficacy of Combined Targeting of Immune Checkpoint and MAPK Pathways

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 10:51:34 GMT

SUMMARY: Researchers from UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine have discovered a novel regimen using MAPK inhibition and immune checkpoint therapy for the treatment of melanoma and other cancers. Furthermore, they have outlined cellular targets in the tumor microenvironment with key roles in improving sensitivity to therapy. BACKGROUND: Programmed cell death protein-1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1/L1)- and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-targeted therapies have revolutionized the treatment of various cancers, notably improving the outcomes of BRAFV600* malignancies. For mela...

2020-471 Altering Cytokine Specificity Through Binding Valency

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 10:45:21 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed valency-mediated cytokine improvements, enabling the development of significantly more specific cytokine therapies. BACKGROUND: Cytokine therapy, in the growing arsenal of immunotherapies, aims to enhance, suppress, or alter the function of certain immune cells in a highly specific manner. Cytokines play an integral role in the cellular communication of the immune system, modulating both innate and immune responses. Many advances have been made to increase the specificity of cytokines for specific target cell p...

2022-230 Polarization Multiplexed Diffractive Computing: All-Optical Implementation of a Group of Linear Transformations Through a Polarization-Encoded Diffractive Network

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 09:27:32 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed an all-optical diffractive network that can find applications in machine learning-related vision tasks and all-optical computing systems. Background: Optical computing is a gateway to the future, as it can revolutionize computation by making classically stubborn problems solvable. Compared to classical computing schemes, an optical computing system requires little to no power to operate. At this moment, countless computing devices that store and process unprecedented amounts of data...

2023-039 Touch-Based Non-invasive Lithium Monitoring Using an Organo-Hydrogel-Coated Ion-Selective Sensing Interface

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 13:56:00 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a touch-based sensor for non-invasive, real-time, and accurate lithium-ion monitoring in patients. Background: Lithium salt is one of the most widely utilized psychiatric medications for individuals with bipolar disorder. However, it is difficult to translate its effectiveness into positive patient outcomes due to its narrow therapeutic window, severe adverse effects if overdosed, and poor adherence rate from patients (~60%). Lithium monitoring is one tool to overcome the drawbacks of lithium s...

2022-296 Utility of a High Resolution, Infrared Thermal-Imaging as a Novel Intraoperative Augmented Reality Device

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 08:00:11 GMT

Summary: UCLA Resident Physician, Dr. Kyle Klingbeil, MD., in the Molecular, Cellular & Integrative Physiology (MCIP) program and Karie Villanueva, MD., have developed a novel image-guided surgery (IGS) modality that utilizes non-invasive, real-time high-resolution imaging techniques to better guide surgeons during operations. Background: Intraoperative imaging systems are extremely beneficial for surgeons to more precisely image and visualize anatomical parameters during surgery. Image-guided surgery (IGS) has become a revolutionary technique for the treatment of various hard-to-...

2017-730 Reducing Computational Complexity of Training Algorithms for Artificial Neural Networks

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 13:55:25 GMT

Summary: Researchers at UCLA have developed a novel mathematical theorem to revolutionize the training of large-scale artificial neural networks (ANN). Background: Artificial neural networks (ANNs) have gained popularity in recent years due to their exceptional performance and applicability to a wide array of machine learning applications. ANNs digitally mimic the structure and behavior of brain tissue by creating an interconnected network of simple processing units, termed neurons. The size of the ANN increases with the complexity of the application and desired degree of accuracy. Pivotal...

2010-241 Single-Mask Double-Patterning Lithography

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 17:14:05 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a shift-trim double-patterning lithography (ST-DPL) technique to improve the manufacturing of microprocessors and allow for densely-featured patterns. Background: Photolithography is a common method used for the production of various electrical materials such as microprocessors and integrated circuit boards. This technique utilizes light to fabricate nanoscale patterns and marks on a small surface such as that of a microchip. A photomask is applied over the surface of the microchip...

2022-048 Flexible Radiofrequency (RF) Coil for Small Field-Of-View Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 12:13:31 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Neurosurgery have developed a miniature flexible radiofrequency coil for MRI for the detection of small pathological lesions. Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a widely-used medical imaging modality, which can produce clear and contrasted pictures of human anatomy by utilizing magnetism and radio waves. Because of its reduced risk to patients, MRI technology is preferred over other traditional imaging technologies such as X-rays and CT scans. The aging population and increases in chronic diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascu...

Coding and Modulation for Short-Blocklength Communication (Case No. 2022-237)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 12:27:19 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a probabilistic approach to decoding short-blocklength transmissions between devices, which is ideal for the noisy short-blocklength communication frequently used in Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Background: In telecommunication, error detection and correction (EDAC) enable the reliable delivery of digital data over unreliable communication channels. Many communication channels are subject to channel noise, and thus errors may be introduced during transmission from the source to ...

2022-165 Development of a Silicasome Drug Nanocarrier System to Deliver a Lipid Bilayer-Encapsulated TLR7 Agonist for Cancer Immunotherapy

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 10:36:13 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Medicine have developed a scalable and injectable drug delivery platform that allows for tumor-specific combinatorial cancer immunotherapy treatment of pancreatic cancer. BACKGROUND: The National Institute of Health reports that pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC) accounts for at least 90% of all pancreatic cancer cases. PDAC has a five-year survival rate of less than 10% and accounts for over 48,000 deaths per year in the United States, making PDAC one of the most lethal diseases. The high mortality rate is attributed to many factors,...

A Self-Powered Bioelectronic Stent Sensor for Postoperative Blood Flow Rate Monitoring (UCLA Case No. 2022-276)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 14:59:48 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a miniaturized bioelectronic stent sensor that provides continuous, real-time, and reliable hemodynamic monitoring. Background: Diseases caused by arterial atherosclerosis are the leading cause of death and disability in the United States, affecting over 4.6 million people. To treat atherosclerosis, a metal stent is traditionally implanted into partially blocked or narrowed arteries to improve blood flow. In the following months, however, 41% of cases experience re-narrowing of the artery due to the buil...

2022-214 Machine-Learning-Based Automatic Analysis of Electrochemical Characterizations

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 10:32:16 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a machine-learning based algorithm that identifies reaction mechanisms from cyclic voltammetry data and offers accurate interpretations of complex electrochemical data. BACKGROUND: Electrochemistry is a readily accessible and valuable tool for researchers to study the redox behavior of discrete molecules and offer insights into their electrochemical systems, kinetics, and thermodynamics. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) is a relatively simple technique and is becoming commonplace in most chemical r...

2022-286 Optical Pulse Temporal Shaping Through Nonlinear Mixing

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 13:50:27 GMT

Summary: UCLA Researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed an innovative technique that can tailor spectral-temporal optical pulses for electron sources, advanced spectroscopic techniques, material processing, and proton-based cancer therapies. Background: Optical laser pulses with short wavelength and picosecond duration are useful for a wide array of applications including spectroscopy, proton therapy, material processing and photoinjection. However, it is difficult to modulate the shape of picosecond optical laser pulses due to their narrow spectral...

2022-174 Diffractive All-Optical Computing for Quantitative Phase Imaging

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 14:19:45 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed an all-optical quantitative phase imaging (QPI) method that could replace traditionally burdensome and power-inefficient computational image processing networks and improve current limitations in biological imaging. Background: The application of optical imaging technologies is essential in the field of biomedical research. However, due to the intrinsic weakly-scattering and transparent characteristics of biological samples, the field generally relies on histopathology for con...

Deep Learning Super-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging via Slice-Profile-Transformation Based Downsampling (UCLA Case No. 2022-062)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 10:26:05 GMT

Summary: UCLA Researchers in the Department of Radiological Sciences have developed a deep learning-based approach for super-resolution magnetic resonance imaging. This method incorporates a novel slice-profile transformation super-resolution framework for through-plane super-resolution of multi-slice 2D MRI. This approach results in higher accuracy and improved clinical assessment when compared to current super-resolution MRI approaches. Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique that uses a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to cre...

2022-223 A Bioanalytics-Enabled and Hollow Microneedle-Based Wearable Technology for Personalized Medicine

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 16:01:32 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a minimally-invasive wearable device that continuously monitors pharmaceutical concentrations in a user to optimize the drug’s dosage. Background: The annual cost of medication-related morbidity and mortality due to non-optimized pharmacotherapy was estimated as $528 billion, equivalent to 16% of total US health care expenditures in 2016. Thus, personalized medication is required to achieve widespread well-being. The medication dosage is usually dependent on the drug manufacturer'...

2020-922 A Universal Designed Protein Cage for Sensing and Responding to Any Other Protein Molecule

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 11:12:13 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have designed and developed a protein cage which can be easily tailored to sense other proteins, opening in response, and thus delivering enclosed biological compounds across a wide variety of applications, including biosensing, molecular diagnostics, and targeted drug delivery. BACKGROUND: Creating systems that can sense and respond or report on the presence of specific biological molecules is a major goal in medicine and biotechnology. This task, however, is nontrivial, due to the high structural complexity of b...

2021-285 Chemical Stimulation of Cellular Contractability to Enhance the Quality of Cultured Meat

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 10:53:48 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology have developed a novel methodology to improve the texture and overall quality of muscle grown ex vivo for sustainable biomanufacturing applications. Background: Livestock production is known to be ecologically expensive due to its use of large swaths of land and release of unsustainable amounts of greenhouse gases. With global meat consumption at an all-time high, new, more sustainable sources of meat are being developed. Cultured meat, a form of cellular agriculture, can sustainably produce muscle from a bior...

Alleviating GvHD Using Engineered INKT Cells (UCLA Case No. 2023-019)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 16:48:01 GMT

SUMMARY: Researchers in UCLA’s Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics have developed an off-the-shelf cell therapy method for reduction of Graft vs Host Disease (GvHD) following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. This approach uses engineered third-party iNKT’s to ameliorate severity of GvHD without negatively impacting treatment potency. BACKGROUND: Worldwide it is estimated that over 40,000 patients undergo allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to treat or cure various diseases including bone marrow failure syndrome, hematologic ...

Robot-On-A-Dish: Automating Cellular Sorting and Analysis via Robotic Motor-Driven Flow (Case No. 2023-002)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 15:46:41 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have built a new cell sorting system that can handle and maintain linear flow control for a broad range of mesoscale particles in fluids. Background: The global market for drug discovery technologies was valued at $65.3 billion in 2019, and it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.6%. The growing field of drug discovery and development is enabled by the automation technologies that can further reduce spiraling costs and alleviate the stringent timelines associated. Automating the identification and manipulation of b...

Mechanical Neural-Network-Based Metamaterial That Learns Its Properties (Case No. 2022-317)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 09:45:18 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a new type of meta-material that can actively adapt its mechanical properties from exposure to external stimuli. Background: As technologies have evolved, humans developed new methods to produce unique materials, such as plastics, steels and composites, whose mechanical properties can be customized during production to meet a particular demand. These methods have allowed for the tailored synthesis and production of materials with novel and desirable mechanical properties. However, once t...

Aydogan Ozcan Holography Portfolio

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 10:33:29 GMT

2022-252 Fourier Imager Network (FIN): A Deep Neural Network for Hologram Reconstruction with Superior External Generalization 2022-001 Computer-Free, All-Optical Reconstruction of Holograms Using Diffractive Networks 2021-210 Holographic Image Reconstruction With Phase Recovery and Autofocusing Using Recurrent Neural Networks 2019-950 Computational Cytometer Based on Magnetically-Modulated Coherent Imaging and Deep Learning 2019-464 Cross-Modality Deep Learning Brings Bright-Field Microscopy Contrast to Holography 2019-346 Low-Cost And Portable UV Holographic Microscope For High-Contrast...

Holographic Opto-Fluidic Microscopy (Case No. 2011-045)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 10:28:38 GMT

Holographic Opto-Fluidic Microscopy SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a system for holographic opto-fluidic microscopy. BACKGROUNDOpto-fluidics is an emerging field that aims to merge the available toolset of optics and microfluidics to create more flexible and reconfigurable optical devices with novel functionalities that can be incorporated into lab-on-a-chip platforms. Opto-Fluidic Microscopy (OFM) is another concept that came out of this emerging field, which aims to image objects flowing within a micro-fluidic channel without the ...

2009-454 Nano-Plasmonic Lucas: Towards Mega-Throughput, Label-Free Genomics and Proteomics: Revolutionizing Micro-Array Technologies

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 10:23:39 GMT

Revolutionizing Micro-Array Technologies: A Microscopy Method and System Incorporating Nanofeatures Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a novel lensfree incoherent holographic microscope using a plasmonic aperture. Background: Lensfree imaging has gained interest due to the potential to eliminate bulky optical components and to develop on-chip microscope systems, which would be beneficial for microfluidic systems used in medical diagnostics and cytometry applications. A lightweight and compact, lensfree-imaging modality would also be ...

2021-229 Processes, Equipment and Materials Recipes, and Related Know-How to Perform the Silicon-Interconnect Fabric (Si-IF) Chip-Scale Packaging Technology

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 30 Sep 2022 13:33:57 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a novel manufacturing process for Silicone-Interconnect Fabric (Si-IF) that is not only scalable, but also robust as it relies on established processing techniques from CMOS technologies. Background: With the rise of computation-heavy applications, such as machine learning algorithms and neural networks, decreasing the size and improving scalability of packaging technology is critical to enable these applications to exist in small-scale electronic devices. However, printed circuit board (PCB) m...

2022-222 A Wearable Aptamer Microneedle Patch for Continuous Minimally-Invasive Biomonitoring

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 15:51:06 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a novel wearable device for real-time, minimally-invasive medication monitoring. Background: Current medication dosing is determined by taking the average therapeutic dose of a small patient sample size. However, this is often inaccurate for many individuals and the recommended dose could lead to adverse effects or ineffective pharmacotherapy. Personalized therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) for patients is one method to resolve this issue, however, this personalized monitoring is typically invasive, costly, and invo...

Blocking Chromothriptic Genomic Instability to Prevent the Evolution of MAPK Inhibitor Resistance in Melanoma (UCLA Case No. 2022-187)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 15:08:38 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Medicine have developed a novel therapeutic method to prevent acquired resistance to MAPK drug inhibition in melanoma. BACKGROUND:Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the United States and the most fatal of all skin cancer types. Typical treatments of melanoma tumors include pharmacological drugs that inhibit BRAF and MEF, which are critical regulators of the MAPK pathway. While these inhibitors are highly effective for many patients, mortality from melanoma remains high because of the high rate of therapeutic resistance, wherein mel...

2022-279 Pipeline System Integrity Management (PSIM)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 10:24:02 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the B. John Garrick Institute for Risk Sciences have developed a user-friendly software that utilizes real-time data and comprehensive failure models to help natural gas operators optimize mitigation actions to enhance the structural reliability and safety of a pipeline system. Background: There is over 2.6 million miles of pipelines moving gas and oil throughout the United States, and many more miles of pipelines are used to transport water and sewage. The average annual cost of pipeline incidents was more than $522 million over the past 20 years. The lac...

2022-088 Neural Networks for Adipose Tissue Segmentation on Magnetic Resonance Images

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 15:07:57 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Radiological Sciences have developed a novel neural network that can segment and quantify visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues on magnetic resonance images automatically, accurately, and rapidly, to enhance clinical methods for characterizing and monitoring risk for cardiometabolic diseases in patients with obesity. Background: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity affects roughly 42% of adults and 20% of children ages 2 to 19, and costs the U.S. healthcare system a staggering $173 billion of annual med...

In Vivo Biomarkers of Human Limbal Stem Cell Function (UCLA Case No. 2022-153)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 09:39:37 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Ophthalmology have identified novel in vivo biomarkers of limbal stem cell function to accurately diagnose and stage limbal stem cell deficiency. BACKGROUND: The cornea, which is the main part of the eye that is responsible for the production of clear vision, is protected from microbes and fluids by the corneal epithelium. Made up of several layers of cells, the corneal epithelium is constantly renewed by limbal stem cells that regenerate every 3 to 10 days. In limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), these limbal stem cells have a reduced abili...

2022-178: CRISPR-MEDIATED DELETION OF FLI1 IN NK CELLS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 15:54:02 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers from the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics have developed a novel method to increase the immune response of natural killer cells by ablating the transcriptional regulator Fli1 via CRISPR. BACKGROUND: Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells that combat viral infections and serve as the first line of defense against malignant tumors. Now with increasing evidence, NK cells have been shown to constitute a heterogeneous and versatile cell subset. Of particular interest, they have been shown to also exhibit the capacity for immu...

2014-9AG Wide-Field Computational Imaging of Pathology Slides Using Lensfree On-Chip Microscopy

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 11:49:39 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a wide field-of-view (FOV) computational imaging method using lens-free on-chip microscopy to efficiently and cost-effectively scan biological samples such as pathology slides. Background: Wide field-of-view (FOV) and high-resolution imaging is crucial for various applications in biomedical and physical sciences. Such tasks demand microscopes to have large space-bandwidth products (SBP) with minimal spatial aberrations that distort the utilization of the SBP of the imaging system. Conven...

2020-810 Mechanical Ventilator With a Fixed Number of Orifice Plates to Generate Constant Flow Paths

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 14:47:45 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering & Bioengineering have developed a constant flow path mechanical ventilator used for the treatment of advanced respiratory diseases, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Background: Respiratory failure leading to the need for respiratory support is a very serious problem that may yield a lower functional lung volume and decreases the ability of the patient to successfully perform gas transfer with the alveoli in the lungs, thus limiting the intake of oxygen and the exhalation of carbon diox...

2022-109 Methods and Apparatus for Intercoupled THz Radiating Arrays

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 12:55:59 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have designed a novel intercoupled oscillator array architecture for efficient THz generation. Background: Efficient THz generation in silicon technologies has been of great interest over the recent years, as it enables an integrated low-cost solution for sensing, radar, communication, and spectroscopy. Due to the limitation of transistors, direct THz generation using a fundamental oscillator is not feasible. Therefore, various approaches have been developed based on harmonic extraction and the fr...

2022-116-1 Electrolyte Modulator Additive for Lithium-Ion Batteries

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 17:35:23 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering have designed a MOF-based electrolyte modulator to mitigate the polarization of electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries for energy efficient electric vehicles. Background: To ensure a successful transition to electric vehicles, it is essential to develop low-cost batteries with high energy efficiency and long lifespans. Transport limitations of ions, however, may lead to the polarization of electrolytes within lithium-ion batteries. This is particularly an issue with EVs as they undergo many high current ch...

2022-241 A TSV-Less Architecture for Power Delivery and I/O for Interposers and Other Advanced Packaging Constructs

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 12:18:56 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers led by Professor Iyer have developed a wafer-scale processor manufacturing method that does not require standard through-silicon vias (TSVs). Background: With the rise of machine learning applications, demand for devices capable of high-performance computing (HPC) has also increased. Popularity and demand for wafer-scale engines has grown steadily, serving as a potential solution to this dilemma. Silicon Interconnect Fabric (Si-IF) has been developed by researchers at UCLA in order to enable wafer-scale processing and dense integration of heterogenous dielet...

Millimeter-Wave/THz Integrated Circuits and On-Chip Antennas - Aydin Babakhani

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 18:06:15 GMT

2019-897 THz Impulse and Frequency Comb Generation Using Reverse Recovery of PIN Diode Background: Broadband pulse generation has a wide range of applications such as high-speed communication, high-resolution radars, spectroscopy, and remote sensing. Techniques to increase bandwidth and radiation power have generated great interest in terahertz (THz) and mm-wave research but are hindered by the limitations of silicon-based technologies. Methods to overcome these limitations have included the use of dynamic pulse generation but programming the phase and amplitude of tones at mm-wave/THz f...

Silicon Interconnect Fabric (Si-IF) Technologies - Subramanian Iyer

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 18:22:41 GMT

Background: Over the past two decades, silicon chips have decreased in size by 1000x, while packages on circuit boards have only shrunk by 4x. This will eventually limit scaling of integrated circuits and subsequent processor performance. A solution is the invention of platforms for packageless integration of heterogeneous dies, such as silicon interconnect fabric (Si-IF), exhibiting significant improvements in thermal and electrical properties. Silicon Interconnect Fabric (Si-IF) is a material placed on a silicon wafer that connects multiple bare dielets, allowing for quicker signal...

2019-346 Low-Cost And Portable UV Holographic Microscope For High-Contrast Protein Crystal Imaging

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 16:11:16 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed an on-chip UV holographic imaging microscope that offers a low-cost, portable, and robust technique to image and distinguish protein crystals from salt crystals. Background: Dual-mode microscopes composed of bright-field and ultraviolet (UV) induced fluorescence modes are an important tool for imaging protein crystals and distinguishing them from salt crystals. These dual-mode optical microscopes are sensitive enough for protein and salt crystal distinction. However, these microscopes require U...

Charge Trap Transistors - Subramanian Iyer

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 15:55:30 GMT

Background: Due to their chemical makeup and heat generation, devices such as high-k/metal gate (HKMG) CMOS often accumulate charges can lead to variation in integrated circuits. Charge Trap Transistors (CTT's) utilize accumulating charge in semiconducting devices as embedded non-volatile memory (eNVM). The introduction of CTT's can prove an invaluable tool for manufacturers, allowing them to turn stock logic transistors into multi-time programmable (MTP) non-volatile memory elements that operate at logic compatible voltages without the need for any addition...

Waferscale Computing, Emerging Memory Systems, and Lightweight Machine Learning Systems - Puneet Gupta

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 15:11:16 GMT

2022-051 Reliable and Fault-Tolerant Clock Generation and Distribution for Chiplet-Based Waferscale Processors Researchers at UCLA have developed an on-chip fast clock which can be integrated into each chiplet. By doing this, the fast clock can be propagated from one chiplet to another. This provides consistent clock signaling to large systems as well as adding redundancy. When individual chiplets fail, additional neighbors can be used to bypass, ensuring that the clock is provided to each chiplet. These self-propagating clocks will allow the creation of even larger processor systems that wor...

2022-051 Reliable and Fault-Tolerant Clock Generation and Distribution for Chiplet-Based Waferscale Processors

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 18:16:41 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed an on-chip clock propagation circuit that allows creation of large-scale fault-robust processor systems which are essential for the next generation of big data solutions. Background: Waferscale processor systems can provide the large number of cores, and interconnect bandwidth required by today’s highly parallel workloads. One approach to building waferscale systems is to use a chiplet-based architecture where pre-tested chiplets are integrated on a passive high bandwidth interconne...

A Safe, Small Molecule Drug to Prevent Kidney Cancer Metastasis (UCLA Case No. 2022-106)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 13:49:30 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology have discovered a class of small molecule that can be given to kidney cancer patients after surgical removal of their kidney tumor(s) to prevent metastasis and increase their survival rate. BACKGROUND: Kidney cancer is the 10th most common cancer worldwide, accounting for 2.4% of all cancers. The American Cancer Society estimates that, in the U.S. alone, there will be at least 79,000 new kidney cancer cases diagnosed and nearly 14,000 deaths attributed to kidney cancer in 2022. The 5-year survival rate fo...

2022-140 Label-Free Virtual HER2 Immunohistochemical Staining of Breast Tissue Using Deep Learning

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 09 Aug 2022 16:20:27 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Departments of Bioengineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a deep learning-based algorithm that can detect and quantify the breast cancer marker human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in microscopic images without the need for time-consuming immunohistochemical staining (IHC). BACKGROUND: One out of every eight women develops invasive breast cancer throughout their lives. The biomarker HER2 is often used to inform diagnostic decisions as well as guide cancer treatment plans. Typically, immunohistochemical staini...

2019-002 Motility-Based Label-Free Detection of Parasites in Bodily Fluids Using Holographic Speckle Analysis and Deep Learning

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 05 Aug 2022 17:37:24 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed deep learning-based, cost-effective, and portable optical devices that facilitate label-free, high-throughput and sensitive detection of motile parasites. Background: Parasitic infections are a major global public health issue, but current screening methods based on manual microscopic examination often lack the volumetric throughput and sensitivity for early diagnosis. Examples of disease caused by protozoan parasites include Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), also known as sleeping sic...

Chip-Scale Frequency-Comb Assisted Coherent LIDAR With Sub-Micrometer Precision (UCLA Case No. 2019-340)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 13:09:42 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a microcomb-based spectrally resolved interferometer (SRI) for precise dimension measurements. BACKGROUND: Physical length determination, a standard quantitative measurement, is currently achieved by the application of a laser interferometer. The application of optical approaches for length determinations can be applied in industrial fields for large-scale manufacturing and axis control of ultraprecision machines. In addition, they can be applied in space missions such as orbiting or sate...

2022-268 a Novel Method to Capture Clinical Data and Automatically Upload to National Registries

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 14:46:44 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Cardiac Surgery have developed a program that facilitates data entry of patient information and simplifies integration with the requirements of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) that is user-friendly, quick, and robust to human error. Background: The Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) requires data submission for clinics that seek denotation as centers of excellence for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO). ECMO is an extracorporeal technique of providing prolonged cardiac and respiratory support...

2022-243 A Computerized Tool Designed to Provide Cognitive Assistance for the Diagnosis of the Neurological Symptoms that may Appear After a Head Trauma in Children and Young Adults

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 13:27:57 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the David Geffen School of Medicine and USC researchers in the Viterbi School of Engineering have developed a computerized diagnostic tool which can identify and rank the probability of neurological symptoms that may appear after a head trauma in childhood and adolescence solely based on patient-reported symptoms. Background: Head trauma occurs commonly in childhood and adolescence. Children with repeated injuries may develop serious complications. Thus, it is necessary to diagnose neurological symptoms and develop a plan for minimizing the risk of future injuri...

2021-223 Manufacturing of Oxide-Dispersion Strengthened Alloys by Liquid Metallurgy

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 09:39:38 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed a method for manufacturing oxide-dispersion strengthened (ODS) steel and alloys through liquid metallurgy, to achieve bulk ODS steels and other high temperature alloys with uniformly dispersed small nanoparticles (5-100 nm). BACKGROUND: Oxide-dispersion strengthened (ODS) steels and alloys are highly desired in the fields of aerospace, nuclear power, and other applications with demanding conditions due to their extraordinary mecha...

2021-400 COMET: On-Die and In-Controller Collaborative Memory ECC Technique for Stronger and Safer Correction of DRAM Errors

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 17:05:04 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a method titled Collaborative Memory ECC Technique (COMET), to efficiently detect two error correcting codes (ECC) and eliminate silent data corruption (SDC) when double-bit errors occur within DRAMs. Background: Technological abundance has been the prime driver of manufacturers increasing the capacity of the Dynamic Random-Access Memory (DRAM) modules for electronics such as computers, phones, and cars. DRAM manufactures have begun to adopt on-die error correcting coding (ECC) to deal wi...

2020-487 Early-Detection and Classification of Live Bacteria Using Time-Lapse Coherent Imaging and Deep Learning

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 10:50:44 GMT

Summary: Researchers from UCLA’s Electrical and Computer Engineering and Bioengineering Departments have invented a novel automated system that quickly detects and classifies colonies of live bacteria in water by using deep neural networks to analyze holographic images. Background: Early identification of pathogenic bacteria in food, water, and bodily fluids is very important and yet challenging, owing to sample complexities and large sample volumes that need to be rapidly screened. Existing screening methods based on plate counting or molecular analysis present various tradeoffs with...

2019-265: Engineered Mammalian Animal and Cell Models to Enable the Identification of Molecules That Target Microglia and Myeloid Cell Function

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 13:36:33 GMT

SUMMARY UCLA researchers in the Department of Psychiatry have developed novel methods to use human genomic DNA context to drive the expression of microglial-expressing Alzheimer’s disease genes in mammalian cells or mammalian animal models. BACKGROUND Microglia are resident innate immune cells in the brain derived from myeloid precursors. Microglia contribute to synaptic plasticity and learning at the resting state, and reactive microglia mediate phagocytic uptake and secretion of inflammatory cytokines in response to injury or neurodegenerative disorders. While short-...

Cellphone-Based Micro-Plate Reader for Point-Of-Care ELISA Testing & High-Throughput and Automated Diagnosis of Antimicrobial Resistance

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 11:42:27 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a cost-effective cellphone-based micro-plate reader to rapidly perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) with >99% accuracy. Background: Immunoassays are biochemical tests that are conducted to measure the presence and concentration of large proteins or antibodies in a sample. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) is a critical component of diagnostic testing within a heath care setting to mitigate the spread of dangerous bacteria. Commonly, an ELISA test is utilize...

2020-839 Endovascular Transvascular (Transmural) Neuromodulation Technique

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 22:10:45 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Neurosurgery have developed an endovascular method to deliver pharmaceutical agents with various physical properties (e.g. liquids, gels, solids) across the wall of a vessel directly to the nervous system tissue. BACKGROUND: Portions of the nervous system, such as the autonomic ganglia and associated nerves, and other peri-vascular tissues have important implications in many diseases. However, these tissues have been out of reach by classic endovascular techniques for drug delivery, as their vascular supply is too small to image, access,...

2022-151 Improved Electrospray Propulsion Device

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 22:00:58 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Physics and Astronomy have developed an improved electrospray propulsion device for satellites and other aerospace applications. Background: The application of electromagnetic principles for jet propulsion has been an ongoing area of research in aeronautical engineering. In particular, electric propulsion (EP) generally has higher efficiency, thrust density, and specific impulse compared to traditional chemical rockets. One important EP technology is electrospray propulsion, which electrostatically ionizes, accelerates, and ejects conductive li...

2022-216 Electrode for Rechargeable Batteries that Resists Dendrite Growth

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 16:55:13 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Material Science and Engineering have developed electrodes for rechargeable batteries which resist dendrite growth. Background: Rechargeable batteries have attracted attention due to their wide array of applications and environmental benefits. Rechargeable metal-ion batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries, are used in a variety of devices such as smartphones and electric vehicles. However, metal-ion batteries suffer from dendrite growth caused by the accumulation of metallic microstructures, leading to the death of the metal and possible...

2021-278 Enhancement of Human Memory and Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease by Closed -Loop Phase-Locked Brain Electric Stimulation During Sleep

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 21:39:57 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the department of Neurosurgery have developed an implantable brain electrode system which can modulate the brain’s activity to improve sleep and consolidation of memory, several important activities in the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease. BACKGROUND: Sleep is universally understood to be beneficial to both physical as well as mental health. While we sleep the short-term memories that we accumulate during the day are consolidated into long term memories. High quality sleep is essential especially for patients suffering from memory associated dise...

Synthetic Generation of Face Videos with Plethysmograph Physiology (Case No. 2022-231)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 10:18:11 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a method to avoid expensive clinical trials by generating synthetic face videos. Background: Healthcare providers have increased their use of virtual diagnostic tools during the COVID-19 pandemic. These tools have allowed patients to undergo basic health assessments from the comfort and safety of their own home. However, some diagnostics, such as heart rate measurements via photoplethysmography (PPG), still require in-person visits or specific tools that the patient must have physic...

2022-267 Enhanced Interpretation of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test Data

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 17:46:22 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Medicine have developed a novel software that is capable of analyzing and interpreting standardized cardiopulmonary exercise data and facilitating pattern recognition and data visualization, providing users key insights from raw data. Background: A wide array of exercises exist to evaluate cardiopulmonary health. Interpretation of raw exercise data can be a challenge, as this data varies significantly across exercise type. Standard output formats include work rate, oxygen uptake, carbon dioxide output, heart rate and ventilation. However,...

UWHear: Through-Wall Extraction and Separation of Audio Vibrations Using Wireless Signals (Case No. 2022-118)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 14:39:59 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a system that simultaneously recovers and separates sounds from multiple sources using impulse radio ultra-wide band technology without microphones that is capable of working through light building materials without the need for line of sight. Background: Audio recordings have become a powerful tool for a wide array of technological applications such as smart devices that use audio inputs for commands. Most devices use microphones to record the audio information, which works well when aud...

2021-359 Seeing Through Random Diffusers Without a Computer

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 14:02:31 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed an all optics-based system that can perform image reconstruction at the speed of light for images distorted by light scattering and diffusion. Background: Imaging is an essential technique for everything from biomedical optics and atmospheric physics to autonomous systems and robotics. Rarely though is there absolutely nothing between the optical sensor and the object being detected. Obstacles in between the sensor and object lead to light scattering. This scatter can come from diff...

AI Models for Ocular Diseases Using Optical Coherence Tomography (Case No. 2022-113)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 17:12:23 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Computational Medicine have developed a computer program capable of automatically and accurately diagnosing optical diseases using OCT. Background: Optical diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration, are serious issues that, if left untreated, can result in partial and even complete blindness. Current diagnosis methods are time consuming and expensive as specially trained physicians are needed to perform and analyze the eye exam results. This leads to both longer diagnosis times and incomplete diagnoses as there may have been unexam...

2021-016 Liquid Crystal-based Scaffolds for Cell-cultured Meat Production

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 17:12:04 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering have developed a nonwoven CLC (cholesteryl ester liquid crystals) electrospun scaffold to enhance myofibril formation in vitro. Background: Cholesteryl ester liquid crystals (CLCs) are promising biomaterials for the development of dynamic and responsive interfaces for tissue engineering. CLSs play key roles in cellular homeostasis, regulation of signaling processes, and modulation of cell membranes. However, current CLC scaffolds are nanometer-thin samples tethered to glass, which makes them unsuitable...

2021-344 Biopsy-Free In Vivo Virtual Histology of Skin Using Deep Learning

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 16:17:32 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Departments of Electrical and Computer Engineering & Bioengineering have developed a non-invasive, biopsy-free technique for in vivo virtual histology of skin cancer using deep learning. Background: Tissue biopsies have often been used to diagnose skin cancers in patients. These procedures are generally cumbersome and invasive, requiring dissection of the affected tissue. The dissected tissue sample is then stained for histological pathology for diagnosis. However, this method often requires one day to several weeks for final diagnosis. Recent adva...

A Novel Device to Produce Autologous Serum Eye Drops at the Point of Care (Case No. 2021-198)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 30 May 2022 16:31:27 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Stein and Doheny Eye Institutes have designed a device that can produce autologous serum eye drops at the point-of-care, greatly reducing the cost and complexity of the production process. BACKGROUND: Ocular surface diseases afflict hundreds of millions of people per year worldwide. Autologous serum eye drops benefit patients with various ocular surface diseases, including common conditions such as dry eye and exposure keratopathy. Such eye drops are typically prepared by isolating serum from the blood via centrifugation, followed by dilution and a...

Cellobiose as an Alternative Fuel for T Cells (UCLA Case No. 2021-057)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 25 May 2022 14:35:46 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Pediatrics have developed a means of utilizing the a biorthogonal sugar called cellobiose as a carbon source for T cells and other mammalian cells for widespread use including as an improved cell therapy platform. BACKGROUND: Cancerous tumors are well characterized to be highly metabolically active as they undergo rapid uncontrolled cell division. Glucose is the preferred carbon source for cellular metabolism during this process. This characteristic allows well-established diagnostic methods, including positron emission tomograph...

2021-349-2 A METHOD FOR RECORDING OF TERAHERTZ WAVEFORMS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 20 May 2022 10:58:59 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the department of Electrical Engineering have developed a method for recording of terahertz waveforms which can be used for both sensing and communication in the terahertz spectrum. BACKGROUND: Terahertz waves are part of the electromagnetic spectrum between infrared and microwaves. In optical sensing, infrared waves can induce stretching of bonds and microwaves can induce rotation of bonds. Terahertz waves have the ideal energy to induce torsions and collective vibrations within molecules. For example, large scale molecular structures act as a finge...

2016-219-3 SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTICAL TRANSIENT LIQUID MOLDING OF MICROPARTICLES AND USES FOR THE SAME

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Sun, 15 May 2022 20:53:50 GMT

SUMMARY: The Di Carlo group at UCLA has invented a microparticle that enables analysis of adherent cells via flow cytometry with high throughput. BACKGROUND: Traditional flow cytometry is a fluorescence-based technique used to characterize cells on a molecular level usually suspended in a fluid. However, many cells are inherently attached to matrix in vivo and cannot be measured easily via flow cytometry in a more physiologically-relevant state. While there are methods to analyze adherent cells via micromolded magnetic rafts, their throughput and ease of use leaves much to be desired....

2022-252 Fourier Imager Network (FIN): A Deep Neural Network for Hologram Reconstruction with Superior External Generalization

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 13 May 2022 14:58:35 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the department of Electrical Engineering have developed a deep learning approach that is capable of performing image reconstruction from raw holograms, which proves to be faster and superior at reconstruction as well as generalizable to new data. Background: Holographic imaging provides significant advantages over standard phase contrast microscopy. In conventional microscopy, the sample is projected onto a sensor. The distance of the sample and the multiple optical parts determine which part of the sample is in focus at any time. This has significan...

2022-192 Software Simulation of Brain-Machine Interfaces

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 13 May 2022 11:55:51 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed an entirely software-based brain-machine interface (BMI) simulator that provides tools for the acceleration and optimization of BMI development. Background: Brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) provide a direct communication pathway between the brain’s electrical activity and an external device. BMIs have remained in pilot clinical trials for years due to the lack of technology that enables larger communities to design and optimize BMIs. Current technologies to study BMIs require expensi...

Active Learning for the Subgraph Matching Problem (Case No. 2022-104)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 03 May 2022 16:45:59 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Mathematics have developed a technology to improve Artificial Intelligence pattern recognition for image segmentation, bio-chemical reactions and security applications. Background: Recently, there has been an increase in the quantity and complexity of generated data. Businesses that deal with large or complex datasets often struggle to interpret that data in meaningful ways. One new approach is to use graph theory to process the data. The idea behind graph theory is that each object in the data can be represented as a node. Eac...

2022-217 DDLSNET PIPELINE: A NOVEL DEEP LEARNING-BASED SYSTEM FOR GRADING GLAUCOMATOUS FUNDUSCOPIC IMAGES FOR DAMAGE

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 02 May 2022 16:28:21 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Ophthalmology have developed a deep learning-based automated algorithm that can grade funduscopic images for the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma. BACKGROUND: Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world. In 2020, about 80 million patients suffered from glaucoma, and over 110 million are projected to have the disease by 2040. To ensure proper treatment of the disease, diagnosis and progression monitoring are critical, and can be accomplished via several modalities. Retina Tomography (HRT) and Opt...

2013-467 Inspecting Method and Inspecting Apparatus

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 02 May 2022 16:21:30 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a method that utilizes a hybrid dispersion laser scanner for fast quality control of particles on silicon wafers to reduce wafer manufacturing cost. BACKGROUND: Web inspection, also known as surface inspection, is a method widely used for evaluation of products during manufacturing. Surface inspection applications include quality control, defect detection, and dimensional metrology in the production of thin films for electronic devices. Organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) and thin film tr...

2021-313 METHODS OF ANALYZING NANOVIALS CONTAINING CELLS USING FLUORESCENCE ACTIVATED CELL SORTING

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 14:04:43 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a high throughput, single cell screening and sorting platform to facilitate single cell functional assays. Background: Biological assays are usually performed using microwell plates because of their ability to scale experiments and integrate with current lab automation infrastructure. Typically, colorimetric and fluorescent readouts can be obtained in cells that adhere to the bottom of these wells to study biological functions. However, to sort single cells and perform functional biological assays, ...

Method for Diagnosing Dry Mouth Using Biomarkers (UCLA Case No. 2021-252)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 10:57:03 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Dentistry have developed a novel and simple method using saliva sampling to detect and monitor xerostomia by testing for the expression of targeted biomarkers. BACKGROUND: Xerostomia, or dry mouth, occurs when salivary glands do not produce enough saliva. Xerostomia ranges in severity from mild discomfort during chewing, swallowing, and speaking, to causing a variety of oral health problems including tooth decay and gum disease. Even for those with mild symptoms, dry mouth can compromise an individual’s dietary intake and overall quality of ...

2021-260: THE INNATE IMMUNE HEALTH SCORE

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 11:54:38 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics have developed a strategy to quantitatively assess the functionality of macrophages, a key player of the innate immune system, using a paired experimental and computational strategy. BACKGROUND: The immune system is formed by two major inter-related components, namely the innate and adaptive immunity. Upon activation of immune effector cells, the resulting responses do not only neutralize the invading pathogen but can also be harmful for the host if not properly regulated. Thus, it is an impe...

Immunoactive Microparticles and Uses Thereof (UCLA Case No. 2020-200)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 08:58:27 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA Researchers from the division of Immunology in the David Geffen School of Medicine have developed an improved method of stimulating anti-tumor T-cells for use in cancer immunotherapy. BACKGROUND: Cancer immunotherapy, a therapeutic strategy whereby a patient’s own immune system is reequipped to attack cancer cells, promises more effective treatments against cancers without many of the off-target toxicity concerns associated with other curative methods currently in use. In one area of development: adoptive T-cell therapy, a cancer vaccine can be generated by stimulatin...

2022-071 HAND INTERFACES: USING HANDS TO IMITATE OBJECTS IN AR/VR FOR EXPRESSIVE INTERACTIONS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Sun, 03 Apr 2022 18:42:51 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed software that allows users to interact with virtual and augmented reality via hand movements. BACKGROUND: Virtual and Augmented Reality (AR/VR) systems allow users to interact with a virtual environment in an immersive and intuitive way. Typically, a headset provides visual and auditory input of this virtual environment while physical controllers are used as means to interact with this virtual environment. These controllers are often expensive and are by far the least immersive and intu...

2021-217 Air-Breathing Electric Thruster

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 10:28:11 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed air-breathing electric thrusters that would allow satellites to operate in very low Earth orbit (VLEO) for a wide array of applications. BACKGROUND: The majority of spacecraft operate in low Earth orbit (LEO) due to the many advantages of operating near the Earth. However, most spacecraft do not operate at or below 450 km altitude, or very low Earth orbit (VLEO), because of atmospheric drag. Compensating for that increased drag requires that the spacecraft carry more fuel, which increases the...

2020-363 ROTATIONAL INTENSITY MODULATION FOR ULTRA HIGH DOSE RATE (FLASH) X-RAY DOSE DELIVERY

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 10:19:29 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Radiation Oncology have developed a collimation device that can achieve ultrafast delivery and complex dose modulation for x-ray radiotherapy. Background: Radiotherapy aims to treat and control the growth of tumors via exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation. While it is generally effective, it can often damage surrounding healthy tissue, limiting the maximum allowable radiation dose and decreasing its overall efficacy. Recent evidence suggests that the treatment of tumors can be conducted via a single, high dose-rate radia...

A Multi-Modal Crypto/Bio-Human-Machine Interface (Case No. 2021-354)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 10:13:44 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed an instrument that detects and encrypts a user’s biochemical and biometric data with only a touch of the finger. Background: Human machine interfaces (HMI), such as touchscreens and keyboards, are able to connect users to machines, systems, and devices. However, HMI has not been widely used in the medical field for diagnostics due to the lack of bio-perception and interpretation capabilities as well the difficulty in easily encrypting and decrypting biometric data. Therefo...

2022-194 GEOSPATIAL TREND DETECTION METHOD

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 12:40:50 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Geography have developed a robust geospatial trend detection method that works with any combination of spatial aggregations, dimensions and variables, allowing researchers to compare geospatial trends across a variety of resolution levels. BACKGROUND: Since the adaptation of satellites that were capable of recording image data of our planet, we have generated a massive quantity of geospatial data. This data has proven useful in everything from the building of accurate road maps to the efficient distribution of fertilizer on agricultural land...

2021-225 An Innovative Dielectric Elastomer and Multilayer Dielectric Elastomer Actuator with High Electrically Induced Actuation Strains

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 17:38:52 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed a dielectric elastomer and layering process that can produce actuators capable of high strain and high frequency actuation. BACKGROUND: Dielectric elastomers (DE) can act as deformable capacitors that can generate a mechanical movement in response to an electrical signal. They are often referred to as “artificial muscles” due to their high energy density, large stroke, and high frequency response. Compared to more traditional designs such as pneumatic or hydraulic actuators, dielectri...

2021-309-METHODS OF USING SHAPED PARTICLES IN FLOW CYTOMETERS FOR ASSAYS ON B CELLS AND T CELLS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 11:32:49 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a platform to sort single cells based on their secreted product at high throughput using commonly accessible lab infrastructure, i.e., flow cytometers. Background: Techniques to sort single cells based on secreted products have the potential to accelerate the development of next generation cell and antibody therapies. Screening cells based on their produced secreted products, can allow for the identification of cells that generate useful monoclonal antibodies or have desired functionalities. Typical...

293T Packaging Cells With Targeted Gene Knockouts That Improve Lentiviral Vector Titers (UCLA Case No. 2020-889)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 18 Mar 2022 11:18:03 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Molecular Genetics have found that the knockout of four host cell antiviral factors could increase lentiviral titers, allowing the potential to reduce common off target toxicities of gene therapy while lowering the cost of treatment manufacturing. BACKGROUND: Gene therapy holds the promise of providing lasting therapies or cures for diseases thought to be previously untreatable. In gene therapy, identified defective genes are corrected though viral vector-mediated gene addition or gene editing. A commonly util...

2022-130 PM-BASED CATALYST WITH TRANSITION ULTRAFINE METAL-OXIDE CORES

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 17:27:57 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed a method to synthesize uniform Pt-based catalyst nanoparticles with ultralow base transition metal content for fuel cell applications. Background: Ultrafine platinum (Pt)-based catalysts with ultralow base transition metal content can provide high fuel cell activity while minimizing base metal leaching and the corresponding cation poisoning effect, thereby ensuring high fuel cell stability. However, current Pt-based catalysts lack uniform size distribution and have high base transition met...

2021-367 MINIATURIZED WIRELESS GASTRIC PACING WITH NON-INVASIVE ELECTROGASTROGRAPHIC MONITORING

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 12:39:39 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a small wireless electrical stimulus device to treat refractory gastroparesis and monitor the stimulus delivery during treatment that is lead free and minimally invasive. BACKGROUND: Refractory gastroparesis is a medical disorder that weakens the muscular contractions of the stomach and leads to retention of foods and liquids in the stomach for a prolonged period of time. Current treatments require dietary modifications, medications, and surgical approaches. Unfortunately, it is challenging for patients to follow ...

Scalable and Rapid Infrared Radiation Assisted Synthesis of Nanoparticles (Case No. 2022-132)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 28 Feb 2022 05:47:47 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed a novel and scalable method to synthesize ultrafine nanoparticles. Background: Ultrafine nanoparticles are particles that often exhibit unique properties due to their small size and high surface area to volume ratio. Despite being about 10,000x smaller than the thickness of a human hair, they are often found in many everyday items from eyeglasses to crack-resistant paintings. While their large surface area is ideal for many energy-related technologies and drug delivery...

Discovering Giant Magnetoelastic Effect in a Soft Body for Electricity Generation (Case No. 2021-231)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 16:48:05 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed an innovative wearable generator that efficiently harnesses energy from biomechanical motion and conforms to human skin. Background: Due to increasing prominence of wearable technology, there is a simultaneous rise in the demand for portable energy systems. Typically, solid-state battery packs are used, but many of them are bulky and require charging from external sources to provide power on-demand. Humans generate around 100 watts of power a day via biomechanical motion. While it is possible to harvest energy fr...

Identification of a Platform to Identify Tumor-Specific T Cell Receptors (UCLA Case No. 2022-082)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 11:37:18 GMT

SUMMARY: Researchers from UCLA’s Department of Neurosurgery and Pharmacology have developed a rapid discovery platform for the identification of tumor-specific T cell receptors to aid in more personalized and potent immunotherapy for glioblastoma. BACKGROUND: Over the past several years, immunotherapy, or therapies that enlist and strengthen the power of a patient’s immune system to attack tumors with specificity, has emerged as a powerful tool in cancer treatment. To a large extent, the specificity and effectiveness of immunotherapy is dependent on the recognition of specifi...

2021-212 Configurable Memory Pool System

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 11:48:25 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a node processing architecture that allows memory pool to be scalable and allows the integration of heterogeneous technologies downstream. Background: Modern electronic applications require high memory capacity and bandwidth. However, many of these applications require more memory capacity and bandwidth than can be provided by a single processing node. To resolve this issue, multiple processing nodes can be connected using interconnection technologies. This results in bottlenecks that slow down...

2021-259 CLOUDEAD: EVEN AEROSOL DISTRIBUTION

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 10 Feb 2022 15:08:11 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA Researchers in the Departments of Bioengineering and Pediatrics have developed a tool for efficient toxicology tests of electronic cigarette products. BACKGROUND: The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has been increasing since 2011, especially amongst American youths. Pediatricians and other healthcare providers are increasingly concerned that these products (and the way that they are aggressively marketed) pose a tremendous danger to children’s health. In 2020, 3.6 million adolescents and young adults reported regular use of e-cigarette and vaping dev...

Deep Learning-Based Spectral Reconstruction Using a Scalable Plasmonic Encoder (Case No. 2021-104)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 10 Feb 2022 13:23:09 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a deep learning-based device that uses a scalable plasmonic encoder to spectrally reconstruct a variety of complex mixed data from analytical chemistry to astronomy with high spectral resolution. Background: Optical sensors have become paramount in the quantitative fields of analytical chemistry, astronomy, and quality control. The light spectrum that these sensors detect is often heterogeneous, containing information about multiple sources. Though there are methods for separating t...

MMHEALTH: Multimodal Health Sensing Platform (Case No. 2021-283)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 12:58:07 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a system that can remotely evaluate patient symptoms and diagnose medical conditions. BACKGROUND: Ensuring that patients are accurately and efficiently diagnosed is of high clinical significance. Current methods require contact-based diagnostic tests that provide respiratory rate, blood-oxygen rate, temperature, and other metrics. While contact-based methods provide accurate and robust measurements, they require medical staff to come into contact with patients and expose potentially themselves...

2021-293 A BEHAVIORAL METHOD OF COGNITIVE ASSESSMENT AND TRAINING, AND COGNITIVE DECLINE REMEDIATION

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 14:53:33 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Psychology have developed a method that could offer a therapeutic approach to counteract cognitive decline and dementia by using a variety of simple computerized tasks to measure and train brain processing. BACKGROUND: Cognitive training approaches, such as online programs that consist of games to improve memory, attention, and problem solving have shown to improve individual’s performance in computerized cognitive tasks. However, current approaches require extensive daily practice and it has yet to be determined if benefits from such ta...

Combining Autologous or Allogeneic Total Monocytes or CD16+ Monocytes to Protect and Increase the Expansion and Function of Stem Cells (UCLA Case No. 2021-182)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 10:46:11 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the department of Dentistry have developed a novel approach to increase the successful transplantation and survival of stem cells into patients. BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization has recognized that transplantation of human cells saves and restores essential life functions to patients who are not presented with other therapies for their disease. Transplantation of human cells can in certain instances reverse or slow disease progression for patients affected by incurable disorders. Specifically, the motor neuronal degeneration disease, amyotrophic late...

Use of COX2 Knock Out Monocytes and Osteoclasts to Activate and Expand NK Cells (UCLA Case No. 2021-129)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 10:41:23 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA Researchers in the Department of Dentistry have developed a procedure to increase immune response in cancer patients. BACKGROUND: Natural killer (NK) cells are a type of cytotoxic lymphocyte critical to the innate immune system. NK cells provide rapid responses to viral infection and are also crucial to inhibiting tumor formation. They are uniquely able to directly recognize and kill infected and cancerous cells. As such, there has been great interest in exploiting NK cell activity for cancer immunotherapy. A major hurdle in applying NK cells to the clinic is the unique imm...

2022-001-COMPUTER-FREE, ALL-OPTICAL RECONSTRUCTION OF HOLOGRAMS USING DIFFRACTIVE NETWORKS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 16:40:12 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed optical diffractive networks that can perform holographic reconstructions at the speed of light without the use of computer processing. BACKGROUND: Holographic imaging has been implemented for a diverse field of applications. Holographic Imaging, also known as coherent imaging, has been used to convert holographic images into real space. It is commonly used to visualize nanoscale structures which is essential for the development and quality control of next generation technologies. Holographi...

2021-244 MOCETINOSTAT IN COMBINATION WITH CHEMOTHERAPY TO TREAT RHABDOMYOSARCOMA

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 14:30:19 GMT

SUMMARY: Researchers at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine and the UCLA Sarcoma Program have identified a treatment combination which utilizes Mocetinostat in conjunction with chemotherapy for the selective treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma. BACKGROUND: Sarcomas are a heterogeneous group of tumors arising throughout the body’s connective tissues such as bone, muscle, joints, and fat tissue. There are over 50+ subtypes of sarcoma, each with distinct histological and molecular features. Among these, rhabdomyosarcoma, one of the most prominent subtypes, can affect both chi...

2021-333 Quantitative Particle Agglutination Assay for Point-Of-Care Testing Using Mobile Holographic Imaging and Deep Learning

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 17:12:26 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a method that increases the sensitivity of particle agglutination assays and reduces the required sample volume. Background: Particle agglutination assays are simple immunological tests that can be utilized to diagnose a wide range of illnesses. These tests can be easily produced and have a high sensitivity. Currently, these assays quantify particle agglutination with a spectrometer or by eye; however, this requires large sample volumes and can be inaccurate. Optical microscope...

2021-288-RUN-TIME RECONFIGURABLE ARCHITECTURE

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Sun, 16 Jan 2022 09:57:46 GMT

Summary: Researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UCLA have invented a novel scheduler architecture that enables reconfigurable architectures to run multiple operations, locally or over a network, and improve throughput and flexibility. Background: Advancements in semiconductor technology have resulted in exponential growth in computing performance and algorithmic development. Recently, scaling has slowed as transistor sizes approach physical limits. Conventional computing architectures, such as central processing units (CPU), are unable to keep up with ...

2021-322-MINIATURE MAGNETIC SHIELDS WITH MAGNETIC THROUGH SUBSTRATE VIAS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 16:59:42 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed an innovative magnetic shielding that can be integrated into photonic and cryogenic electronics and withstand thermal cycling from 300K without performance degradation. Background: Numerous highly sensitive devices utilize magnetic systems to measure and manipulate magnetic fields. These devices have applications that range from analytical tools to quantum computing. A major limitation of these devices is their sensitivity to interference from external magnetic fields which can be l...

2021-319 GENOMIC COPY NUMBER ABERRATIONS IN ZNRF3 AS PROGNOSTIC AND PREDICTIVE BIOMARKERS FOR LOCALIZED PROSTATE CANCER

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 13:01:01 GMT

SUMMARY: Researchers from UCLA’s Departments of Human Genetics and Urology have identified a novel biomarker and actionable target for prostate cancer metastasis. BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and the second leading cause of cancer death in men. Although most men present with localized, potentially curable disease, prostate cancers are highly heterogeneous in their response to treatment and about 30% of patients suffer relapses. Furthermore, castration resistant prostate cancers almost always arise from these reoccurrences. This mak...

Novel Vaginal Drug Delivery Device (UCLA Case No. 2020-444)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 27 Dec 2021 15:44:59 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Medicine have developed vaginal drug delivery devices for the administration of contraceptives and antibiotics. Background: Globally, 1.9 billion women of reproductive age (15-49 years) use contraceptives. An additional 190 million women would use phrophylactics/contraceptives but are unable (or do not have access) to popular contraceptives such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) or ‘the pill’. With a global market nearing $40.6 billion in 2020 (and women’s health therapeutics projected to increase by...

Optimized Lentiviral Vector for Stem Cell Gene Therapy of Hemoglobinopathies

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 17:34:50 GMT

UCLA Case No. 2017-460 Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics have developed a novel method to produce short lentiviral vectors with tissue-specific expression, with a primary focus on lentiviral vectors for treating sickle cell disease and other disorders of hemoglobin. Background Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most common monogenic disorders worldwide and is a major cause of morbidity and early mortality. SCD is cause by a single amino acid change in β-globin which leads to hemoglobin polymerization and r...

Early Detection of E.coli and Total Coliform Using an Automated, Colorimetric and Fluorometric Fiber Optics-Based Device (Case No. 2020-123)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 17 Dec 2021 14:42:36 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the department of Electrical Engineering have developed a lightweight portable optical device that can rapidly detect fecal coliform in contaminated drinking water on site with minimal training and equipment. Background: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 785 million people lack safe drinking water, and at least 2 billion people use water sources contaminated with feces. It’s estimated that 1 million people die every year due to water, sanitation or hygiene related problems, and every 2 minutes a child dies due to poor quality water.&n...

2022-023 COPYRIGHT: FIELD-PROGRAMMABLE GATE ARRAY (FPGA) CORE FOR PROTOGRAPH-BASED RAPTOR-LIKE (PBRL) LOW-DENSITY PARITY-CHECK (LDPC) ENCODING AND DECODING

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 12:11:07 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a software that serves as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) encoder and decoder for optical communications. BACKGROUND: Satellite communications requires wireless communication techniques that are resilient, secure, and able to process high volumes of data with minimal delay. The Space Development Agency has initiated the establishment of the Transport Layer Tranche 1 (TLT1), a constellation of up to 144 satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) aimed at providing warfighting capability and sec...

2018-438 A DNA CONSTRUCT FOR TARGETING THERAPEUTIC MOLECULES TO DISEASED TISSUE BY IMMUNE CELLS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 17:09:08 GMT

INTRODUCTION:UCLA researchers in the Departments of Integrative Biology & Physiology and Pathology & Laboratory Medicine have developed a novel construct for targeting therapeutic biological molecules specifically to diseased tissue, using immune cells as a delivery system. BACKGROUND:Drug delivery is the process of administering a pharmaceutical agent for a therapeutic benefit to patients. Routes of delivery, delivery vehicles, and therapeutic packaging differ between drug delivery systems, and may be individually curated to increase efficacy and proper drug targeting. However, ...

Germline Determinants of the Prostate Tumor Genome (UCLA Case No. 2021-201)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 12:14:31 GMT

SUMMARY: Researchers from UCLA’s Departments of Human Genetics and Urology have developed a novel method to predict disease susceptibility and aggression of multiple hereditary cancer types in individuals which will inform more personalized and effective therapies. BACKGROUND: The American Cancer Society reports that approximately 40% of people will develop cancer in their lifetime. While environmental factors, such as diet and smoking, can be controlled to decrease risk, inherited genetic factors contribute strongly to an individual’s propensity to develop cancer. It is esti...

2017-094: Inhibitors of the N-Terminal Domain of the Androgen Receptor

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 14:45:55 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers under the guidance of Drs. Matthew Rettig and Mike Jung have developed a novel family of therapeutics for use against castration resistant prostate cancer. These drugs have been shown to inhibit the androgen receptor and are unaffected by the most common drug-resistant mutations found in prostate cancer patients.BACKGROUNDProstate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in Western men. When the cancer is confined locally, the tumor can be eradicated by surgery or radiation. However, 30% of such tumors will eventually rel...

2021-360 PERSONALIZED CONTROL OF HEMODYNAMICS (PCH) IN HIGH-RISK SURGERY PATIENTS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 16:22:30 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers have developed a personalized and automated control system of a patient’s hemodynamics during surgery. BACKGROUND: Hemodynamics is the study of blood flow, measuring a variety of inter-connected metrics including oxygenation, cardiac efficiency and output. It provides critical metrics that informs and enables physicians to gauge patient health prior to, during, and after surgical operations. Hemodynamic management is crucial for physicians administering anesthetics, as poor management can cause detrimental outcomes and post-operative injuries such as acute...

2021-194 GASEOUS HYDROCARBON SELF-CATALYZING SOLAR REFORMING AND SOLID CARBON DEPOSITION

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 11:30:40 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a method for green hydrogen production through high flux solar heating and a porous substrate. BACKGROUND: With populations rising and the search for more sustainable sources of energy accelerating, hydrogen has been touted as a desirable sustainable fuel. Although hydrogen itself is a zero-carbon fuel, the most commonly used hydrogen production techniques still involve the use of non-renewable energy. Recently, direct solar-thermal decomposition of methane using concentrated solar-thermal ...

2021-089 PASSIVE FREEZING DESALINATION DRIVEN BY RADIATIVE COOLING

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 13:23:36 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed a passive method for water desalination that does not require direct solar irradiation. BACKGROUND: With increasing water scarcity there is now a significant push to find efficient and low-cost methods to generate fresh water from seawater or other non-potable water sources. Conventional methods, such as reverse osmosis and thermal desalination, consume large amounts of energy and are difficult to scale. Solar desalination, on the other hand, is a passive form of thermal desalination and uses ...

2021-218 Hierarchically Structured Hydrogel With Broad-range Tunable Mechanical Properties

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 09:22:11 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed a method to create hydrogels with tunable strength, mechanical strain, toughness, and fatigue resistance. BACKGROUND: Hydrogels are used in a wide range of applications such as tissue engineering, drug delivery, and energy storage devices. But despite recent advances in improving hydrogel mechanical performance, it remains a challenge to produce simultaneously strong, tough, stretchable and fatigue-resistant hydrogels with more elaborate hierarchical structures across broader length scales, suc...

2022-086: NANOTECHNOLOGY FOR CHEMOTHERAPY DRUG CAPTURE

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 16:09:24 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Departments of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering and Radiological Sciences have developed a cellulose-based nanomaterial for removing excess chemotherapy drugs from the body to reduce the side-effects of cancer therapy. BACKGROUND: Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, affecting millions of people every year in the United States alone. While chemotherapy remains one of the most common cancer treatments used in the clinic, the severe side effects associated with chemotherapy drugs impose serious concerns to cancer patients. M...

2020-919-4 COVID 19 CELL MODEL SYSTEMS AND ANTIVIRAL AGENTS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 10:03:32 GMT

SUMMARY: Researchers from UCLA’s Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology in collaboration with external collaborators have developed a platform for complex testing of antiviral agents in multiple cell models. Currently this technology is optimized for Coronavirus-type strains, but the system can easily be adapted to other viral pathogens. BACKGROUND: Recent research on SARS-CoV-2 has shown that following initial virus infection in the upper respiratory airways, the viral infection further progresses to additional organ systems implicating a variety of tissue and cell...

Method and Apparatus for Free-Breathing Quantitative Multiparametric MRI (Case No. 2019-729)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 09:55:29 GMT

Summary: Researchers from the UCLA Department of Radiological Sciences have developed a novel magnetic resonance thermometry technique that rapidly obtains 3D images and temperature maps with high spatial and temporal resolution and without breath holds for better treatment guidance in organs with motion and fatty tissue content. Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an important technology that provides crucial information to plan, guide, monitor, and assess minimally invasive thermal therapies. Thermal therapy is a growing area of interest in the clinic for its application in tr...

2021-189: NOVEL AND ROBUST COMBINATORY THERAPY FOR AORTIC ANEURYSMS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 09:46:25 GMT

SUMMARY: Researchers from UCLA’s Department of Anesthesiology have developed an oral combinatory therapy that holds enormous implications in healthcare for the complete attenuation of aneurysm formation. BACKGROUND: Aortic aneurysms are abnormal protrusions in the major blood vessels from the heart to the rest of the body. These protrusions which develop in 4-9% of the population especially those who are males and smokers, are common: affecting millions of people nationwide. Because of the weakened integrity of the remodeled vessel walls, these aneurysms have a high potential ...

2020-859-1 Novel Approach to Modulate Renal Neurotransmission via Percutaneous

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 11:34:23 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Medicine-Cardiology have developed a method that applies renal denervation to specific renal arteries to treat resistant hypertension. BACKGROUND: Sympathetic nervous system activation occurs when chemicals, such as adrenaline, bind to multiple receptors that are responsible for vital functions such as blood pressure and respiratory rate. In addition, the sympathetic nervous system activation of the kidneys is responsible for multiple functions that cause renal vascular resistance. Long-term activation can lead to high arterial pressure, als...

2022-084 HUMAN LEUKOCYTE ANTIGEN HAPLOTYPE ANALYSIS TOOLKIT (HLA-HAT)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 15:41:44 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the department of Medicine, Hematology and Oncology have developed software which facilitates the clinically relevant investigation of genetic antigen heterogeneity within human leukocytes BACKGROUND: Human leukocyte antigen system is a critical component of the immune system. A major part of this is a series of genes which encode for proteins that present antigens to the surface of T-cells. These antigens are what recognize threats and communicate that information to the cell and body. Given the criticality of these genes in the immune system is not surprisin...

2016-638 COPYRIGHT: DIABETES RISK SCREENING USING ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 10:35:17 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences have invented a novel algorithm that uses electronic health records to determine a patient’s risk of having undiagnosed two diabetes mellitus. BACKGROUND: Type two diabetes mellitus, often simply referred to as diabetes, affects 1 in 10 patients in the U.S. or about 34 million people. Patients are diagnosed with diabetes after completing a laboratory test that measures the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar. Due to insufficient testing, it is estimated that 25% of diabetes cases ar...

Boost Cardiac Reprogramming by Modulating Immune Cells and Microenvironment (UCLA Case No. 2021-052, 2024-027)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 12:51:58 GMT

SUMMARYResearchers from the Department of Bioengineering at UCLA have identified key players in in both preventing and boosting cardiac reprogramming. This innovation can be used for in vivo human cardiac reprogramming to provide a novel approach for cardiac regeneration in the clinic and other fields of regenerative medicine. BACKGROUNDIschemic heart disease is a leading cause of global mortality, accounting for over 9 million deaths per year according to the World Health Organization. A variety of stem cell therapies have been explored including adult mesenchymal stem cells and cardiomyocyte...

2021-135 RAPID LOCKING AND UNLOCKING MECHANICAL ARMATURE

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 15:44:28 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery have developed a novel articulating armature that can easily and precisely position surgical instruments with a quick-release locking mechanism that facilitates surgical processes. BACKGROUND: During surgical procedures, surgeons and hospital staff often juggle with a large numbers of precision instruments, such as endoscopes. When the need arises to keep instruments steady, they often rely on mechanical armatures that articulate and lock in place. These armatures are very useful as they free up the hands of hospital staff ...

2021-210-HOLOGRAPHIC IMAGE RECONSTRUCTION WITH PHASE RECOVERY AND AUTOFOCUSING USING RECURRENT NEURAL NETWORKS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 12:16:28 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering have developed an innovative recurrent neural network algorithm that improves image quality and increases the speed of holographic image reconstruction. BACKGROUND: Tissue biopsies are a commonly used tool for disease diagnosis. Pathologists have been transitioning into more data-driven approaches for analyzing pathology samples. Digital holographic microscopy is a powerful tool to obtain three-dimensional and complex (phase and amplitude) transmittance properties about biological samples with minimal sam...

2020-849-LOW-COST, FAST AND COMPACT EXHALED BREATH CONDENSATE TECHNOLOGY

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 10:21:18 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers have developed a low-cost method for non-invasive infectious disease testing that can monitor large public spaces for signs of viral outbreaks. BACKGROUND: The ability to test for infectious diseases through non-invasive approaches has become even more prevalent today due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To monitor large populations for viral outbreaks, rapid sample collection and testing are needed. The standard method to test for infectious diseases involves deep nasal swabbing in combination with real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (rt-PCR) for confirming positive te...

2022-037 PROFILE MONITOR FOR ULTRA-SMALL PARTICLE BEAMS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 12:51:58 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Physics and Astronomy have developed a beam profile monitor capable of resolving ultra-small particle beams at sub-micron spot sizes. BACKGROUND: Modern optical applications utilizing ultra-high brightness beams, such as X-ray free electron lasers (XFEL), require monitoring the spatial distributions of the small beams (spot sizes in microns) for optimizing the performance. However, current beam diagnostic tools are unable to resolve spatial distribution of the small beams. Fundamentally, the use of optical light in the existing beam profile m...

2021-206 FLEXIBLE THERMAL INTERFACE BASED ON SELF-ASSEMBLED BORON ARSENIDE FOR THERMAL MANAGEMENT OF ELECTRONICS, OPTOELECTRONICS, PHOTONICS, WEARABLE COMFORTS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 14:40:26 GMT

SUMMARY: Researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at UCLA have developed a thermal interface for electronic devices that has highly desirable thermal conductivity and excellent elastic compliance. BACKGROUND: Electronic devices, such as smart phones and laptops, generate waste heat that must be dissipated to prevent performance degradation and decreased device efficiency. Since the heat must often be transferred through multilayered devices and heterogenous interfaces, materials with high thermal conductivity and enhanced thermal coupling are required for effic...

2021-355 Magnetically Activated Individual Cell Sorting Using Spin Orbit Torque

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 10:20:39 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a magnetically activated cell sorting method with high throughput and low-cost operation. BACKGROUND: The use of cell sorting techniques has become indispensable for many applications in biology and biomedicine. Cell sorting is particularly important for personalized medicine and cancer treatments since its use can provide enhanced single-cell analysis for diagnostics and treatment. Current cell sorting techniques that use flow cytometry or fluorescence-activated cell sorting require expensive...

Utilization of Motif Neoepitopes for Cancer Immunotherapy Among Patients with Charged HLA-B Supertypes (UCLA Case No. 2021-009)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 11 Oct 2021 18:08:15 GMT

SUMMARY Researchers from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA have identified mutational landscapes that could improve assessments of HLA-related outcomes and prediction of immune checkpoint blockade in approximately half of the world’s population. In addition, they found personalized mutations that generate peptides against which the immune system could be trained to more vigorously attack tumors. BACKGROUND Checkpoint inhibitors targeting CTLA-4, PD-1, and PD-L1 have recently yielded unprecedented and durable responses in a large percentage of cancer patients, leading to U.S. FD...

Novel Compounds Targeting APOE4 That Enhance Brain SIRT1 Levels and Target Novel Mechanism of Action (UCLA Cases 2020-832, 2025-277)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 11:49:30 GMT

Researchers at UCLA's Drug Discovery Lab and Department of Chemistry have developed new chemical entity (NCE) analogs of A03, which together form a new class of compounds that target apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4)-mediated deficits in the tau deacetylase enzyme, sirtuin 1 (SirT1). These NCEs provide an opportunity for novel therapeutic development in Alzheimer's Disease and could be effective in other CNS disorders. BACKGROUND:Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an increasingly prevalent progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the presence of plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in brai...

Biocompatible, Degradable Hollow Shell Particles for High-Throughput Screening and Sorting of Cells (Case No. 2021-026)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 17:49:58 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a microfluidic technique that can encapsulate specific cells and separate them with fluorescence cell sorters. Background: The interest in cell-derived byproducts such as recombinant therapeutic proteins and antibody therapy has increased in the past years. Typically, these therapeutics are manufactured in cell lines, such as Chinese hamster ovary cells. But due to the complexity of the manufacturing process, it can be difficult to separate cells that produce these therapies from non-productive cells. Current m...

2021-275-A TEXTILE MAGNETOELASTIC GENERATOR

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 14:39:57 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a textile magnetoelastic generator (MEG) that can be used for biomechanical-to-electrical energy conversion. BACKGROUND: The magnetoelastic effect has traditionally been found in rigid metal alloys, but recent research has identified the effect in more flexible materials. As a result, these materials have often been incorporated in many chemical and biomedical sensors. Most recently, magnetoelastic generators (MEG), which convert biomechanical energy into electrical energy, have shown promise for energy generatio...

2020-776 INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR-1 RECEPTOR (IGF-1R) BINDING PROTEINS AND METHODS OF USE

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 29 Sep 2021 13:48:55 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Pediatrics have developed inhibitors of IGF-1R that can be used to reduce the negative healthspan parameters associated with aging.BACKGROUNDHuman aging results in the continual decline of healthspan parameters spanning organ systems throughout the body. Therefore, therapeutic agents that can reverse or delay the onset of aging-related health decline are of immense interest for clinical applications. Diminished growth hormone (GH) and insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) signaling has been found to extend the lifespan in multiple i...

2020-834-DEVICE FOR BLOOD PURIFICATION USING UV LIGHT SOURCE

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 12:03:31 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Departments of Surgery and Bioengineering have developed a device to sterilize septic blood with ultra violet light. BACKGROUND: The overuse of antibiotics by the agricultural sector has led to an exponential rise in the number of infections that are resistant to traditional antimicrobial agents. Numerous devices have been created to manage the infection load of bacterial and viral infections, which may lead to systemic inflammatory response and health complications. Current devices work through displacement by using an antimicrobial solution to wash ...

2019-640-1 REFLECTIVE AXICON MANUFACTURING

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 17:15:07 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Physics Department have developed a monolithic reflaxicon with the potential to be applied in multiple optical purposes. BACKGROUND: Axicon lenses have conical surfaces that can be used to transform a laser beam into ring-shaped distributions. Utilizing axicons in combination or with lenses allows a wide variety of pattern formations for multiple applications such as telescopes, eye surgery, borehole imaging, and optical traps. One of the major issues faced is in the field of axicon optics is lens damaging. Transmissive axicons in the context of high-power p...

2021-255 Benchmarking Computational Doublet-detection Methods For Single-cell RNA Sequencing Data

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 14:17:38 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Statistics have developed a software to compare existing doublet detection algorithms for Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Data. BACKGROUND: Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) provides the expression profiles of individual cells and is considered the gold standard for defining cell states and phenotypes as of 2020. scRNA-Seq is becoming widely used across biological disciplines including Developmental biology, Neurology, Oncology, Immunology, Cardiovascular research and Infectious disease.This technology encompasses a group of methods that pro...

2021-295 Protected Ultrafine Catalysts, Including Pt-Based Catalysts for Fuel Cell Applications

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 10:48:58 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering developed a strategy to synthesize ultrafine carbon layers to protect nanocatalysts which are essential for the development of fuel cell technology. BACKGROUND: Platinum catalysts are essential for use in hydrogen fuel cell technologies to cleanly and efficiently produce electricity. Traditional platinum catalysts are generally stable but require large quantities of expensive platinum group metals to achieve the necessary surface area required for use in fuel cells. Ultrafine nanocatalysts can reduce the amoun...

LDPC Minsum Decoder With Neural-Network-Optimized Degree-Specific Weights (Case No. 2021-239)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 13:05:06 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a neural network-based approach to decode Low Density Parity Codes (LDPCs) that is capable of accurately transmitting large bit number data faster and with a lower frame rate error that conventional approaches. BACKGROUND: The transmission of data at high speeds is limited due to the time it takes to check and correct for transmission errors. As the application of wireless telecommunication services continues to increase, so does the need to correct errors in the transmitted messages. When rec...

Flow Regulation Mechanism for Compartmentalized Lung Ventilation (Case No. 2021-092)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 18:11:42 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Pulmonary and Clinical Care have developed a device capable of analyzing individual lungs in real-time to improve the quality of care for mechanically ventilated patients. Background: Ventilators aid patients that have difficulty breathing by pressing positive air pressure into their lungs. Mechanical ventilators are a form of life support for patients with pulmonary diseases such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which has approximately 20,000 cases annually in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the demand for ...

Devices comprising a liquid crystal layer and uses thereof (UCLA Case No. 2021-117)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 16:32:33 GMT

SUMMARY UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the California Nano Science Institute have developed a mass manufacturing method to deposit liquid crystal mesogens on the surface of a watch dial to create iridescent surfaces. BACKGROUND Mesogen is the compound that displays liquid crystal (LC) and at distinct temperature ranges, it can exhibit both liquid-like and solid-like properties. The LC properties are comprised of both rigid and flexible components that allow for these materials to be incorporated into various commercial applications. . . LCs have been us...

2021-043 NOVEL IGE ANTIBODIES FOR THE THERAPY OF CANCER

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 15:16:54 GMT

Researchers at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine have designed three novel antibodies of the IgE class targeting antigens CD138, CD38, and transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1/CD71): cancer antigens present in various hematopoietic and/or solid tumors. There are several advantages of IgE class antibodies compared to the commonly used IgG class in the clinic such as the high affinity of IgE for its Fc receptors, which results in more efficient arming of effector cells that would be able to penetrate the tumor without losing surface-bound antibodies, and the expression of these receptors on r...

2021-030 BIODEGRADABLE MICRONEEDLE PATCH FOR TRANSDERMAL GENE DELIVERY

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 09:18:00 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a novel microneedle patch that effectively delivers nucleic acids across the skin for use as a delivery platform for gene therapies. BACKGROUNDGene therapies work by delivering designed corrective nucleic acid sequences to cells expressing mutant disease-causing forms of genes. For gene therapy to fulfill its curative function, the therapeutic must be explicitly delivered to those cells targeted by the treatment. Strategies including the use of viral vectors have been exploited to target nucleic acids to required cell typ...

2021-046 SOFT BIOSENSORS BASED ON BIODEGRADABLE GELATIN METHACRYLOYL (GELMA)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 09:10:56 GMT

UCLA researchers in the department of Bioengineering have developed a soft biodegradable hydrogel that is capable of functioning in biocompatible biosensors. BACKGROUNDBiosensors are physical devices that combine a physiochemical detector with a biological component. The use of biosensors has revolutionized a number of industries including the medical industry. While early biosensors detected only physical movement newer iterations are capable of detecting molecules including biomarkers of disease severity. Some biosensors function as a wearable device that can be applied non-invasively w...

2021-108 PRECISION CONTROL OF TACROLIMUS SERUM LEVEL FOR IMMUNOSUPRESSION OF POST ORGAN TRANSPLANT PATIENTS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 09:01:08 GMT

Researchers from UCLA’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and the Department of Psychology have created a new approach for the precise management of tacrolimus, improving patient outcomes following organ transplants. This method proved successful in a 60 patient clinical trial compared to controls and can be applied to other similar immunosuppressive agents. BACKGROUNDWhen undergoing an organ transplant, it is necessary to suppress the patient’s immune response posttransplant; otherwise, the transplanted organ will be rejected and attacked by the immune syste...

2021-011 TOWARDS AGRICULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY IN AFRICAN ARID SOILS BY ISOLATING PLANT GROWTH‐PROMOTING BACTERIA (PGPB) FROM ROOT NODULES OF LEGUMES GROWN IN BO

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 08:50:33 GMT

Researchers in the Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology at UCLA and Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources have isolated microbes that can enhance plant growth and increase agricultural productivity in a sustainable manner: providing a potential solution for food scarcity. BACKGROUNDExponential growth in the world population, coupled with environmental issues, underlines the need for increasing crop yield and meeting rising food demands. Many current approaches utilize synthetic fertilizers to improve agricultural productivity. However...

2021-100 HIGH-THROUGHPUT DISEASE BIOMARKER SCREENING WITH HIGH-TRANSCONDUCTANCE ORGANIC ELECTROCHEMICAL TRANSISTOR ARRAYS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 10:50:00 GMT

Researchers in UCLA’s Department of Bioengineering have developed a transistor-based biosensor for high-throughput disease biomarker screening applications: this minimally invasive sensor features high sensitivity and robustness to competing biomarkers, potentially enabling a next-generation mobile point of care (POC) device. BACKGROUNDMolecular biomarkers have been harnessed in recent years as indirect indicators of disease onset, progression, and response to treatment, making detection of such biomarkers a cornerstone for the therapeutic management of disease. Novel wearable bioma...

