A nationwide quality improvement initiative led by UC Davis Health and the American Academy of Pediatrics increased screening and follow-up care for adolescent substance use and mental health concerns. Clinics implemented evidence-based strategies, including validated screening instruments, and reported significant improvements in pati...
A new study published in Psychological Medicine suggests that good sleep quality is more important than screen time for helping adolescents succeed in school and maintain healthy friendships. Healthy sleep habits explained a substantial portion of the relationship between mental health symptoms and school performance.
The LifeAfter90 study found that women 90 and older are at two-fold greater risk for dementia, while Black participants have a 75% greater risk than Asian participants. APOE2's protective effects continue past age 90, reducing risk by 60%, but APOE4 increases the risk among men and Black participants.
Researchers at UC Davis identified a naturally occurring metabolite, 10-hydroxystearic acid (10-HSA), that repairs gut damage caused by HIV infection. Combining 10-HSA with standard antiretroviral therapy improved viral suppression and helped rebuild gut immune defenses in animal models of AIDS.
A new $3.3 million study aims to investigate how people perceive cognitive changes as they age, with a focus on identifying predictive markers for dementia. The 'worried well' - individuals with cognitive complaints but normal test results - may hold clues to early disease detection.
Researchers found significant declines in arrest rates while ERPOs were in effect, and these reductions persisted for months after expiration. This study supports the potential role of ERPOs in broader firearm violence and crime reduction strategies.
A brain-computer interface (BCI) system has been developed at the University of California - Davis Health, allowing a person with severe paralysis caused by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to communicate, work, and interact with the digital world without assistance. The BCI system has been tested in a 47-year-old man with ALS, who ...
A $4 million NIH grant will help UC Davis researchers develop and test bioengineered grafts infused with ligands to treat neurogenic bladders in children. The grafts, designed to grow their own blood supply, have the potential to reduce complications after standard bladder augmentation surgery.
A new study by researchers at UC Davis Health and Kaiser Permanente found that long-term exposure to fine air pollution particles (PM2.5) is associated with lower semantic memory, a type of brain's encyclopedia. The study analyzed data from 740 adults aged 53-94 and found no impact on executive function or verbal episodic memory.
A large survey of US adults found that support for political violence remained stable from mid-2024 to mid-2025, with most Americans rejecting violence across all political affiliations. The study's findings suggest that prevention efforts can benefit from recognizing both areas of concern and resilience.
Researchers discovered that body temperature plays a key role in which tissues are affected by TRPM4 ion channel mutations. The findings explain why disease-causing TRPM4 mutations lead to mutually exclusive conditions, such as severe skin diseases like PSEK and heart disorders like progressive familial heart block.
Researchers at the UC Davis MIND Institute found that polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) alter genes more in females than males, with a key gene called XIST playing a protective role. Folic acid also shows promise in mitigating harmful effects of PCB exposure, particularly in women.
Researchers found altered Tregs in children with autism, which may contribute to neuroinflammation and behavioral changes. The findings suggest that increasing Tregs could reduce inflammation and related impacts on conditions linked to maternal immune activation and autism.
The NIH grant will support the creation of a comprehensive long-term dataset on Hispanic and Latino brain aging, examining the factors that matter most for healthy cognitive aging. The study aims to understand how Alzheimer's disease, vascular injury, and other brain changes develop over time in Latino adults.
Researchers found that an imbalanced gut microbiome escalates the production of metabolic byproducts, driving a feedback loop that worsens CKD. Blocking a single enzyme in the gut stopped this cycle, suggesting iNOS as a potential target for treatment.
A new study reveals high demand for aesthetic surgery in Southern and rural US regions, with limited access to board-certified plastic surgeons. The research highlights the need to align surgeon distribution with changing patient demand to improve access to aesthetic medicine.
Researchers found strongest associations on very smoky days and in areas with cleaner air overall. The study of over 8.6 million births in California suggests that intense wildfire smoke exposure may increase the likelihood of autism in children.
David J. Segal has been appointed as the chair of UC Davis Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, known for his groundbreaking research in gene-editing technologies. He is developing targeted molecular tools to treat rare genetic disorders, including Angelman syndrome and neurofibromatosis type 1.
A multi-institutional study found that living in urban areas with visible trees is associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease, with a 4% decrease. In contrast, higher percentages of visible grass were linked to a 6% increase in cardiovascular diseases.
Clinicians can effectively counsel patients about firearm injury by discussing risk and safety, building trust, and tailoring interventions. The 3As Framework provides a structured approach to identify patients at risk of harm.
A comprehensive survey conducted by UC Davis Health revealed that patients have mixed feelings about AI transcription technology, with concerns about note accuracy and privacy. The study found that younger patients were more skeptical than older patients, but overall, the majority of respondents supported the use of AI scribes.
A new study found nearly one in ten young cancer patients with non-metastatic disease later develop metastatic recurrence, associated with significantly worse survival outcomes. The research highlights the need for tailored survivorship care to address unique challenges faced by young cancer survivors.
Researchers have discovered that rhesus macaques shed TIGIT from immune cell surfaces when exposed to plasmin, a natural enzyme involved in blood clot breakdown. This creates a soluble form of TIGIT that can still bind anti-TIGIT monoclonal antibodies, potentially leading to misleading safety and efficacy data for human trials.
Researchers are conducting a 5-year study to understand how children with Down syndrome develop expressive communication skills, including gestures, sounds, and spoken words. The team aims to create a personalized guide for families and professionals to provide tailored support.
