What is the connection between diet and chronic diseases, such as cancer and osteoporosis? How does your body turn harmless chemicals into toxins? How does diet affect nervous system development and function? What mechanisms turn a high-protein diet into a fat producing diet?

In the department of Nutritional Science and Toxicology, these are some of the topics we research as we work towards developing an understanding of the functions of nutrients, phytochemicals, and toxicants in human health and disease.

Our research and curriculum span a breadth of topics from the delivery of nutrients to mammalian cells and their molecular functions, to the influence of genetics on diet-associated human disease, as well as on programs and policies to address human and environmental health and safety.

We invite you to explore our academic programs and encourage you to pursue a course of study in this very exciting and vital discipline of experimental nutrition and metabolic biology within the biological sciences! 

Sarah Vose is graduating with a Ph.D in Molecular Toxicology and taking on a postdoctoral position at Harvard School of Public Health. In her exit interview, Sarah  shares about her past learning experiences and future dreams Click here to read the complete interview with Sarah.

Daniel Nomura honored with the Adelle Davis Award. Graduating with a Ph.D. in Molecular Toxicology, Daniel speaks about his experience in the program, shares his plans for the future and gives advice to the beginning students. Daniel's biggest dream is to return to UC Berkeley in a role of Professor. Click here to read the complete interview with Daniel.

Maryam Ahmadian, PhD Candidate in Molecular and Biochemical Nutrition has received the E.L. Stokstad Award in recognition of her outstanding achievements in graduate research. Maryam generated transgenic mice that overexpress the novel lipase desnutrin in adipose. These mice resist diet-induced obesity, suggesting desnutrin as a possible therapeutic target for controlling weight.

Prof. Casida (left) and Daniel Nomura (right), Ph.D. Candidate  in Molecular Toxicology  have co-authored an advanced online publication in Nature Chemical Biology. The article "Activation of the endocannabinoid system by organophosphorus nerve agents"   reports results that may be useful for designing improved pain relieving medications. This publilcation was highlighted in the May 2008 issue of Nature magazine.    

Prof. Elizabeth Theil has been awarded the 2008 Francis P. Garvan-John M. Olin Medal by the American Chemistry Society. The award recognizes distinguished service to chemistry by women chemists, and was established in 1936 through a donation from Francis P. Garvan and has been supported by a fund set up at that time. The award was sponsored by W. R. Grace and Co. from 1979 to 1983. The Olin Corp. began sponsoring the award in 1984. Click here to find more information about Dr. Theil's work.

Prof. Nancy Amy honored with College Distinguished Teaching Award. Nancy Amy, associate professor of nutrition, has been named a recipient of the College of Natural Resources 2007 Distinguished Teaching Award.

Prof. Hei Sook Sul receives the 2006 Osbourne and Mendal Award. This award is given by the American Society for Nutrition in recognition of outstanding recent basic research in nutrition.

 

 Joseph L. Napoli, Chair