A new epidemiological study found that over 80% of white patients received radiation treatment combined with chemotherapy to preserve the voice box, while only 74.5% of African American patients received the same treatment. The disparity may be narrowing, but further research is needed to identify root causes.
A new nationwide study by UC Davis examines mortality rates and epidemiological aspects of stray-bullet shootings, finding that most victims were unaware of the events leading to their injuries. The study reveals that nearly one-third of victims were children and nearly half were female.
A new UC Davis study found that being overweight or obese alone is not linked to an increased risk of death in the short-term. However, severely obese individuals with diabetes or hypertension do face a higher risk of mortality, emphasizing the importance of weight loss and managing co-occurring health conditions.
A new study found that the federal government made $13 billion in duplicative payments to provide health-care services to veterans enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. The researchers analyzed over 1 million veteran records and found that 61% used both VA and Medicare Advantage coverage.
A team of researchers discovered that human alpha-defensin 6 (HD6) forms 'nanonets' around microbial surfaces to disable microbes, providing clues to inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease. The study provides new insights into the body's innate defense system and its role in intestinal health.
A new study by UC Davis researchers suggests that folic acid consumption during the first month of pregnancy may reduce the risk of autism in offspring. Women who take prenatal vitamins or supplements containing folic acid are found to have a lower risk of having a child with autism.
A team of UC Davis investigators found that a p53 genetic mutation may initiate prostate cancer, differing from the current conventional wisdom. The study developed a mouse model with the mutation, which significantly increased the likelihood of developing prostate cancer.
A team of researchers at UC Davis has identified several proteins as diagnostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for kidney cancer. The study used metabolomics techniques to analyze chemicals in urine and serum samples from mice implanted with human kidney cancer cells.
Workers' compensation insurance is not used enough to cover workplace illnesses and injuries. Nearly 80% of these costs are paid by employer-provided health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and other disability funds. The resulting low premiums provide little incentive for companies to promote workplace safety.
A UC Davis study shows that mothers who experienced fevers during pregnancy were more than twice as likely to have a child with autism or developmental delay. The researchers recommend controlling fevers while pregnant to modify the risk of having a child with these conditions.
A cancer vaccine targeting MUC1 glycoprotein significantly increased survival when combined with the drug letrozole in mice. The findings suggest a promising new approach to combating cancer using immunotherapy.
A new study from the University of California - Davis Health found that flash-heating breastmilk can reduce the risk of HIV transmission to infants in sub-Saharan Africa. The technique involves heating breastmilk to a high temperature without destroying its nutritional properties, making it safe for babies beyond six months.
Researchers at UC Davis Health System demonstrated the safety and efficacy of transplanting anti-HIV stem cells into mice, replicating a functioning human immune system. The technique protects and expands HIV-resistant immune cells, maintaining normal CD4 levels.
A new virtual reality study and book series launched by UC Davis researcher Peter Mundy aim to improve educational outcomes for children with autism. The study will track social attention and its relation to academic achievement among schoolchildren with autism, while the book provides evidence-based approaches for teachers.
UC Davis researchers have discovered novel compounds that disrupt amyloid formation and reduce inflammation in neurons, potentially preventing or delaying Alzheimer's disease damage. The spin-labeled fluorene compounds demonstrate excellent detection of amyloid and anti-inflammatory properties.
Researchers found that most African-American breast cancer survivors were satisfied with their treatment but lacked access to critical information about treatment options, support services, and clinical trials. Only 62% of women received information about support services, while nearly half said they wanted such services.
New research from UC Davis and Washington State University shows that PCBs disrupt normal brain development by promoting excessive dendrite growth and altering cellular signaling pathways. This may increase the likelihood of autism spectrum disorders in children with a genetic predisposition.
A large international study has found that certain versions of four genes may speed up the shrinkage of the hippocampus, a brain region involved in making new memories. The research suggests that these gene variants may increase vulnerability to Alzheimer's disease by accelerating hippocampus shrinkage.
A major study found strong links between maternal diabetes, obesity, and the likelihood of having a child with autism or another developmental disorder. Mothers with diabetes were nearly twice as likely to have a child with developmental delays, while obese mothers were 1-2/3 times more likely to have an autistic child.
A structured coaching program called Coaching Boys into Men has been found to improve male high school athletes' ability to recognize and intervene in dating violence. The program, delivered by coaches, increases positive bystander behaviors and encourages athletes to be leaders in their communities.
Scientists have discovered that immune cells circulating in the blood enter the lungs' large airways, triggering inflammation and oxidative stress. This breakthrough helps clarify how smoking causes severe respiratory damage and may lead to new treatments.
A new position paper from the American Thoracic Society predicts increased asthma, allergies, and infectious diseases worldwide as climate change worsens air quality and heat stress. Vulnerable populations like infants, children, and the elderly will be disproportionately affected.
Scientists discovered that ion channels can assemble in different combinations to detect a wide range of temperatures. Researchers found that combining specific subunits can create hybrid channels with enhanced sensitivity, allowing the body to adapt to temperature changes.
A new UC Davis study finds that the increase in childhood obesity among California school children has slowed from 2003 to 2008. The study suggests that expanded fitness testing and outreach efforts are needed to address the persistent obesity trend among younger children.
Researchers found elevated levels of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in individuals at risk for heart disease and diabetes, indicating a key role in the inflammatory response. The study suggests that suppressing TLR activity may be effective in treating these conditions, providing new insights into the development of metabolic syndrome.
