UCI will receive $3.9 million to enhance its core embryonic stem cell research laboratory and expand a training program for young scientists on research techniques involving human embryonic stem cells. The grant is part of $50 million in funding awarded to 17 institutions by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine.
A US-Asian teaching gap exists in math instruction, with US teachers utilizing fewer spatial supports and gestures that encourage active reasoning compared to Hong Kong and Japan. This could contribute to lower US student performance on international math tests.
Researchers have developed unique images of physical changes in brain cells associated with memory, uncovering clues about memory loss linked to cognitive disorders. The study also reveals that LTP deficiencies accompany the memory loss seen during the early stages of Huntington's disease and can be fully reversed through treatment.
A glucosamine-like supplement called GlcNAc has been found to suppress the damaging autoimmune response seen in multiple sclerosis and type-1 diabetes mellitus. In studies on mice, GlcNAc inhibited the growth and function of abnormal T-cells that incorrectly direct the immune system.
A UC Irvine study found that certain antibiotics reduce bacteria in ticks, leading to retarded growth and reduced reproduction. The discovery could lead to safer and more effective ways to control ticks and the diseases they transmit.
UC Irvine researchers identified a new class of compounds that target nicotinic receptors in the brain, improving working memory and filtering sensory input. The findings suggest potential treatment possibilities for schizophrenia, ADHD, and Alzheimer's disease, offering a safer alternative to nicotine.
A systematic study of China's fertility policy found that 63% of couples are limited to one child, and the policy has proven remarkably effective in reducing birth rates. The study also reveals exceptions within prefectures for certain groups, highlighting the complexity of the policy.
A study by UC Irvine scientists found that diets rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) can help prevent the development of Alzheimer's disease later in life. Mice given a DHA-rich diet showed lower levels of tau and beta amyloid, proteins associated with neurofibrillary tangles and plaques.
The study analyzed existing genetic studies and found that non-genetic factors such as poverty, housing segregation, and poor diet are stronger indicators of diabetes than genes. The findings challenge the widely held thrifty genotype theory, which suggests that certain minority groups are genetically prone to diabetes.
A majority of Afghans (84%) support democracy, with a high level of understanding of its key concepts. However, regions of conflict pose a significant threat to democratic participation and the coexistence of democracy and Islam.
A UC Irvine scientist has discovered that excess nutrients in an ecosystem can lead to a decrease in plant species diversity while increasing the productivity of a few selected species. This finding provides a new explanation for why polluted ecosystems often contain limited numbers of plant species.
A UC Irvine research found that insurance brokers and for-profit groups are key to helping eligible California children enroll in government-funded health care programs. The program, which paid $25-$50 per person enrolled, showed a significant increase in successful enrollments before being suspended in 2003.
Three UCI projects focus on mitochondria, spinal cord injuries and genetic manipulation of human embryonic stem cells. Researchers aim to develop therapies and treatments for degenerative diseases and cancers.
Researchers reconstructed the H5N1 avian flu virus's history over the past decade, tracing its origins in Guangdong province and spread across Eurasia. The study provides a roadmap for health officials to limit the virus's spread by targeting specific strains and regions.
Scientists at UC Irvine found that ozone-emitting air purifiers can create additional microscopic particles when used with household cleaning products, increasing harmful particulate matter levels. The researchers developed a mathematical model to predict whether an air purifier will make the air dirtier in a given indoor environment.
Six UCI scientists received CIRM SEED grants to study human embryonic stem cells in various diseases, including muscular dystrophy and mitochondrial dysfunction. The research aims to develop therapies for patients suffering from these conditions and improve the therapeutic potential of human embryonic stem cells.
A new study reveals that biomedical researchers often use social and historical explanations to define race and ethnicity, rather than biological differences. The research highlights the imperfect science of defining ethnic groups and emphasizes the importance of considering structural inequalities in understanding health disparities.
Researchers at UCI have identified a novel approach to treating tinnitus by applying a low-pitched sound through an MP3 player, providing temporary relief from high-pitched ringing tones. The treatment, which is only effective while applied, suggests customized stimulation and balanced stimulation as key to suppressing tinnitus.
A new study by UC Irvine researchers found that immigrants are more likely to become US citizens when they live in states with a warm and welcoming attitude towards them. This suggests that money is not the primary motivator for naturalization, but rather a sense of community and acceptance.
A robotic therapy device called HOWARD has been shown to improve hand function in stroke patients by nearly 10% and manual dexterity by 20%, enabling them to grasp and release objects more effectively. The device, developed by UCI researchers, wraps around the hand and assists patients as they initiate movement.