2021-075 A New Drug Class Inhibits Illness and Death Due to Coronavirus Infection in Mice

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 10:41:27 GMT

Researchers from UCLA’s Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology have identified and validated a therapeutic target and an accompanying drug class which ameliorates illness and death due to Coronavirus infection. BACKGROUNDThere remains an urgent need for treatments that can reduce the symptoms for those infected by SARS-CoV-2, its future variants, and other new coronaviruses for which vaccines do not exist. There are currently a variety of therapeutic options available that include: monoclonal antibodies (e.g., etesevimab), anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., dexamethasone), and immu...

2020-151 ENDOBRONCHIAL CATHETERS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 10:23:04 GMT

SUMMARY Bronchoscopy has been used in the past to visualize the endobronchial lumen and to direct diagnosis, treatment, or medication. Unfortunately, most bronchoscopy systems are very operator-dependent and lack the necessary guidance and targeting needed for specific localization. In recent years navigation systems are used to direct the bronchoscope and lately the use of robotic bronchoscopy for more accurate targeting. However, these units are expensive and not widely available. Researchers at the Department of Radiology at UCLA have developed endobronchial catheters designed for the huma...

2020-804 COLD PLASMA SANITIZER

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 10:01:03 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a novel sanitizer that is easy to use, safe, portable, and rechargeable, providing an innovative approach for infectious disease control. BACKGROUNDSurface and hand sanitizing is one of the most critical measures to control the spread of infectious diseases. Hands often come into direct contact with pathogens and bring them to known entry points such as the mouth, nose, or eyes. As a corollary to their importance, the global hand sanitizer market is projected to reach $1.7 billion by 2023. Alt...

2020-129 COMPOUNDS FOR TREATING FOOD ADDICTION IN OBESITY

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 15:40:32 GMT

SUMMARYResearchers in the Department of Medicine within the Division of Digestive Diseases at UCLA have identified a set of gut bacteria and gut metabolites as a biomarker for food addiction in obese patients. BACKGROUNDObesity and its comorbidities pose a serious global health crisis. In 2016, about 2 billion adults, 18 years and older, were overweight. Of these over 650 million were obese. This accounts for 39% of adults being overweight, and 13% being obese. These numbers are projected to continue to increase with rates as high as half of Americans being obese by 2030 and as high as 8...

2020-910 SEQUENCE DESIGNS FOR CONCURRENT X-NUCLEI AND H-NUCLEI MRI

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 15:11:55 GMT

SUMMARYResearchers from the Department of Radiology at UCLA have identified an alternative approach to imaging H- and X- nuclei simultaneously. This thereby retains the flexibility to perform independent sequences on each nucleus in the MRI scanner.BACKGROUNDMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is clinically performed on hydrogen nuclei as it is the most abundant element in the human body in the form of water. However other nuclei are also visible with MRI. These are referred to as X nuclei, where X can stand for several different elements. Potentially useful elements for medical imaging are X=Na ...

2019-610 MONOAMINE OXIDASE BLOCKADE THERAPY FOR TREATING CANCER THROUGH REGULATING ANTITUMOR T CELL IMMUNITY and 2019-611 MONOAMINE OXIDASE BLOCKADE THERAPY FOR TREATING CANCER THROUGH REGULATING TUMOR ASSOCIATED MACROPHAGES (TAMS)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 10:50:57 GMT

SUMMARY UCLA researchers in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics identified MAO-A as a drug target and demonstrated repurposing an old antidepressant MAOI for use in combination with cancer immunotherapy methods. BACKGROUND: Monoamine Oxidase A (MAO-A) is a protein of myriad functions relating to neurotransmitter homeostasis and function in the brain and has been extensively studied for its role in guarding against neurological disorders. Recently the protein has also been implicated as having a role in promoting tumor progression through inhibition of immune c...

2020-465 Noninvasive Monitoring and Triggering of Brain Activity and Behavior in Rodents

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Sun, 22 Aug 2021 15:01:25 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Neurology have developed a noninvasive monitoring microchip to measure brain activity and behavioral response in animal models. Background: The lack of a reliable translational animal model has hindered advances in studies of neurological and psychiatric disorders since associated behavioral metrics may contain inconsistencies or difficulties in quantification. Current models used to study brain activity are invasive, require anesthesia, and have limited temporal resolution which may interfere with baseline neuroactivity measurements. Therefo...

2021-125 Analog Nonvolatile Memory-Based In-Memory Computing Multiply-And-Accumulate (MAC) Engine

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Sun, 22 Aug 2021 14:48:04 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of the Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a method to use Charge-Trap Transistors (CTTs) for analog nonvolatile memory-based in memory computing multiply-and accumulate (MAC) engine for high performance computations in AI platforms. Background: Advances in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) have largely focused on von Neumann architectures to accelerate computation using graphic processing units and individual custom application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). While these systems have increased system perform...

2021-106 Fast Startup of Crystal and Other High-Q Oscillators

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Sun, 22 Aug 2021 11:55:51 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a novel device to rapidly startup High-Q Oscillators which reduce power consumption of wearable electronic devices. Background Wearable digital devices and small wirelessly connected devices known as “Internet of Things” are used in a wide range of applications from healthcare monitors to vending machines. Many of these devices rely on the use of small batteries which limits their battery life. In order to expand their battery life and reduce maintenance, these devices u...

2019-611 MONOAMINE OXIDASE BLOCKADE THERAPY FOR TREATING CANCER THROUGH REGULATING TUMOR ASSOCIATED MACROPHAGES (TAMS)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 14:23:45 GMT

SUMMARYMonoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) is postulated to play a critical role in regulating tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) polarization and TAM-induced/dependent immune response. Inhibition of MAO-A serves as a novel therapeutic target to prevent TAM polarization and -induce a robust antitumor immune response.BACKGROUNDTAMs are prominent metastasis promoters within the tumor microenvironment (TME). They do so by modulating tumor growth, tumor angiogenesis, immune regulation, metastasis, and chemoresistance. TAMs can be divided into M1 (classical-activated macrophages) and M2 (alternative-activ...

2021-207 Functional Mask

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 18:19:32 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a functional mask that could eliminate the spread of COVID-19 and other similar types of viruses. Title: Functional Mask Background: In a pandemic such as the COVID-19 outbreak, wearing a mask combined with other preventive measures can help slow the spread of the virus. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends fabric masks for the general public. However, conventional masks with double fabric layers are incapable of completely eliminating/filtering the virus and ...

2020-908 LASER ACTUATED SUPERCRITICAL INJECTOR (LASI)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 18:16:06 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering developed a platform that applies high-speed fluidic jet injection of biomolecules into biological samples with the use of laser actuated supercritical injector (LASI). Background: Intracellular delivery of various biomolecules has been of great importance in biomedical research for cancer therapy, gene editing, and intracellular environment probing. Currently the challenges in existing transfer platforms are intracellular delivery for suspension cells, incorporation of nanotechnology, and large cargo delive...

2019-713 ENGINEERING A NATURALLY-DERIVED ADHESIVE AND CONDUCTIVE CARDIOPATCH

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 03 Aug 2021 14:39:29 GMT

SUMMARY UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering have developed a novel material to aid in the recovery of heart attack patients. BACKGROUND Heart disease is one of the major causes of death and disability in developed countries. Incidents such as heart attacks can result in partial or complete blockage of a coronary artery, restricting blood flow and causing significant injury to the heart. Current treatments are restricted to heart transplants which are costly and limited. As such, there is a growing need for accessible, cheaper treatments that can heal...

2020-938 HGTE Quantum Dot on Nanoplatelet Heterostructures with Tuneable Emission in the SWIR

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 21:45:31 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed HgX quantum-confined nanoplatelets for the tunability of shortwave infrared emission for broader photoelectronic applications. Background: The use of photons in the shortwave infrared (SWIR) spectral window are utilized in multiple applications such as imaging, energy conversion, and telecommunications. Current materials utilized for SWIR emission are PbX analogues (X= Se or Te). The use of PbX analogues in SWIR for the use of fluorescence microscopy has already demonstrated great background-fr...

2021-109 An Automatic Segmentation Pipeline for Patient-Specific Virtual Reality Modeling of Bone

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 22:29:56 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a neural network-based machine learning system that can use the accurate segmentation of CT scans of bone to generate patient specific VR models for preoperative planning. Background: Virtual reality (VR) is a computer-generated simulation in which a person can interact within an artificial three-dimensional environment using electronic devices. Due to its interactive characteristics, VR offers tremendous potential for surgical education. However, image processing hurdles have prevented its practical adoption a...

CRISPR Ribonucleoprotein Complex Genome Editing of Human Innate Immune Cells (UCLA Case No. 2021-056, Timothy O'Sullivan)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 13:37:06 GMT

Researchers in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics at UCLA have developed an optimized strategy for non-viral CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein gene editing of primary innate immune cells. BACKGROUND:CRISPR (clustered, regularly interspaced, short palindromic repeats) genome engineering has become a powerful tool to investigate the complex mechanisms of immune system regulation functionally. While decades of work have aimed to reprogram innate immunity genetically, the utility of current approaches are restricted by poor knockout efficiencies or have limited sp...

2019-994 Targeted Drug Delivery with Near-IR Light

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 16 Jul 2021 21:15:55 GMT

SUMMARY UCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed a targeted drug delivery platform that can release drugs upon exposure to near-infrared light. BACKGROUND Stimuli-responsive delivery of drugs is an effective way to achieve spatially and temporally controlled drug release. Various stimuli-responsive strategies have been tested in recent years, but challenges remain. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have generated interest in multiple applications, such as gas capture and heterogeneous catalysts due to their high porosity and surface...

2021-145 BRAIN INJURY CAP FOR RODENTS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 13:39:33 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Neurology have developed an innovative injury cap for rodents that improves the efficacy and reproducibility of fluid percussion injuries. BACKGROUNDStudies on the effects of brain injuries require the use of rodents to mimic traumatic brain injury. Current methods require pressure to be applied to a precise and localized area with injury caps to contain the fluid and enclose the area of interest. These caps are traditionally made by cutting a plastic needle hub to size where it is adhered to the rodent brain. However, this process tedious, hazardou...

2021-267 Novel Heterostructures for Thermal Management of Wide and Ultra-Wide Bandgap Semiconductor Devices and RF Technologies

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 18:40:21 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed device structures and a method for fabrication of wide band gap and ultra-wide bandgap radio frequency devices with high-performance thermal management properties. Background: With the increasing use of wireless and cell phone technology, the electromagnetic spectrum has become increasingly congested, resulting in degraded communication performance. In order to overcome these issues, radio frequency (RF) electronics utilize wide band gap (WBG) and ultra-wide bandgap (UWBG) semiconductors wh...

2020-190 SUPPRESSION OF SOX2 IN THE TREATMENT OF VASCULAR DISEASE

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 11:36:19 GMT

SUMMARY:UCLA researchers in the department of medicine have discovered that suppressing SOX2 in the vascular endothelium improves lumen disorder thereby, inhibiting vascular calcification and cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).BACKGROUND:AVMs can form in multiple organs randomly or due to genetic diseases. AVMs have high tendencies to cause uncontrolled bleeding or hemorrhage. Depending upon the location, AVMs can cause hemorrhagic strokes, pulmonary and gastrointestinal bleedings. Cerebral AVMs are abnormal connections between arteries and veins that disallow oxygen diffusion into su...

2020-792 Hierarchical Porous Materials With Tunable Behavior Via Cononsolvency Effect

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Sat, 26 Jun 2021 22:19:05 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed a method of controlling the micro-porous structure of polymers and thus their diffusion and mechanical properties.Background: Hydrogels hold promise for various applications including solar vapor generation, drug delivery, and energy storage. These materials allow for the circulation and transport of liquids through them, allowing them to be used as very fine filters. Up until now, these materials have exhibited either good liquid diffusion, or good mechanical properties, but not both. Therefo...

A Method to Prepare Dead Tumor Cells and Use Thereof (UCLA Case No. 2020-179)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 11:04:08 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a novel method to generate dead tumors cells for use in cancer therapeutics.BACKGROUNDCancer is a deadly disease that causes approximately 10 million yearly deaths across the globe. While solid tumors may often be fully resected by surgery, the treatment of hematologic malignancies like leukemia is more challenging and primarily depends on therapeutics. The gold standard leukemia treatment strategy is live cell therapy, including hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells. How...

2021-045 Point-of-Care Diagnostic for Detecting the Nucleocapsid Protein of SARS-CoV-2

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 21:25:28 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed an easy-to-use diagnostic test for the rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 in serum. Background: The nucleocapsid protein (N-protein) is a major protein found in coronaviruses like SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) which is involved in the packing of RNA within the virus. During the first week of infection, N-proteins are shed into serum and nasal fluid and are an early indicator of infection. Commonly used for pregnancy tests, many lateral-flow immunoassays (LFAs) have recently received emergency use authorization (EUA) from the ...

Injectable Biodegradable Polymeric Complex for Glucose-Responsive Insulin Delivery (UCLA Case No. 2021-116)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 10:23:46 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the department of Bioengineering have developed a biodegradable material that is capable of releasing insulin in the presence of excess glucose mimicking the insulin secretion properties of pancreatic B-cells as a treatment for Diabetes Mellitus.Background: Diabetes mellitus currently affects more than 463 million people worldwide, and it is estimated to affect more than 700 million in 2045. Insulin replacement therapy remains the current standard of care (SOC) for treating type 1 and advanced type 2 diabetes. In healthy individuals, β-cells of the pancreas se...

2020-455 Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning – Based Predictive Model to Predict Individual Patient Risk of Hospitalization/Ed Visits Over the Next 12 Mon

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 14:15:28 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Medicine have developed an AI/machine learning model which incorporates patient data from over a hundred features (variables) to predict patients who will have hospitalization and emergency department visits over the next year. This prospective model helps in providing proactive care to prevent future avoidable hospitalization and visits to the emergency room, lowering cost and increasing the quality of healthcare. Background: Unnecessary hospitalization and emergency department visits drain healthcare resources while incurring significant c...

2019-698 ENGINEERING AN ANTIMICROBIAL AND OSTEOINDUCTIVE HYDROGEL FOR DENTAL APPLICATIONS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 11 Jun 2021 16:50:17 GMT

SUMMARY:UCLA researchers in the department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering have developed an antimicrobial and osteoinductive hydrogel used for dental implants. BACKGROUND: According to the American Dental Association (ADA), more than 5 million dental implants are performed each year in the United States. The leading cause of failure for these implants is peri-implantitis (PI), a destructive inflammatory process. Best estimates are that PI occurs in up to 87.5% of patients. PI occurs when bacterial biofilms build on the surface of the implants leading to inflammation and degeneration ...

2020-185 SILENCING AND REACTIVATION OF GENES ON THE X-CHROMOSOME

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 11 Jun 2021 11:00:07 GMT

Introduction: UCLA researchers in the Department of Biological Chemistry have discovered a novel mechanism to address how X-chromosome inactivation happens. Targeting specific protein-protein interactions in this biological pathway may promote reactivation of X-chromosome to treat X-linked diseases.Background:Sex differences in human disease are often attributed to sex hormones that influence the function of susceptible genes. However, a major cause of disease expression derives itself from the sex chromosome, originating in how males and females transcribe the gene-rich human X chromosome. Th...

2021-167 Non-Volatile SRAM Using Charge Trap Transistors

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 11 Jun 2021 10:24:57 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a fast embedded memory using a standard CMOS logic process that can retain data when the powered down for any reason.BACKGROUNDIn traditional static random-access memory (SRAM), data can be lost when the power supply falls below a certain voltage level. To prevent the data loss, the supply voltage of the memory needs to be maintained above a certain level at all times even when memory is idle. This will increase the memory power consumption and can cause issues in low-power applications and in appli...

A Reversible Bioadhesive (Case No. 2021-139)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 17:12:43 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed a reusable bioadhesive that can provide strong adhesion to skin and living tissue when heated to body temperature and easily detached without damage at room temperature. Background: Adhesives have versatile applications to bond biological tissues or skin, for example, medical tapes, wound or surgical dressings, as well as to adhere medical devices, such as sensors, electrodes, and electrical power supply. High levels of adhesion are required to ensure that bound tissues do not detach from the ti...

2021-192 Automatic Page-Turner for Electronic Sheet Music Using Wearable Sensors in A Natural Playing Environment

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 10:44:48 GMT

SUMMARY:UCLA researchers in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering have developed a wearable glove sensor capable of detecting and tracking a musician’s movements in real-time.BACKGROUND: Due to recent events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and limited attendance at music venues, practice and training of instruments at home has become popular. Most training on instruments can be acquired via virtual meetings with instructors, but the lack of personal training can affect the performance of musicians. Therefore, there is a need for a device that can aid instructors and musicians ...

2021-080 The Smart Syringe

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 20 May 2021 11:06:15 GMT

SUMMARYResearchers in the UCLA Department of Medicine have built a medical device that can do blood tests immediately after the blood is drawn.BACKGROUNDCurrently, conventional point-of-care blood tests are used to measure clinically relevant values, such as activated clotting time (ACT) and Hemoglobin and Hematocrit (H&H) for medical procedures, surgeries and disease diagnosis. But conventional sampling suffers from issues such as the introduction of dangerous pockets air into the patients’ blood streams, known as embolisms and issues with blood coagulation which can reduce the accu...

Preventing Skeletal Aging and Osteoporosis (UCLA Case No. 2020-753)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 17 May 2021 13:45:03 GMT

UCLA Researchers in the Department of Dentistry have discovered that a novel drug combination results in a synergistic therapeutic effect for osteoporosis treatment. BACKGROUND: It is estimated that 10 million men and women in the U.S. suffer from osteoporosis; a metabolic bone disease that is characterized by low bone density and deterioration of the architecture of bone that increases the risk of fracture. Often labeled as a silent disease, osteoporosis manifests in the form of fracture, and increases in incidence as a function of age. While it w...

2003-126 Glass-Modified Stress Waves for Adhesion Measurement of Ultra Thin Films and Nanoelectronics Device Fabrication

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 07 May 2021 16:33:09 GMT

Professor Vijay Gupta - http://gupta.seas.ucla.edu/ SUMAMRY UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a fast, reliable, atomic-level sensitive adhesion metrology tool for measuring the tensile strength of multilayer interfaces and epoxy-bonded joints such as those appearing in the semiconductor (ICs, electronic packages), aerospace (composite joints), automotive (metal joints), and paint industries. The method can be used to initiate a subcritical crack to measure the actual strength of an interface, in-situ, in a semiconductor device, or...

Lamprey Lock: a Secure, High Flow Catheter Connector (Case No. 2021-081)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 05 May 2021 15:30:28 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Radiology have developed an innovative catheter connector that improves fluid flow while maintaining compatibility with standard Luer-lock catheters and tubing. Background: Luer-lock connectors are the industry standard for providing a secure, watertight means to interconnect tubing and catheters. However, when used with large diameter catheters, they impede fluid flow due to their narrower inner diameter, and they can occlude in the presence of thick or particulate-laden fluids. This shortcoming is frequently observed in fluid collection drai...

2021-017 A Phone Application for Detecting Depression

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 04 May 2021 09:28:30 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Psychiatry have developed an application that will use item response theory, applied to set of questions, to generate a computerized adaptive test (CAT) to diagnose low mood and suicidality.BACKGROUNDDepression is a common illness worldwide, with more than 264 million people affected. In many cases, depression is like a chronic disease and is best managed like a chronic illness. While antidepressant medications and psychotherapies can help, early diagnosis and condition monitoring play important roles in treatment. Currently, there are no standardiz...

Elastase-Treated Cartilage for Use in Eyelid Reconstruction (UCLA Case No. 2020-907)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Apr 2021 07:10:58 GMT

Stein and Doheny Eye Institute UCLA researchers have developed a methodology to soften cartilage to make it suitable to implant in the upper eyelid during reconstruction, thereby circumventing eye irritation associated with implantation of untreated cartilage. BACKGROUND: The eyelid protects the eye physically, and aids in lubrication for proper eye function. Eyelid defects can be congenital or may be the result of physical trauma or infection. Dysfunction of the eyelid can pose serious concerns for vision or eye health and is therefore deemed as a...

2020-456 Passive 3D Shape via Polarization-Aware Neural Networks

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 15:15:18 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science have developed an algorithm to take image data and generate accurate 3D shape representations using a deep neural network framework. The method uses data from polarization imaging to generate 3D models that are less sensitive to noise and that are five times more accurate than pure physics-based algorithms.BACKGROUNDAccurate 3D models help designers and end users visualize space requirements and improve efficiency and accuracy without having to create a physical model. Simple applications of this include q...

2020-870 MULTIVARIATE BIOMIMETIC BIOMATERIAL ARRAYS FOR PRECISION MEDICINE AND SCREENING APPLICATIONS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 09:02:59 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a novel combinational library of biomimetic hydrogels that aids in the more advanced screening for precision medicine. BACKGROUND Drug screening utilizing advanced 3D cell culture is rapidly growing in the biotech industry for its more accurate representation of human physiology than 2D monolayer culture. Despite early advances, the 3D culture condition has several limitations that have yet to be addressed. Currently, diverse extracellular biomolecules in the culture system have ye...

2018-718 Transverse Sheet Illumination Microscopy (TranSIM)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 17:24:38 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and at the California NanoSystems Institute have developed a highly customizable single objective microscopy technique which exhibits micron resolution in three dimensions, near millisecond temporal resolution (5 ms) and gentle illumination, allowing for the simultaneous imaging of multiple planes within a sample. Background: Confocal fluorescence microscopy is an optical imaging technique typically associated with high spatial resolution (~0.5 μm), but relatively slow temporal resolution (~100 ms) for volumetric scal...

Discovery of Novel Anti-Infectives for Gram Negative Pathogens (UCLA Case No. 2019-255)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 23:45:22 GMT

UCLA researchers in the California NanoSystems Institute have discovered novel and potent therapeutic agents against Burkholderia bacteria, E. Coli and pseudomonas bacterial infections through cell-based phenotypic screening that are more effective than existing treatments. BACKGROUND: Burkholderia pseudomallei (Bp) and Burkholderia mallei (Bm) cause Melioidosis and Glanders, respectively, which are lethal infections that plague regions such as Asia, Africa and Northern Australia. These bacteria are classified as Tier-1 select agents by the CDC and have been historically utilized in bio-warfar...

2011-132 Enhanced Strength Carbon Nanotube Yarns

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 14:38:31 GMT

SUMMARYResearchers at the UCLA Department of Engineering have developed novel carbon nanotube/resin composite material that dramatically enhances strength and toughness of carbon nanotubes.BACKGROUNDCarbon nanotubes (CNTs) are the strongest and stiffest materials yet discovered in terms of tensile strength and elastic modulus, compared to steel and Kevlar at a fraction of the weight. CNTs superior strength is a result of their unique cylindrical nanostructure of carbon molecules. In order to harvest these unique properties of CNTs for commercial applications, CNTs and their composites must be ...

2020-883 A METHOD FOR HIGH THROUGHPUT DRUG DISCOVERY USING MICROED

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 15:28:31 GMT

SUMMARY Researchers in the UCLA Department of physiology have invented a new drug discovery system based on high throughput screening.BACKGROUNDAtomic resolution structures are critical to understanding how proteins and small molecule function, therefore being an important step in the drug discovery, development and delivery process. Traditionally, the structures of the protein-ligand interactions were investigated through macromolecular crystallography by soaking ligands into the protein crystal lattice or co-crystallizing the protein with the ligand. However, both the methods are suboptimal ...

2020-878 Compliant Self-Anchoring Screw

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 10:33:29 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a passively anchoring screw that won’t loosen once it is twisted in place, but can be unscrewed using a screw driver.BACKGROUNDWhile threaded fastener designs allow for easy on/off or replacement, there is always the risk that a screw may come loose during use due to vibrations or various motions. In some cases, such as biomedical implants, spacecraft, and high speed vehicles, loosening of a screw may even cause catastrophic failure. New screw designs that maintain the advantage of screw type...

2020-421 EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES DERIVED FROM INDUCED PLURIPOTENT STEM CELLS FOR IMMUNOMODULATION

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 05 Mar 2021 08:44:12 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a method to boost extracellular vesicles' (EVs) production and potency, potentially allowing large-scale clinical-grade EV manufacture for immunomodulatory therapeutics. BACKGROUNDExtracellular vesicles (EVs) are one of the most important mediators of cell-to-cell communication. EVs regulate a diverse range of biological processes, including immunomodulation and regeneration, thus representing potential therapeutic agents in these pathological areas. While EV-based therapeutics have been developing exponentially over the...

2014-287 Minimally Invasive Implantable Brain Stimulation Devices And Methods For Implanting Same

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 13:15:02 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Neurosurgery have developed a novel, minimally invasive deep-brain stimulation device concept.BACKGROUNDFor many patients suffering from a variety of movement and neuropsychiatric disorders, deep-brain stimulation (DBS) of select brain areas provides lasting relief for otherwise-treatment-resistant cases. Deep-brain stimulation requires the implantation of a neurostimulator to send electrical impulses to specific brain subregions. Deep-brain stimulation is currently FDA-approved for treatment of essential tremor, Parkinson’s disease, dystonia,...

2020-886 Noninvasive Wearable Electroactive Pharmaceutical Monitoring for Personalized Pharmacotherapy

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 13:49:09 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a non-invasive wearable biosensor for personalized drug monitoring and excretion via sweat. BACKGROUNDWearable biosensor technology has become popular in the tracking of heart rate and daily calories. While it also has the potential to be applied for more clinical applications such as tracking drug metabolism in a patient, current voltammetry-based wearables that can detect and quantify metabolites are susceptible to elimination of electroactive drugs from a patient via sweat. Sweat, which is ...

2020-118 AN INTRAVENOUS SYSTEMIC DELIVERY VEHICLE FOR INTRACELLULAR GENE THERAPY

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 14:05:11 GMT

SUMMARYResearchers in the UCLA Department of Microbiology Immunology and Molecular Genetics have devised a nanocapsule gene therapy vehicle that allows targeted intravenous delivery without ex vivo manipulation.BACKGROUNDCurrently, nearly all therapeutic applications for gene delivery in clinic are conducted ex vivo, which is by removal of cells from the body, transducing genes and then transplanting them back into the body. This is the typical clinical practice for many therapeutic methods, such as hematopoietic stem progenitor cells transplant for genetic diseases and T cell transplant for d...

2020-488 AUTOMATED TREATMENT PLANNING FOR BREATHING MOTION

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 09:59:34 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Radiation Oncology have developed a novel computed tomography (CT) scanning protocol to not only solve the problems of image artifacts of commercial 4DCT, but also enable automation in treatment planning and quantification of the CT images beyond what is currently available.BACKGROUND Radiation therapy targeting lung and upper abdominal cancers uses various breathing/respiratory motion techniques including specialized CT scanning methods. Respiratory motion is significantly challenging for radiation therapy due to its irregularity and conseque...

2021-006 Flexible Pressure Sensors Made from Robust Conductive Micropyramids for High-Performance Pressure Sensing

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 12 Feb 2021 11:03:58 GMT

SUMMARY UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed flexible pressure-sensors that can mimic slow-adapting type I mechanoreceptors used for human-like object manipulation. BACKGROUND Flexible pressure sensors that mimic slow-adapting type I (SA-I) mechanoreceptors are essential for AI, smart robotics and prosthetics to realize human-like levels of object manipulation. SA-I mechanoreceptors, which are used to perceive form and roughness on the skin, have small receptive fields and produce sustained responses to static stimulation. Current commercial piezo...

2020-772 METHOD FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY REGISTERING MULTIPLE LUNG CT SCANS: OBJECTIVE FUNCTION

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 13:38:14 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Radiation Oncology have developed a novel approach to generate image-based analysis of lungs and breathing for lung CT (computed tomography) scans. This method can perform simultaneous registration and ventilation measurement using free-breathing CT scans, and could potentially revolutionize pulmonary, surgery, and radiology.BACKGROUNDHuman lungs have two primary purposes, transporting air and gas exchange. Lung function is fundamentally connected with its motion and distortion, rendering CT the only useful 3D high resolution lung imaging modality. ...

2020-500 SEPARATION OF THE ANALGESIC AND ADDICTIVE CONSEQUENCES OF OPIATE ADMINISTRATION

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 16:13:54 GMT

SUMMARY UCLA researchers in the Department of Psychiatry have identified a novel treatment method that helps with severe pain management with opiates, whilst reducing the risk of addiction significantly. BACKGROUND Opioid epidemic continues to be rampant and a grave public health concern in the US; it has caused more than 400,000 of deaths over the past 20 years, according the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). More than 2 million Americans reported that they had an opioid use disorder (OUD). Opiates are extensively used for severe pain management such as severe burns, traumatic injuries...

2020-925 Methods and Apparatus for Extracting Vital Signs Using Smartphone Cameras

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 10:09:07 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering have developed a contactless apparatus to report broad vital sign measurements using face video acquisition and signal processing pipelines while ensuring patients’ privacy through visual encoding methods. BACKGROUNDPhotoplethysmography (PPG) is an inexpensive optical method that is often used for heart rate monitoring purposes by using a light source and a photodetector at the surface of skin to measure volumetric variations of blood circulation. Recently, there has been interest on the use of PPG for oth...

2020-782 FULL-LENGTH CILP AS A BIOMARKER FOR CARDIAC FIBROSIS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 17:04:04 GMT

SUMMARY UCLA researchers in the Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiology have identified a circulating biomarker for diagnosing cardiac fibrosis. BACKGROUND Cardiac fibrosis is a pathological process associated with various forms of heart diseases that contribute to impaired heart function, development of irregular heartbeat, and ultimately heart failure. Cardiac fibroblasts are primarily responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the heart by regulating the synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM). Acute cardiac stress and/or increased cardiac load can initiate the developme...

2021-001 COMBINATION CHEMO-IMMUNOTHERAPY FOR PANCREATIC CANCER USING THE IMMUNOGENIC EFFECTS OF AN IRINOTECAN SILICASOME NANOCARRIER PLUS ANTI-PD-1

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 17:40:50 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Medicine have developed a combination therapy for pancreatic cancers using the irinotecan Silicasome nanocarrier and an anti-PD-1 antibody.BACKGROUND: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has shown promising therapeutic effects for the treatment of cancers such as renal and lung cancer. However, there has been little success in the use of immune checkpoint blocking antibodies in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). While anti-PD-1 antibody (Keytruda®) was approved for PDAC patients with rare genetic mutations (i.e. microsatellite instability ...

2021-072 Ensemble Learning of Diffractive Optical Networks

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 08:58:44 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have improved the statistical inference performance of diffractive optical networks for artificial intelligence-related applications.BACKGROUNDOptical computing platforms are having renewed interest in artificial intelligence-related applications. Due to their high speed, large bandwidth and high interconnectivity of optical information processing, they are well suited for realizing neural network models. Despite these advantages, optical computing frameworks have had limited application due to their poor inferenc...

2020-157 METHOD AND DEVICE FOR IMAGING FLUORESCENT PROTEINS IN NEAR-AND SHORT-WAVE INFRARED

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 27 Jan 2021 16:23:07 GMT

SUMMARY UCLA researchers in the department of Chemistry & Biochemistry have developed a method and device that is able to take real-time optical images of fluorescent probes for both in-vitro and in-vivo work. BACKGROUNDOptical imaging uses light and special reflective properties of photons to obtain detailed images of a wide variety of biological systems. It is widely used to study cells and smaller organisms using fluorescent microscopy. Fluorescent imaging in vivo is challenging due to substantial scattering and autofluorescence at visible (350-700 nm) wavelengths. Therefore, in vivo im...

2021-041 A Tandem-Structured Cooling Device Driven by Electrostatic Force

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 10:11:52 GMT

SUMMARYResearchers in the UCLA Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed an electrocaloric (EC) cooling device for compact applications, such as wearable electronics and implantables.BACKGROUNDSolid-state cooling technologies are an ecofriendly alternative to vapor compression refrigeration technology for thermal management. Cooling based on the electrocaloric effect (ECE), which features direct electricity-utilization, is efficient, low cost, simple in setup, and feasible for use in applications at a compact-scale. Implementation for ECE, however, has been bottlenecked by...

2021-040 A Wireless Recording System-On-Chip for Distributed Neural Interface Systems with Inductive Power Delivery and UWB Data Transmission

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 14:50:43 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of the Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a wireless system-on-chip device that allows for real-time patient neural activity monitoring and stimulation.BACKGROUNDThe power and data demands of neurological implants have grown with the increased implementation of Brain Machine Interface (BMI) systems in treating patients who suffer from neurological injuries Advancements in neural activity monitoring biosensors allow for the collection and transmission of data from distributed neural networks and provide real-time diagnostics of patients ...

Therapeutics to Treat Cardiac Arrhythmia (UCLA Case No. 2020-141)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 06 Jan 2021 16:58:49 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry have developed novel small molecule compounds for alleviating cardiac arrhythmia. These new compounds are analogs of existing anti-arrhythmic molecule, efsevin, demonstrating enhanced anti-arrhythmic activity compared to efsevin.BACKGROUND Cardiac arrhythmias are responsible for more than half of all cardiovascular deaths. Regular heart rhythms are maintained by changes in the concentration of calcium ions (Ca+) in the cytoplasm of the heart muscle cells. Inability to efficiently regulate the movement of Ca+ from cytopla...

2020-862 Early Prediction of Mechanical Ventilation Need in COVID-19 Patients Using Clinician-Constrained Decision Trees

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 06 Jan 2021 12:48:08 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Computer Science have developed a tree model with machine learning to determine the need for mechanical ventilators, which is important during a shortage of mechanical ventilators in a hospital.BACKGROUNDMechanical ventilation is used to help a patient breath when they find it difficult to breathe on their own by pushing airflow into the patient’s lungs. While mechanical ventilators are an essential part on the care of respiratory diseases (such as COVID-19), they can also induce injury by volutrauma or atelectrauma if not used appropriately. ...

2021-103 Scale-, Shift- and Rotation-Invariant Diffractive Optical Networks

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 16:09:16 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering developed a diffractive optical network training strategy that guides the design toward a scale-, shift- and rotation-invariant solution.BACKGROUNDOptical neural networks have gained popularity in the recent years over their electronic counterparts due to their power efficiency, parallelism and computational speed. Diffractive deep neural networks (D2NNs) can form these optical networks by using light-matter interactions and free-space propagation of light over a series of trainable surfaces to compute a given lea...

2020-887 A Programmable Epidermal Microfluidic Valving System for Wearable Biofluid Management and Contextual Biomarker Analysis

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 09:23:55 GMT

SUMMARYResearchers in the UCLA Electrical and Computer Engineering Department have devised a programmable epidermal microfluid valving system for high frequency, real-time biofluid sampling, routing, and compartmentalization in wearable bioanalytical platforms.BACKGROUNDWearable biomarker sensing technologies allow for the frequent, longitudinal, and comprehensive assessment of an individual’s health. Current wearable biomarker sensor technologies can perform electrochemical and colorimetric sensing for on-body detection but these sensors rely on passive collection of biofluid. This pass...

2020-483 Device for Mobilizing Cortical Material at Lens Equator during Cataract Surgery

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 11:17:54 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Ophthalmology and Mechanical Engineering have developed an instrument for the complete removal of cortical material during cataract surgery, including material along the lens equator.BACKGROUNDCataract surgery consists of removing, to the greatest extent possible, the cataract from the capsular bag within the eye. Conventionally, the cataract is broken into smaller pieces which are then removed manually via an ultrasonic suction probe and then with an irrigation/aspiration handpiece. However, during the removal, small pieces of cortical material and...

2020-882 SMART PPE

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 10:26:43 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Medicine and Anderson School of Management have developed a Smart Personal Protective Equipment (SPPE) to reduce or prevent droplet related infectious disease transmission. BACKGROUNDDuring epidemics or pandemics of an infectious disease, such as COVID-19 or MERS-CoV, social distancing is the key to reducing transmission. When social distancing cannot be maintained, such as during sports or family gatherings, monitoring and tracing play an important role to manage the spread of the disease. There is an urgent need for smart personal protective equip...

2019-99A Tunable Antenna for Microwave Ablation of Biological Tissue

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 10:07:48 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Departments of Radiology and Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a microwave ablation antenna that enhances the destruction of early stage solid tumor tissue by optimizing the microwave energy delivery into biological tissue via dielectric matching. BACKGROUNDMicrowave ablation is a minimally invasive therapeutic technique used to treat early stage solid tumors by generating localized heat from microwave energy sources. After insertion under image guidance, the microwave antenna emits sufficient electromagnetic radiation to match the size and shape...

2021-007 Point of Care Electrochemical Immunosensor for the Detection of COVID-19

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 14:31:57 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a wireless, sensitive, and disposable Point of Care (PoC) electrochemical immunosensor for the detection of COVID-19 antibodies. Background: COVID-19 is detected using two main methods: nucleic acid testing and the serological testing. Point-of-Care (POC) devices for both types of tests exist but they require significant operator involvement and must be performed in self-contained facilities. These tests also need the use of special equipment to prevent operator infection and sample test cont...

2020-392 A Non-Invasive and In-Situ Encrypted Molecular-Level Information Collection and Authentication System

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 12:57:40 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a portable health device that can simultaneously and non-invasively collect multiple users’ fingerprint (via one touch fingertip sensing) and biomarker data for personal health and wellness monitoring. By using a user’s unique fingerprint pattern, the device can identify, authenticate and even encrypt an individual’s data without further user intervention or additional materials. BACKGROUNDFrom watches that track fitness levels to portable devices that monitor blood pressure, porta...

2020-931 Spectrally Selective Structured Materials and Designs for Thermal Optics

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 11:36:22 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed materials which can be structured to create spectrally selective transmitters and reflectors, which filter out undesirable radiation (e.g. sunlight) and reflect or transmit thermal radiation onto imaging sensors.BACKGROUNDThermal imaging, popularly known as heat vision, is an increasingly useful mode of sensing the environment. Thermography offers the ability to “see in the dark,” showing features that traditional photo/videography cannot see. Current consumer grade thermal cameras use ger...

2020-932 Terahertz Pulse Shaping Using Diffractive Legos

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 08:58:32 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed an all-optical diffractive network. This learning-based diffractive pulse engineering framework utilizes deep learning and wave-optics to design an arbitrarily shaped broadband pulse into a desired waveform across a broad bandwidth and high spectral resolution.BACKGROUNDMachine learning is being applied to optics to make progress in optical pulse shaping for a variety of data processing problems. Pulse shaping technologies have limited applicability at the terahertz band spectrum due to a lack of in...

2021-002 System and Methods for Amplified Detection of Molecules on Microparticles

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 09 Dec 2020 14:47:18 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a system to build immunocomplexes, generate and accumulate amplified signals, and perform the signal readout of a digital ELISA using standard benchtop instruments and techniques.BACKGROUNDDigital ELISA allows for the detection and measurement of protein biomarkers at a single-molecule level. While digital ELISA technology has improved on the sensitivity of ELISA detection, it requires costly and specialized equipment that inhibits its widespread adoption. In addition, the bottleneck of digital ELISA remains the creatio...

2020-795 Single-Shot Autofocusing of Microscopy Images Using Deep Learning (DEEP-R)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 09 Dec 2020 14:19:47 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a deep learning-based autofocusing method for microscopy imaging (Deep-R). The method can rapidly and blindly autofocus a single-shot microscopy image of a specimen that is acquired at an arbitrary out-of-focus plane. Background: Focus is a critical factor when analyzing an image over an extended spatial or temporal scale. During longitudinal imaging experiments, focus drift due to mechanical thermal fluctuations of the microscope can occur. Algorithmic autofocusing methods have been developed to overcome ...

2020-391 Methods for Carrying Out Micromechanical Logic Operations

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 09:22:38 GMT

SUMMARYProfessor Hopkins and colleagues have developed a micromechanical displacement-based logic circuit system that can detect changes in its environment over an extended period of time without external power. The system is small enough to be indiscernible when attached to an object and can be tuned to respond to changes in temperature, pressure or both. The system can be used in a variety of applications including food and product identification, determining if an object has been moved or passed through a specific location, or to detect tampering of a sensor-tagged object. PATENT STATU...

2019-353: Biomimetic Stimulator System for Neural Implant

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 12:20:52 GMT

SUMMARY UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a portable and implant/wearable 32-channel neural stimulator system that supports non-periodic protocols. BACKGROUND The use of electrical neural stimulation is an effective way to treat and research neurological diseases. Recent studies have demonstrated that non-periodic waveforms are more effective that periodic electrical when stimulating neural tissue. However, existing programmable stimulators that support non-periodic protocols are not portable and their architecture is not compatible with wearable ...

2021-101 Recurrent Neural Network-Based Volumetric Fluorescence Microscopy

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 11:38:42 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a recurrent neural network-based volumetric imaging inference framework (recurrent-MZ) to speed up fluorescent microscopic image reconstruction of 3D samples. Recurrent-MZ permits the digital reconstruction of a sample volume over an extended depth-of-field using a few different 2D images to create a volumetric image. BACKGROUND3D fluorescent imaging of samples can be achieved with the use of volumetric, optical sectioning of samples using various microscopy techniques. Current modalities require th...

2020-495 Well Plate and Petri Dish Fluid Exchange Plug

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 30 Nov 2020 09:46:52 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering developed an automated fluidic and gas exchange system that is compatible with commercially available petri dishes, well and multi-well plates. BACKGROUND: In vitro assays are typically performed on commercially available petri dishes or well plates. While users can manually modify a dish/well environment for experimentation, modifications of the environment often need to be performed outside of the experimental conditions in a sterile environment, affecting outcomes and risking contamination. There is a need for an automated me...

2020-445 Liquid Scintillator Containing High-Z Nanoparticles

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 25 Nov 2020 13:29:09 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed an organic scintillator for identification of gamma radiation. This scintillator has high loading of high-Z nanoparticles without sacrificing optical transparency for better gamma ray detection. BACKGROUNDInorganic scintillators are widely used for the detection and identification of gamma radiation due to their high effective atomic number (Z number). However, inorganic scintillators are also costly, difficulty to scale up, and have limited application. Nanocomposite scintillators based on plastic, a...

2021-038 RAVIR: A Dataset and Methodology for Semantic Segmentation and Quantitative Analysis of Retinal Arteries and Veins in Infrared Reflectance Imaging

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 25 Nov 2020 09:56:48 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Computer Science have developed a method for the semantic segmentation and quantitative analysis of retinal arteries and veins via infrared reflectance retinal imaging (RAVIR).BACKGROUNDRetinal vasculature analysis can be used to help diagnose neurodegenerative disorders and monitor systemic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. Since the retina and its vasculature are optically visible, they can be imaged non-invasively. Current methods for diagnosis and monitoring however, are based on qualitative morphological changes to the vasculatu...

2019-887 Ergonomically-Designed Controller for Video Game Performance

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 16:19:45 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Architecture and Urban Design have developed a method for detailed motion mapping during video game play that allows for the design of custom-made, ergonomic handheld controllers for improved gaming performance. BACKGROUND Gaming entertainment represents a multi-billion dollar market that is expected to substantially increase over the next 5 years. Despite this growing demand, few options exist for customizability in gaming hardware. Specifically, handheld controllers are marketed and manufactured with standardized size and shape even though p...

2020-499 Plasma Source for Oral Health

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 15:56:48 GMT

INTRO SENTENCE:UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a plasma source which overcomes the large size constraints and operating difficulty of existing plasma sources by integrating an ambient air source and portable design that allows for at-home implementation of the technology in fields such as dental care.BACKGROUND:Cold plasma, an ionizing gas which operates at room temperature and normal atmospheric pressure, has been applied to various medical procedures such as wound healing, sterilization, blood coagulation, skin disease, cancer therapy...

2011-208 A Device for In Vivo Characterization of Human Body Fluid

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 11:48:31 GMT

BACKGROUNDAnalyzing the rheological properties of bodily fluids holds great clinical value, for both diagnosing conditions and determining the effects of therapeutics. This is especially true of the vitreous humor of the eye; research shows that abnormalities in the fluid's visocoelastic properties accompany several diseases of the eye, such as retinal tear, retinal detachment, and vitreous hemorrhage, among others. Vitreous hemorrhage frequently accompanies diabetes, whose prevalence continues to grow at an alarming rate. Even glaucoma is predicted to afflict over 3 million individuals by the...

2020-758 Multi-Directional Deflectable Catheter With Selective Stiffening

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 12 Nov 2020 16:08:56 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Interventional Neuroradiology have developed an innovative catheter system with the ability to directly manipulate catheter shape/curvature as well as stiffness for use with neuroendovascular navigation.BACKGROUNDInterventional neuroradiology is a rapidly growing specialty that utilizes radiologic imaging and minimally invasive endovascular techniques to treat neurovascular diseases such as stroke, aneurysm, and vascular malformations. Independent of pathology, nearly 90% of neuroendovasccular procedures in the United States use a lower extremity ar...

2020-944 A Phase-Changing Polymer Film for Thermochromic Smart Windows Applications

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 12 Nov 2020 15:24:10 GMT

SUMMARY UCLA researchers in the Department of Material Sciences and Engineering have developed energy-efficient, smart window coatings with wide light bandwidth, high degrees of modularity and high stability towards repeated cycling. BACKGROUND Utilizing smart windows’ tunable opacity to control both the timing and amount of light transmission would have a direct reduction in the overall demand for air conditioning and heating. Currently, there are three types of smart windows: photochromic, electrochromic and thermochromic. However, there are inherent disadvantages to this technolo...

2020-770 Apparatus and Method for Changing the Functionality of an Integrated Circuit Using Charge Trap Transistors

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 11:03:46 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a method to overcome manufacturing defects in semiconducting wafers through post-production calibration of integrated circuits by threshold voltage tuning using charge trap transistors. BACKGROUNDComplementary metal-oxide-semiconductors (CMOS) are utilized for the generation of integrated circuits used in devices such as memory chips, microprocessors, and other digital/analog circuits. Miniaturization of CMOS circuits produces smaller transistors which are faster and more power efficient. Howe...

2020-158 SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REAL-TIME MULTICOLOR SHORTWAVE INFRARED FLUORESCENCE IMAGING

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Nov 2020 15:10:26 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed fluorescence imaging probes and methods to achieve multiplexed imaging in the shortwave infrared (SWIR, 1000 – 2000nm) region. The system and method developed allows high-contrast and resolution multiplexed imaging of whole animals in real-time. BACKGROUND: Real-time, fluorescence imaging is a non-invasive optical imaging modality that holds promise in image-guided surgery and molecular diagnostics. The shortwave infrared (SWIR, 1000 – 2000 nm) region of the electromagnetic spectrum has provided a mean...

2007-391 Polyanaline Nanofibers as Hydrogen Sensors

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 11:13:51 GMT

SUMMARYProfessor Kaner and colleagues have developed a method for sensing hydrogen using polyaniline nanofiber material. The approach utilizes detectable conductivity changes in the nanofiber material when exposed to hydrogen gas. This polyaniline sensor has advantages over traditional palladium-based sensors in that its phase change for detection is reversible and its synthesis is inexpensive.PATENT STATUSUnited States Of America Issued Patent 9,034,266 05/19/2015

2019-863 METHODS CONCERNING ONGOING TREATMENT FOR CANCER

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 13:17:10 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology have developed a novel biomarker detection method for circulating blood cell-free RNA. BACKGROUND: Approximately 39% of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetimes. Circulating tumor cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is being increasingly used as a non-invasive biomarker for early cancer diagnostics and determination of therapy efficacy. cfDNA is found in the bloodstream and includes DNA that comes from cancerous cells and tumors that have died and shed DNA. However, cfDNA sequencing can ...

Label-Free Real-Time Hyperspectral Endoscopy (Case No. 2020-759)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 10:28:02 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a method that utilizes snapshot hyperspectral imaging and machine learning for real-time and label-free imaging of cancerous tissue during a surgical procedure. Background: The use of autofluorescence imaging (AFI) and fluorescence imaging (FI) are standard-of-care endoscopic techniques for imaging tumor-specific contrast to help guide surgeons during surgery. However, AFI images suffer from low sensitivity and specificity in assessing tumor margins and while FI significantly improve tumor accuracy, it faces sign...

2020-808 Apparatus and Methods for Real-Time Resonance Adaptation for Power Receivers

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 09:43:49 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a successive approximation scheme for energy-harvesting implantable medical devices that offers real-time adaptability to ever-changing dielectric environments and loading conditions while operating in a low (µW) power range. BACKGROUNDWireless power transfer has emerged as a ubiquitous tool for charging devices. This technology is particularly powerful when applied to charging inaccessible devices such as implantable medical devices (IMDs). Traditional IMDs consume high power (mW to W) and re...

Thermally Radiative Materials and Coatings

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 10:59:11 GMT

From the Lab of Prof. Aaswath RamanBACKGROUNDProf. Aaswath Raman and his research team in UCLA’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed a number of technologies that have the potential of greatly improving energy efficiency of buildings through reduced heating and cooling. Energy consumption in residential and commercial buildings contributes up to 30% of total greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. In the United States, the buildings sector accounts for 41% of primary energy consumption, of which heating and cooling are responsible for over 35%. BIOGRAPHYAaswath Ram...

Flexible Inorganic MicroLED Displays Using Fan-Out Wafer-Level Packaging (Case No. 2020-868)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 09:51:59 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed an efficient and low-cost method to integrate inorganic light emitting diodes into rubber-like substrates that are transparent, flexible and biocompatible. Background: There is a growing demand for modular and flexible light emitting displays for applications in electronics and medical devices. Inorganic light emitting diodes (LEDs) are attractive owing to the enhanced brightness and long-term stability associated with these devices when compared to organic-based LEDs. Unfortunately, ma...

Measurement of Serum Phosphate Levels Using a Mobile Sensor (Case No. 2019-949)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 27 Oct 2020 15:01:16 GMT

Summary: Researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have built a portable and cost-effective, point-of-care smartphone attachment capable of measuring serum phosphate levels using a single drop of blood (<60 μl). Background: Managing elevated serum phosphate levels is crucial for patients with advanced chronic kidney disease and those on maintenance dialysis, as abnormal phosphate levels may be associated with severe health risks. While monitoring serum phosphate levels should be done on a regular basis, measurements are generally limited to once every...

2020-801 Ultrafast Light Field Tomography (LIFT)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 27 Oct 2020 12:51:51 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed an ultrafast imaging technology that can capture videos of non-line-of sight objects in rapid motion without compromising resolution. Background: Non-line-of sight (NLOS) imaging is an important technique that enables ultrafast (picosecond exposure) cameras to visualize objects that are hidden from direct view. Widespread implementation of NLOS is limited by the requirement of a high-resolution, two-dimensional ultrafast camera that can process a long sequence of time-resolved data. Current NLOS-enabled cameras m...

2020-856 A Surface Electromyography (sEMG) System on a Flexible and Biocompatible Platform

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 27 Oct 2020 08:52:56 GMT

SUMMARY: Researchers in the UCLA Electrical and Computer Engineering Department have developed a high-resolution surface electromyography (sEMG) system which is flexible, lightweight and capable of both wireless data transmission and charging for enhanced usability of the system. BACKGROUND: Continuous muscle monitoring is a widely utilized technology for monitoring rehabilitation following injury, surgery and congenital disease diagnosis. Standard surface electromyography (sEMG) is a monitoring system that can continuously record muscle physiology through electrodes placed on the surface...

Low-Cost Hybrid Energy Storage System (2016-097, 2017-539)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 12:40:33 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a low-cost and long-life energy storage system that provides long discharge duration, and can be scaled for on-site or grid storage applications. Background: Energy storage is one of the major challenges facing the energy industry as requirements take effect for replacing more fossil fuel electricity plants with renewable power. Lithium-ion batteries have not emerged as the solution to this problem because of their high cost, short discharge duration, and relatively brief useful life, a...

Perovskite Technologies

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 16 Oct 2020 17:05:23 GMT

Yang Yang Group Website: http://yylab.seas.ucla.edu/ UC Case Nos. 2015-556, 2018-019, 2022-209 ----- Modulating Heterointerface Energetics for Operationally Stable Perovskite Solar Cells (UCLA Case No. 2022-206) Researchers at UCLA have developed a novel fabrication approach that stabilizes the surface of perovskite solar cells without hindering the efficiency of the solar energy conversion. By manipulating the surface energetics of the solar cells and applying a unique surface treatment, the long-term stability of perovskite-based solar cells was improved. In testing, devices...

2016-802 Demosaiced Pixel Super-Resolution for Multiplexed Holographic Color Imaging

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 11:20:32 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers have developed a new high-resolution color microscopy technique termed Demosaiced Pixel Super-Resolution (D-PSR), which significantly improves the performance of holographic high-resolution color imaging.BACKGROUNDDigital holography refers to the acquisition and processing of holograms with a digital sensor array, typically a CCD camera or a similar device. Digital holography has became one of the most widely explored computational microscopy techniques because it permits high-throughput 3D imaging of phase and amplitude information of specimen To achieve color im...

2019-888 Supine Breast CT

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 14 Oct 2020 13:00:27 GMT

SUMMARYResearchers in the UCLA Radiation Oncology Department have developed a supine breast CT for image-guided detection and diagnosis of breast cancer.BACKGROUNDMammography is the “gold standard” method for early stage breast cancer detection. While effective in reducing the modality rate due to breast cancer, mammography only provides a 2D image and is unable to differentiate overlapping tissues in the projection direction (particularly in patients with dense breast tissue). Paired with the compression required for mammography that can be hard to tolerate for some patients, new ...

2015-795 Novel Optimized Drug Combinations for Drug-Resistant and Drug-Sensitive Multiple Myeloma Developed Using a Systematic Phenotypic Personalized Medicine Drug Development Platform

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 16:43:06 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA Researchers in the Departments of Bioengineering and School of Medicine and Co-inventors from The National University of Singapore have developed a drug development platform for optimized drug combination and dosage for drug-resistant multiple myeloma patients.BACKGROUNDMultiple myeloma is a plasma cell malignancy that leads to significant morbidity. Although multiple myeloma remains incurable, advancements in therapeutics have resulted in increased survival time and complete remission for a limited period in patients. While recent developments in molecular targeting therapies have...

2020-848 Post-Surgical Garment

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 16:14:52 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Surgery-Plastic have developed a postsurgical garment with anti-microbial and anti-edema/DVT compression can be used in surgery.BACKGROUNDThere are a vast array of post-surgical garments available on the market. Wearing these garments by patients after surgery however varies due to ease of wear, compatibility with post-surgical devices (such as drains), and post-surgical activity restrictions. Additionally, if a specific post-surgical garment is not available within a hospital system, surgeons may instruct patients to obtain their own garments. This...

2018-846 Nanoplasmonic Biosensing Platform Using Single Nanoparticle Colorimetry

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 13:03:42 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a plasmonic swarm biosensing platform for molecular detection based on single nanoparticle imaging to improve quantitative accuracy with simple instrumentation. BACKGROUNDLocalized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) is a near-field phenomenon that is used to detect biomolecules. While a lot of research progress has been reported for the development of nanoplasmonic sensors, few have reached commercialization for point-of-care diagnostics due to the challenge of achieving robust performance with compact instrumentation. Co...

2018-910 Prediction of Cardiac Arrest Using Continuous Electrocardiogram

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 12:50:12 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Geffen School of Medicine have developed a method to accurately and timely predict cardiac arrest in hospital patients based on a patient’s own data. This method allows for fewer and more relevant alarms that improve the chance of survival from a cardiac arrest episode.BACKGROUNDIn the United States, over 200,000 patients suffer cardiac arrests in hospitals annually with fewer than 30% surviving to discharge. 70-80% of these cardiac arrests are attributed to pulseless electrical activity (PEA)/asystole arrest, with fewer than 12% of patients suffering these...

2020-491 Modular Platforms with Multi-Rotor Copters Mounted on Hinges or Gimbals to Form Mechanically Constrained Flight Formations

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 30 Sep 2020 12:25:04 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a modular and reconfigurable mechanical platform that connects any number of multi-rotor copters into one flying unit. BACKGROUND: Multi-rotor copters are used in a wide range of applications including mapping, monitoring, delivery and emergency response. Quad-rotor copters, the most common type of commercially available copter, have fixed propeller axes parallel to the main air frame, which restrains their orientations to nearly horizontal, thus limiting their maneuverability. Payloads for t...

2016-585 Multi-Point, Multi-Access Energy Storage

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 15:42:59 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a novel multi-point, multi-access thermal energy storage system.BACKGROUNDAs renewable energy sources become more prevalent on the grid, much more energy storage will be needed to meet electric demands during times of low generation capacity. For example, energy storage will be needed in solar power generation facilities to store energy collected during daylight hours for later use at night. Thermal energy storage (TES) systems offer a promising solution to meet this need. Currently, TES systems us...

2020-784 DEVELOPMENT OF A STING DELIVERING NANOPARTICLE FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER METASTASES TO THE LIVER

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 14:58:40 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Nanomedicine have developed antigen presenting cells (APCs) targeting nanoparticles to deliver STING (stimulator of interferon genes) agonists to the liver for metastatic cancer treatment. BACKGROUND: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive malignancy and estimated to become the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths by 2030. It is often diagnosed at advanced stages with the liver as the main site of metastases. The liver contains unique antigen presenting cells (APCs) that are programmed for a robust immunosuppressive enviro...

Multi-Functional Anti-Icing Hydrogel Technique for Controlling Ice Nucleation, Growth, and Adhesion (Case No. 2020-747)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 11:50:45 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed an anti-icing coating that is the first to incorporate a trifold approach by lowering the ice formation temperature, making the surface difficult for ice to stick to and delaying ice crystal growth. Background: Undesired icing/frosting on various surfaces causes economic, environmental, and safety challenges. Current methods of anti-icing focus on only one of three stages in the ice forming process: nucleation, growth or adhesion. These methods, individually, lack versatility on which surfaces t...

2020-408: sAPPalpha Targeted Therapeutics for Alzheimer’s Disease

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 11:08:25 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Neurology have developed a novel application of two compounds that target the upstream formation of toxic amyloid-beta oligomers for the effective treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. BACKGROUND: Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder currently affecting ~6 million people in the U.S. By 2050, it is projected that AD will affect ~14 million Americans, making this disease a growing national crisis. Progression of AD is irreversible and leads to degeneration of memory and thinking skills. Underlying thes...

2020-187 Tuning Radiative Heat Flows Between Interior Surfaces and Human Occupants to Improve Heating and Cooling Efficiency

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 23 Sep 2020 12:11:21 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Material Sciences and Engineering have developed tunable interior emissive surfaces for floors, ceilings and walls that can decrease the energy required to heat a room by 67.7% in cold weather and decrease the energy to cool a room by 38.5% in warm weather, compared to traditional interior surface materials. BACKGROUNDEnergy consumption in residential and commercial buildings contributes up to 30% of total greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. In the United States, the buildings sector accounts for 41% of primary energy consumption, of which heating a...

2020-395 Biomarkers for Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Using Closed-Loop Neuromodulation

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 23 Sep 2020 10:38:33 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researches in the Department of Neurosurgery have developed a novel method for the diagnosis and treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.BACKGROUNDPost-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition resulting from a patient having a heightened sensed of fear after encountering a traumatic scenario. It is most often characterized by a hypervigilance response and an inability to extinguish fear. Current treatments for this disorder are limited to psychological therapy and several medications. As such, there is a need for treatments that can affect the resulting electrical...

2008-716 Hybrid Network-On-Chip Design with RF Interconnects for Chip Multiprocessors (CMPs)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 12:28:20 GMT

SUMMARYScientists at UCLA in the Computer Science and Electrical Engineering Departments have designed a hybrid network of RF interconnects and traditional mesh architectures for advanced network-on-chip (NoC) communications for chip multiprocessors. BACKGROUNDThe continued scaling of CMOS devices and the transition to multiple processing cores increases the amount of on-chip interconnects that are required for inter-core communications. Repeated RC wires or RC wire based NoC provide current on-chip communications. However, the RC wires scale poorly and result in increased latency and power co...

2015-245 Autonomous Thermoelectric Energy-Harvesting Platform for Biomedical Sensors

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 12:26:47 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have a developed miniature implantable thermoelectric energy-harvester with true energy autonomy. BACKGROUNDThe size of existing batteries presents a major limitation in the design of size-constrained wireless sensors, including wearable and implantable biosensors. A commonly sought-after solution to this limitation is to develop thermo-electric energy harvesters (TEH) that can function as autonomous energy sources for implantable and wearable sensing systems. However, TEH technologies have not previously achieved adequate ene...

2016-095 Nanoporous Tin Powder for Energy Applications

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 11:26:43 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a method of synthesizing micrometer tin particles with nanosporous architecture and have successfully demonstrated the use of these particles as a high energy density anode for Na-ion and Li-ion batteries.BACKGROUND Among various state-of-the-art batteries, Li-ion battery currently predominates the market of energy storage devices. However, the total capacity of Li-ion batteries is limited by the theoretical capacities of their cathode materials, and can no longer satisfy the increasing demand in new energy ...

2010-823 Lithium Ion Batteries Based On Nanoporous Silicon

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 11:15:15 GMT

SUMMARYResearchers at UCLA have developed a novel three-dimensional porous silicon Lithium ion (Li+) micro-battery that demonstrates high power density and extended cycling life, offering a low space and light weight alternate to standard rechargeable batteries BACKGROUNDAs the popularity for portable electronics increases, the performance of small-scale secondary batteries is even more critical. New generation Li+ batteries are being investigated in order to obtain higher power capacity and extended cycling life. INNOVATIONResearchers at UCLA have formed novel Li+ secondary battery electrodes...

Methods of Restoring and Maintaining Gas Film on Superhydrophobic Surface Underwater (Case No. 2011-040)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 10:59:12 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a method of maintaining and restoring a gas film on a superhydrophobic surface while underwater. Background: A liquid interfaced directly with a solid creates frictional forces. For example, these frictional forces slow down a boat traveling through the water and require it to use more power and fuel. A gas film layer between the solid and liquid interfaces would act to reduce frictional forces because the frictional drag of a liquid flowing over a gas film is lower than that of a liquid flo...

2020-803 Method and Apparatus for Coherent Radiation From a Swarm of Wirelessly Powered and Synchronized Sensor Nodes

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 04 Sep 2020 13:27:05 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a method to use millimeter-sized microchips fitted with an array of sensors to synchronize and amplify radio frequency (RF) signals for low cost and ubiquitous sensing and localization applications.BACKGROUND Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a wireless power delivery, sensing, and data communication system that utilizes large antennas and harvests energy through a near-field or far-field wireless link. Self-power nodes, which are long-lifetime sensors that do not require batteries, are ideal...

2018-384 ANTIBODY-INTERFERON FUSION PROTEINS FOR ENHANCING ADOPTIVE T CELL THERAPIES FOR THE TREATMENT OF CANCER

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 03 Sep 2020 18:51:16 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Departments of Medicine and Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics have developed a novel combination therapy for enhanced efficacy of Adoptive T Cell Therapies (ACT): that could enable the adoption of ACT as an effective means to combat multiple cancer subtypes. BACKGROUND:The clinical relevancy of cancer immunotherapy has grown exponentially in the past decade, showing little surprise that its market is expected to reach nearly $153 billion by 2024. The most promising clinical approach of immunotherapy has proven to be Adoptive T Cell Therapy (ACT), sho...

2015-022 Microwave Reflector Link for Wireless LAN, WiFi, Bluetooth and Other Wireless-Data Link and Connectivity Applications

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 03 Sep 2020 11:11:28 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers have developed a wireless transceiver architecture that consumes 10-100x less power on one side of the data-link while allowing a 100x improvement in either the data-rate or the transmission distance. BACKGROUNDWiFi and WLAN technology both work extremely well in the mobile market despite the high power consumption of existing WiFi transceiver technology. But in order to generate the typical 100-250 mW required to send a WiFi signal, a device must consume roughly 1,000-2,500 mW. The small batteries required for many wearable products simply cannot support such high powe...

2019-470 SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ANALYZING COMPONENTS OF MIXTURES

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 08:04:28 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in collaboration with Caltech have developed a novel microcrystal electron diffraction (MicroED) system to unambiguously identify components of complex compound mixtures: delivering rapid, high-resolution atomic structures with minimal sample preparation or formal crystallization procedures. BACKGROUND: Characterization of individual compounds within complex mixtures is a significant challenge in chemical and biological sciences, and the unambiguous identification of small molecules is one of the most important and ch...

2020-861 Superconducting Silicon Interconnect Fabric (Superconducting-IF)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 25 Aug 2020 10:18:47 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a platform that can control heterogeneous integration of dies with 10 μm interconnect pitches and extends the fabrication of Silicon Interconnect Fabric (Si-IF) into the cryogenic and superconducting temperature ranges.BACKGROUNDQuantum computing is an essential part of next generation heterogeneous computing. The computational unit, quantum bit, is very sensitive to energy loss and noise, especially thermal noise. Although various types of quantum computers exist, superconducting quantum compute...

Targeted Neoantigen Vaccination in H3G34R/V Glioma (UCLA Case No. 2021-008)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Sun, 23 Aug 2020 09:14:58 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Departments of Neurosurgery and Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics have developed an immunotherapy treatment methodology for H3G34R/V high-grade glioma, providing an ability to be adapted toward a wide range of similar tumors. BACKGROUND:Over 3000 gliomas and other forms of brain cancer are diagnosed in children and adolescents every year. These unique brain tumors can cause a wide range of debilitating symptoms such as double vision, headaches, and nausea: often worsening with disease progression. The most dangerous variants, known as high-grade glio...

2020-120 NOVEL MOUSE MODELS FOR GENETICALLY-DIRECTED SPARSE AND COMPLETE LABELING OF BRAIN CELLS FOR ANALYSIS OF BRAIN CELL BIOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 14:48:17 GMT

Researchers in the Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behaviors at UCLA have developed four novel reporter mouse lines that illuminate morphologies of genetically-defined neurons and glia and can serve as novel platform for testing candidate therapeutics for neurodevelopmental, psychiatric and age-related brain diseases. The tools can also be used to test toxicities of any molecules to genetically-defined brain cells in vivo. BACKGROUND: Despite significant advances in understanding neuronal function, many barriers remain in elucidating brain organization and fun...

2019-341: Microbiome-Based Regulation of Cognitive Behavior

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 14:00:14 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology have discovered select bacterial factors that can be targeted to promote hippocampal functions and cognitive behaviors. BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment, characterized by deficient attention, causal reasoning, and learning and memory, is a pressing public health concern, afflicting 16 million Americans and increasing globally. The gut microbiome mediates environmental contributions to behavioral abnormality, such as impaired communication in response to maternal immune activation and anxiety-related behavior in r...

2020-464 UV-Reflective Paints with High Overall Solar Reflectance for Passive Cooling of Buildings

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 10:59:14 GMT

SUMMARY UCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering have developed coatings with exceptional solar-ultraviolet (UV) reflectance for efficient passive daytime radiative cooling of buildings. BACKGROUND ‘Cool’ white exterior coatings reflect sunlight (0.3-2.5 μm) and radiate heat (4-40 μm, particularly 8-13 μm) into outer space. In doing so, they have a net passive cooling effect and are a sustainable alternative to air-conditioners to cool buildings and outdoor structures. However, the cooling performance of traditional ‘cool’ e...

2019-879 An Electronically-Controlled Digital Ferrofluidic Architecture for Scalable and Addressable Bioanalytical Operations

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 17:07:45 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a contactless digital ferrofluidic approach for small-volume droplet generation, manipulation and transport. BACKGROUND Automated microfluidic technologies can perform autonomous, accurate, and consistent fluidic operations. Current automated systems have low reagent consumption, high reproducibility, and high throughput, but they must operate at low flow rates and are limited to predefined fluid pathways and geometrically constrained operations. Alternative platforms, such as electrowetting-on-diel...

2020-405 Somatomap 3D

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 19:00:21 GMT

SUMMARY:Researchers in the UCLA Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences and at Laureate Institute for Brain Research have developed a method to measure body perception and body image distortions.BACKGROUND:Distortions in body image and body perception are key characteristics of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, as well as of body dysmorphic disorder. These disorders involve a misperception of the appearance of the body that causes great psychological distress and sometimes suicidal thoughts. Current methods for attempting to treat these disorders include psychotherapy to h...

2019-323 A Battery-Less Wirelessly Powered Dielectric Sensor

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 14:27:01 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a novel a 2.73 mm2 fully integrated wirelessly powered frequency-shift based dielectric sensor with on-chip antennas. Background: The Internet of Things (IoT) offers connectivity across all devices, from cellphones to household appliances to large city infrastructures. To maintain and expand the connectivity of this ever growing network, reliable sensors are needed with sensing, computation and communication capabilities. Simultaneously, these sensors need to meet the ever growing need to be w...

2020-763 Dental White Spot Treatment

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 09:12:18 GMT

UCLA Researchers in the department of Dentistry have developed a toothpaste formulation for the preventative treatment of dental white spots that otherwise left untreated can lead to cavity formation. BACKGROUND:White spots are a visual indicator of the process of demineralization (early caries) underneath intact dental enamel. Bacteria in the mouth, produce acids that alter pH levels, that can normally be counteracted by natural oral protective factors. However, when these oral protective factors are overcome, there occurs a net loss of minerals leading to the formation of visual white s...

2015-671 Underground Shafts for Hydrogen Storage

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 11:54:28 GMT

SummaryResearchers at UCLA have developed an underground drilled shaft concept for storage of hydrogen or other gases. BackgroundOne challenge in creating a hydrogen economy is developing hydrogen gas storage solutions. Increased interest has helped the global hydrogen storage market grow to $2.6 billion in 2016, and it is expected to reach over $5 billion by 2021 (BCC research). Underground hydrogen gas storage decreases costs while increasing storage capacity. Salt caverns are commonly used for underground gas storage, with over 2,000 of them in use throughout North Am...

2011-044 Automated Semen Analysis Using Holographic Imaging

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 11:09:57 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the department of electrical engineering have developed a compact and lightweight platform for conducting automated semen analysis using a lens-free on-chip microscope. Background Semen analysis is an important and extensively routine for evaluating male fertility and preparing artificial insemination. Current approaches include manually counting sperm through an optical microscope, utilizing complex algorithms to analyze images recorded from microscopes or indirectly qualifying sperm concentration through electrical or chemical means. These approaches fall short of ...

2014-935 Objective, Real-Time Acoustic Measurement and Feedback for Proper Fit and Fill of Hip Implants

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 12:04:11 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers have recently developed a method of measuring the proper fit and placement of medical implants based on the acoustic reverberations from hammering the implant into place. BACKGROUNDWhen implanting devices into bone, surgeons currently rely on experience to determine proper placement and fit. Two dimensional x-ray images can help with planning the implant procedure, but they lack the full three dimensional, real time data needed to ensure proper placement. Therefore, the current method of device implant is subjective and can be prone to technical error. When an impl...

Augmentating T-Cell Activation by Oscillatory Forces and Engineered Antigen-Presenting Cells (UCLA Case No. 2019-726)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 07 Aug 2020 12:58:50 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Pediatrics have developed a suite of novel spherical aAPCs of varying sizes and densities, that can be coupled with an oscillatory stimulus to promote efficient T cell activation: offering the possibility to aptly engineer T cells for a variety of clinical and experimental needs. BACKGROUND:T cells circulate throughout the body and coordinate immune response to pathogens recognized by their foreign proteome. Activation of T cells begins through the engagement of T cell receptors (TCRs) with the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) of antigen-presen...

2020-777: Correcting Neuronal Dysfunction in Intellectual Disability Syndromes

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 07 Aug 2020 10:23:17 GMT

UCLA researchers in the department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology have developed a treatment that could mitigate some mental issues related to various intellectual disabilities syndromes. BACKGROUND: Approximately 6.5 million people in the United states have an intellectual disability syndrome, classified as an IQ of less than 70. These mental disability disorders, although not impossible to overcome, have no effective treatments to improve or regulate symptoms. This, unfortunately, requires many patients to require constant care costing around 14 to 57 billion dollar...

2019-720: Preventing Senescence to Improve Neuronal Function in Intellectual Disability Disorders

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 18:27:52 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Molecular and Cell & Developmental Biology have developed novel therapeutic strategy to treat intellectual disability disorders discovered via a screening platform for drug discovery in a human model of brain development. BACKGROUND: Rett syndrome is an X-linked genetic neurological disease associated with loss of function mutations in the gene MECP2, which was originally identified as encoding a methylated DNA binding protein. Rett syndrome strikes all racial and ethnic groups predominantly in females, and occurs worldwide in...

2019-847 A Battery-Less Wirelessly Powered Frequency-Swept Spectroscopy Sensor

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 14:09:00 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a wirelessly powered frequency-swept spectroscopy sensor. Background: Wireless power transfer is in increasing demand as the development of network sensors and bio-implantable devices gain popularity. Integration of a vast network of sensors with miniaturized sensor nodes is essential to power minimally intrusive medical implants. Among current energy sources, far-field electromagnetic radiation performs better than near field inductive coupling due to larger operating distances and less path ...

2017-977 Load-Induced Frequency-Shift-Keying: A New Modulation Scheme That Enables Simultaneous Near-Field Wireless Power And Data Transmission Through A Single Set of Inductive Coils

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 16:05:42 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed the first modulation system that allows simultaneous wireless power and data transmission through a single pair of inductive coils.BACKGROUNDNext-generation Brain-Machine Interface senses neural data and stimulates the brain when needed, which requires simultaneous external power reception and outbound data transmission. The simultaneity or power and data is currently either not supported or achieved with sacrifices of device performance. Simultaneous power and data transmission may require high power consumptio...

2020-871 SAFE POTENT SINGLE VECTOR PLATFORM VACCINE AGAINST COVID-19

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 17:23:09 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Medicine have utilized a highly attenuated replicating bacterial vector platform to develop a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 in humans and animals to prevent COVID-19. BACKGROUND: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), closely related to SARS-CoV, is an enveloped, single-stranded positive RNA virus. Starting in the final months of 2019, the virus caused an ongoing pandemic of COVID-19 that quickly spread worldwide with millions of confirmed cases and hundreds of thousands of deaths. There are currently no licensed vaccines against CO...

2020-466 A Voice Inversion System to Estimate Vocal Fold Properties from Voice Acoustics

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 13:12:48 GMT

SUMMARY: Prof. Zhang in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery has developed a voice inversion system that assesses the physiological state underlying voice production. The system can be used to diagnose vocal fold disorders as well as determine the emotional state of a speaker.BACKGROUND:Currently, clinical diagnosis of voice disorders relies on perceptual evaluation of a patient’s voice by trained physicians to determine if an abnormality in a patient’s vocal folds (also known as vocal cords) is underlying a voice disorder. Direct evaluation of the physiological state of a patie...

2020-852 Cryptographic Survey Completion Certificates

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 16:27:15 GMT

SUMMARY:UCLA researchers in the Department of Computational Medicine and Computer Science have developed a symptom screening survey which, upon completion, issues an encrypted completion code specific to an hour and date (rather than individual) and can be verified by a workplace.BACKGROUND:COVID-19 has impacted a wide range of jobs and has dramatically changed how work is conducted. Due to its easily transmittable nature, healthcare and other workplace employees should monitor themselves before deciding to come in to work. Not all individuals entering a workplace or campus, however, are emplo...

Impaired Nucleotide Catabolism Renders Cancer Cells Sensitive to PNP Inhibition

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 09:57:26 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology have uncovered novel biomarkers to predict cancer sensitivity to PNP inhibitors. BACKGROUND: A common hallmark of cancer is the alteration of cellular metabolism. To sustain growth and proliferation, cancer cells must produce sufficient and balanced pools of deoxyribonucleotide triphosphates (dNTPs) for DNA replication and repair. Impaired nucleotide pools impair biosynthetic pathways and are toxic to cancer cells. Several drugs targeting dNTP biosynthesis have been explored for cancer treatment, but they have ...

2019-880 ZIKA VIRUS-BASED ONCOLYTIC THERAPY FOR BRAIN CANCER

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 12:06:31 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology have developed a novel zika virus-based oncolytic therapy to treat brain cancer.BACKGROUND: Glioma is a type of brain tumor that accounts for 80% of all primary malignant brain tumors. Standard therapy for high-grade glioma requires a combination of surgical resection, radiation and chemotherapy. Although the current standard of care is aggressive and invasive, these treatments offer little salvage for the patients’ quality of life and survival. Patients with glioblastoma, the most common and deadly form of glioma, ...

2019-870 GENE EDITING OF MONOGENIC DISORDERS IN HUMAN HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELLS (XHIM)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 19:44:18 GMT

Researchers at the UCLA Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics have developed novel methods to achieve efficient, precise gene integration and effective expression of cDNA cassettes to express normal versions of genes in hematopoietic stem cells. BACKGROUND:Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs)—stem cells that give rise to other blood cells—have great therapeutic potential because of their ability to both self-renew and differentiate into other blood cell types. Many severe primary immune deficiencies (PIDs) are due to defects in lymphoid or hematopoietic c...

2005-370 Interleaved 3D On-Chip Differential Inductor And Transformer

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 13:40:01 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed an interleaved three-dimensional (3D) on-chip differential inductors and transformers used in silicon based radio frequency/millimeter wave integrated circuits Background On-chip inductors and transformers are key passive components in radio frequency/millimeter wave integrated circuits (RF/MMICs). It is desirable to design and fabricate on-chip inductors and transformers with small size, high quality factor, large inductance, high coupling efficiency and high self-resonating frequency. In silicon based integra...

2020-432 Outrunning Radiation Damage by Collecting Rapid Low-Dose Microed Datasets Using a Direct Electron Detector

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 11:29:55 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Biological Chemistry and Physiology have developed a novel method to collect MicroED datasets using a direct electron detector. Background: Microcrystal electron diffraction (MicroED) is a method in electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) that exploits the strong interaction of electrons with matter to determine high-resolution molecular structures from crystallized samples. This technique is particularly useful for samples that may be sensitive to the beam used in conventional X-ray crystallography, allowing damage-free structure elucidatio...

2015-341 COMBINATIONS OF CHECKPOINT INHIBITORS AND DENDRITIC CELL VACCINES TO TREAT BRAIN CANCER

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 15 Jun 2020 10:09:36 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Departments of Neurosurgery and Molecular and Medical Pharmacology have developed an autologous dendritic cell (DC) vaccine in combination with checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of malignant brain tumors.BACKGROUND: Checkpoint inhibitor therapies, which unblock an existing immune response, or unblock the initiation of an immune response, are very effective at treating cancer in a subgroup of subjects that have existing immune responses. However, the subgroup of subjects is relatively small population constituting only approximately 25% of the cancer subject popula...

2020-172 MICROBIAL PRODUCTION OF CANNABINOID PRECURSOR OLIVETOLIC ACID AND ITS ANALOGUES

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 12 Jun 2020 15:48:31 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering have developed a novel method for the production of cannabinoid precursor olivetolic acid for the scalable synthesis of cannabinoids. BACKGROUND: Cannabinoids, the chemicals found in the cannabis plant, are widely recognized for their medical applications to alleviate pain. Particular cannabinoid formulations have been approved as prescription drugs for the treatment of various aliments plaguing patients, including nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy as well as anorexia and cachexia related to HIV...

