UC Davis Researchers Celebrate Respiratory Disease Center Unveiling
DAVIS (CBS13) — Researchers at UC Davis have a new multimillion dollar facility to research respiratory disease with monkeys.
Dr. Ed Schelegle is one of many researchers who will soon keep this UC Davis building buzzing.
"Just like when you press on somebody's chest, air comes out," he said. "That's what these speakers do."
In the new 19,000-square-foot respiratory disease center, they'll continue their work studying lung conditions on monkeys, which they say translates to better human health.
"We also provide important data to develop new, novel therapeutics and interventions to prevent disease," said Dr. Lisa Miller.
They say their research on monkeys has helped us better understand lung diseases, establish air pollution guidelines, and even develop new vaccines for kids.
"We have investigators who are really focused on pediatric research," Miller said.
The new $18 million building is about four times larger than their old one, and now includes office and lab space, making it easier for researchers to work together on studies.
"We will be able to not have to stagger studies, as we have had to do in the past," said Louise Olsen.
A federal stimulus grant from 2010 covered $14 million of the building's cost.
