Researchers discovered that faulty dopamine signaling can alter the activity of over 2,000 genes in the brain's prefrontal cortex, potentially leading to schizophrenia and other complex neuropsychiatric disorders. The study suggests a potential therapeutic approach using dopamine activators to restore normal signaling.
Researchers at UC Irvine have discovered a protein in squid skin that can conduct positive electrical charges, paving the way for biologically inspired devices and improved medical technologies. The discovery could lead to better implants and disease treatments.
Researchers at UCI used NASA satellite data to predict river basin overflow, increasing flood warning lead times from two months to five months. This could help save lives and property by providing earlier evacuation strategies.
UCI researchers develop computing techniques that utilize deep learning to analyze data from particle accelerators, increasing the detection rate of rare particles by 8%. The methods could aid in the hunt for fundamental open questions about matter, gravity, and the origin of the universe.
A novel biomarker predicts which individuals will develop epilepsy after febrile seizures, according to a UC Irvine study. The diagnostic ability could lead to improved use of preventive therapies for the disorder.
A study by UC Irvine neurobiologists found that repetition learning enhances factual content but hinders nuanced aspects of memories. This technique reduces the amount of detail stored with those memories.
Researchers at UCI School of Medicine discovered how botulinum toxin is absorbed into the bloodstream through the intestinal lining. By understanding this process, they can develop new methods to block the toxin and prevent deadly botulism.
The UC Irvine Health Division of Nephrology & Hypertension will examine the nature and outcomes of transition to dialysis or kidney transplantation in advanced chronic kidney disease patients. The study will analyze data from veterans and Kaiser Permanente Southern California members.
A UCI-Wesleyan study found that caterpillars with varied diets are less camouflaged and easier prey for birds. This increased risk is offset by the benefits of reduced predation on plants that caterpillars with restricted diets consume.
Researchers at UCI have discovered a new role for estrogen receptors on the surface of cells, which collaborate with nuclear receptors to regulate organ development and function. The study has significant implications for understanding estrogen's role in diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and bone disease.
A groundbreaking study by UC Irvine and NASA glaciologists shows previously uncharted deep valleys connecting the Greenland Ice Sheet to the ocean, eroding glacier edges and releasing massive amounts of water. The research reveals that Greenland's frozen mass will retreat faster and farther inland than anticipated, contributing signifi...
A UCI-NASA study reveals six massive glaciers in the Amundsen Sea sector are in irreversible decline, contributing significantly to sea level rise. The glaciers contain enough ice to boost global sea levels by 4 feet and are melting faster than expected.
Researchers at UC Irvine and Salk Institute discover a new mechanism that allows blood to enter the brain immediately after a stroke, leading to permanent deficits in movement and cognition. The study suggests new therapeutic directions aimed at regulating flow through endothelial cells in the barrier after a stroke occurs.
Researchers discovered that cancer drugs can eliminate neural inflammation associated with dementia-linked diseases by eradicating microglia, the primary immune cells of the brain. The study found that these cells exacerbate many neural diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, as well as brain injury.
Genetically modified neural stem cells have been shown to produce neprilysin, an enzyme that breaks down amyloid-beta, reducing its accumulation in the brain. The approach has shown promising results in two different mouse models, with a significant reduction in amyloid-beta plaques compared to controls.
Researchers at UC Irvine's Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center found that bone marrow stem cells significantly improved multiple outcome measures in animal studies of stroke. The effects were robust regardless of dosage, timing, or method of administration.
Researchers created a patterned polymer material based on moth eyeballs that can eliminate glare from solar panels and electronic displays. The material also repels liquids and keeps grime in raindrops, solving issues with neighbors' solar panel spats and military detection.
A recent study published in Stem Cell Reports identified the earliest arising hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) precursors based on their ability to generate all major blood cell types. This discovery may be beneficial for creating purer, cleaner populations of these precursor cells for clinical treatments.
A recent study published in the journal Fire and Materials found that titanium alloy golf clubs can ignite fires when striking rocks in the rough. The researchers discovered that sparks from these clubs can reach temperatures of over 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit, posing a significant risk to dry foliage.
Researchers found a specific genetic flaw in the KCNE2 gene that is connected to sudden cardiac death due to heart arrhythmia. This discovery could lead to improved early detection and prevention strategies for people at higher risk, such as those with diabetes.
Two UC Irvine research teams will use the grants to investigate the fundamental structure and function of stem cells, with potential applications for treating cancer, neurological diseases, and injuries. The funded projects aim to uncover specific properties of human stem cells used in transplants.
A study by UC Irvine and other researchers found that Chinese air pollution affects the American West Coast, particularly Los Angeles. The pollution is caused by the manufacturing of goods for export, leading to an extra day of smog exceeding federal limits each year.
Researchers discovered a compound in traditional Chinese herbal medicine that effectively alleviates both inflammatory and nerve pain, with no tolerance to addiction. The compound, dehydrocorybulbine, was found to be reproducible and has potential as a new nonaddictive treatment for chronic neuropathic pain.
UC Irvine researchers found that a high-fat diet disrupts circadian rhythms, which can lead to metabolic disorders. A balanced diet normalized the rhythms, suggesting the circadian clock's adaptability.
A new study by UC Irvine researchers links six or more hours of daily exposure to media coverage of the Boston Marathon bombings with increased acute stress symptoms. Repeated exposure to violent images can prolong stress responses and have serious health consequences.