2018-654 Retrievable Flow Reducer

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 12:09:15 GMT

SUMMARY:UCLA researchers in the Department of Radiological Sciences have developed a retrievable flow reducer to reduce coronary blood flow.BACKGROUND: Due to the improvement in life expectancy of coronary heart disease patients, clinicians have been facing a surge of chronic refractory angina (RA) cases. The condition affects millions worldwide and can be treated with certain implantable medical devices that are designed to reduce blood flow. Conventional flow reducers, however, are non-retrievable and often result in total occlusion. This can be problematic when used to treat conditions...

COVID - Eleazar Eskin, PhD - Cryptographic Anonymous Symptom Screening (CASS)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 14:29:50 GMT

Dr. Eleazar Eskin, Professor and Chair of Computational Medicine, has helped develop a public anonymous symptom screening survey that can be used to help protect employees of an institution while tracking changes in symptoms over time, making a map of exposures in an area, and tracking and measuring the effect of public health policies based on current guidelines. The project is already being used as part of the STOPCOVID-19 TOGETHER survey and being piloted at UCLA. Since not all individuals entering a workplace or campus are employees, there is difficulty in collecting symptom informati...

2020-368 Salvage Method of Removing Breast Tissue with the Clip in it After Failed Specimen Radiogram

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 12:02:49 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Surgery have developed a device that can help surgeons locate breast tissue marker clips after a failed specimen radiogram during lumpectomy. BACKGROUNDDuring breast cancer screening, if cancer is suspected, a sample of breast tissue is taken by an image-guided needle biopsy and the suspicious region is tagged with a tissue marker clip. If the tissue is determined to be cancerous or atypical, surgery is subsequently performed and the clip is used by the surgeon as a marker to guide the removal of the appropriate breast tissue. Once the tissue has be...

Identification of a Platform for T Cell Receptor Recognition of Splice Variation Neoantigens in Glioblastoma (UCLA Case No. 2019-693)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 11:41:45 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Departments of Neurosurgery and Pharmacology have developed a novel platform for the identification of alternative splice variants unique to cancer cells, for use as neo-epitope vaccines or as T cell Receptor-based cell therapy of brain cancer. BACKGROUND:T cells are a type of lymphocyte that play a central role in immune response to antigens. T cell Receptors (TCRs), situated on the surface of T cells, are crucial for antigen recognition, and elicit an essential immune response to fight cancer. When tumor-specific proteins are fragmented into peptides, the major ...

Equipment-Free, Multicolor Paper-Based Devices for Analyte Detection and Quantification

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 29 May 2020 17:35:09 GMT

UC Case No. 2019-960 SUIMMARY:UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a portable and modular paper-based chemical testing device. BACKGROUND:Paper-based chemical testing kits can be designed for a variety of applications, ranging from biohazard to environmental contaminant detection, and require very little training to use. Paper testing kits, however, suffer from a lack of measurement precision, limiting their use to crude bulk-based testing. Generally, samples that are determined to contain a chemical by paper testing kits are re-tested using subsequent...

2020-101 A Phase-Changing Polymer Film for Broadband Smart Windows Applications

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 29 May 2020 17:11:03 GMT

SUMMARY:UCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed an energy efficient smart window coating with wide light bandwidth and long cycle lifetimes.BACKGROUND: Buildings account for ~ 40% of all U. S. primary energy use and associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (U.S. Department of Energy). There is a growing demand to reduce energy consumption through energy efficient buildings. Smart windows can improve energy efficiency by controlling the timing and amount of light entering a building, reducing the overall demand for air conditioning and heating. Th...

2018-149 Salivary extracellular RNA (exRNA) biomarkers for gingivitis

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 29 May 2020 13:17:17 GMT

A team from the School of Dentistry and Department of Oral Biology at UCLA has created a non-invasive test to diagnose and track the progression of gingivitis. BACKGROUND:Gingivitis is one of the most prevalent inflammatory diseases in humans and is characterized by irritation and swelling of the gums. If left unchecked, gingivitis can lead to teeth loss. Typically, dentists diagnose gingivitis through visual inspection. The subjective nature of diagnosis creates a need for a non-invasive objective way to diagnose and track the progression of gingivitis. Currently, no validated biomarkers...

2019-954 Ultrastable Nanoemulsions in Disordered and Ordered States

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 27 May 2020 17:35:05 GMT

SUMMARYResearchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UCLA have developed a method for the production of crystalline, iridescent emulsions stable to repeated dilutions.BACKGROUNDMany existing nanoemulsion formulations suffer from instability, especially with regards to dilution. To prevent the nano-droplets from coalescing, more and more stabilizing agent must be added as the emulsion concentration is reformulated for application.INNOVATIONMany existing nanoemulsion formulations suffer from instability, especially with regards to dilution. To prevent the nano-droplets from coal...

Nanoemulsion Technologies

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 27 May 2020 16:31:56 GMT

Mason Group Website: http://www.chem.ucla.edu/dept/Faculty/Mason/ BACKGROUNDNanoemulsions are oil-in-water (or vice versa) suspensions of nanoscale droplets that range in size from 15 to 100 nm and have a variety of applications including drug delivery, agriculture, personal care and food products. Nanoemulsions have many advantages over traditional emulsion materials (e.g. liposomes, micelles, vesicles, and miniemulsions) including: longer shelf-life, low/no toxicity, improved bioavailability of drugs, and ability to solubilize lipophilic drugs. However, many challenges still exist...

Positron Emission Tomography Guided Delivery of Mitochondrial Complex I Inhibitors (UCLA Case No. 2020-163)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 22 May 2020 16:10:25 GMT

UCLA researchers in the David Geffen School of Medicine Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine have developed a novel use of the positron emission tomography (PET) tracer [18F]FBnTP to guide the delivery of mitochondrial complex I inhibitors for the treatment of lung cancers. BACKGROUND: The mitochondria are essential regulators of cellular energy and metabolism and they play a critical role in sustaining growth and survival of cancer cells. Mitochondria are essential for tumor initiation and maintenance. Previous study showed that loss of mtDNA suppressed tumor cell growth in c...

2019-995 Mobile Device Application for Bluetooth Beacon Sensors to Monitor Magnification Device Usage

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 21 May 2020 14:57:01 GMT

SUMMARY:UCLA researchers in the Department of Ophthalmology have developed a small Bluetooth low energy beacon sensor to monitor low vision patient use of visual assist devices in real-time. BACKGROUND:Rehabilitation for low vision patients includes the use of visual assisting devices such as magnifiers. One in five patients, however, abandon their magnification device within three months, partially completing their rehabilitation and minimizing the effectiveness of the overall treatment. Technological developments have helped monitor patient compliance but existing devices are too large...

COVID - Nir Hoftman, MD - Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 20 May 2020 15:37:12 GMT

Dr. Nir Hoftman, an Anesthesiologist and Health Science Clinical Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine has worked with colleagues to design and develop a personal protective equipment (PPE) barrier device to protect health care workers from patients infected with contagious respiratory pathogens. The Vaccushield aka SLACC (Suction-Assisted Local Aerosol Containment Chamber) acts as a physical barrier between the patients and the environment, creating a microenvironment to contain respiratory droplets and aerosols from the patient. The device contains neg...

2020-813 THE VACCUSHIELD aka SLACC (Suction-assisted Local Aerosol Containment Chamber)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 20 May 2020 15:26:23 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine have developed a device that can act as a protective barrier for healthcare workers from patients with contagious respiratory pathogens.BACKGROUND Personal protective equipment (PPE) becomes scarce when contagious diseases, such as COVID-19, supply-shock healthcare. Typically, when patients infected with an airborne pathogen are admitted, they are isolated in negative pressure rooms to limit transmission of the pathogen and limit PPE consumption by healthcare workers to when they are in the patient’s i...

COVID - Gay Crooks, MD - Immune System Development

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 18 May 2020 11:30:38 GMT

The Gay Crooks laboratory in the UCLA Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine is interested in how hematopoietic stem cells are capable of generating the various components of the immune systems during development and following transplantation. The immune system is comprised of specialized cells, including T cells, that are important in fighting infections, cancer, and a vast array of autoimmune diseases. The use of dendritic cells (DCs) to present viral-associated antigens to T cells has been widely investigated as an approach to treating viral diseases. ...

Highly-Permeable Polyaniline Membranes with Graphene Oxide Additive and CO2 Separations from Flue Gas

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 18 May 2020 11:16:42 GMT

UCLA Case Nos. 2019-860 and 2019-861 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Civil and Environmental Engineering have developed a method to selectively tune polymer membranes (polyaniline) by incorporating graphene oxide. Additionally, the films produced by this method are capable of separating greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) from air on an industrially relevant scale. BACKGROUNDSeparation and trapping of CO2 during industrial processes, such as coal burning, is critical in limiting the warming effect of greenhouse gases. Cheaper and easier t...

2016-786 Visual Field Point-Wise Analyzer (Copyright)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 15 May 2020 16:55:02 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers have developed a novel algorithm to track and predict the progression of patients with glaucoma. BACKGROUNDPatients with glaucoma experience optic nerve damage, leading to visual field loss along the periphery. Loss of the visual field is monitored using perimetry, which produces visual field data. Analysis of those fields over time can track the progression of a patient's disease. Several software suites currently exist to synthesize this pool of data, track visual field loss, and predict future changes. However, all existing analytical methods use various forms o...

COVID - Quanquan Gu, PhD - Learning Epidemic Models for COVID-19

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 13 May 2020 11:53:30 GMT

Dr. Quanquan Gu, Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Director of the Statistical Machine Learning Lab at UCLA, is leading a project to generate predictive models to combat COVID-19. The project applies machine learning to COVID-19 data to understand the spread and impact of the virus. UCLA-SuEIR, one of the models developed by the team, is being used as one of the models by the CDC to predict number of COVID-19 confirmed case, and to forecast the peak infection and death dates at national, state and county levels in the US. The goal of this project is to better facilitate informe...

2019-866 METHODS FOR IMPROVING THE TISSUE SEALING PROPERTIES OF HYDROGELS AND THE USE THEREOF

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 07 May 2020 14:51:41 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have optimized the sealing properties of naturally derived biopolymers, without altering their other attractive abilities like biodegradation. BACKGROUND: A significant number of emergency room cases consist of wound-related injuries. While the body is particularly adapted to treat various types of damages to tissue, certain wounds may be too severe for the body to handle. Further exacerbating this issue lie certain underlying health complications like diabetes, which may further limit the body’s ability to close wounds. Due to th...

A Wearable Freestanding Electrochemical Sensing System

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 06 May 2020 13:31:05 GMT

UCLA Case No. 2020-189 SUMMARY: Researchers in the UCLA Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a strategy for high-fidelity, wearable biomarker data acquisition and sensor integration with consumer electronics. BACKGROUND: Wearable consumer electronics are designed to harvest physiologically relevant data and have gained popularity in personal health monitoring. To gain insight into a body’s dynamic chemistry, measurements need to be made via biofluids, such as sweat. Existing non-invasive sweat-analyzing systems, however, rely on in-plane interconn...

2020-480 A Fully Integrated Stretchable Sensor Array for Wearable Sign Language Translation to Voice

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 05 May 2020 16:28:13 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a novel machine learning assisted wearable sensor system for the direct translation of sign language into voice with high performance. BACKGROUND: For the large community of deaf signers around the world who rely on sign language for conversations, communication with people who are unfamiliar with sign language is a challenge. A number of sign language translating devices have been developed using surface electromyography (SEMG) techniques (e.g. the piezoresistive effect, ionic conduction, the capacitive effect, e...

2007-430 A Thin Film Nitinol Neurovascular Covered Stent for Small Vessel Aneurysms

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 05 May 2020 16:19:34 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Pediatrics have developed a thin and flexible stent that can be implanted in small vessels in the neurovascular system. BACKGROUND Aneurysms are a spherical out-pouching of blood vessels from a weakened artery wall that can sporadically rupture and cause life-threatening hemorrhage. Aneurysms are typically treated using stents to keep the blocked passageway propped open. While effective, current stents (that have thick coverings) are too large for implantation in the narrow blood vessels such as those in children and the central nervous system. Curr...

2020-451 AMIOTIC MEMBRANE FOR MYOCARDIAL REPAIR

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 05 May 2020 13:03:22 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a novel injectable human amniotic membrane matrix for the treatment of heart failure. BACKGROUND: Myocardial infarction (MI) associated heart failure is the leading cause of death in the United States. In 2015, heart failure affected about 40 million people worldwide. Around 2% of adults suffer from heart failure. MI occurs when blood flow to the heart from coronary arteries is occluded, causing ischemia and subsequent myocardial tissue death. Myocardial tissue is unable to effectively regenerate following MI, thus leadin...

COVID - Robert Damoiseaux, PhD - High Throughput Screening

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 04 May 2020 13:02:02 GMT

The Robert Damoiseaux laboratory in the UCLA Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology is interested in developing high throughput screening technologies. As the director of the Molecular Screening Shared Resource (MSSR), Dr. Damoiseaux is able to screen > 100,000 compounds on a system of interest per day using automated equipment and data collection. Collaborating scientists have access to various libraries covering FDA approved drugs for re-purposing, chemical genomics libraries for dissecting biological pathways, and various larger libraries for drug di...

COVID - Heather Christofk, PhD - Cell Metabolism

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 04 May 2020 13:01:35 GMT

The Heather Christofk laboratory in the UCLA Department of Biological Chemistry is studying how viruses reprogram metabolism of host cells to promote viral replication. Viruses take over host cell metabolism through specific flux-altering enzymes, enhancing glycolysis and anabolism to meet the bioenergetics and biosynthetic demands of viral replication. Defining the mechanistic events necessary for virus-induced metabolic changes and mapping the impact of they have on anabolic metabolism and virus infection, will further elucidate viral disease pathology. Researcher...

COVID - Brigitte Gomperts, MD - Lung Repair and Regeneration

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 04 May 2020 13:00:57 GMT

The Brigitte Gomperts laboratory in the UCLA Departments of Pediatrics and Pulmonary Medicine is focused on understanding the side effects that certain cancer treatments and blood diseases have on the lungs. Researchers are seeking to develop targeted stem cell therapies and prevention strategies to repair lung tissue following injury or disease. However, typical two-dimension tissue culture techniques are insufficient to provide a clear picture of lung disease, due to the complexity of the lung. Dr. Gomperts and colleagues are therefore using stem cells to create t...

2020-387 AUTOMATIC DIAGNOSIS OF IDIOPATHIC PULMONARY FIBROSIS (IPF) USING HIGH-RESOLUTION COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (HRCT)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 01 May 2020 13:04:59 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Radiological Sciences and Biostatistics developed a domain-knowledge assisted automatic diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis using a high-resolution computed tomography.BACKGROUND: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a specific form of chronic, fibrosing interstitial pneumonia of unknown cause. The chronic scarring of lung leads to progressive and irreversible decline in lung function. IPF affects around 14 to 27.9 cases per 100,000 people in the United States. The median survival time ranges from 3 to 5 years. The diagnosis of IPF is a complex an...

2020-366 CHEST X-RAY DEVICE SAFE ZONE

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 22:43:24 GMT

UCLA Researchers in the Department of Radiology have developed an automated computer program that is capable of identifying implanted medical devices and safe zones for their placement: potentially offering a solution to the high volume of imaging exams performed daily to check placement and avoiding fatalities arising from misplaced devices that are detected too late. BACKGROUND: Chest radiography is not uncommon to represent the majority of cases encountered by a radiologist in a hospital. Due to an increasing number of intensive care units and the increased ability to treat those tha...

COVID - Ben Wu, DDS, PhD - Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 15:28:17 GMT

Dr. Ben Wu, Professor of Bioengineering and Material Science and Engineering, is leading one of many efforts at UCLA to design personal protective equipment (PPE) for health care workers and patients. PPE, or equipment that acts as a barrier between the skin, mouth, nose, or eyes and viral and bacterial infections, is crucial in stopping both the spread of infection and keeping individuals safe from infection-causing droplets. As part of a multi-disciplinary team, Dr. Wu has designed, developed and 3D printed reusable, durable face shields to shield the eyes, nose and mouth of the user. ...

Evaporation-Based Method for Manufacturing and Recycling of Metal Matrix Nanocomposites (Case No. 2015-523)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 17:15:06 GMT

UC Case No. 2015-523 Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a new method to manufacture and recycle metal matrix nanocomposites. Background: Metal matrix nanocomposites (MMNCs) have applications in a variety of industries including: metal casting, defense, aerospace, automobile, and electronics. These industries have strong demand for lightweight, strong, and ductile materials, and MMNCs meet these requirements. However, current technologies are not scalable and struggle to yield high quality MMNCs with uniform d...

Virtual Reality for Anhedonia Program (Case No. 2019-812)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 16:17:32 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Psychology have developed a behavioral training program for the improvement of anhedonia. Background: Anhedonia, or the loss of interest or pleasure in activities, is a symptom often found in depression and other mental health disorders. Despite the strong correlation of anhedonia with suicidal ideation, current treatments for mental disorders decrease negative affect but do not treat anhedonia directly. There is a need to develop treatments to improve anhedonia in individuals. Innovation: UCLA researchers have developed a behavioral trainin...

2020-410 Artificial Intelligence Enabled Control of Hemodynamics and Anesthesia in Surgery and Intensive Care Unit Patients

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 15:22:09 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and the Department of Anesthesiology have developed a method for artificial intelligence guided control of anesthetics and other medications during surgery and in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).BACKGROUNDThe management of patient hemodynamics during surgery and in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is a delicate and complex process that involves multiple trained medical professionals to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Typically, surgeries and ICUs require a trained anesthesiologist or critical care physician to monito...

Monodisperse Emulsions Templated by 3D-Structured Microparticles

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 14:25:49 GMT

UCLA Case No. 2019-471 SUMMARY UCLA Researchers in the Departments of Bioengineering and Mathematics have developed a method to generate uniform, thermodynamically stabilized microdroplets with digitizable solid structures. BACKGROUND In standard emulsions, mixtures of different types of liquids result in non-uniform and continually changing droplet volumes. These mixtures are unpredictable and are inconsistent, resulting in varying results. There is a need for a way to generate uniform, monodisperse microdrop emulsions in a single step without complex instrumentation, allowin...

2020-472 MIRNA-192-5P INHIBITORS AS NOVEL DRUGS TREATING AORTIC ANEURYSMS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 21:30:52 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Anesthesiology have developed novel inhibitors of miRNA-192-5P for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms. BACKGROUND: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) occurs when the lower part of the major vessel that distributes blood to the body, the aorta, becomes weakened and enlarged. A weakened andenlarged aorta may eventually burst, causing severe, life threatening bleeding. The only current medical treatment for AAA is surgical correction of aneurysms larger than 5.5 cm, which are often not diagnosed early enough to stop disease progression and aortic ...

WNT-B-Catenin Signaling Pathway Inhibitors (UCLA Case No. 2020-371)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 19:04:13 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Pediatrics have uncovered a novel inhibitor to the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. BACKGROUND:Airways in the throat play a vital role in host defense to protect mammals from airborne pathogens. This protective effect is accomplished by a specialized type of epithelium, the mucocillary epithelium, that comes from adult airway basal stem cells (ABSCs). When cells in the airway are wounded, signaling through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is crucial for ABSC cells to proliferate and then differentiate into mucocillary epithelial cells. If the Wnt...

2020-441 OPTICAL IMAGING METHOD FOR INTRAOPERATIVE SURGICAL GUIDANCE AND MARGIN ASSESSMENT BASED ON FLUORESCENCE LIFETIME CONTRAST

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 14:10:00 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Head and Neck Surgery have developed a novel optical imaging method for surgical guidance. BACKGROUND:Biomedical imaging is an indispensable tool to guide in precise tumor removal in comprehensive cancer surgery. Imaging strategies like x-ray, ultrasound, and MRI are principally used to localize large tumors prior to operation. During an operation, the surgeon typically relies on white light reflectance, his or her tactile senses, and intermittent tissue biopsy to identify a tumor’s boundaries. Accuracy varies widely based on the experience o...

2020-167: Hydrogel Filler Prevents Cerebral Atrophy

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 20 Apr 2020 23:57:57 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering have developed a novel treatment to prevent cerebral atrophy after stroke through the injection of a gel into the stroke core. BACKGROUND:Stroke is the leading cause of adult long-term disability and affects 795,000 Americans every year. Immediately following stroke onset, the lack of oxygen and nutrients causes significant cell death, a large influx of microglia/macrophages and the activation of highly reactive astrocytes, which release pro-inflammatory cytokines, and lead to further neuronal death and a clearan...

2020-431 Wireless and Programmable Recording and Stimulation of Deep Brain Activity in Freely Moving Humans Immersed in Virtual, Augmented and Real-World Environments

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 15:53:24 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences have a designed a lightweight, highly mobile deep brain activity measuring platform that elucidates neural mechanisms for neuropsychiatric disorders.BACKGROUNDNeuroprosthetics wirelessly record and stimulate deep brain activity in humans to treat epilepsy, movement disorders (e.g., Parkinson's disease), and other neuropsychiatric disorders. These systems, however, are designed for treatment rather than research, limiting their use to existing treatment and therapy schemes. In order to develop new and improved th...

COVID - Feng Guo, PhD - Structure and Function of Non-coding RNA

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 15:05:54 GMT

Structure-based design of antisense oligonucleotide drugs to combat COVID-19 Dr. Feng Guo is a structural biologist and biochemist who joined the UCLA School of Medicine faculty in July 2004. His current research interests include structure and function of non-coding RNA. Dr. Feng Guo’s group developed a method to characterize the three-dimensional structure of viral RNA, which allows the design of Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that can readily bind to the cavity of viral RNA. They developed an RNA crystallization scaffold that can be used to rapidly determine three-dimens...

COVID - Gerard Wong, PhD - Immunity and Antibiotics

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 15:03:49 GMT

Anti viral entry release transmission (AVERT) peptides Dr. Gerard C. L. Wong is a Professor in the Department of Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry, and the California NanoSystems Institute at UCLA. His current research interests include bacterial biofilm communities, innate immunity, and antibiotic design. Viruses infect hosts by gaining entry into cells through membrane fusion and spread from cell to cell via the release of progeny virions. These processes occur primarily by budding through the cell membrane or cell lysis, which involve membrane fission and pore formation, res...

COVID - Daniel Kamei, PhD - Point--Of-Care (POC) Diagnostics

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 15:01:01 GMT

Point-of-care test for COVID-19 coronavirus diagnosis Dr. Daniel Kamei is a professor in the Department of Bioengineering at UCLA. One of the major goals of the Kamei Laboratory at UCLA is to develop novel point-of-care (POC) diagnostics that can lead to better patient management, faster administration of treatments, and improved outbreak prevention. Current diagnostic measures include point-of-care (POC) tests such as paper-based lateral-flow immunoassays (LFA), which lack in sensitivity and are unable to identify the active state of infection, and gold standard detection methods su...

COVID - Leonard Rome, PhD - Vault Nanoparticles

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 14:56:42 GMT

Human protein nanoparticle-based antiviral vaccine Dr. Leonard H. Rome, Ph.D., is a Distinguished Professor of Biological Chemistry and Associate Director of the California NanoSystems Institute. He served as the Senior Associate Dean for Research in the School of Medicine from 1997 to 2012. He is interested in studying the functions of novel nano-scale particles called vaults and engineering vaults for a variety of applications, including protein, drug and gene delivery, immunotherapy, vaccine production, etc. Dr. Leonard Rome, in collaboration with Dr. Otto Yang, developed endogen...

COVID - Lili Yang, PhD - Cancer Immune Response and Cell Immunotherapy

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 14:55:16 GMT

HSC-Engineered Off-The-Shelf iNKT Cell Therapy For COVID-19 Dr. Lili Yang is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics at UCLA. The Yang Lab aims to develop gene and cell therapies that engineer patient immune systems to recognize and kill diseased cells and pathogens while leaving healthy tissue unharmed. Dr. Lili Yang and colleagues are working on using invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cell therapy to fight COVID-19 coronavirus. Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are known as the “special force” of...

COVID - Jamie Lloyd-Smith, PhD - Infectious Disease Models

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 14:51:59 GMT

Aerosol and surface stability of SARS-CoV-2 Dr. Jamie Lloyd-Smith is a professor at the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UCLA. His lab focuses on combining mathematical and computer models with field and laboratory data to understand how infectious diseases spread and evolve, and how to reduce their health impacts. Dr. Jamie Lloyd-Smith and colleagues recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine that SARS-CoV-2 virus remains for several hours to days on surfaces and in aerosols. They studied the lifetime of virus on a surface to evaluate the impact of ...

2020-367 NEAR AND SHORTWAVE INFRARED POLYMETHINE DYES

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 09:55:47 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed improved bright and non-toxic polymethine dyes that will expand current medical optical imaging capabilities. BackgroundAs compared to light in the visible and near infrared (NIR) regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, light in the shortwave infrared (SWIR) region exhibits less interaction with animal tissue leading to deeper images with enhanced resolution images. Materials that emit light in the SWIR region are thus superior contrast agents than their visible and NIR counterparts and are ideal for u...

COVID - William Gelbart, Phd - Virology

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 14:17:25 GMT

Dr. William Gelbart’s laboratory in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry focuses on understanding how viruses “work” from a physical science point-of-view and how to use reconstituted non-infections forms of them for biotechnology and translational medicine purposes. Previously, Dr. Gelbart’s lab has developed virus-like-particles that deliver a self-amplifying RNA gene for targeted delivery of vaccines and other therapeutic proteins. Dr. Gelbart’s virus-like-particle delivery platform of self-amplifying RNA genes could be used in several approaches ...

COVID - Paul Krogstad, MD - HIV Immunology and Pathogenesis

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 14:15:30 GMT

The laboratory of Dr. Paul Krogstad in the Department of Molecular & Medical Pharmacology focuses on molecular virology and the pathogenesis of viral diseases. Dr. Krogstad’s lab has recently developed a rapid, live virus assay to develop potent enterovirus inhibitors. Human enteroviruses (EVs) are a genus of more than 110 serologically distinct, small, non-enveloped RNA viruses responsible for poliomyelitis (viral infection of the nerves), encephalitis (viral infection of the brain), acute heart failure, meningitis, and other life-threatening infections. Enteroviruses cause 10 ...

COVID - Otto Yang, MD, ScD - Antiviral Immunity

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 14:13:42 GMT

The laboratory of Dr. Otto Yang in the Department of Medicine is interested in T cell immunology in HIV infection and developing immune therapies and vaccine for HIV, caner, and other viral infections. Dr. Yang’s laboratory has several technologies that may be of interest in treating coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Dr. Yang’s lab has developed a novel chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) against HIV infection. CARs are artificial T cell receptors that are designed bind to certain proteins on diseased cells, thus helping the T cells find and kill the target diseased cells such ...

COVID - Marcus Horwitz, MD - Antiviral and Antibacterial Vaccine Development

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 14:13:00 GMT

The laboratory of Dr. Marcus Horwitz in the Department of Medicine focuses on creating vaccines against Tier 1 Select Agents, which are infectious agents that pose a severe threat to the public as potential weapons of bioterrorism, as they cause highly fatal diseases including tularemia, anthrax, plague, and melioidosis. Despite the high risks posed, there is a lack of vaccines available to protect humans and animals from these agents. Dr. Marcus Horwitz and colleagues have developed a versatile vaccine platform (Single Vector Platform for Vaccines against Select Agents and Emerging Path...

COVID - Genhong Cheng, PhD - Antiviral and Antibacterial Immune Response

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 14:00:22 GMT

The laboratory of Dr. Genhong Cheng in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics focuses on understanding the process of innate and adaptive immune responses in host defenses against bacterial infections, viral infections, and tumors. Dr. Cheng’s lab has previously created a novel method of generating live, attenuated influenza vaccines with high efficacy and attenuation by combining genome-wide mutagenesis and in vivo growth profile screening. These viruses are 100x attenuated compared to wild type and can be tolerated in neonatal mice. This novel method o...

COVID - Andre Nel, Phd - Nanoparticle Drug Delivery

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 13:59:17 GMT

Dr. Andre Nel’s laboratory in the Department of Nanomedicine focuses on nanomedicine, allergy and immunology. Recent investigations from the Nel lab have focused on the development of nanoparticle treatment platforms that can be used for drug delivery, siRNA delivery, and imaging. Dr. Nel and colleagues have previously developed safer-by-design strategies to enhance the biocompatibility of fumed silica nanoparticles to be used in applications such as drug delivery or siRNA delivery (small molecules that knock down genes of interest). These silica nanoparticles can be used to encaps...

Wound Closure Devices 2019-816, 2020-867

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 15:41:56 GMT

BACKGROUNDWound closure devices for internal luminal repair have historically been limited to staples (nondegradable, commonly titanium), sutures, and/or adhesives. The urinary tract in particular is an area in which sutured repairs with bioabsorbable sutures remain the standard closure mechanism due to the risk of stones and UTIs with staples and the need for watertight repairs to avoid urine leak. In lower urinary tract reconstruction in particular, standard-of-care procedures have a 30 to 60% complication rate within 30 days post–operatively in the management of congenital and acquire...

COVID - Samuel French, MD, PhD - Hepatitius C Infection and Hepatocarcinogenesis

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 11:29:35 GMT

The Samuel French laboratory in the UCLA Department of Cellular & Molecular Pathology is studying the impact of hepatitis C virus (HCV) on hepatocyte cell signaling that augments viral infection and promotes the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Researchers primarily utilize a proteomic approach to identify pathways targeted by HCV to promote infection and lead to hepatocarcinogenesis. Identification and elucidation of novel pathways affected by HCV will allow biomarker development and non-toxic drug design to treat and prevent HCV and subse...

COVID - Ren Sun, PhD - Viral Replication and Characterization

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 11:29:28 GMT

The Ren Sun laboratory in the UCLA Department of Molecular & Medical Pharmacology is interested in characterizing virus replication capacity, in the presence of specific immune response, drug selection, and host-viral interactions. COVID-19 is a novel highly contagious coronavirus disease causing fever, coughing, and shortness of breath in severe cases. There are no current strategies to treat or prevent the spread of COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Existing RT-PCR COVID-19 diagnostic strategies lack sensitivity, are not highly scalable, and do not provide quick detection. During...

COVID - Todd Yeates, PhD - Structural Biology and Supra-Molecular Protein Assembly

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 11:29:21 GMT

The Todd Yeates laboratory in the UCLA Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry studies supra-molecular protein assemblies. Recent investigations from the Yeates lab have focused on the characterization of organelle-like structures known as bacterial microcompartments, comprised of a protein shell encapsulating enzymes and other proteins. The lab has successfully applied X-ray crystallography to reveal the structure of a novel 13 nm dodecahedral nanocage assembled from a redesigned bacterial microcompartment shell protein. Viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19, have their geneti...

COVID - Vaithilingaraja Arumugaswami, PhD - Viral Pathogenesis

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 11:29:12 GMT

The Vaithi Arumugaswami laboratory in the UCLA Department of Pharmacology is dedicated to developing vaccines to protect against various diseases within the Flaviviridae family of viruses—Hepatitis C Virus, Zika Virus, and Dengue Virus. More recent work has focused on understanding the pathogenic mechanism of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Currently, there is no vaccine or therapeutic strategies available to treat COVID-19, the disease resulting from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients must rely on treatment that eases their symptoms without addressing the basic causes of the disease. Rese...

COVID - Manish Butte, MD, PhD - Mechanobiology and Immunology

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 11:28:36 GMT

The Manish Butte laboratory in the UCLA Department of Immunology, Allergy, and Rheumatology takes a clinical and translational approach to understanding T cells, the major coordinating cells of the immune response. Upon infection or conventional vaccination an immune response is triggered, priming naïve T and B cells to recognize certain molecules from the pathogen as invaders. These molecules, called antigens, are present on all viruses and bacteria. In response to COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, Dr. Butte and colleagues have pioneered an approach to emp...

COVID - Kenneth Bradley, PhD - Antimicrobial and Antiviral Pathogenesis

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 11:28:18 GMT

The Kenneth Bradley laboratory in the UCLA Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics is interested in understanding how pathogens interact with their hosts to advance disease pathology. Specifically, the lab is working to identify host genes that are essential for bacterial toxins to exert their effects. Dr. Bradley has previously collaborated with researchers in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry to develop a series of novel small molecule inhibitors of endosomal trafficking. The inhibitors may be used to disrupt the cellular entry of bacterial toxins and vir...

CO2 and Global-Scale Carbon Management

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 10:49:40 GMT

UC Case No. 2019-990 SUMMARY UCLA researchers in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering have developed a method to remove excess greenhouse gases from the atmosphere by turning CO2 gas into a solid. BACKGROUNDAs the global average temperature continues to rise, strategies to trap greenhouse gases like CO2 are becoming increasingly essential. To achieve a reduction in the effects of global warming, removal of at least 10-20 Gt of CO2 are needed over the next century. Existing strategies to remove CO2 from the atmosphere are ineffective at a large scale, as they often re...

2020-443 A PATCH OF DETACHABLE HYBRID MICRONEEDLE DEPOT (D-HMND) FOR LOCALIZED DELIVERY OF MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS IN REGENERATION THERAPY

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 22:07:03 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a novel detachable hybrid microneedle depot (d-HMND) for the targeted delivery of mesenchymal stem cells. BACKGROUND: Stem cell biology has been widely applied to the treatment of tissue damage, due to the ability of stem cells to form, repair, and maintain tissues and organs after injury. Specifically, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have demonstrated the most therapeutic promise for tissue regeneration because of their immunosuppressive abilities, compatibility with ex vivo culture, ease of isolation, and widespread tiss...

Cilengitide as a New Agent for the Treatment of Dysregulated Wound Healing in Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (UCLA Case No. 2020-428)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 15:04:00 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Medicine have uncovered a new use of cilengitide for the treatment of dysregulated wound healing in Classic Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. BACKGROUND:Classic Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (cEDS) is a genetic disease that weakens the connective tissues in the body. Mutations in the Col5a1 or Col5a2 genes mean that production of type V collagen, a structural protein found in connective tissues, is disrupted. The disease occurs in about 1 out of every 20,000 people. One of the features of cEDS is dysregulated wound healing that leads to large scars that easily crack o...

2019-845 Non-Invasive Neuromodulatory Means to Maintain Blood Pressure and Respiration in Conditions with Compromised Breathing or Cardiovascular Control

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 17:16:32 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Neurobiology have developed a non-invasive, non-electrical neuromodulatory system that uses vibratory stimulation of cranial and cervical nerves of the auditory canal to abolish breathing disorders while maintaining blood pressure.BACKGROUNDSleep disturbed breathing and related cardiovascular disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) need to facilitate breathing and support blood pressure to maintain cardiovascular integrity. The current “gold-standard” for sleep-disordered breathing...

2020-493 SELECTIVE SPECTRAL ILLUMINATION METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPTICAL IMAGE GUIDED SURGERY

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 12:47:41 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery have developed a novel selective spectral illumination system for optical image-guided surgery. BACKGROUND:In oncological surgery, patient prognosis depends heavily on complete tumor removal. Currently, surgeons have to rely on subjective evaluations (e.g. visual appearance) to distinguish abnormal from near-normal tissue because there is no gold standard imaging technique. Optical fluorescence-based imaging techniques are increasingly popular for determining cancerous tissue because conventio...

2020-475 SWITCHES OSTEOGENESIS IN VASCULAR CALCIFICATION

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 13:35:34 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Medicine have developed a small molecule compound to ameliorate vascular calcification in many cardiovascular diseases. BACKGROUND: Vascular calcification is the pathological deposition of mineral in the vessel wall. More research has showed that vascular calcification is a consequence of deposition of ill-fated osteoblastic-like cells in the vascular system. Vascular progenitor cells undergo transitions to gain plasticity and become ill-fated osteoblastic-like cells that contribute to disease progression. Vascular calcification is a severe com...

Novel Small Molecule Inhibitors of Endosomal Trafficking for the Treatment of Viral and Bacterial Infection (UCLA Case No. 2013-466)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 11:44:31 GMT

Summary Researchers at UCLA have identified a class of novel small molecule inhibitors of endosomal trafficking. This inhibitor can be used to block the cellular entry of bacterial toxins and viruses that require trafficking to acidified endosomes.Background The endocytic pathway is a vital host cell process consisting of several distinct compartments that internalize molecules and recycle them back to the cell surface or target them for degradation. Many viruses and bacteria have evolved mechanisms to take advantage of this pathway to gain entry into and/or transport proteins (such as toxins)...

2018-179 Generation of a Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine that Elicits Broad Protection

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 11:38:33 GMT

Generation Of A Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine That Elicits Broad Protection SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetic and the Molecular Biology Institute have developed a novel method of generating highly efficacious and live attenuated influenza vaccines. BACKGROUNDThe market for human influenza vaccines is expected to reach $4.4 billion by 2021. The majority of these vaccines focus on inactivated or killed viruses, but attenuated vaccines are beneficial in that they stimulate a broader immune response, do not require booster s...

2020-138 Deep Convolutional Active Contours for Image Segmentation

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 14:28:50 GMT

SUMMARYResearchers in the UCLA Department of Computer Science have developed an end-to-end trainable image segmentation framework that unifies Active Contour Models (ACM) with Convolutional Neural Network (CNNs) with learnable parameters.BACKGROUNDThe ACM (Active Contour Model) is a popular framework used to identify an object from a noisy 2D image. It has been successfully employed in various image analysis techniques including object segmentation and tracking. This framework is a model-based formulation founded on geometric and physical principles, which relies on the content of the image, l...

2019-608 Vibration Sensing and Long-Distance Sounding with THz Waves

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 10:42:17 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a terahertz (THz) detector that utilizes the micro-Doppler effect to detect vibrations and long-distance sounds.BACKGROUNDTerahertz (THz) detectors can play a key role in a diverse range of applications including measuring the speed of large moving objects and detecting and reconstructing sound over long distances. To be widely used in these areas, these detectors require additional hardware which decreases sensitivity. There is a need for improved THz detector technology to improve sensitivity and ...

Advanced Drainage Catheter and Advanced Drainage Catheter Control Unit

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 09:39:51 GMT

UC Case Nos. 2019-020 and 2020-105 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Radiology have developed a novel catheter design that incorporates large drainage holes and a secondary flushing tube to allow for enhanced clearage of viscous biological fluids. Additionally, they have designed a control unit that enables continuous operation for catheter maintenance. BACKGROUND: Most existing catheter systems consist of a plastic tube with twisted “pigtail” shape that collects biological fluids via large cavities in the coil and deposits them in a collection bag at the othe...

Zinc Nanocomposites and Stents for Functional Applications

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 09:59:02 GMT

UC Case No. 2018-355 SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical Engineering have developed a method to manufacture zinc-based metal matrix nanocomposites (MMNCs) for functional applications, such as stents. BACKGROUND: The materials presently used for medical stents all have certain drawbacks. For example, iron-based stents have a slow degradation rate, which leads to long-term side effects or requires eventual removal. Magnesium stents dissolve too quickly, as do polymer stents. Zinc has generated interest for stent applications due to its ideal...

Point-of-Care Serodiagnostic Test for Early-Stage Lyme Disease

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 13:27:35 GMT

UC Case No. 2020-375 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a multiplexed paper-based and machine learning immunoassay using for Lyme disease that is efficient, low-cost, sensitive and specific. BACKGROUND: Point-of-care testing (POCT) utilizes rapid and simple diagnostics to enable efficient clinical decision making and care planning. There are significant unmet needs in POCTs for Lyme disease, which requires prompt diagnosis and treatment at an early stage in order to prevent long-term complications. Current test for Lyme dis...

2019-955 Multi-Stable Compliant-Mechanism for Bed Sore Prevention

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 12:26:48 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have designed a low-cost, lightweight and easily adjustable mattress that prevents bed sores.BACKGROUNDEvery year in the US, 2.5 million patients are affected by bed sores. 60,000 patients die every year as a direct result of the condition, resulting in $9.1 - $11.6 billion in treatment costs every year. Currently, the most effective bed sore prevention approach is to use silica-bead air fluidized beds. These beds, however, are expensive, extremely heavy and difficult to adjust. There is a need for a simple...

2017-903 CO2 Mineralization in Produced and Industrial Effluent Water by pH-swing Carbonation Using Reusable Buffers

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 10:57:04 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering have developed a novel approach for treating industrial wastewater through a CO2 sequestration process. BACKGROUNDLiquid waste streams generated from several industrial processes include produced effluent water from oil and gas extraction operations, industrial (aqueous) effluents containing dissolved minerals, and desalination brine. It is desired to treat these waste streams to derive value, while employing management costs and handling practices that are both cost effective and environmentally sustainable....

Reversible Ethylene Oxide Capture in Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 17:02:08 GMT

UC Case No. 2009-228 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have devised a method to separate and purify gases such as ethylene oxide from gaseous mixtures using functionalized and porous metal-organic, covalent-organic, and zeolitic-imidazolate frameworks. BACKGROUNDMOFs are recognized for their gas adsorbing capabilities. Because of its great stability, porous nature, and low-cost to produce, it is highly attractive for use in industrial gas purification. Ethylene oxide is a gas used for a variety of industrial applications and is, therefore, produc...

Salivary IL8 and Serum for Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer and Probe Immobilization and Signal Amplification for Polymer-Based Biosensor (UCLA Case No. 2013-794)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Sat, 29 Feb 2020 15:47:01 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Dentistry have developed a method of using improved polymer-based biosensors to detect the presence of nucleic acids, proteins, and other analytes in bodily fluids such as saliva in order to diagnose diseases such as oral cancer. BACKGROUND: Highly sensitive and robust detection methodologies, specifically those for the detection of biomolecules indicative of cancer, can improve point-of-care devices and other diagnostic technologies. For example, polymer-based biosensors have been extensively developed. Conducting polymers such as p...

2010-486 SALIVARY IL8 AND SERUM FOR ORAL CAVITY AND OROPHARYNGEAL CANCER AND PROBE IMMOBILIZATION AND SIGNAL AMPLIFICATION FOR POLYMER-BASED BIOSENSOR

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Sat, 29 Feb 2020 15:38:35 GMT

2010-392 SALIVARY IL8 AND SERUM FOR ORAL CAVITY AND OROPHARYNGEAL CANCER AND PROBE IMMOBILIZATION AND SIGNAL AMPLIFICATION FOR POLYMER-BASED BIOSENSOR

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Sat, 29 Feb 2020 15:35:01 GMT

2008-303 SALIVARY IL8 AND SERUM FOR ORAL CAVITY AND OROPHARYNGEAL CANCER AND PROBE IMMOBILIZATION AND SIGNAL AMPLIFICATION FOR POLYMER-BASED BIOSENSOR

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Sat, 29 Feb 2020 15:13:55 GMT

2007-744 SALIVARY IL8 AND SERUM FOR ORAL CAVITY AND OROPHARYNGEAL CANCER AND PROBE IMMOBILIZATION AND SIGNAL AMPLIFICATION FOR POLYMER-BASED BIOSENSOR

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Sat, 29 Feb 2020 15:11:11 GMT

2007-527 SALIVARY IL8 AND SERUM FOR ORAL CAVITY AND OROPHARYNGEAL CANCER AND PROBE IMMOBILIZATION AND SIGNAL AMPLIFICATION FOR POLYMER-BASED BIOSENSOR

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Sat, 29 Feb 2020 15:07:26 GMT

2008-306 PROBE IMMOBILIZATION AND SIGNAL AMPLIFICATION FOR POLYMER-BASED BIOSENSOR

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Sat, 29 Feb 2020 14:52:54 GMT

2003-525 SALIVARY IL8 AND SERUM IL6 FOR ORAL CAVITY AND OROPHARYNGEAL CANCER

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Sat, 29 Feb 2020 14:48:25 GMT

2012-699 HIGH-THROUGHPUT LENSFREE 3D TRACKING OF HUMAN SPERMS REVEALS RARE STATISTICS OF HELICAL TRAJECTORIES

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 10:11:58 GMT

High-Throughput Lensfree 3D Tracking of Human Sperms SUMMARYUCLA researchers have developed a lensfree technique to track three-dimensional trajectories of individual human sperms. BACKGROUNDThe singular purpose of a mammalian sperm cell is to deliver genetic material to the female gamete. Researchers in the past century have investigated the mechanics of sperm propulsion in order to better understand its characteristics. However, due to its small size and fast speed, the swimming path of sperm cells is often studied using two dimensional techniques, even though their physiological f...

2016-592 CATALYTIC MICRORNA ANTAGONISTS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 10:04:26 GMT

Catalytic MicroRNA Antagonists SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Biological Chemistry have developed a novel approach for miRNA inhibition. BACKGROUNDMicro RNA (miRNA) are short, 22 nucleotide RNA sequences. They play a critical role in post-transcription gene regulation and their mis-regulation is associated with different diseases such as cancer, autoimmunity, and metabolic diseases. Therapeutic strategies that require elimination of the miRNA use complementary RNA sequences that bind the target miRNA and inhibit its normal function. However, this approach is highly inef...

Engineered-Microparticle-Based Cell Carriers For Culture And Adhesive Flow Cytometry

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 09:59:03 GMT

UC Case No. 2016-219 SUMMARY: The Di Carlo group at UCLA has invented a microparticle that enables the analysis of adherent cells by flow cytometry. In addition, they have developed a high-throughput method to fabricate these microparticles. BACKGROUND: Traditional flow cytometry is a fluorescence-based technique used to characterize cells in a suspension state, or cells not attached to a surface, on a molecular level. Given that many cells are inherently attached to a surface in vivo, a high-throughput technique that allows for molecular characterization of adherent state c...

2012-334 BULK POLYMER COMPOSITES

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 27 Feb 2020 16:04:21 GMT

Bulk Polymer Composites SUMMARYUCLA engineers have developed a method of synthesizing bulk polymer composites suitable for efficient scintillation of high energy radiation. BACKGROUNDDetecting high energy radiation is important to public health, security, nuclear medicine, and astronomical research. The energy-absorbing materials used in detectors fall into two general categories. The first is highly sensitive, making it useful for safety assessment, but requires expensive and bulky ancillary cooling systems which also compromise portability. Other commonly used materials are much mo...

A Stochastic Optimization Method to Lift the Utility in Privacy-Preserving ERM

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 27 Feb 2020 15:06:44 GMT

UC Case No. 2019-884 SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Mathematics have developed a method to maintain data privacy. BACKGROUND:Companies use machine learning (ML) algorithms to analyze their user base for information to improve targeted advertisements and customer tracking. However, with many parameters in the accumulated data sets, the algorithms can memorize the training data, making it possible to recover sensitive user information and break privacy. Current methods to overcome this privacy issue, such as adding ‘noise’ (artificial data), improve security...

2013-741 Bioengineered Thymic Aggregates for Implantation

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 16:01:13 GMT

Bioengineered Thymic Aggregates For Implantation SUMMARYResearchers led by Gay Crooks from the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at UCLA have bioengineered a thymus implant to treat immune diseases. BACKGROUNDThe thymus plays an important role in the immune cells by producing specialized white blood cells called T cells. Thymus implantation can potentially treat a wide range of immune deficiency diseases that include DiGeorge Anomaly, HIV/AIDS, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Current state of the art for thymic implants includes transplantation from aborted fetuses or ...

2017-657: Gene Editing Stem Cells for Generating Non-Alloreactive T Cells for Immunotherapy

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 15:59:47 GMT

SUMMARY UCLA researchers in the Department of Pathology and Medicine have developed human stem cells that can be used to generate non-alloreactive, antigen specific T cells for adoptive cell therapy. BACKGROUND Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) with engineered T cells has shown unprecedented potential in the treatment of cancer, infectious diseases, and other conditions. One of the major limitations of current engineered T cell therapies is the requirement of autologous T cells as the cellular vehicle to prevent potential tissue damage from alloreactivity of donor T cells to HLA-...

Mutated Renilla Luciferase for Higher Light Output and Altered Stability (UCLA Case No. 2005-010)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 15:16:02 GMT

A Novel Renilla-Derived Luciferase with Enhanced Activity and Stability SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology have developed a novel luciferase variant with enhanced stability and activity. BACKGROUNDLuciferase proteins first derived from firefly are indispensable in biological research. They are used for in vivo imaging, affinity studies by conjugation to antibodies and as reporter proteins in cell culture experiments. The most commonly used luciferase is a small protein derived from Renilla reniformis. Although it is used routinely as a res...

2014-054 Gas Fill-Up Process System and Methodology with Minimum and/or No Cooling

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 15:08:11 GMT

Gas Fill-Up Process System and Methodology with Minimal or No Cooling BACKGROUNDFuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are projected by some industry analysts to become the fastest-growing segment of the auto market. These vehicles use hydrogen gas as fuel, have zero tailpipe emissions, and can be refueled in minutes, compared to the hours required for charging a typical EV. The hydrogen fueling station systems currently in use require expensive refrigeration equipment (both from a capital and operational perspective) to cool the hydrogen as it is pumped into the car’s tank. Finding af...

(XN) 2005-059 PTEN Null Cell Lines

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 15:06:25 GMT

PTEN Null Cell Lines BACKGROUNDPTEN (phsosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10) is a tumor suppressor gene identified to be frequently mutated/deleted in various human cancers. Besides carcinogenesis, Pten may play important roles in regulating stem cell activity, insulin action and development. PTEN is a member of the protein tyrosine phosphatase family but its main function is a lipid phosphatase, a negative regulator of the PI3-kinase pathway. Research tools to further understand the role of PTEN in cancer and cell signaling are important for the discovery of future ther...

2020-139 Wireless Power Simulator

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 14:27:46 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a battery-less implantable pulse generator with concise circuitry and mm-scale form factor.BACKGROUNDImplantable pulse generators (IPGs) are used clinically for chronic pain relief, motor function recovery after spinal cord injury, the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, cardiac pacemaking, and curing stress urinary incontinence. Conventional IPGs are bulky, with the battery taking up most of the unit, and obligatory leads, which are prone to cause various complications including: dislodge...

2019-642 Real-time, Passive Non-Line-of-Sight Imaging with Thermal Camera by Exploiting Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 14:26:54 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a Non-line-of-sight (NLOS) Imaging System using low cost thermal cameras that enables 3D recovery of NLOS heat source for imaging around corners.BACKGROUNDNon-line-of-sight (NLOS) imaging provides the ability to look around corners and has gained significant interest in recent years. Current NLOS technologies utilizes visible light, recovering hidden 2D images with a limited field of view, dependent on the imaged geometries and on sight and the lighting conditions. A more potent NLOS imaging system ...

2018-674 Extended Depth-Of-Field In Holographic Image Reconstruction Using Deep Learning-Based Auto-Focusing And Phase-Recovery

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 14:23:43 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a novel deep learning-based algorithm that digitally reconstructs images from holography over an extended depth of field.BACKGROUNDHolographic imaging has many applications in the fields of engineering, research and medicine. A holography encodes the 3D information of a sample. However, it is time-consuming and cumbersome to digitally decode the original sample image from its hologram. This process requires auto-focusing and phase recovery, which are complex, computationally heavy and specific to the imaging set...

2016-640 ADJUSTABLE VASCULAR SHEATH

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 14:21:16 GMT

INTRO SENTENCE: UCLA researchers in the Department of Radiology have developed a novel vascular sheath that allows surgeons to control the length of the insert and prevent further vascular damage during surgery. TITLE: Adjustable Vascular Sheath BACKGROUND: Arterial sheaths are used to gain arterial access and facilitate the insertion of catheters or other equipment for diagnostic and vascular interventions. The invention of these now commonly used devices came as a result of a need to circumvent procedures that commonly used the femoral artery. These surgeries were often intensive and re...

My Spirometer

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 14:19:54 GMT

UC Case No. 2016-288 SUMMARYUCLA researchers have developed an incentive spirometry system that encourages and advises patients to perform incentive spirometry with minimal aid from healthcare professionals. BACKGROUNDPatients who undergo thoracic, abdominal, head and neck surgery often experience severe pain during maximal inspiration. Such pain diminishes the time spent during inspiration, leading to reduced tidal volumes, decreased pulmonary compliance, atelectasis and alveolar collapse. Sustained maximal inspiration exercises have long been shown to improve lung functions a...

2017-997 Neural Modulation of Autonomic Nervous System to Alter Memory and Plasticity of the Autonomic Network

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 13:49:51 GMT

SUMMARY: Researchers at UCLA from the Departments of Medicine and Bioengineering have created a device that modulates the autonomic nervous system to treat heart conditions like arrhythmias.BACKGROUND:The autonomic nervous system controls unconscious bodily functions like breathing and maintaining heart function. The cardiac autonomic nervous system includes the Vagus nerve and intrinsic cardiac nervous system. Modulating this system can provide therapeutic effects such as preventing cardiac arrhythmias (improper beating of the heart). Currently, pharmacological treatments, ablation therapies,...

2017-101 Method for Free Breathing 3D Ventilation Measurements

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 13:32:58 GMT

Method For Free Breathing 3D Ventilation Measurements SUMMARYUCLA researchers have developed a method for free breathing 3D ventilation measurements using fast-helical CT scan. BACKGROUNDLung cancer patients referred to radiotherapy (RT) often present with reduced lung function due to regional lung function deficits, such as reduced ventilation and diffusion capabilities. Ventilation measurements using CT and other techniques are complex and of limited quantitative value. Some of this is due to the fact that ventilation measurements are taken with breath hold and that daily variation...

Microfluidic Platform to Control Particle Placement and Spacing in Channel Flow

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 13:26:31 GMT

UC Case No. 2011-038 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a microfluidic platform that controls particle spacing during solution exchange applications using inertial flow. BACKGROUNDMicro-scale particles in flow can be found in many fields of science and technology. One example is cells in blood stream. Control of particle motion/position in flow has numerous applications such as flow cytometry and particle encapsulation. Control of particle positions in particle laden flows is typically achieved by external force fields such as acoustic, electr...

Sheathless Inertial Cell Ordering Microfluidic Device for Extreme Throughput Flow Cytometry

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 13:25:18 GMT

UC Case No. 2010-277 SUMMARYUCLA researchers have developed a compact and cost-effective platform for extreme throughput single cell analysis. The device has the potential to conduct whole blood cell counts with ten-fold higher analysis speed than conventional flow cytometry. BACKGROUNDFlow cytometry is regularly used for patient blood analysis. Because, flow cytometry analyzes cells in a serial process, it is time consuming and lacks sufficient throughput (current methods top out at 10,000 cells/sec) to detect rare cells in blood or other dilute solutions which can have concentratio...

Mediator-Free Electroenzymatic Sensing with Enhanced Sensitvity and Selectivity for Wearable Metabolite and Nutrient Monitoring Applications

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 13:19:53 GMT

UC Case No. 2020-362 SUMMARY:UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a wearable electroenzymatic sensor for non-invasive monitoring of metabolites and nutrients. The sensor has been successfully tested in human subjects to be highly sensitive and selective, making it ideal for monitoring and improving individual well-being. BACKGROUND: Wearable electroenzymatic sensors allow for non-invasive monitoring of metabolites and nutrients in complex biofluids (e.g. sweat). These measurements can provide an individual with personalized l...

2020-388 Spectrally Selective Thermal Radiators for Cooling of Vertical or Horizontal Surfaces with Limited View of the Sky

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 11:12:00 GMT

SUMMARY UCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed a passive radiative cooling design for building surfaces that have a limited view of the sky by using spectrally selective thermal radiating materials. BACKGROUND Passive radiative cooling (PRC), a process where objects on Earth radiate heat into outer space, is a promising method for cooling buildings and surfaces exposed to the sky. As a potential alternative to air-conditioners, the effectiveness of PRC has been severely limited due to available view (exposure) of these surfaces to the sky. In...

2019-035 SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONODISPERSE DROP GENERATION AND USE

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 10:51:26 GMT

UC Case No. 2019-035 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed systems and methods to produce single particle, monodisperse droplets for use in digital assays, targeted drug delivery, and theranostics. BACKGROUNDThe ability to identify and detect ultra-low level biomarkers in patients could open up a range of new diagnostic opportunities in precision medicine. Current precision technologies such as digital assays, which isolate single entities, achieve are capable to of detecting biomolecules that are several orders of magnitude lower than traditiona...

2018-200 AMYLOID PRECURSOR PROTEIN-SELECTIVE BACE INHIBITORS (ASBIS) FOR ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 10:39:34 GMT

Amyloid Precursor Protein-Selective BACE Inhibitors for Alzheimer’s Disease SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Neurology have invented novel Alzheimer’s disease (AD) therapeutics that are selective for BACE1 inhibition and cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) substrate. BACKGROUNDAlzheimer’s disease is characterized by the formation of amyloid plaques in the brain, largely comprised of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides. These Aβ peptides are generated by the sequential cleavage of full-length APP by BACE1 (β-site APP cleaving enzyme). ...

Saturation-Tolerant Electrophysiological Recording Surface (Case No. 2014-404)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 10:34:44 GMT

Summary: Researchers at UCLA have designed an electrophysiological signal processing device that can measure EEG, ECG, and EMG signals with high sensitivity in noisy environments that would otherwise drown out weak signals. Background: Weak electrophysiological input signals (EEG, ECG, EMG) are often detected by digitizing them using a large voltage gain in order to achieve a low background noise level. However, in noisy environments, the loud signals from motion artifacts, unrelated biological signals, or man-made interferers saturate the input signal. The saturation of the input signal i...

1996-568 Hybridoma Secreting Antibody to Mouse CD-1

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 10:33:46 GMT

Hybridoma that Secretes Antibody to Mouse CD1 BACKGROUNDCD1d is a member of the CD1 family of antigen presenting molecules that display lipid antigens to T-cells. CD1d-restricted T-cells have been shown to have a role in antimicrobial responses, antitumor immunity, and the balance between tolerance and autoimmunity. INNOVATIONThe innovation allows researchers to study and analyze CD1d expression and function. The monoclonal antibody is compatible with various laboratory techniques, including immunoprecipitation, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry.

2013-238 Bidirectional Hyperelastic Covers for Woven Stents

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 11:28:28 GMT

SUMMARY UCLA researchers led by Gregory Carman in the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering have developed a novel hyperelastic thin film nitinol (HE-TFN) that can be used to cover medical stents. BACKGROUND Medical stents are commonly used to repair or support damaged sections of blood vessels, to treat atherosclerotic disease and aneurysms. Such stents are implanted in more than half of the patients with coronary artery conditions. However, current stent designs frequently result in hazardous wrinkling of the cover upon deployment, substantially increasing the ris...

2018-188 BIOMARKERS BASED ON MOLECULAR COMPOSITION OF CELLS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 15:07:40 GMT

Biomarkers Based On Molecular Composition Of Cells SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed a novel biomarker based on spectroscopic analysis of proteins in cell membranes. BACKGROUNDThe global market for biomarkers is expected to exceed $95 billion by 2020 due to their wide applicability in diagnostics, imaging, and personalized medicines. The majority of proteomic biomarkers are focused on single protein types, such as analysis of prostate-specific antigen as an indicator for prostate cancer. However, there have been a decrease i...

2013-359 Software Program for the Analysis and Interpretation of Human Electroencephalogram (EEG) Signals

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 16:17:47 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers and physicians in the Department of Psychiatry have developed a software program to improve the analysis and clinical interpretation of human electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. BACKGROUNDElectroencephalography (EEG) is a medical diagnostic test that uses electrodes to measure the spontaneous electrical activity of the brain. This electrical activity is representative of key activities and features of the underlying neurons that control brain activity. Therefore, EEGs are commonly used to diagnose and track various neurologic and psychiatric disorders. The ability ...

2019-464 Cross-Modality Deep Learning Brings Bright-Field Microscopy Contrast to Holography

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 15:08:48 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a novel deep neural network that generates speckle- and artifact-free high-quality images at different sample depths from a single hologram. The resulting images are equivalent to bright-field images taken throughout a 3D sample. Background: Digital holographic microscopy allows imaging and reconstruction of objects in 3D with one single measurement. However, due to the coherent light source and reconstruction methods used in digital holography, the quality of images suffers. Specifically...

FEAST - Fast Expectation-Maximization Microbial Source Tracking

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 14:59:06 GMT

UC Case No. 2019-351 SUMMARY:UCLA researchers from the Department of Computer Science have developed a method to analyze large genomic data sets to quickly identify bacteria community imbalances. BACKGROUND: Bacterial diseases such as dysbiosis are a widespread and common issue in both medicine and agriculture. Diagnosing the bacterial strain that is causing the disease is a difficult problem to solve as there are a wide variety of bacterial strains that require differing treatments. Current systems can only rapidly identify a small set of bacteria or require expensive, extremely tim...

IRIS: Isoform Peptides from RNA Sequencing for Immunotherapy Targets Screening

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 13:35:46 GMT

UCLA Case No. 2018-916 SUMMARYResearchers led by Dr. Xing from the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics at UCLA have developed a big data approach to identify targets for personalized cancer immunotherapy. BACKGROUNDImmunotherapies aim to use the patient’s own immune system to fight cancerous cells, but to be effective, immune cells need a target to identify cancer cells. Identifying optimal targets remains as the primary obstacle for developing personalized, effective cancer immunotherapies. Current techniqu...

2019-985 The Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) Algorithm Based on Online EM

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 05 Feb 2020 14:35:29 GMT

SUMMARYResearchers led by Tsang-Kai Chang and Chaojie Feng from the Department at UCLA have created a scalable and real-time SLAM algorithm for autonomous robots.BACKGROUNDA mobile robot relies on the simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) algorithm to create a map in an unknown environment while also localizing itself in it. As robots become more integrated into everyday life, SLAM will play a key role in making these robots autonomous whether they do tasks primarily indoors, like a Roomba, or outdoors in areas with weak GPS signal, like self-driving cars. The SLAM algorithm models two ...

On-Chip Electrostatic Discharge Sensor

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 15:47:40 GMT

UC Case No. 2019-702 SUMMARYResearchers in the UCLA Department of Electric and Computer Engineering have designed a new on-chip sensor to prevent electrostatic discharge, which would largely enhance the life and durability of integrated circuits. BACKGROUNDElectrostatic discharge (ESD) in integrated circuits (IC) occurs due to electrostatic charge transfer between two components in close proximity. This fast (~150 ns) and transient phenomenon can cause serious damage and degrade the performance of affected ICs, leading to either partial or complete device failure - and can occur at a...

Controlled Synthesis of Enhanced Strain Capacity Inorganic-Organic Composite Cementation Agents

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 11:18:46 GMT

UC Case No. 2019-648 SUMMARYResearchers in the UCLA Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed an energy-saving approach to controllably fabricate cemented solids with hybrid microstructures and enhanced properties. BACKGROUNDConcrete and ordinary portland cement (OPC) are fundamental building materials, produced at 30 billion tons and 4.1 billion tons per year, respectively. Conventional manufacturing methods used to make these materials, however, have significant deficiencies. The...

Advanced Electrospray Emitter

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 11:49:28 GMT

UC Case No. 2019-862 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a novel electrospray emitter with improved emitter geometry, extended operational stability, and improved thrust efficiencies. BACKGROUNDElectrospray devices use electricity to disperse charged molecules for a variety of applications including mass spectrometry, ion and particle deposition, electrospinning, and spacecraft propulsion. Many investigations has been conducted on electrospray systems to improve performance and behavior. However, efforts to improve design o...

Flexible Microfluidic Sensors for Curved Surfaces

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 14:20:56 GMT

UCLA Case No. 2015-070 SUMMARY:UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed flexible tactile sensors for curved surfaces that are robust against fatigue and suitable for robotic applications. BACKGROUND: Robotic applications, such as artificial fingertips, often require the use of sensors that are uniformly wrapped around a curved for tactile sensing. Traditional flexible sensors, however, are microfabricated using thin films or solid electrical components, making them susceptible to failure due to cracking and fatigue. There is a need to ...

2017-841 Soft Shear Force Resistive Sensor Embedded Artificial Skin

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 13:53:59 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a bioinspired, thin and flexible liquid metal filled resistive PDMS microchannel shear force sensing skin. Background: Tactile sensing is important for haptic exploration and object manipulation; however, it is not yet widely implemented in robot hands or prostheses. Spatially and temporally resolved normal and shear stresses are critical mechanical measurements that need to be resolved on artificial fingertips. Innovation: The inventors have developed a shear sensing ar...

2018-573 Training Platform for Transoral Robotic Surgery

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 10:19:00 GMT

SUMMARY:UCLA researchers in the Departments of Bioengineering and Head & Neck Surgery have developed a novel robotic platform for the training of transoral surgery. BACKGROUND: It is estimated that over 50,000 new cases of oral and oropharyngeal cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year. While open surgical approaches for removing such tumors were common practice in the 1970s, the current primary modality of treatment rests in chemotherapeutics. However, there is little evidence to support a clear advantage of the use of chemotherapeutics over surgical techniques and the toxicit...

Multiplexed Sweat Extraction and Sensing Wearable Interface for Normalized and Periodic Analysis (UCLA Case No. 2017-881)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 24 Jan 2020 17:04:46 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers from the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a novel sweat induction and sensing platform to achieve personalized physiological monitoring non-invasively. BACKGROUNDWearable electrochemical sensors have made sweat analysis possible for personalized medicine applications. Current technologies integrate flexible device fabrications and low-power electronics to perform in-situ sensing and sweat analytes. However, these existing platforms have issues with sweat sample access and degradation, which jeopardize the accuracy and applicability of the analysi...

High Efficiency Organic Light Emitting Diodes

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 24 Jan 2020 16:53:39 GMT

Innovation: Professor Qibing Pei and colleagues at the UCLA Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed a novel approach to fabricating organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) using transparent composite electrodes, that greatly increases their emission efficiency. The new OLEDs are highly flexible and are at least twice as efficient as comparable OLEDs fabricated on ITO/glass. These new techniques can be used to produce higher-efficiency OLEDs more economically, which are becoming increasingly prevalent in medical devices, smartphones, and other portable electronics. Poten...

2016-573 Photophysically Innocent Boron Cluster Ligand Scaffolds For Organic Light Emitting Diode Materials

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 24 Jan 2020 16:50:42 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed a novel method to using boron clusters ligands for light emitting diode materials. This is the first report of the ligand 1,1'-bis-o-carborane (bc) bound to Pt(N^N). Both C-Pt symmetrical isomers and C-Pt/B-Pt asymmetric isomers can be synthesized. Background An organic light- emitting diode (OLED) is a LED in which the emissive electroluminescent layer is a film of organic compound that emits light in response to an electric current. OLEDs have shortened lifetimes due to reasons such as ligand aggregation and lack of steric bulk. blue OLEDs have short l...

Radiation Free Photon Detection Device

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 24 Jan 2020 16:27:38 GMT

UC Case No. 2008-611 SUMMARYResearchers at UCLA have developed a Hybrid Avalanche Photodiode (HAPD) that exhibits enhanced sensitivity by eliminating radiation contamination that arises from materials present in traditional photomultipliers. BACKGROUNDAs the demand for photon detectors with greater sensitivity increases, Avalanche Photodiodes (APD) are being incorporated in conventional photomultiplier tubes (PMT) due to their high quantum conversion efficiency and small size. Nonetheless, the performance of these HAPD devices is degraded by the background noise that is radiated fro...

Digital Oscillator Method to Implement Non-Contact Sensors for Gesture Detection Displays

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 24 Jan 2020 16:19:45 GMT

UC Case No. 2012-170 SUMMARYResearchers in the UCLA Department of Electrical Engineering have invented an oscillator and frequency counter method for highly-sensitive non-contact gesture detection based on the Theremin patent and updated by implementing modern digital electronics. BACKGROUNDGesture recognition is the process by which gestures made by the user are made known to the system, and non-contact gesture recognition can add a new dimension (the z-axis) for interfacing. Current non-contact sensors for gesture detection employ capacitive and charge-based mechanisms where the p...

2020-182 MITOCHONDRIAL DNA PROSTATE CANCER MARKER AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 19:30:09 GMT

Researchers in UCLA Department of Human Genetics have developed a novel method of using the mitochondrial genome of prostate cancer patients to predict which tumours are likely to become lethal. BACKGROUND:Prostate cancer remains the most prevalent non-skin cancer in men. Most studies of the prostate cancer genome focused on mutations in the nuclear genome, yet have not identified highly recurrent driver non-coding somatic single nucleotide variants (SNVs) or genomic rearrangements. Despite these failures, exhaustive studies have tried to identify mutations that might be useful in guiding...

2020-181 BIOPSY-DRIVEN GENOMIC SIGNATURE FOR PROSTATE CANCER PROGNOSIS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 19:20:40 GMT

Researchers at UCLA and in Canada have developed a novel biopsy-driven genomic signature for prostate cancer prognosis. BACKGROUND:Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of male cancer deaths in North America. While most prostate cancers are indolent and are unlikely to cause, about 30% of men will experience an aggressive cancer that will recur and become lethal. Predicting which patients are likely to have a relapse is critical in determining whether patients will need additional (adjuvant) treatments after initial treatment. Despite several attempts to predict recurrence rate ...

2013-679 Lung Assist Device

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 14:27:31 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Medicine have developed a portable integrated system and device that supports failing human lungs, allowing the patient to move around without the assistance of another person. BACKGROUNDIn some patients with lung failure, extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used to provide oxygen to the patient while waiting for the recovery of the patient’s own lungs. The currently available technology for ECMO requires large beside machines and the heavy nature of these machines can prevent a patient from being able to leave their bed during trea...

Measuring Size Distributions of Small-Scale Objects

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 10:39:29 GMT

UC Case No. 2013-900 Summary Dr. Thomas Mason and colleagues at UCLA have created a kit, method, and algorithm for measuring size distributions and pH-dependent electrophoretic mobility distributions, thereby revealing types of stabilizing surface groups, of dispersions of small-scale colloidal objects, including nanoparticles and nanoemulsions. Background Gel electrophoresis is a classic method for separating and sizing various biomolecules such as nucleic acids and proteins. However, the approach has not been used effectively to accurately obtain size distributions for common types of n...

2007-574 Process for Creating Stable Double Emulsions

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 10:18:09 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA Researchers in the Departments of Chemistry, Physics, and Bioengineering have developed a process for creating double emulsions (droplets within droplets) for applications in pharmaceuticals, drug delivery, cosmetics, and personal care products. By contrast to more common double emulsions that have microscale droplet sizes, UCLA researchers have created nanoscale double emulsions that have both inner and outer droplet diameters below 100 nm, and these droplets can display a choice of biologically active co-polypeptide moieties. BACKGROUNDSimple emulsions are dispersions of droplets...

2008-625 Process for Recycling Surfactant In Nanoemulsion Production

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 09:50:26 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a novel method to separate and recycle surfactants used in the manufacturing of nanoemulsions.BACKGROUNDNanoemulsions are oil-in-water (or vice versa) suspensions of nanoscale droplets that range in size from 15 to 100 nm, and have applications in drug delivery, as well as in personal care and food products. Nanoemulsions have many advantages over traditional emulsion materials (e.g. liposomes, micelles, vesicles, and miniemulsions) including: longer shelf-life, low/no toxicity, improved bioavailability of d...

2014-182 Method of Making Multicomponent Nanoemulsions

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 09:39:35 GMT

SUMMARYResearchers from UCLA's Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry have developed a novel method of making deformable, multicomponent oil-in-water nanoemulsions to create a single delivery system for multiple drugs or other insoluble molecules. Background A recent analysis estimates that the current cost of developing a new drug is approximately $5 billion. This large cost is due to the expensive regulatory process, but also the fact that 95% of experimental drugs fail to be effective or safe, making it necessary to spend billions of dollars to make several drugs at once. To overcome th...

Wearable Voltammetric Monitoring of Electroactive Drugs

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 13:18:48 GMT

UC Case No. 2020-393 SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a voltammetric wearable device capable of monitoring electroactive drug circulation and abundance in biofluids. This non-invasive monitoring system can be used for electroactive drug therapy management, drug compliance/abuse monitoring, drug-drug interaction studies, and personalized dosing. BACKGROUND: Exogenous molecules, such as drugs, remain underexplored despite studies showing circulating drugs to be partitioning in sweat more than in blood. Wearable drug monitoring dev...

Liquid Association with Application in Gene Expression

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 21 Jan 2020 10:07:41 GMT

UC Case No. 2002-054Background Microarrays are used as a high throughput biochemistry technique for generating data about the quantity of mRNA expressed by each gene in cells of an organism under a set of conditions. The data that is generated, commonly known as a gene expression profile, can be used to infer global cellular activities that would be hard to describe otherwise. However, a problem that arises is that the data tends to be large and complex, making it difficult to analyze and interpret. One way to distill information from microarray data is through the use of correlation. Correlat...

Voltage-Responsive Coating for Lithium-Sulfur Battery

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 11:22:21 GMT

UC Case No. 2013-764 SUMMARYResearchers in the UCLA Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering have developed a lithium-sulfur battery that overcomes the poor recharging and short lifespan problems common among other lithium-sulfur battery configurations. BACKGROUNDLithium ion batteries are widely used in applications ranging from portable electronics to electric cars but offer only limited charge capacity and contain relatively expensive materials. Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries have been considered an attractive alternative because they present superior energy dens...

2011-896 Protein Biomarkers for Immune Assessment and Prediction of Transplant Rejection

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 15:43:12 GMT

Background Current diagnostic methods of renal allograft rejection are neither sensitive, nor specific. Needle biopsies are invasive and associated with patient morbidity. It is thus desirable to develop noninvasive tests to predict and diagnose rejection. Innovation UCLA researchers have identified a number of proteins present in human plasma associated with transplant rejection. In a study that enrolled over 500 patients, Reed and coworkers utilized the Banff criteria to establish that 22 proteins were significantly associated with acute allograft rejection. Two of these were positively iden...

2011-872 A Novel Biomarker for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 15:40:49 GMT

Background Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a severe human vascular disease resulting in progressive aortic dilation and eventual lethal rupture. Approximately one in every 250 people over the age of 50 will die of a ruptured AAA. While the success rate of surgical repair is high for aneurysms bigger than 5cm, reliable prediction of the asymptomatic disease remains elusive. Moreover, smaller instances of the disease cannot be easily diagnosed with radiography, or ultrasound, potentially resulting in silent growth and sudden rupture. Even CT and MRI will not be able to detect aneurysms at the...

2011-819 No-Assembly Devices for Microfluidics Inside a Cavity

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 15:37:10 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed a method to fabricate electrowetting microfluidic devices without assembly of their subcomponents. Background Current microfluidic devices having a cavity configuration with multiple electrodes must have their components separately fabricated and subsequently assembled (e.g., bonded, clamped) in order to form a cavity. For example, fabrication of a "parallel-plate" electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD)-based device commonly involves photolithographic patterning of electrodes on one or both plates, followed by a coating of thin-film dielectric, ma...

2011-719 Monitor Alarm Fatigue Allevation By SuperAlarms - Predictive Combination Of Alarms

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 15:32:45 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Neurosurgery have developed a method that is capable of mining a collection of monitor alarms to search for specific combinations of encoded monitor alarms to predict certain adverse event, such as in-hospital code blue arrests or other target events. Background Bedside monitoring in critical care units and emergency rooms involves multimodal monitors that simultaneously measure and display relevant vital parameters, allowing for continuous monitoring of a patient and informing medical staff of the changes in general condition of the patient. Howev...

2011-697 Miniaturized Split Ring Resonator Planar Antenna

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 15:29:49 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a miniaturized split ring resonator antenna that has good radiation efficiency, wide bandwidth and an omni-directional radiation pattern making it ideal for integration on small handset components in wireless communication systems. Background Antenna radiation efficiency and bandwidth are directly related to the quality factor of the resonator, which is usually inversely proportional to the antenna size. It is difficult to design a small antenna with high radiation efficiency and wide bandwidth performance, thu...

2011-627 Gallium Alloy Nanoparticle Synthesis via Self-Assembled Monolayer Formation and Ultrasound

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 15:23:57 GMT

Innovation James Hohman and colleagues have devised a facile route to synthesize designer gallium-based alloy microscale and nanoscale materials with precise elemental ratios and excellent uniformity. Alloy nanoparticle synthesis is typically very challenging and traditional synthetic approaches suffer from elemental incompatibility, the need to use costly vacuum technologies, and limitations of composition range and product uniformity. In this technology, UCLA researchers demonstrate directed particle formation by molecular self-assembly assisted by sonication. The method is solution based an...

2011-600 Synthesis of Thioether Containing Trialkoxysilanes

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 15:20:57 GMT

Summary Researchers within UCLA's Department of Chemistry have developed a scalable, flexible, and cost-effective method of synthesizing trialkoxysilanes with single or multiple custom functionalities. Background Trialkoxysilanes are chemical compounds widely employed in research, commercial, and industrial settings. They and other members of the silane family have been used to modify or enhance material properties including surface wettability, adhesion, tribological/optical/electrical properties, and redox activity. While large varieties of trialkoxysilane are commercially available, many ar...

2011-562 A Method for Manufacturing Potent Dendritic Cells

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 15:17:38 GMT

SummaryDendritic cells (DCs) are antigen-presenting cells that play a critical role in the regulation of adaptive immune responses. They instruct and activate T cells and are therefore crucial for establishing immunological memory. Immense research effort is being expended to create dendritic cell vaccines, which may potentially prime a patient's immune system against infectious pathogens or cancer cells. Currently, there are several clinical trials underway that use in vitro-induced DCs to induce immunity to antigens against breast cancer, lung cancer, melanoma, prostate, and renal cell cance...

2011-531 Small Molecules that Mimic IFN-Gamma-Mediated Endothelial Cell Activation

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 15:14:34 GMT

Summary Researchers at UCLA, using a novel cell screening method, have identified a family of small molecules that act on endothelial cells to activate an immune response. The invention represents a new repertoire of therapeutics to modulate immune function. Background The vascular wall is now accepted to play a critical role in activating immune responses. Endothelial cells that comprise the vasculature are active modulators of inflammatory responses. A number of molecular signals have been identified to mediate crosstalk between immune and vascular cells. Specifically, interferon gamma (IFN-...

2011-479 Method and Apparatus for Detecting, Tracking, Recognizing, and Categorizing Objects and Scenes from Video

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 15:10:18 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Computer Science have developed a real-time visual recognition system for mobile devices that allows a user to select objects in the video stream and the system tracks and categorizes the object for future recognition. Background Almost all smart phones have built in video cameras for taking photographs and recording videos. Innovative applications have made it possible for users to enjoy the footage in many new ways. However, there are many more avenues to explore with built-in video cameras. In particular, current devices are not equipped to reco...

2011-475 Novel Approach for Intracellular Delivery of Biomolecules

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 15:07:42 GMT

Summary Researchers at UCLA have developed a nanowire-based substrate technology for the efficient delivery of biomolecules. The system has clear applications for basic biological research and potentially for the treatment of diseases. Background The delivery of biomolecules, including therapeutic drugs, genes and proteins, provides a promising vehicle for the treatment of many incurable diseases. Efficient delivery of biomolecules remains a technical challenge due to poor targeting and delivery efficiency. The use of viral-, liposome-, and nanotube-mediated techniques for the delivery of biom...

