Researchers at UCI discovered that circadian rhythms directly control PPAR-gamma, a protein essential for lipid metabolism. The discovery could lead to new pharmaceuticals targeting the specific amino acid on PPAR-gamma, offering a singular target for drug development.
Researchers at UCI studied postmortem brain specimens from 33 individuals aged 71-105 and found cerebral microbleeds in 22 cases. The incidence rate is higher than previously reported MRI studies, suggesting age-related changes in blood vessel leakiness.
Astronomers at UCI use the Herschel telescope to detect hundreds of new galaxies through cosmic alignment, revealing a whole new class of galaxies from the universe's early days. The discovery provides insights into star formation and galaxy size when the universe was young.
Thay Q. Lee will receive $1.4 million to support his research on the biomechanics of flexing and kneeling in veterans with total knee arthroplasty. His work aims to improve quality of life for injured veterans and others.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that crizotinib caused tumors to stop growing, shrink or disappear in 57-33 percent of patients with a specific genetic mutation. This represents a significant improvement over the current standard treatment, which has a response rate of around 15 percent.
The grants will advance research on retinitis pigmentosa, Huntington's disease and traumatic brain injury. The selected projects are expected to result in candidate drugs or cell therapies, which can be developed for clinical trials.
A new study reveals an alarming increase in the flow of freshwater into the world's oceans, driven by global warming and accelerated evaporation. The research, led by UCI, uses satellite records to track water volume flowing from continents to oceans, finding a 18% rise in freshwater input since 1994.
A UC Irvine infectious disease specialist is leading a three-year study on new methods to prevent staph infections in people with MRSA bacteria. The project aims to reduce MRSA infection risk across the continuum of inpatient and outpatient care.
Researchers have discovered a novel compound that amplifies the effects of anandamide, a natural chemical in the body similar to THC found in marijuana. The synthetic drug URB937 inhibits FAAH enzyme, enhancing anandamide levels and producing analgesic effects without sedation or addiction.
A breakthrough study by UCI researchers reveals the complex evolution of aging, development and fertility in sexually reproducing species like fruit flies. By analyzing their genomes, they found evidence of selective adaptation in over 500 genes linked to traits such as size, sexual maturation and life span.
A recent UCI study discovered that liver defects may be a likely cause of low levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in Alzheimer's patients. The research found that DHA is not only essential for brain health but also plays a crucial role in preventing the neurodegenerative disease.
Researchers from UCI and Scripps discovered that myosin II proteins play a critical role in synaptic plasticity and learning, suggesting new therapeutic targets for memory-related disorders. This finding adds an unexpected dimension to the story of how memories are encoded.
A recent study by UC Irvine researchers reveals that large ruptures have occurred on the Carrizo Plain portion of the San Andreas fault every 45 to 144 years. The findings contradict previous reports and suggest a more complex earthquake recurrence pattern along the 810-mile fault.
A UC Irvine study shows that human neural stem cells can reverse long-term hind-limb paralysis in mice with chronic spinal cord injuries. The therapy demonstrates potential for treating a broader population of patients with spinal cord injuries.
Researchers at UCI identified a long-hidden part of the brain called the perforant path, which may help with early diagnosis. The study used ultrahigh-resolution MRI to track water molecules in the brain, confirming the passage weakens gradually with age and deteriorates more quickly due to Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at UCI, UCSD, and Harvard have induced robust regeneration of nerve connections that control voluntary movement after spinal cord injury. By deleting a cell growth inhibitor called PTEN, they achieved this breakthrough by turning back the developmental clock in a molecular pathway critical for the growth of corticospinal tr...
Researchers at UCI have found a new diagnostic tool for multiple sclerosis by detecting increased levels of antibodies that inhibit energy production in neurons. This breakthrough could lead to earlier and more effective treatment for the chronic disease.
Astronomers propose a new method for detecting extraterrestrial life by analyzing signals from advanced civilizations. The Benford beacons concept suggests that alien signals would not be continuously broadcast but rather pulsed and narrowly directed, potentially making them more detectable.
The Institute for Clinical & Translational Science at UCI will receive a five-year, $20 million NIH grant to speed up the translation of scientific discoveries into medical advances. The grant aims to support multidisciplinary research and foster community involvement in various fields.
Researchers at UC Irvine discovered that stimulating a single whisker can prevent strokes in rats by quickly expanding alternate arteries. The technique was 100% effective in preventing strokes when applied within two hours of blockage.
The University of California, Irvine will lead a groundbreaking malaria field research project in China, Myanmar, and Thailand with $4.7 million federal funding. Researchers aim to develop broader results by working with transient populations and Chinese residents near the Myanmar border.
A national study called HEALTHY found that innovative PE programs, healthier food choices, and in-class lessons on healthy lifestyles can benefit children most at-risk for type 2 diabetes. After three years, students in intervention schools had a 21% lower rate of obesity and improved fasting insulin levels compared to comparison schools.
UCI chemists develop synthetic antibodies that block bee venom by encasing melittin, a peptide causing cells to rupture. These 'plastic antibodies' offer a promising alternative to natural antibodies for treating medical conditions, with potential applications in fighting deadly toxins and pathogens.
A UCI study identifies the body's immune system as a key player in navigating transplanted stem cells to injured areas in the central nervous system. Adult neural stem cells were shown to be guided by CXCR-4 receptors and chemokine proteins to specific sites, where they differentiated into oligodendrocytes to repair damaged tissue.