The Affordable Care Act may increase convenience for veterans, but also cause fragmentation in care, leading to more emergency department use and hospitalizations. The new insurance options may shift care from VA facilities to private practice physicians, potentially resulting in decreased use of critical services.
Researchers from the UC Davis MIND Institute will present on the relationships between genetic, epigenetic, and environmental influences on autism development. Their research highlights the impact of flame retardant chemicals on autism risk, particularly in female offspring.
Researchers found amylin accumulation in failing hearts of obese and diabetic patients, leading to heart muscle destruction and failure. Controlling amylin circulation might prevent disabilities and deaths from heart disease.
A study by UC Davis researchers found that exposure to a common flame retardant chemical BDE-47 in mice led to social, behavioral and learning deficits in their offspring. The research highlights the interaction between epigenetics and genetics and exposure to the chemical.
The discovery highlights a mechanism for regulatory T-cell accumulation in lymphoid tissue, which could lead to a treatment strategy that slows the production of this type of T cell. Regulatory T cells normally tamp down immune-system attacks, but high numbers might prevent an immune response against HIV.
A novel technique enhances bone growth by guiding stem cells to the bone surface, increasing bone density and preventing age-related bone loss. The study successfully tested this approach in mice with osteoporosis, paving the way for human trials.
A study by UC Davis researchers found that newer radiation therapy technology, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), improves patients' quality of life for those with advanced head and neck cancers. IMRT was associated with fewer long-term side effects, leading to better quality of life.
Researchers at UC Davis have developed a new approach using stem cells to deliver gene therapy specifically targeting the genetic abnormality found in Huntington's disease. By transferring inhibitory RNA sequences from donor cells into target neurons, they significantly decreased the synthesis of the abnormal huntingtin protein.
A new class of nanoparticles has been developed to prevent premature drug release and ensure targeted delivery to tumors. The dual-responsive boronate cross-linked micelles (BCMs) can release drugs in response to acidic environments or mannitol, minimizing premature release and maximizing tumor targeting.
A retrospective analysis of 1,500 patients showed that live interactive teledermatology consultations resulted in diagnostic changes for nearly 70% of patients. Patients also received recommendations to change their skin disease management, leading to improved clinical outcomes.
A study estimates that occupational injuries and illnesses cost the US nation $250 billion annually, surpassing cancer, diabetes, and stroke costs. The study suggests expanding prevention measures to reduce harm to workers.
A new UC Davis study found that greater access to key attributes of high-quality primary care, including comprehensiveness and patient-centeredness, is associated with lower mortality. The study suggests that providing all Americans with a 'medical home' offering these attributes could yield major public health benefits.
A UC Davis School of Medicine researcher has developed an algorithm that predicts the conformation changes in voltage-gated sodium channels, crucial for designing new drugs to treat chronic pain and epilepsy. This innovation could lead to highly specific and effective therapies with minimal side effects.
A study by researchers at Thomas Jefferson University and UC Davis Medical Center found that preoperative aspirin therapy significantly decreases the risk of major postoperative complications in cardiac surgery patients. The therapy is associated with a lower risk of 30-day mortality, major adverse cardiocerebral events, postoperative ...
A study by UC Davis MIND Institute researchers found that 3-year-old boys with regressive autism have larger brains than their healthy counterparts, while girls with autism do not show abnormal brain growth. Brain enlargement was consistently observed only in the subset of children diagnosed with regressive autism.
A new study found that middle-income earners prefer fast-food dining due to its affordability and convenience. The research suggests that policymakers should look beyond restaurant type when addressing the obesity epidemic.
Researchers found that recombination, a key DNA repair process, has a self-correcting mechanism allowing DNA to make a virtual u-turn and start over. This discovery contributes new understanding to basic cancer biology and may improve the efficacy of cancer treatments.
Researchers at UC Davis found a genetic variant associated with autoantibodies in pregnant women that may increase their child's risk of developing autism. The study suggests a potential screening test for women at risk of having an autistic child, offering new hope for early intervention and prevention.
A study by researchers at UC Davis found that white children are more likely to receive CT scans for minor head trauma than Hispanic and African-American children. This overuse of CT scans may lead to unnecessary radiation exposure and increased health-care costs.
Researchers advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration and partnerships between academia and industry to improve population health and address health inequities. They also propose training grants to bridge the 'valley of retirement' as experienced researchers retire.
Clinical trials should be reported even when product development is terminated to benefit the research community and prevent negative drug developments from being unpublished. This ensures greater patient safety, improves treatment research strategies, and optimizes resource allocations for promising new therapeutics.
Researchers at UC Davis Health System used bone marrow-derived adult stem cells to promote bone tissue growth after cervical disc removal. The procedure, part of a nationwide clinical trial, aims to relieve chronic, debilitating pain by eliminating friction between vertebrae and nerve compression.
Researchers developed a novel computational framework to predict the effects of medications on cardiac rhythms. The tool helps screen anti-arrhythmia medications early in the drug-development pipeline and guides physicians in prescribing interventions.
A recent UC Davis study found that people with lower socioeconomic status are more likely to develop heart disease, even after long-term improvements in other risk factors. The researchers suggest that access and adherence to treatments may not account for the differences.
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine approved five UC Davis Health System teams with research planning grants worth up to $20 million each. These grants aim to develop human clinical trials for treatments of Huntington's disease, critical limb ischemia, airway disease, HIV/AIDS and osteoporosis.