2011-464 Polyclonal Antibody Recognizing the Human RIN2 Protein

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 15:03:56 GMT

Innovation RIN2 is a RAS effector protein with guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) activity for RAB5 family GTPases. RIN2 is part of a cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM) signaling complex implicated in sporadic or inherited vascular lesions of the central nervous system. Additionally, RIN2 deficiencies are linked to the human connective tissue disorders MACS syndrome2 and RIN2 syndrome3. UCLA researchers have developed a novel polyclonal antibody to detect the human RIN2 protein. The efficacy of this antibody has been confirmed for a number of applications, including immunoprecipitati...

2011-457 Cardiac MRI Circular Tagging

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 14:52:52 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Radiology have developed a cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) tagging system that is more adaptive to the natural geometry and biomechanics of the heart for effectively measuring parameters such as cardiac wall thickening and radial strain. Background Cardiac MRI tagging is a promising technique for noninvasively studying regional heart wall motion. To implement, tags are first formed in the myocardium using spatially dependent excitation methods and then a sequence of images are acquired at various phases of the cardiac cycle. Currently, tag...

2011-418 Novel Monoclonal Antibodies against Neospora Caninum

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 14:50:15 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed a large number of highly specific monoclonal antibodies against the intracellular parasite Neospora caninum that can be used for diagnostic or research purposes.Background Apicomplexan parasites cause a wide array of diseases of medical and veterinary importance including malaria (Plasmodium spp.), toxoplasmosis (Toxoplasma gondii), coccidiosis (Eimeria spp.) and neosporosis (Neospora caninum). While the biology of the human pathogens is better understood, little is known of how the veterinary pathogens infect their specific hosts and cause disease. Neos...

2011-417 Small Molecule Inhibitor of Cholesterol Biosynthesis and Venous Angiogenesis

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 14:45:56 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have identified a novel small molecule that inhibits the HMG-CoA reductase pathway, reducing cellular cholesterol and preventing vein-specific angiogenesis.Background Statins are a class of small molecule drugs used for lowering blood cholesterol levels and preventing cardiovascular disease. Atorvastatin, sold by Pfizer under the trade name Lipitor, is the best-selling drug in history, with sales exceeding $11 billion in 2010. This figure is expected to drop dramatically with U.S. patent expiry and the availability of a generic version in November 2011. All statins, in...

2011-414 Human Fetal Prostate Cells for the Study of Human Tumors

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 14:42:00 GMT

Background Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers to affect men and is the second leading cause of death amongst cancer victims. For decades, primary cultures of malignant prostatic cells have provided a convenient model system to study prostate cancer and tumorigenesis. However, these cell lines do not adequately recapitulate the microenvironment that supports tumor development in vivo. Many of the available prostate cancer cell lines (PC3, DU145, and LNCaP) are derived from metastases and are not inclusive of all prostate cancer phenotypes. Thus, there is a need for cell culture m...

2011-398 A System For Vascular Access In Preclinical Models

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 14:35:23 GMT

Summary Researchers at UCLA have developed an automated method to access the vasculature of murine models for intravenous injections and blood sampling. The invention provides a standardized and reliable solution to the error prone injections and blood sampling procedures during preclinical studies. Background Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging devices for preclinical models are becoming more user friendly, but to date no technology addresses the challenging tasks of manual intravenous probe injection and blood sampling from rodent tails. Any scientist not exclusively dedicated to anim...

2011-395 New Low-Cost Method for Pre-clinical Animal Imaging

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 14:31:15 GMT

Summary Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) have developed an automated, highly accurate approach to acquire anatomical data from animal subjects in pre-clinical research. The invention provides a means to low-cost access of pre-clinical imaging. Background Translational and basic research on disease relies heavily on small animal imaging. Computed tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are frequently used in conjunction with Positron Emission Tomography (PET) to provide the anatomical data in pre-clinical research. However, wide use of CT and MRI is l...

2011-394 Copyright: A Statistical Atlas of the Mouse Trunk Region

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 14:28:15 GMT

Summary Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) have developed a comprehensive statistical atlas of the mouse trunk anatomy for use in preclinical imaging. Background Small animal imaging modalities, such as micro-CT, micro-PET, and micro-MR, are frequently used in preclinical studies. The laboratory mouse is the most widely used small animal model for cancer, immunology, neurodegenerative, and metabolic disease studies. In order to extract anatomical information from mouse images, it is necessary to perform organ segmentation from the 3D images. Human operator-based pr...

2011-324 Data Fusion Mapping Estimation

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 14:26:18 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Mathematics have developed a novel probability density estimation method that incorporates geographical information. Background High resolution and hyperspectral satellite images, city and county boundary maps, census data, and other types of geographical data provide much information about a given region. It is desirable to integrate this knowledge into models defining geographically dependent data. However, common methods of density estimation, such as Kernel Density Estimation, do not incorporate geographical information. Using such methods coul...

2011-252 Sequential Array Cytometry: Multi-Parameter Imaging with a Single Fluorescent Channel

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 14:19:44 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a novel method for performing quantitative and dynamic single-cell biomarker measurements at a single fluorescent wavelength by utilizing parallel hydrodynamic cell trapping arrays. Background A personalized approach to medical diagnostics and treatment is required due to heterogeneity within the human population and within diseased tissues. To that end, functional assays at the single-cell level can contribute to uncovering heterogeneity and ultimately assist in improved treatment decisions based on the presence of ou...

2011-248 Amination of Aryl Alcohol Derivatives

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 14:17:17 GMT

2011-248 Amination of Aryl Alcohol Derivatives Summary Recently, researchers in the laboratory of Dr. Neil Garg, of the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at UCLA, have completed the first amination reactions of aryl O-sulfamates. In addition, the researchers have discovered that aryl carbamates are also excellent substrates for Ni-catalyzed amination reactions. Though relatively unexplored, these electrophilic cross-coupling partners possess a number of benefits compared to more conventional phenol based electrophiles. They are easy to prepare, exhibit pronounced stability to a variet...

2011-129 Microfluidic and Solid-State Beta Camera In-Vitro Kinase Radioassay

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 14:09:59 GMT

Summary UCLA investigators have developed a miniaturized kinase assay that holds several advantages over conventional kinase radioassays. By utilizing a microfluidic platform with a solid state beta camera, this invention lowers the cell and radioactive input requirements and allows for improvements in cost, efficiency, speed, and labor. Background There is a broad interest in targeting kinases for drug discovery and patient diagnosis. For example, kinases are important biomarkers in cancer diagnostics and treatment, or their activity can be monitored to determine the state of a cell (e.g. via...

2011-068 A Therapeutically Relevant Culture System for Human Neural Stem-Cells and Oligodendrocytes

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 14:06:31 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed a novel culture system that accelerates the propagation of neural stem cells (NSC) and their specification into oligodendrocytes (OL). The system is capable of modulating the maturational stages of OL, allowing them to reach a full myelinating state. The system also accommodates specification of human embryonic stem cells (ES) and induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPS) into OL. Thus, the invention has a great potential to accelerate stem cell research and therapies for myelin disorders and nervous system injury.Background The production, culture, and harv...

2011-035 Statistical Comparison of Rank Lists and Molecular Profiles

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 13:58:29 GMT

Summary The RRHO algorithm allows for the comparison of two gene expression signatures. Each signature is processed as a ranked list based on expression differences between two classes of samples. The signatures can be input either as raw expression data and sample and class labels, or as a pre-ranked gene list.Innovation Comparing independent high-throughput gene-expression experiments can generate hypotheses about which gene-expression programs are shared between particular biological processes. Current techniques to compare expression profiles typically involve choosing a fixed differential...

2011-033 Methods For The Identification And Targeting Of Brain Regions And Structures

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 13:56:06 GMT

Summary A UCLA physician has developed a method to identify regions of the brain using Diffusion Tensor Imaging MRI to locate afferent and efferent neural tracts that lead to and from the specific region of interest. This technique will improve the accuracy and safety of brain treatments, such as electrical brain stimulation and ultrasound imaging.Background Brain treatments, such as deep brain stimulation (DBS), require the attachment of electrodes to highly specific brain regions. Improper placement of DBS leads could result in seizures, infection, bleeding, and irreversible damage to the br...

2011-017 Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticle Based siRNA/Drug Delivery System

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 13:52:58 GMT

Summary UCLA inventors have developed a novel delivery platform using mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNP) that has the ability to deliver both nucleic acids and drugs concurrently. Using this system, clinicians would be able to deliver drugs and nucleic acids that modify the expression of a series of drug resistant genes that may neutralize the effect of a co-delivered drug. Background Owing to its unique structure and ease with which their surface can be functionalized, mesoporous silica nanoparticles constitute a multi-functional platform that can be used for nucleic acid delivery and/or ...

2010-969 Oxidative CH Activation of Non-Activated Alkanes Using Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) as Catalysts

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 13:47:34 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed two novel organic framework-based catalysts used in CH activation during the process of converting methane into acetic acid. These catalysts demonstrate high efficiency and specificity, combined with the great chemical stability and reproducibility seen with organic framework materials. Background Methane is a great source of cost and environmental-friendly carbon-fuel. The conversion of methane into useful molecules, such as acetic acid, has been a long standing challenge due to the strong C-H bond of meth...

2010-810 Fusion Protein For Anti-Cd19 Chimeric Antigen Receptor Detection

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 13:42:43 GMT

Summary Researchers at UCLA have developed a fusion protein that can detect immune cells expressing anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptors with higher specificity and lower background than existing antibodies. Background CD19, a glycoprotein specific to the B-cell lineage, is a target of a number of cancer immunotherapies. Clinical trials testing the effectiveness of T cells equipped with anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) in B-cell malignancy treatments are currently underway. Improving the detection of T cells that carry anti-CD19 CARs would greatly improve the characterization of the...

2010-657 Novel Live Recombinant Booster Vaccine against Tuberculosis

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 13:38:34 GMT

Summary Researchers at UCLA have developed a novel vaccination strategy against tuberculosis in humans and animals. The invention also details the generation of a vaccine against leprosy and other mycobacterial diseases in humans and animals. Background Tuberculosis (TB) infection remains highly prevalent worldwide. The WHO estimates 1.7 million deaths from TB annually. Africa and Southeast Asia have the highest burden of TB mortality. The persistence of TB infection has promoted the emergence of multi- and extensively drug-resistant (M/XDR) strains, which pose an imminent threat to industrial...

2010-656 Rapid Solid-State Metathesis Routes to Nanostructured Silicon-Germanium

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 13:36:25 GMT

Summary In collaboration with UCLA Scientists from the Department of Chemistry and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory at Cal Tech, scientists have developed a rapid solid state metathesis route to produce nanostructured silicon and silicon-germanium composites that have applications in energy storage and energy conversion. Background Silicon has long been revered for its unique semiconductor properties, and is used heavily in advanced electronic device fabrication of all types. Nanostructured silicon is now being used for next generation devices that take advantage of the material's unique properti...

2010-653 Preparation and Activity of Novel Photosensitizer Acting as a Broad Spectrum Antiviral Agent Against Enveloped Viruses

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 13:33:24 GMT

Summary Professor Michael Jung's group at UCLA has developed a novel class of compounds with broad spectrum antiviral activity toward enveloped viruses. Background Advances in antiviral treatments have allowed clinicians to control and manage many life-threatening viral infections. Most notably, these therapies have focused on the treatment of HIV, herpes viruses, hepatitis B and C, and influenza A and B. Current drug treatments are designed under what is known as the "one bug one drug" paradigm, where antiviral action is targeted to virus-specific proteins necessary for survival and...

2010-586 Methods To Detect And Respond To Trojan IC Attacks

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 13:29:33 GMT

Summary Researchers at UCLA have developed a novel bus architecture to protect integrated circuit (IC) systems against real-time Trojan attacks, without incurring high cost in terms of bus resources and performances Background As the complexity and size of communications system-on-chip (SoC) exponentially grow, companies are increasingly outsourcing the design and manufacturing process. However, along with its significantly lower fabrication cost, outsourcing renders ensuring the security of the design difficult. There is a growing threat of Trojan attacks, in which an IC design is surreptitio...

2010-480 Nanostructured Polymer Electrodes

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 13:27:20 GMT

Summary Professor Kaner and colleagues at UCLA and Caltech have developed novel electrode structures for use in the storage of ions made with novel nanostructured polymer films. This technology takes advantage of a new class of nanofiber conjugate polymer materials to form amphoteric electrodes that demonstrate improved cycling properties and remarkable application flexibility.

2010-381 Vertical-Stacked-Array-Transistor (VSAT) for Nonvolatile Memory Devices

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 13:21:11 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have created a novel Vertical-Stacked-Array-Transistor (VSAT) for ultra-high-density and cost-effective NAND flash memory devices and solid state drives. Background The NAND flash memory has a simple cell structure allowing for higher density and more memory capacity. Further, it is ideal for mobile devices because flash memory is highly durable and able to withstand mechanic shock, high pressure, temperature, immersion in water, etc. Solid state drives, based on NAND flash memory, are lower in cost compare to DRAM and are abl...

2010-247 Digital Microfluidic Platform for Radiochemistry

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 13:13:08 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have created a novel, integrated microfluidic approach to radiochemical synthesis. Radiochemicals have been successfully synthesized on droplet-based microfluidic chips operated by electro-wetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) actuation. Background Radiochemicals have important uses in medicine, preclinical research, biology, biochemistry, and environmental science. Radiochemical synthesis requires rapid reactions and purification steps, protective radiation shielding, and specialized equipment. Currently, the usual synthesis approach is to use macroscopic batch systems. Howeve...

2010-244 Epitaxial Growth of Single Crystalline MgO on Germanium

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 13:09:08 GMT

Innovation Professor Wang and colleagues have demonstrated epitaxial growth of magnesium oxide on Germanium (Ge) with single crystalline order and atomically smooth morphology. One application of the MgO/Ge interface is use in a Ge-based Metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) to amplify or switch electronic signals. Another application of this technology would utilize the ferromagnetic metal/MgO/Ge tunnel junction to realize efficient spin injection from ferromagnetic metals into Ge.

2010-175 Unobstructing Microdevices for Self-Clearing Implantable Catheters

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 13:07:49 GMT

Summary Dr. Jack Judy and colleagues in the Department of Bioengineering at UCLA have developed an unobstructing microdevice for self-clearing catheters that alleviates flow obstruction. Background Implanted medical catheters are now an integral part of clinical care. However, many chronically implanted catheter systems are plagued with reduced performance as a result of prolonged accumulation of biological debris. For the neurological disorder hydrocephalus, obstruction of the shunt tubing that diverts cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain is one of the most commonly occurring complication...

2010-140 In-Place Reconfiguration for Programmable Logic

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 13:05:07 GMT

2010-140 In-Place Reconfiguration for Programmable Logic Summary Researchers at UCLA have developed a fault-tolerant logic resynthesis algorithm for LUT-based FPGAs which decreases the circuit fault rate without changing the topology of the logic network, thus eliminating the additional rounds of physical design that are required in conventional resynthesis algorithms. Background Due to their design versatility and lower cost, FPGA systems are increasingly favored in comparison to their ASIC counterpart. However, because FPGA is more vulnerable to soft errors it is essential to improve its fau...

2010-121 Design and Synthesis of New Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) With Unique Topologies

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 13:01:08 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a series of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) with unique topologies, structures, and pore sizes, thereby, making these materials more versatile in applications such as gas storage and separation. Background Open framework materials such as zeolitic inmiazolate frameworks (ZIFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are porous in nature, highly stable, and therefore, have a wide range of industrial applications. Such applications include gas storage and separation, chemical ...

Apparatus And Method For Multiple-Pulse Impulsive Stimulated Raman Spectroscopy (Case No. 2010-116)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 12:58:26 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed an apparatus and method for multiple-pulse impulsive stimulated Raman spectroscopy for molecule structure-level characterization. Background Vibrational spectrum derived from a biological sample acquired in a non-pharmaceutical and low-invasive manner is used in biological diagnosis, such as discrimination between healthy tissue and cancerous tissue. Comparing with vibrational spectrum obtained in the fingerprint region, terahertz vibrational spectrum is expected to provide information specific to a molecular s...

2010-079 Azuvirins: Novel Peptides with Antiviral and Antineoplastic Potential

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 12:55:49 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have designed and produced a series of small peptides that demonstrate outstanding synergistic efficacy with radiation in treating tumor growth and development. In addition, the peptides are potent inhibitors of viral infection from HIV and herpes simplex virus (HSV). Background Targeted radiation therapy has been a mainstay of treatment for human cancers for decades. The development of compounds that sensitize malignancies to radiation has significantly enhanced its efficacy. The ability of "radio-sensitizer" compounds to improve therapy is dependent on thei...

2011-725 Dual Transgenic Mice for Endothelial Cell Research (Ve-Cadherin Cre-Recombinase - Rosa26r-YFP)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 22:08:57 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed a dual transgenic animal that enables genetic tracing of endothelial cells and their derivatives. Background Disturbances in endothelial gene expression contribute to vascular morphogenesis and tumor growth. Over the past century, the mouse has emerged as the premier mammalian model system for genetic research. Its genetic and physiological similarities to humans, as well as the ease with which its genome can be manipulated, make it especially attractive as models for human disease. Thus, mouse models that enable genetic tracing of endothelial cells woul...

2011-723 Transgenic Mice for Endothelial Cell Research (Ve-Cadherin Cre-Recombinase - Rosa26r-LacZ)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 22:06:18 GMT

2011-346 Fox-2 Transgenic Mice

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 22:01:24 GMT

Innovation UCLA researchers have developed transgenic mice in which two exons of the Fox-2 (Rbfox2, RBM9) gene are flanked by loxP sites to permit deletion of the gene when the mice are crossed to mice expressing Cre recombinase. Fox-2 is an RNA-binding protein that regulates the alternative splicing of multiple transcripts in neurons and embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Fox-2 has been implicated in neurological disease, including spinocerebellar ataxia type I (SCAI), and has been shown to regulate the alternative splicing of ~7% of all genes in human ESCs. These mice are valuable research tools t...

2011-344 Fox-1 Transgenic Mice

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 22:00:29 GMT

Innovation UCLA researchers have developed transgenic mice in which two exons of the Fox-1 (Rbfox1, A2BP1) gene are flanked by loxP sites to permit deletion of the gene when the mice are crossed to mice expressing Cre recombinase. Fox-1 is an RNA-binding protein that regulates the alternative splicing of multiple transcripts in neurons. Human Fox-1 has been implicated in various neurodevelopmental disorders, including epilepsy, mental retardation and autism spectrum disorder. These mice are valuable neurological disease models and can be used to understand the development and mature function o...

2010-706 VE-cadherin-CreERT2 Transgenic Mouse

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 21:58:25 GMT

Innovation To introduce temporal control in genetic experiments targeting the endothelium, we established a mouse line expressing tamoxifen-inducible Cre-recombinase (Cre-ERT2) under the regulation of the vascular endothelial cadherin promoter (VECad). Specificity and efficiency of Cre activity was documented by crossing VECad-Cre-ERT2 with the ROSA26R reporter mouse, in which a floxed-stop cassette has been placed upstream of the -galactosidase gene. We found that tamoxifen specifically induced widespread recombination in the endothelium of embryonic, neonatal, and adult tissues. Recombinatio...

2010-705 Floxed Mouse for Progesterone Receptor (PRCE)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 21:56:03 GMT

Innovation The progesterone receptor (PR) is required for several aspects of mammalian female reproduction. PR null mice have overlapping defects that preclude an understanding of its multiple functions in ovulation, pregnancy, mammary gland biology, and sexual behavior. Researchers at UCLA have generated a PR conditional excision (PRCE) allele in which loxP sites flank exon 1. Homozygous PRCE females are fertile and appear to be functionally normal. Global cre mediated excision of the floxed exon 1 using EIIa-cre mice resulted in systemic loss of exon 1 and PR protein. Female mice homozygous ...

2010-675 VE-Cadherin-Cre-recombinase Transgenic Mouse

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 21:54:34 GMT

Innovation The ability to target gene deletion to a specific cellular compartment via the Cre/loxP system has been a powerful tool in the analysis of broadly expressed genes. Researchers at UCLA generated a transgenic mouse line in which expression of Cre-recombinase is under the regulatory control of the VE-Cadherin promoter. Temporal distribution and activity of the enzyme was evaluated with two independent Cre reporter lines. Histological analysis was performed throughout development and in the adult. Recombination of lox P sites with subsequent expression of beta-galactosidase or GFP was d...

2010-662 Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptor type 1B (BMPR1B or Alk6) Knockout Mouse

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 21:51:11 GMT

Innovation Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptor type 1B (BMPR1B) is a member of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) receptor family of transmembrane serine/threonine kinases. BMPs are involved in endochondral bone formation and embryogenesis. BMP signaling is essential for multiple aspects of early chondrogenesis. BMPR1B has distinct signaling properties compared to other BMP receptors. In particular, activation of this receptor causes mesenchymal stem cells to become osteoblasts. Researchers at UCLA have developed BMPR1B (Alk6)-deficient mice and the phenotypes of tissues or cells from these ...

2010-535 Ptgs2 (Cyclooxygenase-2) Luciferase Knock-In Mouse

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 21:49:41 GMT

Innovation Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (Ptgs2, also known as Cyclooxygenase-2 or Cox-2) is an enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of prostanoids. Aberrant Ptgs2 expression plays major causal and modulatory roles in various cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, and chronic and acute inflammation conditions. UCLA researchers have developed a transgenic mouse model with an insertion of the firefly luciferase reporter gene into the endogenous Ptgs2 locus. This results in concomitant expression of Ptgs2 and the luciferase reporter, allowing researchers to non-invasively monitor Ptgs2 expre...

2010-534 Ptgs2 (Cyclooxygenase-2) Conditional Knockout Mouse

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 21:47:34 GMT

Innovation Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (Ptgs2, also known as Cyclooxygenase-2 or Cox-2) is an enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of prostanoids. Aberrant Ptgs2 expression plays major causal and modulatory roles in various cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, and chronic and acute inflammation conditions. Researchers at UCLA have developed a transgenic mouse model that results in conditional deletion of the Ptgs2 gene using Cre/loxP technology. This innovation allows the investigation of Ptgs2 function in specific tissues or at various developmental time points. Applications This inn...

2010-498 Synaptotagmin-4 Knockout Mice

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 21:46:21 GMT

Innovation UCLA researchers have developed knockout mice in which the Synaptotagmin 4 (Syt4) gene is deleted. Synaptotagmin 4 is involved in a number of neurobiological events, including vesicle fusion and neurotransmitter release at neuronal synapses. These mice can be used to study many central nervous system (CNS) functions, including memory, learning, fear and anxiety

2010-496 Male Mice Lacking Sry on the Y Chromosome with a Function Autosomal Sry Transgene

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 21:44:52 GMT

Innovation UCLA researchers have developed mice in which the Sry gene is deleted from the Y chromosome and inserted onto an autosome as a transgene, effectively transferring testis determination from the Y chromosome to an autosome. When male mice carrying the Sry transgene are mated to wild-type females, they produce four "core" genotypes that can be used as a model to investigate relationships between sex chromosome complement (XX or XY) and gonadal type that influences phenotypic characteristics. Applications This mouse strain allows investigation of the separate actions, and inte...

2010-090 A Humanized Mouse Model of Severe Asthma

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 21:40:12 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed two transgenic mouse models that mimic the allergic response to be used for studying asthma and other allergic and inflammatory diseases. Background Asthma, a chronic inflammatory disease of the lung, affects an increasingly larger population every year and presents a major public health problem in terms of morbidity and cost. The cause and mechanisms of asthma and allergic diseases are not yet understood. As the spontaneous development of asthma in a non-human animal is next to impossible, the ability to engineer mouse models of the disease remains crit...

2010-015 A Genetic Model for Deoxycytidine Kinase Deficiency

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 21:38:30 GMT

Background Production and maintenance of a balanced pool of deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs) for DNA synthesis is of critical importance for cell division. Cellular dNTP pools are generated by two biosynthetic pathways: de novo synthesis and deoxyribonucleoside salvage. Amongst salvage pathway enzymes, deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) has unique properties: it provides cells with all 4 dNTPs required for DNA synthesis (dATP, dCTP, dGTP, dTTP) and activates many pro-drugs that are widely used in cancer, autoimmunity and viral infections such as gemcitabine, fludarabine and cladribine. ...

2009-759 A New Method to Reduce Radiation Dose in Multidetector CT while Maintaining Image Quality

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 21:34:27 GMT

Summary UCLA scientists have developed an approach that reduces radiation dose to specific radiation- sensitive organs during a helical CT scan while maintaining image quality. Background At more than 60 million scans per year in the U.S, computed tomography (CT) is a major contributor to the increased collective radiation received by patients. Concerns over ionizing radiation received by patients have been compounded by evidence for a small radiation-associated cancer risk from exposure comparable to a few CT scans. To address these concerns, various approaches to reduce radiation from CT sca...

2009-733 Conductive Open Frameworks

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 21:28:07 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a 2D conducting covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with high charge carrier mobility. The multifunctional and conductive nature of the synthesized COFs in addition to its thermal stability, high-charge mobility, and pore accessibility enables for a wide range of applications in electronic devices. Background A crucial characteristic of a semiconductor is the ability to control its electrical conductance, with charge carrier mobility being the most important property. In order to enhance the mobility of char...

2009-718 Transgenic Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease with Age-Dependent Hypokinetic Motor Deficits, Dopaminergic Neuron Loss, and Alpha Synuclein Accumulation

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 21:23:33 GMT

Summary UCLA inventors have developed a novel mouse model of Parkinson's disease (PD) exhibiting late onset behavioral and neuropathological phenotypes. Unlike currently used methods, this transgenic mouse model exhibits age-dependent progression of the disease. Background Existing genetic mouse models based on known Parkinson's disease mutations recapitulate aspects of dopaminergic (DA) neuron dysfunction without exhibiting progressive degeneration of DA cell bodies. Furthermore, other genetic models, based on genes not linked to familial PD, do exhibit a DA neuron degeneration phenotype. How...

2009-679 Metallation of Open Frameworks

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 21:20:10 GMT

Innovation Current one-pot syntheses of MOFs and ZIFs are limited in the types of metals that can be utilized in the open frameworks. This invention provides the methodology for introducing any metal into the open framework paving the way for these materials to be used in gas storage and separation, chemical and biological sensing, molecular reorganization, and catalysts.

2009-676 Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage Using Open Frameworks

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 21:18:41 GMT

Innovation This technology demonstrates the exceptional performance of open framework materials possessing accessible metal ions as highly selective carbon dioxide capture and storage networks. They also demonstrate much lower energy requirements to regenerate compared to amine solutions and have a larger uptake capacity than zeolites. Because of the flexibility in the metal ions that can be used, these materials can be tailored to work with any acid gas separation and purification as well as for carbon dioxide capture and storage.

2009-655 Safe and Potent Vaccines against Tularemia

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 21:17:03 GMT

Summary UCLA scientists have developed a method to produce a tularemia vaccine for humans and animals. The currently used vaccine, F.tularensis Live Vaccine Strain (LVS) is toxic, unstable, and poorly characterized. This new vaccine overcomes these major drawbacks. Background Tularemia is a disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, one of the most infectious pathogenic bacteria known to affect both animals and humans. Although natural infections of F. tularensis have become less of a threat, the ease with which this bacterium can be manufactured and disseminated, its high infecti...

2009-592 Anti-S80 Phospho-Specific Mecp2 Antibody

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 21:14:13 GMT

Innovation MeCP2 is a methyl-CpG binding protein that binds methylated DNA to repress gene expression. Mutations in MeCP2 lead to neurodevelopmental disorders, including Rett syndrome, one of the most common causes of mental retardation in females. Phosphorylation of MeCP2 on a highly conserved serine residue (S80) is required for its roles in regulating gene expression and neurological function. Moreover, mutations at this S80 residue have been identified in Rett patients and result in neurological deficits in mouse models. UCLA researchers have developed a polyclonal antibody that specific r...

2009-522 Rosa HD

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 21:13:01 GMT

2009-522 Rosa HD Summary Background Huntington's disease (HD) is an adult-onset, autosomal-dominant neurodegenerative disease that is clinically characterized by a triad of movement disorders (i.e., chorea and bradykinesia), psychiatric symptoms, and cognitive deficits. In afflicted patients, symptoms usually progress relentlessly until death in 15-20 years after disease onset. HD is one of nine neurodegenerative disorders caused by a CAG repeat expansion encoding a polyglutamine (polyQ) repeat in otherwise unrelated proteins. In HD, the mutated huntingtin (mhtt) protein is ubiquitously expres...

2009-515 Increasing Brain Excitability For Recovery After Stroke

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 21:11:11 GMT

Summary Researchers at UCLA have developed an effective treatment that promotes Central Nervous System (CNS) repair in damaged brains following stroke, trauma or neurodegenerative disease. This novel therapeutic approach has shown tremendous promise, and can significantly impact CNS injury treatment. Background For the millions of patients who sustain injuries to the brain or spinal cord from stroke, trauma or neurodegenerative disease annually, treatment options are few, and recovery is often limited. In addition, sufferers of these Central Nervous System (CNS) injuries, particularly stroke p...

2009-511 Cleaning Lithium to Improve Protective Layer

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 21:04:39 GMT

Summary Professor Dunn and colleagues have developed a method to improve the homogeneity of a protective layer placed upon a lithium metal surface. By removing surface impurities from the lithium and applying a uniform protective layer, a more homogenous current distribution can be maintained across the electrode and dendrite formation can be suppressed.

2009-453 Vsat Structure for Nonvolatile Memory Device

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 21:03:00 GMT

Summary Provided are a semiconductor device and a method of fabricating the same. At least one mold structure defining at least one first opening is formed on a substrate, wherein the mold structure comprises first mold patterns and second mold patterns that are sequentially and alternatingly stacked. Thereafter, side surfaces of the first mold patterns are selectively etched to form undercut regions between the second mold patterns. Then, a semiconductor layer is formed to cover a surface of the mold structure where the undercut regions are formed, and gate patterns are formed, which fill res...

2009-441 Memory Capacitor Made from Field Configurable Ion-Doped Materials

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 20:54:35 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical Engineering have created a novel memory capacitor storage device that can be dynamically and reversibly programmed to analog capacitances with low-voltage (<5V) pulses. Background The modification of ionic concentrations in solid-state materials under the influence of an electric field offers rich physics and novel device functions. For example, memory resistors utilize ionic drift under an applied electric field to induce nonvolatile changes in material conductivity. A step forward in that line of research is the memory capacitor, in...

Small Molecules to Facilitate Therapeutic Exon Skipping (UCLA Case No. 2009-381)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 20:51:41 GMT

Summary Investigators at UCLA have discovered a series of small molecules to facilitate therapeutic exon skipping. The use of these identified molecules may enhance the effectiveness of antisense oligonucleotide agents currently in clinical development. Background A number of antisense oligonucleotide agents are currently in clinical trials for a wide range of diseases. Antisense technology is broadly used by the pharmaceutical industry as a tool for functional genomics and for highly specific drugs in different therapeutic areas. Antisense oligonucleotides in clinical trials are frequently fo...

2009-350 Region-Specific Dose Reduction in Radiation-Based Imaging

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 16:47:39 GMT

Summary Investigators at UCLA have developed a novel system to site-specifically reduce ionizing radiation exposure in x-ray based imaging modalities. Use of this method will vastly improve upon the safety profiles of these systems, without adversely affecting their imaging capabilities. Background X-ray based imaging modalities are a vital and necessary component of medical procedures throughout the world. Without doubt, their use has made a profound impact on human healthcare over the last century, and has resulted in the alleviation of pain and a countless number of lives saved. Similar ima...

2009-306 Polyclonal Antibody against Histone H3 Lysine 18 Acetylation

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 16:43:03 GMT

Innovation Researchers at UCLA have developed a polyclonal antibody that specifically recognized histone H3 lysine 18 acetylation. The antibody has been tested and confirmed to work properly in multiple assays including western blotting, immunofluorescence, immunoprecipitation, flow cytometry and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) in both human cells and yeast.

2009-302 Translation Factors as Anti-aging Drug Targets

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 16:41:55 GMT

Summary Investigators at UCLA have discovered the target for resveratrol, an anti-aging compound, which may be useful for discovering a new class of anti-aging drugs. Background Aging is a natural state of development that reduces ones adaptivity and increases the incidence of disease. Several diseases, including cancer, atherosclerosis and neurodegeneration, occur as a direct result of aging. Resveratrol is a well known anti-aging chemical, but its molecular target is controversial, making it difficult to uncover other chemicals. It would be of interest to discover resveratrols target within ...

2009-299 Supporting Cell Lines that Improve Gamete Production from Human Pluripotent Cells

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 16:37:11 GMT

Summary Scientists at UCLAs Broad Stem Cell Research Center have derived six human supporting cell lines that can be used in differentiation strategies to generate gametes from pluripotent stem cells. Background Pluripotent stem cells refer to any cell type that is capable of self-renewal and differentiation into embryonic and germ cell layers. Examples of pluripotent stem cells include stem cells derived from the inner cell mass of human blastocysts or stem cells derived from alternate methods such as induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells or stem cells derived from culture-induced reprogrammin...

Photocurable Poly(ethylene Glycol) as a Bioink for the Inkjet 3D Pharming of Hydrophobic Drugs

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 14 Jan 2020 10:24:53 GMT

UC Case No. 2018-197 SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a novel inkjet 3D pharming technique that is fast, customizable, and compatible with hydrophobic drugs. BACKGROUND: 3D pharming is an innovative technique that combines 3D printing and 2D material deposition to create personalized drug tablets that allow multi-drug delivery at customized dosages. This personalized medicine technology can improve clinical outcomes by reducing side effects and maintaining optimal efficacy. However, existing technol...

Multi-Component System And Method For Robot-Assisted Manipulation Of Bone And Soft Tissues

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 17:00:54 GMT

UC Case No. 2015-900 SUMMARY: UCLA researchers have developed a multi-component system and method for performing robot-assisted manipulation of bone and soft tissues for orthopedic surgical procedures. BACKGROUND: In orthopedic surgery, common types of procedures include fixation of bone and soft tissues as well as reconstruction of degenerated or damaged bone and soft-tissues. Currently, surgical manipulation of these bones and soft tissues is accomplished with the application of manual force either directly on tissue or through devices that transmit forces to the tissue including...

2009-233 Multivalent Targeting Strategy for Drug Carriers

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 15:58:32 GMT

Summary UCLA investigators developed a multivalent targeting strategy to modify drug carriers and enhance its targetability, sensitivity, and overall efficiency. This method involves the modification of drug-loaded nanoparticles, and has potential uses for drug delivery, imaging and medical applications. Background Ligand binding to the surface of drug carriers has been explored as a way of enhancing targetability and overall efficiency of drug delivery and imaging applications. Multivalent binding to imaging agents has been investigated and has been demonstrated to increase targeting over mon...

Apparatus And Method For Optically Amplified Multi-Dimensional Spectrally Encoded Imaging (Case No. 2009-275)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 15:55:48 GMT

Summary Scientists at UCLA have developed an advanced optical imaging technique that uses spectral brushes to capture image data across an entire sample area at once, a technique that enables faster imaging and higher sensitivity over current methods. Background Conventional detection techniques for imaging are slow and incapable of capturing dynamic processes that occur on the time scale of nanoseconds. CCD and CMOS sensor arrays in cameras have typical frame rates of 100 Hz-10 kHz, so even at the fastest operating shutter speeds (~100 ns) the download time can still take several milliseconds...

2009-269 A Semisynthetic Approach to Production of Keppra

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 15:51:55 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have designed novel metabolic pathways in E. Coli to easily produce the starting chiral synthons for Keppra synthesis from glucose. Background Epilepsy is a debilitating disease of the central nervous system, which can cause severe seizures. Affecting around 1% of the population, this disease requires prolonged, and often life-long, drug treatments. Keppra, or Levetiracetam, is an important anti-convulsant drug used to treat seizures in patients with epilepsy. Keppra's patent rights in the US expired in 2009 opening up a large opportunity for generic production of the ...

2009-224 Brain Collateral Perfusion Augmentation by Cerebral Venous Pressure Modulation

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 15:46:26 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed a novel method and device to improve blood flow to the brain to about 50% of normal baseline value, thereby treating acute or chronic ischemia associated with stroke. Background Cerebral ischemia, or damage to tissue due to reduced blood supply, can quickly lead to organ dysfunction and cell death. Cerebral ischemia can lead to stroke, which when not treated in a timely fashion, can cause permanent neurological impairments and death. Normal cerebral blood flow (CBF), when at rest and awake, is around 45 to 60 mL/100g/min. When CBF drops below 10 mL/100g/...

2009-131 Encoders for Block-Circulant LDPC Codes

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 15:43:07 GMT

Summary Methods and apparatus to encode message input symbols in accordance with an accumulate-repeat-accumulate code with repetition three or four are disclosed. Block circulant matrices are used. A first method and apparatus make use of the block-circulant structure of the parity check matrix. A second method and apparatus use block-circulant generator matrices.

2009-186 Gpat4 Knockout Mouse

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 15:11:19 GMT

Summary Researchers at UCLA have developed a mouse strain genetically modified to interrupt (knock out) the gene for glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase 4 (GPAT4; originally known as AGPAT6). This mutant mouse model is a valuable tool for investigation of the physiological function of GPAT4 in lipid metabolism, obesity, diabetes and related disorders. Innovation Researchers at UCLA have developed a mouse strain genetically modified to interrupt (knock out) the gene for glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase 4 (GPAT4; originally known as AGPAT6). This mutant mouse model is a valuable tool for in...

2009-136 Simplified One Pot Synthesis of [18F]SFB for Radiolabeling

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 15:09:47 GMT

Summary UCLA investigators in the department of Biological Chemistry have developed a high throughput screen to test for novel tyrosine kinase inhibitors that target regulatory protein binding. This assay has the potential to identify lead compounds to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia and other cancers dependent on tyrosine kinase signaling. Background In the last two decades, N-succinimidyl-4-[18F]fluorobenzoate ([18F]SFB) has been used as a radiolabeling tag for small molecules, peptides, proteins, and other biomolecules to yield radiotracers. These radiotracers can be used for in vitro or...

2009-058 Carbon Nanotube Composites for Supercapacitors

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 15:00:06 GMT

Summary UCLA engineers have developed a nanocomposite material that vastly improves the charge storage capability of electrochemical supercapacitors. This innovation poises ECs for commercialization in electronic, communication, medical, and automotive industries. Background Digital electronic devices continue to evolve rapidly; whereas the development of methods to power these devices has been comparably minimal. Lithium-ion batteries are frequently used in handheld devices, however their performance degrades over repeated usage. Electrochemical capacitors (ECs), or supercapacitors, have rece...

2009-042 Treatment of Post-Partum Depression by Altering GABA Receptor Function

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 14:56:57 GMT

Background Depression during pregnancy and in the postpartum period is an area of much needed research, in terms of both pathophysiology and treatment. Postpartum depression, defined as depression within one year of delivery is very common, affects 10%-22% of adult women. It is found that GABAAR expression is markedly downregulated by the increase in progesterone derived neurosteroids during pregnancy, an effect which rebounds rapidly in the postpartum period. Neurosteroids are synthesized de novo from cholesterol or converted from steroid precursors in the central nervous system. Altered neur...

2008-735 Antibodies Against Mouse Nuclear Proteins

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 14:53:37 GMT

Innovation Researchers at UCLA have developed antibodies to the following mouse nuclear proteins:Polyclonals: Helios; HP-1 alpha; HP-1 beta; HP-1 gamma; Mi-2 beta; NF-kB p50; NF-kB p52; Ikaros NTS; Aiolos CTS; C/EBP beta; Ets1; Aof2 (LSD1); Macro H2A1.2; EED; Smyd2; Smyd5; TFIID; Elf-1; TAF150Monoclonals: Ikaros; Aiolos

2008-765 Conductive-Organometallic Framework

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 14:45:04 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry have developed organic metallic framework (MOF) materials with high porosity and conductivity capabilities. Background Advances in gas storage and separation are needed to facilitate wider adoption of clean energy and for the control of toxic gases. For example, natural gas (methane) has gained some market share as an alternative to petroleum-based fuels for transportation vehicles, but its application is limited by low energy storage density capabilities. The methane has to be stored as compressed natural gas (CNG). but the high pressure...

2008-717 Polyaniline Nanofiber Composite Materials: New Chemical Sensors for Phosgene

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 14:36:46 GMT

Summary Professor Kaner and colleagues have developed a sensor with polyaniline polymers for the detection of phosgene (COCl2), a colorless, highly toxic gas that has been used in chemical warfare as well as in industrial processes for polyurethanes. The approach provides a sensitive (ppb) method to detecting this highly poisonous gas.

Nucleic Acid Tetramers for High Efficiency Multiplexed Cell Sorting (UCLA Case No. 2008-685)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 14:32:27 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology have a highly specific method of sorting cells by using multiplexed tetramers with unique DNA-oligomer signatures. Background The standard methods of isolating cells of interest include FACS (fluorescence-activated cell sorting) and "panning". Both methods use antibodies as a means of selecting for specific cell populations. A limitation of FACS is that the surface bound antibodies on the cell are often improperly oriented. This often leads to a decreased affinity and therefore decreased affinity for isolating c...

2008-669 Frequency Tuning of Disk Resonator Gyros via Resonator Mass Perturbation

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 14:29:18 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a new method for tuning the resonant modes in MEM vibratory gyroscopes using mass perturbation of the sensor's resonant structure. Background MEM vibratory gyroscopes have become smaller, less expensive, and more pervasive in the marketplace. Although vibratory gyroscopes have become more technologically advanced, they are still prone to detuned resonances. Traditionally, electrostatic tuning of the resonant modes is often suggested as a means for compensating manufacturing aberrations that produc...

2008-614 Optimal Routing Protocol Secure against Malicious Adversary

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 14:27:20 GMT

Summary Investigators at UCLA have developed a novel secure routing protocol for data transfer that achieves optimal transfer rate with negligible decoding error even if communication nodes are compromised by a malicious adversary. This advancement will vastly improve internet security and communication safety. Background The Internet has become a ubiquitous tool in many aspects of society, yet remains surprisingly susceptible to attacks. Even a single malicious node along the pathway from sender to receiver can corrupt communication in a meaningful way. Secure routing protocols attempt to ver...

2008-663 Optimized Matrix Based Virus-like Particle Entry and Budding Assay for Highly Pathogenic Viruses

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 14:09:40 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics have developed a matrix based virus-like particle entry and budding assay that can be used to study highly pathogenic viruses at lower containment conditions. The optimized biologically relevant assay is sensitive, specific and allows for easy quantitative detection of viral particles Background Many viral entry studies on highly pathogenic agents rely on cell-cell fusion and envelope pseudotyped reporter assays. These assays allow for detailed analyses of virus entry characteristics without high-lev...

2008-662 Improved Photovoltaic Efficiency in Semiconducting Polymer/fullerene Solar Cells through Control of Fullerene Self-assembly and Stacking

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 14:05:47 GMT

Summary Researchers at UCLA have developed a method for increasing the efficiency of polymeric/organic solar cells based on fullerenes and fullerene derivatives that utilize self-assembly to achieve very dense networks. Background Polymeric solar cells based on fullerene and fullerene derivatives are a clean, renewable, and cheap energy source, however the efficiency does not yet rival that of silicon-based technologies. Previous work to increase the efficiency of these polymeric/organic solar cells focused on increasing the density of active material in the device area. This has previously be...

2008-616 Intracranial Implantable Mechanical Device for Housing Neurostimulators or Drug Infusion Pumps

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 14:00:00 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Surgery have developed a novel device described as the Skull Universal Indweller for Generators (SUIG) to house cranial energy or drug delivering apparatuses. Background Traditional implantable brain stimulators and drug infusion pumps require the stimulation generators and drug pumps to be implanted in the patient's chest, with wires or catheter tubes running up through the neck. These wires and tubes may be uncomfortable for the patient and are at high risk for mechanical wear, failure and infection over time. A device that could localize generat...

2008-550 Novel Composite Semiconductor Substrate for Thin-Film Device Transfer

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 13:50:43 GMT

SummaryResearchers at UCLA have developed a composite semiconductor substrate used for thin film device fabrication compatible with epitaxial processes requiring subsequent substrate transfer. Their technique has distinct advantages over current methods in use today and offers to save costs to manufacturers. Background Current state-of-the-art electronic device processing trends are increasingly moving towards thin film devices, flexible electronics, and sophisticated three-dimensional integration schemes, all of which require device layers to be transferred from a growth substrate of one desi...

System to Produce Biotinylated Proteins (UCLA Case No. 2008-501)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 13:48:15 GMT

Summary UCLA investigators from the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology have developed a system that allows the metabolic biotinylation of secreted proteins in vivo by biotin ligase, both secreted and ER-retained. This process is an improvement over traditional in vitro chemical methods, and does not alter biological functions and reduces the chance of protein degradation. Background Biotin (vitamin H) is an essential coenzyme that is also used to tag proteins for detection, labeling, and purification purposes. The process of adding biotin to proteins is called biotinylation. Biot...

2008-489 Small Molecule Molecular Tweezers that Inhibit Amyloid-β Fiber Formation

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 13:45:44 GMT

Summary Researchers at UCLA have developed "molecular tweezers", which can inhibit folding, assembly, and toxicity of amyloid-β that define Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. In contrast to current therapies which only address symptoms, this therapy directly targets the disease mechanism of AD. Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an incurable neurodegenerative disease afflicting millions of Americans. Managed care of AD patients presents an enormous financial and social burden on society. Contributing to this burden is the dearth of effective treatments for AD. Current thera...

2008-452 Multifunctional Polymer Nanocomposites Preparation Methodologies

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 13:38:20 GMT

Summary Scientists at UCLA have developed several methods for producing high-quality polymer nanocomposites from a range of polymer matrix and filler materials, including metal and ceramic nanoparticles. Background In current polymer nanocomposite fabrication methods, such as simple physical mixing and particle surface functionalization, a coupling agent/surfactant is required to achieve uniform particle dispersion and provide good bonds between the nanoparticles and the polymer matrix. The chemicals necessary for these functionalization processes can result in high manufacturing costs and com...

2008-378 BORGS: Beyond Open Reticulated Geometries

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 13:35:42 GMT

Summary UCLA scientists have developed porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) capable of combining adsorption, conduction, molecular recognition, and switching into one material. Background Metal-organic frameworks are crystalline compounds consisting of metal ions or clusters coordinated to often rigid organic molecules to form one-, two-, or three-dimensional structures that can be porous. These structures, while robust, usually contain only passive sites for adsorption, lacking molecular recognition and switching capabilities. Innovation Researchers at UCLA have improved MOF structures by c...

2008-369 Fungal Immunosuppressive Compounds

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 13:15:19 GMT

Summary UCLA inventors have discovered a novel compound from a fungus that would have broad applicability for the treatment of human autoimmune diseases and transplantation rejection. Background Endophytes, microorganisms that reside in the tissues of living plants, are relatively unstudied and potential sources of novel natural products for exploitation in medicine, agriculture, and industry. Endophytic microbes, often in tropical rainforests, make compounds that have potential uses in medicine and agriculture, such as antibiotics, antioxidants and immunosuppressants. A collection of fungal e...

2008-247 Covalent Bi-Specific Monoclonal Antibodies that Expand Selective T Cell Subsets

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 17:29:44 GMT

Summary Researchers at UCLA have developed a bi-specific antibody useful for isolating and expanding specific T lymphocyte subsets. Background Isolation of purified T-cell subsets through typical separation techniques is difficult when dealing with small numbers of cells. A solution is to add bi-specific antibodies that selectively expand a desired subset. For example, to obtain purified CD8+ T-cells, a CD3 and CD4 bi-specific antibody added to a mixed population will act by triggering cell death in CD8+ T-cells and activating cell division in CD4+ T-cells, thus selectively expanding the CD4+ ...

2008-246 Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Lines and Method to Generate Human Embryonic Stem Cells from Dermal Fibroblasts

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 17:27:34 GMT

Summary UCLA investigators have developed a method to generate human embryonic stem cell-like cells from human skin fibroblasts. These so-called induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells have tremendous potential to create custom-made human embryonic stem cells to treat individuals with degenerative diseases. Background The use of stem cells to treat a variety of degenerative diseases has been a promising area of research and treatment. However, the therapeutic use of stem cells depends on the availability of pluripotent cells that are not limited by technical, ethical, or immunological considerati...

Lower-Complexity Layered Belief Propagation Decoding LDPC Codes (Case No. 2008-239)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 17:24:27 GMT

Summary Researchers at UCLA have developed a novel Low-Density Parity-Check (LDPC) channel coding scheme for high-rate wireless communication systems, which in addition to outperforming conventional scheduling schemes, provides a low-complexity, partially parallel decoder for small-to-medium blocklength codes. Background Due to their higher convergence speed and simplicity in iterative decoding, LDPC codes are often proposed as the channel coding solutions for modern wireless systems. This recent success of LDPC codes is mainly due to structures that allow partially-parallel decoders, resultin...

2012-027 Space Confined Polymer-Based Field Effect Transistors

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 16:51:18 GMT

Innovation Professor Tolbert and colleagues have developed a polymer field effect transistor (FET) which employs a silica space-confinement structure to allow high carrier mobility. Prototype devices have demonstrated carrier mobilities of 10 cm2/Vs due to the device's conduction along a polymer chain, rather than through an inter-chain network. Fabrication method can potentially be used to create transistors as narrow as 5 nm. This technology is well suited for applications in thin, flexible or low-cost devices, including displays, sensors, RFID and smart textiles.

2012-031 Anti-Human Deoxycytidine Kinase (dCK) Monoclonal Antibody

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 16:49:52 GMT

Background dCK is an enzyme required for the phosphorylation of various deoxyribonucleosides and their nucleoside analogs. Deficiency of dCK has been shown to be associated with resistance to anticancer chemotherapeutic drugs (e.g. gemcitabine). dCK also has a known importance in the development of adaptive immune responses. Applications The anti-human dCK monoclonal antibody allows physicians and researchers to study and detect dCK in patient samples. The mAb can be used for western blotting, immunoprecipitation, and immunohistochemistry of primary human tissue

2012-053 A Zero-Voltage-Switching Counter Based Outphasing Power Amplifier

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 16:45:49 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have created a power amplifier (PA) that efficiently generates high power, wide bandwidth modulated radio frequency signals from low voltage supplies while maintaining high linearity.Background The increasing sophistication of wireless communication technologies, in particular power conscious portable devices, has made efficient, wide bandwidth, linear power amplifiers (PAs) that handle high peak-to-average signal power ratios critically important. Generally, PAs are the major consuming blocks in any transmitter chain and the...

2012-100 Corneal Hydration Sensing with Thz Illumination

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 16:43:01 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have created a novel imaging system that measures corneal hydration levels by utilizing terahertz (THz) frequency (100 GHz - 1 THz) sources and detectors. Background Proper corneal hydration levels are critical to maintaining optical vision. Currently, corneal hydration is measured using ultrasound optical pachymetry, which involves measuring the central corneal thickness and extrapolating the average water content from these measurements. However, mapping from thickness to hydration is very inaccurate and is limited by inherent cons...

2012-102 Sub-Carrier Successive-Approximation mm-Wave Radar For High-Resolution 3D Imaging

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 16:40:12 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a sub-carrier successive approximation radar (SAR) system with a sufficiently high accuracy to capture three-dimensional images of objects concealed either under the clothing of a person, or within small packages.Background Radar based automotive and object detection systems have gained increasing attention in recent years. Adding to this interest are applications that employ millimeter-wave radar techniques to construct short-range three-dimensional (3D) imaging for security screening and biomedical applicatio...

2012-147 Receiver Energy Save Algorithm in MIMO 802.11n Wireless Networks

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 16:36:23 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Computer Science have developed a novel MIMO Receiver Energy Save Algorithm that yields energy savings of up to 37% in 802.11n enabled portable devices over the IEEE 802.11n's default Spatial Multiplexing Power Save feature. Background The IEEE 802.11n standard has opened the door for fully leveraging Multiple-input Multiple-output (MIMO) antenna technologies in computer communications over wireless LANs. An 802.11n device using multiple transmit-receive antennas can reach data rates of up to 600Mbps. However, the increased transfer rate comes at t...

2012-174 Nanopillar Photonic Crystal Lasers

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 16:29:54 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a novel "bottom-up" fabrication method of forming high quality optical cavities for laser applications using only nanowires or nanopillars. Background Currently, optical microcavity fabrication methods using nanowires require multiple material depositions and additional fabrication steps including precision alignment of the randomly placed nanowires. Further, such microcavities are relatively inefficient at trapping light and consequently require a threshold power of a factor of 1000 or more. Although...

2012-256 Lung, Lobe, and Fissure Segmentation and Analysis

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 16:25:58 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Radiology have developed a semi-automated image processing technique that recognizes areas of open lung, the anatomical lobes of the lung, and the fissures (boundaries) between them in computed tomography (CT) images. This method serves to partially automate the radiological evaluation process, thereby improving its speed and volumetric capacity over the visual inspections performed in current clinical practice for the diagnosis and monitoring of lung disease. Background Computed tomography (CT) imaging is commonly used in clinical practice to visu...

2012-292 Organ Resuscitation Solution & System for Enhanced Liver Transplantation

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 16:17:02 GMT

Summary Background Liver organs suffer a tremendous degree of ischemia and reperfusion injury (IRI) during transplantation. The injury stems from the interruption of blood flow and depletion of nutrients to the organ in the period between donor organ procurement, preservation and transplantation into the recipient. Cell injury or death and metabolic changes accompany this cessation of blood flow and liver cells are further compromised upon revascularization of the organ in a process known as reperfusion injury. IRI is a significant problem and causes up to 12% of early organ failure and 15% to...

2012-293 Compound Library Made Through Phosphine-Catalyzed Annulation/Tebbe/Diels-Alder Reaction

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 16:14:54 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a small molecule library consisting of a large variety stereochemical variants. Background Small molecule libraries are used for high throughput screening for any biological activity. These are used for drug discovery and to investigate mechanisms of activity. However, current libraries are composed of common molecules and their variants and do not include the vast majority of chemical conformations. There is an unmet need for libraries than sample a large number of backbone conformations and stereochemical...

2012-294 mGFAP-Cre-Recombinase Transgenic Mouse Strains

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 16:11:28 GMT

Innovation The laboratory of Dr. Michael Sofroniew in the Department of Neurobiology at UCLA has developed transgenic mouse lines expressing the Cre recombinase from the mouse glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) promoter. mGFAP-Cre mice were generated using a 15-kb promoter cassette containing all promoter regulatory elements (Ref. 1). GFAP is expressed in various central nervous system (CNS) cells, including astrocytes. The mGFAP-Cre mouse strains have utility in generating conditional knockout mice as well as developing reporter labeling schemes for CNS-related research. Two strains of mG...

2012-529 Fully Automated Localization Of EEG Electrodes

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 16:08:53 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed an algorithm for precisely locating EEG electrodes with respect to the patient's brain. Background Electroencephalography (EEG) measures brain activity by recording electrical activity via electrodes placed on the scalp, and it is used both clinically and in research. EEG measurements made from the scalp originate from sources deep in the brain, but it is difficult to determine the location of these sources with respect to the electrodes placed on the scalp. Currently, the EEG electrodes are precisely placed according to landmark features on the head lik...

2012-524 A Novel Rapid and Highly Sensitive Cell Based System for the Detection and Characterization of HIV

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 15:53:15 GMT

Summary Dr. Benhur Lee and colleagues in the UCLA Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics have developed a novel system to detect and characterize HIV with unprecedented sensitivity and rapidity. Background AIDS, the disease caused by the virus HIV, represents a devastating global pandemic. According to a United Nations report in 2010, HIV has killed nearly 30 million people worldwide, with over 2.5 million additional infections each year. Detecting HIV particles is critical not only to patient diagnosis, but also for basic and clinical research, the source of future ther...

2012-560 Bloom Filter Based Gossip Algorithm for Content Distribution over Wireless Peer-to-Peer Networks

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 15:49:37 GMT

Summary Computer scientists at UCLA have developed an algorithm that efficiently distributes messages over a wireless peer-to-peer network without the need of a routing protocol.Background With the evolution of wireless and mobile devices, information centric networking (ICN) has come to the forefront as a more efficient method of data communication over a traditional host-based model, thus paving the way for ad-hoc wireless networks to finally take shape. In ad-hoc networks, routing schemes leverage on control messages to discover the network topology in order to achieve efficient end-to-end ...

2012-550 NMR Probe for the Detection of Microstructures

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 16:13:43 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed an NMR probe with superior sensitivity for in vivo spectroscopy and detection of ultra small samples. Background Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a widely-utilized method for analyzing small molecule compositions. It is among the most sensitive techniques available and has great potential for studying metabolic profiles in living organisms. Since variations in the metabolite concentrations are indicative of many disease states, NMR can be a powerful diagnostic tool. In practice, however, thi...

Diagnostic Tools for Response to 6-Thiopurine Therapy (UCLA Case No. 2012-642)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 16:10:00 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed genetic and cytometric tests to predict patient responsiveness to 6-thiopurine therapy for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. This technology has the potential to reduce the incidence of the serious adverse effects associated with 6-TP treatment, by averting its use in patients unlikely to benefit from 6-thiopurine therapy.Background Thiopurine drugs - including 6-thioguanine, 6-mercaptopurine, and azathioprine - are used to treat transplant rejection, hematological malignancies, as well as a number of chronic autoimmune inflammatory conditions. In pa...

2007-626 Protecting Privacy from Social Network Structure-based Inference

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 15:55:15 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Computer Science have developed an invention to quantify how much a piece of personal information can be inferred based on social network structures revealed in online social networking services and methods to automatically generate recommendations to protect such personal information. Background Recent years have seen a huge growth in online social networking sites such as Facebook, Myspace, and Friendster. Given the huge amount of personal data and social relationships available in online social networks, protecting ones personal privacy is a gro...

2008-020 Mouse Model for Conditional Knockout of the PTEN Gene

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 15:48:51 GMT

Background PTEN has been shown to be central in the regulation of cellular growth and survival. In many forms of cancer, mutations or loss of function in PTEN results in tumor formation - and as such PTEN is now appreciated as a central player in tumor suppression. Furthermore, PTEN has been shown to have a modulating role on cellular functions other than growth and survival, implicating this protein in diseases such as diabetes. Therefore, examination of PTEN in other models of disease may provide insight towards the understanding of mechanism and treatment of these diseases. Innovation UCLA ...

2007-713 Peripheral Biomarkers For The Assessment Of Autism

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 15:47:27 GMT

Summary Researchers in the Department of Neurology and the Autism Center in the Semel Institute at UCLA have identified genetic factors which are associated with autism. Background Autism is a genetic disorder the etiology of which has yet to be clearly described. Recent evidence suggests that the genetic determinants do not follow simple Mendelian inheritance. Instead, the phenotype of autism appears governed by multiple genetic aberrations which together can variably contribute to the severity of the phenotype. Therefore, the identification and examination of these aberrations at both the ge...

2007-520 Charge Storage Device Containing Carbon Nanotube Films

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 15:37:24 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Physics have developed and reduced to practice a charge storage device incorporating carbon nanotubes films for supercapacitors and battery applications. Background Some charge storage devices such as supercapacitors and batteries require high surface area materials that form a double layer with an electrolyte. These materials, which serve as the electrode, can be carbonaceous materials such as carbon black or carbon nanotubes, but must also be interfaced with metal charge collectors, resulting in a multi-layer structure. Such a structure often has...

2007-234 Mechanical Process For Creating Particles Using Two Plates

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 15:27:33 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry & Physics and Astronomy have developed a novel method to lithograph two polished solid surfaces by using a simple mechanical alignment jig with piezoelectric control and a method of pressing them together and solidifying a material. Background This technology relates to the process and system for making microparticles and nanoparticles. Applications include lithography and patterning microelectronic and nanoelectronic structures for MEMS technology. The global market for MEMS devices and production equipment was worth...

2007-244 On-chip, Real-time Feedback Control for Electrical Manipulation of Droplets

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 15:23:56 GMT

Background The uniformity of each droplets volume in a digital microfluidic system is useful and often critical to the overall functions. Digitization of liquids, e.g. generating droplets from liquid reservoirs, is a key step to determine the droplet volume. Reasonable level of accuracy can be achieved by simple signal switching during the digitizing processes. However, the performance is subject to random variations over the devices and operation conditions. The known feedback mechanisms to control droplet uniformity required external equipments (pumps and valves) in the system hardware and c...

2006-697 High-resolution Microscope Using Optical Amplification

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 15:20:44 GMT

Summary UCLA Researchers in the Electrical Engineering Department and the Anesthesiology and Physiology Department have developed a novel method to significantly enhance the resolution of imaging instruments in all three spatial dimensions. Background Far-field optical microscopes, laser scanning confocal microscopes, and 4Pi confocal microscopes can image 3D structures. These microscopes are limited in resolution by the Abbe diffraction limit, especially in the axial z direction. Nonlinear techniques, such as stimulated emission depletion (STED), can break the diffraction limit. Combining STE...

2007-222 Mouse Model for Premature Aging: Zmpste24 Knockout Mice

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 15:07:09 GMT

Background Progerias are rare genetic diseases characterized by premature aging including: retarded growth, osteoporosis, alopecia, and ultimately occlusive vascular disease. Many progeriod disorders are caused by mutations that lead to the accumulation of a lipid-modified form of prelamin A (farnesyl-prelamin A), resulting in a disruption of the cell nucleus. Zmpste24 is a mammalian integral membrane metalloproteinase that is critical for the processing of farnesylated proteins containing the carboxyl-terminal CAAX motif. Zmpste24, an ortholog of the yeast protein Ste24p, acts as an endoprote...

2007-218 Computer-Aided Detection of Implantable Man-Made Devices in Medical Images

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 15:05:43 GMT

Summary UCLA investigators have invented a computer-aided detection (CAD) system to automatically detect and assess implantable, man-made devices (IMD) in medical images. This invention is the first computer vision system to detect and assist interpretation of implanted man-made devices in patients. Background Computer-aided detection system has become a promising subject in medical imaging and diagnostic radiology. However, there have been relatively few applications of these systems with the exception of two that have been commercialized for detecting organs and diseases in mammograms and CT...

2007-216 Vectors for Antibody Expression

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 15:01:49 GMT

Background Recombinant antibodies have a wide variety of uses as research tools, therapeutics and diagnostics. Vectors utilized for the cloning and expression of antibody variable (V) regions make the expression of whole recombinant antibodies possible. In addition, expression of recombinant antibodies in a variety of cell types would provide greater utility to recombinant antibody technology. Innovation Researchers at UCLA have developed a large variety of vectors useful in the expression of recombinant antibodies. Different antibody variable regions can be easily introduced into these vector...

2006-696 All-optical Radio-over-fiber AM-to-FM Upconverter

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 14:13:26 GMT

Summary UCLA Researchers in the Electrical Engineering Department and the Graduate Institute of Opto-Mechatronics have developed a novel technology for reducing the complexity of wireless communication infrastructure by minimizing and replacing expensive electronic conversion equipment. Background Wireless communication technology has increased demand for data transmission between wireless devices and base stations. Base stations communicate via radio-over-fiber with a central office, which manages data flow conversion between the base stations and the conventional optical communication networ...

2006-584 Drug for Dialysis-related Amyloidosis

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 14:09:42 GMT

Background Amyloid formation plays a role in over 20 human diseases including Alzheimers disease, type II diabetes and the systemic amyloidoses. Dialysis-related amyloidosis (DRA) occurs in dialysis patients when -2 microglobulin builds up in the blood and deposits in the joints as amyloid. DRA eventually affects all long-term kidney dialysis patients and is only effectively treated by kidney transplant; if left untreated, the systemic amyloidosis can be deadly. Over 300,000 people in the United States and over 1 million worldwide are on kidney or peritoneal dialysis. Finding a treatment to di...

2006-625 Proton-sensing G Protein-coupled Receptor 4 Knockout

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 14:06:37 GMT

Background G protein-coupled receptor 4 (GPR4) has recently been identified as a novel proton-sensing receptor. GPR4 is expressed in vascular endothelial, smooth muscle, and several other cell types. UCLA researchers developed a GPR4 knockout mouse in order to better understand the in vivo role of GPR4 and investigate the hypothesis that GPR4 acts as a pH sensor in blood vessels. Innovation Utilizing homologous recombination, UCLA researchers successfully developed a GPR4 -/- mouse line. GPR4 null mice had abnormalities in the formation and organization of blood vessels. Further testing reveal...

2006-624 Mouse Model Deficient for the Proton Sensing Gpcr T-cell Death-associated Gene 8 (tdag)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 14:05:14 GMT

Background T-cell death-associated gene 8 (TDAG8) functions as a proton sensing GPCR. TDAG8 was originally proposed to bind pro-inflammatory lipids. More recent studies have challenged the identification of lipid agonists for TDAG8 and have suggested that it functions mainly as a proton sensor. Innovation Researchers at UCLA have developed a mouse model deficient for TDAG8. It was confirm by using this model that the inactivation of TDAG8 proton sensor abolishes acid-induced production of the secondary messenger cyclic AMP in immune cells.

2006-594 Anti-MAGI-2 Rabbit Polyclonal Antibody

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 14:00:48 GMT

Background The MAGI-2 membrane protein (membrane-associated guanylate kinase inverted 3) acts as a scaffold to interact directly with and regulate the stability of both PTEN and IRSp53. In addition, members of the MAGI protein family are known to cluster receptors, signaling, and scaffolding proteins at specific membrane regions, including tight and synaptic junctions thereby playing important roles in regulating cell adhesion and signaling. Innovation UCLA researchers have developed polyclonal antibodies that recognize human MAGI-2, in addition to the mouse and rat MAGI-2 homologues (mouse AI...

2006-558 Converting Genomic Protein Sequences into Music

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 13:58:21 GMT

Background In an effort to make science appealing to a wider audience, interdisciplinary groups have combined their efforts to initiate novel approaches toward reforming the presentation and perspective of familiar scientific material. Such interdisciplinary projects stimulate ground-breaking thought that allows one to incorporate non-specialists into a particular field of study. With respect to basic science research, a conversion from genomic sequences to music could be used as a unique presentation to encourage independent and creative thought without conventional restraints that tend to co...

2006-557 Human Monoclonal Antibodies Specific to Phospholipids

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 13:56:31 GMT

Background Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) are associated with thrombosis, spontaneous abortion, and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). aPL antibodies recognize various phospholipids, phospholipid-binding plasma proteins and/or phospholipid-protein complexes. The plasma protein 2-glycoprotein I ( 2GPI) is recognized as one of the major autoantigens in APS. Other important autoantigens associated with APS include cardiolipin (CL) and the serine proteases thrombin, activated protein C, and plasmin. Innovation UCLA researchers have developed 12 human IgG monoclonal anti-phospholipid antibodies fr...

Recombinant Tuberculosis BCG Vaccine Elicits a Highly Protective Host Immune Response (UCLA Case No. 2006-538)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 13:52:11 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers specializing in infectious diseases have developed an improved method for producing a recombinant tuberculosis (TB) vaccine that elicits a highly potent protective immune response in the host for preventing or treating TB in humans and in animals. Background The only currently available TB vaccine, an attenuated Mycobacterium bovis strain Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG), is of variable efficacy. A large carefully conducted meta-analysis has estimated the potency of BCG to be approximately 50%. UCLA researchers developed and reported in the last several years a recombinan...

2006-296 Knowledge Management Software

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 13:50:02 GMT

Summary Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are statements developed from best evidence about clinically relevant appropriate care. These statements may be about protocols, standards or practice patterns. CPGs are important to the clinician to improve process and health outcomes whether they are created locally or nationally. CPGs organize and sequence care outcomes for specific conditions. Thus, the dentist uses the CPG to address specific and narrowly defined patient care issues. CPGs have been shown to be effective in producing behavioral change in clinicians' practices and care delivery. U...

2006-401 Inducible Dominant Negative Disc1 Transgenic Mice as a Model for Schizophrenia

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 13:45:09 GMT

Background Mutations in the gene Disrupted-in-Schizophrenia-1 (DISC-1), are associated with schizophrenia, depression and other schizoaffective disorders. Biochemical and cellular studies show that the DISC1 protein interacts with a number of molecules to form a functional complex, and that it plays an important role in neural development. Innovation Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles have developed inducible dominant negative transgenic mice strains expressing different mutant DISC1 proteins. These mutations are thought to abolish the formation of normal DISC1 complexes ...

2006-242 Biomarkers for Oral Tongue Cancer Metastasis and Extracapsular Spread (ECS)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 13:30:40 GMT

Summary Investigators at UCLA have identified biomarkers that will significantly improve the clinical diagnosis of patients for oral tongue cancer metastasis and extracapsular spread that are independent of histopathological evaluation. These biomarkers have been tested on patient tissue samples and successfully discriminates between metastasis vs non-metastasis and ECS vs non-ECS oral tongue cancers. Background Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are a heterogeneous group of tumors that make up the 6th most common malignancy in humans. Despite improvements in treatments over the l...

2006-215 B-raf/loxp-flanked Mutant Mouse

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 13:27:11 GMT

Background B-raf is a member of the Raf family of intracellular signaling proteins, which also include Raf-1 and A-raf. Members of this family are involved in the all-important cellular signaling mechanism known as the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK/MAPK signaling pathway. This ubiquitous pathway relays signals from outside the cell into the cells nucleus, regulating activities such as gene expression, differentiation, cell division, cell survival and cell death. B-raf regulates vital functions in the brain, testes, skin and bone marrow, and mutations in B-raf are found in malignant melanoma, certain types o...

2006-202 Rapid Computational Technique for Inpainting of High Contrast Images

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 13:25:12 GMT

Summary A mathematical model has been developed at UCLA that performs inpainting of high contrast images with considerable decrease in processing time. The results produced by this model are comparable to existing methods, making this technique ideal for document and image processing. Background Inpainting has been practiced by art curators for many years to repair damaged paintings, where the visible patterns are used to make assumptions on how to fill in the missing pieces. In recent years, the advent of digitization gave rise to various mathematical models that would automate the task of in...

2005-682 Self-biased Receiver System

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 13:22:17 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a self-biased receiver system with a dual branch architecture consisting of a lower-power consumption receiver and a rectenna. The use of DC power converted from the rectenna gives the system an extraordinarily long operational lifetime. Background Conventional rectenna systems have been developed for large power reception and efficient power conversion. Applications of this technology are typically large power transfer systems, which require a large-scale array. Innovation This innovation is the first rectenna...

2005-728 Ordered Vertically Oriented Porous Inorganic Films Produced through Solution Processing

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 13:03:11 GMT

Summary UCLA Researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a novel technique for fabricating vertically oriented porous films. Background There exists a wide range of applications for vertically oriented porous films, which can be used for the separation and filtration of solutions and electrical or magnetic contacts. Currently, these films can be produced using such methods as optical lithography and e-beam serial lithography, ion track etching, anodic alumina, aligned diblock copolymers, and various surfactant or polymer template materials. However, these techniq...

2005-488 Reflectins, a Protein Family of Reflective Squid Tissues

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 13:00:14 GMT

Summary UCLA and University of Hawaii researchers have discovered a novel protein family with unique iridescent and reflective properties. Background Reflective tissue can be found in many marine animals. This biological advantage protects the animals from predators by altering incident light and changing visibility. In many aquatic animals this is achieved through accumulation of purine crystals in the reflector platelets. Uniquely, squids express reflectins, a protein family, which confers the reflectivity characteristics. Improved understanding of reflectivity traits may promote technical a...

2005-604 Soluble and Cell-associated Hemojuvelins as a Therapy and Diagnostic for Iron Metabolism Diseases

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 12:57:32 GMT

Background Various diseases of iron metabolism are caused by abnormal hepcidin production, either too much or too little. In the case of anemia of inflammation, the production of hepcidin is stimulated by various cytokines including IL-6. Increased hepcidin levels cause the loss of ferroportin from the surfaces of macrophages engaged in the recycling of iron from senescent red cells. As a result, iron is trapped in macrophages and blood iron concentration decreases, restricting the flow of iron to the bone marrow, and thus slowing the production of hemoglobin and consequently decreasing the pr...

2005-439 Novel Telegraph Signal Microscope For Visualizing Single Atoms And Detecting Defects In Nanotechnology Devices

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 12:43:48 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have invented a novel nanotechnology probe based telegraph signal microscope (TSM). When TSM is combined with atomic force microscopy, real-time characterization of single atom spins and detection of defects in carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/ nanowires is possible. Background For more than half a century, the number of transistors per chip has increased exponentially according to Moores law. As traditional CMOS technologies are beginning to reach their limit, the semiconductor industry is looking to carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nanowire field-effect transistors (FETs) to answe...

2005-409 Complete Transfer of Liquid Drops by Modification of Nozzle Design

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 12:39:42 GMT

Summary UCLA Researchers in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department have developed a novel device to promote complete transfer of liquid drops through a nozzle without any residual remaining at the nozzle. Background Droplet printing precision is important for DNA/protein microarrays. Droplet variations cause detection errors. Inkjet-based and pin-based printing can produce inconsistent droplet volume. When transferred through a nozzle, liquid droplets tend to leave residuals on the printhead after printing. Residuals cause inconsistent printed droplets, and increase the need for c...

2012-648 A General Method For Designing Self-Assembling Protein Nanomaterials

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 11:02:13 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry have developed a novel computational method for designing proteins that self-assemble to a desired symmetric architecture. This method combines symmetrical docking with interface design, and it can be used to design a wide variety of self-assembling protein nanomaterials.Background Molecular self-assembly is the process by which molecules adopt a defined arrangement directed through non-covalent interactions (e.g. hydrogen bonding, metal coordination, hydrophobic forces, van der Waals forces, π-π interactions, and...

Novel Methods to Cultivate Human Limbal Epithelial Stem Cells (UCLA Case No. 2012-743)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 10:56:47 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Jules Stein Eye Institute have developed novel methods for cultivating stem cells using human feeder cells. This technology enables a more efficient system of producing pure stem cell populations for therapeutic development. Background Limbal stem cell (LSC) deficiency is a disease with severe visual impairment and marked morbidity. This disease can be caused by an inherited stem cell disorder or contact lens wear. LSC therapy, using grafts of autologous limbal tissue cultivated in vitro, is an attractive strategy for long-term corneal regeneration. However, thi...

2012-754 Modification of Peptides Using bis(thioether) ArylBridge (tAB^TM) Approach

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 10:49:21 GMT

Summary Researchers in UCLA's Department of Medicine have developed a novel peptide bridging technology that is a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to stapling technology for the manufacturing of peptide therapeutics.Background Stapled peptide technology utilizes chemical bonds to constrain peptides into a-helical conformations and results in an extension of potency due to increased resistance to proteases as well as greater cell permeability and bioactivity by the protein. Thus, stapled peptides have emerged as promising therapeutic candidates for treating a variety of human disea...

2012-813 Microfluidic Polymer Monoliths for Micro-Scale Preparation of PET Probes

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 10:35:55 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed a platform to perform fluoride ion concentration, solvent exchange, and activation on a continuous flow microfluidic chip. This invention is applicable to Fluorine-18 radiochemistry as well as widely applicable to any flow through capillary platforms or microfluidic platforms, which involve solvent exchange processes, specifically in multistep organic synthesis. Background Fluorine-18 (18F-) is an important isotope in radiotracer synthesis for positron emission tomography (PET). Fluorine-18 possesses many desirable properties such as a strong and stable ...

2012-814 A Novel Immuno-PET Tracer for Imaging of CD20

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 10:28:43 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed the first humanized, non-internalizing tracers for immunological positron emission tomography (PET) imaging.BackgroundImmunoPET is a powerful imaging tool that combines monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with radiochemistry to illuminate biological processes in vivo. Much like metabolic PET tracers, such as FDG, ImmunoPET tracers can distinguish areas of high and low expression or activity of a particular biological process. By providing a snapshot of localization of a particular antigen within the body, ImmunoPET has vast utility as tool for diagnosing diseas...

2012-816 Disposable World-to-Chip Interface for Digital Microfluidics

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 10:13:47 GMT

Summary Researchers at UCLA have designed a disposable system that allows the automated delivery and retrieval of micro-liter sized liquid sample reagents to and from a digital microfluidic chip. Background Current systems used to perform sample preparations that integrate with digital microfluidics use liquid valves, rotary valves, or small volume injection loops that are expensive and often require a large apparatus to operate. Other digital microfluidic systems require operators to directly pipette sample reagents into the platform which can incorporate human error and the potential exposur...

2012-874 Atomized Bioactive Spiral Coil Coating

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 10:09:33 GMT

Innovation Professor Wu and colleagues have developed a unique, detachable aneurysm coil system. Compared to previous methods, this technology possessing advantages included preserving mechanical flexibility, a polymer coating that promotes wound healing through intrinsic polymer properties, as well as providing a potential vehicle for drug delivery. The coil system can be applied to medical treatment of intracranial aneurysms.

2013-038 A Novel Approach for Lower Energy Dynamic Cardiac Cine Imaging With MRI

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 10:03:48 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed a novel technique for lower energy deposition or higher contrast dynamic cardiac cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The technology can be used for imaging patients with implanted devices; or imaging at higher field strength (‎≥3T) to reduce the deposited energy; or improving image contrast at 1.5T. Background Cardiac cine MRI is routinely used clinically for evaluating cardiac function. Cardiac cine imaging at higher field strength (‎≥3T) with the conventional balanced steady-state free precession technique is challenging due to the increased e...

Automated Image System for Scoring Changes in Quantitative Interstitial Lung Disease (Case No. 2013-078)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 09:46:29 GMT

Background Increasing evidence supports that the extent of interstitial lung disease (ILD) is an important predictor of prognosis for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and scleroderma. The median survival of IPF patients is 2-5 years. In U.S., about 100,000 people are affected by IPF and 30,000 new cases are diagnosed every year. Currently, high resolution CT (HRCT) is the best mode of investigation to diagnosis ILD. The visual semi-quantitative scoring is the prevalent standard to evaluate ILD on HRCT. However, semi-quantitative scoring systems are limited by the requirement of expert ra...

2013-180 A Novel Method for Synthesizing Hydrogels

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 09:42:57 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a novel and efficient method for synthesizing biocompatible hydrogels as scaffolding for tissue engineering and a vehicle for drug delivery. Background Hydrogels-networks of crosslinked polymers-have received great commercial interest as materials for tissue engineering and drug delivery. The 3-D architecture of hydrogels allows for loading of therapeutic molecules or encapsulation of cells for tissue scaffolding purposes. The properties of hydrogels are largely determined by their crosslinking chemistry. F...