Scientists at UCI created an eight-layer, early-stage retina from human embryonic stem cells, a complex tissue structure that could lead to transplant-ready retinas for treating eye disorders. The breakthrough uses differentiation technique to create multiple cell types necessary for the retina, mimicking early-stage retinal development.
A study published in BMC Public Health found that stress caused by the 9/11 attacks led to a spike in male fetal deaths and lower birth rates for boys in December 2001. The research suggests that societal shock may affect male pregnancies, potentially due to a mechanism conserved by natural selection.
UCI scientists Marian Waterman and Aileen Anderson receive grants totaling $2.6 million to study human stem cells for therapeutic use and biomedical innovation. The research will further understanding of how stem cells survive and remain pluripotent, potentially leading to breakthroughs in induced pluripotent stem cell therapies.
Researchers found that microbes become less efficient at converting carbon in soil into atmospheric CO2 as global temperatures rise, leading to reduced emissions. The study suggests that microbial efficiency decline may mitigate climate warming effects.
A recent study by UCI astrophysicists refines predictions for the detection of dark matter, suggesting that current models cannot account for excess high-energy positrons. The research leaves room for future experiments to potentially detect dark-matter evidence in the near future.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that insect-gobbling animals increase plant growth by reducing plant-feeding insects' damage. The research solidifies birds, bats, lizards, and other similar animals' importance to ecosystem health.
Francisco Ayala, a renowned evolutionary biologist, has won the 2010 Templeton Prize for his contributions to affirming life's spiritual dimension through scientific research. He promotes mutual respect between science and faith, suggesting they are not mutually exclusive but rather complement each other.
Scientists found that milkweed species that grow quickly are more vulnerable to insect damage, while fast-growing plants rely on predators for protection. This study provides valuable insights into plant defense mechanisms and has implications for developing pest-resistant crops.
UC Irvine researchers have sequenced the Hydra genome, discovering genes linked to Huntington's disease and beta-amyloid plaque formation in Alzheimer's. The genome sequencing advances research on regeneration, stem cells, and patterning, offering potential new treatments for various injuries and diseases.
A new treatment to restore brain cells damaged by stroke has passed the safety stage of a clinical trial led by UC Irvine neurologist Dr. Steven C. Cramer. Patients showed no ill effects after receiving sequential growth factors that encourage neuron creation in stroke-damaged areas of the brain.
Researchers at UC Irvine and CDU aim to improve clinical care for low-weight babies by monitoring their day-to-day health and that of their parents. The project uses mobile technology to collect and report recorded observations, enabling changes in clinical practices and alerting healthcare providers to potential problems.
UCI researchers found that learning activates neuron receptors that promote brain growth and limit memory impairment associated with aging. The study suggests that staying mentally active as we age may keep neuronal BDNF signaling at a constant rate, limiting cognitive decline.
A new strain of mosquitoes, where females cannot fly, may help curb the spread of dengue fever. The genetic approach is expected to reduce or eliminate disease transmission in six to nine months.
A UCI study found that urban 'green' spaces, including lawns, can emit more greenhouse gases than they absorb through photosynthesis and soil storage. Turfgrass management practices like fertilizer use, mowing, and leaf blowing contribute to significant emissions.
Researchers found that butterflies with a duplicate gene can see ultraviolet colors and have UV-yellow pigment on their wings, facilitating mate searching and reproduction. This link between vision and wing colors may be an adaptive advantage for these butterfly species.
Researchers detect Plasmodium falciparum and two new species of malaria parasites in gorillas, complicating efforts to eradicate the disease. The findings could aid vaccine development and further understanding of infectious disease transmission from animals to humans.
A UCI study found that urban green spaces, particularly lawns, can actually contribute to global warming through greenhouse gas emissions from fertilizer production, mowing, and other maintenance practices. The study suggests that these emissions outweigh the carbon sequestration benefits of lawns.
Scientists have discovered a protein that can restore motor function in rats with impaired mobility after a stroke, with administered directly to the brain showing 99% regain. The intranasal method also demonstrates significant behavioral improvements and regenerative anatomical process.
Satellite-based findings reveal nearly enough water lost in California's Central Valley to fill Lake Mead, primarily due to increased irrigation. The region's groundwater storage is declining, with significant losses detected in the San Joaquin basin.
Researchers found that strict glucose control reduces cardiovascular issues for diabetics with fewer health problems, but not those with long-term serious coexisting conditions. Firm glucose control may benefit patients with multiple health issues.
Physicist Jeff Barrett and colleagues are analyzing old notes by Hugh Everett III to understand how to measure physical objects in quantum mechanics. The effort aims to resolve the quantum measurement problem, a long-standing puzzle in physics.
Researchers have discovered that ancient Egyptian mummies, some as old as 3,500 years, exhibited significant calcification in their arteries, indicating the presence of atherosclerosis. This finding suggests that heart attack and stroke may not be exclusively modern diseases.
Researchers at UCI discovered a way to boost palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) levels, a potent anti-inflammatory substance. The PEA-boosting compound shows wide-scale promise as an immune-response drug treatment for allergies, illnesses and injuries.
A University of California, Irvine computer model forecasts improved air quality in the Greater Los Angeles area if 75% of drivers switch to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles by 2060. The model suggests a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and lower levels of soot and ozone.
Researchers found that transplanted stem cells restored learning and memory to normal levels in rats four months after radiotherapy. The treatment showed promise in reversing radiation-induced damage of healthy tissue in the brain.
A UCI embryonic stem cell treatment has shown promise in restoring limb function in rats with neck spinal cord injuries. The therapy may also benefit individuals with cervical damage, which currently lacks effective treatments.