A new study by the University of California - Davis Health found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to an estimated 110,000 firearm purchases in California and increased individuals' worries about violence. Respondents who bought firearms mainly did so for self-protection, citing concerns over lawlessness and government actions.
The UC Davis SEED Scholar program will provide a four-year, fully integrated college experience for students with intellectual disabilities. The program aims to create a model for inclusive education and offers a range of academic, social, and internship opportunities.
Researchers at UC Davis School of Medicine and UTHealth will study the role of incidental white matter lesions in dementia among diverse people with cognitive complaints. The team aims to develop a 'risk profile' that identifies the likelihood of WML-related cognitive impairment and dementia over five to 10 years.
Researchers found that excessive folic acid intake during pregnancy can have detrimental effects on the brain development of embryos. The study suggests a 'Goldilocks effect,' where too little or too much folic acid is harmful, and more investigation is needed to determine the optimal dosage for pregnant women.
A study led by UC Davis Health researchers found that diabetic ketoacidosis is associated with cognitive problems in children, including lower long-term memory and IQ. The study also showed that repeated episodes of DKA can lead to worsening cognitive deficits over time.
Researchers have developed two new spectral variants of dLight1 sensor, allowing for the simultaneous assessment of dopamine and other neurochemical release. These sensors provide high resolution, real-time imaging of the spatial and temporal release of dopamine in live animals.
Researchers at UC Davis Health have made a breakthrough in using stem cell treatments for heart disease. By blocking an enzyme linked with inflammation, they were able to increase the survival of transplanted stem cells and improve cardiac function. This discovery could lead to a cellular-based treatment for heart failure.
A new study by UC Davis Health finds that gun owners and those living with gun owners are less worried about firearm injuries than non-gun owners. The researchers suggest that effective communications strategies can improve firearm safety in the same way as public health messaging has reduced disease and injury.
A UC Davis Health study found that nonfatal firearm injuries in California decreased by 38% over an 11-year period, primarily due to a drop in firearm assaults. However, the lethality of those and other firearm injuries increased, with a higher proportion of self-inflicted injuries being deadlier.
A UC Davis Health study found that children with autism born to mothers who had immune conditions during their pregnancy are more likely to have behavioral and emotional problems. Maternal immune conditions, such as asthma, were associated with increased behavioral and emotional problems in male offspring.
A new study found that infant mortality rates in California have increased among certain groups, including obese mothers, smokers, and African American women. The study analyzed data from over 4 million single births and found that children of African American women had nearly twice the risk of infant mortality compared to those of whi...
A new UC Davis Health study found that common gastrointestinal symptoms are linked to troubling sleep problems, self-harm and physical complaints in preschool children with autism. The study highlights the link between GI symptoms and some problematic behaviors in young kids with ASD.
A new study from UC Davis Health found that combining thoracic surgery with a quitline e-referral program significantly improves tobacco cessation rates. The study showed that surgical patients who participated in the program were three times more likely to remain smoke-free at six months compared to those without the intervention.
Researchers at UC Davis Health are testing a new antibody cocktail, REGN-COV2, to prevent and treat COVID-19. The clinical trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the REGN-COV2 antibodies in hospitalized adult patients with COVID-19.
A high-fat diet combined with antibiotic use significantly increases the risk of developing pre-IBD. The study suggests that this combination disrupts mitochondria in cells of the large intestinal lining, leading to gut inflammation and a vicious cycle of replacing good bacteria with harmful microbes.
A new study found that special filter glasses enhance color vision for those with red-green color vision deficiency, and the effect persists even when not worn. The filters increased chromatic contrast response in individuals with anomalous trichromacy.
Researchers discovered a range of co-existing conditions in patients with fragile X syndrome and premutation disorder. Lower FMRP levels are associated with emotional processing issues, including mood disorders, anxiety, and psychotic features. The study calls for more research on psychosis and FMRP levels, as well as greater awareness...
UC Davis Health researchers outline three potential mechanisms of vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from mother to fetus, emphasizing the importance of understanding timing and infection routes. Intrapartum or early postnatal infection can occur through exposure to infected maternal blood or secretions.
A UC Davis study found that the use of extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs) in California increased substantially over the first four years, with most orders requested by law enforcement officers for male and white individuals. The study also identified differences in ERPO use across counties and geographic clustering among neighbori...
Girls with autism experience greater reduction and less rise in symptom severity than boys, according to a UC Davis MIND Institute study. Children's symptoms can change with age, and some may even lose their diagnosis entirely.
A new study found that depression symptoms are associated with reduced cognitive control in individuals with autism. The researchers used a picture-word Stroop test to assess proactive control, which is the ability to plan and prepare how to direct attention. Participants with autism who had more symptoms of depression showed less abil...
A new study reveals that a key protein in controlling high blood pressure behaves differently in males and females. In female mice, the protein Kv2.1 contracts blood vessels, while in male mice, it dilates them. This difference has significant implications for developing tailored treatment strategies for hypertension in men and women.
Researchers found that a telehealth-delivered behavioral intervention improved language skills in youth with fragile X syndrome, while lovastatin showed no efficacy. The study used Parent-Implemented Language Intervention (PILI) to enhance parent-child interactions and promote language development.
UC Davis researchers developed a computer model to screen drugs for unintended cardiac side effects, especially arrhythmia risk. The model uses a drug's chemical formula to predict its impact on heart rhythm and has been validated with comparisons to clinical data from electrocardiogram results of patients.
Researchers from UC Davis Health and BHI call for broader use of mind-body practices like meditation, yoga, and mindfulness to reduce symptoms of cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, and chronic pain. Integrating these practices into patient treatment plans can help improve quality of life.
