A first-of-its-kind study published in The Lancet Regional Health Americas found that gun-free zones have a preventive effect and do not attract active shooters. Researchers matched 150 places with shootings to 150 control places without shootings, finding that active shootings were 62.5% less likely to occur in gun-free establishments.
A new study by UC Davis found that false-positive results can lead to women avoiding future screening, with Asian and Hispanic/Latinx women being the least likely to return. The research highlights the importance of continued screening for these groups despite a history of benign breast disease.
A team of researchers at UC Davis Health discovered a novel bioelectrical mechanism that allows Salmonella bacteria to navigate the gut lining and find vulnerable entry points. The study found that Salmonella bacteria detect electric signals in FAE, which helps them move towards openings in the gut where they can enter.
A recent UC Davis Health study found that administering naloxone to patients with opioid-associated out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) significantly improves return of spontaneous circulation and survival rates. The study analyzed data from San Francisco, Sacramento, and Yolo county EMS agencies between 2015-2023.
A multidisciplinary team at UC Davis Health has developed a real-time action plan to support patients with preexisting respiratory diseases affected by poor air quality from wildfires. The plan, which considers social, economic, environmental and behavioral factors, aims to mitigate the health threat posed by wildfires.
Researchers developed a new brain-computer interface that translates brain signals into speech with up to 97% accuracy, enabling a man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to communicate with friends and family. The system was tested in real-time conversations with continuous updates, achieving high word accuracy rates.
Researchers analyzed 51,000 transplants and found rejection and graft failure rates were similar for toxoplasma-positive and negative donor kidneys. The study suggests it is safe to transplant toxoplasma-positive kidneys with additional monitoring, potentially increasing the supply of donor kidneys.
A new study found that autistic youth born in underserved neighborhoods are more likely to have greater ADHD symptoms. The Child Opportunity Index, which tracks neighborhood traits, was used to assess the relationship between environment and ADHD symptoms.
A large study confirms that siblings of autistic children have a 20% chance of autism, with factors such as sex and number of autistic siblings influencing likelihood. The study also found racial and maternal education level differences in recurrence rates.
The EXPLORER PET scanner provides images of the body in minutes with higher quality and less radiation than traditional scanners. The study found that lung tumors benefit from a dual-blood supply effect, which is more pronounced than in normal lung tissue.
Researchers at UC Davis Health discovered that mesalamine can replace good bacteria's work in fighting Candida albicans in the gut. The study found that mesalamine maintains a low oxygen environment that prevents fungal growth, reducing the risk of invasive candidiasis.
A mouse study found that heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) differs between male and female mice, with females exhibiting altered heart filament proteins and males showing slowed calcium removal. This may lead to different treatment strategies for women compared to men with HFpEF.
A new study found significant differences in brain development between autistic boys and girls, with autistic females showing a thicker cortex at age 3 and faster cortical thinning into middle childhood. The findings highlight the need for longitudinal studies that include both sexes to better understand sex-specific changes in autism.
A recent study led by UC Davis Health researchers provides new insights into the molecular changes linked to 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, a rare genetic condition that can lead to psychosis, ADHD, and other conditions. The study identified two biomarkers, taurine and arachidonic acid, which could predict likelihood of psychosis in patien...
A recent study by the University of California - Davis Health found that racial and social barriers significantly impact access to autoHCT, a key bone marrow transplant treatment for multiple myeloma. Despite having higher rates of cancer development compared to other groups, Black patients received lower proportions of the transplant ...
A new study confirms community pharmacies can help people quit smoking by providing access to tobacco cessation tools and support. The study found that pharmacies successfully initiated cessation services after completing tobacco treatment training, with compatibility with existing workflows and staff buy-in being key factors.
A new study found that telehealth can positively impact diabetes care by providing a home environment perspective. Researchers also identified the importance of clear patient guidelines and reviewing glucose trends during visits to make them efficient and effective.
A new study from UC Davis Health validates intra-abdominal injury (IAI) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) prediction rules to reduce unnecessary CT scans in pediatric trauma patients. The study found high accuracy rates for IAI and TBI predictions, decreasing the need for CT imaging.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has awarded UC Davis Health a three-year, $3 million grant to support research into the causes and complexities of gun violence disproportionately impacting Black and Brown communities. The grant will focus on marginalized community violence prevention scholars, building diversity and developing progr...
A new study found that human brains are getting larger, with participants born in the 1970s having 6.6% greater brain volume and almost 15% larger brain surface area than those born in the 1930s. This increased brain size may lead to a higher brain reserve, potentially reducing the overall risk of age-related dementias.
A new study analyzing California gun data found that guns lost or stolen are three times more likely to be used in a crime, while cheap, semiautomatic, and large caliber handguns are also at higher risk. The study suggests securing firearms from theft or loss should be a primary focus for preventing firearm-related crimes.
The study highlights the emergence and spread of harmful pathogens due to climate change. The medical community must update their education and training to combat global warming and its impact on disease behavior.
A recent study found that high school students who use both tobacco and cannabis products miss more school and have lower grades compared to those who don't use either product. The researchers analyzed data from the California Healthy Kids Survey, which showed that students who used both tobacco and cannabis reported the highest percen...
A machine-learning model developed by UC Davis Health clinicians and data scientists can accurately predict the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The model, which was validated on a large dataset, identified four additional risk factors a...
A study by UC Davis Health found that a single dose of BCG reduced liver tumor burden and extended the survival of mice with liver cancer. The vaccine boosted the body's immunity, leading to tumor shrinkage and improved liver function.
