A new study has found that autism symptoms do not appear abruptly at 6 months, but rather emerge gradually and become apparent during the latter part of the first year of life. By 12 months, children with autism showed significant declines in social communication and eye contact compared to typically developing children.
The study found that advanced maternal age is associated with a significantly elevated risk of having a child with autism, increasing by 18% for every five-year increase in the mother's age. In contrast, advanced paternal age is only linked to an increased risk when the father is older and the mother is under 30.
A new study from UC Davis Health System identifies a key protein called SynDIG1 that plays a crucial role in creating and sustaining synapses, essential for learning, memory, and perception. The research fills a major gap in understanding the molecular foundations of higher cognitive abilities and brain disorders.
A recent study found that young women and teenage girls are targeted by male partners attempting to sabotage birth control or coerce pregnancy, frequently associated with physical or sexual violence. The risk of unintended pregnancy doubles when women experience both reproductive coercion and partner violence.
Researchers found that Helicobacter pylori infection may enhance immunity against tuberculosis by inducing expression of interferon gamma and other cytokines. This protection may help determine whether someone infected with TB gets a latent or active disease, offering potential new insights into managing the disease.
Researchers at UC Davis develop artificial muscles to restore eyelid blinking in patients with facial paralysis, a development that could benefit thousands of people. The technique uses electroactive polymer artificial muscles and may also be used to control other parts of the body.
A new clinical trial at UC Davis aims to test a neuroprotective drug called allopregnanolone on patients with severe traumatic brain injuries. The goal is to reduce brain damage, post-traumatic epileptic seizures, and improve patients' quality of life.
Researchers at UC Davis identified 10 locations in California with higher-than-expected autism incidence rates, primarily in areas with higher levels of parental education. The study found that children born to parents with more educational attainment were more likely to be diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.
A new study led by UC Davis Health System dermatologist April Armstrong found that daily text messages reminding people to apply sunscreen increased its use by nearly twice as much as those who did not receive such messages. The study aimed to explore the potential of text messaging to encourage healthy habits in patients, and its find...
Researchers at UC Davis MIND Institute report that after adjusting for factors, typically developing children and those with autism have similar blood-mercury levels. The study, conducted as part of the CHARGE Study, looked at various sources of mercury in participants' environments, including fish consumption and vaccinations.
A national study of over 42,000 children with head trauma found that one in five over 2 and nearly one-quarter under 2 did not need CT scans due to low-risk brain injury. The study provides guidelines for doctors to safely reduce CT use in these patients, aiming to minimize radiation exposure risk.
Researchers at University of California - Davis Health report that amyloid plaques and bacterial biofilm elicit the same immune response in human cells, leading to chronic inflammation that damages neurons. The study identifies a protein called TLR-2 as controlling this response.
A national survey of US surgeons found that women are more likely to postpone childbearing or not have children due to work demands. The study suggests that flexible work schedules and on-site childcare facilities could help attract and retain female surgeons.
Researchers at UC Davis found that brain functions critical to recovery improve after a year of methamphetamine abstinence. Cognitive processes such as impulse control and attentional focus show significant improvement with extended periods of abstinence.
Researchers at UC Davis have visualized the formation of a new synapse using neuroligin, a protein linked to autism. The study reveals the dynamic process of molecule recruitment, showing how neuroligin stabilizes adhesion between neurons and recruits other proteins important for synapse function.
A new study from UC Davis found that retirement-aged Americans in lower-status occupations tend to have higher rates of hypertension. The researchers analyzed data from over 22,000 Americans and found a strong correlation between occupation and hypertension, suggesting that job history may be an important factor in understanding the de...
A UC Davis study reveals that children with attention problems in kindergarten are more likely to struggle in math and reading tests in high school. The research highlights the importance of addressing early attention issues to boost graduation rates and future earning potential.
A large population-based study found that women who have been treated for abnormal cervical cell growth are at higher risk for a recurrence of the disease or invasive cervical cancer. The study's findings should help guide physicians in making recommendations about follow-up treatment guidelines.
UC Davis researchers found that low levels of PCBs alter brain cell development and excitability, explaining the association between PCB exposure and behavioral deficits in children. The studies show how PCBs affect dendritic plasticity, a key characteristic of neuronal development.
Researchers found that Muc4 promotes release of breast cancer cells from primary tumor, allowing them to survive and resist treatment. The study suggests that targeting Muc4 could lead to new treatments for breast and potentially other cancers.
A study by UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute found that children with ADHD exhibit variable response times during working memory tasks, even when accuracy is similar to typically developing peers. Higher levels of hyperactivity and impulsivity are associated with slower reaction times.
A new study finds that racial disparities in colorectal cancer screening persist, with significant gaps between white patients and those of other ethnicities, including Hispanics. Increasing screening rates among Medicare recipients have not narrowed these gaps.
A new study reveals that primary care physicians often fail to recommend colorectal cancer screening, even in patients who visit their offices frequently. The research, which analyzed data from nearly 50,000 patients, found that over half of those with regular visits did not receive screening.
A US study found that most healthy children taking daily vitamins don't require them due to adequate nutrition from their diets. The study also revealed that children who face the greatest risks of vitamin deficiency are less likely to take supplements.
A study published in Pediatrics found that telemedicine can significantly improve the quality of child sexual assault examinations in rural communities. The use of videoconferencing allows experts to guide local doctors, comfort children, and enhance the collection of forensic evidence. As a result, many physicians changed their examin...
A recent UC Davis study found that smoking is linked to over 70% of cancer death burden among Massachusetts men in 2003, surpassing previous estimates. The study suggests that increased tobacco control efforts could save more lives and improve health outcomes.