A medical mystery was solved when a severely ill patient was tested and diagnosed with COVID-19, leading to changes in CDC guidelines. The case highlights the importance of testing and demonstrates that even without clear risk factors or exposure, patients can still be infected.
Researchers at UC Davis are conducting two clinical trials to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of remdesivir and sarilumab in treating hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19. The studies aim to identify early signs of clinical benefit while avoiding ineffective therapies in critically ill patients.
Researchers developed five language outcome measures using expressive language sampling (ELS) to assess treatment efficacy in individuals with fragile X syndrome and intellectual disabilities. The study found that ELS yielded valid and reliable measures for most participants, but were more challenging for younger or less able individuals.
The study validated the use of the NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery in individuals with a mental age of 5 or above, measuring cognitive skills and executive function. The test proved to be feasible and reliable for a high percentage of participants, offering a standardized metric for assessing this population.
A study by UC Davis Health researchers found that a Western diet rich in fat and sugar can induce inflammatory skin diseases like psoriasis. The diet's components, rather than obesity, may lead to skin inflammation and its development.
The editorial highlights burnout among physicians, including women, and the persistent gender gap in the neurology workforce. The authors suggest structural changes to address these issues, such as flexible work hours, daycare, and mentorship programs.
A study by UC Davis Violence Prevention Research Program found that Oregon's CBC policies resulted in an 18% increase in pre-firearm-sale checks, while Washington state saw a 4% increase. The different rates are attributed to variations in private-party firearm sales and compliance among private gun sellers.
A new study by UC Davis Health investigates the effects of progesterone on reversing mifepristone's effect in initiating an abortion. The research found that even with high-dose progesterone treatment, women may still experience severe blood loss and risk serious health consequences.
A UC Davis study found that Lactobacillus plantarum bacteria can rapidly repair a damaged gut lining, known as leaky gut, within five hours of exposure. The bacteria activated PPARα signaling and revived mitochondrial flow, repairing the gut barrier and providing hope for effective treatment of HIV-related damage.
A study by UC Davis Health physicians reveals that opioid dose tapering is becoming increasingly common, with rates often exceeding CDC recommendations. The study found that nearly 20% of patients tapered at a rate of 40% per month, highlighting the need for more training and guidance on safe tapering practices.
A recent study by the University of California, Davis Health, found that nearly 10% of middle-age and older Latinos in the US meet the criteria for mild cognitive impairment. Factors such as cardiovascular disease and depression were identified as risk factors for MCI.
A pilot study found that minority doctors in the Central Valley face workplace discrimination, harassment, and hostility, leading to burnout and turnover. The study aims to raise awareness about these issues and promote a more inclusive healthcare environment.
A study of California firearm owners has identified five distinct patterns of gun ownership linked to varying levels of risk. The research found that different combinations of survey responses to questions about firearms, storage practices, and motivations are associated with higher or lower risks of injury and death.
A study by UC Davis researcher Rocco Pallin found that most Californians support healthcare providers talking about gun safety in exam rooms when there is a risk of firearm-related harm. The study suggests that patients may find these conversations most appropriate when specific risks are elevated, and providers should take a risk-base...
Three UC Davis studies examine strategies to reduce firearm-related injury and death, while a fourth study identifies five distinct types of firearm owners. Background checks are found to reduce violence among those prevented from owning firearms, but flawed policies contribute to ineffective results.
A team of UC Davis researchers led by Vladimir Yarov-Yarovoy is developing a new class of peptides to treat chronic pain with minimal side effects. The goal is to identify the most effective peptide design that can selectively block pain-associated sodium channels without affecting other channels.
A UC Davis study found that handgun purchasers with a prior DUI conviction are at a higher risk of future arrests for violent crimes, including murder and assault. The research used California crime data from 2001 to 2013 to identify purchases made by individuals with at least one DUI conviction.
A new online calculator helps middle-aged women predict their risk of conditions like heart disease, stroke, and cancer. The tool accounts for multiple health conditions at once and identifies changing probabilities over time.
A recent study analyzed over 135 million imaging exams across the US and Ontario, finding that medical imaging rates have continued to increase despite campaigns to reduce their use. The study found a reacceleration in imaging use for CT and MRI scans in adults, with ongoing growth in both countries.
A study found that general probiotic use could save the US healthcare system $1.4 billion annually by reducing acute respiratory tract infections, including influenza-like illnesses. Probiotics were associated with a decrease in doctor visits and sick absences, leading to significant cost savings.
A UC Davis study found a 4% increase in firearm injury in California after spikes in handgun purchases following high-profile events. The research, published in Injury Epidemiology, assessed handgun acquisitions across 499 California cities and estimated their impact on fatal and non-fatal injuries.
A team of researchers led by Brittany Dugger will study donated post-mortem brain tissues from diverse individuals with Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Dominican heritage to define the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease in Hispanic cohorts. The goal is to develop specific disease profiles and improve prevention and treatment.
Researchers found that meth-positive patients suffered worse injuries and longer hospital stays, but were more likely to leave against medical advice. The study suggests a need for additional resources and support for these patients to ensure successful recovery.
A team of scientists has identified a key molecular connection between diabetes and vascular disease, finding that high blood glucose activates an enzyme that constricts blood vessels. The study aims to develop new treatments targeting this pathway for reducing vascular complications of diabetes.
The UC Davis Alzheimer's Disease Center is participating in the U.S. POINTER study, a landmark trial examining the effects of lifestyle modifications on brain health. The study aims to expand research on slowing cognitive decline and will enroll 400 adults at risk for Alzheimer's over 18 months.