A study by UC Irvine neuroscientists found that people with a particular gene variant performed more than 20 percent worse on a driving test than those without it. The variant limits the availability of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which keeps memory strong.
UCI scientists identify protein PT as the key to making aflatoxin, a toxin produced by mold on nuts and grains that can cause liver cancer. The discovery could lead to methods of limiting its production and developing new inhibitors to prevent liver cancer.
Researchers have discovered that Alzheimer's disease can cause changes in the retina, which may predict how well treatments will work. The findings could lead to the development of retinal imaging technology for earlier diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's, a leading cause of elderly dementia.
UCI researchers developed a new approach using liposomes and peptides to precisely target cancer treatments to specific cells and organs. The study demonstrated effective delivery of doxorubicin to the liver with minimal uptake by other organs, offering a promising solution to reduce side effects.
Researchers at University of California - Irvine found that brain activity during an event is comparable to the first experience, even if specifics are forgotten. This discovery may shed light on memories of traumatic events and provide insight into memory loss with age.
A recent study using satellite data has found that groundwater in northern India has been receding by up to 1 foot per year over the past decade, primarily due to human consumption for irrigation. This depletion poses a significant threat to the region's agricultural output, potable water supplies, and social stability.
Researchers at UCI have identified TOMM40 as a gene that increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease by twice its presence in healthy individuals. The study also found that those with ApoE-4 are three to eight times more likely to develop the disease, highlighting new potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers believe a parasite found in chimpanzees in equatorial Africa is the original source of malignant malaria, transmitted to humans through a single mosquito around 5,000 years ago. This discovery could aid the development of a vaccine for malaria, which affects 500 million people annually.
Researchers find that nitrogen oxides combine with hydrochloric acid to create chlorine atoms, speeding up smog formation and contributing to corrosion indoors. This phenomenon should be added to atmospheric models to better predict air pollution levels.
Researchers at UC Irvine have found that neural stem cells can rescue memory in mice with advanced Alzheimer's disease by secreting a protein called BDNF, which creates new neural connections. This study provides hope for a potential treatment for the leading cause of elderly dementia.
A study found that a drug similar to one used for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis can rescue memory in mice with Alzheimer's symptoms. The drug, PMX205, prevented inflammation in brain regions with amyloid plaques, which accelerates neuron damage.
Astronomers have discovered two giant supernovae 11 billion years ago, providing unprecedented insights into the early universe. The discovery was made using a new technique that allows for the detection of distant dying stars.
Researchers found that oral treatment with melatonin before surgery can significantly reduce the occurrence of emergence delirium in children. Melatonin showed a direct dose-dependent effect on emergence delirium, with lower incidence rates at higher doses.
A potential vaccine for Alzheimer's disease has been shown to slow the weakening of muscles associated with inclusion body myositis (IBM) in mice. The study found reduced levels of beta amyloid and oligomeric beta amyloid, a more toxic form, in the skeletal muscle tissue.
The University of California, Irvine has been awarded a $45 million grant over five years to conduct infectious disease research. The grant is the campus's largest ever and will focus on improving detection, treatment, and vaccine development for bioterrorism agents and emerging infections.
Researchers found that consuming fat-rich foods enhances memory consolidation, triggering long-term memories of the activity. OEA, a compound produced in the small intestine, plays a key role in this process.
Researchers at UCI found that blocking melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) in the brain's pleasure center limits cocaine cravings. MCH works with dopamine to create an addictive response to cocaine use. By targeting MCH, new treatments may help break addiction to cocaine and possibly other drugs.
A recent study by UC Irvine researchers found that brief experiences activate neurons and genes associated with memory as effectively as repetitive activities. This discovery can help scientists design better therapies for diseases such as Alzheimer's, which impair the ability to form memories.
Researchers at UCI have found that circadian rhythms regulate energy levels in cells, with implications for treating diseases like cancer, diabetes, and obesity. The discovery opens a new window into understanding how the body's day-night patterns and metabolism work together to maintain cellular function.
Researchers will map planum temporale's functional organization to better understand its role in language abilities and disorders. The study aims to find connections between the brain region and conditions such as autism, schizophrenia, and perfect pitch.
A study by UC Irvine researchers found that individuals with high systolic and low diastolic blood pressures are at a greater risk of heart attack and stroke. The combination of these two blood pressure components is a superior predictor of future adverse cardiovascular events.
The UC Irvine Outreach Clinic offers free primary care, preventive medicine, laboratory testing, medication, and healthcare referral services to individuals with very low incomes. The clinic is the result of a decade-long effort by UCI students to address healthcare needs of underserved populations.
Researchers found that women with elevated levels of corticotrophin-releasing hormone in mid-pregnancy are at higher risk for postpartum depression. The study, conducted by UC Irvine researchers, suggests that identifying these women early could help prevent or treat the condition.
The University of California, Irvine has received a $3.3 million grant to expand its stem cell training program, which will attract top talent and develop more physician-scientists engaged in stem cell research. The program will train researchers to cross disciplines and develop new disease treatments.
Researchers studying astronauts on the International Space Station found a greater rate of bone deterioration than previously thought. Astronauts experienced an average loss of 14% hipbone strength, comparable to those with osteoporosis.