A new study found that people with generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder have lower levels of choline in their brains. Choline is vital for cell membranes and brain functions like memory, mood regulation, and muscle control.
A new study found that nearly half of middle and high school students reported experiencing psychological distress, yet received insufficient advice on avoiding tobacco. Health professionals need to offer guidance and assistance to prevent tobacco use among vulnerable youth.
A novel gene therapy targets and kills cancer cells infected with the Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), while leaving healthy cells unharmed. The treatment uses a harmless virus to deliver a genetic 'Trojan horse' into infected cells, converting an anti-herpesvirus drug into a cancer-killing agent.
A new study published in Autism found that autistic children are more likely to experience ongoing gastrointestinal problems than their typically developing peers. These symptoms can affect sleep, communication, sensory processing and behavior, and often don't have an identified medical cause.
Kanishka Thiran Jayasundera has been appointed professor and chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science at UC Davis Health. He is recognized for his research on retinal diseases and integrating mental health support with eye care.
A new study from UC Davis found that people with a higher sense of purpose in life were about 28% less likely to develop cognitive impairment and dementia. Purpose helped the brain stay resilient with age, even for those with a genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found that a compound produced by Lactobacillus bacteria can reverse liver and gut damage caused by aflatoxin exposure. The molecule, 10-hydroxystearic acid, activated PPARα signaling to repair liver tissue and support gut health.
A new study found a link between parents' workplace chemical exposure and their child's autism severity, with certain chemicals associated with cognitive deficits and developmental delays. The research emphasizes the need for workplace safety measures to protect not only workers but also their future children.
A $5.5 million federal grant will support clinical trials to treat fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). The project aims to develop accurate outcome measures for future trials, ensuring patients and caregivers have a say in what matters most.
Researchers at UC Davis Health developed a promising gene therapy that could treat Rett syndrome by reactivating healthy but silent genes responsible for this rare disorder. The therapy showed impressive results in female mouse models of Rett syndrome, with treated mice living longer and showing better movement and cognition.
A new route of delivering gene therapy is being explored, potentially reducing invasiveness and increasing accessibility. Researchers will test a novel approach on non-human primates, aiming to expand access to office-based treatments.
Researchers at UC Davis MIND Institute recommend testing for specific groups, citing inadequate recognition by healthcare providers. The group of genetic conditions affects learning, development, and behavior, with millions of people unaware they carry the premutation.
Researchers have identified a single genetic difference in Fas Ligand, an immune protein, that makes it vulnerable to being disabled by plasmin, a tumor-associated enzyme. This vulnerability seems unique to humans and may contribute to the effectiveness of certain cancer treatments.
A national study found children aged 2-4 years in the US are exposed to a wide range of hazardous chemicals, including phthalates and pesticides, which can interfere with hormone development and immune function. The research emphasizes the need for expanded biomonitoring and stronger regulations to protect children from harmful exposures.
Researchers at UC Davis developed a brain-computer interface that translates neural activity into speech in real time. The technology allows individuals with ALS to communicate more naturally and inclusively, with 60% of synthesized words intelligible to listeners.
Fungicides used in agriculture linked to rising resistance to antifungal medical treatments, experts call for a 'One Health' approach to combat pathogens. The use of pesticides in plants may increase fungal resistance to treatments in humans and animals.
A new Phase 2 clinical trial at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center unveiled clues as to why patients with aggressive prostate cancer are doing poorly and may offer hope in the form of targeted therapy. The study showed the potential of using genetic testing and blood-based monitoring to better understand and track prostate cancer.
The breakthrough allows researchers to non-invasively assess BBB permeability using a wide range of radiotracers, enabling early detection of altered permeability and potential markers for neurodegenerative diseases. The scanner can also measure the effects of aging and liver inflammation on BBB health.
A new study by UC Davis School of Medicine identifies four major areas of need among wildfire victims, including mental health support and health information. The research reveals that mental health needs are the most predominant health-related need at all time points.
A new study from UC Davis reveals a concerning decline in residents applying to pain medicine fellowship programs, with female physicians dropping 27.5%. This could lead to longer wait times and reduced treatment options for patients suffering from chronic pain.
Researchers at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified a biomarker called TRIM37 associated with aggressive triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) in Black women. This finding may help develop predictive biomarkers to improve TNBC diagnosis and prognosis, particularly for early-stage patients. TRIM37 overexpression is linked...
A 13-year-old patient underwent a minimally invasive procedure to receive a dual chamber leadless pacemaker, treating congenital complete heart block. The AVEIR device was implanted via the right internal jugular vein, allowing the child to resume sports activities without restrictions.
A new UC Davis Health study has uncovered the mechanisms by which Salmonella bacteria evade the body's natural defenses in the gut. The research found that Salmonella alters the gut's nutrient environment to fuel its replication in the large intestine, creating an imbalance that helps the pathogen survive. This new understanding could ...
A unique COVID-19 and flu vaccine clinic at the UC Davis MIND Institute has shown remarkable success in increasing vaccination rates among individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities. The clinic's innovative approach, which incorporates community partners and tailored care plans, has resulted in a 99.3% success rate over two years.
A new study in mice shows a unique mRNA delivery method can successfully edit faulty genes in fetal brain cells. The technology has the potential to stop progression of genetic-based neurodevelopmental conditions like Angelman syndrome and Rett syndrome before birth.
Researchers found that female mouse models of Rett syndrome have a mosaic-like distribution of cells expressing wild-type and mutant MeCP2 protein, leading to dysregulated genes. The study also discovered an unusual disease progression, with females having more dysregulated genes at the pre-symptomatic stage than later on.