Health
Laboratory breakthroughs contribute to the excellence of health research at Berkeley
Overview
Berkeley is a leader in health research across a variety of disciplines and fields. Whether it is through breakthroughs in the laboratory, translational impacts in communities, or informing policy, Berkeley researchers are at the forefront. The multidisciplinary approach to health research at Berkeley is rooted in strong collaborations across departments and with researchers in clinical and community settings in the Bay Area, across California, and around the world. Berkeley’s strengths in data science, engineering, genomics, drug development, public health and policy help solve some of the most pressing health concerns of today.
Recent News
Health News
July 3, 2024
First study to measure toxic metals in tampons shows arsenic and lead, among other contaminants
Tampons from several brands that potentially millions of people use each month can contain toxic metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium, a new study led by a UC Berkeley researcher has found.
June 13, 2024
Study Shows PFAS Threat to Drinking Water in Rural, Predominantly Latinx Communities
The UC Berkeley study is the first to evaluate PFAS contamination from pesticides in California, and the first environmental justice study on the issue.
June 13, 2024
Can Engineered Plants Help Make Baby Formula as Nutritious as Breast Milk?
Human breast milk contains a unique blend of prebiotic sugars that are tricky to replicate in commercial infant formula. New research shows that plants may be the perfect manufacturers.
Select Programs
![Outside photo of Li Ka Shing Center, Berkeley, CA](/sites/default/files/styles/jump_thumbnail/public/2023-01/Stem-cell-center-pic.jpeg?h=72e848b5&itok=BICQMNGS)
Berkeley Stem Cell Center
Supports research and teaching in stem cell biology, engineering, and medicine at UC Berkeley and UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland.
Berkeley Stem Cell Center
![Industrial site with smoke stacks.](/sites/default/files/styles/jump_thumbnail/public/2023-01/BSuperfund.png?h=1fb5ff6b&itok=OD4TkJmI)
Berkeley Superfund Research Program
Through a multidisciplinary approach, seeks to understand the adverse effects of, and remediate, hazardous substances in the environment.
Berkeley Superfund Research Program
![California poppies close-up.](/sites/default/files/styles/jump_thumbnail/public/2023-01/chbrp_crp.png?h=958cf23b&itok=FXTgnBPU)
California Health Benefits Review Program
Responds to requests from the State Legislature to provide independent analysis of the medical, financial, and public health impacts of proposed health insurance benefit mandates and repeals.
CA Health Benefits Review Program
![People standing at a lab bench.](/sites/default/files/styles/jump_thumbnail/public/2023-01/QB3.jpg?h=335cd77d&itok=gD5LT2VO)
QB3
Utilizing quantitative tools integral to physics, chemistry, engineering, and mathematics, researchers explore how biological systems work, from atoms and molecules to cells, organs, and entire organisms.
QB3
![Children with face-paintings looking in the direction of the camera and smiling.](/sites/default/files/styles/jump_thumbnail/public/2023-01/cerch.jpg?h=a3a506da&itok=YyYxz-MW)
Center for Environmental Research and Children's Health
Researching and highlighting key aspects of environmental health risks, especially as they impact pregnant women and their children.
CERCH
![black & white montage of public health workers in various countries and settings.](/sites/default/files/styles/jump_thumbnail/public/2023-01/gph_header_cropped.png?h=14a16128&itok=uVq_xDST)
Center for Global Public Health
Provides transdisciplinary, experiential research, training, and learning opportunities for students and faculty to improve human health worldwide.
Center for Global Public Health
![stethoscope laying on forms](/sites/default/files/styles/jump_thumbnail/public/2023-01/ctr_health_technology.jpg?h=5265ff56&itok=Nn8whMxH)
Center for Health Technology
Promotes the efficiency and effectiveness of health care through research and education on the development, insurance coverage, payment, and appropriate use of medical technologies.
Center for Health Technology
![Graphic of people sitting at desks connected to a central light bulb](/sites/default/files/styles/jump_thumbnail/public/2023-01/choir.jpeg?h=4bf1c8f5&itok=Em82K5Z1)
Center for Heathcare Organizational & Innovation Research
Conducting studies of the organization and delivery of health services in order to improve the effectiveness of care and, ultimately, accountability for population health.
CHOIR
![Graphic of organic matter](/sites/default/files/styles/jump_thumbnail/public/2023-01/human_sleep_science.png?h=90f81734&itok=eCBGGCxH)
Center for Human Sleep Science
Investigates the role of sleep in human health and disease using brain imaging methods, high-density sleep EEG recordings, genomics, proteomics, autonomic physiology, brain stimulation, and cognitive testing.
Center for Human Sleep Science
![Older woman and younger woman wearing a mask looking together at a printed document and computer screen.](/sites/default/files/styles/jump_thumbnail/public/2023-01/citris_health.png?h=637d3cc2&itok=QzyCXktF)
CITRIS and the Banatao Institute
Focuses on improving health outcomes and access to cost-effective care through the development and integration of innovative technology in telehealth, sensors, analytics and mobile devices.
CITRIS' Health initiative
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Center for the Science of Psychedelics
Works to improve health and well-being for all through culturally informed psychedelic research; psychedelic facilitation training for religious, spiritual-care, and health-care professionals; and accessible, accurate, and reliable public education.
Center for the Science of Psychedelics
![Graphic of human face with lights in orange and green representing a network.](/sites/default/files/styles/jump_thumbnail/public/2023-01/cph2.png?h=9d31e81d&itok=Y2uT384E)
Computational Precision Health
In partnership with UCSF, our mission is to apply computation to real-world settings to improve the quality, efficiency, and equity of medicine and public health.
Computational Precision Health
![Image of California capital](/sites/default/files/styles/jump_thumbnail/public/2023-01/hra_capital.jpg?h=1d93297e&itok=goYQznqp)
Health Research for Action
Health Research for Action's goal is to reduce health disparities. They specialize in research and resources to meet the literacy and communications needs of diverse audiences.
Health Research for Action
![high resolution scan of mouse brain cortex](/sites/default/files/styles/jump_thumbnail/public/2023-01/HWNI_bg0.jpg?h=9e499333&itok=8Ij9UEJS)
Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute
Institute researchers use the power of diverse research approaches to address central questions in neuroscience.
Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute
![human blood cell interacting with a bacteria](/sites/default/files/styles/jump_thumbnail/public/2023-02/cend2.png?h=044b7e05&itok=pSI_vhcE)
Henry Wheeler Center for Emerging & Neglected Diseases
A multidisciplinary research unit making innovative and substantial contributions to the global response to emerging and neglected infectious diseases.
CEND
![CRISPR-Cas9 model](/sites/default/files/styles/jump_thumbnail/public/2023-02/IGS_hyp.png?h=e1da3368&itok=cefw6rCx)
Innovative Genomics Institute
World-class research, driven by the real possibility to use genome engineering to treat human diseases, end hunger, and respond to climate change.
Innovative Genomics Institute
![Graphic of people in a variety of work station spaces](/sites/default/files/styles/jump_thumbnail/public/2023-02/ichw_home.png?h=0304b7ca&itok=93mEw55j)
Interdisciplinary Center for Healthy Workplaces
Integrates and applies interdisciplinary sciences to achieve worker health and well-being.
Center for Healthy Workplaces
![UC Berkeley campanile](/sites/default/files/styles/jump_thumbnail/public/2023-01/petris_ctr.png?h=e91a75a9&itok=5YYu9Xb_)
Nicholas C. Petris Center on Health Care Markets and Consumer Welfare
A health economics research center that conducts empirical research to understand complex healthcare markets and guide public policy.
Petris Center