A study found that antibiotic use and high-fat diets reduced Clostridia gut microbes, leading to sorbitol intolerance. Restoring the balance with mesalazine may treat the condition.
A new study reveals significant disparities in dementia care among minoritized racial and ethnic populations, including delayed diagnoses and inadequate treatment. The researchers highlight the importance of granular data collection to address these disparities and promote health equity.
A large study found that exposure to organophosphate ester flame retardants during pregnancy was associated with preterm birth, especially among female newborns. Higher birth weight was also linked to increased obesity risk. The chemicals are widely used in building materials, furniture, and electronics.
The Study of Healthy Aging in African Americans (STAR) will continue for five years to investigate behaviors, lifestyle, and brain health in Black adults. Researchers hope to identify risk factors and protective measures to reduce disparities in Alzheimer's disease diagnosis among Black Americans.
Researchers at UC Davis found that men with FMR1 premutation who experienced reduced executive function were at higher likelihood of developing fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome. Executive function challenges, particularly working memory and organization issues, were strongly associated with the development of FXTAS.
UC Davis Health has developed a holistic outreach and local recruitment plan that has proven effective in increasing workforce diversity. The institution's Anchor Institution Mission (AIM) initiative targets outreach to local Sacramento neighborhoods of concern to reduce disparities in the long term.
Researchers from UC Davis School of Medicine and MIND Institute found that imbalances in folic acid and vitamin B12 can alter brain development in mice. High folic acid intake, even within recommended guidelines, may cause neurodevelopmental issues in offspring.
A national study using telehealth assessments aims to identify infants with early behavioral differences that may indicate autism or developmental delays. The study will provide valuable insights into predicting these developmental skills and offer improved feedback and support for families.
Researchers at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center have shown that inhibiting galectin 1 protein using gene therapy can shrink liver cancer in mice, improving the anti-cancer immune response and increasing killer T cells. This approach has potential as a treatment for HCC prevention.
Researchers developed a blood test that can detect cancer DNA up to 18 months before clinical diagnosis, enabling targeted therapy. The test has the potential to provide a fast, less invasive method for cancer detection.
A new study found that domestic violence involving firearms increased in three major US cities during the COVID-19 pandemic, while overall domestic violence remained stable. The researchers note that firearm domestic violence may be less sensitive to pandemic-related forces affecting reporting of other types of domestic violence.
Researchers at UC Davis Health found that KSHV infection can lead to inflammation and dysregulation of the immune system. The study used single-cell sequencing and other technologies to investigate the role of IL-6 in KSHV-mediated reprogramming of immune cells.
A research team from the University of California - Davis Health has identified a crucial epitope on the CD95 receptor that can trigger programmed cell death in cancer cells. This finding could lead to improved cancer treatments and potentially enhance CAR T-cell therapy for solid tumors like ovarian cancer.
Researchers used dynamic total-body PET scans to visualize immune T cell distribution in recovering patients. The study found increased concentrations of CD8+ T cells in the bone marrow of recovering COVID patients compared to healthy controls.
A long-term study found that changes in core autism characteristics are related to the development of mental health challenges during elementary school years. Restrictive and repetitive behaviors may help reduce anxiety for autistic individuals.
A new UC Davis study investigates the complex mix of attitudes and concerns about the state of democracy in the US. While most respondents reject political violence altogether, some believe it is usually or always justified to advance political objectives.
Researchers at UC Davis have developed SparkMaster2, an open-source software that analyzes normal and abnormal calcium activity in human cells. The tool can identify calcium sparks associated with irregular heartbeats, or arrhythmia, enabling better understanding of the underlying biology.
A new gene therapy study has identified microRNA-22 as a potential treatment for liver cancer, achieving better survival outcomes and reducing inflammation compared to the current FDA-approved drug lenvatinib. The treatment was administered via a single intravenous injection and showed no observable toxicity.
The UC Davis MIND Institute is testing the 'Early Start Denver Model' in community agencies, which addresses all areas of development and emphasizes communication and social interaction through everyday activities. The goal is to improve communication skills and daily living skills for autistic children aged 1-4.
A new study from UC Davis Health found that volunteering in late life is associated with better executive function and episodic memory. Those who volunteered several times per week had the highest levels of executive function, potentially serving as a simple intervention against Alzheimer's disease and associated dementias.
Researchers are studying the characteristics of fragile X-associated tremor ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), aiming to develop treatments for this debilitating condition. The study focuses on understanding the phenotype of FXTAS, including its progression and impact on males and females.
A new study by UC Davis MIND Institute researchers and others finds that the M-CHAT-R/F screening tool is effective in identifying children with autistic traits, but it also flags many children incorrectly. The study highlights the need for clinical judgment and clear communication with parents about the limitations of the tool.
A new study found a strong link between bone biomarkers and survival rates in men with hormone-sensitive prostate cancer treated with hormone therapy. The research, published in European Urology, analyzed results from a large clinical trial and found that elevated bone biomarkers were associated with an increased risk of death.
A new study finds that an estimated 6.5 million Californians are concerned about a friend or family member who may harm themselves or others due to substance misuse, history of violence, or firearm access. The survey shows that 85% of respondents who knew someone at risk took actions to reduce the risk, but few addressed firearm access.
Researchers at UC Davis discovered how oligodendrocyte-lineage cells transfer cell material to neurons in the mouse brain, providing a new mechanism for understanding brain maturation and finding treatments for neurological conditions. This discovery opens new possibilities for treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and P...