2013-310 Improved Cardiac Late Gadolinium Enhancement MRI for Patients with Cardiac Devices

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 21:28:51 GMT

Summary UCLA scientists have developed a technology for improving late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for assessing myocardial viability of patients with cardiac devices such as cardiac pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). Background Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) MRI is the clinical gold standard for in vivo myocardial tissue characterization and is useful for assessing tissue viability in patients with ischemic heart disease, myocarditis, cardiomyopathies, as well as other heart conditions. LGE MRI is also playing an increasing role...

2013-457 Chemical Vapor Deposition Growth of the Large Single Crystalline Domains of Monolayer and Bilayer

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 21:12:39 GMT

Innovation Professor Duan and colleagues have devised a nucleation controlled chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process on copper foils to grow large and highly crystalline domains of single and bilayer graphene. Graphene is expected to make a large impact in the field of microelectronics owing to its remarkably high room temperature carrier mobility. However graphene transistors produced using CVD do not meet the predicted theoretical electronic properties due to the failure to grow single crystalline material. This method allows for the growth of monolayer crystals approaching millimeter later...

2013-470 Magnetoelectric Control of Superparamagnetism

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 20:59:59 GMT

Innovation The invention is a system with the ability to intrinsically control the overall net magnetization through the application of electric fields. Electric-field induced magnetic anisotropy in a multiferroic composite system is capable of switching between a superparamagnetic state (no overall net magnetization), and a single domain ferromagnetic state at constant temperature. This multiferroic composite system utilizes a piezoelectric substrate mechanically coupled to a magnetostrictive magnetic nanoparticle. Strain transfer from the substrate to the magnetic component of the system res...

2013-593 Laser Scanner for Fluorescence Imaging, Guided Surgery, and Ablation in Stereomicroscopy

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 20:53:08 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Physiology have developed a laser scanning attachment for common main objective (CMO) stereomicroscopes to aid in fluorescence imaging, ablation, and guided surgery. Background A stereoscopic microscope is a magnifying device that allows for three-dimensional visualization of a specimen. It is used extensively in biological sciences research, dissection, guided microsurgery, and electronics fabrication. Within the medical field, these microscopes are typically only used in the operating room during microsurgical procedures. Recent advances in stere...

2013-634 Inorganic Admixtures for Preventing Conversion Phenomena in High-Alumina Cements

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 20:49:50 GMT

Summary Professor Sant and colleagues have developed a method to prevent the strength loss caused by increased porosity seen in high alumina cement systems. The addition of inorganic admixtures serves to suppress hydrogarnet formation at the expense of more stable AFm phases. The result is high-alumina cement with increased volume stability and corrosion resistance.

2013-708 Preventing Synuclein Accumulation as a Strategy for Improving Neuronal Survival and Regeneration after Spinal Cord Injury

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 16:50:51 GMT

Background Protein aggregation is associated with a number of diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and amyloidosis), and is believed to be responsible for tissue damage after traumatic injury to the spinal cord or brain. It is hypothesized that removing such aggregates can alleviate symptoms and minimize tissue damage. Innovation This invention describes a new application of a known drug, called CLR01. CLR01 is a "molecular tweezer" that can disaggregate amyloidogenic proteins, such as amyloid-B. According to new findings, CLR01 can be applied to the injury site of the spinal cord, an...

2013-714 A Self-Organized Critical CMOS Circuit for Computation and Information Processing

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 16:47:43 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a novel system architecture for solving optimization problems faster using chaos or self-organized criticality to generate a matrix of bits for computation. Background Conventional computers are efficient in solving sequential arithmetic problems but they are inefficient in solving problems with many interacting variables. Such problems usually do not have exact analytical solutions and are often deemed non-deterministic polynomial-time hard (NP-hard) for conventional computers. Annealing approaches have been p...

MicroRNA Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets for Colon Cancer and IBD (UCLA Case No. 2013-778)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 16:44:34 GMT

Summary Researchers at the UCLA Geffen School of Medicine have identified a novel set of biomarkers consisting of a microRNA and aftiphilin (AFTPH) as an effective means to distinguish between tissues with colon cancer and normal tissues. Other biomarkers within the set are linked specifically with inflammatory bowel disease. Background Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women and the second leading cause of death from cancer in North America, striking approximately 165,000 people and causing nearly 60,000 deaths annually in the United States and Canada. Current treat...

2013-782 Wnt1 for the Treatment of Peripheral Vascular Disease and the Repair of Heart

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 16:40:55 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Medicine have developed a novel therapeutic agent for cardiac repair after acute cardiac injury. Background Heart disease is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity and an emerging public health problem in the developing world. The inability of the mammalian heart to regenerate cardiac muscles after acute myocardial injury remains a fundamental biological problem to the therapy of heart disease. Therefore, there is a clear need for novel therapeutic strategies. Innovation Dr. Arjun Deb and colleagues in the Department of Medicine have demonstrat...

2013-799 Synthesis of Fluorinated Radiopharmaceuticals via Electrochemical Fluorination

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 16:27:07 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology have developed efficient and high-yield electrochemical fluorination techniques for aromatic PET tracer synthesis. Background Positron emission tomography (PET) is a powerful diagnostic imaging tool and is increasingly being used to detect and monitor cancer, and cardiovascular and neurological diseases. Fluorine-18 (18F) labeled compounds are the most common type of radiotracers utilized for PET imaging due to the radioisotope's ideal half-life. However, one of their chief limitations is that few methods exist fo...

2013-833 A Controllable and Robust Cell-Free System for Fatty Acids Production

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 16:24:34 GMT

Summary Researchers from the UCLA have designed a cell-free system capable of producing fatty acids at a rate that is an order of magnitude higher than normal cell culture systems. Background Fatty acids (FA) are used in health and wellness industries as nutritional supplements and cosmetic products. Additionally, fatty acid production has been the focus of recent research because they are a source of biofuels. Traditionally, industrial biofuel is either derived from the hydrolysis of waste vegetable oils or is derived from engineered cell culture systems of E. coli or algae. The use of foodst...

2013-842 Modular Smart Antenna-RF Front End System for Handheld Devices and Base Stations

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 16:21:28 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the department of Electrical Engineering have developed a novel modular implementation of a radio frequency (RF) front end system that simplifies the design of active antenna systems for base station applications and enables users to demonstrate the seamless integration of an antenna to their RF front end chipsets. Background As electronic devices are becoming smaller, systems components are being placed closer to each other in order to conserve space. From this, the problem of interactions among these electronic components arises. In transmissions systems, this int...

2013-960 Scalable Parameterized VLSI Architecture for Compressive Sensing Sparse Approximation

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 16:11:36 GMT

Summary Researchers in the UCLA Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a scalable and parameterized VLSI architecture for compressive sensing (CS) sparse approximation, allowing for energy-efficient, cost-effective, and real-time compressive-sampled data processing in wireless/mobile healthcare applications. Background Wireless healthcare technology makes medical resources more accessible while also lowering cost, increasing the engagement between patients and doctors and promoting connectivity for improved therapy. One of the key challenges in wireless healthcare is the lack of e...

2014-234 A Method For Measuring Cardiac Timing From A Ballistocardiogram

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 16:02:18 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed an algorithm to directly measure the cardiac timing from Ballistocardiogram (BCG) to help cleaning the BCG from the Electroencephalogram (EEG) recording. Background Electroencephalography (EEG) is the recording of electrical activity from the scalp. In the clinic, EEG plays an important role in sleep medicine, epilepsy, brain tumors, anesthesia monitoring, coma, and other serious medical conditions. Ballistocardiography (BCG) refers to contaminate signals in an EEG that arise from movement of the body, blood and electrical charge across blood vessels due...

2014-256 Monoclonal Antibodies Against Prelamin A

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 15:53:34 GMT

Innovation Researchers at UCLA have developed a rat anti-mouse monoclonal antibody against prelamin A. The LMNA gene encodes lamin A and lamin C. Lamins are structural protein components of the nuclear lamina, a protein network underlying the inner nuclear membrane that determines nuclear shape and size. Prelamin A is the precursor to mature lamin A. Applications Western, IHC, ICC

2014-347 Graphene Moisture-Resistive Membrane Cathode for Li-Air Battery in Ambient Conditions

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 15:51:40 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed a graphene moisture-resistive membrane cathode for Li-air batteries operating under ambient conditions. This new technology may allow for the development of an industrially scalable approach towards high energy density rechargeable and one-time use metal-air batteries. Background Metal-air batteries are an attractive candidate for energy storage because they offer a simplified cell design and up to 15 times the energy density compared to current state of the art lithium batteries. Metal-air batteries consist of an exposed porous carbon electrode; the air...

Novel Methods and Compositions for Epigenetic Gene Silencing in Plants (UCLA Case No. 2014-444)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 14:26:44 GMT

Summary Dr. Steve Jacobsen and colleagues in UCLA's Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute have developed novel methods and compositions for targeted genetic repression in plants. The technology has broad agricultural applications. Background Epigenetic control in plants involves various molecular components, including regulators of DNA methylation, histone-modifying enzymes, and other chromatin and chromatin-binding proteins. Interestingly, many plants share such epigenetic control features and the changes mediated by them have been sh...

2014-505 Anti-Obesity Compounds Derived from Neuromedin U

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 14:23:40 GMT

Summary Researchers at UCLA have developed a highly stable neuromedin U (NMU) analog for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Background Obesity is the leading preventable cause of death worldwide. Obesity increases the likelihood of various diseases including: heart disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and sleep apnea. Therefore, therapeutics that reduce appetite, increase energy expenditure, and regulate blood glucose are of great interest. Neuromedin U (NMU) is an endogenous peptide known to regulate feeding and glycemic control. Overexpression or therapeutic administration...

2014-518 Self-Latching Piezocomposite Actuator

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 13:32:27 GMT

2014-518 Self-Latching Piezocomposite Actuator

2014-519 Phase Transformation in Ferroelectric Piezocrystals

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 13:30:44 GMT

Innovation Professor Christopher Lynch and colleagues have developed an efficient energy harvesting apparatus based on a single crystal ferroelectric material to convert external changes in force and temperature to electrical energy. This technology utilizes the phase transitioning behavior of ferroelectric piezocrystals to achieve high energy density. The technology has various applications in sensing and transduction.

2014-643 Developing Physics-Based High-Resolution Head And Neck Biomechanical Models

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 13:28:25 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the David Geffen School of Medicine have developed a new computational method to model head and neck movements during medical imaging/treatment procedures. Background Radiation therapy is the primary treatment for many head and neck cancers. Further, this treatment is generally tailored to the patient's response to the therapy (i.e. radiation dose). However, while radiation therapy is a powerful treatment option, its efficacy suffers from patient misalignment. Meaning, non-rigid changes in the patients posture or treatment are...

2014-749 Cell Line for Drug Ototoxicity Screening and Hearing Research

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 13:25:41 GMT

Innovation Dr. Federico Kalinec of UCLA's Department of Head & Neck Surgery has developed a cell line that expresses unique markers of sensory and supporting cells of the mammalian auditory organ, the organ of Corti. The cells, HEI-OC1 cells, are sensitive to drugs known to be ototoxic, such as aminoglycoside antibiotics and cisplatin, and unaffected by drugs known to be non-ototoxic. Thus, HEI-OC1 cells are useful for their applications in pharmacological drug research, chemical ototoxicity screening, and hearing research.

2014-783 Safer-By-Design Doped Pyrogenic Silica Nanoparticles

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 13:24:03 GMT

Innovation Professor Andre Nel and colleagues have identified pyrogenic (fumed) silica nanoparticles (NPs) as a potentially hazardous form of non-crystalline silica, and have developed safer-by-design strategies to enhance the biocompatibility of fumed silica. The team demonstrated that the high cytotoxic potential fumed silica is the result of formation of highly reactive surface silanols during high temperature flame spray pyrolysis. By doping the fumed silica during pyrogenic synthesis with small amounts of metal oxide dopants, the team has demonstrated a drastic reduction in the reactive s...

2014-792 Novel Method of Radiofluorination

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 13:21:18 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed a novel method for rapidly radiolabeling molecules with fluorine-18. Background Positron emission tomography (PET) is an extremely powerful diagnostic tool used to visualize functional processes in the body and is commonly used for clinical diagnosis and oncology treatment. A biologically active molecule is first labeled with a fluorine-18 tracer and then introduced into the body, where a computer reconstruction analysis can render three-dimensional images of the tissue. Typically, PET tracers are synthesized by nucleophilic radiofluorination of activate...

2005-408 Micropumping of Liquids by Directional Growth and Selective Venting of Bubbles

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 13:17:40 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have invented a micro-scale pumping mechanism that requires no moving parts, operates on low power, and offers greater utility than the present state of the art for both open and closed systems. Background Micropumps are a critical element of microfluidics, as they are required to move small volumes of liquid in a controlled, energy-efficient manner. Several categories of micropumps have been reported, such as mechanical micropumps, electrokinetic micropumps, and valveless bubble-driven micropumps. The valveless...

2005-373 Origamic Topology for Analog and Mixed-Signal Circuit Applications

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 13:14:57 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed and reduced-to-practice an innovative circuit structure for low power consumption and high gain amplification.Background Mobile communications applications are expanding and the need for technologies that provide higher performance and lower power and cost is driving the industry. This current demand is leading researchers to develop better circuit topologies for Radio Frequency/Millimeter Wave Integrated Circuits (RF/MMICs). Circuits capable of higher gain and lower power consumption are required for future RF...

2005-369 Phase Coherent Frequency Divider

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 13:03:41 GMT

Summary Phase-coherent differential structures contain a phase-coherent transformer having two pairs of phase-coherent coupled differential inductors.

2005-367 On-Chip Tunable Artificial Dielectrics

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 13:01:24 GMT

Summary UCLA Researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed and reduced-to-practice an innovative method for making chips with tunable dielectrics so the wavelength of RF signals can be modified to achieve frequency tuning effects without effecting noise interference. Background The ability to tune wavelength or frequency is fundamentally important to radio frequency (RF), microwave, and millimeter wave systems. Given the high market demand for new wireless technology, the improved capacity to tune the frequency of components is highly desirable. Current techniques for ...

2005-314 Protein-Protein Interactions as a Tool for Site-Specific Labeling of Proteins

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 12:48:48 GMT

Summary UCLA investigators have developed a method of utilizing protein-protein interactions to site-specifically label recombinantly expressed multi-Cys proteins. Being able to site-specifically label a donor and acceptor fluorophore is a critical component for the use of fluorescence resonance energy transfer analysis in monitoring protein folding reactions. This new invention accomplishes all of the necessary requirements for such labeling. Background Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between a single donor fluorophore and a complementary single acceptor fluorophore is a ...

2005-023 A Novel System for Measuring Protease Activity

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 12:42:07 GMT

Background Proteases or enzymes with proteolytic activity are fundamental to many key biological processes such as cell growth, cell death, blood clotting, matrix remodeling and immune defense. A large number of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria and multi-cellular parasites also use proteases to infect host cells, complete their life cycle and degrade the host immune system. Proteases have also been found to play a role in the pathogenesis of hypertension, liver cirrhosis, Alzheimers disease, autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid- or osteoarthritis and cancer. There is considerable effort to un...

2004-645 Circuits, Architectures and CAD Algorithms for Power Efficient FPGAs

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 12:37:59 GMT

Summary Researchers at UCLA have developed a FPGA design that significantly reduces power consumption while remaining compatible with conventional FPGA designs. Background While FPGAs are attractive design platforms due to their low cost and short time to market, their power efficiencies are much lower than that of traditional ASIC designs. Currently, many of the power optimization techniques proposed to overcome this problem significantly complicate the design and do not address all sources of power consumption. Innovation Researchers at UCLA have developed a simple and effective FPGA design ...

2004-644 Adipose Tissue-specific PTEN Knockout Mice

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 11:46:44 GMT

Background Aberrant glucose uptake due to insulin resistance is a key pathogenic feature of type 2 diabetes. Insulin signals through its cell surface receptor (IR). The binding of insulin to IR leads to the activation of the PI3-kinase pathway. A phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted from chromosome 10 (PTEN) is a negative regulator of the PI3-kinase/AKT pathway and is hypothesized to inhibit the metabolic effects of insulin. Understanding insulin signaling will lead to new targets for interventions aimed at reversing insulin resistance. Innovation UCLA researchers have developed a mouse mode...

2004-600 Transgenic Mice with Prostate-specific Reporter Gene Expression

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 11:45:01 GMT

Background Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the United States. Current treatments include surgery, radiation and anti-androgen therapy, although each option carries with it undesirable side-effects. Development of new pharmaceuticals with which to treat the disease relies on animal models that allow investigators to see easily the effects of a drug on the prostate. Current prostate cancer animal models require sacrificing the animal before the pharmacological effects of a drug can be observed. This makes following a drug at multiple time points tedious ...

Statins as Treatment for Cognitive Dysfunction Associated with RASopathies (UCLA Case No. 2004-598)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 11:42:25 GMT

Summary Professor Alcino Silva and colleagues at the UCLA department of Neurobiology have repurposed HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) to reverse cognitive dysfunction associated with RASopathies, such as neurofibromatosis type 1 and Noonan syndrome. Background RASopathies comprise a group of developmental syndromes arising from germline mutations in genes resulting in dysregulation of the Ras-MAPK signaling pathway. Among the RASopathies, Noonan syndrome and neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) alone account for an estimated 9 million cases worldwide. In addition to the physical symptoms assoc...

2004-561 Au Nanoparticles Doped Polyaniline Nanofiber Non-Volatile Memory Device

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 06 Jan 2020 16:47:22 GMT

Innovation Professor Yang and colleagues have developed a solution-processable, polymer non-volatile memory storage device. The conductivity of the polymer material can be increased or decreased by applying a positive or negative voltage pulse, respectively, with an on/off conductivity ratio of 10^3. On/off ratios are expected to be maintained at 10^2-3 after 10^6 switching cycles, which is comparable to Si-based solid-state storage. The flexibility and low-cost manufacturing of the device allow for use in smart textiles, ID cards, RFID devices, and disposable electronics.

2004-395 Novel Micro-Calorimeter Device for Drug Discovery and Biochemical Analysis

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 06 Jan 2020 16:45:29 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have developed a highly sensitive qualitative micro-scale calorimeter that can accept down to 1/1000th the reaction values of state of the art calorimeters and could be designed for both liquid and gaseous samples. Background Microcalorimeters are devices that measure very small quantities of heat in the fields of chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, and pharmacology to measure thermodynamic properties of biological macromolecules, such as proteins. Two commonly used types of microcalorimeters are the differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and the isothermal titrati...

2004-351 Tools for Induction and Measurement of Notch Signaling

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 06 Jan 2020 16:42:52 GMT

Background The Notch signaling pathway has been shown to be crucially important for normal development and is associated with several human inherited and late onset diseases. Four distinct Notch receptors (Notch 1-4) have been identified in humans and in mouse. In addition, there are multiple vertebrate Notch ligands: Delta-like 1-4 (Dll1-4), jagged1, and jagged2. Research tools to study Notch signaling are important for further understanding of the pathway and its contribution to human disease and development. Innovation UCLA researchers have successfully cloned the cDNA of the vertebrate Not...

2004-329 Resonance-Enhanced Tunable Bolometer

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 06 Jan 2020 16:39:07 GMT

Summary A method for manufacturing a sensing device, such as a bolometer device or other devices. The method includes providing a substrate, e.g., silicon wafer. The method includes forming a first reflection layer overlying the substrate and forming a first electrode layer overlying the substrate. The method includes forming a sacrificial layer overlying a portion of the first reflection layer and a portion of the first electrode layer. The sacrificial layer is patterned using photolithography techniques. The patterned sacrificial layer corresponds to a cavity region. The method also forms a ...

2019-519 MICROBIOME-BASED MODULATION OF SENSORY NEURONAL ACTIVITY

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 14:00:46 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology have begun to elucidate the molecular pathways for communication between the gut microbiota and the brain, serving as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of various neurological diseases. BACKGROUND: The gut microbiota is recognized as an important regulator of brain function and behavior, with the capacity to affect neurogenesis, blood brain barrier integrity, immune cell activation, and symptoms of neurological disease. Despite this evidence supporting a “microbiome-gut-brain axis,” the mole...

Nanomanufacturing Particles (UCLA Case No. 2020-192)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 03:48:38 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a treatment to introduce local immunomodulation factors, that overcome the side effects associated with systemic cancer immunology treatments. BACKGROUND: When the body’s immune system encounters foreign pathogens, proteins called antibodies are produced to fight infection. Through the course of a day, the immune system is exposed to billions of germs, and the immune system can educate itself to harmful pathogens. Recent research has even shown that the immune system can target cancerous cells, attacking them throu...

From Teeth to Hearing: A Promising Source of Stem Cells for Sensorineural Hearing Loss Treatment (Case No. 2020-135)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 03:41:44 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Dentistry have identified a novel source of stem cells that selectively differentiate towards auditory progenitors under appropriate conditions, for the treatment of both acute and chronic sensorineural hearing loss. BACKGROUND: Hearing loss is the most prevalent sensory disability in humans. In mammals, sensorineural hearing loss occurs due to permanent damage of the sensory epithelia of the inner ear, caused by factors including genetic diseases, birth abnormalities, infections, certain medication...

2019-701 PEPTIDE-BASED INHIBITORS THAT BLOCK AGGREGATION, SEEDING AND CROSS-SEEDING OF AMYLOID BETA AND TAU

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 03:29:17 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed novel therapeutics for Alzhiemer’s Disease and other tauoapathies. BACKGROUND:Alzhiemer’s Disease (AD) is a severe neurodegenerative disease characterized by deterioration of the brain cells and loss of multiple cognitive functions. Although AD is the most prevalent form of dementia, there are limited treatments to alleviate symptoms and none that halt its progression. Histological hallmarks of AD include plaques of amyloid beta and neurofibrillary tangles ...

2014-898 A Novel MR Angiography Technique

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 16:26:08 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Radiology have demonstrated the FDA approved compound ferumoxytol (a.k.a Feraheme) as a safer and more efficient contrast agent in MRI imaging compared to the traditionally used contrast agent gadolinium. This compound is especially suited for use in pediatric patients with kidney failure. Background Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) through MRI imaging is used in evaluating patients with cardiovascular disorders and is preferred over other imaging modalities that require ionizing radiation, invasive catheterization, or dang...

2014-968 A Multiferroic Transducer For Audio Applications

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 16:18:55 GMT

Summary Researchers in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at UCLA have developed a novel transducer for audio applications based on a multiferroic material. Background Traditional audio pickups operate on the principle of sensing movement through vibrations (piezoelectric pickup) or through a magnetic disturbance (magnetic pickup). Both piezoelectric and magnetic pickups offer a unique sound that can be preferred depending on the desired effect. In the former, a piezoelectric sensor records the vibrations and transfers the signal to an amplifier. These pickups are popular in acoustic gui...

2014-9AE High Resolution Depth of Interaction Gamma Radiation Detector

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 16:15:17 GMT

Summary Researchers at UCLA have developed a method for improving the spatial resolution and sensitivity of gamma radiation detection for positron emission tomography (PET). Background PET is a powerful imaging technique that has many applications in medicine such as clinical oncology and pre-clinical pharmacology. However, the limited spatial resolution and sensitivity of PET scanners has suppressed its potential in small animal studies. Unfortunately, efforts to increase sensitivity by using longer and narrower crystals for gamma radiation detection also lead to degradation of the spatial re...

2015-024 Automated Comparison of 3D Images

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 15:26:51 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Radiology have developed an accurate and automatic segmentation algorithm for contouring cerebral blood vessels. Background Active contouring is a commonly used image processing method for segmenting cerebral blood vessel aneurysms from computed tomography angiography (CTA) images and evaluating the treatment options. However, conventional active contouring methods such as geodesic active contouring and region completion are limited by: a.) the need to manually input a right set of parameters that may be difficult for users unfamiliar with the algo...

2015-114 Transgenic Mouse Model of Liver LDL Receptor Deficiency

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 15:16:17 GMT

Background The low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor (LDLR) is a cell surface-glycoprotein that mediates the binding and endocytosis of excess circulating LDL cholesterol to liver cells, where the cholesterol is further catabolized and eventually secreted in the feces by a biliary pathway. The importance of the LDLR in the regulation of plasma cholesterol levels is well established. Loss-of-function LDLR mutations in humans reduce hepatic LDL clearance, elevate plasma LDL levels, and accelerate atherosclerosis. The E3 ligase inducible degrader of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (IDOL) ub...

2015-150 Scanning Method For Uniform, Normal-Incidence Imaging Of Spherical Surface With A Single Beam

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 15:13:55 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have created a method that achieves uniform normal-incident illumination of a spherical surface by first projecting the sphere onto a Cartesian plane and then raster scanning it using an illuminating beam. This allows the scanned object, the illumination source, and the detector to remain stationary. Background Scanning of objects is commonly performed using the raster scanning method, wherein a single illumination beam sweeps across the object left-to-right, and then immediately moves to the start of the next line. Single beam scanning using this method requires that ...

2015-189 Non-Invasive Method For Determination Of Tissue Electrical Conductivity

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 15:06:08 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the UCLA Semel Institutes of Neuroscience and Behavior have developed a non-invasive method to locate and estimate electrical currents in organs such as the brain and heart. Background Electrical conductivity of biological tissues, such as the brain and heart, has been implicated in a number of disease processes such as epilepsy and cardiac arrhythmias. Magneto-encephalography (MEG) and Electro-encephalography (EEG) are the commonly used non-invasive techniques to measure and localize intracranial current sources. However, accurate localization of intracranial curre...

2015-214 Anti-Oxidant Response Modifiers as Treatment for HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 15:01:40 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have identified anti-oxidative response modulators as a potential treatment for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Background HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) affect the central nervous system (CNS) leading to decline in cognition, behavior, and motor skills. Symptoms range from mild to severe including confusion, forgetfulness, mental slowness, lethargy, apathy, headaches, gradual weakening of arms and legs, and tremors. The standard of treatment is to combine highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) with the use of psychotropic medicati...

2019-482 AN ELECTROCHEMILUMINESCENCE ELISA FOR PS129-ΑLPHA-SYNUCLEIN

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 01:55:07 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Neurology have developed a novel method and assay of quantifying pS129-alpha-synuclein at high sensitivity and specificity using an electrochemiluminescence ELISA assay. BACKGROUND: Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies, and multiple system atrophy are all synucleinopathies, which are diseases caused by self-assembly of alpha-synuclein into neurotoxic oligomers and aggregates. A specific form of alpha-synuclein phosphorylated at serine 129 (pS129-alpha-synuclein) is present at high levels in thes...

2019-520 MATERNAL GUT MICROBIOTA REGULATION OF NEURODEVELOPMENT AND ADULT SENSORY BEHAVIOR

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 01:46:53 GMT

UCLA Researchers in the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology have determined the necessary role for maternal gut microbes in neurodevelopment and that select microbes may prevent abnormal neurodevelopmental phenotypes. BACKGROUND: The gastrointestinal tract and brain are intimately linked, and in the past decade there have been increasing evidence for the role of the microbiome in neurological diseases. In particular, the gut microbiota plays an important function in modulating brain function and behavior. However, it is not clearly understood if there exist early period...

Biomarkers Of Response And Synergistic Combinations With ERK Targeted Therapies In Human Cancers (UCLA Case No. 2015-289)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 12:54:59 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers have identified a set of genomic markets that identify a group of human cancer cell lines more likely to respond to ERK1/2 inhibitors. These markers are believed to be critical in identifying those patients that will most likely respond to ERK1/2 inhibition used in cancer therapy. Background Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) is a kinase that activates many downstream targets through phosphorylation. The ERK-signaling pathway (also referred to as MAPK-signaling pathway) mediates various cellular responses, including cell proliferation, differentiation, growth,...

Cancer Risk Based on Tumor Clonality (UCLA Case No. 2020-183)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 14:08:01 GMT

Researchers from the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, the University Health Network, and the UCLA Department of Human Genetics have created a novel method to determine whether a cancer will be lethal or not based on tumor clonality. BACKGROUND:Cancer occurs from the accumulation of mutations within a cell that cause the cell to behave in an abnormal, uncontrollable manner. Cancerous tumors can occur through a simple evolution, where the population of cancer cells all contain the same mutations, which is termed a monoclonal tumor. Alternatively, a tumor can undergo a more complex ev...

2019-876 MAINTAINING FUNCTIONS AND PHENOTYPES OF CONNECTIVE TISSUE THROUGH NPAS2 SUPPRESSION

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 09:24:41 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Departments of Dentistry and Plastic Surgery have developed a novel suppressor of Npas2 for the regeneration of connective tissues. BACKGROUND:Open wounds of the skin and oral cavity are subject to infection and scarring if not properly closed. Patients may experience a variety of social consequences due to unclosed wounds of the face and head, which are among the most common regions for injury or disease. Specifically, periodontitis in the oral cavity causes an open space between gingiva and the tooth surface that requires closure. Almost half of the adult dentate...

2012-120 WNT10B SIGNALING IN TRIPLE NEGATIVE BREAST CANCER

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 09:20:07 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the David Geffen School of Medicine have developed a new mouse model for Wnt signaling related to triple negative breast cancer. BACKGROUND: Approximately 250,000 people in the US are diagnosed with breast cancer annually. Breast cancer can be separated into different subtypes that are generally diagnosed based upon the presence, or lack of, three receptors known to propagate most breast cancers: estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. The most successful treatments for bre...

Cross Coupling of Phenolic Derivatives

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 14:28:35 GMT

UC Case No. 2009-085 SUMMARY:Investigators at UCLA have identified a new reaction that enables carbon-carbon bonds and carbon-heteroatom bonds to be introduced into organic molecules. The reaction is cost-effective and highly efficient. BACKGROUND:Synthesis of organic molecules plays a vital role in modern society: carbon-carbon and carbon heteroatom bonds are encountered in natural products, materials, drug substances and agrochemicals. There are currently methods in place for coupling phenol groups to carbon atoms, but these reactions require expensive materials and are often not...

2015-451 Circulating Biomarker for Early Detection of Post-Operative Cardiac Arrhythmias

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 14:04:02 GMT

Summary The Cai group at UCLA has found that nitric oxide can be used as a non-invasive biomarker to predict a patient's risk of post-operative atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmic phenotypes. Background Cardiac arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, affect over 30% of patients who undergo cardiac procedures. These events are highly associated with morbidity and mortality in cardiac surgery patients. A robust biomarker that predicts the risk of atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias would greatly improve the rate of operation-related complications after cardiac surgeries. Innovation ...

2015-469 Quantification Of Plant Chlorophyll Content Using Google Glass

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 14:00:58 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have invented a novel device that can quantify chlorophyll concentration in plants using a custom-designed Google Glass app. Background Large-scale industrialization over the past century has led to a range of environmental impacts in air quality, soil and water pollution, deforestation, and desertification, resulting in both urban and rural public health safety concerns and alarm over human-driven climate change. Plant health and growth rates can be used as an indicator for many environmental factors, where plant chlorophyll...

2015-602 Update To Degradable Trehalose Glycopolymers

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 13:47:27 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry have designed an improved version of trehalose-based glycopolymer as a degradable alternative to PEG for the purpose of stabilizing a protein during storage and transport. Background A UCLA team led by Professor Heather Maynard has developed a family of polymers that effectively stabilizes industrial enzymes and therapeutic biologics and vaccines against thermal and mechanical stress while improving their in vivo pharmacokinetic properties. Widely-used polymers such as PEG do not effectively stabilize proteins against t...

2015-913 Method To Probe Bulk And Surface States In Thermoelectrics And Topological Materials

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 13:40:42 GMT

Summary Researchers in the department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UCLA have developed a non-invasive, site-specific method to probe the electronic structure of both surface and bulk states within thermoelectric and topological insulator materials. Background The electronic structure of novel materials such as thermoelectrics and topological insulators can be difficult to characterize. The existing techniques often require high quality (crystalline) samples and very low temperatures (>20 K). This limits characterization of materials that are of lower quality or operate in a temperature ...

2015-959 Biologically Applicable Water-Soluble Heterogeneous Catalysts For Parahydrogen-Induced Polarization

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 13:34:51 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a novel method of parahydrogen-induced polarization in water using heterogeneous catalysts. Background Medical imaging is an important diagnostic tool for physicians and researchers, however many imaging techniques, such as x-ray and computerized axial tomography (CAT) scans, require potentially harmful ionizing radiation. In this sense, imaging techniques based on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are attractive alternatives. MRI uses magnetic fields and radio wave...

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Glial Enriched Progenitor Cells for the Treatment of White Matter Stroke (UCLA Case No. 2016-170)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 13:20:07 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Neurology and the Department of Molecular, Cell & Developmental Biology have developed novel therapies for cerebral ischemic injuries, including white matter stroke, using glial-enriched progenitor cells. Background During the normal human aging process, the white matter regions of the brain suffer progressive damage related to both overt and clinically silent ischemia. The degree of white matter injuries closely correlates with abnormalities in cognition, balance, and gait, additionally carrying an increased risk of death. Progressive accumula...

PCR-Free Ultrasensitive HIV and Other Virus Quantitation Device (UCLA Case No. 2016-407)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 13:08:04 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering & Bioengineering and Department of Medicine have developed a novel integrated device that can perform label-free ultrasensitive measurements of viruses in fluids (i.e. HIV in blood), obviating PCR and bulky, costly infrastructure required for current generation clinical assays. Background Measurement of viral load is crucial to monitor that antiviral therapy is effective and that viral replication that could result in drug resistance mutations is shut down. Currently, PCR is the only accepted method to monitor for plasma ...

2016-413 Small Molecule Generation of Multinucleated and Striated Myofibers from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Equivalent to Adult Skeletal Muscle

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 13:04:37 GMT

Summary Researchers in the UCLA Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics have developed a novel means of generating adult skeletal muscle-equivalent myofibers from human pluripotent stem cells. Background Thousands of people a year are diagnosed with various muscle diseases including neuromuscular disorders, muscular dystrophies, and diseases resulting from metabolic and mitochondrial defects. Generating adult muscle fibers in vitro would allow research surrounding these diseases to more quickly discover therapies and treatments. However, to date no protocol has been ident...

2016-523 Concentration Of Nanoparticles By Zone Heating Method

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 13:00:46 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have invented a novel method to concentrate nanoparticles (NPs) into metal crystals via zone melting. Background Materials that contain high volume dispersed NPs can offer unusual mechanical, physical, and chemical properties for a variety of applications, including electronics, catalysis, energy, and lightweight materials for automobiles and aircraft. Normally, a low volume percentage of NPs (< 1-2 vol%) can be dispersed by most methods, such as ultrasonic, evaporation, or condensation. However, it is di...

Diamond On Nanopatterned Substrates

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 16:29:58 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed a nanofabrication method for improving the thermal properties of polycrystalline diamond films grown by chemical vapor deposition. Background Synthetic polycrystalline diamond grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is used to thermally manage high power electronic components, which improves the performance and reliability of such components. Single crystals of diamond have the highest known thermal conductivity of any material, but their high cost limits their practical application in t...

2019-644 A METHOD TO DETECT AFLATOXINS/MYCOTOXINS IN AGRICULTURAL FOOD PRODUCTS THROUGH TERAHERTZ TIME-DOMAIN SPECTROSCOPY

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 08:22:17 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a novel, non-destructive method for the detection of aflatoxin/mycotoxin type and concentration in agricultural food products. BACKGROUND:Aflatoxins are hazardous compounds produced by specific fungi that contaminate agricultural products. Humans may consume aflatoxins from agricultural products directly, or through animal products derived from animals fed with crops containing aflatoxins. Once introduced to the body, these toxins lead to various health problems, including immunosuppression, growth retardation in ...

Early Prediction of Progression in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Using a Single Time Point HRCT Scan (Case No. 2019-731)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 08:15:46 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Radiological Sciences have developed a novel single time point high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan method for the early prediction of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis disease progression. Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal lung disease that results in scarring of the lungs for an unknown reason. Scarring accumulates over time to cause a decline in lung function, yet scarring progression timelines remain unpredictable. Current IPF disease prediction models rely on two medical images that compare baseline and foll...

Controllable Emulsification of Point-of-Care Assays Driven by Magnetic Induced Movement of the Fluid

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 15:59:27 GMT

UC Case No. 2016-228 SUMMARY:UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a microfluidic droplet generation technique that only uses magnetic forces to emulsify ferrofluid containing solutions. BACKGROUND: Digital (or droplet) microfluidics is an emerging liquid-handling technology that can be used in a large range of applications including genome profiling, high throughput digital assays and point-of-care (POC) assays. Traditionally, however, droplets are formed using bulky pressure driven or syringe pump driven flow systems. While this has offered significant...

In-Situ Sweat Rate Monitoring for Normalization of Sweat Analyte Concentrations

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 11:27:40 GMT

UC Case No. 2018-218 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a method of in-situ sweat rate monitoring, which can be integrated into wearable consumer electronics for physiological analyses. BACKGROUNDDespite being a rich source of biomarkers, sweat analysis is not widely used in physiological and clinical settings due to the lack of suitable technologies extracting physiologically meaningful information from the sweat readings. Previous studies have demonstrated some level of correlation between the blood and sweat content in the context of...

2016-744 Antibodies Against Human Mff Protein

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 15:51:53 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the David Geffen School of Medicine Department of Biological Chemistry have developed antibodies against the human Mitochondrial fission factor (Mff). Background Mitochondrial fission factor (Mff) is a human outer membrane protein involved in mitochondrial fission and peroxisome morphology.Innovation Prof. Alexander M.van der Bliek and colleagues have developed novel antibodies against the human Mff protein. This polyclonal antibody has been validated in immunofluorescent and western blot experiments. ApplicationsResearch tool to further characterize the Mff protein...

2016-746 Targeted Mass Spectrometry Approaches To Detect Kinase Pathways For Personalized Medicine

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 15:49:28 GMT

Summary Researchers at UCLA and their collaborators are developing a platform that will allow clinicians to diagnose a prostate cancer patient by evaluating the phosphoproteome from tissue obtained by biopsy. In addition to diagnosis, this method provides information about kinase activation that a clinician can use for treatment decisions. Background Early stage prostate cancer is dependent on androgens for survival. Men diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer initially respond well to anti-androgen therapies but eventually develop a more drug resistant form of the disease. In addition, all ...

2016-861 Integrated Isolation, Emulsification, And Single-Cell Assay

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 15:40:19 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a new technology that can perform robust single-cell isolation and droplet emulsification for assay. BACKGROUNDIsolation of individual cells or biomarkers such as nucleic acids, protein, or exosomes is a critical step in assaying for disease state and diagnostics. Capturing cells and/or biomarkers from patient serum/sample itself is a challenging task, the ability to then isolate these captured populations into an assay ready format is equally challenging. These processes currently require manual low throughout-multiste...

A Way to Genetically Silence Calcium Signaling in Cells and Organisms and Derivates Thereof (UCLA Case No. 2016-99C)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 15:37:02 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Physiology have developed a method of genetically silencing calcium signaling in cells and organisms for use in studying aberrant calcium signaling in disease. Background Current genetic silencing protocols have flaws in their selectivity and extensiveness. For example, a key necessity to studying astrocytes in vivo is the ability to manipulate them selectively without concomitantly impacting other cells. From this perspective, much attention has focused on genetic methods to selectively target astrocytes. Cell-type-specific expression of Cre recom...

2004-099 Artificial Human Mutation Controls for Clinical Diagnostic Genetic and Proficiency Testing

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 14:55:35 GMT

Background The rapid pace of disease gene discovery, fueled by the Human Genome Project, has caused an explosion in the number of analytes tested by molecular diagnostic laboratories, especially those involved in heritable disease testing. The lack of well-characterized control materials containing mutations of interest to serve as positive controls in the assays creates a major problem for genetic testing facilities. The lack is also an impediment for nationwide proficiency testing programs, such as that offered jointly by the college of American Pathologists (CAP) and the American College of...

2004-096 Identification of the First Human Glucose Sensor: A New Target for Treatment of Diabetes, Obesity, and Related Metabolic Disorders

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 14:48:25 GMT

Background Energy intake, expenditure and storage in humans and other organisms are highly regulated and disturbances lead to severe problems such as obesity and diabetes. Glucose is a major unit of currency in energy metabolism and the body goes to great lengths to regulate the level of glucose in the blood to ensure adequate delivery to the brain, muscle and other cells and tissues of the body. The cells of the pancreas can directly sense variations in the blood glucose concentrations, but glucose sensors are distributed throughout the body to modulate pancreatic and other responses. Until n...

2018-022 SMALL MOLECULE MODULATORS THAT MEDIATE PINK1 AND PARKIN TRAFFICKING IN MITOCHONDRIA

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Sun, 08 Dec 2019 10:59:38 GMT

UCLA researchers have developed two novel small molecule probes, MB-10 and DECA, that attenuate PINK1 and Parkin trafficking in mitochondrial in human cells that provide a new approach to elucidate the mechanisms of mitophagy. BACKGROUND:Mitophagy is an important pathway that selectively degrades dysfunctional mitochondria to keep the cell healthy. Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, have been linked to the accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondrial with the loss of functional PTEN-induced kinase I (PINK1) and Parkin, which are genes that play an important rol...

2019-287 IMPROVED TEMPORAL RESOLUTION FOR QUANTITATIVE TIME-RESOLVED ASSESSMENT OF TISSUE DISPLACEMENT AND RELATED BIOMARKER PARAMETERS IN THE WHOLE CARDIAC CYCLE

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Sun, 08 Dec 2019 10:29:52 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Radiology have developed an MRI technique capable of capturing high temporal and spatial resolution of tissue displacement as a biomarker for several underlying diseases. BACKGROUND: Recent research efforts have shed light on the effect that various diseases can have on tissue displacement and parameters on tissue like strain, twist, or torsion. The identification of these underlying effects in muscle tissue, can lead to the early identification of disease: posing a potential biomarker for numerous diseases. Non-invasive imaging techniques like Magne...

Self-Amplifying Non-Coding Rna for Targeted Gene Knockdown (UCLA Case No. 2015-401)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Sun, 08 Dec 2019 10:20:35 GMT

UCLA researchers have developed a novel delivery platform for efficient and specific gene silencing in RNAi therapy. BACKGROUND:RNA interference (RNAi) and microRNA are potent methods for efficient and specific gene silencing. The technologies have been extensively exploited to develop therapies for treating fatal disorders like cancer and neurogenetic disease, etc. However, micro-RNAs and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are highly susceptible to degradation by enzymes if delivered directly to cells by transfection, thereby limiting the number of copie...

Synthesis of Heteroatom Containing Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Heterocyclic Larock Annulations for the Synthesis of Novel Optoelectronic Materials

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 16:15:37 GMT

UC Case Nos. 2019-232 and 2019-959 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry have developed an approach to synthesizing nitrogen-containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with high yield and desirable photophysical properties as well as a modular platform to synthesize small molecules with photophysical properties that may be useful in devices such as solar cells and organic light emitting diodes. BACKGROUNDHeterocyclic compounds are widely used in small-molecule pharmaceutical intermediates. There is also a growing need for new heterocyclic compound...

2014-513 Fine Needle Device for the Measurement of Material Properties

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 14:43:11 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry have developed a device that allows for quantitative and sensitive assessment of tissues (i.e. tumors) and materials based on local variations in elastic, friction, and cutting forces on needle insertion. BACKGROUND: The primary level of screening for thyroid cancer, palpation, is by nature a mechanical test. On finding a solid nodule by palpation, a general practitioner generally refers the patient for an ultrasound of the thyroid. Ultrasound is inherently a mechanical imaging mode, since reflections from tissue occur only where th...

2019-244 SOFT TISSUE, FAT AND BONE MIMICKING MATERIALS FOR COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT), AND HIGH AND LOW FIELD MAGNETIC RESONANCE (MR) IMAGING

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 12:32:36 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Departments of Physics and Biology in Medicine and Radiation Oncology have developed a system of tissue-mimicking materials that produce contrast in both magnetic resonance and computed tomography imaging modalities. BACKGROUND:Traditionally, the standard protocol for performing diagnosis and radiation treatment planning of cancer patients involved both magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomography (CT) imaging. Since these tests were performed separately, the calibration materials only needed to produce contrast in the respective modalities. However, the recent ...

2019-467 CHEST X-RAY DEVICE SAFE ZONE

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 12:26:49 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Radiology have developed an automated computer system for defining a “Safe Zone” for chest device placement, simplifying the process for implementing new generations of life saving devices. BACKGROUND: The development of pace maker devices in the 1950s acted as a herald for scientific advances of cardiac devices to prolong life. The proper placement of these devices is paramount in their function, and the slightest misplacement could be fatal. It is therefore unsurprising that chest radiography occupies a significant workload for di...

A Deep Learning, Computer Vision-Based Tissue Countdown to Cancer (Case No. 2019-490)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 14:43:17 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Radiological Sciences have developed a novel computational pipeline to predict the likelihood of cancer based on subtle changes observed on chronological medical images using deep learning algorithms. Background: Advances in biotechnology have generated large quantities of detailed information on patients’ genetic risk for cancer such as the presence of cancer-promoting germline mutations and highly sensitive blood tests that can detect tumor DNA circulating in the blood. While these developments have the potential to improve the detecti...

Mixtures of Synthetic Copolypeptide Hydrogels (UCLA Case No. 2019-238)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 14:38:20 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a novel polypeptide-based hydrogel mixture that offers a large degree of biocompatibility and biodegradability while also offering the ability to tune mechanical properties. Specifically, these compositions allow for high hydrogel stiffness at low polymer concentrations, while retaining injectability of these physical hydrogels. BACKGROUND: The use of hydrogels has found applications in several products: personal care, food, cosmetics, and biomedical. The greatest interest has been focused for the use of injectable hydrog...

2020-407 TOUGH TISSUE SEALANTS AND THE USE THEREOF

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 14:10:58 GMT

Researchers in the UCLA Departments of Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, and Radiological Sciences and the Pennsylvania State University Department of Chemical Engineering have developed a novel tissue adhesive hydrogel material for use in sealing wounds in stretchable tissues. BACKGROUND:Surgical sealants may be used as an alternative to sutures, for the sealing or reconnecting of ruptured tissues within the body. However, such sealants often suffer from poor mechanical strength in dynamic tissue environments, low adhesion, or cytotoxicity. Hydrogel materials derived from naturally ...

Multi-Function Intravascular Catheter for Atherosclerosis Diagnostics

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 14:08:08 GMT

UC Case No. 2019-344 SUMMARY:UCLA researchers in the Department of Medicine have developed a multi-functional catheter that combines different sensing capabilities to improve the detection of unstable plaques. BACKGROUND:Atherosclerosis, or plaque build-up in arteries, is the leading cause of cardiovascular-related diseases. At risk cardiovascular disease patients are often screened via angiography and flow fraction reserve (FFR) to determine if the patient should undergo stenting and/or drug therapies. In cases with unstable (rupture-prone) plaques, however, such diagnosis technique...

2019-997 Use of Machine Learning to Predict Non-Diagnostic Home Sleep Apnea Tests

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Sat, 30 Nov 2019 12:03:45 GMT

SUMMARY:Researchers led by Robert Stretch from the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine at UCLA have developed an algorithm that can predict whether a patient will have a non-diagnostic home sleep apnea test based upon data from the electronic health record and a brief questionnaire.BACKGROUND:Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects between 4-37% of the adult population depending on the diagnostic criteria applied and population studied. Diagnostic testing for OSA typically starts with an “unattended” home sleep apnea test (HSAT) using a portable device. Since th...

2020-186 Low Complexity Maximum-Likelihood Decoding of Cyclic Codes

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 26 Nov 2019 14:59:07 GMT

SUMMARY:UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a low complexity decoding algorithm of cyclic codes with better performance and lower latency than current approaches.BACKGROUND: Cyclic codes are error-correcting codes (ECC) used in many systems including: CD-ROMs, cellular communication, data communication technologies and flash memory. As technology nodes shrink and memory complexities increase, bit error rates continue to grow. Thus, there is a growing need for low complexity decoding algorithms to retrieve original data after error correction...

Smart Dialysis Catheter

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 26 Nov 2019 14:20:07 GMT

UC Case No. 2019-873 SUMMARY:UCLA researchers in the Department of Cardiology at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine have developed a smart dialysis catheter that can measure different patient vitals in real-time to prevent hospitalizations due to renal failure. BACKGROUND:Kidney failure currently affects 660,000 Americans. 468,000 of these individuals require dialysis, costing Medicare around $83,356 per patient per year. A significant portion of this cost comes from hospitalization of patients suffering from cardiac conditions arising due to renal failure. Preventative mea...

2017-396 Adaptive Any-Fuel Camless Reciprocating Engine

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 09:59:11 GMT

SUMMARY:UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed an adaptive camless engine that can manage grid stability at the local level and provide a path towards meeting renewable energy goals. BACKGROUND:California has set aggressive renewable energy goals for the power sector which has led to a growth in intermittent supply associated with solar and wind power generation. This growth has faced a significant challenge to compensate for intermittent supply at the local level. Reciprocating engines have provided local backup power when the grid falte...

2019-853 A Method to Measure Perceptual Thresholds

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 09:39:52 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Psychology have developed a method to accurately measure a patient’s perceptual (visual, auditory, etc.) threshold unaffected by patient response bias. BACKGROUNDThere are more than 200,000 cases of glaucoma in the US every year. Computerized threshold perimetry is the gold standard for visual field testing, a necessary part of glaucoma patient management. The SITA (Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithms) uses a spot light that is presented somewhere in the visual field and the participant needs to respond whether or not the light has ...

Antenna-Co-Designed UWB Impulse Transmitter for Size-Constraint Applications

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 20 Nov 2019 16:46:03 GMT

UC Case No. 2019-983 SUMMARY:Researchers in the UCLA Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed an antenna co-design for FCC-regulation-compliant IR-UWB transmitters that can be applied to wearable devices and implantable medical technology. BACKGROUND:Ultra-wideband (UWB) radio (3.1-10.6 GHz) allows for very high data transfer rates over a short distance, with minimal use of energy. UWB systems, however, suffer from middle, in-band interference that severely affects performance of the system. In order to achieve wide spread use and acceptance, the FCC emission ...

2019-483 Deep Learning of Biomimetic Sensorimotor Control for Biomechanical Human Animation

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 20 Nov 2019 16:36:41 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers from the Department of Computer Science have developed a computer simulation model and associated software system for biomimetic human sensorimotor control.BACKGROUNDComputer animation and CGI are playing increasing roles in modern movies, especially when it comes to recreating human movement. Better biomechanical modeling should, in theory, lead to more realistic human animation. Advances in deep learning and biomechanical modeling have the reawaken the animation community’s interest in machine learning techniques. Previously, computers were not powerful enough t...

2003-450 Phospho-specific Antibody for Cam Kinase II

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 16:13:44 GMT

2003-450 Phospho-specific Antibody for Cam Kinase II Background Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases (CaM kinases) are a family of proteins involved in many biological processes throughout the human body. These processes include metabolism, electrolyte regulation, gene expression, and many brain functions critical to learning and memory. Calmodulin is a protein that, when bound to calcium, causes activation of CaM kinase. However, when the calcium/calmodulin complex falls off an already activated CaM kinase, a phenomenon known as inhibitory phosphorylation occurs. Phosphates become att...

2003-359 Pattern Decomposition Algorithm for Data Mining of Frequent Patterns

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 16:04:44 GMT

2003-359 Pattern Decomposition Algorithm for Data Mining of Frequent Patterns Summary Researchers in the UCLA Department of Computer Science have developed an algorithm that speeds up the mining of frequent patterns (also known as frequent itemsets, FI) in large datasets. Such an efficient algorithm is crucial to many tasks in data mining. The method uses a pattern decomposition algorithm to significantly reduce the size of the dataset on each pass, making it more efficient to mine all frequent patterns in a large dataset. The invention can be implemented as a data analyzing tool that can be b...

2003-317 Controlled Nano-Doping of Ultra Thin Films

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 16:02:17 GMT

2003-317 Controlled Nano-Doping of Ultra Thin Films Summary The invention relates to methods for producing doped thin layers on substrates comprising the steps of depositing a dopant precursor on the substrate via an atomic layer deposition technique; and exposing the deposited dopant precursor to radicals. The methods can further comprise depositing a compound adjacent the dopant metal via an atomic layer deposition technique; and exposing the deposited compound to radicals, thereby providing a host. The invention relates to articles comprising approximately atomically thin layers of metals o...

2003-251 Backfire-to-endfire Leaky-wave Antenna

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 15:59:22 GMT

2003-251 Backfire-to-endfire Leaky-wave Antenna Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed, reduced to practice and characterized a broadband backfire-to-endfire microstrip antenna. Background Conventional leaky-wave antennas use higher-order modes to frequency scan and as a consequence are limited to scanning half-space (broadside-to-endfire). In addition, special feeding structures must be added to suppress the dominant frequency mode. These additional elements increase the systems size and cost. Innovation There has been an emerging proliferation of ...

2003-155 An Electro-absorption Modulator Integratable with Silicon Vlsi

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 15:57:25 GMT

2003-155 An Electro-absorption Modulator Integratable with Silicon Vlsi Summary UCLA researchers in the department of Material Science and Engineering have developed an electro-absorption modulator that can be fabricated in silicon based technologies and therefore integrated into silicon VLSI circuits. Background As the demand for bandwidth continues to increase, it will be necessary to deploy low cost optical communication links that are closer to the end user than ever before. Furthermore, as silicon VLSI circuits achieve ever higher data rates, system performance will eventually be limited ...

2003-090 Specific Delivery of Rifampin to Sites of Tuberculosis Infection

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 15:54:22 GMT

2003-090 Specific Delivery of Rifampin to Sites of Tuberculosis Infection Background Treatment for tuberculosis infection involves multiple drug therapy using combinations of rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. However, rifampin is a highly toxic antibiotic that induces hepatitis, thrombocytopenia, bullous skin rashes and other injury. Drug toxicity is caused by free rifampin in the blood stream that failed to bind human serum albumin (HSA) to which it binds non-specifically. Innovation Researchers at UCLA have engineered proteins those bind rifampin specifically and dissociate ...

2003-053 Genetically Engineered Mice Lacking a Tumor Suppressor Gene in the CNS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 15:52:43 GMT

2003-053 Genetically Engineered Mice Lacking a Tumor Suppressor Gene in the CNS Background Mutation in the PTEN tumor suppressor gene is associated with several human cancers and neurological abnormalities, such as enlarged brain (megacephaly), mental retardation, and malignant brain tumors. Inactivation of PTEN in mouse models confirmed PTEN to be a bona fide tumor suppressor. However, since a null mutation of the gene leads to death during embryogenesis, there hasn't been a defined in vivo model for studying the exact functions of PTEN in brain development and tumor formation. Innovation To ...

2002-500 Single Cell Nanomechanical Stethoscope

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 15:51:13 GMT

2002-500 Single Cell Nanomechanical Stethoscope Background The cell is the smallest unit of the human body that is capable of independent life. Humans are a community of individual cells, and each cell contributes to maintaining a sustainable environment for the community. Very accurate control of pH, temperature, ionic concentrations, and gene transcription is maintained as the cell is subjected to a wide variety of stimuli. The cell is continually responding to various extra- or intra-cellular stimuli and maintaining internal balance through very complex biochemical pathways. These pathways ...

2002-493 Low-Power Control and Signal Processing Asic for Vibratory Rate Gyroscopes

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 15:48:11 GMT

2002-493 Low-Power Control and Signal Processing Asic for Vibratory Rate Gyroscopes BACKGROUND Current gyroscope feedback control and signal processing elements take the form of a discrete analog implementation and/or a general purpose digital signal processing (DSP) chip. However, both of these methods present drawbacks. The discrete analog option is inflexible with regard to modifying component values for the purpose of "tuning" or customizing the control loops for a given sensor. The chip's disadvantage is that general purpose DSPs do not lend themselves to applications that requi...

2002-483 Novel Signaling Molecule Utilized by S. Mutans for Biofilm Formation and Quorum Sensing

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 15:42:56 GMT

2002-483 Novel Signaling Molecule Utilized by S. Mutans for Biofilm Formation and Quorum Sensing Background Dental caries is one of the most widespread and costly diseases affecting western and developing countries. Caries arise from acid produced naturally during bacterial metabolism, primarily from oral pathogen Streptococcus mutans. When adherent to the tooth surface in an organized multi-bacterial architectural framework known as biofilm (commonly called dental plaque), S. mutans produce large amounts of acid, especially in the presence of sucrose, and eventually dissolv...

2002-427 Curcumin as a Treatment for Pancreatitis

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 15:39:55 GMT

2002-427 Curcumin as a Treatment for Pancreatitis Background Pancreatitis is a severe disease that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. It is typically caused by alcohol abuse or gallstones and most patients suffering from pancreatitis require hospitalization. No therapies are available to treat the illness; only palliative care is available. Current research has implicated the inflammatory response as playing a critical role in the development of pancreatitis. Inflammation results from the up-regulation of a multitude of pro-inflammatory signaling molecules including TNF...

2020-150 Method of Reducing Placebo/Nocebo Effects Associated with the Tapering of Medication, and Storing Drug Tablet Fragments

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 13:05:46 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Medicine have developed drug tapering schedule software to reduce factors that may impede patients’ discontinuation of a drug.BACKGROUNDSuccessful discontinuation of addictive drugs, such as sedative-hypnotics, anxiolytics, and pain medications, is improved by slowly reducing the drug dose being administered (i.e., tapering). A slow, gradual taper however may be insufficient to achieve fully successful discontinuation. More specifically, the expectancy of a drug’s effects (placebo effects) and withdrawal symptoms (nocebo effects) may imp...

Pulsed-Coherent Electronic Front End for Detection and Ranging (Case No. 2020-109)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 12:43:07 GMT

Summary: Researchers in the UCLA Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) device capable of high resolution, high acquisition measurements with minimized walk error and adjustable detection quality. Background: Demand for ranging systems with high depth resolution and fast acquisition is increasing due to the rise of 3D scanning and remote biometric devices. LiDAR and radar are common elements that measure the time-of-flight (ToF) of coherent light radio-waves for distance ranging determination. Coherent detection can achieve hi...

Mechanisms and Devices Enabling Arbitrarily Shaped, Deep-Subwavelength, Acoustic Patterning

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 15 Nov 2019 15:33:50 GMT

UC Case No. 2019-852 SUMMARY:UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a Compliant Membrane Acoustic Patterning (CAMP) technology capable of patterning cells in an arbitrary pattern at a high resolution over a large area. BACKGROUND:Acoustic force has been investigated as a noninvasive, label-free, and biocompatible tool to physically manipulate cells and other biological entities. To date, however, acoustic approaches to produce high resolution, arbitrarily shaped wells across a large area has not been achieved, limiting its applicati...

2018-720: Creatine for Immunotherapy

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 08:42:15 GMT

UCLA researchers in the department of microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics have discovered the immune boosting benefits of creatine in disease models. BACKGROUND: T-cells are centrally important in mediating immune response against cancer, and have as no surprise become attractive therapeutic targets to treat cancer. T-cell responses require great amounts of ATP which are produced through distinct metabolic programs. However, in the tumor microenvironment there exists fierce competition for nutrients against fast growing tumor cells. This requires T-cells to utilize efficient ...

Drop-Carrier Particles for Digital Assays

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 11:52:51 GMT

UC Case No. 2017-533 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a drop-carrier particle for single cell or single molecule assays. BACKGROUNDSingle-molecule or single-cell digital assays (e.g. digital PCR, digital LAMP, digital ELISA, dropSeq) require fractionating or compartmentalizing a large volume to such a level that each smaller fractionated volume contains either one or zero entity of interest (i.e. DNA, protein, etc.). It is critical that each compartment is uniform in volume to allow reactions to proceed with comparable properti...

2002-421 Vertical Gate-Depleted Single Electron Transistors

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 13:19:06 GMT

2002-421 Vertical Gate-Depleted Single Electron Transistors BACKGROUND In current vertical gate-depleted single electron transistors, the mesa must be etched to the point just below the tunneling barrier. In addition, the gate Schottky contact must wrap the pillar containing the tunneling barriers. These requirements considerably complicate the processing of these devices. DESCRIPTION Scientists at the University of California have developed a novel approach to fabricating these devices which greatly simplifies the process while allowing the gate to be split into multiple gates. ADVANTAGESThe ...

2002-274 Tcl1 Transgenic Mice

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 13:12:47 GMT

2002-274 Tcl1 Transgenic Mice Background TCL1 is a protooncogene overexpressed in many mature B cell lymphomas. TCL1 is also expressed in precursor T cells and absent by the CD4+ CD8+ stage of thymocyte development. In B cells, TCL1 is first expressed in pro-B cells, and is completely absent in memory B cells and plasma cells. Innovation UCLA researchers have developed a murine model in which a TCL1 transgene is overexpressed in both B and T cells. These transgenic mice develop Burkitt-like lymphoma and diffuse large B cell lymphoma at 4 months. This phenotype is accompanied by attendant Bcl-6...

C-myc Transgenic Mouse: A Novel Mouse Model for Prostate Cancer (UCLA Case No. 2002-135)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 13:11:45 GMT

Innovation UCLA Researchers have developed a novel mouse model for prostate cancer which will be useful for preclinical trials and biochemical assays. The mouse model is unique in that it incorporates a naturally occurring oncogene implicated in a significant fraction of human prostate cancer and accurately reflects the gradual progression of human prostate cancer from prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) to localized adenocarcinoma, to locally invasive disease and metastatis, with essentially 100% penetrance. The timecourse of disease progression allows therapeutic testing against all...

2002-133 Use of a Gene and Related Mouse Model for the Study and Development of Therapeutics for Neuropsychiatric Disorders

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 13:10:17 GMT

2002-133 Use of a Gene and Related Mouse Model for the Study and Development of Therapeutics for Neuropsychiatric Disorders Innovation UCLA investigators have characterized an association between the expression of a single gene and behavioral learning associated with forebrain function. The gene is preferentially expressed in the cell bodies and dendrites of post-natal neurons of the forebrain. Since the gene is not expressed until after birth, it does not appear to be involved in development. To assess the physiological role of the gene, knockout (gene disruption) mice were developed. The nul...

2001-466 Pituitary Adenylyl Cyclase-activating Peptide (PACAP) Deficient Mice

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 12:57:21 GMT

2001-466 Pituitary Adenylyl Cyclase-activating Peptide (PACAP) Deficient Mice Summary Background Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a 38-amino acid peptide that was first isolated from ovine hypothalamic extracts. It has been previously observed that light information reaches the suprachiasmatic nucleus through a population of retinal ganglion cells that contain PACAP, however the involvement of PACAP and its receptor is not well studied. In order to study the role of PACAP in vivo, a new mouse model was developed in which the gene encoding for PACAP was disrupted by...

2001-430 PC12 Cells Engineered for Screening Drugs to Treat Huntington's Disease

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 12:03:04 GMT

2001-430 PC12 Cells Engineered for Screening Drugs to Treat Huntington's Disease Summary UCLA researchers have developed a cell-based screening assay to identify chemical compounds that protect against Huntington's Disease-mediated cell death. Background Huntington's disease (HD) is characterized by progressive deficits in motor control and cognitive deterioration. It is caused by an increase in CAG nucleotide repeats in the Huntingtin gene, resulting in an expansion of a polyglutamine region in the encoded Huntingtin protein (Htt). This mutant Htt protein is highly toxic to neurons and result...

2001-425 Receptor Interacting Protein 2 (rip2) in Development of Immune Response

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 12:00:32 GMT

2001-425 Receptor Interacting Protein 2 (rip2) in Development of Immune Response Innovation UCLA investigators have determined that Receptor Interacting Protein 2 (RIP2) has novel functions in regulating Th1 helper T cells and the IL-1/IL-18 Toll-like receptor responses of NK cells and presents a target for therapeutic approaches to the treatment of disorders mediated by these cells, including toxic shock and certain autoimmune diseases. Their results suggest that RIP2 plays a pivotal role in Th1 and NK cell-mediated immune responses and that its regulation should provide a therapeutic approac...

2001-320 Rat Robot

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 11:54:15 GMT

2001-320 Rat Robot Summary A robotic system and method for locomotion assessment and training of a mammal, exemplified by a rodent. A neurologically impaired animal is suspended over a moving surface in a harness, and the animal's hindlimbs are connected to robotic arms that apply force to the hindlimbs or measure limb movement characteristics. The moving surface can be a physical or virtual surface. A single robotic mechanism comprising two robotic arms can simultaneously apply force, measure limb movement, and provide a virtual surface. Manual or automatic adjustment of load support allows t...

2001-202 A Novel Fluorescent-Based Screen to Identify Small Synthetic Internal Ribosome Entry Site (IRES) Elements

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 11:51:04 GMT

2001-202 A Novel Fluorescent-Based Screen to Identify Small Synthetic Internal Ribosome Entry Site (IRES) Elements Summary Researchers at UCLA have developed a novel, two-color fluorescent-based screen to identify small, synthetic internal ribosome entry site (IRES) elements in vivo. The system is also capable of quickly and efficiently identifying the IRES nature of any unknown natural or synthetic RNA element. Additionally, the synthetic small (~50 nt) IRES elements could be used for biotechnological purposes such as multiple protein expression from a single expression vector. Background Int...

2001-173 Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) and Peptide Histidine Isoleucine (PHI) Knockout Mice

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 11:46:48 GMT

2001-173 Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) and Peptide Histidine Isoleucine (PHI) Knockout Mice Background VIP and PHI are expressed at high levels in the neurons of the suprachiasmatic nucleus, the area of the nervous system responsible for most circadian behavior, but their function in the regulation of circadian rhythms is unknown. In order to study the role of these peptides on the circadian system in vivo, a new mouse model was developed in which both VIP and PHI genes were disrupted by homologous recombination. Innovation In a light-dark cycle, the knockout mice were indistinguishable ...

2001-133 Finite-Length Equalization over Multi-Input Multi-Output Channels

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 11:45:11 GMT

2001-133 Finite-Length Equalization over Multi-Input Multi-Output Channels Brief Description In multi-user communication over linear, dispersive, and noisy channels, the received signal is composed of several transmitted signals corrupted by inter-symbol and inter-user interference and noise. Multi-user detection techniques for multi-input multi-output (MIMO) systems present significant advantages over single user detection techniques that treat inter-user interference as additive color noise and lump its effects with thermal noise. Such previous techniques have proven costly to implement for ...

2000-377 Live Recombinant Tuberculosis Vaccine

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 11:38:55 GMT

2000-377 Live Recombinant Tuberculosis Vaccine Background Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the worlds most important infectious diseases. The causative agent, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is the leading cause of death of any infectious agent. Each year, approximately 8 million people develop active pulmonary TB and 2 million die from this disease. The World Health Organization has declared TB a global health emergency, the first disease so designated. Moreover, multi-drug resistant strains of M. tuberculosis have been classified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as potential wea...

2000-304 Relaxed SiGe Films by Surfactant Mediation

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 11:32:26 GMT

2000-304 Relaxed SiGe Films by Surfactant Mediation Background Relaxed SiGe has become an important material in the fabrication of high-quality films for various applications. Strain-relaxed SiGe buffers have been produced by at least three known methods. However, these techniques present several disadvantages, such as long growth times, thick buffer layers, rough surfaces, high residual strain degree, and high threading dislocation densities. These problems can result in low yields, increased costs, and poor quality in the devices that are grown on the buffers. However, it has been found that...

2000-268 End-Specific Antibody to Detect Apoptosis

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 11:29:33 GMT

2000-268 End-Specific Antibody to Detect Apoptosis BACKGROUND Programmed cell death or apoptosis is a critical event in normal cellular differentiation and development as well as in degenerative diseases, cancer and aging. Currently, the most widely used assay for detecting apoptosis is DNA fragmentation. However, since DNA fragmentation can occur in a variety of situations without apoptosis, is a late stage nuclear event in apoptosis, and increases with postmortem time, it is not a reliable indicator of apoptosis. DESCRIPTION Researchers at the University of California have developed an antib...

2000-267 Characterization and Normalization Algorithms for High-Density Oligonucleotide Gene Expression Array Data

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 11:28:20 GMT

2000-267 Characterization and Normalization Algorithms for High-Density Oligonucleotide Gene Expression Array Data BACKGROUND Monitoring gene expression using high-density microarrays is a frequently-used technique in the study of cell functions and the associated biochemical pathways, candidate gene identification, cellular response to drug compounds, and classification of disease states. Because many important decisions as to whether a gene should be pursued as a candidate for a particular biological system under study are based on determined expression ratios as well as on determined differ...

2000-169 A Method for In Vivo Visualization of Mutated Mouse Cells

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 11:20:35 GMT

2000-169 A Method for In Vivo Visualization of Mutated Mouse Cells BACKGROUND One method of studying tumors in mice is by using the CRE recombination system to delete or overexpress cancer-control genes in particular tissues at particular times. However, a hurdle in studying tumorogenesis is the difficulty in monitoring the progress of tumors in vivo. Current techniques require sacrifice of the animal followed by in situ work. These methods require the use of large numbers of animals and preclude the possibility of following the progress of a particular tumor over time. DESCRIPTION UC scientis...

2000-135 Notch1 (93-2) & Notch1 (PCR12) Antibodies

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 11:19:07 GMT

2000-135 Notch1 (93-2) & Notch1 (PCR12) Antibodies Innovation The Notch pathway is a highly conserved cellular signaling pathway that plays a role in numerous developmental processes by controlling cell fate decisions. The Notch protein is a transmembrane receptor comprised of a large extracellular domain, a short transmembrane segment, and a smaller intracellular domain. When the Notch extracellular domain is activated by ligands, the intracellular domain is proteolytically cleaved, allowing it to translocate to the nucleus to alter gene expression. UCLA researchers have developed novel p...

2000-134 Wire Width Planning for VLSI Interconnect Performance Optimization

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 11:17:45 GMT

2000-134 Wire Width Planning for VLSI Interconnect Performance Optimization BACKGROUND For deep sub-micron (DSM) designs, wiring delays have exceeded transistor delays and become the dominant factor in determining overall circuit performance. To achieve minimal wire delay, a number of techniques have been introduced that use continuous or discrete wire widths selectively in an interconnect structure. These techniques, however, tend to complicate the layout design considerably (especially for detailed routing) due to the use of many wire widths. DESCRIPTION Scientists at the University of Calif...

2000-072 New Factor Involved in Lipid Disorders

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 16:00:21 GMT

BACKGROUND Fat cells, or adipocytes, are a specialized cell type that synthesize and store fat (triglycerides) in periods of nutritional abundance, and hydrolyze these fats when needed to meet demand for energy. The size and distribution of adipose tissue stores in humans and animals clearly influences metabolism and development of diseases including obesity and diabetes. Most of the development of mature adipocytes from precursor cells, a process known as differentiation, occurs shortly before or after birth, but further differentiation can occur at any time during life in response to various...

1999-401 Tissue-Specific Gene Inactivation of Beta-1 Integrin

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 15:46:08 GMT

BACKGROUND Beta-1 integrin is a critical member of the large family of integrin proteins necessary for cell-extracellular matrix adhesion and bi-directional signaling across the cell membrane. Conventional deletion of beta-1 integrin from the mouse genome results in embryonic death soon after implantation of the blastocyst. Thus, analysis of beta-1 integrin function beyond post-implantation embryogenesis is not possible in a classic deletion model. DESCRIPTION Researchers at the University of California have developed a novel mouse model in which the beta-1 integrin gene can be selectively ina...

Methods for Producing Cultured Meat that has Heterogeneous Composition

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 10:23:22 GMT

UC Case No. 2019-311 SUMMARY:UCLA researchers in the Departments of Integrative Biology and Physiology and Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology have developed a novel method for the production of marbled, cultured meat with desirable texture and flavor. BACKGROUND:Revolutions in food production are necessary to support a growing global population, which is projected to expand by 30% over the next 30 years. Meat is the primary source of protein for many societies and is therefore an attractive target for agricultural innovation. In particular, beef is widely consumed...

Advanced AFM Techniques for Gene Expression Profiling

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 17:00:10 GMT

UC Case No. 2009-727 SUMMARY: UCLA researchers at the California Nano Systems Institute have developed a platform for automated measurement of gene transcription using AFM. BACKGROUND: Changes in gene transcription is an important indicator of cellular health and metabolism. Therefore, it is routinely measured in biomedical research and drug discovery studies and is being increasingly used in clinics for disease detection. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a powerful technique that can be used for measuring gene transcription changes in biological samples. However, it cannot measure ...

2020-147 Three-Dimensional Holey Graphene/SnO2 Composite Anodes with Ultra-High Areal Capacity for Lithium-Ion Batteries

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 10:45:10 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Departments of Engineering and Chemistry have developed a novel material for lithium-ion battery anodes. The composite exhibits unprecedented mass loading and energy storage capacity, expanding the applications and efficiency of lithium-ion batteries.BACKGROUND: Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) provide lightweight, energy-dense power sources for portable electronics, electric vehicles and military applications. The use of alloy-type anode materials in LIBs have attracted considerable interest as potential alternatives to the current graphite anodes due to their the...

1999-387 Detection of ATM Mutations and Polymorphisms with Mega-SSCP

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 13:21:39 GMT

BACKGROUND Ataxia telangiectasia is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by progressive cerebellar degeneration, immunodeficiency, growth retardation, premature aging, chromosomal instability, acute sensitivity to ionizing radiation, and a predisposition to cancer, particularly breast cancer. It is caused by mutations in the ATM gene which lead to defects in the DNA repair process and cell cycle control. Given the severity of the disease, there is a need for efficient and accurate diagnosis. However, current methods of mutation screening are cumbersome when applied to large genes, suc...

Searching Composition Space in Combinatorial Chemistry by Monte Carlo Methods

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 13:19:10 GMT

UC Case No. 1999-372 BACKGROUND Combinatorial chemistry involves searching a large compositional space for compounds with a high figure of merit in order to find a molecule with a given property. However, current methods of searching only apply to relatively small libraries of compounds, with limited numbers of compositions and figures of merit that change smoothly with the composition. For example, exhaustive search methods fail when the potential composition space is larger than can be constructed or searched in a single library, and the genetic algorithm approach tends to fixate on loc...

1998-608 Myeloperoxidase-Deficient Mouse

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 13:13:33 GMT

Background The Myeloperoxidase (MPO) enzyme aids in the defensive properties of phagocytic cells of the human immune response. Prevalent in neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages, MPO generates a variety of oxidative processes which aid in the defensive mechanism of the host. Due to the fact that these cells are usually the primary responders to a diseased state, their defensive enzymes are often non-specific. In turn, the oxidative enzymes generated by MPO, may potentially play a role in the disease processes. Innovation To study the role of MPO in the host defense and disease pathology, UCLA ...

1997-592 Novel Polyclonal Antibody to Detect a Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase Phosphorylation Site

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 13:11:25 GMT

Summary Researchers at UCLA have identified a polyclonal antibody that recognizes one of the known regulatory Btk tyrosine sites, making it possible to detect the phosphorylation of the tyrosine site. Background Brutons tyrosine kinase (Btk) is a kinase enzyme that plays an important role in B cell stimulation and maturation. B cell maturation and function is impaired when there is a Btk mutation, leading to X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA). It is known that B cell stimulation occurs after the activation of Btk, which is correlated with an increase in the phosphorylation of the regulatory Btk...

1997-545 Production of Secretory IgA with Increased Stability

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 13:09:17 GMT

Background The immunoglobulin secretory IgA (sIgA) is found in mucosal surfaces is often the first line of defense against infectious agents. Normally, sIgA is the product of two different cell types with heavy, light, and J chains produced by plasma cells, whereas the secretory component (SC) is added by cellular enzymes during transit of the dimeric IgA through the epithelial cell layer.The SC component of sIgA provides for stability at the mucosal surfaces. Currently available monoclonal IgA which lacks SC, while protective, is rapidly degraded. Attempts have been made to create sIgA in vit...

1997-538 G2A GPCR Deficient Mouse Model and G2A Monoclonal Antibody

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 13:06:55 GMT

1997-538 G2A GPCR Deficient Mouse Model and G2A Monoclonal Antibody Background G2A, initially an orphan GPCR, was identified in a search for downstream transcriptional targets of the oncogene BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase. G2A belongs to a family of sequence related GPCRs that were initially thought to bind to proinflammatory lipids. However it was recently discovered that G2A and its related GPCRs act as proton sensors that increase the acid-induced production of secondary messengers such as inositol phosphates and cyclic AMP.G2A is expressed mainly in immune cells including T and B-lymphocytes, mo...

1990-558 Vectors for the Recombinant Expression of Human Immunoglobulins

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 13:00:19 GMT

DESCRIPTION Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are an essential tool in numerous research, therapeutic, and diagnostic applications, as mAbs can be customized to bind a desired antigen. While this is highly advantageous in generating very high binding specificity, the actual process of producing mAb-producing hybridomas is difficult and time-consuming, and involves mAb protein chains (immunoglobins) derived from animal sources that are not always suitable for use in humans. Researchers at the University of California have developed a set of vectors for use in an alternative method for producing puri...

Functional Muscle Model

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 15:09:38 GMT

UC Case No. 2016-99J SUMMARY: Dr. Romero at the UCLA Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology has developed a novel joint model that demonstrates the interactions between bones and muscles in a physiologically accurate manner. BACKGROUND: The study of anatomy is a critical aspect of understanding the physiological dynamics of the human body. Particularly, the interactions between joints and muscles are crucial to understanding diseases of the musculoskeletal system. However, the majority of joint models available in the market merely show the anatomical location of muscles...

Cancer Detection and Treatment Using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 14:43:48 GMT

UC Case No. 2006-707 SUMMARY:UCLA Researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have applied atomic force microscopy (AFM) to accurately detect tumor cells based on their nanomechanical properties. BACKGROUND:Currently tumor cells are detected by histomorphological analysis using stains and antibodies to highlight morphological changes and expression patterns of specific proteins. These histological analyses are typically performed in vitro on fixed tissue samples taken from a patient by invasive procedures (i.e., biopsy). Although the analysis may be simple, it often s...

2019-810 SYNTHETIC POLYPEPTIDE HYDROGELS AS NEXT-GENERATION DERMAL FILLERS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 15:43:14 GMT

INTRODUCTION: UCLA researchers reported a novel polypeptide-based dermal filler material that reduces the risk of vascular occlusion when injected into the upper face for aesthetic facial rejuvenation. BACKGROUND:Dermal fillers are implantable medical devices injected into the skin to help fill in facial wrinkles, restoring a smoother appearance. In 2018, there were >2,600,000 dermal filling procedures performed in the US, and the market was estimated to reach $10 billion by 2023. Despite the high demand, no dermal filler has been approved by FDA for injection in the superior po...