UC Davis researchers are using MRI scans to identify distinct brain patterns that can detect the onset of Alzheimer's disease. The study aims to predict the rate of cognitive decline and provide a method for differentiating healthy aging from cognitive decline due to diseases like Alzheimer's.
A study by UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute researchers found that California's seven-fold increase in autism cases since 1990 cannot be explained by changes in diagnosis or counting. Environmental culprits such as chemicals and infectious microbes are likely responsible for the trend.
Researchers at UC Davis Cancer Center have discovered a molecule called LXY1 that targets glioblastoma, a deadly form of brain cancer. The molecule binds to alpha-3 integrin on cancer cells, allowing for direct delivery of treatments and sparing normal tissues.
Researchers at UC Davis Cancer Center have identified three compounds that can help make chemotherapy for kidney cancer more effective by blocking the repair mechanism of a key cancer gene. These findings offer hope for patients who currently face limited treatment options and many side effects.
Researchers have developed a new system of scoring IQ tests for children with fragile X syndrome, a genetic disorder causing intellectual disabilities. The new method provides a more accurate assessment of the long-term learning potential of these children, helping parents and physicians diagnose and treat them more effectively.
A secondary analysis of a large clinical trial found that a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and fiber reduces the risk of breast cancer recurrence by approximately 31 percent in women without hot flashes. Women with estrogen receptor-positive cancers often receive hormone therapy to combat circulating estrogen levels.
Researchers at UC Davis have discovered a new mechanism of attention in the human brain using modafinil. The study shows that modafinil shifts the brain into an 'exploitation mode' where subjects perform better on tasks requiring focus.
UC Davis researchers are exploring a new gene therapy approach to cure AIDS by replacing HIV-infected immune cells with HIV-resistant ones. They plan to conduct safety and efficacy trials using a mouse model before moving on to human clinical trials.
Research by the M.I.N.D. Institute shows that mutations of the fragile X gene cause a range of diseases, including neurodevelopmental delays, autism, infertility, and neurodegenerative disease in older adults. The institute urges testing for all patients who show signs of diseases linked to FMR1 mutations.
A new study by UC Davis researchers suggests that drops in blood oxygen levels may contribute to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) patients. Seizures in the temporal lobe and low oxygen levels during episodes are more common in males than females.
UC Davis Cancer Center researchers have discovered a metabolic deficiency in pancreatic cancer cells that can be used to slow the progress of the deadliest form of cancer. By depleting arginine levels, they were able to significantly reduce pancreatic cancer-cell proliferation and inhibit tumor growth by 50 percent.
Researchers found that infants later diagnosed with autism displayed unusual exploration of objects, including spinning and repetitive visual examination, as early as 12 months. These behaviors could be added to parent check-lists or quickly assessed during pediatric visits, potentially improving early diagnosis and treatment.
HER2-positive breast cancer can be more aggressive due to the suppression of its own regulator gene Lig-1. Researchers found that when Lig-1 levels are low, cancer cells grow faster.
Researchers discovered that children with autism spend less time looking at a teacher's face when imitating new skills, compared to typically developing children. This finding sheds light on why children with autism struggle to learn from others and may lead to potential interventions.
UC Davis researchers have identified a cellular process promoting inflammation and discovered an important starting point for identifying and testing new drugs. The study found that protein sPLA2-IIA binds to two integrins, causing them to rapidly multiply and boosting an immune response already gone awry due to disease.
The study found a significant decline in surgical and medical complications for hysterectomies, with laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy showing a 50% reduction. However, African-American women had higher rates of medical and surgical complications, highlighting the need for further research to address disparities.
Researchers at UC Davis have developed an interactive multimedia computer program to provide personalized education on colorectal cancer screening. The program aims to increase screening rates among Hispanic patients, who are less likely to receive screenings compared to non-Hispanic whites.
A groundbreaking study aims to determine the best cocktail of pre- and probiotic supplements for premature infants to prevent necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a deadly intestinal disease. Researchers will examine saliva and specimens to find the optimal dose, type, and combination of pre- and probiotics to grow healthy bacteria.
The study provides an accurate picture of XXYY syndrome, identifying unique medical and psychological characteristics, including cardiac abnormalities, dental problems, and learning disabilities. Treatment recommendations focus on targeted therapies for behaviors, emotional problems, and community services to support independent living.
Research shows Vietnam War veterans exposed to Agent Orange have increased risks of prostate cancer and aggressive forms of the disease compared to those not exposed. The study, conducted on over 13,000 men in their 60s, found twice as many exposed veterans developed prostate cancer.
A new study by UC Davis researchers provides evidence that methods using human bone marrow-derived stem cells to deliver gene therapy do not cause the development of tumors or leukemia. The study tested the safety of gene transfer into bone marrow stem cells in over 600 mice, with none developing leukemia or solid tumors.
A UC Davis study found that critically ill children transferred from smaller hospitals are sicker and require more hospitalization days, mechanical ventilation, and medication. The study recommends better coordination with regional medical centers and greater use of telemedicine services.
UC Davis scientists discovered how salmonella becomes lethal for AIDS patients by finding the defect in immune response that allows it to cross the gut barrier and infect other organs. The study suggests Th17 cells play a crucial role in the inflammatory response, recruiting immune system cells to the site of infection.
A new study from the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute suggests that brain-directed antibodies during pregnancy may be a causal factor for some cases of autism. The research found that exposure to IgG antibodies in pregnant monkeys exhibited repetitive behaviors similar to those seen in children with autism.