Researchers at UC Irvine's Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders have received a grant to develop and study patient-derived stem cell lines. The UCI MIND team will create up to 40 sets of induced pluripotent stem cells to explore the biology of Alzheimer's disease and test novel therapeutic approaches.
Researchers at UC Irvine and Germany have identified the molecular mechanism behind cataract formation, which could lead to new treatments. Understanding how crystallin proteins interact with genetic mutations, UV light, or chemical damage may enable the development of better artificial lenses and drugs.
Researchers found that HIV-1-specific antibodies and low pH enhance transcytosis of the virus across epithelial cells. This process was enhanced by the FcRn receptor and is influenced by whether or not the antibody neutralizes the virus.
UC Irvine and Northwestern researchers develop inhibitor compounds that inhibit neuronal nitric oxide synthase, enhancing the ability of antibiotics to treat bacterial diseases. The compounds demonstrate potential in combating diseases such as MRSA and anthrax by suppressing pathogenic bacteria's resistance to antibiotics.
The Henry Samueli School of Engineering at UC Irvine has received a $100,000 grant to further develop its stored energy solar stove, which enables carbon emissions-free cooking. The technology uses a solar collector to concentrate sunlight on an energy storage device, storing heat that can be released as needed.
Researchers found that individuals with exceptional autobiographical memory (HSAM) are vulnerable to false memories, similar to those with average memory. The study suggests that no one is immune to memory distortion.
Cerebral microbleeds are common in older individuals and can contribute to neurological changes. Researchers recommend considering microbleeds when treating other brain-related issues like stroke.
Researchers at UCI found that cells from a transplanted limb acquire the molecular 'fingerprint' of their new location, allowing them to transform into cells with the signature of the region they're grafted onto. This ability, called positional plasticity, has implications for regenerative therapies and cancer biology.
A UCI-led study found high levels of carcinogens and other gases downwind of major refineries and chemical manufacturers in Alberta, Canada. The researchers detected elevated rates of cancers linked to these chemicals in nearby communities.
The UCI's 90+ Study, a five-year research project focused on the health and lifestyle issues of Americans in their 90s or older, has received renewed funding. Researchers plan to use PET and MRI scans to investigate factors associated with Alzheimer's disease and dementia, as well as monitor blood pressure and oxygen saturation.
UC Irvine scientists have identified a key molecular gateway for the botulinum neurotoxin, which can be blocked by inhibitor molecules to prevent the toxin from entering the bloodstream. The discovery provides a vital first step toward a pharmaceutical intervention and could lead to preventive treatments for botulism.
Aaron Esser-Kahn, Sunil Gandhi, and Ali Mortazavi will each receive $2.3 million to fund their projects, focusing on vaccine development and neural plasticity. Their work aims to improve human health by transforming scientific fields.
Researchers at UC Irvine have created new memories by directly altering brain cells in the cerebral cortex, producing specific memory content with long-term retention. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for learning and memory disorders.
UCI researchers develop a biomimetic infrared camouflage coating using squid protein reflectin, allowing it to mimic the dynamic coloration and reflectance of squid skin. The material can disappear and reappear when visualized with an infrared camera.
Researchers identified critical inhibitory neurons responsible for vision development in children. A new treatment approach uses an experimental drug compound to reopen the critical-period window and correct central vision disorders.
A UCI-led study reveals how the SARS coronavirus hijacks host cells to replicate, providing insight into potential therapies. The research identifies three proteins responsible for this process, which could also be used by other pathogens.
A new computer model developed by a UCI-led team accurately accounts for bacteria and fungi's impact on soil carbon, leading to more reliable forecasts. The model suggests two novel scenarios: soil accumulating or releasing carbon due to microbial growth changes with temperature.
A UC Irvine study has found that breath analysis may be an accurate way to quickly determine the severity of bacterial infections. The researchers correlated inflammation levels in laboratory mice with carbon monoxide and other gases in breath samples, making carbon monoxide a reliable biomarker for infection presence and intensity.
A UC Irvine team measures how to best prevent bullet deaths by designing parameters for gun control. They found that reduced legal gun availability lowers domestic and one-on-one crime deaths, but armed citizens may save lives in rare mass shootings if trained to avoid accidentally shooting fleeing bystanders.
A probiotic strain of E. coli reduces Salmonella colonization by competing for iron, leading to decreased Salmonella counts in the gut. The approach has potential for treating other gut bacterial pathogens that require iron to grow.
Researchers at UC Irvine have identified a set of genes in female Heliconius butterflies that allow them to detect toxic chemicals and choose healthy host plants. This unique behavior is vital for the survival of the species, as it ensures their larvae receive the necessary nutrients to thrive.
A study by UC Irvine researchers found that basketballs and volleyballs can carry dangerous germs like Staphylococcus aureus, which causes staph infections. The germ was able to survive on sports balls for up to 72 hours, even in stored conditions.
Researchers at UC Irvine are working on two groundbreaking projects to treat Type 1 diabetes: islet cell transplantation using ultrapure algae membranes and the development of an accurate insulin sensor for real-time blood sugar monitoring. These innovations aim to improve treatment options and potentially cure the disease.
Researchers measured vitamin D levels in the US population and found they peak in August and trough in February. This seasonal variation may help explain the role of vitamin D in seasonal illnesses such as the flu.
A study led by UC Irvine researchers found that the herbal extract Rhodiola rosea increases fruit fly lifespan by an average of 24 percent. The extract works independently of dietary restriction and affects different molecular pathways. Additionally, it delays physical performance loss and extends the lives of old flies.