A Method for Identifying T Cells with Specific Antigen Reactivity (UCLA Case No. 2019-546)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 15:38:25 GMT

INTRODUCTION: UCLA researchers in the Department of Medicine have developed a novel method for the isolation of T cells reactive to specific antigens for use in cellular immunotherapy. BACKGROUND:T cell responses to proteins on antigen presenting cells is exceptionally antigen-specific. The identification of antigen-specific T cells, or the sequences of T cell receptors (TCRs) reactive to specific antigens, enables the development of cellular immunotherapies by adoptive transfer of these T cells into patients, to precisely target cells expressing disease-associated antigens. Howeve...

2019-540 ANTI CELLULAR STRESS TREATMENT TO IMPROVE PULMONARY FUNCTION IN DISORDERS WITH ER STRESS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 15:37:17 GMT

INTRODUCTION: UCLA researchers in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery have studied a series of anti-stress compounds that ameliorate the genetic defects of patients with Osteogenesis Imperfecta. BACKGROUND: Over the past decade researchers have begun to discover a common underlying pathway for several diseases, Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress. The endoplasmic reticulum under normal circumstances functions as the site for folding membrane and secreted proteins. However, under pathological stresses like the presence of mutated proteins that cannot fold properly, an imbalance of fo...

Periodontal Micropatch and Uses Thereof (Case No. 2019-468)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 15:33:26 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Departments of Bioengineering and Dentistry have developed a patch-based drug delivery system for dental applications. Background: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects tissues surrounding the teeth, and it is estimated that 50% of the U.S. population suffers from some type of periodontal disease. However, most available treatment options have limited efficacy due to poor patient compliance and short treatment time. Therefore, there is a strong need for a new treatment platform that facilitates patient compliance and exten...

2019-048 ANISOTROPIC NANOSTRUCTURES IN MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES FOR SENSING AND/OR HYPERTHERMIA-MEDIATED ANTI-CLOGGING, CAPTURE, AND SELECTIVE RELEASE OF CIRCULAT

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 15:32:00 GMT

INTRODUCTION:UCLA Researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a microfluidic gold nanostar interface for the accurate isolation of CTCs in peripheral blood. BACKGROUND: There is an emerging interest in utilizing circulating tumor cells (CTCs), which detach from primary or metastatic lesions as a means of identifying cancer progression. This method of cancer staging, could serve as the most sensitive method to date, due in great deal to the gold standard of identification relying on hyperpolarized tumor metabolism, which is stagnant at early progression stages. Ho...

2019-046 A METHOD FOR MEASUREMENT OF CURCUMIN AND RELATED COMPOUNDS IN BIOLOGICAL SAMPLES

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 15:30:51 GMT

INTRDUCTION:UCLA scientists from the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, in collaboration with colleagues from California State University, Channel Islands and Shenzhen University, have developed a sensitive analytical method for measuring curcumin and related compounds in complex biological samples.BACKGROUND:Curcumin is a compound found in the turmeric root, and it is believed to possess various health-promoting properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. However, more studies are needed to validate and better understand the effects of cu...

Biomarker for Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 15:29:51 GMT

INTRODUCTION: UCLA researchers in the Department of Anesthesiology reported a novel biomarker and oral treatment for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysm. BACKGROUND:Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a prevalent human disease that affects 4.2% of the general population, characterized by an abnormal widening of a portion of the aorta in the chest. Untreated or unrecognized TAA can be fatal due to sudden rupture of the aortic wall and severe internal bleeding. TAA often develops slowly without obvious symptoms, making them difficult to diagnose. Despite avail...

2019-005 CREATION OF A HYPO-ALLERGENIC CAT

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 15:29:03 GMT

INTRODUCTION:UCLA researchers in the Department of Radiation Oncology have proposed to use the state-of-art gene-editing techniques to generate hypo-allergenic cats. BACKGROUND:Cat allergy in humans is an immune reaction to allergens produced by cats. Sensitivity to cat allergens is common in populations all over the world, varying from 15% in northern Europe to 34% in Japan. The hypersensitivity of the immune system to cat allergens triggers symptoms that can range from mild nasal congestion to life-threatening anaphylaxis. One of the most common allergens is protein fel d1, secreted by...

Redox-Labile Fluorescent Probes and Their Surface Immobilization Methods for the Detection of Metabolites (UCLA Case No. 2019-003)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 15:27:52 GMT

INTRODUCTION:UCLA researchers in the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology reported a novel single cell assay for profiling lactate production via the use of coupled enzyme reactions on surface-grafted resazurin molecules. BACKGROUND:The upregulation of aerobic glycolysis, known as the Warburg effect, is a hallmark of many cancers. Recent studies revealed that aerobic glycolysis is also capable of modulating cell-signaling networks. Understanding the interplay between Warburg effect and the oncogenic signaling will provide new insights...

Intra-Procedure Image-Based Flow Quantification (For Treatment Evaluation) (UCLA Case No. 2018-920)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 15:26:27 GMT

INTRODUCTION:UCLA researchers in the Department of Radiology have developed a new method for analyzing portal vein blood blow at transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation. BACKGROUND:TIPS creation is a common interventional method for the treatment of portal hypertension. However, post-procedure complications can arise, which often necessitate further TIPS revisions. The development of new tools to provide more consistent intra-procedure blood flow measurements can better guide the procedures and potentially reduce the subsequent complications and TIPS revisions....

2018-167 A NEW APPROACH TO HIGH THROUGHPUT DRUG DISCOVERY IN GPCRS USING MICROED

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 15:18:49 GMT

INTRODUCTION:UCLA researchers in the Department of Physiology have proposed a new and powerful method for unbiased structure based high throughput drug discovery for G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) using microcrystal electron diffraction (MicroED). BACKGROUND:X-ray crystallography is one of the techniques for determining protein structures at atomic resolution. However, application of this technique relies on the growth of large and well-ordered protein crystals necessary for X-ray diffraction experiments. Instead of X-rays, microcrystal electron diffraction (MicroED) uses elec...

2017-654 EMPLOYING GALVANIC REDOX PROCESS TO GENERATE INTERNAL ELECTRONIC STIMULATION FOR IMPROVING OSSEOINTEGRATION OF METAL IMPLANTS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 15:13:49 GMT

INTRODUCTION: UCLA researchers in the Department of Plastic Surgery and Dentistry have developed a nanoscale galvanic redox system on the surface of metal implants to enhance its osseointegration. BACKGROUND: The biological interface between an orthopedic implant and the surrounding host tissue has critical effects on clinical outcome. Implant loosening, fibrous encapsulation, corrosion, infection, and inflammation, as well as physical mismatch, may have deleterious effects on implant integration. Osseointegration (bony ingrowth) and osteogenesis stimulation (bone formation) are des...

2015-798 NONCRUSHABLE PILL FORMULATIONS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 14:39:31 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA Researchers in the Department of Chemistry have developed a drug formulation for opioids capable of deterring drug abuse. BACKGROUND: It is estimated that more than 115 Americans a day, died to opioid overdose in 2016. The currently projected estimate is that this number will increase to over 150 Americans a day fatally overdosing on opioids. This opioid crisis has cumulative effects that cost approximately $504 billion a year. To mitigate the rising opioid crisis, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has developed a five-point strategy focused on im...

2006-585 DETOXIFIED AND OSTEOCONDUCTIVE BONE CEMENT

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 14:35:52 GMT

INTRO SENTENCE: UCLA researchers have developed a novel bone cement material for the treatment of osteoporotic fractures and degenerative joint disorders. BACKGROUND:Bone cement is a critical component of various types of orthopedic surgery that is used as spacers and for fixation of implants. Bone cement can be loaded with antibiotics to help with the treatment of infections and can act as a shock absorber to ensure transfer of load from the implant to the bone. The composition of bone cement is a crucial element to the success of the transplantation due to the risk of “cemen...

2015-154 Robust, Ultra-Flexible, Micro-Encoded Ferromagnetic Tape for Bioseparation and Assembly

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 10:59:29 GMT

SUMMARYResearchers at the UCLA Department of Bioengineering have developed methods to embed electroplated magnetic materials within elastomeric materials and to use these flexible magnetic hybrid materials for biological applications. BACKGROUNDFlexible magnetic devices provide unique opportunities to dynamically and remotely interface with biological systems. Currently, flexible magnetic devices are primarily made of micron-scale, physically-addressable magneto-structures (magnetic cilia), which consist of composite structures of PDMS-magnetic particles or nickel itself. These flexible magnet...

Computational Cytometer Based on Magnetically-Modulated Coherent Imaging and Deep Learning

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 15:59:13 GMT

UC Case No. 2019-950 SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering have designed and built a computational cytometer capable of detecting rare cells at low concentration in whole blood samples. This technique and instrumentation can be used for cancer metastasis detection, immune response characterization and many other biomedical applications. BACKGROUND: Rare cell detection aims to identify low-abundant cells within a large population of background cells. Typically, to get a sufficient number of these rare cells, the processing of large vo...

2019-872 Methods and Apparatus to Impute Physiological Signals and Derivative Absolute Values in Real-Time Using Machine Learning Approaches from Independent Data Sources

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 10:12:08 GMT

SUMMARYResearchers led by Drs. Maxime Cannesson and Eran Halperin at UCLA have developed a way to predict arterial blood pressure waveforms using EKG and SpO2 waveforms.BACKGROUNDMonitoring and measuring vital physiological signals like arterial blood pressure (ABP) is critical for successful surgery. Ideally these types of signals should be measured continuously and non-invasively. However, many times these signals do not get monitored due to increased health risk introduced by obtaining the signal from a patient, additional time and resources required by health providers to set up monitoring...

Ambient Methane Functionalization Initiated by d0 Metal-oxo Electrocatalyst

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 17:00:30 GMT

UC Case No. 2020-127 SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a new strategy to electrochemically functionalize methane at low activation energies under ambient conditions. BACKGROUND: Natural gas resources are abundant, yet their wide geological distribution, often in remote locations, results in undesirable methane loss through flaring or direct emission into the atmosphere. One strategy to mitigate this loss is to convert methane into other chemicals at the emission source – which for such remote situations might be...

Single-Atom Tailoring of Platinum Nanocatalysts for High-Performance Multifunctional Electrocatalysis (Case No. 2019-819)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 13:09:06 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Material Science and Engineering, have developed a single-atom tailoring method to boost the electrocatalytic activity of platinum-based catalysts with low loss of generatable current. Background: Platinum is the most universal catalyst for electrochemical energy conversion systems, mainly due in part to its high stability and intrinsic electrocatalytic activity. This electrocatalytic activity stems from the specific activity (SA) of the metal or, more generally, the current that can be generated for a un...

3D Printed Normal Force Sensor

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 14 Oct 2019 15:07:17 GMT

UC Case 2018-740 SUMMARY:UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a novel 3D printing method that produces customizable normal force sensors at high speed and low cost. BACKGROUND:Tactile normal force sensors are essential in haptic feedback systems to reduce excessive grip force. Commercially available piezoresistive force sensors used to reduce this excessive grip are expensive and cannot be readily used in biomedical applications and highly customized devices. Manufacturing force sensors with 3D printing can provide a streamlined, inexpensive alternative...

2012-282 Mechanical Phenotyping Of Single Cells: High Throughput Quantitative Detection And Sorting

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 17:27:44 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology and Bioengineering have developed a novel high throughput mechanically activated sorting device. BACKGROUNDCells are soft, viscoelastic materials whose main structural components are proteins and membranes and whose mechanical phenotype can be significantly altered during pathological transformations. These transformations are mechanically measurable. A mechanically cell measuring device is mechanically activated sorting. Mechanically activated sorting is a single-layer microfluidic device with integrated sensing...

Liquid Metal Enabled Multifunctional Neural Probes with Ultra-Large Tunable Stiffness

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 09:55:51 GMT

UC Case No. 2019-327 SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a novel multifunctional neural probe with ultra-large tunable stiffness for electrochemical sensing and chemical delivery in the brain. BACKGROUND: Measuring brain activity has enormous applications including disease diagnosis and monitoring, as well as machine interface. Acquiring high quality signals requires invasive approaches, such as using embedded electrodes and neural probes. A lot of these devices are stiff and inco...

THz Impulse and Frequency Comb Generation Using Reverse Recovery of PIN Diode (Case No. 2019-897)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 08 Oct 2019 10:41:38 GMT

SUMMARY:UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed an antenna design procedure that can realize devices with beam scanning at a fixed frequency on a single element antenna.BACKGROUND: Broadband pulse generation has a wide range of applications such as high-speed communication, high-resolution radars, spectroscopy, and remote sensing. Techniques to increase bandwidth and radiation power have generated great interest in terahertz (THz) and mm-wave research but are hindered by the limitations of silicon-based technologies. Methods to overcome these li...

2018-220 Network On Interconnect Fabric

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 10:46:52 GMT

SUMMARYResearchers at the UCLA Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering have developed a novel network on interconnect fabric (NoIF) to support global communication, power conversion and management, synchronization, and to facilitate testing within the silicon interconnect fabric (Si-IF).BACKGROUNDModern systems contain a variety of heterogeneous circuit blocks, and require ultra large-scale integration to accommodate different applications. Ideally, silicon interconnect fabric (Si-IF) is a compatible platform to satisfy the needs of modern systems through supporting integration of ...

Determining Oil Well Connectivity Using Nanoparticles

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 10:24:41 GMT

Determining Oil Well Connectivity and Contents Using NanoparticlesUC Case Nos. 2014-866 and 2018-586 SUMMARY:UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry have developed a method of using nanowires to detect underground fluid reservoir interconnectivities and reservoir contents with high accuracy. BACKGROUND:Most conventional systems for studying the extent of wells and flow into and out of them require the use of dyes or radioactive tracers. They rely on sophisticated detection equipment, such as laser spectroscopy, and often require that samples be sent to labs. These...

A Wearable Platform for In-Situ Analysis of Hormones

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 20 Sep 2019 14:31:47 GMT

UC Case No. 2018-657 SUMMARY:UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a highly sensitive, wearable hormone monitoring platform. BACKGROUND:Biofluid levels provide insight for monitoring depression, reproduction, and stress. Invasive methods are used to detect low-concentration biofluids. However, realizing the full-potential of biofluid health monitoring necessitates easy access to low-abundant biofluids such as hormones. Wearable solutions promote ease of access but have been limited to detecting high-concentration biofluids due to low...

Ultra-Low Cost, Transferrable and Thermally Stable Sensor Array Patterned on Conductive Substrate for Biofluid Analysis

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 20 Sep 2019 14:29:09 GMT

UC Case No. 2017-882 SUMMARY:UCLA researchers from the Department of Electrical Engineering have invented a novel biosensor array that is ultra-low cost and thermally stable. It prolongs the lifetime of electrode modules of sensor products and allows for extended sensing operation in uncontrolled environments. BACKGROUND:Biosensors and biochips are the fastest growing segment of the global microsensors market, pushing towards $8.7 billion by 2020. The increasing adoption of wearable biotechnologies and consumer biosensing products is driving the need to bring down costs and extend th...

Buffer-Free Process Cycle For Co2 Sequestration And Carbonate Production From Brine Waste Streams With High Salinity

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 19 Sep 2019 16:42:49 GMT

Buffer-Free Process Cycle for CO2 Sequestration and Carbonate Production from Brine Waste Streams with High SalinityUC Case No. 2018-345 SUMMARY:Researchers in the UCLA Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering have developed a novel process cycle to separate and enrich divalent cations such Ca2+ and Mg2+ from high salinity brine solutions for CO2 mineralization. BACKGROUND:Mineralization is a stable and environmentally friendly method for sequestering CO2, yet the mineralization process is economically challenging due to the large amount of chemicals that it consumes. ...

2019-694 ROLE OF BACTERIAL RNA IN INFLAMMATION IN ACNE

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 19 Sep 2019 14:19:29 GMT

SUMMARY:UCLA researchers in the Department of Dermatology have developed a new treatment for acne that can effectively alleviate the inflammatory response caused by acne-inducing bacteria. BACKGROUND:Acne is a chronic skin disease that was estimated to affect 633 million people globally in 2015, ranking as the 8th most common disease in the world. Cutibacterium acnes (formerly known as Propionibacterium acnes) is a Gram-positive, microaerophilic bacillus that is one of the major factors driving inflammation in acne. The overgrowth of Cutibacterium acne...

2019-039 Active Omnidirectional Wheel

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 13:04:22 GMT

SUMMARY:UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed an active omnidirectional wheel with a transmission design that simultaneously actuates all rollers.BACKGROUND:Omnidirectional wheels are wheels with small, passive rollers around the circumference, perpendicular to the spinning direction. This allows the wheel to be driven with full force longitudinally, but also to slide laterally. These wheels are widely used in holonomic drive systems. To move the cargo in certain direction using such systems, multiple omniwheels must synchronize, while the ro...

2008-765 CONDUCTIVE-ORGANOMETALLIC FRAMEWORK

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 11:52:28 GMT

Conductive Organometallic FrameworkUC Case No. 2008-765 SUMMARY:UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry have developed organic metallic framework (MOF) materials with high porosity and conductivity capabilities. BACKGROUND: Advances in gas storage and separation are needed to facilitate wider adoption of clean energy and for the control of toxic gases. For example, natural gas (methane) has gained some market share as an alternative to petroleum-based fuels for transportation vehicles, but its application is limited by low energy storage density capabilities. The methane has...

2018-003 Deep-Learning Accelerator and Analog Neuromorphic Computation with CMOS-Compatible Charge-Trap-Transistor (CTT) Technique

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 15:55:22 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers from the Department of Electrical Engineering have invented a charge trap transistor based computing architecture for neural networks applications.BACKGROUNDDeep neural networks have wide applications in industries such as machine vision, voice recognition and artificial intelligence- all of which are billion dollar markets growing rapidly each year. Current commercial computing processors (such as CPU, GPU and accelerators) can hardly keep up with the increase in computation demand for complex deep neural network algorithms. The design limits in energy efficiency and o...

2017-210 AUTOMATED PURIFICATION AND FORMULATION MODULE FOR PET PROBES

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 10:06:30 GMT

INTRO SENTENCE: Sofie Biosciences and UCLA researchers from the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology have developed a novel automated module that purifies and formulates radiolabeled compounds intended for medical use. This automation reduces labor cost and radiation exposure, and is widely applicable. TITLE: Automated Purification and Formulation Module for PET ProbesBACKGROUND: Radiopharmaceuticals such as positron emission tomography (PET) tracers are synthesized and radiolabeled compounds intended for injection into humans and...

2019-269 METHODS FOR CONVERTING COLLOIDAL SYSTEMS TO POWDERS THAT CAN READILY BE REDISPERSED IN LIQUID MEDIA TO RESTORE THE ORIGINAL PROPERTIES OF THE COLLOIDS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 15:12:43 GMT

INTRO SENTENCE: UCLA Researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a series of methods useful for the conversion of various colloidal systems into powders that can be readily re-dispersed in liquid media to restore the original properties of the colloids. BACKGROUND: The use of colloidal dispersion/suspension systems has gained tremendous utility in the past decade in a myriad of industries: biomedicine, pharmaceuticals, oil/gas processing, food formulation, and cosmetics. This colloidal dispersion system acts as a method to routinely and accurately produce the desi...

2019-352 HIGH-THROUGHPUT RADIOCHEMISTRY SYSTEM

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 15:10:53 GMT

Non-Confidential DescriptionINTRO SENTENCE: UCLA researchers in the Departments of Bioengineering and Medical and Molecular Pharmacology have developed a novel high throughput microscale radiosynthesizer capable of optimizing radiolabeling of bioactive molecules for the purpose of cancer imaging or drug development. TITLE: High-throughput Radiochemistry System BACKGROUND: The use of radioactive nuclides for the tracing of biological pathways dates to the early 1900s, where researchers utilized radioactive iodine to stage thyroid cancer. Over the past century, radiochemical methodolo...

2018-727 MILD AND SITE-SELECTIVE 18F-LABELING OF SMALL MOLECULES AND/OR BIOMOLECULES VIA A THIOL-REACTIVE SYNTHON

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 15:07:49 GMT

INTRO SENTENCE:UCLA researchers in the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology have developed a thiol-reactive, site-specific radiolabeling of small molecules and biomolecules for positron emission tomography (PET) molecular imaging. TITLE: Mild and site-selective 18F-labeling of small molecules and/or biomolecules via thiol-reactive synthon BACKGROUND: Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a sensitive, high resolution and tissue accretion imaging modality used to identify and evaluate various diseases including:...

2019-260 IN VITRO RECONSTITUTED ENVELOPED VIRUS-LIKE PARTICLES (EVLPS) FOR RNA GENE DELIVERY

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 15:05:12 GMT

INTRO SENTENCE:UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry have developed novel enveloped virus-like particles for the delivery of cancer vaccines, viral vaccines, and chemically-modified mRNA. TITLE: In Vitro Reconstituted Enveloped Virus-Like Particles (EVLPs) For RNA Gene Delivery BACKGROUND:Virus-like particles (VLPs) are molecules that mimic the organization and structure of native viruses, but are non-infectious because they lack the viral genome. VLPs are good candidates for an inexpensive and safe delive...

2018-738 ULTRASMALL BORON OXIDE NANOPARTICLES FOR BNCT

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 15:02:45 GMT

INTRO SENTENCE: UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed ultrasmall, boron oxide nanoparticles suitable for boron neutron capture therapy. TITLE: Ultrasmall boron oxide nanoparticles for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT)BACKGROUND: Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is an emerging strategy for cancer treatment. 10Boron (10B), a stable boron isotope, is selectively concentrated into tumor cells and heated up by being exposed to thermal neutrons, resulting in the emission of gamma-rays, killing the tumor cells. As a result, BNCT is being practical...

2015-612 PREPARATION OF FUNCTIONALIZED POLYPEPTIDES, PEPTIDES, AND PROTEINS BY ALKYLATION OF THIOETHER GROUPS VIA RING OPENING REACTIONS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 13:33:00 GMT

INTRO SENTENCE: UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a simple approach to modify polypeptides and proteins. BACKGROUND: Functionalized polypeptides and proteins are useful as drug delivery vehicles, bioconjugates and novel ligands. However, synthesis of complex polypeptides with defined post-polymerization modifications is a challenging task as reactive side chains are unstable and selectivity in modification is challenging. Additionally, current methods are costly and may be incompatible with other functional groups on polypeptides. There exists a nee...

2019-643 HIGH-THROUGHPUT RADIO-TLC ANALYSIS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 13:31:47 GMT

INTRO SENTENCE:UCLA researchers in the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology developed a platform and method for high-throughput radio-thin layer chromatography analysis. BACKGROUND:Radio thin layer chromatography (radio-TLC) is an analytical technique that allows the identification and quantification of different compounds in a radioactive mixture. In applications where the samples contains a small number of different radioactive species, radio-TLC can give adequate separation of compounds and is preferred over complex methods such as radio-high-performance liquid...

Methods for Fabricating Modular Hydrogels from Macromolecules with Orthogonal Physico-chemical Responsivity

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 13:26:30 GMT

INTRO SENTENCE:UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed novel methods to construct modular hydrogels with orthogonal porosity and stiffness. BACKGROUND:Hydrogels are an important platform for mimicking extracellular matrix environments in many tissue engineering applications. However, the existing bulk hydrogels typically feature linked porosity and stiffness properties. This relationship ultimately prevents the construction of cell-compatible hydrogels with large pore sizes and high stiffness that are required for the hard tissue (bone and muscle) engineering a...

2018-858 NETRIN-1 PEPTIDES FOR THE TREATMENT OF PULMONARY HYPERTENSION

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 13:17:48 GMT

INTRO SENTENCE:UCLA researchers in the Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine have developed a treatment for pulmonary hypertension. BACKGROUND:Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a devastating cardiovascular “cancer” with increased vascular resistance in the lung and chronic failure of the right heart. Common symptoms include: shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pressure or pain, and cyanosis. Idiopathic PH can occur in patients at young ages with an unknown mechanism of spontaneous origin and was estimated to affect 2 million people in the United States in 201...

Novel Superior Peptides for the Treatment of Myocardial Infarction

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 13:14:43 GMT

INTRO SENTENCE: UCLA researchers in the department of Anesthesiology have developed a series of peptides that are capable of treatment of Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack). BACKGROUND: Myocardial Infarction (MI), is the medical term for heart attack, which has been estimated to affect 7.9 million Americans annually. Approximately every 25 seconds, an American will experience a coronary event: one in two of these events will end terminally. Due to the increasing prevalence of MI, there has been much research into treatment strategies. The traditional drug development pathway of small ...

Low-Intrusion Plasma Probe

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:22:51 GMT

UC Case No. 2019-023 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed an inexpensive and easily implemented plasma diagnostic tool, the Low-Intrusion Probe. BACKGROUNDPlasma diagnostic tools, which measure the properties of plasmas, are widely used in analytical techniques for defense, electric propulsion, nuclear fusion research, material processing, and medicine. For example, plasma diagnostics are used for in situ studies of nanostructures formation during the synthesis processes. The most common method of diagnosing a plasma is a La...

The Cryoem Method Microed as a Powerful Tool for Small Molecule Structure Determination (UCLA Case No. 2019-360)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:22:46 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a novel use of the cryogenic electron microscopy (CryoEM) method electron micro-diffraction (MicroED) to provide routine and unambiguous structural determination of small organic molecules. BACKGROUNDNuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has been a mainstay in chemistry and the most predominant method employed in both routine synthetic chemistry experiments and in advanced structural elucidation of complex small molecules. Single crystal X-ray diffraction produces unequivocal structural in...

Treatment for Restoring Ureagenesis in Carbamoyl Phosphate Synthetase 1 Deficiency (UCLA Case No. 2019-600)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:22:43 GMT

Treatment for Restoring Ureagenesis in Carbamoyl Phosphate Synthetase 1 DeficiencyTech ID: 30356 / UC Case 2019-600-0 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Surgery have developed a gene therapy to treat carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 deficiency. BACKGROUNDCarbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1) deficiency is an inherited autosomal recessive urea cycle disorder characterized by complete or partial loss of CPS1 enzyme. The urea cycle cannot proceed normally in the absence of CPS1, and nitrogen accumulates in the form of ammonia in the bloodstream. Ammonia is especially damagin...

2019-550: A Method to Prevent the Myelin Abnormalities Associated with Arginase Deficiency

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:22:43 GMT

SUMMARY UCLA researchers in the Department of Surgery have developed a gene therapy to prevent dysmyelination (and other CNS abnormalities) as a result of arginase deficiency. BACKGROUND Arginase deficiency (ARG1 deficiency, argininemia) is an inherited autosomal recessive disorder caused by deficient/defective enzyme arginase 1 in the final step of urea cycle, catalyzing the hydrolysis of arginine to urea and ornithine. Failure to remove nitrogen from arginine, urea cannot be produced normally, and excess nitrogen accumulates in the blood in the form of ammonia. The accumu...

Identification and Development of Dual nSMase2-AChE Inhibitors for Neurodegenerative Disorders (UCLA Case No. 2019-279)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:22:43 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Neurology, and the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry have developed small molecule inhibitors of both the neutral sphingomyelinase 2 (nSMase2) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) as novel therapeutics for neurodegenerative disorders caused by protein aggregation. BACKGROUND: Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are increasingly being realized to share common molecular mechanisms for disease pathogenesis ...

2019-050: Annotation tool and digital gateway

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:22:41 GMT

Annotation Tool And Digital GatewayTech ID: 30351 / UC Case 2019-050-0 SUMMARYResearchers led by Matthew Fisher have developed an online tool that allows instructors to upload documents and students to easily annotate this text and engage in threaded discussion. BACKGROUNDThe internet has been a transformative technology for many different industries and has tremendous potential in the field of education. Different websites and platforms allow teachers to upload syllabi, assignments, lectures, and reading material for students to see and download. However, these platforms lack a medi...

2019-356 Model to predict transition from fee for service to bundled payments

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:22:41 GMT

Financial Model for Informing Value-Based Payment DecisionsTech ID: 30357 / UC Case 2019-356-0 SUMMARYResearchers led by David Johnson from the Department of Urologic Oncology and the West Los Angeles Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center have developed an interactive web platform that predicts the financial outcomes for various stakeholders (physicians, hospitals, and payers) of transitioning from fee-for-service to bundled payments for robotic radical prostatectomy. BACKGROUNDCurrently, the American healthcare system uses a fee-for-service payment model where patients pay for serv...

2014-322 MAGNETIC MEMORY BITS WITH PERPENDICULAR MAGNETIZATION SWITCHED BY CURRENT-INDUCED SPIN-ORBIT TORQUES

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:22:41 GMT

Magnetic Memory Bits with Perpendicular Magnetization Switched By Current-Induced Spin-Orbit TorquesTech ID: 30203 / UC Case 2014-322-0 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a novel spin-orbit-torque (SOT)-controlled magnetic random access memory driven by in-plane currents. BACKGROUNDMagnetization switching by current-induced spin-orbit torques (SOTs) has been attracting great attention for its potential applications in ultra low power memory and logic devices. The use of SOTs in nonmagnetic metal/ferromagnet/insulator struct...

2019-271 The system for eliminating clickbaiters on visual-centric social media

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:22:37 GMT

System For Eliminating Clickbaiters On Visual-Centric Social MediaTech ID: 30171 / UC Case 2019-271-0 SUMMARYResearchers from the Department of Communication at UCLA have developed a system for identifying and eliminating clickbait from social media. BACKGROUNDClickbait refers to content whose main purpose is to attract attention and encourage visitors to click on a link. It can come in a variety of ways such as provocative images or enticing titles. Clickbait usually leads to sites that try to sell you something or to possibly extort you. At the very least, clickbait annoys users wi...

A Novel Torsional Spring for the Next Generation of Compliant Actuators for Humanoids

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:22:33 GMT

UC Case No. 2018-677 SUMMARYUCLA Researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a spring device capable of outperforming the current gold standard of actuators seen in humanoid robots. BACKGROUNDThe need for automation of physical tasks has led to robot designs that resemble humans, referred to as humanoids. These humanoid machines are still unable to interact with their surrounding environments as humans do. An underlying limitation to many humanoid designs is the inability to vary stiffness in limbs. Humans possess this ability, which allows fo...

Rapid Detection and Typing of Bacteria

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:22:29 GMT

UC Case No. 2016-088 SUMMARY:UCLA researchers in the Department of Material Science and Engineering have developed a novel method for rapid identification of bacteria using a Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) based approach. BACKGROUND:Bacterial infection requires clinical testing to properly identify the bacterial strain in order to treat the infection with the appropriate antibiotic drug or spectrum of antibiotic drugs. Current clinical practice is to culture the biological sample to determine if the patient has a bacterial infection. Subsequently, gram staining is used to...

2018-593 Super Ceramics with Self-Dispersed Nanoparticles via Casting

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:22:21 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Departments of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering have developed a novel casting method to fabricate high performance bulk ceramic materials containing dispersed nanoparticles. Background: The advanced ceramics market is expected to grow to over $15.1 billion by 2028 due to diverse applications in dishware, dental implants, electronics, and manufacturing. These materials have low density, high hardness, and good chemical stability, but suffer from brittleness and are susceptible to failure upon exposure to elast...

2012-184 Computer-Driven Hemodynamics Simulation

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:22:14 GMT

Computer-Driven Hemodynamics Simulator SUMMARYResearchers in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at UCLA have developed a computer-based, reconfigurable hemodynamic simulation program for realistic medical training. BACKGROUNDSimulation training in surgery and critical care is a part of the mandated training programs for medical professionals to teach and evaluate students outside the context of the operating room. This type of training provides an ethically sound method to improve the confidence and skills of potential users in surgical and critical care settings. There are two m...

PAK4 in Cancer Immune Exclusion

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:22:08 GMT

Case 2018-209 Researchers at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine have proposed that T cell tumor infiltration and the anti-tumor activity of anti-PD-1/PD-L1-based immunotherapy to be modulated through kinase PAK4 activity. BACKGROUNDThe p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) is a member of the PAK family of serine/threonine kinases, which are important effectors of Rho family GTPases and are involved in the regulation of cell morphology and motility via modulation of the actin cytoskeleton. Growing evidences have also implicated PAK4 in oncogenic pathways including anchorage-inde...

2017-450 MICROSCALE DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PURIFICATION OF RADIOPHARMACEUTICALS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:21:56 GMT

Microscale Device and Method for Purification of RadiopharmaceuticalsTech ID: 30310 / UC Case 2017-450-0 SUMMARYUCLA researchers from the Departments of Molecular & Medical Pharmacology and Bioengineering have developed a novel method for the purification of radiopharmaceuticals for the on-demand production of positron emission tomography (PET) tracers. BACKGROUNDPositron emission tomography (PET) is a real-time, in vivo 3D imaging technique that has unparalleled specificity and sensitivity for visualizing biochemical processes. Though several tracers have been advanced to the cl...

2017-380 DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MICROSCALE CHEMICAL REACTIONS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:21:55 GMT

Device and Method for Microscale Chemical ReactionsTech ID: 30291 / UC Case 2017-380-0 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Departments of Bioengineering and Molecular and Medical Pharmacology have developed a passive microfluidic reactor chip with a simplified design that is less costly than existing microfluidic chips. BACKGROUNDAlthough positron emission topography (PET) imaging is playing an increasingly important role in the research and clinical management of diseases, access to the radioactive tracers required for such imaging is limited due to the tracers’ short half-lives an...

2017-234 DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ACCURATE SAMPLE INJECTION IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:21:55 GMT

Device and Method for Accurate Sample Injection in Analytical ChemistryTech ID: 30290 / UC Case 2017-234-0 SUMMARYResearchers in the UCLA Departments of Bioengineering and Medical and Molecular Pharmacology and the UCSF Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences have developed a novel microvalve injector for capillary electrophoresis (CE) that improves injection repeatability and consistency. BACKGROUNDCapillary electrophoresis (CE) is a chemical separation technique used to separate, identify, and quantify analytes. Unlike high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), CE...

2017-185 METHOD FOR CONCENTRATION AND FORMULATION OF RADIOPHARMACEUTICALS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:21:54 GMT

Method For Concentration And Formulation Of RadiopharmaceuticalsTech ID: 30269 / UC Case 2017-185-0 SUMMARYResearchers at the UCLA Department of Medical and Molecular Pharmacology have developed a compact microfluidic device that is able to achieve rapid concentration and/or reformulation of PET tracers after HPLC purification. BACKGROUNDPositron emission tomography (PET) uses small amounts of short-lived radiolabeled tracers to image specific molecular processes in living subjects for clinical applications including disease diagnosis and disease progression monitoring. Synthesis of ...

2016-992 SAFE POTENT SINGLE PLATFORM VACCINE AGAINST TIER1 SELECT AGENTS AND OTHER PATHOGENS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:21:51 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Medicine have developed a novel vaccine platform against Tier 1 Select Agents to prevent infectious diseases such as tularemia, anthrax, plague, and melioidosis. BACKGROUNDTier 1 Select Agents are infectious agents that pose a severe threat to the public and can cause diseases such as tularemia, anthrax, plague and melioidosis. Select Agents classified as Tier 1 present a high level of risk as they can be weaponized and cause high mortality if employed by bioterrorists. Even with appropriate antibiotic treatment, patients who acquire pneu...

2016-876 DEVELOPMENT OF A METHOD FOR ENDOCRINE NETWORK DISCOVERY UNCOVERS PEPTIDE THERAPEUTIC TARGETS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:21:49 GMT

Development Of A Method For Endocrine Network Discovery Uncovers Peptide Therapeutic Targets SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Division of Cardiology at the Geffen School of Medicine have developed a bioinformatics methodology to identify and functionally annotate novel endocrine pathways. BACKGROUNDBeginning with the discovery of insulin, endocrine tissue cross talk has been a primary focus for the detection and treatment of metabolic perturbation. Since then, many secreted peptides have been identified playing crucial roles in metabolism, immune system function, cardiovascular pathobi...

2016-809 Enhanced Fluorescence Readout and Reduced Inhibition for Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:21:48 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed an enhanced fluorescent detection method for nucleic acid amplification tests.BACKGROUNDNucleic acid amplification tests are crucial elements in point-of-care diagnostics, such as for viral pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2. Isothermal methods that are easy to implement are especially well-suited for cost-effective testing. The use of fluorescent dyes and probes is a common component of many nucleic acid amplification tests as they can provide a readout for a variety of methods including PCR, NASBA, RCA, MDA, LAMP, Immuno-PC...

2016-788 HYDROGEL FOR ENGINEERED IMMUNE RESPONSE TO D-CHIRALITY PEPTIDES

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:21:47 GMT

Case No. 2016-788 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering have developed a novel biomaterial that can be used as a therapeutic for cancer, wound healing and other diseases. BACKGROUNDImmunotherapy, the modulation of immune response to drive tissue-specific expression has tremendous potential as a therapeutic for malignant cancers and for wound healing. It can also be used for vaccination. However, such an approach requires an immune modulator that can cause a local, sustained immune response without side effects and is not prone to clearance...

2016-680 AUTOMATED PHANTOM IMAGE ASSESSMENT TO CONFIRM MACHINE PERFORMANCE AND CALIBRATION

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:21:46 GMT

Case No. 2016-680 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Radiology have developed a method for automated calibration of phantom images. BACKGROUNDPhantom imaging is a routine procedure used in different medical imaging methods such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET) and ultrasound. Regular quality assurance checks are required for phantom images to verify the software accuracy. Typically, it involves a user marking a region of interest on the image and comparing the image parameters with predefined image specifi...

2016-595 DEEP-LEARNING-BASED COMPUTERIZED PROSTATE CANCER CLASSIFICATION USING A HIERARCHICAL CLASSIFICATION FRAMEWORK

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:21:45 GMT

Case No. 2016-595 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Radiological Sciences have developed a deep-learning-based computerized algorithm for classification of prostate cancer using multi-parametric-MRI images. BACKGROUNDProstate cancer is currently the most common form of cancer found in men. Diagnostic imaging is a crucial component of classifying the severity of prostate cancer. Multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (mp-MRI) is used to differentiate between clinically significant and indolent lesions in prostates. However, this is complicated due to the ambiguity of l...

2016-589 ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER-GUIDED ELECTROCHEMICAL IMPEDANCE SPECTROSCOPY TO ASSESS LIPID-LADEN PLAQUES

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:21:44 GMT

Case No. 2016-589 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Medicine have developed a novel intravascular ultrasound-guided electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (IVUS-EIS) system for the detection of oxLDL-laden plaques in arteries. BACKGROUNDCarotid artery disease refers to the narrowing of the carotid arteries which occurs due to the buildup of fatty substances and cholesterol deposits known as plaques. Blocked carotid arteries significantly increase the risk of stroke as blood flow to the brain can be interrupted. Current methods of determining if a patient has carotid artery...

2016-583 Interference Tolerant Radar System for Self-Driving Vehicles

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:21:44 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a low cost radar system that can detect up to 22 vehicles within 15 cm range. BACKGROUNDRadar is one of the oldest and most efficient methods to detect objects. It is used in diverse applications such as detection of aircraft, ships, missiles, navigation system in vehicles and so on. However, current radar-based methods are limited by interference - the physical phenomenon of signal cancellation due to multiple signals transmitted in close proximity. It is especially important in emerging technologies such as dr...

2016-579 PREPARATION OF FUNCTIONAL HOMOCYSTEINE RESIDUES IN POLYPEPTIDES AND PEPTIDES

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:21:44 GMT

Preparation Of Functional Homocysteine Residues In Polypeptides And Peptides SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering and Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry have developed a novel method for efficient, chemoselective transformation of methionines in peptides and polypeptides into stable, functional homocysteine derivatives. This method provides a means of creation of new functional biopolymers, site-specific peptide tagging, and synthesis of biomimetic and structural analogs of peptides. BACKGROUNDMethods for selective conversion of natural amino acids in p...

2016-404 NEW METHOD TO INCREASE THE LIGATION RATE OF REACTIONS CATALYZED BY THE S. AUREUS SORTASE A ENZYME

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:21:39 GMT

New Method to Increase the Rate of Protein Ligation Catalyzed by the S. Aureus Sortase A Enzyme SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a new method to increase the rate of ligation catalyzed by the S. aureus Sortase A enzyme BACKGROUNDThe sortase A (SrtA) enzyme from Staphylococcus aureus is widely used as a tool to catalyze in vitro ligation reactions that join biomolecules and create antibody-drug conjugates. SrtA functions as a transpeptidase that joins via peptide bond two peptides, a peptide containing the sequence LPXTG (where X c...

2016-177 An Accelerated Phase-Contrast MRI Technique

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:21:35 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department Radiological Sciences have developed a technique for accelerated phase-contrast MRI, reducing total image acquisition time in the collection of high-resolution data. Background: Phase-contrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (PC-MRI) is an imaging technique frequently used to visualize patient anatomy for health and disease by using a strong magnetic field to visualize the spin of nuclei. PC-MRI has also been used to quantify blood flow and velocity, which is important for diagnosing and monitoring disease progression. Currently, the conventiona...

2015-885 ENERGETICALLY ENHANCED REFORMING PROCESS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:21:33 GMT

Energetically Enhanced Reforming Process SUMMARYUCLA researchers from the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering have developed a method of generating hydrogen through steam reforming that does not require the large amounts of applied heat needed in conventional reforming processes. This presents the opportunity to greatly reduce operational costs associated with hydrogen generation. The method does not introduce air or oxygen to the reforming mixture, thereby avoiding the explosion hazard that is introduced by autothermal reforming. BACKGROUNDSteam reforming of natural g...

2015-826 SATELLITE/HELPER VIRUS-LIKE SYSTEMS FOR AMPLIFYING RNA

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:21:32 GMT

Case No. 2015-826 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a novel method for high protein expression levels, in situ, involving RNA-based therapeutics. BACKGROUNDThe RNA therapeutics industry is growing at a CAGR of 12% and is expected to reach $1.2 billion by 2020. These are a novel class of therapeutics, currently in clinical trials for cancer, immunotherapy and vaccination. An RNA therapeutic is essentially an mRNA that codes for any gene of interest, such as an antibody or an immune modulatory protein. Upon delivery of the mRNA, the ...

SHAPE-CONTROLLED PARTICLES HAVING SUBPARTICLE GEOMETRICAL FEATURES

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:21:29 GMT

SHAPE-CONTROLLED PARTICLES HAVING SUBPARTICLE GEOMETRICAL FEATURES UCLA Case No. 2015-375 SUMMARY UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a photolithographic method for the high-throughput, parallel production of microscale and nanoscale objects with tailored shapes and dimensions using a single photomask. BACKGROUNDThe high-throughput fabrication of nanoscale and microscale particles with a wide variety of shapes and functionalities is of significant interest in the study of synthetic colloidal chemistry. Photolithography is a promising tech...

Nanocomposite-Enabled Thermal Drawing of Multifunctional Fibers

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:21:28 GMT

UC Case 2015-320 SUMMARYUCLA researchers from the Department of Mechanical Engineering have developed a new thermal drawing technology to fabricate multifunctional core/clad fibers with individually-addressable micro/nanosize metal nanowire cores. BACKGROUNDCore/clad fibers with metal microwire cores have been utilized in a wide range of applications. The typical thermal drawing process is capable of fabricating continuous core/clad fibers with metal core diameter down to the micrometer scale. However, inherent surface energy constraints and core/clad differences in interfacial energ...

2015-182 FLEXIBLE BALLOON-INFLATABLE ELECTROCHEMICAL IMPEDANCE SPECTROSCOPY TO ASSESS ENDOLUMINAL LIPID-RICH LESIONS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:21:27 GMT

Case No. 2015-182 SUMMARYUCLA researchers have developed a novel flexible balloon-inflatable electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to facilitate the diagnosis of metabolically active atherosclerotic lesions. BACKGROUNDIdentifying metabolically active atherosclerotic lesions remains an unmet clinical challenge during coronary intervention. Detection of atherosclerotic lesions prone to rupture is of utmost importance in the management of patients with myocardial infarction and stroke. Atherosclerotic plaques usually contain high levels of inflammatory activity, due to oxidized lipids ...

2015-151 SIMULTANEOUS CORNEAL HYDRATION THICKNESS AND HYDRATION MEASUREMENT THROUGH MULTI-SPECTRAL REFLECTOMETRY

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:21:26 GMT

Simultaneous Corneal Hydration Thickness And Hydration Measurement Through Multi-Spectral Reflectometry SUMMARYUCLA Researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a novel technology to simultaneously detect changes in thickness and hydration levels of the cornea. BACKGROUNDRegulating water content is a major component of corneal biology as it is essential in transmission and focusing properties of the cornea and hydration levels of the cornea are indicative of cornea pathology. Fuchs dystrophy is a slowly progressing corneal dystrophy that causes the cornea to hyperph...

2015-149 ASSESSMENT OF WOUND STATUS AND TISSUE VIABILITY VIA ANALYSIS OF SPATIALLY RESOLVED THZ REFLECTOMETRY MAPS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:21:26 GMT

Assessment Of Wound Status And Tissue Viability Via Analysis Of Spatially Resolved Thz Reflectometry Maps SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed an algorithm to assess the burn wound severity and predict its future outcomes using Terahertz imaging. BACKGROUNDQuantitatively assessing burn wound severity and predicting how the wound heals is important for timely and accelerated therapeutic interventions. However, currently available imaging techniques have limited capabilities to perform such an analysis. Optical coherence tomography is only limited ...

2014-965 A NEW HUMAN-MONITOR INTERFACE FOR INTERPRETING CLINICAL IMAGES

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:21:23 GMT

A New Human-Monitor Interface For Interpreting Clinical ImagesCase No. 2014-965-0 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Radiological Sciences have invented a novel interactive tool that can rapidly focus and zoom on a large number of images using eye tracking technology. BACKGROUNDWith the development of digital workstations, radiologists have had to move from reading clinical images of 3D anatomy on film in incremental slices placed side by side to reviewing images in a stack mode, scrolling through them individually using a mouse or jog-wheel. In many instances, this shift h...

2014-941 LOW-DUTY-CYCLE CONTINUOUS-WAVE PHOTOCONDUCTIVE TERAHERTZ IMAGING AND SPECTROSCOPY SYSTEMS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:21:22 GMT

Low-Duty-Cycle Continuous-Wave Photoconductive Terahertz Imaging and Spectroscopy Systems SUMMARYProfessor Mona Jarrahi in the UCLA Department of Electrical Engineering has developed a technique for operating continuous-wave (CW) terahertz imaging and spectroscopy systems based on photoconductive terahertz sources and/or detectors that uses a low-duty-cycle optical pump, achieving high radiation powers and detection sensitivities without causing thermal breakdown, as well as higher quality image and spectra data. BACKGROUNDThe scope and potential use of existing terahertz imaging and...

2014-784 TUNABLE VAPOR CONDENSED NANO-LENSES

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:21:20 GMT

Tunable Vapor-Condensed Nano-Lenses SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed an improved and cost-efficient nanolens to visualize nanoparticles and viral particles with 50 fold greater detection and more than 10 fold field-of-view compared to other imaging modalities. BACKGROUNDVarious methods exist to fabricate micro-scale lenses to image very small particles. Current forms of nanolenses, however, have limited resolution and sensitivity. Furthermore, imaging particles of a particular shape (i.e rod-shaped particles) may be problematic. The p...

Trehalose Hydrogels for Stabilization and Delivery of Proteins (UCLA Case No. 2014-554)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:21:20 GMT

Trehalose Hydrogels For Stabilization And Delivery Of ProteinsCase No. 2014-554-0 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a novel trehalose hydrogel to help stabilize proteins for drug delivery. BACKGROUNDProteins are at the core of biologic drugs and are used to treat a range of disease states including arthritis, cancer, and diabetes. However, some of the major challenges with this class of drugs include their intravenous injection, inherent instability, and short half-life in the bloodstream. Hydrogels, defined as networks of crosslin...

2014-526 SMALL NETRIN-1 DERIVED PEPTIDES FOR CARDIOPROTECTION

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:21:19 GMT

Netrin-1 Compounds as Post-MI and Post-Angioplasty Therapeutics as well as for Treating Renal and CNS Reperfusion Injury SUMMARYUCLA researchers have invented a method of decreasing myocardial injury and infarct size through the intravenous administration of the netrin-1 or netrin-1-derived peptides during a cardiac event. These agents have powerful cardioprotective effects and provide a novel and effective therapy for the treatment of myocardial infarction. BACKGROUNDNetrin-1 is a novel endothelial mitogen that stimulates production of nitric oxide (NO•) which has a well-establ...

Small Molecules That Facilitate Exon Skipping (UCLA Case No. 2014-258)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:21:17 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Departments of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, and Human Genetics have discovered a novel small molecule therapy that facilitates treatment of Duchene Muscular Dystrophy. BACKGROUNDDuchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the dystrophin gene. In DMD patients, muscles quickly degenerate, leading to muscle weakness and early death. The mutation typically found in DMD is a multiexon deletion which causes dystrophin protein levels to be unusually low.There is currently no cure, and steroids are currently t...

2014-141 METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MAGNETOELECTRONIC ELEMENTS AND ARRAYS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:21:16 GMT

Case No. 2014-141 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a magnetoelectric memory array, which uses a crossbar architecture to achieve high density. BACKGROUNDExcessive power consumption and manufacturing costs have become chief roadblocks to the further scaling of semiconductors, electronics and systems that are necessitated by the storage and transmission of excessive amounts of information. Memory and logic circuits to store the excessive amounts of information are prevalent in devices that have computational functions, processors that n...

2014-140 MAGNETOELECTRIC DEVICE HAVING TWO DIELECTRIC BARRIERS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:21:16 GMT

Magnetoelectric Device with Two Dielectric BarriersTech ID: 30169 / UC Case 2014-140-0 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a magnetoelectric memory device that uses two dielectric barriers for improved voltage-controlled magnetic anisotropy (VCMA) and tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) properties. BACKGROUNDNew random-access memory technologies, such as magneto-electric random-access memory (MeRAM), have been emerging as computer data storage must keep up with the increasing amount of data being generated and processed. MeREAM u...

2013-304 ELECTRICAL CHARGE BALANCING SCHEME FOR FUNCTIONAL STIMULATION USING PULSE WIDTH COMPENSATION

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:21:08 GMT

Electrical Charge Balancing Scheme For Functional Stimulation Using Pulse Width CompensationTech ID: 30167 / UC Case 2013-304-0 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a novel electrical charge cancellation scheme to effectively remove residual charge on an electrode, achieving greater precision for lesser hardware cost, while maintaining a surgically implantable small size without extra pulse insertion. BACKGROUNDFunctional electrical stimulation is a method adopted by many biomedical implants to restore function to tissues in the human body. This ...

2013-185 FULLY HUMAN ANTIBODIES AND FRAGMENTS RECOGNIZING HUMAN C-MET

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:21:07 GMT

Fully Human Antibodies and Fragments Recognizing c-Met SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology have developed several novel recognition sequences against the human oncogene c-MET. These unique sequences are the basic building blocks used to make intact human antibodies and antibody fragments that can be conjugated to various payloads endowing them with great therapeutic and diagnostic potential in vitro and in vivo. BACKGROUNDThe proto-oncogene c-MET (hepatocyte growth factor receptor, HGFR) is a membrane-bound tyrosine kinase receptor expresse...

2013-144 HIGH SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL RESOLUTION DYNAMIC CONTRAST-ENHANCED MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:21:07 GMT

Case No. 2013-144 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Radiology have developed a novel acquisition and reconstruction method for dynamic high-resolution 3D contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA). BACKGROUNDHigh-resolution 3D contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) has emerged as a widely accepted and powerful technique for diagnostic assessment of almost all vascular territories. The non-invasive nature and lack of ionizing radiation combined with the safety of gadolinium-based contrast agents make CE-MRA an appealing alternative to digit...

2012-876 A READ-DISTURBANCE-FREE NONVOLATILE CONTENT ADRESSABLE MEMORY

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:21:05 GMT

Case No. 2012-876 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed read-disturbance-free content addressable memory (CAM) using voltage controlled magneto-electric tunnel junctions (MEJs). BACKGROUNDThe electronics industry continuously demands for memory devices with higher density, faster speed, and better reliability. Memories configured as content addressable memories (CAMs) are particularly suitable in applications, including search-based systems, such as cache controllers, Ethernet routing, data compression, and pattern recognition. Currently, ...

2012-875 A NONVOLATILE MAGNETOELECTRIC RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY CIRCUIT

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:21:05 GMT

Case No. 2012-875 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a nonvolatile random-access memory circuit (MeRAM) that is very dense, fast, and consumes extremely low power. BACKGROUNDRandom-access memory (RAM) is a form of computer data storage that directly affects a computer’s speed. As society becomes heavily data-driven it is crucial that dense, low-powered RAM devices are created for more digital workspaces and faster running programs. Dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) is one example of RAM that has dense memory but is volatile and ...

2012-745 TECHNIQUES FOR CREATION AND INSERTION OF TEST POINTS FOR MALICIOUS CIRCUITRY DETECTION

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:21:03 GMT

Techniques for Creation and Insertion of Test Points for Malicious Circuitry DetectionTech ID: 30202 / UC Case 2012-745-0 SUMMARYResearchers led by Dr. Potkonjak from the UCLA Department of Computer Science have developed a technique to detect hardware Trojans in integrated circuits. BACKGROUNDIntegrated circuits (ICs) play key roles in most of today’s technologies ranging from mobile devices to computers. The high cost of fabricating ICs results in the dominance of a contract-foundry semiconductor business model in which multiple independent entities come together to create la...

2012-340 A Novel Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Conjugate for Broad Therapeutic Application

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:21:00 GMT

A Novel Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Conjugate for Broad Therapeutic Application SUMMARYUCLA scientists have developed a novel polymer conjugate of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) for use in commercial and possibly clinical applications. This is the first bFGF conjugate to enhance bioactivity and stability under environmental stressors. BACKGROUNDBasic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is an important protein that has many commercial applications due in part to its involvement in numerous physiological functions including embryonic development, angiogenesis, tissue and bone re...

2012-105 TRIBOELECTRIC PHOTOELECTRON ACCELERATOR

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:20:58 GMT

A Compact, Portable, Low-Voltage Linear Photoelectron Accelerator SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the department of Physics and Astronomy have developed a pocket-sized linear accelerator based on the novel triboelectric effect. BACKGROUNDElectromagnetic radiation generators are in high demand in the scientific, industrial, and medical field. For example, radiation generators with high energy and flux are necessary for stereotactic radiosurgery, such as the CyberKnife, where targeted tissue can be destroyed without the need for surgical incision. The ideal generator is portable, compact, l...

2011-739 LIS-LUNG ISOLATION SYSTEM

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:20:56 GMT

Lung Isolation and One-Lung Ventilation System SUMMARYDr. Nir Hoftman in the Department of Anesthesiology has developed a novel one-lung ventilation system that is deployed through a standard endotracheal breathing tube and achieves reliable, switchable isolation of either lung, along with integrated imaging ability. BACKGROUNDSurgeries of the lung and thorax commonly require the ventilation of one lung to be stopped while maintaining ventilation of the other. The traditional device and gold standard for one-lung ventilation is the double lumen endotracheal tube (DLT), based on the d...

2010-540 DESIGN FOR VIABLE INTEGRATED WIND TURBINES

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:20:52 GMT

Design for Viable Integrated Wind TurbinesTech ID: 30292 / UC Case 2010-540-0 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical Engineering have demonstrated improved aerodynamic and mechanical performance of wind turbines with a parafoil design that reduces wind turbine rotor weight along with a “drag start” method for rotation of lift-driven wind turbines. BACKGROUNDThe Department of Energy’s commitment to having wind power supply 20% of the national end-use electricity demand by 2030 has prompted the need for wind turbine integration into urban and suburban...

2010-142 TIME-RESOLVED FLUORESCENCE IMAGING WITHOUT LIFETIME FITTING

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:20:51 GMT

Time-Resolved Fluorescence Imaging Without Lifetime Fitting SUMMARYUCLA investigators have developed a novel method to obtain time-resolved fluorescence imaging (TRFI) without the need to extract a fluorescence lifetime. Compared to conventional TRFI, this novel method is reliable, simple, time-saving and can dramatically improve biomedical applications of TRFI. BACKGROUNDTime-resolved fluorescence imaging is an effective tool to study complex biological samples. In medicine, the distribution in space of any fluorescent marker can be exploited for diagnostic purposes. Images using th...

2009-554 COMPLEX MIXED LIGAND OPEN FRAMEWORK MATERIALS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:20:49 GMT

Case 2009-554 UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a novel multifarious mixed functionalized metal-organic framework (MOF), which has been demonstrated to be successful in gas storage and separation. BACKGROUNDAdding complexity and increasing the number of building units to crystalline structures usually leads to either mixed phases or amorphous materials. The addition of different links to zeolitic imidazolate and MOFs has been limited to two linkers. Post-synthetically, MOFs can be modified with four different functionalities, but variatio...

2008-836 IMPLEMENTATION OF MATHEMATICAL CONSTRAINTS - ITERATIVE METHODS FOR DOSE REDUCTION AND IMAGE ENHANCEMENT IN TOMOGRAPHY

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:20:46 GMT

Case No. 2008-836 SUMMARYUCLA researchers have developed an algorithm that enables construction of 3D images from tomographic data through iterative methods with the incorporation of mathematical constraints. This methodology is an improvement over conventional techniques as it allows for radiation dose reduction and improved resolution. BACKGROUNDTomographic imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) are important diagnostic and interventional tools in medicine and other sciences. Typical tomography instrumentation contains a radiation...

2008-030 DRUG CONJUGATED MAGNETONANOPARTICLES FOR VISUALIZATION OF NEOPLASM (ONCOLOGY), CARDIAC IMAGING AND NEUROLOGICAL DISEASES AND DISORDERS...

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:20:42 GMT

Case No. 2008-030 SUMMARYResearchers at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior have developed magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) functionalized with deoxyglucose that can be used as tissue-specific contrast agents for MRI. These novel MNPs can help physicians and researchers to differentiate neoplastic, epileptic, parkinsonian, or Alzheimer tissues from normal tissue based on the metabolic activity of the tissue. BACKGROUNDA number of imaging techniques are currently used to diagnose, stage, and monitor neurological disorders and tumors, but each available technique ...

Novel Non-Immunogenic Positron Emission Tomography Gene Reporter (UCLA Case No. 2007-474)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:20:41 GMT

Novel Non-Immunogenic Positron Emission Tomography Gene ReporterTech ID: 30321 / UC Case 2007-474-0 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Pharmacology and Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Molecular Genetics have developed a novel positron emission tomography reporter gene to preferentially trap radiolabeled deoxycytidine analogs. BACKGROUNDPositron Emission Tomography (PET) is a non-invasive imaging tool that is used to monitor the metabolic activity of tissues within a patient’s body. PET scanners detect positron emitting isotopes or probes that are taken u...

Non-Immunogenic Positron Emission Tomography Gene Reporter Systems (UCLA Case No. 2006-709)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:20:38 GMT

Non-Immunogenic Positron Emission Tomography Gene Reporter SystemsTech ID: 30320 / UC Case 2006-709-0 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Pharmacology and Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Molecular Genetics have developed a novel dual gene positron emission tomography reporter system for the enhanced labeling of cells in vitro and in vivo. BACKGROUNDPositron Emission Tomography (PET) is a non-invasive imaging tool that has been used in the clinic for imaging metabolic processes within a patient’s body. Positron emitting isotopes or probes are injected into...

2005-307 TITANIUM WITH ENHANCED CAPABILITY FOR TISSUE INTEGRATION

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:20:35 GMT

Titanium with Enhanced Capability for Tissue Integration INNOVATIONProfessor Takahiro Ogawa and colleagues have developed materials and simple methods to greatly improve the anchorage of dental implants, while also shortening the healing time. The main problem with currently available dental implants is the long three to six month healing time for the implant to assimilate to the bone during which the patient must wear a removable prostheses. This protracted healing time adds cost to the treatment and great inconvenience to the patient. These methods and materials are inexpensive, quick, ...

2004-192 A NEW PET PROBE FOR GLUCOSE TRANSPORT AND METABOLISM

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:20:34 GMT

Case No. 2004-192 BACKGROUNDPositron Emission Tomography, or PET, is a functional medical imaging technique that allows physicians to monitor metabolic processes in the body. PET imaging has been particularly useful in monitoring brain activity and tumor detection by measuring glucose metabolism. This is achieved by using a PET probe that can bind to radiolabeled glucose administered during the examination. 2-[18F]-2deoxy-D-glucose, or 2FDG, the most common PET probe used to monitor glucose metabolism typically in the brain, can also be utilized to monitor heart function, and to identify ...

2018-375 SPATIO-TEMPORAL PACING AND RECORDING FOR EVALUATION, INDUCTION, AND MAPPING OF ARRHYTHMIAS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:20:25 GMT

Spatio-Temporal Pacing and Recording for Evaluation, Induction, and Mapping of Arrhythmias SUMMARYResearchers led by Marmar Vaseghi from the School of Medicine at UCLA have developed a high density electrode array to evaluate, induce, and map arrhythmias. BACKGROUNDCardiac arrhythmias are abnormal heartbeats that arise from malfunctions of electrical conduction in the heart. There are many tests to diagnose arrhythmias, but some diagnoses require their induction. These situations use multi-electrode arrays to induce arrhythmias through electrical stimulation. The same electrode array...

2012-422 PolyProtek: Platform for Delivering and Stabilizing Therapeutic Biologics, Vaccines, and Industrial Enzymes

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:20:19 GMT

PolyProtek: Platform for Delivering and Stabilizing Therapeutic Biologics, Vaccines, and Industrial Enzymes SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry have designed an improved version of trehalose-based glycopolymer as a degradable alternative to PEG for the purpose of stabilizing a protein during storage and transport. BACKGROUNDA UCLA team led by Professor Heather Maynard has developed a family of polymers that effectively stabilizes industrial enzymes and therapeutic biologics and vaccines against thermal and mechanical stress while improving their ...

2017-443 Small Molecule Inhibitors of Cardiovascular and Renal Ectopic Calcification

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:20:19 GMT

Small Molecule Inhibitors of Cardiovascular and Renal Ectopic Calcification SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Medicine have discovered that administration of small molecule inhibitors of ENPP1 or functional antagonists of PPi can substantially attenuate ectopic calcification. This suggests that ENPP1 and PPi can be potential pharmacological targets when developing therapeutics for pathological ectopic calcification. BACKGROUNDPathological calcification of soft tissues, or ectopic calcification, is common in diseases such as diabetes and chronic kidney disease. It is also c...

High-Throughput Communication System (Case No. 2016-393)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:20:19 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers have developed a set of source and operation codes for high-throughput (100 Gbps) communication system to approach channel capacity. This technique is unique in that it does not use reverse transmission confirming or denying message reception is provided which saves decoder computational power and improves efficiency especially at/near capacity.BACKGROUNDThere is a growing demand for data drives and better performance over difficult (noisy) channels. Throughput (digital bandwidth consumption) is the rate of production, or the rate at which something can be processed (th...

2018-337 Power Distribution within Silicon Interconnect Fabric

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:20:18 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a novel method of powering systems on silicon interconnect fabrics for integration of packageless processors. BACKGROUNDOver the past two decades, silicon chips have decreased in size by 1000x, while packages on circuit boards have only shrunk by 4x. This will eventually limit scaling of integrated circuits and subsequent processor performance. A solution is the invention of platforms for packageless integration of heterogeneous dies, such as silicon interconnect fabric (Si-IF), exhibiting sign...

2015-288 TRP: Derivation of a Human Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancer Cell Line with Defined Oncogenic Drivers

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:20:15 GMT

SUMMARY: Researchers at UCLA have developed a malignant neuroendocrine prostate cancer cell line that was derived from benign human prostate tissue and transformed with the oncogenes MYCN and myristoylated AKT1. BACKGROUND Human cell lines are an important component to laboratory research. Currently there are only two available human neuroendocrine prostate cancer cell lines, both of which are derived from patients with metastatic prostate cancer. While it is important to understand cancer phenotypes of disease-derived cell lines, it is possible that models obtained from cancer pati...

2012-106 Near Realistic Sports Motion Analysis and Activity Monitoring

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:20:14 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Computer Science have developed a new technology to fight the growing obesity epidemic by encouraging exercise in video games.BACKGROUNDHuman activity monitoring, through the use of body-wearable sensors, allows for many exciting possibilities, from gaming, to exercise, to preventative health care, where childhood obesity is a growing epidemic. Nearly one-third of all children are overweight or obese. Some of the main contributing factors to obesity are nutrition and lack of physical activity. It’s currently estimated that children aged 2-19 s...

2015-240 Image Filtering Algorithm for Enhanced Noise Removal and Feature Preservation

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:20:13 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry have developed a novel image filtering algorithm that removes image noise while preserving image features with unprecedented fidelity. BACKGROUNDTraditional image processing techniques use filtering algorithms based either on spatial smoothing (averaging) of pixel intensities or on distinguishing the true image signal from noise in a mathematically transformed domain (e.g. sorting image data by frequency content rather than by location). However, both of these approaches rely on imperfect assumptions ab...

Apparatus and Signal Processing Technique for Real-Time Label-Free High-Throughput Cell Screening (Case No. 2014-077)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:20:13 GMT

Apparatus and Signal Processing Technique for Real-Time Label-Free High-Throughput Cell Screening SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have invented a novel apparatus for real-time label-free high-throughput cell screening. BACKGROUNDCell protein content measurement can be used in many biomedical applications such as blood doping detection, infection monitoring , drug development and screening, studies of necrosis and apoptosis, cell cycle progression and differentiation, and in cancer diagnostics. Current methods for cell protein concentration measurement incl...

A Cell-Based Seeding Assay for Huntingtin Aggregation (UCLA Case No. 2018-193)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:20:09 GMT

UCLA researchers from the Department of Psychiatry has created a novel cell-based seeding assay for sensitive, specific and high throughput detection of mutant Huntingtin proteins in biological samples. BACKGROUND: Huntington’s disease (HD) is a lethal genetic disorder that is caused by mutations in the huntingtin protein (mHTT). Genetic errors cause an elongated repeat motif to result in a polyglutamine (polyQ) stretch in the expressed protein, causing it to form aggregates. These aggregates accumulate in the nerve cells eventually lead to their breakdown, incurring debil...

2016-093 Device for Global and Targeted Delivery of Brachytherapy to the Bladder Lumen

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:20:09 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers have designed a device that delivers local radiation to the bladder lumen limiting harmful off-target effects. This technology enables the use of radiotherapy as a safe and effective treatment for early stage bladder cancer patients.BACKGROUNDBladder cancer is the second most common genitourinary malignancy in the US with 74,000 new cases diagnosed per year. Some 70% of these cases present as early-stage disease. The current treatment paradigm consists of transurethral resection with or without subsequent intra-bladder immunotherapy. Unfortunately, the rate of recurrenc...

2016-158 Automated and Unsupervised Method for Electroencephalogram Artifact Minimization and Rejection

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:20:09 GMT

SUMMARY UCLA researchers have developed an automated and unsupervised digital signal processing method to quickly and efficiently minimize and reject artifacts from scalp Electroencephalogram (EEG) and intracranial EEG recordings. BACKGROUND Electroencephalogram (EEG) is designed to record cerebral activity. However, in addition to cerebral activity, other electrical activity from regions other than the brain are also recorded. This added activity is characterized by abrupt vertical transient changes in signal creating a significant amount of noise that masks the original s...

2013-461 Non-Oxidative Glycolysis for Production of Acetyl-CoA

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:20:08 GMT

Non-Oxidative Glycolysis For Production Of Acetyl-CoA Derived Compounds SUMMARYThe Liao group at UCLA has constructed a Non-Oxidative Glycolysis pathway for the synthesis of biofuel precursors with a 100% carbon conversion rate. BACKGROUNDThe use of a petroleum-based fuel infrastructure has been sustained in the last hundred years by the balance of supply and demand. However, with the development and growth of countries and populations, the demand for fossil fuels has begun to exceed the natural supply, threatening worldwide energy security. The production of synthetic fuels from bio...

2017-519 Safe Vector for Glaucoma Gene Therapy

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:20:07 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers from the Department of Ophthalmology have developed a novel gene therapy approach to cure eye diseases such as glaucoma using naked plasmid DNA.BACKGROUNDGlaucoma is a debilitating eye disease that can lead to blindness. One of the major symptoms is abnormal eye pressure, which is regulated by trabecular meshwork that controls the aqueous humor outflow from the eye. Gene therapy can relieve or revert some of the symptoms in eye diseases such as glaucoma. Expression of therapeutic genes in tissues such as trabecular meshwork can alter eye pressure. Conventional gene ther...

2018-199 Identification of OLMAINC as a Biomarker for NAFLD, NASH, Metabolic Syndrome, and Hepatic Fibrosis

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:20:06 GMT

Identification Of OLMAINC as a Biomarker for NAFLD, NASH, Metabolic Syndrome, Hepatic Fibrosis SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Departments of Medicine and Human Genetics have identified a sequence of long, non-coding RNA that plays a role in the regulation of intracellular lipogenesis and holds potential for diagnosing and treating metabolic diseases, including NAFLD and NASH. BACKGROUNDMetabolic syndrome (MetS) has reached epidemic proportions in the United States and can manifest itself in various ways in the body, leading to a variety of diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty live...

2018-176 Value-based information flow tracking in software packages

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:20:05 GMT

Value-Based Information Flow Tracking in Software Packages SUMMARYA collaboration between UCLA and Rutgers have developed a novel information flow tracking technique to detect potential data leaks in mobile devices. BACKGROUNDMobile devices have a variety of sensors that enable a wide range of useful applications from step tracking to providing point of care medical services. As their integration into daily life and capabilities increase, it becomes important that information from theses sensors do not get leaked to outside parties. Information flow tracking (IFT) can be used to dete...

2018-196 Intensified Energetically Enhanced Reforming

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:20:05 GMT

Intensified Energetically Enhanced Reforming SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering have designed a method to intensify the steam-methane reforming process used to industrially produce hydrogen. BACKGROUNDCurrently, the most economical process for hydrogen production is steam reforming of natural gas. In steam-methane reforming, natural gas reacts with water to produce hydrogen and other byproducts. The reactions taking place inside a reformer make its operation endothermic, and therefore a large heat load must be supplied for reforming to ...

2012-715 Peripherally-Acting Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists for Chronic Pain

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:20:04 GMT

Peripherally-Acting Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists for Chronic Pain SUMMARYResearchers from UCLA and RTI International have developed novel, small molecule agonists at cannabinoid type 1 and type 2 receptors (CB1R and CB2R) that have low blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. The compounds represent promising therapeutics for treating chronic pain. BACKGROUNDCurrent treatments of different types of chronic pain are geared towards decreasing inflammation (if it exists) and maximizing pain relief while minimizing side effects associated with each particular drug type. Unf...

2017-974 Methods and System for Large-Scale Dream Data in Immersive Multisensory Environment: Acquisition, Analysis, Modeling, and Interpretation & Applications

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:20:03 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed the Dream Brain System, an immersive Virtual Reality platform that collects dream data for therapeutic, scientific and experimental use. By capturing relevant dream data through multimodal signals recollected by the user, the Dream Brain System greatly advances conventional dream reporting techniques by providing effective dream recollection and interpretation.BACKGROUNDDreams are often seen as the most relevant unguarded windows to human brains. If interpreted properly, dreams can be diagnostically valuable, es...

2017-701 Nanoparticle-Enabled Delivery of Large Plasmid DNA for Gene Therapy of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Cancer

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:20:03 GMT

Polyrotaxane Nanoparticles for Delivery of Large Plasmid DNA in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy SUMMARYUCLA researchers have designed, synthesized, and validated a polyrotaxane nanocarrier for targeted delivery of large plasmids for gene therapy applications for treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and cancer. BACKGROUNDRapid development of genome/epigenome approaches have the potential to correct disease related mutations and activate or suppress genes for therapy.However, achieving efficient and safe delivery of these genetic tools remains a key task. From the formulation perspecti...

2015-829 Novel Antiviral Compounds

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:20:02 GMT

Novel Antiviral Compounds to Treat Enterovirus Infections SUMMARYResearchers in UCLA Department of Molecular & Medical Pharmacology have used a rapid, live virus assay to develop potent enterovirus inhibitors. BACKGROUNDHuman enteroviruses (EVs) are a genus of more than 110 serologically distinct, small, non-enveloped RNA viruses responsible for poliomyelitis (viral infection of the nerves), encephalitis (viral infection of the brain), acute heart failure, meningitis, and other life-threatening infections. Enteroviruses cause 10 to 15 million infections and tens of thousands of h...

2015-167 Expandable Vascular Sheath for the Removal of Foreign Objects in the Vasculature

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:20:01 GMT

SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Radiology have developed a novel expandable vascular sheath that can be used for encasement and facilitated extraction of foreign objects that have a larger cross section than existing vascular sheaths. BACKGROUND: Medical professionals are commonly required to perform non-invasive procedures for the removal of foreign objects from a patient’s vasculature. One example of a foreign object that is commonly removed from the vasculature is a vascular filter. Each year in the United States, hundreds of thousands of patients opt for a vascular...

2016-044 Plasmonic Nanoparticle Embedded PDMS Micropillar Array and Fabrication Approaches for Large Area Cell Force Sensing

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:20:01 GMT

Plasmonic Nanoparticle Embedded PDMS Micropillar Array and Fabrication Approaches for Large Area Cell Force Sensing SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a novel cell force sensor platform with high accuracy over large areas. BACKGROUNDMicrofabricated elastic pillar substrates with various geometries have been widely used for drug development, cell stiffness studies to probe for cancer, and to understand mechanotransduction of cell functions. To obtain high contrast, fluorescent labels typically are used at the tips of the pi...

2018-028 PATHWAY-DEPENDENT INHIBITION OF PROTEOPATHIC SEED TRANSMISSION

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:20:00 GMT

Pathway-Dependent Inhibition Of Proteopathic Seed Transmission SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Neurology have developed a novel approach to stop the propagation of proteopathic diseases, which could be applied to wide range of neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. BACKGROUNDProteopathy is a common feature of many neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease market alone is expected to reach over 2.9 billion USD by 2020. Available treatment...

2016-946 Synthesis of Graphene Nanoribbons from Monomeric Molecular Precursors Bearing Reactive Alkyne Units

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:20:00 GMT

Synthesis Of Graphene Nanoribbons From Monomeric Molecular Precursors Bearing Reactive Alkyne Units SUMMARYResearchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a novel graphene nanoribbon synthesis, which have numerous applications in electronic devices. BACKGROUNDGraphene nanoribbons (GNRs), narrow strips of graphene <10 nm in width, are promising new materials for the replacement of silicon in field-effect transistors (FETs), the principal devices behind nearly all modern electronics. Investigations into the uses of GNRs are currently limited by the lack of...

2009-300 Robotic Micro-Surgery System

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:20:00 GMT

Robotic Microsurgery System SUMMARYResearchers at UCLA have developed a high accuracy and precision robotic system that can perform complete microsurgical procedures with no manual assistance due to its high range of motion and integrated tracking system. BACKGROUNDIn recent years, robotic manipulators have proven beneficial in assisting surgeons in the performance of minimally invasive procedures with high precision and little tissue damage. Nonetheless, current robotic systems are not suitable for microsurgery procedures due to their limited range of motion, lack of tracking system...

2015-797 External Cavity Laser Based Upon Metasurfaces

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:59 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a novel approach for terahertz (THz) quantum-cascade (QC) lasers to achieve scalable output power, high quality diffraction limited, and directive output beams.BACKGROUNDIt is challenging for many types of semiconductor lasers to achieve a symmetric, directive, diffraction-limited, and non-astigmatic high quality beam. This is particularly true as the waveguide size is increased to scale up the power, since multiple transverse mode oscillations can lead to sub-optimal beam quality as well as modal instabilities....

2010-298 Asymmetric Hybrid Supercapacitor Based on V2O5/CNT Nanocomposite

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:58 GMT

Asymmetric Hybrid Supercapacitor Based on V2O5/CNT Nanocomposite INNOVATIONYunfeng Lu and colleagues have devised a high-performance energy storage device based on vanadium oxide (V2O5)/carbon nanotube (CNT) nanocomposites that provides an asymmetric supercapacitor with a high energy and power density. Current supercapacitor designs are comprised of organic electrolyte or titanium oxide-based nanowires coupled with CNTs as electrodes. This technology utilizes cost-effective V2O5/CNT nanocomposites of a hierarchical fibrous structure as cathodes for asymmetric supercapacitors, leading to i...

2012-060 Magneto-Optic Fiber Bragg Grating

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:58 GMT

Magneto-Optic Fiber Bragg Grating SUMMARYProfessor Greg Carman of the UCLA Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and colleagues at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center have developed a method to couple multiferroic and optical behaviors in fiber Bragg gratings to detect minute changes in temperature or magnetic fields. BACKGROUNDThe past decade has seen the development of optical fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors to measure physical quantities such as temperature, strain, and pressure. The high precision of this general approach has led to many field-coupled coa...

2010-811 Digital Regenerative Receiver for Millimeter-Wave and Sub-Millimeter-Wave Imaging and Communication

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:58 GMT

Digital Regenerative Receiver for Millimeter-Wave and Sub-Millimeter-Wave Imaging and Communication SUMMARYResearchers at UCLA have developed a universal architecture for high-frequency receivers that eliminate the need for analog to digital converters, reducing power consumption and chip area while providing high input sensitivity and receiver gain. BACKGROUNDAs applications for high data rate wireless communications increase, so does the demand for high frequency receivers with low power consumption. However, as the frequency of operation increases, device gains drop, rendering con...

2013-207 Hypersonic Laminar Flow Control using Surface Roughness

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:57 GMT

Summary: Dr. Xiaolin Zhong and colleagues in the UCLA Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a method of maintaining laminar flows over air transportation vehicles and space reentry vehicles at high supersonic and hypersonic speeds by strategically applying surface roughness. Background: The transition of boundary-layer flows over hypersonic vehicles significantly affects the performance and design of their thermal protection systems. The laminar-turbulent flow transition can have a first-order impact on lift, drag, control, and heat transfer properties of the ve...

2017-656 Anisotropic Elastoplasticity for Codimensional Frictional Contact

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:57 GMT

Anisotropic Elastoplasticity For Codimensional Frictional ContactUC Case No. 2017-656 SUMMARY:UCLA researchers in the Department of Mathematics and Department of Computer Science have developed a novel hybrid Lagrangian/Eulerian approach to simulate frictional contact in thin codimensional elastic objects, such as cloth, hair, and knit. It allows a more smooth and vivid animation of those objects with faster speed and higher robustness. BACKGROUND:Physically-based animation of elastic surfaces and curves has been an essential aspect of computer graphics. The collision and contact phe...

2013-077 A Breast Immobilization Device that Improves Radiation Therapy Dosimetry

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:56 GMT

A Breast Immobilization Device that Improves Radiation Therapy Dosimetry SUMMARYUCLA researcher in the Department of Radiation Oncology has developed a breast immobilization device that provides structural support for the breast during radiotherapy, which allows for increased patient comfort and accuracy of breast radiation therapy. BACKGROUNDBreast setup and immobilization is a difficult problem for external beam radiation therapy of breast cancers. A lack of setup reproducibility with breast tissue results in sub-optimal dosimetry and tissue toxicity in non-targeted, healthy tissue...