A therapy developed at UC Irvine will become the world's first embryonic stem cell treatment tested in humans, targeting patients with acute spinal cord injury. The U.S. FDA has approved a clinical trial led by Geron Corp., which aims to restore electrical conduction and mobility in paralyzed individuals.
A UCI study finds that sulfuryl fluoride stays in the atmosphere nearly 10 times longer than previously thought, with potential to trap heat near the surface. The insecticide's global warming potential surpasses carbon dioxide from 1 million vehicles annually.
The University of California-Irvine has set a new record for the largest class of researchers named Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science with 20 new honorees. The AAAS fellows represent the depth and breadth of research excellence at UCI.
A recent study analyzing satellite data reveals a significant link between drought and deforestation in equatorial Asia, leading to increased global warming. The practice of using fire to clear forests releases substantial amounts of climate-warming carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
A study by UC Irvine researchers reveals a significant increase in hospital admissions for asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory disorders during Southern California wildfires. Heavy smoke conditions were associated with a 34% rise in asthma admissions and a 67% surge in acute bronchitis admissions.
A recent study found that nicotinamide, a water-soluble vitamin, lowered levels of phosphorylated tau protein, a key player in Alzheimer's disease development. The treatment also strengthened microtubules, the scaffolding within brain cells, helping to keep neurons alive and preventing symptoms in mice with Alzheimer's disease.
A new study by UC Irvine finds that fungi in dry spruce forests produce less carbon dioxide when soil is warmed, potentially slowing climate change. This discovery could influence global climate change predictions and policy.
Researchers discovered that the small intestine can detect bitter toxins in food, slowing digestion and producing hormones that suppress appetite. This finding has potential applications for treating ailments like cancer and diabetes, and may explain why certain populations adapt to eat local foods that are toxic to outsiders.
A new study from UC Irvine researchers shows that unsaturated fatty acids stimulate production of oleoylethanolamide, which decreases appetite and increases feelings of fullness. The discovery points towards new approaches to treating obesity and eating disorders.
A study at the University of California - Irvine found that applying adhesive acupressure beads to the Extra-1 acupoint decreased anxiety levels in children undergoing anesthesia. The treatment has no side effects and can be used as a complementary therapy to make surgical procedures less stressful.
Researchers will analyze larger networks to understand how they form and evolve over time, with potential applications in identifying critical nodes and predicting new growth areas.
A phase III clinical trial led by UC Irvine's Dr. Bradley Monk found trabectedin to be effective in stopping ovarian cancer cell growth, with a median progression-free time of 9.2 months for those treated with the combination therapy. The treatment has hope for improved treatment of this deadly disease.
A recent study by UC Irvine reveals that older Vietnamese Americans are more likely to experience mental health issues, including depression and PTSD, stemming from their experiences as political refugees. The findings highlight the need for improved community mental health services to address these long-standing problems.
Researchers analyzed light from small galaxies to determine their masses, finding all dwarf galaxies had the same mass - 10 million times the mass of the sun. This discovery reveals a fundamental property of dark matter, a key component of the universe.
Dr. Edwin Monuki will study choroid plexus epithelial cells, which produce cerebrospinal fluid to promote normal nervous system health and function. Success in generating these cells could lead to clinical therapies and screens for new drugs for neurological disorders.
A study confirms climate change is causing thousands of trees and shrubs to die in the Santa Rosa Mountains, with plant species moving up an average of 213 feet as their habitat shifts. This finding has implications for forest management, ruling out air pollution and fire suppression as main causes of plant death.
A UC Irvine study found that only 17% of adults with cardiovascular diseases have optimal levels for all lipids, compared to 85% of those without heart disease. The researchers emphasize the importance of proper diet, exercise, and medication to target all lipids.
Researchers have discovered a new process that regulates adverse responses to bad memories by working on a tiny group of neurons inside the amygdala. By blocking or activating specific receptors, scientists can speed up or slow down traumatic responses, offering potential new treatments for panic disorders.
Researchers at the University of California-Irvine have discovered that adult stem cells in the mammalian brain originate from ependymal cells lining the ventricles. These cells can be coaxed into dividing, providing a promising approach to treating neurological disorders and injuries such as Parkinson's disease and stroke.
UC Irvine researchers found that CLOCK protein regulates body clock, working in balance with SIRT1 to modulate energy use. This balance is vital for proper metabolism, and disruption can lead to metabolic disorders. The study suggests that sleep and diet can help maintain this equilibrium.
The Orange County Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium is conducting a clinical trial to test the effectiveness of hypertonic saline solution in treating victims of severe traumatic injury. The study, which includes UC Irvine and other local hospitals, aims to improve survival rates from cardiac arrest and severe trauma.
Researchers analyzed data from the 90+ Study, finding that 45% of women over 90 had dementia, compared to 28% of men. The study highlights concerns about healthcare resources for the growing 'oldest old' population.
Researchers found that individuals who chose not to express thoughts and emotions about traumatic events reported fewer diagnosed physical and mental disorders over time. The study suggests that a universal approach to trauma counseling may be unwarranted and could result in misappropriation of resources.
The UCI Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center will house up to 26 researchers, a master's program in biotechnology, and programs educating patients and the public. The facility is expected to advance stem cell therapies for treating spinal cord injuries and other diseases.
A study by UC Irvine researchers found that a majority of participants did not realize their treatment preferences had changed over time, leading to false memories. The study highlights the need for ongoing dialogue among individuals, families, and physicians about end-of-life treatment options.