2011-373 Lens-free Tomographic Imaging

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:55 GMT

Lens-Free Tomographic Imaging SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a system for lens-free tomographic imaging. BACKGROUNDTraditional light microscopy is a critical tool in medical imaging, diagnostics, and in research, however much of the technology remains fundamentally unchanged since their development (i.e. use of lenses and eyepiece/detector). In efforts to visualize increasingly smaller features and gain high resolution and contrast has resulted in significantly larger and more complex microscopes. With the advent of microfluidic (la...

Liquid-Repellent Surfaces Made of Any Materials

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:55 GMT

UC Case No. 2014-186 SUMMARY:UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a structured surface that can be made of any material (but demonstrated with glass) that repels all liquids (even fluorinated solvents) without using any repellant coating. BACKGROUND:Liquid-repellant surfaces have long been sough-after for a wide variety of applications ranging from consumer products and outdoor structures to chemical plants. However, such a variety of materials and needs make creating a surface that can work on all types liquids and environmental c...

2005-242 Noninvasive Intracranial Pressure Assessment

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:54 GMT

Non-invasive Assessment of Intracranial Pressure BACKGROUNDIntracranial pressure (ICP) is the pressure exerted by cerebral spinal fluid in the cranium. Elevated ICP can lead to hypertension and respiratory changes, among other things. Established means of measuring ICP rely on invasive, direct procedures that provide access to intracranial space. Despite the invasiveness, monitoring ICP has proven to be beneficial in the outcomes of brain injury patients. There are many other neurological applications that could benefit from ICP measurements as well, but the invasiveness of the procedure ...

2012-114 CeramicAsh: Material and Method

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:54 GMT

CeramicAsh: Material and Method SUMMARYResearchers at UCLA have developed a method for reducing the manufacturing costs associated with chemically bonded ceramics. BACKGROUNDThe manufacturing process for cement and other high strength ceramics typically requires high temperature sintering that becomes costly at high volumes. Portland cement uses chemical bonding in order to avoid the costs associated with high temperature sintering, but other downstream processing conditions still render it expensive and its mechanical properties are still inferior to sintered ceramics. Chemically b...

2014-422 Bidirectional IVC filter

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:53 GMT

Bidirectional IVC Filter SUMMARYResearchers at UCLA from the Department of Radiology have developed an improved IVC filter with better filtering performance that is easily retrievable. BACKGROUNDPulmonary embolisms (PE) occur when a blood clot blocks an artery in the lungs and can lead to death when this happens to a major artery. Doctors implant inferior vena cava (IVC) filters when patients do not respond well to treatment with anti-coagulants. IVC filters are physical meshes that fit in the lumen of the inferior vena cava to block blood clots from entering the lungs. Typical IVC f...

2017-695 Semi-Quantitative Lateral-Flow Immunoassay Kit for the Detection of CSF Leaks

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:53 GMT

Semi-Quantitative Lateral-Flow Immunoassay Kit for the Detection of CSF Leaks SUMMARY UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering and the Department of Head and Neck Surgery have invented a novel lateral-flow immunoassay (LFA) to detect cerebrospinal fluid leaks quickly, inexpensively and semi-quantitatively. BACKGROUND Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is a common and dangerous complication that can occur naturally, traumatically or from surgical procedures near the skull base or spine. Failure to repair CSF leaks can lead to meningitis, brainstem herniation and dea...

2012-218 A new catheter design for precise stent delivery

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:53 GMT

A New Catheter Design for Precise Stent Delivery SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Radiological Sciences have designed a catheter that increases stent delivery precision. BACKGROUNDCurrent endovascular procedures use a metallic expandable stent, which is laser-cut or braided, to expand a lesion or to cover a target lesion. Braided stents are limited by “foreshortening”, a phenomena where the stent length changes while it is constrained and unconstrained. Foreshortening is also observed in laser cut stents, and makes it challenging for physicians to place a sten...

2017-99A Label-Free Digital Bright Field Analysis of DNA Amplification

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:52 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the department of Bioengineering have developed a novel method for quantitative analysis of DNA amplification products. BACKGROUNDThe market for DNA-based infectious disease diagnostics is projected to rise to over $1.5 billion by 2021. While PCR is the industry standard for DNA amplification, novel and simple techniques have been developed such as loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), among others. Standard technologies then use fluorescent dyes to detect the presence of DNA, but these often suffer from low thermal and light stability, and may interfer...

2017-452 Automated Beam Orientation and Scanning Spot Spacing Optimization for Robust Heavy Ion Radiotherapy

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:51 GMT

Automated Beam Orientation and Scanning Spot Spacing Optimization for Robust Heavy Ion Radiotherapy Therapy SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Radiation Oncology have developed a new method to automate and optimize heavy ion beam radiotherapeutic techniques for the treatment of cancer. BACKGROUNDHeavy ion radiation therapy is a growing treatment option for a variety of cancers. It has distinct advantages over traditional X-ray radiation based therapies as it is less damaging to healthy tissue adjacent and upstream of the tumor treatment site. Like many other radiotherapeuti...

Selective Chemical Bath Deposition of IrOx on Thin Film Structure

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:50 GMT

UC Case No. 2017-015 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a selective chemical bath deposition method to create IrOx thin films. BACKGROUNDIridium oxide (IrOx) thin films are useful devices that can be utilized for a variety of applications including photovoltaic cell manufacturing, development of biocompatible sensors, implants, and stimulators, as pH probes, as well as other useful functions. However, current methods and strategies to manufacture these devices require costly and technically challenging processes, such as physical and vapor depo...

2016-99L Sonification-Facilitated Cognitive Training System to Enhance Visual Learning and Memory

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:50 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Psychology have developed a new cognitive training tool to enhance visual learning and memory using sound.BACKGROUNDTypical sensory substitution devices such as those that convert visual scenes into auditory scenes (i.e. soundscapes), can be utilized to help blind people see objects using sound (i.e. human echolocation). However, few devices for people with normal visual acuity have been developed that enhance visual perception using sensory substitution technology.This is important because it is demonstrated that people tend to be better at remembe...

2017-212 Flexible Fan Out Wafer Processing and Structure: FlexTrate

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:47 GMT

Flexible Fan Out Wafer Processing And Structure: Flextrate SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have invented a novel biocompatible flexible device fabrication method using fan-out wafer level processing (FOWLP). BACKGROUNDConventional device and substrate technologies require the use of rigid substrates, and it is common for microbumps to form on the chips. Flexible device methods also have serious limitations. For instance, FOWLP technologies have severe wafer bow due to the high-stress epoxies that are used as a mold resin. Also roll-to-roll technolo...

2017-221 Focusing and Amplifying Reflectarray Metasurfaces for Stable Laser Cavities

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:47 GMT

Focusing And Amplifying Reflectarray Metasurfaces For Stable Laser Cavities SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a novel design of reflectarray metasurface that focuses and amplifies THz laser beams with record high efficiency and stability. BACKGROUNDTerahertz (THz) lasers are widely applicable in THz imaging of sensitive materials such as explosives, drugs, films and coatings, as well as spectroscopy. Current state-of-the-art THz laser technologies employ flat and compact reflectarray metasurfaces to replace conventional bulky curved op...

2016-289 Robust Mesoporous NiFe-Based Catalysts for Energy Applications

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:46 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have used selective dealloying method to produce novel high-performance, robust, and ultrafine mesoporous NiFeMn-based metal/metal oxide composite oxygen-evolving catalysts.BACKGROUNDElectrochemical and photoelectrochemical decomposition of water into oxygen and hydrogen gas is thought to be a promising approach to generate hydrogen fuel. The most challenging half-reaction in water electrolysis is the oxygen evolution reaction, which has slow kinetics and requires an electrocatalyst to lower the reaction barrier and the ov...

2017-456 Anti-Ferromagnetic Magneto-Electric Spin-Orbit Read Logic

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:46 GMT

Anti-Ferromagnetic Magneto-Electric Spin-Orbit Read Logic SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the department of Electrical Engineering have developed a novel magetoelectric device for use as a spin transistor. BACKGROUNDThe search for a novel and scalable logic technology could revolutionize the non-volatile memory market, which will be worth over $80 billion by 2022. Currently, non-volatile memory suffers from higher costs, lower performance, undesired heat generation, and/or lower write endurance compared to volatile memory. One proposed improvement is to develop spin transistors, where inf...

Global Training of Neural Networks for Phenomic Classification (Case No. 2016-168)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:46 GMT

SUMMARY UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a high-throughput, label-free cell classification method based on time-stretch quantitative phase imaging. BACKGROUNDLabel-free cell analysis is essential to personalized genomics, cancer diagnostics, and drug development as it avoids adverse effects of staining reagents on cellular viability and cell signaling. However, currently available label-free cell assays mostly rely only on a single feature and lack sufficient differentiation. Also, the sample size analyzed by these assays is limited due ...

2004-084 Adipose Derived Stem Cells for Reconstruction of the Urinary Tract

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:45 GMT

Stem Cell Urinary Tract Reconstruction Therapy SUMMARYResearchers from the UCLA Department of Urology have successfully harvested stem cells from adipose tissue and differentiate them into functioning smooth muscle cells. These adipose derived stem cells can then be used for reconstruction or tissue engineering of smooth muscle containing organs, especially the urethra to treat urinary and stress incontinence. BACKGROUNDUrinary incontinence (UI) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) are medical and social conditions that greatly erode ones quality of life. These conditions are ...

2009-438 Localized Droplet Heating with Surface Electrodes in Microfluidic Chips

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:44 GMT

Localized Droplet Heating with Surface Electrodes in Microfluidic Chips SUMMARYResearchers at UCLA have developed a low-cost, fully miniaturized lab-on-a-chip system that is capable of localized temperature control without the need to interface with macroscale tubes, thus taking full advantage of miniaturization via microfluidic protocols. BACKGROUNDMicrofluidics offers many advantages, such as automatically performing assays and minimal reagent usage. Most lab-on-a-chip systems, however, still require interfacing with macroscale tubes for pressure driven fluid handling. This inhibit...

2016-409 Fluid Manipulation by Electrodewetting

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:44 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a novel method that allows the manipulation of liquid droplets on a surface. Background: Electrode wetting on dielectric (EWOD) is a well-known effect that involves application of electric field to move or modify a fluid droplet. It is most commonly utilized in biomedical devices that require manipulation of small liquid volumes (on the order of 400nL). However, its main limitation is that it requires a hydrophobic surface. Since most synthesized or natural surfaces are hydrophilic, the diele...

2017-506 An MR-Compatible System for Motion Emulation

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:43 GMT

An MR-Compatible System for Motion Emulation SUMMARYResearchers at UCLA from the Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Radiological Sciences have developed a magnetic resonance (MR) compatible device that can emulate respiratory motion. BACKGROUNDMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an essential tool of modern medicine. The ability to simulate clinical conditions provides a means for physicians to perfect their techniques using MRI guidance and for scientists to engineer better hardware and processing for clearer images. Phantoms made of gelatin can simulate various body parts, bu...

2017-500 Laser-Assisted Intraocular Surgical Alignment

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:43 GMT

Laser-Assisted Intraocular Surgical Alignment SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the department of Mechanical Engineering have developed an automated procedure for aligning a remote center of motion to a surgical incision point for robot-assisted surgeries. BACKGROUNDRobotic surgery offers a precise and often less-invasive method of performing surgical procedures, with the market for surgical robots expected to grow to $5.4 billion by 2021. In particularly sensitive procedures such as intraocular surgeries, robotic instruments must be constrained at a remote center of motion (RCM) to minimiz...

2012-107 A Digital Polar and a ZVS Contour Based Hybrid Power Amplifier

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:42 GMT

A Digital Polar and a ZVS Contour Based Hybrid Power Amplifier SUMMARYResearchers in the UCLA Department of Electrical Engineering have created a hybrid digital polar and zero switching voltage (ZVS) contour power amplifier, offering higher efficiency for up to 36 dB peak-to-average ratio. BACKGROUNDTraditional power amplifiers are biased in order to maximize their efficiency at a given operating power. However, this makes them less efficient at lower power levels. Both high and low power levels can be important in wireless communications, where a large peak to average power ratio is...

2017-839 Technique for Respiratory Gated Radiotherapy Using Low Frame Rate MRI and a Breathing Motion Model

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:42 GMT

Technique for Respiratory Gated Radiotherapy using Low Frame Rate MRI and a Breathing Motion Model SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Radiation Oncology have developed a novel method to gate radiotherapy using low frame rate MRI sequences to reduce damage to adjacent tissues during radiotherapy. BACKGROUNDTaking respiratory movements into account during radiotherapy has always been a major concern in radiotherapy treatments that are affected by lung movement (e.g. thoracic or abdominal cancer). Currently, a common method for gating radiotherapy to prevent healthy tissue dam...

2013-203 Hollow Plastic Waveguide ("Wave Cable") Based High Speed and Low Power Data Center Inter-Server Link

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:41 GMT

Hollow Plastic Waveguide ("Wave Cable") Based High Speed And Low Power Data Center Inter-Server Link SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the department of Electrical Engineering have developed a novel and inexpensive plastic interconnect for high efficiency communication within data centers. BACKGROUNDThe market for high-performance computing is expected to reach $44 billion by 2020. As the demand for high performance tasks in all fields continues to grow, high-speed and efficient communication between computers will be key. Currently, interconnects link servers together by either f...

2013-309 A Fast-Setting Moisture-Tolerant Root Canal Retrofilling and Repair Material

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:41 GMT

A Fast-Setting Moisture-Tolerant Root Canal Retrofilling and Repair Material INNOVATIONProfessor White and colleagues have developed a new endodontic root-end filling, repair, obturating, and pulp capping material. The filling material has none of the disadvantages of currently used materials, such as mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and resin-modified glass-ionomers. Yet, it boasts additional advantages such as moisture friendliness a quick light-cure command set, wide clinical application, and low cost. The technology has applications in dental offices as an alternative to existing mate...

Self-Adaptive Control And Optimization Of Ultrafiltration

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:40 GMT

UC Case No. 2016-159 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular engineering have developed a novel UF-RO system. BACKGROUNDUltrafiltration (UF) is the process of membrane-based removal of particles. It is used in a number of different industries such as food production, water treatment, desalination etc. In particular, in water treatment plants it is used as the first step before further treatment by reverse-osmosis (RO). The main drawback of current UF-RO plants are the need for backwashing at fixed intervals to clean the UF membrane and a separate tank t...

2017-103 Probability Map of Biopsy Site

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:40 GMT

Probability Map of Biopsy Site SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Radiological Science have developed a technique for generating a probability map on an MRI that indicates the certainty of tissue sampling from a location, which could improve imaging-guided biopsies and their correlation with pathology. BACKGROUNDBiopsies using imaging techniques are critical for accurate diagnosis and implementation of radiation therapy protocols in patients with many types of cancer, including prostate cancer. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)-Guided, MRI-Ultrasound Fusion-Guided, and High ...

2015-579 Homogenous Entropy-Driven Biomolecular Assay (HEBA)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:39 GMT

SUMMARYResearchers in the UCLA Department of Bioengineering have developed a novel short oligonucleotide assay to fluorescently detect biomolecules. BACKGROUNDThe ability to quickly and accurately detect biomolecules indicative of disease is crucial given importance of early diagnosis in disease treatment. The current gold-standard in the field of biomolecule detection is the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or ELISA, however, current ELISA-based diagnostic assays suffer from various limitations. ELISA assays require a significant number of sample preparation and wash steps which are a h...

SHARPR-MPRA (Systematic High-Resolution Activation and Repression Profiling with Reporter-Tiling Massively Parallel Reporter Assay) - UCLA Case No. 2017-224

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:38 GMT

SHARPR-MPRA (Systematic High-Resolution Activation And Repression Profiling With Reporter-Tiling Massively Parallel Reporter Assay) SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Biological Chemistry have developed a method to screen hundreds to thousands of genes to identify their regulatory functions. BACKGROUNDGenetic reporter assays are used to uncover novel functions of genes in normal and disease states. Recent advancements such as the development of ‘Massively Parallel Reporter Assays' (MPRAs) have further increased the efficiency. MPRAs utilize large libraries of nucleoti...

Polarization Standing Wave Cavity Assisted By Anisotropic Structures

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:38 GMT

UC Case No. 2017-878 SUMMARYResearchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a cavity demonstrating resonance through polarization standing waves. BACKGROUNDResonator is one of the fundamental building blocks for microwave and RF devices. Conventional resonators, such as microstrip resonators, are limited by their low RF handling power and quality factor, Q, a parameter associated with energy losses within the cavity. Other resonators, such as waveguide resonators, have higher quality factors but tuning their frequency is difficult. INNOVATIONResearchers at...

2015-346 Robust Visual-Inertial Sensor Fusion for Navigation, Localization, Mapping, and 3D Reconstruction

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:37 GMT

Robust Visual-Inertial Sensor Fusion For Navigation, Localization, Mapping, and 3D ReconstructionUC Case No. 2015-346 SUMMARY:UCLA researchers in the Computer Science Department have invented a novel model for a visual-inertial system (VINS) for navigation, localization, mapping, and 3D reconstruction applications. BACKGROUND:Vision-augmented navigation or VINS is central to augmented and virtual reality, robotics, autonomous vehicles, and navigation in mobile phones. The future growth of these applications depends on reliable navigation in dynamic environments, thus improvement to t...

2014-730 AGPAT5 as a Molecular Mediator of Insulin Resistance

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:36 GMT

AGPAT5 as a Molecular Mediator of Insulin Resistance SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Departments of Medicine and Cardiology have identified a novel gene and pathway in the regulation of insulin sensitivity and discovered an inhibitor of this gene useful for treating AGPAT5-related diseases. BACKGROUNDInsulin resistance (IR), a condition in which the body’s cells fail to respond to insulin, is a significant worldwide health problem and leads to diseases such as Type-II diabetes, coronary artery disease, and fatty liver disease. The identification of efficacious therapies to impro...

An Osteoadsorptive Fluorogenic Substrate of Cathepsin K for Imaging Osteoclast Activity and Migration (UCLA Case No. 2017-723)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:36 GMT

An Osteoadsorptive Fluorogenic Substrate of Cathepsin K for Imaging Osteoclast Activity and Migration SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Dentistry have developed a novel fluorescent probe for studying the role of osteoclasts in bone diseases and for detecting the early onset of bone resorption by targeting an important protein Cathepsin K. This probe can also deliver drug molecules to bone resorption sites with high specificity. BACKGROUNDOsteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple myeloma and other bone ailments are debilitating diseases that involve abnormal breakdown of...

Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes for the Treatment of Corneal Scarring (UCLA Case No. 2017-838)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:35 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Ophthalmology have developed a novel method to heal corneal scarring using exosomes from immortalized corneal stem cells.BACKGROUNDCorneal stromal scarring is the leading cause of corneal blindness, the second most common type of blindness globally. The current options to restore vision are corneal transplantation or treatment with corneal stromal stem cells (CSSC), which release exosomes – vesicles containing various cellular factors – that promote healing to reduce corneal scars. However, neither are easily accessible options. Corneal transpl...

2016-684 Resistive Memory Write and Read Assistance using Negative Differential Resistance Device

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:34 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a new design of read and write circuitry using negative differential resistance devices to improve the performance of resistive memories.BACKGROUNDEmerging non-volatile resistive memories including phase-change memory (PCM), spin-transfer torque magnetic random access memory (STT-MRAM), resistive switching RAM (RRAM), etc. are promising for storage, cache, and computing in future. Among these, STT-MRAM is especially promising due to its high endurance, and relative fast access time. However, STT-MRAMs suffer fro...

High-Throughput Microfluidic Gene-Editing Via Cell Deformability within Microchannels (UCLA Cases 2017-109, 2022-324)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:34 GMT

SUMMARY UCLA researchers in the Departments of Pediatrics and Chemistry & Biochemistry have developed a microfluidic device for delivery of biomolecules into living cells using mechanical deformation, without the fouling issues in current systems. BACKGROUND Gene therapy and gene modification technologies are increasingly being studied and developed for clinical applications. One of the main limitations towards realization of these types of technologies is an efficient, cost-effective means for insertion of genetic material into the cell, or transfection. Current gene delivery ...

2010-669 Visualization of Alzheimer's Disease on MRI

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:33 GMT

Visualization of Alzheimer's Disease on MRI SUMMARYUCLA researchers have developed a novel compound that can be used to diagnose and monitor Alzheimer's Disease (AD) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). BACKGROUNDAn estimated 5.3 million Americans have AD, the most common form of dementia. For decades, diagnosis of AD has relied on the evaluation of cognitive impairment by neuropsychological tests. However, most medical experts now agree that AD actually begins long before patients exhibit clinical symptoms. Beta-amyloid (A-beta) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, the pathologic...

2017-708 Modular Miniature Microscopy System

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:32 GMT

Modular Miniature Microscopy System SUMMARYUCLA researchers have developed a modular miniature microscopy system for brain imaging in behaving animals. BACKGROUNDThe light microscope is traditionally an instrument of substantial size and expense. Its miniaturized integration would enable many new applications based on mass-producible, tiny microscopes. Key applications include brain imaging in behaving animals for relating cellular dynamics to animal behavior. Currently there are two commercially available miniature microscopes on the market. Both are highly limited in their ca...

2013-797 Microbes from the Negev Desert with Potential for Use as Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:30 GMT

Microbes from the Negev Desert with Potential for Use as Plant-Growth Promoting Bacteria BACKGROUNDExponential growth in the world population, coupled with increasing environmental damage, underlines the need for more sustainable and environmentally-friendly approaches to agricultural practice. Many current approaches utilize chemical additives to accelerate crop growth. Newer, more environmentally-friendly strategies include the use of transgenic plants and plant-growth promoting bacteria (PGPB). Unfortunately, most PGPBs identified thus far fix little or no nitrogen. This limits their u...

2016-518: Inhibition of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase-Sigma for Hematopoietic Regeneration

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:29 GMT

Inhibition Of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase - Sigma For Hematopoietic Regeneration SUMMARYUCLA Researchers have identified a novel pharmacological target for hematopoietic stem cell regeneration. They have developed small molecule inhibitors against the target and shown that the inhibitors cause rapid stem cell regeneration. BACKGROUNDDepletion of white and red blood cells, also known as myelosuppression, is a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Currently, one FDA approved growth factor is used that increases white blood cell count but there are no therapies for total...

MI-181: A Potent Small Synthetic Microtubule-Targeting AntiCancer Agent (UCLA Case No. 2015-811)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:28 GMT

MI-181: A Potent Small Synthetic Microtubule-Targeting Anticancer Agent SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and Department of Molecular & Medical Pharmacology have discovered compound MI-181 and successfully synthesized its derivatives and analogs, which have the potential for use in cancer therapy by arresting cells during the process of cell division and promoting apoptosis. BACKGROUNDThe cell cycle consists of four major phases: G1 growth phase, DNA synthesis phase, G2 growth phase, and mitotic phase. The cell cycle is a set of coordinated...

2015-792 Vagal Suppression of Neurally-Induced Atrial Fibrillation

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:28 GMT

Vagal Suppression Of Neurally-Induced Atrial Fibrillation SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Cardiology have identified a novel mechanism for controlling atrial fibrillation via neuromodulation. BACKGROUNDAtrial fibrillation (AF), an abnormal heart beat characterized by rapid and irregular beating, affects more than 3 million people in the United States and by 2050 is projected to affect between 5-12 million people. Current therapy options include pharmacologic and surgical treatments such as blood thinners or beta blockers, and cardiac ablation respectively. Ablation and s...

2011-700 A Method for Deep Brain Stimulation Targeting Based on Brain Connectivity

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:27 GMT

A Method for Deep Brain Stimulation Targeting Based on Brain Connectivity SUMMARYUCLA researchers have developed a novel method to place electrodes for deep brain stimulation. The method is significantly more precise than current methods, thereby increasing treatment efficacy and potentially eliminating repeat surgeries. BACKGROUNDDBS is a neurosurgical procedure involving the implantation of a medical device called a brain pacemaker, which sends electrical impulses through implanted electrodes to specific parts of the brain (brain nucleus) for the treatment of movement and affective...

2012-287 Video-Guided Chest Tube Insertion System

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:26 GMT

Video-Guided Chest Tube Insertion System BACKGROUNDAnnually, thousands of chest tubes are placed into the pleural space of patients who have excessive air and/or fluid collapsing the lung. Currently, chest tube placement requires either an extremely painful “medieval” incision and clamp technique, or a trocar/dilator system. Both are “blind” procedures which often lead to poor tube position, organ damage, and in some circumstances, death. INNOVATIONDr. Robert Cameron, Professor of Clinical Cardiothoracic Surgery and Surgical Oncology in the Department of Surge...

2014-387 Small Molecule Antagonists of the Pro-Survival Protein MCL-1 (POC 2016)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:25 GMT

Small Molecule Antagonists Of The Pro-Survival Protein Mcl-1 SUMMARYUCLA Researchers have discovered novel inhibitors to signaling proteins involved in the regulation of apoptosis. MCL-1, which is known to be overexpressed in many cancers, is believed to be upregulated in cancers to prevent the apoptosis pathway.The researchers have developed novel small molecules that inhibit this protein, triggering apoptosis and cancer cell death. BACKGROUNDMultiple cancer types, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CML) have been shown to overexpress signaling proteins involved the inhibition ...

2016-400 An Efficient E-Cigarette Aerosol Generation and Exposure System for Rodents

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:24 GMT

An Efficient E-Cigarette Aerosol Generation And Exposure System For Rodents SUMMARYUCLA researchers have developed an efficient electronic cigarette aerosol generator and exposure system for use in mice to study the health effects of electronic cigarette aerosol. BACKGROUNDElectronic cigarettes (E-cigs) deliver nicotine to users without burning tobacco. As E-cigs are relatively new products, their health benefits and risks are subjects of public health dispute. E-cig smoke is an aerosol, defined as a suspension of small particles in air. Mainstream and secondhand E-cig aerosols may c...

2016-049 Automated Optical Chest Tube Air Leak Detection System

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:24 GMT

Automated Optical Chest Tube Air Leak Detection System SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Surgery have developed an air leak detection system for use in patients requiring chest tube placement. BACKGROUNDThe standard “state of the art” in the vast majority of medical situations requiring chest tube placement is for the tube to be connected to a “collection system” which includes a “waterseal” chamber to manually detect pulmonary air leaks. Recently, the ThopazTM collection system has been introduced and consists of a proprietary drai...

2014-255 Monoclonal Antibodies Against GPIHBP1

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:23 GMT

Monoclonal Antibodies Against GPIHBP1 INNOVATIONResearchers at UCLA have developed monoclonal antibodies that recognize mouse and human glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high density lipoprotein binding protein 1 (GPIHBP1). - Rat monoclonal antibody, 11A12, against mouse GPIHBP1 - Mouse monoclonal antibody against human GPIHBP1 BACKGROUNDDietary fats are packaged by the intestines into triglyceride-rich lipoproteins called chylomicrons. The triglycerides in chylomicrons are hydrolyzed by lipoprotein lipase (LPL) along the luminal surface of capillaries...

2016-255 Method to Enrich for Cells Transduced with Chimeric Antigen Receptors for Gene Therapy (2016-051 rolled in)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:22 GMT

Method to Enrich for Cells Transduced with Chimeric Antigen Receptors SUMMARYResearchers at UCLA have developed a method to expand chimeric antigen receptor-transduced T cells for use in immunotherapies. BACKGROUNDChimeric Antigen Receptors (CAR) T cells are promising therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and are also being considered for the treatment of infectious diseases. However, adoptive transfer and clinical manufacturing of CAR T cells is a time-consuming, complex, and labor-intensive process. A key issue with CAR-engineered T cell therapies (and cell therapies, in general...

2017-454 High Throughput Intracellular Delivery of Biomolecular Cargos via Vibrational Cell Deformability within Microchannels

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:21 GMT

High-Throughput Intracellular Delivery of Biomolecular Cargos via Vibrational Cell Deformability within Microchannels SUMMARYUCLA Researchers in the Departments of Chemistry and Materials Science & Engineering have developed a novel means of delivering intracellular cargo. BACKGROUNDGene editing of various cell types remains the focus of many therapeutic approaches across a wide spectrum of disease states. However, intracellular delivery of gene editing material, or other cargo, to the most exciting target cell types (e.g. stem and immune cells) remains difficult. Various approac...

Method for Removing Breathing Motion Artifacts in CT Scans (UCLA Case No. 2017-099)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:20 GMT

Method for Removing Breathing Motion Artifacts in CT SUMMARYUCLA researchers have developed a novel scanning and analysis method to remove breathing motion artifacts in CT scans by integrating motion modeling to the image reconstruction process. BACKGROUNDModern CT scanners acquire images very quickly, moving the patient as the CT scanner rotates. This is termed helical scanning and is used for most CT scanning image acquisition. Breathing motion induces artifacts and blurring in the images that can degrade the diagnostic utility of the images. Many times the patient is asked t...

2008-626 A Method to Protect the Esophagus and Other Mediastinal Structures During Cardiac and Thoracic Interventions

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:17 GMT

A Method to Protect the Esophagus and Other Mediastinal Structures During Cardiac and Thoracic Interventions SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Division of Cardiology at the Geffen School of Medicine have developed a novel device that provides protection of esophagus and other surrounding mediastinal structures when the pericardial space is accessed by interventional catheters/probes. BACKGROUNDAtrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia that is characterized by rapid and irregular beating. The diagnosis of AF is often based on electrocardiogram (ECG) characterized by ...

2008-788 A Novel Method and Apparatus to Access the Left Heart for Cardiac Interventions

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:17 GMT

A Novel Method and Apparatus to Access the Left Heart for Cardiac Interventions SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Division of Cardiology at the Geffen School of Medicine have developed novel devices and methods for allowing entirely intravascular access to the left ventricle, thereby precluding access via the apex of the heart percutaneously or by surgery. BACKGROUNDMany cardiac and vascular interventions, such as transapical aortic valve replacement, mitral valve repair and replacement, and retrograde aortic root endograft procedures require safe and reliable direct percutaneous acces...

2009-731 Pothole Repair for Asphalt and Concrete Base Aggregates

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:16 GMT

SUMMARYResearchers at UCLA have identified an ultra-high-toughness nanomolecular resin as a binder for pothole repair material, which dramatically enhances the strength, durability and service life of the asphalt and cement pothole-repair patching practices.BACKGROUNDThe occurrence of potholes on asphalt and cement pavements are long standing issues. Previous repair methods offer only temporary solutions as traffic stress cause a portion or whole block of the repaired material to separate from the original pothole. In order to boost the lifetime of the repaired potholes, it is necessary to emp...

2017-527 Titanium Plates for Bone Regeneration

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:14 GMT

Titanium Plates For Bone Regeneration SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the School of Dentistry at the Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biology have developed a new titanium plate to promote bone regeneration in dental reconstruction procedures. BACKGROUNDTitanium plates are used as a scaffold to regenerate bone. In the case of dental implants, titanium plates are used to re-gain the width and height of jaw bone before dental implants are placed. These plates (often called titanium mesh plate) are bent by dentists and placed on jaw bone where bone regeneration is planned. Titanium plates...

2003-346 A Miniaturized, Self-contained, Portable Cell Culture System for Storing and Growing Cells

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:13 GMT

BACKGROUNDIn vitro cell culture systems have provided researchers the appropriate tool for effectively studying cell growth and differentiation, understanding cellular response to specific environmental stimuli, and last but not least, elucidating the function of heterologous biological molecules produced from expression systems. All in vitro cell culture systems require a culture media formulated to the nutritional and metabolic requirements of the particular cell type to be cultured. However, the complexity of these systems varies depending on the model organism being cultured (bacteria, pla...

2009-221 Small Molecule Modulators of Mitochondrial Protein Import (MitoBloCK1)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 14:19:13 GMT

Small Molecule Modulators Of Mitochondrial Protein Import SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry have discovered a set of small molecules that modulate the protein translocation across the mitochondrial membranes, which in turn controls the assembly and function of the mitochondria. BACKGROUNDMitochondria are rod-shaped organelles that play an essential role in the generation of metabolic energy derived from the breakdown of carbohydrates and fatty acids in eukaryotic cells. Although mitochondria contain their own DNA, which encodes tRNAs, rRNAs and...

2015-172 VERY-SMALL-NUCLEAR CIRCULATING TUMOR CELL (VSNCTC) AS A DIAGNOSTIC BIOMARKER OF VISCERAL METASTASIS IN ADVANCED PROSTATE CANCER

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 10:59:45 GMT

Very-Small-Nuclear Circulating Tumor Cell (vsnCTC) as a Diagnostic Biomarker of Visceral Metastasis in Advanced Prostate CancerTech ID: 30306 / UC Case 2015-172-2 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology have identified a novel biomarker that can be used to diagnose prostate cancer patients for the presence of visceral metastasis with 54% sensitivity and 100% specificity. BACKGROUNDProstate cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer in men, accounting for 15% of all male cancers. While the 5-year survival rate of prostate cancer patie...

Single-Pixel Optical Technologies For Instantly Quantifying Multicellular Response Profiles

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 03 Sep 2019 16:52:48 GMT

UC Case No. 2017-999 SUMMARY:UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering and the Department of Pathology & Lab Medicine have proposed a new platform technology to actuate and sense force propagation in real-time for large sheets of cells. BACKGROUND:In multicellular organisms, chemical gradients, electrical impulses, and force propagation transmit signals to elicit cell responses distal to the signal origin. Technologies that detect and quantify electrical and chemical signals are well-established, but those for detecting mechanical cell responses...

2014-315 DIFFUSION REPRODUCIBILITY EVALUATION AND MEASUREMENT (DREAM) - MRI

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 03 Sep 2019 15:38:30 GMT

Summary:UCLA researchers in the department of radiological sciences have developed plant-virus-derived vectors for packaging and delivery of RNA genes to mammalian cells.TITLE: Diffusion Reproducibility Evaluation And Measurement (Dream)-MRI Background:Diffusion MRI makes possible the mapping of molecular diffusion, such as the diffusion of water in biological tissue. Because the diffusion of water follows cell and tissue structure, diffusion MRI is commonly used to examine brain connectivity. The current method of characterizing diffusivity captures only a few measurements, but it may be...

Self-Locking Optoelectronic Tweezer and its Fabrication

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 30 Aug 2019 14:39:56 GMT

UC Case No. 2015-107 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a novel self-locking optoelectronic tweezer (SLOT) for single cell manipulation in conductive buffer over large areas. BACKGROUNDOptoelectronic tweezers (OETs) use projected optical images to trap and transport tiny particles in parallel with sizes ranging from hundreds of micrometers to tens of nanometers. However, most conventional OET devices cannot operate in high conductivity media, or in regular physiological buffers, and only support the operation across a smal...

2011-330 Site Specific On Demand Deep Brain Stimulation for Enhancement of Memory

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 29 Aug 2019 16:46:44 GMT

Site Specific, On Demand Deep Brain Stimulation For Enhancement Of Memory SUMMARYUCLA scientists have developed an advanced surgical procedure to enhance memory formation and learned task completion in humans. The invention identifies critical brain regions and deep brain stimulation protocols to enhance memory performance. BACKGROUNDLoss of the ability to transform present experience into recallable memory is one of the most dreaded afflictions of the human condition. As the principal feature of Alzheimer’s disease and age-related cognitive impairment, memory decl...

Wireless Implantable System to Restore Memory (Case No. 2014-959)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 29 Aug 2019 13:33:27 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers have developed a wireless implantable deep brain stimulation system to restore memory in individuals with traumatic brain injury. Background: Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) represent a large and under-addressed population, with 1.7 million new cases in the US annually. Though deep brain stimulation (DBS) technologies are in common clinical use for Parkinson’s Disease and epilepsy, none have been applied to memory restoration in TBI.New scientific and technological advances have created a basis for applying DBS to TBI. Innovation:...

A Method To Determine Cause Of A Cardiac Arrest And Provide Cause-Specific Decision Support In Real-Time Using Continuous Electrocardiography

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 22:13:39 GMT

UC Case No. 2019-257 SUMMARYResearchers led by Duc Hong Do from the Department of Cardiology at UCLA have developed an algorithm to detect the cause of cardiac arrest in a hospital setting. BACKGROUNDIn the United States, Over 200,000 patients suffer cardiac arrests while in the hospital every year, with only 30% surviving til discharge. The current approach to managing cardiac arrest, defined by basic life support (BLS) and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), takes a one size fits all rather than account for all the different causes of cardiac arrest. This current appr...

2019-463 PREVENTION OF THE LATE COMPLICATIONS OF ACUTE PANCREATITIS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 22:12:48 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Department of Medicine and Surgery have developed a novel therapeutic for the prevention of late inflammatory complications in severe acute pancreatitis patients. BackgroundAcute pancreatitis, or sudden inflammation of the pancreas, a disease generally caused by gallstones or alcohol abuse, is a common reason for hospitalization worldwide. In some cases, life-threatening complications of acute pancreatitis may occur, such as multi-organ failure. Although multi-organ failure is often fatal, current treatment is supportive, with no known specific i...

Plasma-Functionalized Bandpass Switch

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 22:12:38 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a device that combines the performance of a bandpass filter and gas-discharge switch into a single device. BackgroundModern technology has led to great signal interference between devices. To navigate through congested signaling networks, devices must filter these signals. Many devices use a bandpass filter which acts to pass a certain range of frequencies while attenuating all others. The tuning of this range of passed frequencies requires the use of a variable reactive elem...

Scalable Lipid Bilayer Microfluidics for High-Throughput Gene Editing (UCLA Case No. 2018-437)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 22:12:13 GMT

Scalable Lipid Bilayer Microfluidics for High-Throughput Gene Editing SUMMARYResearchers led by Paul Weiss from the Department of Chemistry and Pediatrics at UCLA have created a new microfluidic device for high-throughput gene editing of cells. BACKGROUNDGene editing has many potential applications, allowing for the modification of immune cells to target cancers and the modification of stem cells to treat various diseases. Current gene-editing techniques use viruses to modify DNA; however, a new technique known as CRISPR/Cas9 has gained popularity in genetic engineering due to its ef...

Biomimetic Conductive Hydrogels

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 22:10:43 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a novel electrically conductive scaffold system with a hyaluronic acid (HA)-based hydrogel for biomimetic research to treat spinal cord and other central nervous system (CNS) injuries. BackgroundSpinal cord injuries affect approximately 300,000 people in the United States and lead to decreased quality of life and costly medical care. Current restorative treatments such as central nervous system (CNS) implants have a risk of being rejected by the body, and scar tissue at the site of injury presents a blockade ...

New Molecular Tweezers Against Neurological Disorders and Viral Infections (UCLA Case No. 2018-906)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 22:10:13 GMT

Summary UCLA researchers in the Department of Neurology with an international team of scientists have developed several new molecular tweezer derivatives with novel synthesis methods that significantly improved the therapeutic efficacy and pharmacokinetic characteristics of the drug candidates. Background Protein aggregation is critical in the pathologic mechanism of various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, as well as rare orphan diseases, such as multiple system atrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and familial amyloidotic polyneuropa...

2018-667 Plasma Snubber

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 22:10:03 GMT

Plasma Opening Switch SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Physics have developed a plasma opening switch that enables quick diversion of multi-gigawatt pulses to a protective shunt circuit. BACKGROUNDOpening switches are used in pulsed power applications for signal conditioning, inductive power sources, and thermal management. However, modern switches for pulsed power applications are either fast, simple, or inexpensive; it is difficult to find solutions strong in all three areas. A switch offering all three advantages will have a market advantage over the alternatives. ...

2018-463 REAGENT TO LABEL PROTEINS VIA LYSINE ISOPEPTIDE BONDS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 22:09:45 GMT

Reagent to Label Proteins via Lysine Isopeptide Bonds SUMMARYResearchers in the UCLA Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the University of Texas-Medical Center, Houston Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics have modified the Corynebacterium diphtheriae (C. diphtheriae) sortase enzyme so that it can be used as a bioconjugation reagent in vitro. BACKGROUNDSortase enzymes have been used to catalyze various processes in vivo and in vitro, including antibody-drug conjugate construction, protein engineering, and biosensing. In vivo, sortase enzymes catalyze pilus polym...

2018-388 METABOLIC REQUIREMENTS FOR ALTERNATIVE MACROPHAGE ACTIVATION

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 22:09:36 GMT

Metabolic Requirements for Alternative Macrophage Activation SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology have discovered that Coenzyme A is a targetable requirement for anti-inflammatory macrophage differentiation. BACKGROUNDA dysregulated immune response is a hallmark of many disease phenotypes. For instance, cancer cells can reprogram healthy cells of the innate immune cells to work in conjunction to promote cancer cell growth. There are currently a number of methods being explored to combat this reprogramming, though these methods have shown lim...

2018-371 Intraoperative Assessment of Implant Positioning

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 22:09:26 GMT

SUMMARYResearchers from the Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Ophthalmology led by Dr. Jean-Pierre Hubschman have developed a modified intralocular lens (IOL) and surgical implantation procedure to treat cataract and refractive anomalies.BACKGROUNDIntraocular lenses (IOL) are used to treat eye refractive conditions like myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia and astigmatism. Implanting IOL’s require surgery and tools to help align the lens. Accurate positioning of the implant during surgery requires precise assessment of the ocular anatomy and precise alignment of the implant relative to ...

Microbiome-Based Intervention for Intrauterine Growth Restriction (UCLA Case No. 2019-531)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 22:08:36 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology have identified one of the underlying causes of intrauterine growth restriction, which may be treated with microbiome-based therapeutics. BackgroundIntrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), defined as failure to maintain expected utero growth potential due to genetic or environmental factors, poses infants at increased risk for perinatal mortality and long-term morbidity compared with infants with normal in utero growth. The incidence of IUGR varies among populations and increases with decreasing gestation...

Double-Negative-Index Ceramic Aerogels For Thermal Superinsulation

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 22:08:17 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Materials Science and Engineering have developed a novel ceramic aerogel material that has robust mechanical and thermal stability under extreme conditions. Background: Thermal insulation used in industries like aerospace and thermal power fields requires resistance to rapid temperature changes and long-term high-temperature exposure. Ceramic aerogels are appealing for thermal insulation due to their low density, low thermal conductivity, and exceptional fire/corrosion resistance. However, ceramic a...

2019-479 IDENTIFICATION OF PAN-CANCER SMALL CELL NEUROENDOCRINE PHENOTYPES AND VULNERABILITIES

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 22:08:04 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology have developed a classifier for the identification and treatment of small cell neuroendocrine cancers and small-round-blue cell tumors not previously identified. BackgroundSmall cell neuroendocrine (SCN) cancers are an extremely aggressive cancer type that arise across many tissue types and are thought to be relatively rare. Transdifferentiation from other cancer subtypes to a small cell neuroendocrine subtype has been observed to be an escape route from targeted therapy, and may be a resistance mechanis...

Ultra-Low-Power Reference Clock Generation

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 22:07:53 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a novel ultra-low power crystal oscillator architecture that achieves the lowest reported power consumption. BackgroundCrystal oscillators (XOs) are high-Q resonators that are widely used in electronics systems to generate the reference clock signal. Ultra-low power (ULP) consumption of the XO is critical in highly duty-cycled, energy-constrained systems such as Internet-of-things (IoT). Conventional XOs, typically implemented in the Pierce configuration, consume high power to ensur...

2019-266 Broadband Comb-Based Spectrum Sensing

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 22:07:44 GMT

SUMMARYResearchers at the UCLA Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering have developed a millimeter-wave spectrum analyzer that uses a non-linear fast switch to generate a broadband frequency comb local oscillator (LO) with a tunable repetition rate.BACKGROUNDBroadband integrated circuits in millimeter-wave and terahertz (THz) frequencies provide low-cost and compact solutions for high-resolution hyper-spectral imaging and molecular spectroscopy. Non-linearity of the direct CMOS THz detectors based on the plasma-wave effect in MOS transistors recovers the power of the millimet...

DARTS: Deep Learning Augmented RNA-seq Analysis of Transcript Splicing

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 22:06:25 GMT

SummaryResearchers led by Yi Xing have developed a novel deep learning algorithm to detect alternative splicing patterns in RNA-seq data BackgroundDevelopment of genetic sequencing tools like RNA-seq has ushered in an age of big data in genomics and transcriptomics. Collective efforts like ENCODE and the Roadmap Epigenomics Project (REP) have accelerated the accumulation of RNA-seq data and provide an unprecedented resource for uncovering transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene regulation. Currently, there are no techniques that can detect alternative splicing in lowly o...

Nanoparticulate Mineralized Collagen Glycosaminoglycan Scaffold with an Anti-Resorption Factor (UCLA Cases 2018-585, 2021-364)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 22:06:06 GMT

SUMMARY Researchers in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine and the Institute of Genomic Biology at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign (UIUC) have developed novel methods to incorporate anti-resorption factor into nanoparticulate mineralized collagen glycosaminoglycan scaffold to maximize bone regeneration. BACKGROUND Skeletal regenerative medicine addresses the current limitations for treating large osseous defects secondary to congenital, traumatic, and post-oncologic conditions. The current state of the art for b...

Experimental Realization of High Thermal Conductivity Boron Arsenide for Thermal Management, Electronics, and Photonics Applications (Case No. 2018-468)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 22:05:54 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering have developed a novel boron arsenide (BAs) material that has an ultra-high thermal conductivity of 1300 W/mK and low cost of synthesis and processing. Background: Thermal management in electronics is one of the industry’s major technical challenges. As the temperature of electronic devices increase, their performance is impaired significantly. Heat-management materials currently in use have limited thermal conductivity, e.g. 35 W/mK for aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and 300 W/mK for silicon carbide ...

2018-451 ELECTROCHEMICAL FLASH FLUORINATION AND RADIOFLUORINATION

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 22:05:43 GMT

Electrochemical Flash Fluorination and Radiofluorination SUMMARYResearchers led by Saman Sadeghi from the Department of Molecular & Medical Pharmacology at UCLA have developed a new and simple process to make fluorinated organic compounds. BACKGROUNDOrganic compounds functionalized with fluorine atoms have distinguished physical, biological, and chemical properties that allows for their use and applications in many fields, including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and materials science. Fluorinated organic compounds usually have longer half-lives before being metabolized due to the...

2018-385 Intelligent Flexible Spinal Cord Stimulators For Pain And Trauma Management Through Neuromodulation

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 22:05:20 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Neurosurgery and Electrical Engineering have developed a novel closed-loop spinal cord stimulator device that is small and flexible.BACKGROUNDOver 30 million patients in the US suffer from cervical or neck pain, and the market for neurostimulation is expected to exceed $2 billion by 2020. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy consists of embedding devices in the skin above the spinal cord, masking pain signals before they reach the brain. Existing SCS systems only have up to 32 electrodes per square centimeter and utilize complex architectures, with...

2018-377 Photo-induced Metal Printing Technique for Creating Metal Patterns and Structures Under Room Temperature

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 22:05:08 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed a low-temperature metal patterning technique. Background: Metal deposition and patterning is a widely used technique in fabricating magnetic, electronic, and optoelectronic devices. Currently, there are three main approaches to metal patterning: 1) using a physical mask with pre-designed patterns,2) inkjet printing and 3) selective laser sintering (SLS). However, using a physical mask requires deposition techniques under vacuum which results in physical contact-induced contamination and limited ...

Deep Learning-Based Virtual Histology Staining Using Auto-Fluorescence of Label-Free Tissue

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 22:04:03 GMT

UC Case No. 2018-700 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a fast, cost-effective histology tissue staining technique. BACKGROUNDOne of the most widely used methods for diagnosing diseases in clinical pathologyis histological analysis of tissue samples. Preparing a tissue sample for imaging under a microscope is a lengthy and laborious process. Moreover, these steps use multiple reagents and introduce irreversible effects on the tissue. There have been recent efforts to reduce the laborious process using different imaging modalities, inclu...

A 3D Microfluidic Actuation and Sensing Wearable Technology for In-Situ Biofluid Processing and Analysis (UCLA Case No. 2018-678)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 22:03:44 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a novel wearable biosensor capable of measuring biomarkers in real time through biofluids like sweat.BACKGROUNDThere is a current revolution in wearable technology to track health status in real time. In the advent of Apple watches and Fitbit, health tracking has become a hot trend that many consumers are adopting. Currently, commercialized non-invasive sensors are only capable of tracking physical activity and vital signs. However, recent advances in electrochemical sensor development has opened th...

Approaching Schottky-Mott Limit in Van Der Waals Metal Semiconductor Contacts

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 22:03:13 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have successfully achieved van der Waals ohmic contact in metal-semiconductor junctions with an interface S-parameter approaching the Schottky-Mott limit. Background: The performance of the metal-semiconductor (MS) junctions is critical for the operation of semiconductor devices. Usually an ohmic contact is desired for the MS junctions, for when the thermal energy is below the Schottky barrier height, electrical charges can be transported easily across the transistor and the external circuitry. The theoretical predic...

Epigenetic Profile-Based Biomarkers for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (UCLA Case No. 2018-578)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 22:03:01 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers from the Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases have discovered an innovative approach to diagnose irritable bowel syndrome. This method uses a set of epigenetic profiles as biomarkers and is highly sensitive compared to conventional diagnostic methodologies. BackgroundIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects up to 11% of the global population and is largely diagnosed by symptoms criteria. It is associated with significant health and economic burden and decreases quality of life. Surprisingly, there is no consistent genetic expression ...

Extremely Electrically Small Antenna Based On Multiferroics

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 22:02:00 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed an extremely electrically small antenna that can be used to transmit or receive electromagnetic radiation within a large range of communication frequencies. BackgroundRadio frequency (RF) communication involves the exchange of electromagnetic waves that store information in their physical structure: amplitude, frequency, and phase. Low-power communication systems utilize low-amplitude, large-wavelength signals, requiring highly sensitive antennas to detect faint signal fluctuations, and ...

2018-455 Inhibition of Lipofuscin Aggregation by Molecular Tweezers

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 22:01:50 GMT

Inhibition Of Lipofuscin Aggregation By Molecular Tweezers SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Departments of Neurology and Molecular Therapy & Medical Genetics have developed a novel approach toward broad inhibition of lipofuscin aggregation. BACKGROUNDLipofuscin is an age-related pigment compound that can be found throughout the body and its aggregation is associated with conditions ranging from macular degeneration to Alzheimer’s disease. Excessive accumulation of lipofuscin is also associated with a group of neurodegenerative disorders known as neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis...

Multiple-Patterning Nanosphere Lithography (UCLA Case No. 2018-446)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 22:01:40 GMT

Multiple-Patterning Nanosphere Lithography SUMMARYResearchers led by Paul Weiss from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UCLA have developed a novel technique that solves the scalability issue in the fabrication of three-dimensional nanostructures. BACKGROUNDConfigurable three-dimensional nanostructures have a wide range of applications spanning electronics, biotechnology, and optics due to favorable optical, electrical, mechanical properties as well as biocompatibility. However, issues of scalability and configurability prevent mass adoption of this technology. Current f...

Guided Magnetic Nanospears for Targeted and High-Throughput Intracellular Delivery (UCLA Case No. 2018-436)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 22:01:25 GMT

Guided Magnetic Nanospears For Targeted And High-Throughput Intracellular Delivery SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and Department of Molecular & Medical Pharmacology have developed novel magnetic nanostructures that can be used to carry and/or deliver biomolecular cargo intracellularly to cells. BACKGROUNDCurrent approaches for high-throughput and targeted intracellular delivery of biomolecules involve the use of viruses, external electric fields, or harsh chemical reagents, which are either costly, inefficient, or apply undesirable stres...

2018-379 SYNAPTIC RESISTOR WITH SIGNAL PROCESSING, MEMORY, AND LEARNING FUNCTIONS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 22:00:32 GMT

Summary: Researchers led by Yong Chen from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed an artificial synapse for neuromorphic chips that have integrated logic, memory, and learning capabilities. Background: Over the past decades computers have become more powerful due to the miniaturization of the transistors and other electrical components. Now, researchers want to apply these advancements to create a computer that functions more like the human brain where neurons process input information to relay an output to other neurons via synapses. These new ty...

Biomimetic Artificial Periodontal Membranes and Method of Fabricating the Same (Case No. 2018-369)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:59:55 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Departments of Dentistry and Chemistry have developed a novel biomimetic and degradable periodontal polymer membrane for use in guided tissue regeneration. Background: Periodontitis is a chronic destructive inflammatory disease of tooth-supporting tissue that affects more than 64 million American adults, with inadequate treatment leading to loosening and loss of teeth. Treatment involves surgical installation of a periodontal membrane, which prevents gum recession and allows ligament and bone to repopulate the root of the tooth during the healing pr...

Novel Multi-Scale Pre-Assembled Phases of Matter

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:59:46 GMT

UCLA Case No. 2018-362 SUMMARY UCLA researchers from the Departments of Chemistry and Physics have developed a novel method for creating multi-scale pre-assembled phases of matter with customizable symmetries, topologies, and degrees of order and disorder. BACKGROUNDMicroscale and nanoscale structures are important to many applications including biosensors, drug delivery, bio-scaffoldings, material science, industrial chemistry, environmental sensors, and battery technology. The assembly of complex structures is an issue due to the difficulty in manipulating components a...

2018-219 FLEXIBLE AND STRETCHABLE INTERCONNECTS FOR FLEXIBLE SYSTEMS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:56:31 GMT

Summary: Researchers led by Professor Subramanian Iyer from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UCLA have developed a novel fabrication technique to create stretchable electronics. Background: Constant improvements to electronics fabrication techniques have allowed higher density packaging of dies, a small block of silicon upon which a circuit is fabricated. Typically these dies are placed onto rigid substrates, which make them inflexible. Its use an implantable medical device that requires flexibility to account for body movements and displacements. Some fabrication t...

Boundary Learning Optimization Tool

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:55:16 GMT

UC Case No. 2017-996 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical Engineering have developed a computational tool that rapidly identifies material designs with optimal performance. BACKGROUNDAnalytical tools are necessary to rapidly optimize the performance of flexible materials that deform, yield, and/or buckle over large ranges of motion. The freedom and constraint topologies (FACT) synthesis approach helps designers rapidly consider and compare flexure systems that move in prescribed directions called degrees of freedom (DOFs) via elastic deformation. For synthesizing t...

RASP: FPGA/CPLD technology mapping and synthesis package

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:54:25 GMT

SummaryResearchers led by Jason Cong from the Computer Science Department at UCLA have developed a general synthesis and mapping system for SRAM-based FPGAs. BackgroundField programmable gate arrays (FPGA) are configurable chips in which the user can implement their designs to execute particular tasks. The configurable blocks in an FPGA can have their function specified using a look up table (LUT). Due to their flexibility and configurability, FPGA’s have adopted wide-spread use for rapid ASIC design and rapid system prototyping. To take advantage of these systems, users need a synt...

Highly Sensitive, Conformal And Wearable In2O3 Nanoribbon Transistor Biosensors With Integrated On Chip Side Gate For Glucose Monitoring In Body Fluid

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:53:47 GMT

UC Case No. 2018-211 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have invented a novel wearable sensor that is capable of measuring glucose levels in bodily fluids. BACKGROUNDWearable sensor technologies are essential to the realization of personalized medicine through continuously monitoring an individual’s state of health. Typically these wearable sensors detect movement, heart rate, etc. Newer wearable technologies can now detect molecules like glucose or ions like sodium and potassium in saliva or sweat. However, these devices use bulky electrodes or...

Improved Shortwave Infrared Polymethine Dyes

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:53:11 GMT

Phenotypic Profiling Of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Circulating Tumor Cells For Treatment Selection

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:52:56 GMT

SummaryResearchers in the UCLA Departments of Surgery and Molecular and Medical Pharmacology have developed a novel blood-based assay that can capture and characterize circulating tumor cells indicative of both early- and late-staged hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). BackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common type of cancer, the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths, and among the top twenty causes of death worldwide. Additionally, occurrences of HCC in the United States have nearly doubled over the past twenty years. Circulating tumor cells (CT...

2018-214 System and Method for Automated Image Guided Robotic Intraocular Surgery

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:49:46 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Ophthalmology have developed a system and method for automated optical surgery.BACKGROUNDMore than 3.5 million cataract surgeries are performed every year in the United States, with the market estimated at over $7 billion in 2016. While many surgical steps of cataract surgery have been partially or fully automated, the critical step of cataract lens extraction remains a manual operation. This step is also associated with the most common complications of cataract surgery, which are incomplete lens removal and a tear in the...

2018-194 Multi-Staged Gutta Percha Biomaterial Embedded with Nanodiamond Matrix

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:49:18 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Oral Biology have developed a novel root canal filling material composed of gutta percha modified with nanodiamond matrix with or without antibiotic agents. BACKGROUNDThere is a widespread need for root canal treatment (RCT) procedures since pulp tissue infection can result from a spectrum of issues including trauma, caries, and periodontitis. The current standard material for RCT obturation is gutta-percha (GP), however, it has been associated with microleakage and poor mechanical properties that leads to fracture and buckling. Detonation nano...

Multilayer Batch Microfabricated Magnetic Shielding

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:48:51 GMT

UCLA Case No. 2018-014 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a novel batch microfabrication technique for microscale shielding layers, simultaneously pushing the limits of minimum size, maximum shielding factor, flexibility, and cost. BACKGROUNDCompact electromagnetic shielding paves the way for a new generation of high precision systems, such as for atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) technology, where long term stability of atomic sensors is desirable for timing and navigation. Magnetic shields are conventionally machined single ...

Dental Adhesive Hydrogels and Uses Thereof (Case No. 2017-897)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:48:37 GMT

Summary: Researchers at the UCLA School of Dentistry and the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry have developed novel biodegradable, photocurable, and non-toxic hydrogel-based adhesives, which can be used for periodontal tissue regeneration and personalized precision oral care. Background: In the field of tissue engineering, biomaterials are often used as scaffolds to create a cellular microenvironment required for optimal tissue regeneration. Among different biomaterials, polymers are the most extensively used because they can be tailored to provide good interconnected porosity, la...

2017-794 SIMULTANEOUS PH- AND OXYGEN-WEIGHTED MRI CONTRAST USING MULTI-ECHO CHEMICAL EXCHANGE SATURATION TRANSFER IMAGING (ME-CEST)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:48:21 GMT

Simultaneous pH- And Oxygen-Weighted MRI Contrast Using Multi-Echo Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer Imaging (ME-CEST) SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Radiological Sciences have developed a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique that simultaneously acquires acidic and hypoxic information often associated with brain tumors and traumatic brain injury (TBI). BACKGROUNDMagnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the primary imaging modality in brain tumor and traumatic brain injury patients. However, traditional MRI techniques cannot characterize the local aggressiveness and...

2017-513 Air Quality Monitoring Using Mobile Microscopy and Machine Learning

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:48:02 GMT

Air Quality Monitoring Using Mobile Microscopy And Machine Learning SUMMARY UCLA researchers have developed a novel method to monitor air quality using mobile microscopy and machine learning. BACKGROUND Air quality is an increasing concern in the industrialized world. Particulate matter (PM) is a mixture of solid and liquid particles in air and forms a significant form of air pollution. PM comes in a range of sizes which can cause serious health problems by entering the lings and bloodstream. Some PM has even been linked to be carcinogenic. Monitoring PM air quality as a f...

2018-339 Tunable Linear Fluoropolymers

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:47:27 GMT

Tunable Linear Fluoropolymers SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a new polymerization technique that allows an easy, safe, and scalable synthesis of functionalized fluoropolymers. BACKGROUNDLinear fluorinated polymers, such as TeflonTM, have outstanding properties such as high chemical resistance and high electric resistivity, which allows diverse applications of them in many different industries. While incredibly useful materials, these polymers are very difficult to characterize and process. Furthermore, the chemicals needed to ge...

2018-213 Rapid And Precise Tool Exchange Mechanism For Intraocular Robotic Surgical Systems

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:46:32 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers from the Department of Mechanical Engineering have developed a rapid, precise, and repeatable tool exchange mechanism for intraocular surgical procedures. This mechanism reduces surgery time, undesirable surgical tool movements, complications, and recovery time.BACKGROUNDTreatments for intraocular conditions often require precise and accurate microsurgical procedures. Due to the delicate nature of the eye, as well as the procedures, these minimally invasive operations are typically time consuming. They could result in complications due to undesirable movements and place...

Trainable Filter Emulator For Real-Time Control Systems

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:46:05 GMT

UC Case No. 2018-201 SUMMARY:Researchers led by Dr. Cong from the Department of Computer Science at UCLA have developed an algorithm that enables real-time control in brain-machine interface applications. BACKGROUND:A brain-machine interface (BMI) is a device that allows a machine to be controlled by neural signals recorded from the brain. To function properly, a BMI must accurately detect specific neural signal events, and then reliably trigger an appropriate machine command in response to those events. Some BMI devices operate by monitoring electroencephalographic (EEG) signals rec...

2018-159 Therapeutic Approach to Prevent or Alleviate Drug-, Noise- and Age-Related Hearing Loss

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:44:54 GMT

Therapeutic Approach To Prevent Or Alleviate Drug-, Noise- And Age-Related Hearing Loss SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery have developed a novel therapeutic approach to treating hearing loss using inflammation-resolving molecules. BACKGROUNDMore than 350 million people worldwide exhibit some degree of hearing loss, with an associated significant socioeconomic impact that will increase with our aging global population. Despite this significant need, there are currently no therapeutic strategies that prevent or alleviate hearing loss. Growing scientific...

2018-148 Facile, Low-Energy Routes for the Production of Hydrated Calcium and Magnesium Salts from Alkaline Industrial Wastes

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:44:40 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Civil and Environment Engineering have developed a method for production of hydrated calcium and magnesium salts from alkaline industrial wastes using a facile and low-energy process.BACKGROUNDThe commercial production of Ca(OH)2 (portlandite) and Mg(OH)2 (brucite) presently involves calcining based methods, which require a significant amount of thermal energy. The production process is relatively complicated, involving high temperature calcination (around 800 °C for Ca(OH)2 and 1000 °C for Mg(OH)2).INNOVATIONUCLA researchers have developed ...

2017-99K A Polynomial Particle-In-Cell Method

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:44:16 GMT

SUMMARYResearchers at UCLA led by Joseph Teran have developed a new technique that can better simulate the motion of particles in fluid.BACKGROUNDSimulation techniques of natural phenomena in computer graphics have uses in the areas of special effects, interactive gaming, and engineering simulations. These simulations must account for a wide range of geometric spaces and material behaviors. The latest simulation technique, Particle-in-cell (PIC), models particles and a 3D grid in which they move inside. The particles in PIC store basic information like mass and momentum while the grid points s...

2017-847 Method For Mitigation Of Alkali-Silica Reaction In Concrete Using Chemical Additives

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:43:41 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Department of Civil and Environment Engineering have developed a new alkali-silica reaction (ASR) mitigation method using calcium nitrate, which is an abundant, cost-effective alternative to current approaches. BackgroundThe availability of aggregates for concrete that are not prone to deleterious alkali-silica reaction (ASR) is dwindling, requiring either transportation of non-reactive aggregates over long-distances or chemical methods of mitigation. Current strategies to mitigate ASR rely upon replacement of cement with supplementary cementitious mat...

2017-786 Infrared Detectors And Heat Recycling Cells Based On Metallo-Graphene Nanocomposites

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:43:20 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a high-responsivity photodetector that utilizes metallo-graphene nanocomposites for superior detection of infrared wavelengths.BACKGROUNDInfrared photodetectors are key tools used in multiple applications ranging from medical thermography (detecting irregular blood flow) to building inspections (determining efficiency of heat insulation). Continuous improvements are being made to device detection bandwidths, sensitivity, and responsivity. Currently, graphene is becoming an appealing candidate for the development...

Xenobiotic-Free Culture System To Expand Human Limbal Stem Cells (UCLA Case No. 2017-431)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:41:48 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Departments of Ophthalmology have developed a xenobiotic-free manufacturing process to produce transplantable human limbal stem cells for use in treating limbal stem cell deficiency. BACKGROUND Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) is a disorder characterized by the loss or dysfunctionality of limbal stem cells (LSCs) and its subsequent ability to regenerate the corneal epithelial surface. LSCD is characterized by persistent epithelial defects, conjunctivalization, neovascularization, scarring, and inflammation, all of which lead to corneal opacity, pain...

Chemoselective Side-Chain Modifications Of Methionine-Containing Elastin-Like Polypeptides

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:40:09 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering and Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry have developed a novel method for the introduction of various functional groups onto recombinant elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs), creating new compositions of ELPs that may be used for medical therapeutic or diagnostic applications. BackgroundRecombinant elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) belong to a unique class of precision polymers with stimuli-responsive self-assembly properties for specific biomedical and biotechnological applications. ELPs are repeating sequences of [-Val-...

Compositions of Polyion Complex Polypeptide Hydrogels (UCLA Case No. 2018-142)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:39:33 GMT

Compositions Of Polyion Complex Polypeptide Hydrogels SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a new class of cell-compatible copolypeptide hydrogels that possess chain conformation directed polyion complex (PIC) supramolecular architectures. BACKGROUNDHydrogels are three-dimensional polymer networks that are capable of absorbing large amounts of water or biological fluids. Hydrogels can be classified in several ways depending on the constituents that form the polymeric network (neutral vs. ionic, natural vs. synthetic), mechanical and structural cha...

2017-99C Quantitative Deformability Cytometry: Rapid, Calibrated Measurements Of Cell Mechanical Properties

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:38:54 GMT

SUMMARY:UCLA researchers in the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology have developed a novel microfluidic device that enables rapid measurement of cell mechanical properties. BACKGROUND:Cell mechanical properties are emerging as a label-free biomarker for altered cell and pathological states. Information about cells, such as their elastic modulus, viscosity, or compliance, can be acquired using a variety of standard measurement techniques. However, these measurements are often at slow rates (~1 cell/min) and faster throughputs are difficult to achieve. Deformability cytometry m...

Bioactive Adhesive Dental Restorative Cement (Case No. 2017-979)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:38:42 GMT

Bioactive Adhesive Dental Restorative Cement SUMMARYResearchers led by Alireza Moshaverinia from the School of Dentistry at UCLA have developed a novel restorative dental cement that promotes remineralization of damaged teeth. BACKGROUNDDental restorative materials are used to fill in cavities or to replace lost tooth structure due to trauma (i.e. a chipped tooth). One of these materials is known as glass-ionomer cement (GICs). Much like cement, powders are mixed together to form a glass-like substance that can be set and hardened to make up for lost tooth structure. GICs have great ...

A Novel Mixture for Intravenous Sedation

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:38:27 GMT

UC Case No. 2017-902 SUMMARYUCLA researchers from the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine have developed a novel anesthetic mixture which combines anxielytic, narcotic, and sedation effects in a safe, effective solution. BACKGROUNDThe common practice of intravenous sedation for surgery is to administer several medications in different syringes to reduce anxiety (anxielytics), prevent pain associated with surgery (narcotics), provide continuous sedation (propofol) and prevent pain caused by propofol (lidocaine). It is very cumbersome to titrate all these medication...

Disulfide Bioconjugation

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:37:23 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have proposed a one-step radical mechanism for disulfide bioconjugation that overcomes many concerns associated with the free cysteine residues that result from current bioconjugation techniques. BackgroundThe post-translational modification of proteins has a number of important biological applications, including the development of novel drugs. Although its reactive thiol group makes cysteine an ideal site for modification, cysteine is typically bonded in a disulfide bridge. The modification of cysteine di...

2017-704 Materials for Autonomous Tracking, Guiding, Modulating, and Harvesting of Energetic Emissions

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:36:53 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed a novel photo-responsive polymer that can in real-time detect, track, modulate, and harvest incident optical signals and a broad range of energetic emissions at high accuracy and fast response rate. Background: The capability to efficiently and simultaneously detect, track and harvest or modulate signals (e.g. optical, electromagnetic, and acoustic) are vital for a broad range of optics, photonics, optoelectronics and also national-security technologies. Current state of the art relies on tuning...

Real-Time Tomosynthesis For Radiation Therapy Guidance

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:36:40 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Department of Radiological Sciences and Department of Radiation Oncology have developed a real-time tomosynthesis design that can produce sufficient contrast to guide radiation therapy of small lung tumors. BackgroundRadiation therapy, especially stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), uses highly concentrated radiation to kill tumor cells in a limited field of view. Real-time feedback on the tumor position is vital to adjust the treatment and improve conformality. Especially for SBRT treatments in the lung, respiratory motion also remains a ...

2017-459 Noncrushable Pill Formulations

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:35:53 GMT

Noncrushable/Nonabusable Pill Formulations SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry have developed novel abuse-deterrent opioid formulations from elastomers that resist crushing at room temperature and upon heating or cooling. The formulation also contains a dual-enzyme responsive system whereby sequential digestion by two separate enzymes found in the stomach/intestines together cleave the peptide linkage allowing the drug to be fully released. BACKGROUNDAbuse of opioid analgesic alkaloids, such as oxycodone, is a public health epidemic in the United...

2017-442 A Non-Progressive Sampling Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) Method

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:35:36 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Radiation Oncology have developed a novel direct aperture optimization method for volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) to solve the current arc optimization problem. BACKGROUNDVolumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is a radiation technique that can achieve highly conformal dose distributions with improved target volume coverage and sparing of normal tissues compared with conventional radiotherapy techniques. VMAT is also significantly more efficient in both treatment time and total monitor units compared with conventional static field inten...

Fuel Cell With Dynamic Response Capability Based On Energy Storage Electrodes

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:35:21 GMT

UC Case No. 2017-231 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Chemical Engineering have developed fuel cells with energy-storage capabilities. BACKGROUNDCurrent fuel cell technologies are limited by cost and lifetime, as well as poor response to operating condition fluctuations. Adding energy storage devices to fuel cells can improve their dynamic response, reduce performance degradation, and decrease fabrication cost, but designing energy management systems is complex, energy storage devices occupy the limited room available while increasing costs, and many energy storage materi...

Three-step Method for Universal Enrichment, Expansion, and Maturation of Skeletal Muscle Cells Derived from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells (UCLA Case No. 2017-217)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:34:57 GMT

Three-Step Method For Universal Enrichment, Expansion, And Maturation Of Skeletal Muscle Cells Derived From Human Pluripotent Stem Cells SUMMARYUCLA researchers have developed a novel method for enriching, expanding, and maturing populations of skeletal muscle progenitor cells (SMPCs) from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). BACKGROUNDSkeletal muscle is one of the only organ systems endowed with an endogenous stem cell, the satellite cell (SC). However, the events controlling the timing and specification of SCs and early progenitors during human myogenesis have remained poorly defi...

Nanoparticles for Specific Detection and Killing of Pathogenic Bacteria (UCLA Case No. 2017-840)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:34:02 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Department of Medicine have developed novel functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles that can specifically identify pathogenic bacteria and deliver on-target drug treatments. BackgroundBacterial infection is a common illness that affects many Americans each year. The specific bacteria involved are often unknown, and even when they are, highly specific antibiotics are typically unavailable. Hence, treatment frequently involves the use of broad spectrum antibiotics. This not only contributes ...

System and Method for Flexible Low-Energy Membrane-Based Liquid Purification

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:33:35 GMT

UC Case No. 2016-871 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering have developed a platform and method for membrane-based water purification and desalination that combines operational flexibility with energy efficiency, allowing effective treatment and desalination of raw feed water over a wider range of solute concentrations and product recovery. BACKGROUNDMembrane technologies play a significant role in water and energy sustainability. Current membrane technologies that are used in industries at scale include desalination of seawater and bracki...

Scanning Terahertz Nanoscopy Probe

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:32:08 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a Scanning Terahertz Nanoscopy (STN) system with significantly improved detection sensitivity and spatial resolution. BackgroundMicroscopic studies of the structural dynamics of biomolecules have been challenging, since methods like atomic force microscopy (AFM) present various spectral and operational constraints unfavorable to biology processes, such as vacuum or low temperature, and methods resembling fluorescence microscopy require labeling near active sites. Terahertz (THz) waves offer an alterna...

New 3D-Exoquant Method for the Analysis of Surface Molecules and Quantification of Tissue-Specific Exosomes in Biological Fluids (UCLA Case No. 2016-305, 2016-731)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:31:46 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Neurology have developed a novel high sensitivity exosome and extracellular vesicle disease detection technology for use in the clinical and research setting. BACKGROUNDDetection of surface biomarkers located on extracellular bodies, such as vesicles and exosomes is of great clinical and research significance as they can be indicative of disease onset. These vesicles can be found in the blood, saliva, cerebrospinal fluid, and other biological fluids. Detection of a specific type of extracellular vesicle (e.g. exosomes), in a complex mixture such as ...

2017-772 ALLOSTERIC BACE INHIBITORS FOR TREATMENT OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:31:08 GMT

Allosteric BACE Inhibitors For Treatment Of Alzheimer’s Disease SUMMARYUCLA researchers from the Department of Neurology have discovered a new class of drug candidates for Alzheimer’s disease. These small molecule compounds can specifically inhibit target enzymes to prevent target protein cleavage through an allosteric mechanism, preventing off-target side effect. BACKGROUNDAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent dementia that is currently affecting 5.7 million patients in the US. Amyloid plaque, resulting from accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) in brai...

2017-711 Immersive Virtual Reality To Manage Pain

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:30:23 GMT

SUMMARYResearchers led by Mark Cohen from the Department of Psychiatry at UCLA have developed a virtual reality-based therapy to manage chronic pain.BACKGROUNDChronic pain affects 100 million people and costs the U.S. roughly 650 billion dollars in healthcare and lost productivity costs. Roughly 30 million people with chronic pain use prescription opiates to manage it. However, patients can build a tolerance to opiates, and opiates have many harmful side effects along with having a high abuse potential. Prescription opiates also do not address the psychological opponents to p...

Electrocaloric Cooling With Electrostatic Actuation (UCLA Case No. 2017-646)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:30:05 GMT

Summary: A collaboration between researchers in the UCLA Department of Materials Science and Engineering and SRI International has developed a novel solid-state cooling system that allows for efficient heat transfer for small, mobile devices. Background: With the development of modern technologies, the need for efficient heat transfer and cooling systems to maintain stable temperatures has become increasingly necessary. The most common cooling systems consist of vapor-compression refrigeration systems which typically have a reported coefficient of performance (COP) of 2-4. However,...

Dual-Enzyme Responsive Peptides (UCLA Case No. 2017-446)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:28:43 GMT

SUMMARY UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry have developed a dual-enzyme responsive peptide system that requires sequential digestion by two separate enzymes for cleavage at the C-terminal position of lysine. BACKGROUND Due to their high selectivity and specificity, enzyme responsive systems are commonly used for diagnostic and drug delivery applications. Currently, most enzyme responsive technologies are sensitive to a single enzyme, or a single enzyme in combination with an environmental stimulus. For example, caspase-sensitive reporters, which resp...

2017-223 Multi-Frequency Harmonic Acoustography for Target Identification and Border Detection (POC 2016)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:27:59 GMT

Multi-Frequency Harmonic Acoustography for Target Identification and Border Detection SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering, Electrical Engineering, and Head and Neck Surgery have developed a novel ultrasound-based imaging technique that can be used to analyze tumor margins during surgery. BACKGROUNDAccurate determination of tumor margins is essential during operations; under-resection results in disease recurrence, whereas over-resection may significantly decrease patient quality of life. However, current intraoperative analyses are largely based on physical ex...

Development of Surface Enhanced Graphene Oxide for Ubiquitous Antibacterial Coatings (UCLA Case No. 2017-176)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:27:46 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Medicine have developed a novel graphene oxide (GO) based material with significantly enhanced antibacterial effects with maximized surface display of carbon radicals. Background: Adhesion of bacteria to surfaces of human tissue, biomaterials and medical devices significantly increases the risk of infection in patients. Graphene oxide (GO) materials have demonstrated antibacterial properties across a spectrum of bacteria. However, the most proximal structure activity relationships that lead to antibacterial effects in GO are still elusive. Moreo...

A Novel Method To Enhance Tg6f Amelioration Of Dyslipidemia

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:26:33 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Department of Medicine have developed a novel protocol that enhances the effects of Tg6F in treating dyslipidemia. BackgroundDyslipidemia is characterized as having abnormal levels of cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood, resulting in an imbalance of circulating lipids. Patients with dyslipidemia tend to have a higher risk for metabolic and inflammatory disorders, such as atherosclerosis. While the development of dyslipidemia is heavily influenced by diet and lifestyle, in some cases, genetic factors can also play a role. The most comm...

2016-986 A NEW MECHANISM FOR HYPERTRIGLYCERIDEMIA IN HUMANS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:26:19 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Department of Medicine have identified autoantibodies against GPIHBP1, a GPI anchored protein of capillary endothelial cells, which may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with hypertriglyceridemia. BackgroundHypertriglyceridemia patients suffer from elevated levels of triglycerides in their blood. It has been associated with atherosclerosis and predisposition for cardiovascular disease. In certain circumstances, the underlying cause of hypertriglyceridemia is unknown and traditional treatments, such as lifestyle modulation or pharm...

2016-694 INHIBITION OF THE AGGREGATION OF TRANSTHYRETIN BY SPECIFIC BINDING OF PEPTIDES TO AGGREGATION-DRIVING SEGMENTS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:26:07 GMT

Inhibition of the Aggregation of Transthyretin by Specific Binding of Peptides to Aggregation-Driving Segments SUMMARYUCLA researchers from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a novel process to inhibit amyloid aggregation of Transthyretin, which is associated with three debilitating disorders including senile systemic amyloidosis (SSA), Familial Amyloidotic Polyneuropathies (FAP), and Familial Amyloidotic Cardiomyopathies (FAC). BACKGROUNDTransthyretin (TTR) is a transport protein that is present in blood and cerebrospinal fluid. TTR is normally present as a ...

2016-485 TUNABLE, SHEATHLESS, AND THREE DIMENSIONAL SINGLE-STREAM CELL FOCUSING IN HIGH SPEED FLOWS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:25:53 GMT

Tunable, Sheathless, and Three Dimensional Single-Stream Cell Focusing in High Speed FlowsTech ID: 30473 / UC Case 2016-485-0 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a tunable, sheathless, and three dimensional single-stream cell focusing in high speed flows. This new mechanism can be used for real-time focusing in flow cytometers and high-throughput cell sorting. BACKGROUNDCells and microparticles ﬂow at different speeds in different streamlines in microﬂuidic channels. The ability to three-dimensionally focus randomly distrib...

Systems And Methods For Therapeutic Agent Delivery

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:25:40 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers at the Department of Physics have developed a system that is capable of delivering a therapeutic agent to a specifically targeted tissue using ultrasound. BackgroundSoft tissue infections are a major global health issue. About 325,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. When an inadequate concentration of antibiotic is used to treat a given infection, antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria develop that are increasingly difficult to treat. Patients with MRSA cellulitis of the lower extremity, especially those with impaired circulation, such as dia...

Genetic Mechanisms of Resistance to Anti-PD-1/L1 (UCLA Case No. 2016-075)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:25:22 GMT

Genetic Mechanisms of Resistance to Anti-PD-1/L1 SUMMARYUCLA researchers have identified a rare genetic mutation in the interferon receptor signaling pathway that can be used as a diagnostic to predict whether a patient will be or has become resistant to a cancer immunotherapy. BACKGROUNDClinical responses to programmed death‐1 (PD‐1) blockade therapy have revolutionized cancer care with evidence of durable tumor responses in at least 15 different cancers. However, only a minority of patients respond, and some who respond eventually become resistant. Researchers at UCLA have discover...

Methods Of Fabricating A Multi-Electrode Array For Spinal Cord Epidural Stimulation

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:24:58 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering and Department of Integrated Biology & Physiology have developed a novel array for spinal cord epidural stimulation. BackgroundThe discovery of epidural stimulation therapy has been a ground-breaking achievement for the treatment of spinal cord injury that has allowed for partial recovery of motor activity in previously paralyzed patients. This procedure involves a chip that is surgically implanted into the lower part of the patients’ spinal cord. This chip is connected to the circuits within the spinal cord...

Identification of a Factor that Promotes Human HSC Self-Renewal

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:24:32 GMT

Case 2016-990 The Mikkola group at UCLA has discovered a novel regulator of hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal. The overexpression of this regulator increases the yield of ex vivo stem cell expansion and could thereby improve the efficiency of stem cell therapies. BACKGROUND Blood cells are responsible for the maintenance and immune protection of nearly every cell type in the body. It is therefore unsurprising that this relentless work would require blood cells to self-renew. This self-renewal process begins with hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). HSCs are responsible for the c...

2016-806 PRIVACY PRESERVING STREAM ANALYTICS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:24:08 GMT

Privacy Preserving Stream Analytics SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Computer Science have developed a new privacy preserving mechanism for stream analytics. BACKGROUNDComputers and smartphones not only serve as a means of communication and computation, but also include a variety of sensors (e.g., proximity, accelerometer, gyroscopic, GPS, etc.). Various data analysts perform data aggregation studies and try to extract meaning from this sensor and user data. However, with this wide array of sensors comes serious privacy concerns with the large amount of real-time personal...

2016-645 AUTOMATIC RECOGNITION OF ANATOMICAL COVERAGE IN MEDICAL IMAGES

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:23:52 GMT

Automatic Recognition Of Anatomical Coverage In Medical Images SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Radiology have developed an algorithm for automated processing of medical images. BACKGROUNDThe increasing use of medical imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and positron emission tomography (PET) has generated a lot of medical data with nearly 20-40% increase every year. Currently, these medical images have to be processed manually by physicians and clinicians. There is a need for algorithms that can automatically read the pat...

Method And Substance For The Treatment Of Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:23:21 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Department of Pathology have identified a novel pathway that causes β-amyloid-associated smooth muscle cell loss in Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy (CAA) cases. BackgroundCerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a pathologic condition characterized by amyloid deposits in the blood vessels that causes loss of smooth muscle cells. It is associated with several diseases, with nearly 70-90% prevalence in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) cases and even some cases of prion diseases. Currently, it is untreatable as most AD therapeutics modulate the immune system often e...

2016-299 ENDOGENOUS HUMAN PROTEIN NANOPARTICLE-BASED IMMUNE-FOCUSING ANTIVIRAL VACCINE

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:23:03 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Department of Biological Chemistry have developed a novel nanoparticle based antiviral vaccine capable of targeting many viruses. BackgroundThere is a current rise in the incidence of viral originating diseases (i.e. HIV-1). A current movement to combat this rise in incidence is through the use of antiviral vaccines. However, there are two main barriers to the wide spread use of the vaccines: generation of cellular immunity through major histocompatibility complex class 1 cytoplasmic antigen-processing pathway for CD8+ T-cell (CTL) responses, and...

2016-252 BIOMASS-DERIVED POLYMERS AND COPOLYMERS INCORPORATING MONOLIGNOLS AND THEIR DERIVATIVES

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:22:53 GMT

Biomass-Derived Polymers And Copolymers Incorporating Monolignols And Their Derivatives SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Departments of Bioengineering, Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a novel synthetic strategy for the fabrication of biomass-derived polymers incorporating underutilized lignin derivatives. BACKGROUNDPolyamide polymers and benzoxazine resins are important materials used in a wide variety of products and manufacturing including the automotive, plastics, and nylons industries. Current methods to produce these polymers and resins utilize a diminishing supply of pe...

2015-815 TERAHERTZ ENDOSCOPY THROUGH LASER-DRIVEN TERAHRETZ SOURCES AND DETECTORS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:21:37 GMT

Terahertz Endoscopy Through Laser-Driven Terahretz Sources And Detectors SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a miniaturized terahertz imaging system that can be integrated to the tip of commercially available endoscopes, with significantly larger detectable depths and faster image acquisition rates. BACKGROUNDTerahertz imaging has found applications in medical diagnostics due to low interference, non-ionizing radiation, and high sensitivity and specificity to variations in tissue hydration levels. However, currently available terahertz i...

2016-799 A Plastic Synapse Based on Self-Heating-Enhanced Charge-Trapping in High-K Gate Dielectrics of Advanced-Node Transistors

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:21:12 GMT

A Plastic Synapse Based on Self-Heating-Enhanced Charge-Trapping in High-K Gate Dielectrics of Advanced-Node Transistors SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science have developed a novel way of implementing plastic synapses for neuromorphic systems applications by using charge-trapping advanced-node transistors. BACKGROUNDBrain-inspired neuromorphic computing holds the promise to replace conventional von Neumann computers for cognitive applications. Neuromorphic computing systems feature distributed processors (e.g., electronic neurons or...

A Method For Accurate Parametric Mapping Based On Characterization Of A Reference Tissue Or Region (Case No. 2016-637)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:20:41 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Radiology have developed a novel method that addresses a common issue of MRI imaging misinterpretation due to the high field effects of B1+ inhomogeneity. Background: Magnetic Imaging Resonance (MRI) is a modern non-invasive anatomical imaging technique for the visualization of disease states. MRI, like many other forms of non-invasive imaging, relies on contrast for visualization. MR images collected with higher fields offer greater signal to noise ratio, producing a greater observed contrast. This greater proportion...

Methods for Predicting Response Patterns to Anti-PD-1 Therapy in Metastatic Melanoma (UCLA Case No. 2016-582)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:20:30 GMT

SUMMARYDr. Roger Lo and colleagues in the Department of Medicine at UCLA have identified a method to predict a melanoma patient’s resistance to pembrolizumab and other immune checkpoint inhibitors.BACKGROUNDImmune checkpoint inhibitors are the most recent stars in cancer therapeutics: the first 4+ drugs in the category have received breakthrough designation from the FDA and are showing impressive results in a variety of cancers. However, there are still many patients who do not respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors, reaching 60-70% in the two anti-PD-1 antibodies approved by the FDA. F...

2016-487 Predicting the Placebo Response and Placebo Responders in Medicated and Unmedicated Patients Using Baseline Psychometric and Clinical Assessment Score

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:18:53 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers have developed a method and model to predict the placebo effect and placebo responsiveness using the 30-item baseline positive and negative syndrome scales (PANSS) scores, within both the medicated and unmedicated Schizophrenia patients.BACKGROUNDThe placebo effect is used to describe the effect of inert interventions to yield a positive treatment benefit. The placebo effect is greater in studies with a large number of trials, but was found to not be influenced by the frequency of clinician contact. The medication effect is larger in comparator studies than in placebo c...

Method To Determine Personalized Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Tms) Parameters To Enhance Clinical Treatment Outcomes In Major Depression And Neurological Disorders

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:18:18 GMT

SummaryResearchers led by Aimee Hunter from the Department of Psychaitry at UCLA have developed a methodology to determine parameters for personalized transcranial magnetic stimulation to treat depression. BackgroundDepression affects millions of people each year, and about 30% of these individuals do not respond to anti-depressants. Neuomodulation techniques like deep brain stimulation (DBS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) offer alternative methods for treatment-resistant depression. The effectiveness of TMS and DBS vary widely from patient to patient, due to the ...

Transient Expression of BCL-2 to Ameliorate Cytotoxicity of Gene Modification Reagents in Stem Cells (UCLA Case No. 2016-290)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:15:30 GMT

Transient Expression Of BCL-2 To Ameliorate Cytotoxicity Of Gene Modification Reagents In Stem Cells SUMMARYResearchers at the UCLA Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics have developed methods for efficient gene editing in stem cells by increasing the level of apoptosis regulator BCL-2. BACKGROUNDEngineered nucleases, such as zinc finger nuclease (ZFN), transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN), and CRISPR/Cas9, are popular tools to increase the frequency of gene repair events. These nucleases create sequence and site-specific double-stranded brea...

2016-229 Balloon Robot

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:15:18 GMT

SUMMARYThe Hong group at UCLA has developed a bi-pedal robot that incorporates multiple gas-filled balloons to provide support and balance.BACKGROUNDHumanoid robots with the ability to move have long been part of the entertainment industry. For example, humanoid robots are used in science fiction movies and can be used to interact with members of a live audience. However, there are a number of issues with using current humanoid robots in an interactive environment. One such problem is that humanoid robots are often heavy and require many metal and/or electrical components such as actuators in ...

2016-153 MULTI-ECHO SPIN-, ASYMMETRIC SPIN-, AND GRADIENT ECHO ECHOPLANAR IMAGING (MESSAGE-EPI) MRI

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:12:57 GMT

Multi-Echo Spin-, Asymmetric Spin-, And Gradient Echo Echoplanar Imaging (Message-Epi) Mri SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Radiological Sciences have developed a new MRI pulse sequence optimized for brain imaging. BACKGROUNDMagnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) relies on programed pulse-schemes (or pulse programs) to generate images. These pulse-programs dictate not only the type of information being obtained, but also the quality of the resultant images. Methods such as spin-echo, and gradient echo sequences are utilized to obtain magnetic resonance (MR) data on tissues samp...

2016-102 COMPOSITE FOAM & 2011-177 MATERIAL FOR MITIGATING IMPACT FORCES WITH COLLISION DURATIONS IN NANOSECONDS TO MILLISECONDS RANGE

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:12:48 GMT

Composite Foam SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a novel composite foam for impact applications. BACKGROUNDPolymeric materials used for impact resistance often strain-harden, causing the skeleton struts and beams to stiffen up, the pores to collapse, and large stress buildup. This results in a sudden drop in the stress of the material with minimal energy absorption and momentum trapping. To circumvent these issues, phase transformation in a material is used as an energy dissipation mechanism, but current state of the art ...

An Improved Phase-Contrast MRI Technique (Case No. 2016-050)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:12:38 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Radiological Sciences have developed a phase-contrast MRI acquisition technique called Hybrid One- and Two-sided Flow Encoding Only (HOTFEO). Background: 4D flow phase-contrast MRI (PC-MRI) is clinically used to visualize and quantify blood flow and velocity. Temporal resolution and temporal footprint determine the accuracy in velocity measurements, which is important for diagnosing clinical diseases such as carotid artery stenosis. The PC-MRI technique acquires one flow-compensated (FC) and three-directional flow-encoded echoes (FC/3FE) to up...

2015-920 A Single-Shot Network Analysis Method for the Characterization of Opto-Electronic and Electrical Devices and Systems

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:11:50 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a single-shot network analysis method that can perform both time and frequency domain measurements of non-linear behavior of various optical or electrical devices and systems within significantly reduced test time.BACKGROUNDA network analyzer measures the network parameters of active and passive components of optical and electrical devices. The ability to measure the input characteristics of each port, as well as the transfer characteristics between different ports of each component gives designers the knowledge...

2015-686 FOXP3D3 AS A BIOMARKER FOR TREATMENT RESPONSE AND NOVEL TARGET FOR ANTI-CANCER THERAPY

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:11:30 GMT

Foxp3Δ3 As A Biomarker For Treatment Response And Novel Target For Anti-Cancer Therapy SUMMARYThe Chin group at UCLA has discovered that an isoform of the protein Foxp3 is a robust biomarker of bladder cancer sensitivity to chemotherapy, including cisplatin- and gemcitabine-based treatments. BACKGROUNDUrothelial carcinoma of the bladder comprises the majority of bladder cancer cases and represents the 9th leading cause of cancer mortality in the world. Resistance to chemotherapy is a major clinical problem; In patients with advanced bladder cancer, 50 to 60% do not respond to s...

Bulk Acoustic Wave Mediated Multiferroic Antennas

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:11:19 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Departments of Electrical Engineering and Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering and have designed a novel low profile antenna with suppressed platform effect.BACKGROUNDThe increasing applications of antennas in wireless communications have hastened the development of miniature antennas such as low-profile antennas. There has been a growing interest in the use of multiferroic materials for low-profile antennas due to their high permittivity and permeability, which allows miniaturization by several orders of magnitude. However, in traditional conduction current ba...

Selective Deposition Of Diamond In Thermal Vias

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:10:16 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering have developed a new method of diamond deposition in integrated circuit vias for thermal dissipation. BackgroundModern integrated circuits (IC) are typically fabricated by growing layers of semiconductors on a substrate. This growing method, epitaxial fabrication, has enabled tighter packing of chip components and the implementation of complex circuits. These advancements have allowed higher-frequency chips reaching the GHz range. However, as chips become more crowded and complex, heat dissi...

2015-388 Fully Automated Synthesis of 16B-[18F] Fluorodihydrotestosterone ([18F]-FDHT)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:08:02 GMT

TITLE: Fully Automated Synthesis of 16β- 18F-Fluorodihydrotestosterone (18F-FDHT) SUMMARY: UCLA researchers in the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology have developed a method for the fully automated synthesis of 16β- 18F-fluorodihydrotestosterone (18F-FDHT), a probe to monitor prostate cancer. BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in American men. Effective management of prostate cancer requires early detection and the availability of accurate diagnostic modalities for predicting and monitoring the disease. Increased a...

Combination Immunotherapy (UCLA Case No. 2015-348)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 20:01:51 GMT

Combination Immunotherapy SUMMARYUCLA researchers have developed a combination immunotherapy for lung cancer that functions by evoking anti-tumor immune responses in lung cancer patients. BACKGROUNDLung cancer is a challenging health problem, claiming more than 1.1 million deaths worldwide annually. Despite incredible medical progress, the long-term survival rate of lung cancer remains low due to the high risk of recurrence. Therefore, immunotherapy which harnesses the immune system to react against tumors can be an attractive approach with potential for long term anti-tumor benefit....

Improvement To Retroviral Vectors Containing The Human Ubiquitin C Promoter

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 20:00:02 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Department of Molecular Biology have developed a lentiviral vector, “pCCLc-roUBC”, containing the cellular promoter from the human ubiquitin C gene (UBC), to improve transgene expression in retroviral vectors. BackgroundGene delivery into human cells is a promising way to correct or protect against genetic alterations in a variety of human diseases such as hematological malignancies. Various gene transduction systems have been developed, including gamma-retroviral vectors, lentiviral vectors, adenoviral vectors and adeno-associated viral ve...

2015-365 TARGETING PROTEIN TYROSINE PHOSPHATASE-SIGMA TO AUGMENT HEMATOPOIETIC RECONSTITUTION

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 19:58:27 GMT

Targeting Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase-Sigma to Augment Hematopoietic Reconstitution SUMMARYUCLA researchers from the Department of Medicine have developed a novel technique for inducing increased hematopoietic recovery after HSC transplantation by targeting the protein tyrosine phosphatase-sigma (PTP-sigma) pathway. BACKGROUNDReceptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) regulate the maintenance, differentiation, and growth of Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs), the precursors of all blood cells. The depletion of circulating blood cells is a problem in many clinical situations, in malignant conditi...

2015-188 PROVABLY SECURE VIRUS DETECTION

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 19:58:08 GMT

Provably Secure Virus Detection SUMMARYProfessor Rafail Ostrovsky in the Department of Computer Science, in collaboration with researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology, has developed a provably secure defense against software viruses that can be deployed on computers without any additional hardware requirements. BACKGROUNDWith the continued global rise and ubiquity of computers, smart phones, and other web-connected devices, a major issue that remains unsolved is malware, where code is installed into a program and takes over the system with a malicious intent. Computer viruses ...

Flexible Stretchable Electrode And Recording Method For Gastrointestinal Prostheses

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 19:57:57 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering and Surgery have developed an electrode for stimulation and recording of intestinal peristalsis that uses a novel impedance-based sensing method. BackgroundThe gastrointestinal (GI) system is crucial for the digestion and processing of food and nutrients that enter the body. Food is moved along the esophagus, stomach, and intestines through muscle contractions called peristalsis. Electrical signals travel through the muscles that line the GI tract, mediating a wave of muscle contraction and relaxation that push food through...

2015-153 SINGLE MOLECULE IMAGING AND SIZING OF DNA ON A MOBILE-PHONE

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 19:55:28 GMT

Single Molecule Imaging and Sizing of DNA on a Cell Phone SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a light-weight and cost-effective fluorescence microscope installed on a cell phone. BACKGROUNDOptical methods for imaging single biomolecules allow for exploration of their individual behavior and properties at nanoscale, which not only significantly advances our knowledge of molecular biology and biophysics but also provides various diagnostics opportunities for biomedical applications. Imaging of single DNA molecules has been of particul...

2015-021 A Built-In Mechanism of Gas Maintenance in Microfeatures on a Submerged Surface

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 19:54:24 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a novel superhydrophobic surface for drag reduction and anti-biofouling applications.BACKGROUNDSuperhydrophobic surfaces have unusual ability to repel water and may have utilities for applications including hydrodynamic drag reduction, de-icing, anti-corrosion, and anti-biofouling. For underwater applications, these surfaces must maintain their superhydrophobicity while submerged in a liquid. However, most superhydrophobic surfaces cannot retain the gas layer that makes them superhydrop...

2015-016 Frataxin Knock-Down Mouse Model for Friedreich's Ataxia

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 19:54:16 GMT

A Novel Mouse Model for Friedreich's Ataxia BACKGROUNDFriedreich’s Ataxia (FRDA) is a debilitating, life‐shortening, degenerative neuromuscular disorder that is caused by severely reduced levels of frataxin. It affects about one in 50,000 people in the United States, but currently there are no treatments. Therefore the generation of corresponding mouse models is vital for understanding and designing better therapeutic strategies. However, because the organismwide frataxin knockdown is embryonically lethal, existing FRDA animal models either exhibit mild symptoms, or only have reduce...

2015-170 Reduction Of Unmodulated Ambient Blockers In Reflected Data Links Through Manipulation Of Replication Of The Illuminating Signal Source

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 19:53:27 GMT

SUMMARYResearchers at the UCLA Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a new method to eliminate a power amplifier from the transmitter chain in a wireless data link, while overcoming the effects of ambient reflections.BACKGROUNDWiFi and WLAN technology is broadly adopted in the mobile market. However, the high power consumption of existing WiFi transceiver technology limits its use for the emerging wearable device market because the WLAN transceiver requires a power amplifier device to generate power levels suitable for transmitting a WiFi signal to a base-station or ...

2015-089 INTEGRATIVE LEAKAGE CORRECTION FOR CONTRAST AGENT EXTRAVASATION IN DYNAMIC SUSCEPTIBILITY CONTRAST (DSC) - MRI

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 19:53:14 GMT

Integrative Leakage Correction For Contrast Agent Extravasation In Dynamic Susceptibility Contrast (DSC) - MRI SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Radiological Sciences have developed a new technique for more accurately estimating relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) from dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) perfusion MRI by improved modeling and correction of contrast agent leakage. BACKGROUNDDynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) perfusion MRI scans are routinely collected on brain tumors, stroke, and traumatic brain injury patients, but accurate estimation of perfusion p...

2014-950 ESTIMATION OF CONTRAST CONCENTRATION FROM ANGIOGRAMS IN PRESENCE OF VESSEL OVERLAP

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 19:52:48 GMT

Estimation of Contrast Concentration from Angiograms in Presence Of Vessel Overlap SUMMARYUCLA researchers have developed an image processing technique for quantitative measurement of brain hemodynamics using x-ray digital subtraction angiography (DSA) images. The technology generates color-coded parametric maps of cerebral blood perfusion that augment the image reader’s ability to diagnose several pathophysiological events in acute ischemic stroke patients that are not otherwise easily visible on grayscale angiograms. BACKGROUNDQuantification of cerebral blood perfusion is of ...

2014-904 PALLADIUM ALLOY HYDRIDE NANO MATERIALS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 19:52:38 GMT

Palladium Alloy Hydride Nano Materials SUMMARYResearchers at UCLA have synthesized a range of intermetallic palladium hydride alloy (Pd/M-H) nanocrystals using a low cost solution process that avoids the use of surfactants and strong reducing agents. BACKGROUNDNanocrystalline intermetallics and alloys are novel materials with high surface areas which are potential low-cost and high-performance catalysts in oil refining, gas treatment, and polymerization of hydrocarbons. Nanocrystalline alloys of noble metals (e.g. palladium) with catalytically active metals (e.g. nickel, cobalt, or c...

2014-592 3D POPULATION MAPS FOR NONINVASIVELY IDENTIFYING PHENOTYPES AND PATHOLOGIES IN INDIVIDUAL PATIENTS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 19:49:52 GMT

3D Population Maps for Noninvasively Identifying Phenotypes and Pathologies in Individual Patients SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Radiological Sciences have developed a novel computation system that uses large imaging datasets to aid in clinical diagnosis and prognosis. BACKGROUNDPopulation and subpopulation images can be used as a diagnostic guide to search for abnormalities, especially ones that are difficult to detect, and the probabilities based on these population maps may also guide procedures such as biopsies to maximize removal of diseased tissue. Many studies h...

2014-900 Systems and Methods for Real-Time Tracking of Patient Anatomy Changes

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 19:49:25 GMT

Systems And Methods For Real-Time Tracking Of Patient Anatomy ChangesUC Case No. 2014-900 SUMMARYResearchers in the Department of Radiation Oncology at UCLA have developed a system that enables physicians and radiology technicians to track a patient's posture and anatomical changes in real-time. This invention will enable healthcare providers to track physiological changes in a patient undergoing radiation therapy and give them the freedom to modify treatment to account for such changes. BACKGROUNDPatient position is crucial to a number of medical procedures. For example, during exte...

2014-864 ApoE4-Targeted Therapeutics that Increase SIRT1

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 19:45:58 GMT

ApoE4-Targeted Theraputics That Increase SIRT1 SUMMARYUCLA researchers have identified Alaproclate (A03) as a promising drug candidate to treat Mild Cognition Impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) through inhibition of the ApoE4 neurotoxicity. BACKGROUNDAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease whose cause is largely unknown. None of the medications available today slows or stops the progressive neuronal death. The 6 drugs approved by U.S. FDA only temporarily improve symptoms. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) causes a slight but noticeable and measur...

2013-475 Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Therapeutic Uses of Non-Coding RNAs in Leukemia

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 19:44:34 GMT

Diagnostic, Prognostic and Therapeutic Uses of Non-Coding RNAs in Leukemia SUMMARYThe Rao group at UCLA has developed a method of using lincRNA expression levels as a diagnostic and prognostic tool for B acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Furthermore, regulation of certain leukemia-associated lincRNA may hold therapeutic potential. BACKGROUNDAcute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a rare cancer characterized by the overproduction of immature white blood cells known as lymphoblasts. Around 6,000 cases are reported each year in the US and are most prevalent among children ages 2-5. Cytogeneti...

2014-834 FAST AND LOW-POWER SENSE AMPLIFIER AND WRITING CIRCUIT FOR HIGH-SPEED MRAM

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 18:51:27 GMT

Fast And Low-Power Sense Amplifier And Writing Circuit For High-Speed MRAM SUMMARYThe Device Research Laboratory at UCLA’s Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department has developed the first specialized control circuit for VCMA-based MRAM devices that is high-speed, low error, and low power. BACKGROUNDMagnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) is a new form of non-volatile random access memory that could replace all current memory technologies as a form of “universal memory.” Consumer electronic devices are currently designed using SRAM, DRAM, or flash ...

2014-055 ULTRA-LARGE FIELD-OF-VIEW FLUORESCENT IMAGING USING A FLATBED SCANNER

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 18:50:52 GMT

Ultra-Large Field-of-View Fluorescent Imaging Using a Flatbed Scanner SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a flatbed scanner based high-throughput fluorescent imaging system for detecting fluorescent micro-objects in optically dense media. BACKGROUNDFluorescence imaging is a widely used technique in life sciences and medicine with both in vitro and in vivo applications. Imaging through fluorescence typically requires a fluorescent dye that is specific to a subset of micro-objects and an imager to detect fluorescence. Fluorescent probes, t...

2012-696 SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REAL-TIME RADIATION THERAPY GANTRY COLLISION DETECTION

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 18:48:41 GMT

Systems and Methods for Real-Time Radiation Therapy Gantry Collision Detection SUMMARYResearchers in the UCLA Department of Radiation Oncology have developed a novel means to remotely visualize a radiotherapy treatment room in real-time via 3D camera technology. BACKGROUNDRadiotherapy is widely used to treat many cancers. The workflow for performing radiotherapy includes patient positioning in the intended treatment position. Frequently radiation therapists will consult with other experts (e.g. radiation oncologists, dosimetrists, or medical physicists) regarding patient position; ho...

Phase Transform for Object and Shape Detection in Digital Images (Case No. 2014-840)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 18:44:52 GMT

Phase Transform For Object And Shape Detection In Digital Images SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a new edge algorithm to recognize objects and texture in digital images. The new algorithm outperform the state-of-the-art methods in visually impaired images. BACKGROUNDExponential growth in the amount of digital data generated by sensors and computers has caused great difficulty in analyzing the huge amount of the flooding data. In the past decades, many computer vision methods such as edge detection, object recognition, an...

2014-786 A BIO-IMPEDANCE MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUE USING BIPHASIC CURRENT STIMULUS EXCITATION FOR IMPLANTABLE STIMULATOR

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 18:44:28 GMT

A Bio-Impedance Measurement Technique Using Biphasic Current Stimulus Excitation for Implantable Stimulators SUMMARYUCLA researchers from the Department of Bioengineering have developed a novel efficient, low-cost, low-power technique for measuring the bio-impedance at the electrode-tissue interface, which can be incorporated into implantable stimulators. BACKGROUNDKnowing the bio-impedance at the electrode-tissue interface is important for safety, efficacy, and function in many biomedical applications including tissue stimulators. Measuring impedance can be used as a metric for the ...

Wireless Remote Sensing of Changes in Fluid Filled Containers

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 18:44:14 GMT

Case 2014-499 UCLA researchers have developed a novel device and method for continuous and dynamic monitoring of patient fluids that can be used to quickly detect discrepancies suggestive of complications before or after surgery. BACKGROUND Fluid management is a critical aspect of patient care, particularly for elderly patients and patients pre- and post-surgery. The UK’s Care Quality Commission has described fluid management at many hospitals as “appalling”, with over 1,100 patient deaths in the past ten years due to poor fluid management. Hospitals attribute ...

Anamorphic Spectrum Transform And Its Application To Time-Bandwidth Compression

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 18:41:48 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed an Anamorphic Spectrum Transformation (AST) scheme for compressing the time-bandwidth product of analog signals, making it easier to digitize wideband signals and to reduce the volume of the digital data generated. BackgroundEfficient compression of analog and digital data helps the processing, communication and storage of these forms of data. Compression of temporal signals, such as communication signals or those generated by sensors, involves sampling at a sufficient rate so as to obtai...

A Circuit Architecture For 4096-Channel High-Voltage Stimulator

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 18:41:38 GMT

SummaryResearchers in the UCLA Department of Bioengineering have developed a novel, fully integrated circuit architecture to implement a high-voltage, high-channel-count stimulator for space-restricted medical implants such as epiretinal protheses and cochlear implants. BackgroundRetinal implants can mitigate certain effects of photoreceptor loss, yet the efficacy of such implants has been limited by their underlying circuit architecture. Current circuits typically occupy a large area, require external diodes for power telemetry, and do not produce an adequate output compliance voltage fo...

2012-426 Inorganic Aqueous Solution (IAS) for Phase-Change Heat Transfer Medium

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 18:41:18 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have invented a novel inorganic aqueous solution (IAS) that can be used with aluminum (Al) heat pipes for lightweight and space electronic cooling applications.BACKGROUNDHeat pipes, which transfer heat between a heat source and a heat sink, are an effective way to manage heat generated by electronics, regenerators in electrical power plants, aircraft carrier decks, and satellites. Copper (Cu) is commonly used due to its high thermal conductivity, water compatibility, and wide availability. For space applications,...

Body Voltage Sensing Based Short Pulse Reading Circuit For STT-RAM

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 18:41:08 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering have invented a novel circuit design that performs high speed and reliable data reading operations for resistive device-based memory applications. BackgroundReading circuits perform crucial data reading operations in memory applications, which has a fast-growing multi-billion dollars global market with increasing consumer demands in speed and capacity. Split path reading circuit and current mirror reading circuits are two existing designs that implement low current sensing scheme, which require long c...

Anti-PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) IgG (UCLA Case No. 2014-845)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 18:39:59 GMT

Anti-PSA IgG SUMMARYResearchers at UCLA have developed chimeric IgG specific for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in human and mouse cells. BACKGROUNDProstate-specific antigen (PSA) is a substance made by cells in the prostate gland. Physicians use high PSA levels (above 4 nanograms per milliliter) as a blood biomarker for prostate cancer. Given this, a PSA antibody with high specificity to human PSA would benefit clinical diagnosis of prostate cancer. INNOVATIONResearchers at UCLA have developed a chimeric IgG specific antibody for the PSA in human and mouse cells. The variable ...

2014-515 DETECTION AND SPATIAL MAPPING OF MERCURY CONTAMINATION IN WATER SAMPLES USING A SMART-PHONE

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 18:38:58 GMT

Detection and Spatial Mapping of Mercury Contamination in Water Samples Using a Smart-PhoneUC Case No. 2014-515 SUMMARY:Researchers in UCLA Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a smart-phone based handheld platform that allows for the quantification of mercury(II) ions in water samples with parts per billion (ppb) level of sensitivity. BACKGROUND:Long term mercury exposure in the human body by ingesting contaminated water sources could have serious neurotoxic effects on the nervous, digestive and immune systems, and on lungs, kidneys, skin and eyes. Therefore, the dete...

2014-285 Composite Electrodes for Electrochemical Energy Storage

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 18:35:06 GMT

SUMMARYResearchers at the UCLA Department of Physics & Astronomy have designed supercapacitors with enhanced energy density and power density properties.BACKGROUNDSupercapacitors provide instantaneously high-power density and energy density compared to batteries and conventional dielectric capacitors, making them excellent candidates for applications in hybrid electric vehicles, computers, mobile electric devices and other technologies. An electrochemical capacitor is typically operated based on the electrochemical double-layer capacitance (EDLC) formed along an electrode/electrolyte...

Gene Repair for Hemophilia A (UCLA Case No. 2014-016)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 18:34:22 GMT

Gene Repair For Hemophilia A SUMMARYResearchers at UCLA from the Departments of Medicine and Urology have developed a treatment for hemophilia A that utilizes non-viral gene editing technologies for ex vivo repair of the mutation in the gene F8. BACKGROUNDHemophilia affects about 400,000 people worldwide, and approximately 80% of these cases are hemophilia A. Hemophilia A is an X-linked genetic disease caused by a mutation of the F8 gene. This mutation results in a deficiency of the blood coagulation protein factor VIII. Patients with the disease typically have spontaneous bleeding, ...

Ceramic And Metallic Cellular Structures Wtih Interconnected Microchannels

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 18:34:13 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical Engineering have developed cellular porous metallic and ceramic structures that can be used to increase the production and recovery of tritium for fusion power reactors or as a support for electrode materials. BackgroundReticulated ceramics have generated interest in a wide range of applications, including bioceramics and tritium breeding beds for fusion power reactors. Another promising application is electrode support for fuel cells, capacitors, and batteries. In solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) high porosity increases the...

2013-367 METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PICK-AND-DROP SAMPLING FROM LARGE DATASET

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 18:33:52 GMT

Method and System for Pick-And-Drop Sampling from Large Dataset SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Computer Science have developed a new algorithm that approximates large frequency moments in big datasets with pick-and-drop sampling for analysis. BACKGROUNDWith increasing data volume, the ability to analyze the data becomes challenging. In some cases, the data is generated by a single event and stored for analysis, e.g. large simulations (financial or scientific). In other instances, the data is generated by singular simultaneous events, such as daily sales data from online...

2013-052 Capture And Stimulated Release Of Circulating Tumor Cells On Polymer Grafted Silicon Nanostructures

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 18:33:44 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology have developed a novel capture system of circulating tumor cells for the early detection of metastatic cancer.BACKGROUNDThe number of cancer related deaths in the U.S. is reported to continue growing in the next decade. A large proportion of these cases, begin as a local tumor but quickly spread through the body creating metastatic sites. This process of quick growth stems from Circulating tumor cells (CTCs). The current standard for cancer diagnosis however, relies on invasive biopsies that are t...

Metformin Derivatives for Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and Other Malignancies

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 18:33:33 GMT

Case 2012-733 BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer that occurs in women in the US and ranks as the second leading cause of cancer death after lung cancer. Of the 230,480 invasive breast cancer cases diagnosed in the US in 2011, approximately 15-20% were "triple negative breast cancer" (TNBC), a subtype of breast cancer that lacks clinical expression of estrogen receptor-alpha (ERα), progesterone receptor, and HER-2 receptors. TNBC tends to occur often in younger and African American women, and it is associated with high proliferative rates, and p...

2011-800 MAKING NANOSTRUCTURED POROUS HOLLOW SPHERES WITH TUNABLE STRUCTURE

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 18:32:20 GMT

Making Nanostructured Porous Hollow Spheres with Tunable Structure SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Chemical Engineering have developed a novel method of preparing inorganic nanospheres with porous hollow interiors. BACKGROUNDFuel cells are a promising alternative to combustion and are one of the cleanest and most efficient technologies for generating electricity, with the market for fuel cell electrodes and electrocatalysts of over $430 million in 2017. In these cells, the most effective catalysts for converting oxygen and hydrogen into electricity are platinum-based, re...

2011-250 METAL TRIAZOLITES

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 18:32:10 GMT

Case No. 2011-250 SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a novel metal-organic framework (MOF) using triazole ligands that allows for facile modification with a variety of metals, which has unique gas separation and adsorption properties. BACKGROUNDPrevious MOFs with advantageous porosity and stability have been synthesized, but only with a few types of organic building units. Metal-organic frameworks with alternative linker functionalities have not been fully realized. Likewise, conductive MOFs are relatively unexplored, despite great ...

A Codon-Optimized Lentiviral Vector For Stem Cell Reprogramming (UCLA Case No. 2014-014)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 18:32:01 GMT

A Codon-Optimized Lentiviral Vector For Stem Cell Reprogramming SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Medicine and the Department of Surgery have developed a novel lentiviral vector that expresses a codon-optimized sequence of a T cell receptor (TCR) specific for the cancer-testis antigen NY-ESO-1 as well as a positron emission tomography (PET) reporter and suicide gene HSV1-sr39tk for use in adoptive T cell therapy for cancer treatment. BACKGROUNDThe adaptive immune system is composed of highly specialized lymphocytes that are capable of creating immunological memory after an...

2013-637 THERMOMECHANICAL CYCLE FOR THERMAL AND/OR MECHANICAL ENERGY CONVERSION USING FERROELECTRIC MATERIALS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 18:31:04 GMT

Thermomechanical Cycle for Thermal and/or Mechanical Energy Conversion Using Ferroelectric Materials BACKGROUNDRising awareness in sustainable and efficient energy technologies has stimulated efforts in harvesting energy that would otherwise be wasted. The Olsen cycle, performed on pyroelectric materials, utilizes time-dependent temperature oscillations to convert thermal energy directly into electricity. And although it produces large energy densities, the Olsen cycle requires that source material be hotter than its Curie temperature to generate energy. Moreover, its power density is lim...

2013-428 Methods of Diagnosing Ocular Diseases

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 18:30:15 GMT

SUMMARYResearchers at UCLA have developed a novel technique to detect ocular diseases.BACKGROUNDThe ophthalmic device market is expected to grow to $58.44 billion by 2023. Diseases of the eye often stem from perturbations in the homeostatic rate of cell turnover, and the process by which cell death occurs may affect cellular response of surrounding cells and induce premature incidence. Current diagnostic practices for these diseases are limited to relying on patient response and technologies with low sensitivity. These detection constraints delay diagnosis and prevent accurate tracking of dise...

Voltage-Controlled Magnetic Memory Element With Canted Magnetization

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 18:30:06 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a method for voltage-controlled switching of the magnetization direction in MeRAM circuits. BackgroundNew random-access memory technologies have been emerging as computer data storage must keep up with the increasing amount of data being generated and processed. One emerging memory technology is magneto-electric random-access memory (MeRAM) which uses voltage to manipulate and switch magnetization directions. This capacitive voltage-controlled device is also referred to as a magnetoelectric junc...

2013-369 METHOD TO DIRECT THE RECIPROCAL INTERACTIONS BETWEEN THE URETERIC BUD AND THE METANEPHRIC MESENCHYME

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 18:29:58 GMT

Method to Direct the Reciprocal Interactions Between the Ureteric Bud and the Metanephric Mesenchyme SUMMARYResearchers at UCLA have developed an approach to construct an embryonic kidney in vitro for the treatment of end stage renal disease. BACKGROUNDEnd stage renal disease (ESRD) is a fatal illness characterized by the permanent loss of kidney function that affects 1.6 million people worldwide. Every year, approximately $32 billion dollars is spent on treating ESRD patients. Currently, the preferred treatment for ESRD is kidney transplantation, which is limited by the shortage of ...

Magnetoresistance Sensor With Perpendicular Anisotropy

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 18:29:39 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have invented a novel magnetic sensor design that is highly sensitive and linear, with tunable response and low power consumption. BackgroundMagnetic sensors have broad applications in fields such as automotive industry, medical application and hard disk drive read heads. Current magnetic sensor technologies focus on the issue of linear and reversible response of the sensor to the magnetic field. Existing solutions include perpendicular alignment of magnetization between the sensing and the reference layers, r...

Multiple-Bits-Per-Cell Voltage-Controlled Magnetic Memory

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 18:29:30 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a new random access memory read/write method that achieves new levels of speed, scalability, and memory density. BackgroundMagnetoresistive Random Access Memory (MRAM) is a non-volatile data storage method that uses pairs of magnets to store bits as opposed to electrical charge like common alternatives. MRAM offers long-term power savings and improved data retention over other, more commonly used, RAM alternatives. However, its resource-heavy read/write processes have limited its widespread use...

A Method Of Making Carbon Coated Oxides As High-Performance Anode Materials (UCLA Case No. 2012-805)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 18:29:21 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed a carbon-coated silicon nanoparticle-based electrode material for lithium-ion batteries with high energy density and long lifetime. They have also developed a scalable fabrication method for this material. BackgroundLi-ion batteries are widely used as energy storage devices in many consumer electronics, automobile and aerospace industries. Graphite is the material commonly used for cathodes in industry-standard Li-ion cells. It is cost-effective but does not have an ideal energy...

2012-697 SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REAL-TIME REMOTE 3D RADIOTHERAPY TREATMENT MONITORING

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 18:29:13 GMT

Systems and Methods for Real-Time Remote 3D Radiotherapy Treatment Monitoring SUMMARYResearchers from the Department of Radiation Oncology at UCLA have developed a novel method that enables 3D patient monitoring during radiation therapy that enables remote patient visualization with high spatial resolution. BACKGROUNDA number of medical procedures benefit from consultations or input from remote clinicians. In addition to medical imaging such as computed tomography, monitoring is currently enabled by model-guided remote visualization and/or 2D cameras positioned inside the room. Unfor...

2012-559 HIGHLY DURABLE AND ACTIVE FUEL CELL ELECTRO-CATALYST DESIGNED WITH HYBRID SUPPORT

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 18:28:53 GMT

Highly Durable and Active Fuel Cell Electro-Catalyst Designed with Hybrid Support SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have demonstrated an innovative electrocatalyst design with a hybrid support for fuel cells that can dramatically increase the lifetime of the catalyst, as well as its activity. BACKGROUNDPrecious metal group (PMG) nanocrystals (NCs) (e.g. Pt, Pd, and Au) have shown great potential as cathode electrocatalysts in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. To synthesize highly active PMG nanocatalysts in a cost-effective manner...

2012-419 HIERARCHIALLY POROUS CARBON PARTICLES FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL APPLICATIONS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 18:28:44 GMT

Hierarchially Porous Carbon Particles for Electrochemical Applications SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Chemical Engineering have developed carbon particles with high power and energy density for use in battery electrodes and supercapacitors. BACKGROUNDAdvanced carbon materials present a strong market opportunity for energy related applications. Current state of the art focuses on activated carbon as an inexpensive and widely used material in applications from electrodes to water filters. However, conventional activated carbon offers minimal control over physical and elec...

A Solution Method To Improve Nanowires Connection And Its Applications In Electro-Related Areas

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 18:28:35 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed a simple solution-based method for fabricating highly conductive transparent silver nanowire (AgNW) films with excellent adhesive capabilities and noteworthy electrical, mechanical, and optical performance. BackgroundIndium-Tin-Oxide (ITO) is the most widely used transparent conductive film on the market because it provides high transparency and low sheet resistance. Although ITO has been used for several decades, the increase demand and low availability of natural indium sources has create...

A Device, Methodology And System For Monitoring, Classifying And Encouraging Activity (UCLA Case No. 2011-829)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 18:28:26 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Computer Science have developed a new technology to fight the growing obesity epidemic by encouraging exercise. Background: Youth obesity is a growing problem in the United States. Nearly one-third of all children are overweight or obese. Some of the main contributing factors to obesity are nutrition and lack of physical activity. It’s currently estimated that children aged 2-19 spend around 8 hours watching video content and playing video games, largely sedentary activities. Introduction of technologies that aid in promoting phy...

Voltage-Controlled Magnetic Tunnel Junction Switch

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 18:28:16 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a voltage-controlled magnetic tunnel junction switch that can switch the magnetization of a magnetic bit (i.e. in a free layer) from one state to another using an applied voltage. BackgroundThe electronics industry continuously seeks for higher density devices that incorporate significant amounts of solid-state memory with minimal power consumption. Magnetic random-access memory (MRAM) devices by their nature provide non-volatile characteristics, as well as high speed, high endurance, high density and...

2011-138 Integrated Ultrafiltration and Reverse Osmosis Process and System

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 18:28:06 GMT

SUMMARYProfessor Cohen and colleagues have developed a compact and self-adaptive integrated water ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis (UF/RO) process and system. Designed to produce up to 18,000 gallons of drinking quality water per day with no intermediate tanks between UF and RO or for UF backwash, the system can be further expanded for even larger capacity. In addition, the system is remotely monitored and is self-adaptive, making use of advanced model-based control.PATENT STATUSUnited States Of America Issued Patent &nbs...

Lensfree Wide-Field Fluorescent Imaging on a Chip Using Compressive Decoding (Case No. 2010-595)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 15:29:36 GMT

Lensfree Wide-Field Fluorescent Imaging on a Chip using Compressive Decoding SUMMARYUCLA researchers have developed a compressive sampling algorithm for on-chip fluorescent imaging over an ultra-large field-of-view without the need for any lenses or mechanical scanning. BACKGROUNDFluorescent imaging has become quite powerful, with various applications in biomedical sciences, ranging from high-throughput screening to sorting and characterization of cells. Rare cell analysis is a big challenge in the fluorescent imaging field. The concentration of the target cell (e.g., a circulating t...

Ultrafast Differential Interference Contrast Microscopy

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 15:24:52 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a novel instrument that can image unstained transparent objects with high speeds. BackgroundFinding rare diseased cells in a large population of healthy cells in a high-throughput manner is difficult but essential for early detection of diseases. Current limitations include screening biological cells that are transparent without the use of labels or dyes, which is time-consuming and often causes cell death, with high resolution. Traditional imaging technologies suffer from slow shutter speed, re...

2008-736 Fouling and Scaling Resistant Surface Nano-Structured Membranes

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 15:20:40 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers have developed a novel class of membranes capable of resisting organic- and biofouling, as well as mineral salt scaling. These novel membranes have applications in water treatment and desalination, where biomaterial buildup and salt scaling of reverse osmosis membranes represent major impediments to high recovery rates.BACKGROUND"In the early years, surface plasma treatment could only be accomplished in a vacuum chamber," said Yoram Cohen, UCLA Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. "It wasn't practical for large-scale commercialization becau...

2009-668 DUAL ROTATIONAL STENT

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 15:19:59 GMT

Dual Rotational Stent SUMMARYUCLA inventors developed a new stent device, a dual rotational stent, for an endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms. The new compound stent device contains an adjustable and variable strut density pattern which is not available on current commercial stents. BACKGROUNDStents are small metal coils used to open up the clogged artery. Stents help prop the artery open and decrease the chance of it narrowing again. Currently available intracranial stent devices have been developed as an adjunctive technique for coil embolization. These stents are deployed...

Fast Implementation Of Equally-Sloped Tomography

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 15:19:16 GMT

SummaryDr. Miao and colleagues at UCLA have developed a novel algorithm that quickly processes high quality image reconstruction of data acquired through Equally-Sloped Tomography. BackgroundTomography is an imaging technique that uses cross-sectional images to depict an object. The utility of this technique ranges across medical imaging of the body to geophysical imaging of the Earth’s surface. There is continuous work to advance tomographic analysis to improve image quality. One such method that was developed is Equally-Sloped Tomography (EST), which is capable of reco...

Stereo Image Acquisition By Lens Translation

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 15:18:50 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a novel single-objective lens stereo imaging setup for endoscopic applications. BackgroundStereo imaging tools are widely used by many fields in industry, medicine, cinema, and engineering, where 3D visual information is acquired by using 2D images captured from different viewing angles. To do this, most stereo imaging tools require the use of multiple optical channels to achieve slightly different viewing angles around the object of interest, thereby increasing the overall size and stru...

2009-414 TGF-BETA BINDING PEPTIDES AND TUMORS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 15:18:38 GMT

TGF-Beta Binding Peptides and Tumors SUMMARYUCLA researchers have developed a method to use TGF-beta binding peptides such as BBP to bind TGF-beta and remove it from solution for treatment of metastatic diseases. BACKGROUNDMetastatic cancer is a cancer that can spread from the part of the body where it started to other parts of the body, which makes them harder to treat. Therefore, there is a need for more effective and less toxic therapeutics to manage metastatic diseases. The transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) signaling pathway is a key player in metastatic diseases and its...

Dicom/Pacs Compression Techniques

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 15:18:17 GMT

SummaryResearchers led by Xiao Hu from the Department of Surgery at UCLA have created a novel and convenient way to compress and query medical images from a PACS system. BackgroundA picture archiving and communication system (PACS) is a medical imaging technology that provides storage, access, and transmission of different types of medical images. PACS uses headers in a DICOM format so that different institutions can submit queries for specific images. However, this format makes querying images difficult and inconvenient due to limited search power within the DICOM format and ...

2009-254 Functionalized Titanium Implants and Related Regenerative Materials

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 15:17:45 GMT

Functionalized Titanium Implants And Related Regenerative Materials SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Dentistry have developed novel titanium surfaces with enhanced bioactivity in implants and tissue regeneration. BACKGROUNDTitanium implants are widely used in the over 500,000 hip and knee reconstruction procedures performed annually in the United States. Slow bone healing around the implant reduces the quality of life and results in a relatively high percentage of revision surgery (5-40%). Titanium’s use in dental implants and tissue regenerative therapies is also l...

2008-541 SMALL MOLECULE INHIBITORS OF GERANYLGERANYLTRANSFERASE-I AND II

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 15:17:01 GMT

Novel Non-Peptidomimetic Prenyltransferase Inhibitors SUMMARYUCLA Researchers in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and School of Medicine have synthesized a series of small molecule therapeutics against GGTase-I and GGTase-II, both of which are critical oncology drug targets. BACKGROUNDThe Ras protein is typically abnormally active in cancer cells. Farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTIs) are a class of cancer drugs that inhibits farnesylation of Ras proteins, thereby preventing the proper functioning of Ras. However, a key escape pathway for these oncogenic cells treated w...

2008-456 BIOMARKERS IN FRIEDREICH'S ATAXIA

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 15:16:54 GMT

Biomarkers in Friedreich's Ataxia SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Neurology have identified multiple biomarkers for Friedreich's Ataxia. BACKGROUNDFriedreich's Ataxia (FRDA) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the peripheral nerves and the cerebellum. Mutations resulting in loss of function of the iron-binding protein, frataxin are found in inherited forms of the disease. Currently, the disease is diagnosed by assessing symptoms and testing for mutations in the gene encoding, frataxin. There are no biomarkers for monitoring disease progression and eff...

Conversion Of Co2 To Higher Alcohols Using Photosynthetic Microorganisms

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 15:16:05 GMT

UC Case No. 2008-384 SummaryUCLA researchers have discovered a way to convert carbon dioxide into potential biofuels through the metabolic engineering of cyanobacteria. This method enables more efficient production of biofuels using an industrial waste product as a starting material. BackgroundThe need to decrease our dependence on fossil fuels has stimulated interest in the production of renewable fuels. The most common biofuel, ethanol, suffers from several limitations. Its hygroscopicity, the ability of a substance to attract water, poses problems for distributio...

2008-211 Peptide for Induction of Immune Tolerance as Treatment for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 15:15:53 GMT

Peptide for Induction of Immune Tolerance as Treatment for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) SUMMARYUCLA investigators have invented the D form of an artificial synthetic peptide to induce suppressive T cells that prevent anti-DNA production in mice. The L form of the peptide is administered by injection; however, the new D form of the peptide is designed to be administered orally. BACKGROUNDSystemic lupus erythematosus is a disease characterized by the production of autoantibodies that react with native cells and tissues, causing inflammation, pain, and damage throughout the body. ...

Production of C7 Alcohol (2-Isopropyl-1-Butanol) in Escherichia Coli by Combining Protein Evolution and Metabolic Engineering

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 15:14:42 GMT

Case 2007-788 UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering have developed metabolically-modified microorganisms for producing the biofuel 2-isopropyl-1-butanol. BACKGROUND Petroleum’s low sustainability as a fuel source has generated interest in alternatives such as biofuels. Specifically, alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, propanol, and butanol, possess chemical properties which make them useful in internal combustion engines. However, alcohols have lower energy densities than gasoline. For example, methanol has about half the energy densit...

2007-656 Adsorptive Gas Separation of Carbon Dioxide from Methane by Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks (ZIFs)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 15:14:07 GMT

Adsorptive Gas Separation of Carbon Dioxide from Methane by Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks (ZIFs) SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have demonstrated the ability of functionalized zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) to be used in gas separation processes, thereby having industrial applications in natural gas purification and landfill gas separation. BACKGROUNDZIFs are a class of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) composed of metal ions connected by organic linkers. Because of the unique positioning of the metal ions and linkers, ZIFs are porous...

Graft Polymerization Induced by Atmospheric Pressure Plasma

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 10:59:45 GMT

Case 2006-661 BACKGROUND Polymer thin films have been used for surface engineering of inorganic and organic substrate surfaces to enhance substrate chemical selectivity and modify surface topology in such areas as biotechnology, tribology, chromatography, chemical sensors and separation technology. Thin polymer films which are applied via traditional spin-coating or surface adsorption have low thermal and chemical stability which can lead to film dewetting and surface degradation.Covalently bonded polymer films can be formed by graft polymerizing a suitable monomer onto substrate sur...

2005-492 Novel BAC Transgenic Model for Huntington's Disease

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 10:51:29 GMT

Novel Mouse Model for Huntington's Disease BACKGROUNDHuntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the adult-onset of abnormal movement, psychiatric disturbances, and cognitive impairment. The disease usually progresses relentlessly and results in the patients death within 15-20 years of its onset. Currently, there is no effective treatment for HD. HD is caused by a mutation in the first exon of the huntingtin gene (htt), which encodes a 350kD, ubiquitously expressed protein of unknown function. Mutant htt (mhtt) is thought to acquire dominant toxicities throug...

Efficient Translation From Edit Distance To Hamming Distance, Allowing Faster And More Precise Analysis, Search And Indexing Of Data

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 10:51:03 GMT

Efficient Translation from Edit Distance to Hamming Distance, Allowing Faster and More Precise Analysis, Search and Indexing of DataUC Case No. 2005-431 SUMMARY:UCLA researchers have developed a new approach to more efficiently search and compare strings that approximately match, thus allowing for much more efficient search for applications. BACKGROUND:Many data-intensive applications require computationally intensive algorithms for approximate string matching. Examples include text editors, database archiving, internet search-engines, and bioinformatics applications. Fo...

A Method For Discovering And Downloading Hidden Web Content

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 10:50:34 GMT

UC Case No. 2004-656 SUMMARYResearchers in the Computer Science Department at UCLA have developed a method for searching hidden web content that has previously been difficult to gather for the end user. BACKGROUNDCurrent internet search engines are limited in their ability to search through web-based databases that are only accessible by directly querying them. Typical search engines like Google use a crawling system to search web content. This means that the search engine recursively explores webpage links to discover more links from subsequent webpages until a condition is me...

A New Format For Representing And Encoding Images

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 10:50:23 GMT

SummaryResearchers in the Statistics and Computer Science Departments at UCLA have developed a method for image compression that is 5x more efficient than JPEG image coding. BackgroundJPEG is a standard image compression algorithm as the method by which the digital image is stored and is commonly used in digital cameras. The compression process relies on a series of algorithms that approximate the color spectrum in predefined regions of pixels. Because the process is serial and is performed in the same manner across the whole image, the compression rate has no optimization rou...

2004-127 Ferroelectric Electron and Ion Generator for Small Applications LOJK

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 10:50:15 GMT

Ferroelectric Electron and Ion Generator for Small Applications SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Physics and Chemistry & Biochemistry have developed a novel method of generating high-power electron and ion beams using ferroelectric energy transduction. BACKGROUNDHigh energy electron and ion beams are essential in charged particle microscopy, with a wide range of applications in the physical and life sciences and a market of over $2.3 billion in 2018. Specialized beams and equipment have been developed, but many are large, may require radioactivity, and can only carry ...

2004-073 Murine PTEN Null Prostate Cancer Model

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 10:50:05 GMT

Murine PTEN Null Prostate Cancer Model BACKGROUNDIn the western world, prostate cancer remains the most common malignancy and the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men. The PTEN gene (phosphotase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10) has been well characterized as a tumor suppressor gene, and its malfunction/deletion has been linked to numerous cancer types, including prostate. Mutations or deletions of PTEN have been found in 30% of primary prostate cancers and 63% of malignant cases, ranking it as one of the most common determinants of prostate tumor progression....

2003-357 A KNOWLEDGE-BASED APPROACH FOR SCENARIO-SPECIFIC CONTENT CORRELATION IN A MEDICAL DIGITAL LIBRARY

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 10:47:52 GMT

A Knowledge Based Approach for Scenario Specific Content Correlation in a Medical Digital Library SUMMARYResearchers in the UCLA Department of Computer Science have developed and reduced to practice algorithms and methods for obtaining information, primarily medical information, from free text sources, such as patient medical records. BACKGROUNDA large number of medical information systems have emerged on the web with comprehensive coverage of medical literature and teaching materials. However, the search interfaces of these web sites hinder users from fully utilizing them in health ...

An Improved On-Chip Crosstalk Noise Model

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 10:47:32 GMT

SummaryResearchers led by Jason Cong from the Department of Computer Science at UCLA have developed an improved on-chip crosstalk noise model to optimize integrated circuit design. BackgroundIntegrated circuits (IC) have become smaller and smaller over the years to suit our technological and processing needs. The components of IC’s are now sub-micron distances apart. This small distance between components and interconnects give rise to “crosstalk” noise that decrease the performance of the IC and has now become an important feature to keep in mind when design...

Method and System for High Recovery Water Desalting

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 21 Aug 2019 12:51:37 GMT

Case 2008-787 Professor Cohen and colleagues have developed a method and system to continuously, sustainably, and inexpensively desalinate high salinity water of high mineral scaling propensity. The system is able to process waters as contaminated as industrial, agricultural, and mining wastewaters, with recovery levels reach in excess of 90-95%.

2006-408 A Novel Ex-Situ Scale Observation Detector (EXSOD) for RO Process Monitoring

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 21 Aug 2019 12:50:38 GMT

SUMMARY UCLA researchers at the Water Technology Research Center have developed a method and a device for real time monitoring of reverse osmosis membrane scaling for large scale water purification applications.BACKGROUNDThe major fraction of large scale water desalination processes use Reverse Osmosis (RO) membranes. RO membranes clog with mineral salts and other foulants which shorten membrane life and decrease process efficiency. RO desalting occurs when the feed solution flows over the membrane surface, water permeates through the membrane and rejected ions accumulate next to membrane...

Hydrodealkenylative C(Sp3)–C(Sp2) Bond Scission

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 14:51:23 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a new chemical reaction that combines ozone, an iron salt, and a hydrogen atom donor to enable hydrodealkenylative cleavage of C(sp3)–C(sp2) bonds in a widely applicable manner. BackgroundThe commercial accessibility of complex molecules very often relies on starting material cost. There is a limit to the natural products, drugs and agrochemicals available for research and commercialization due to the complexity and cost of synthesizing chiral molecules. Traditionally, the assembly of ...

Drug Repurposing to Explore Novel Treatment for Cushing Disease (UCLA Case No. 2019-621)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 14:49:59 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Department of Medicine and the Department of Molecular and Medicinal Pharmacology have identified several small molecule reagents to treat Cushing disease. BackgroundCushing disease is a rare disease characterized by excessive adrenal-derived cortisol production, primarily as a result of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary adenoma. Cushing disease patients have greater propensity to develop osteoporosis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other metabolic diseases. The first-line treatment of Cushing disease is surgical resec...

Exercise In A Pill: Compounds That Reproduce The Effects Of Exercise On Muscle Metabolism And Growth

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 14:47:25 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Department of Neurology have identified and synthesized small molecule analogs that activate skeletal muscle growth, mediated by calcium calmodulin kinase II signaling. BackgroundSkeletal muscle has a remarkable ability to alter its metabolic and contractile phenotype in response to changes in functional demands. Increased load bearing and extended duration of activation leads to muscle adaptation by triggering target genes to induce muscle hypertrophy, fiber type transitions, or mitochondrial biogenesis. Similarly, decreased mechanical loading d...

Biotinylated Ligand-Directed Targeting Lentiviral Vectors

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 14:43:23 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Department of Medicine have developed a novel method to conjugate targeting ligands on lentiviral vectors. The method allows for selective transduction of mammalian cells types avoiding non-target organs. BackgroundGene therapy is a promising method to treat genetic disorders. Lentiviral vectors are used as a gene transduction tool in both experimental and clinical settings that require long-term transgene expression. Their ability to integrate their transgenes into host chromosomes enables their transgenes to be expressed for a long period...

2018-862 GENERATION OF MINIMAL ENHANCER ELEMENTS USING MASSIVELY PARALLEL REPORTER ASSAYS

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 14:38:32 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics have developed a novel method to produce short lentiviral vectors with tissue-specific expression, with a primary focus on lentiviral vectors for treating sickle cell disease and other disorders of hemoglobin. BackgroundSickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most common monogenic disorders worldwide and is a major cause of morbidity and early mortality. SCD is cause by a single amino acid change in β-globin which leads to hemoglobin polymerization and red blood cell sickling. Alt...

Treatment of Lysosomal Storage Disorders (UCLA Case No. 2018-726)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 14:35:42 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Departments of Neurology have developed a novel treatment for Lysosomal-storage diseases (LSDs) with neurological impairment. BackgroundLysosomal-storage diseases (LSDs) cause abnormal accumulation and aggregation of proteins due to insufficient clearance of proteins by the lysosomes. Although individually rare, LSDs as a group occur in at least 1/7700 live births. However, to date, there are no approved products for the treatment of LSDs with neurologic impairment. Therefore, there is an urgent need for improved treatments for LSDs with ne...

pH-Weighted MRI Using Fast Amine Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST) Imaging (Case No. 2015-860)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 14:11:49 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Radiological Sciences and Department of Biomedical Physics have developed a novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique that utilizes amine chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) to capture pH-weighted images for measuring tissue acidity. Background: Changes in tissue pH are a strong indication of several disease conditions in humans and is particularly notable in cancerous tumors. Decreased pH in the tumor microenvironment has been implicated to be directly correlated with tumor growth and aggressiveness. Furthermore, t...

Use Of Non-Ionic Copolypeptide Hydrogels For Cell Suspension And Cell And Molecule Delivery

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 14:01:46 GMT

SummaryUCLA researchers in the Departments of Bioengineering, Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Neurobiology have developed novel copolypeptide hydrogel formulations for the delivery of cells and molecules to locations throughout the body, including the central nervous system. BackgroundCentral nervous system (CNS) disorders, commonly caused by trauma, stroke, and degeneration, are debilitating chronic health conditions impacting the quality of life for millions of patients. Currently, there is a shortage of good treatment options available for these patients, partly due to the many c...

2012-063 A MULTIPLEX PCR-BASED TESTING FOR PSEUDOEPITHELIOMATEOUS HYPERPLASIA AND SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA OF THE SKIN

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 20 May 2019 16:31:58 GMT

Diagnostic Markers to Distinguish Between Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Pseudoepitheliomatous Hyperplasia SUMMARYUCLA scientists have developed a novel diagnostic kit to reliably distinguish squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) from pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia (PEH). This fast diagnostic test can replace the non-quantitative and subjective diagnostic methods currently used in hospitals. BACKGROUNDSquamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cutaneous cancers and affects over 250,000 people each year. The current diagnostic standard uses hematoxylin-eosin (HE) stai...

2016-99E Multi-Directional, Multi-Polarization, and Multi-Band Ambient RF Energy Harvesting Rectenna System

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 20:15:00 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a system that can receive RF waves in different frequency bands, from different directions, and with different polarizations to maximize energy harvested from ambient radio-frequency signals.BACKGROUNDHarvesting radio-frequency (RF) energy from the surrounding ambient is potentially a sustainable and environmentally responsible source of energy. Majority of ambient RF energy is distributed across frequency bands for cellular data communications and WiFi communications. These ambient RF waves are also both multi-...

2016-954 Tunable THz Generation in Chip-Scale Graphene

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 20:09:40 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a novel tunable and efficient terahertz (THz) plasmon generation on-chip via graphene monolayers.BACKGROUNDGenerating, confining, and controlling graphene plasmons on optoelectronic chips would be groundbreaking but remains elusive to date. Recently, graphene plasmons have been generated via optical nonlinearity. However, it is still challenging to achieve graphene plasmons in chip-scale integrated photonics and optoelectronics because of the complicated nanofabrication, sensitive free-space calibration, and lac...

Frequency Translating Backscatter Modulator with Envelope Control to Support OFDM/QAM and Other Envelope Modulated Wireless Protocols

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 19 Sep 2018 16:08:49 GMT

UC Case No. 2016-688 SUMMARY:UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a new modulator that provides both phase and frequency control. BACKGROUND:Unmodulated reflections called ‘in-band blockers’ are a limitation in backscattering or reflective data links such as WiFi. To overcome this, a frequency translation technique that provides spectral separation between modulated and unmodulated reflections is often used. However, this approach controls phase only, not the amplitude. This phase-only control for backscatter links provides compatibi...

Watermarking Based Intellectual Property Protection

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 19 Sep 2018 14:39:35 GMT

BACKGROUND In the past in the semiconductor industry, circuit designers and process engineers worked together at the same company. However, companies are now specializing in either design or processing. As a result, systems are being built from pre-designed, or virtual components (VCs). Reuse of VCs saves time and money by implementing proven functions into new designs and, when licensed legitimately, is beneficial to both the licensee and the designer. However, billions of dollars are lost each year by the unauthorized use of VCs. As a result, VC designers need a way to protect and verif...

A Method to Design Self-Assembling Proteins

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 19 Sep 2018 14:17:16 GMT

Case 1999-246 BACKGROUND Understanding the roles that molecular structure and self-assembly play in determining molecular architecture helps provide researchers with the possibility of designing unique materials using nanotechnology. Molecular self-assembly entails designing various molecules so shape-complementarity causes them to aggregate into specified structures. A major goal in nanotechnology is developing a single method for fabricating materials having different architectures and symmetries. INNOVATION UC researchers have accomplished this goal by developing a metho...

Rapid Bulk Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes and Graphite Encapsulated Metal Nanoparticles

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 19 Sep 2018 14:12:00 GMT

BACKGROUND Nanomaterials have a very diverse range of applications. Graphite encapsulated magnetic metal nanoparticles are of interest as magnetic data-storage media. Nanotubes have applications including: improved carbon-carbon composites for strong lightweight components (e.g. airplane skins and golf clubs), nanometer-scale electronic devices, electron guns for flat-screen televisions, and Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) tips. Several synthesis methods are available for multi-walled nanotubes and they can be produced in bulk. However, there are no comparable methods for the bulk syn...

Enantioseparation of Amino Acids Using a Chiral Recognition Polymer

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 19 Sep 2018 13:02:16 GMT

Case 1998-601 BACKGROUND Enantioseparations are becoming increasingly important because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has declared if a drug is chiral, the biological effects of both enantiomers must be determined. Many procedures for resolutions of D, L-amino acids have been documented on an analytical scale. The limitations of these methods is generally the economic cost, in addition to the difficulty of being scaled up. INNOVATION Researchers at UCLA have developed a new chiral recognition polymer that has the following advantages: 1. Direct separation of free am...

2017-515 Genome-Wide Identification of Immune Evasion Functions in a Virus

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 19 Sep 2018 12:01:34 GMT

Case 2017-515 UCLA researchers in the Department of Pharmacology have discovered a novel approach toward generating live attenuated influenza vaccines with improved immune response in vivo. BACKGROUND The market for human influenza vaccines is expected to reach $4.4 billion by 2021. The majority of these vaccines focus on inactivated or killed viruses, but attenuated vaccines are beneficial in that they stimulate a broader immune response, do not require booster shots, and often require less antigen. However, recent formulations of live attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIVs) have...

Grouping Algorithm for Touchscreen Finger Position Detection (Case No. 2016-520)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 04 Sep 2018 16:07:13 GMT

Case 2016-520 UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering developed a new grouping algorithm for touchscreen finger position detection. BACKGROUND Touchscreen technology plays an important role in the booming mobile devices market. Conventional touchscreens are designed with both horizontal and vertical electrodes. When these sensors are activated by touch a specific channel is activated yielding the desired functionality. However, there can be unexpected responses due to channel coupling effects and body-induced background capacitance causing an unexpected chan...

Single-Molecular Homogenous Amplified Detection in Confined Volumes

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 31 Aug 2018 12:33:30 GMT

Case 2014-180 UCLA researchers have developed a novel method of detecting molecules of interest which can be performed without washing steps or any solid-phase reaction. BACKGROUND The typical sandwich ELISA utilizes adsorbed antibodies on a surface that capture antigens and a secondary antibody with sequential washes to provide a detection signal. Others have used antibody-coated beads coupled with femtoliter-sized wells to fractionate the sample and generate a potentially more robust assay with a digital output. However, since these assays require one bead per well, the bead c...

Design of Semi-Transparent, Transparent, Stacked or Top-Illuminated Organic Photovoltaic Devices

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 19:30:52 GMT

Case 2012-792 UCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed novel tandem transparent and semi-transparent organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices. BACKGROUND Solar cell technologies are the most effective method to produce clean energy at a low cost with minimal pollution. Transparent or semi-transparent solar cells are of interest for use in building-integrated OPVs, simultaneously serving both as a building material and a clean energy source. Conductive conjugated polymers are attractive absorbing materials for building-integrated devices be...

Novel Polymers for Polymer Solar Cells, Transistors, and Sensors

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 19:17:05 GMT

Case 2011-558 UCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed a novel class of conjugated polymers for photo-electronic device applications. BACKGROUND Conjugated polymers are of interest for active layer materials in polymer-based light emission devices, solar cells, field effect transistors, photodetectors, batteries, supercapacitors, and sensors. They have the potential to lead to low-cost, flexible, lightweight, and easy processable materials for energy generation applications. However, current polymer materials either suffer from a lac...

2015-556 Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells with All Solution Processed Metal Oxide Transporting Layers

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 18:18:51 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed a novel lead halide perovskite solar cell with a metal oxide charge transport layer.BACKGROUNDLead halide perovskite solar cells offer excellent photovoltaic efficiencies (up to 15%), but both the perovskite material and the charge transport layers have poor stability, where the device degrades within days under normal conditions. Specifically, organic charge transport layers are important for energy level matching and charge transport, but their use is limited because they have poor device stability ...

2017-093 Rapid, Portable And Cost-Effective Yeast Cell Viability And Concentration Analysis Using Lensfree On-Chip Microscopy And Machine Learning

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 17:11:50 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a new portable device to rapidly measure yeast cell viability and concentration using a lab-on-chip design. BACKGROUNDYeast cells are frequently used in the alcoholic beverage and baking industry to make beer, wine, and bread. Recently, biofuel production using yeast has emerged to replace fossil fuels. Monitoring the concentration and viability of yeast cells allows for fine-tuning of fermentation parameters, which is crucial for both research laboratories and the industry. Therefore, biofuel, alcoholic be...

Bacteria from Medicago Root Nodules as Potentialy Useful PPB (Plant Probiotic Bacteria) for Agriculture

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 16:34:18 GMT

Case 2017-160 UCLA researchers in the Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology have discovered new species of plant probiotic bacteria to enhance plant growth for agricultural purposes. BACKGROUND The ability to increase the growth of plants is critical to both the horticultural and agricultural industries because increased yield, resulting from increased plant productivity, yields improved economic benefit. The use of biofertilizers (plant growth-promoting bacteria) reduces the use of chemical fertilizers not only saving money, but also creating an environmental...

Second-Generation Estrogen Receptor Down-Regulators for Medical Therapy

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 19:33:08 GMT

Case 2015-166 UCLA researchers in the School of Medicine have developed a series of novel estrogen receptor antagonists for breast cancer therapy. BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women in North America. Each year, more than 210,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in the US. About 70% of breast cancers depend on estrogen for growth and progression. In the clinic, endocrine therapy has proven to be one of the most effective treatment strategies for breast cancer. However, a large number of patients with localized disease and all of the patients w...

Scalable and Inexpensive Production of Polymer-Metal Nanocomposite by Thermal Drawing

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 16:44:37 GMT

UC Case 2016-864 SUMMARY:UCLA researchers have developed a fabrication process for uniformly distributing metallic nanoparticles within polymer fibers. BACKGROUND: Polymers embedded with metallic nanoparticles (polymer-metal nanocomposites) have unique physicochemical properties and have been used as electrically conducting polymers for transparent electrodes, for electromagnetic interface shielding and electrostatic dissipation, as an electromagnetic wave absorbers for solar cells, and as antimicrobial polymers. However, polymer-metal nanocomposite fabrication is costly and dif...

2018-004 An Efficient Architecture to Compute Sparse Neural Network

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 24 Aug 2018 17:15:55 GMT

SUMMARYUCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a novel hardware architecture for computing sparse neural networks.BACKGROUNDSparse neural networks (SNNs, or a neural network in which most matrices’ entries are zeros), are used to reduce the number of matrix coefficients, leading to more efficient storage and computations. However, the recently reported NN hardware accelerator cannot compute SNN due to its inability to bypass computation of zero in dataflow. There is a need for neural network architecture that can process and benefit from SNNs.INNOVATIO...

2015-888 Low-Profile Circularly-Polarized Single-Probe Broadband Antenna

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 24 Aug 2018 17:12:48 GMT

SUMMARY UCLA researchers from the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a new technology to enable single-layer single-probe circularly-polarized patch antennas with a compact size and broad axial ratio/impedance matching bandwidth. BACKGROUND Patch antennas are attractive due to their low profile, easy fabrication and polarization versatility; however, the design of a compact, broadband, circularly polarized (CP) patch antenna still remains a significant challenge. Most existing low-profile CP dual-band or wideband antennas require multilayer fabrication, multiple...

Magnetoelastic Spin-Orbit-Torque Ramdom-Access Memory (MeSOT-RAM) System

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Fri, 24 Aug 2018 11:12:25 GMT

Case 2018-202 UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical Engineering have developed a non-volatile random-access memory (RAM) device which uses magnetoelastic spin-orbit torque (MeSOT). BACKGROUND Magnetic RAM (MRAM) is a promising memory technology because it possesses non-volatility, high density, and high scalability. Spin Orbit Torque (SOT) MRAM is gaining interest as an energy efficient method to control magnetization in magnetic memory devices. However, they can only control memory bit with in-plane anisotropy, which has low thermal stability and a large footprint. M...

2016-739 Microscopic Color Imaging and Calibration

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 19:24:10 GMT

SUMMARY UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a color calibration method for lens-free and mobile-phone microscopy images allowing for high resolution and accurate color reproduction.BACKGROUNDLens-free holographic microscopy can achieve wide-field imaging of samples in a cost-effective and portable setup, making it a promising technique for point-of-care and telepathology applications. However, due to relatively narrow-band sources used in holographic microscopy, conventional colorization methods that use images reconstructed at discrete wavelengths,...

Optimizing a Mixed Microbial Community for Biodegradation of CVOCs and 1,4-Dioxane (Case No. 2018-340)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 17:26:36 GMT

Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering have formulated a microbial community that degrades halogenated solvents and their stabilizers in water resources. Background: Improper storage, discharges, and accidental spills of halogenated solvents and dioxane have led to widespread groundwater contamination. Anaerobic biological reduction is a common remediation strategy for halogenated solvents. However, intermediate products, including known human carcinogens, can accumulate under some conditions. Anaerobic microorganisms capable of biodegrading diox...

2018-449 An Actuator Device Driven by Electrostatic Forces

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Sat, 18 Aug 2018 21:28:48 GMT

SUMMARY Researchers in the UCLA Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed an electrostatically actuated device with reversible high-frequency operation that consumes low power and has low fabrication costs. BACKGROUND Actuated devices, which use an input force to cause a desired motion, have numerous applications. For instance, piezoelectric forces have been used to control the movement of micromachined structures, and electromagnetic fields have been used to drive micromotors. Electrostatically actuated devices, which use the electrostatic force between two separated...

Microfluidic Interfacial Magnetic Separation (MIMS)

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Sat, 18 Aug 2018 20:19:10 GMT

Case 2018-325 UCLA researchers in the Department of Medicine and Bioengineering have developed a novel magnetic method for sorting cells. BACKGROUND The market for cell separation technologies is expected to reach $4.7 billion by 2020 and is highly relevant in the fields of life science and healthcare. Specifically, magnetic cell separation is experiencing high growth, due to its accuracy, reproducibility, and ease of use. However, magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS) requires an on-column technique and has limited quantitative discrimination between labeled cells. Therefore, ...

2011-788 Use of ApoA-1 to Treat and Prevent Pro-Inflammatory Conditions

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 13:10:29 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology have discovered that ApoA-I can be used to treat and prevent pro-inflammatory skin conditions. BACKGROUND Inflammation is a standard immune signaling process that is strongly associated with stress and is connected to various diseases. Inflammation is activated to fight infection or invasion of potentially deleterious biological agents and to drive wound healing. While essential for these functions, inflammation can also exert detrimental effects. An unbalanced systemic inflammatory reaction can induce shock, deran...

Polycytotoxic T Cells

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 12:57:58 GMT

Case 2016-676 UCLA researchers in the Department of Dermatology have characterized a novel subset of CD8+ T cells, termed polycytotoxic, that mediate killing of intracellular pathogens. BACKGROUND CD8+ T cells are known to engage in cytotoxic activity, where they use pore-forming proteins and proteases (granzyme B, granulysin, and perforin) to induce apoptosis in target cells. This cytotoxic role is activated in response to intracellular infections, but it could be suppressed to prevent Graft vs. Host disease, autoimmune disease, and other abnormal immune responses. However, not...

Treatment Of Melanoma With Ferroptosis Inducing Agents

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 18:59:10 GMT

Case 2017-879 UCLA researchers in the Departments of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology and Medicine have developed a novel method to treat melanoma. BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint blockade immunotherapy with anti-PD1 antibody is the preferred treatment for patients with metastatic melanoma that has resisted other therapies. However, there remains a subset of patients that does not respond to or relapses following this therapeutic strategy, as de-differentiation of melanoma cells is known to increase resistance to conventional immunotherapies. So far there is no therapy specifical...

2017-771 Test for Intestinal Permeability

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 18:07:40 GMT

Researchers from the Department of General Surgery at UCLA have developed an easy-to-use method to determine intestinal permeability that utilizes an FDA-approved non-absorbable dye. BACKGROUND The loss of intestinal barrier integrity plays a key role in the development and perpetuation of a variety of disease states, including inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and sepsis. Furthermore, intestinal barrier loss plays a major role in the onset of sepsis and multiple organ failure during situations of intestinal hypoperfusion, such as trauma and major surgery. Therefore, ...

2017-645 HUMANIZED ANTIBODIES TO THE EXTRACELLULAR DOMAINS OF HUMAN N-CADHERIN

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 17:18:24 GMT

UCLA researchers in the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology have developed humanized antibody therapies for invasive prostate and bladder cancers that express N-cadherin. BACKGROUND Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the United States (National Cancer Institute). Unfortunately, systemic therapies such as chemotherapy suffer from low treatment efficacy. Antibodies can be used to increase treatment efficacy by binding to proteins expressed on the surface of cancerous cells. N-cadherin expression on cancerous prostate cells leads ...

Antibody Therapy for Inhibiting Bladder Cancer and Prostate Cancer Metastasis

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 17:15:57 GMT

Case 2005-098 UCLA has a robust intellectual property position on antibody-based diagnostics and therapeutics against N-cadherin for the treatment and detection of prostate and bladder cancers. The research and development leading to this promising technology has been conducted by Dr. Robert Reiter, Professor of Urology and Director of UCLA’s Prostate Cancer Program. BACKGROUND The transition from androgen-dependent prostate cancer to castration-resistant prostate cancer marks an inevitable progression to more aggressive and metastatic disease. Survival after this transiti...

Read-Through Compound Prodrugs Suppressing Premature Nonsense Mutations

marketing@tdg.ucla.edu — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 11:10:05 GMT

Case 2013-576 UCLA researchers in the Department of Neurology have identified a novel prodrug to enhance the aqueous solubility of RTC13 for the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and other genetic disorders caused by nonsense mutations. BACKGROUND Nearly 30% of genetic disorders including Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) are caused by nonsense mutations that result in nonfunctional proteins. Compounds that override the premature termination signal to promote the synthesis of full-length proteins provide great therapeutic potential for the treatment of many genetic ...