Men diagnosed with breast cancer are at a significantly high risk of developing a second primary cancer, particularly those of the breast, stomach, and skin. The researchers recommend closer monitoring and screening for these men to reduce the risk of second cancer.
A study by UC Irvine scientists found that short but repeated learning sessions can slow the development of two brain lesions associated with Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest that stimulating the mind through activities like reading or crossword puzzles may help delay and/or prevent the disease in senior citizens.
Researchers at UC Irvine have developed a novel method to measure carbon dioxide levels from fossil fuels by analyzing corn samples collected from nearly 70 locations nationwide. The study found that California and the Ohio Valley had the most fossil-fuel-emitted carbon dioxide, while the Colorado region had the least.
Researchers discovered that quick-growing plants like weeds can adapt in just a few years to climate change, whereas slower-growing plants struggle. This finding suggests that annual plants may thrive better in warmer conditions, leading to potential changes in Earth's plant life.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that the brain processes pitch in Mandarin Chinese music before processing semantics in language. This finding highlights why people with cochlear implants struggle to understand tonal languages like Mandarin.
UCI scientists discovered that mifepristone, a chemical compound used in abortion pills, can prevent breast tumor growth by inhibiting progesterone in breast tissue cells. This finding may lead to new prevention methods for women with a genetic predisposition to breast and ovarian cancers.
Researchers at UCI found that atmospheric methane levels have remained nearly flat for seven years, indicating a possible slowdown in global warming threats. Methane pulses were paralleled by increases in ethane, supporting the theory that biomass burning is a significant source of methane.
Researchers at UCI found that cholinergic neuronal circuits rely on neurotrophin-3 to recognize and reach target nerve cells in the brain. This discovery may lead to potential treatments for Alzheimer's disease by inducing nerve fibers to regrow in the cerebral cortex.
Scientists at UCI found that forest fires can lead to cooling of the northern climate due to increased snow reflectivity. This study suggests that preventing boreal forest fires could have unintended consequences on global temperatures.
Scientists found that a particular part of the brain, called the intra-parietal sulcus, is activated to bind together details of an event when it occurs, allowing for more detailed memories. This region is responsible for integrating contextual details and central aspects of the event.
Researchers at UCI identified natural compounds that block autoimmune T-cell activity, potentially developing new treatments for type-1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. The study found the compounds suppressed autoimmune T-cell function without affecting other immune cells.
Researchers have sequenced the honeybee genome, revealing its African origins and surprising spread throughout Europe, Asia, and North and South America. The findings highlight the need for better breeding practices to assist pollination and mitigate the negative impact of Africanized bees.
Researchers have identified how the body's own immune system contributes to nerve fiber damage in multiple sclerosis. B-cells damage axons by inhibiting energy production, leading to degeneration and death. This finding could aid therapy development for this chronic disease.
Scientists found that higher levels of acetylcholine during learning correlate with more detailed memories. The discovery could have implications for treating memory-related disorders.
A study by UC Irvine sociologists finds that certain groups of U.S.-born children of immigrants, such as those of Mexican, Haitian, and West Indian descent, face lower levels of education, income, and higher incarceration rates. The study confirms the critical importance of education in overcoming these challenges.
Tarantulas can now be known to secrete silk from spigots on their legs, which may have increased traction. This discovery could represent a major change in the evolution of spider silk production.
Researchers at UCI found that fat droplets serve as storage depots for excess proteins, regulating their presence in the cell. The study suggests that these droplets could help fight diseases caused by excessive protein production, such as prion diseases.
Researchers analyzed temperature and salinity data from sensors along the Southern California coast to detect changes in water quality. They found that fluctuations in sensor data correlate with changes in water quality, allowing for near real-time detection methods.
Researchers have found that proteins essential for brain growth during development are equally important for forming long-term memories. Growth factors like BDNF play a critical role in retaining long-term memory by binding to specific receptors in the brain, and their absence can block this process.
Researchers at UC Irvine found that stress hormones exacerbate the formation of brain lesions associated with Alzheimer's. The study suggests that managing stress and reducing certain medications prescribed for the elderly could slow down the disease progression.
Researchers at UCI create tool to analyze thousands of variables, predicting potential effect of distributed generation on Southern California air by 2010. The study found that maximum levels of ozone and particulate matter could increase slightly, but the impact would be far less than other power-production alternatives.
Researchers at UC Irvine discovered that a class of drugs called ampakines can reverse age-related memory loss by increasing the production of a naturally occurring protein in the brain. The study showed that even after the drug left the body, its effects on memory formation persisted.
Researchers at UCI used text mining to analyze 330,000 NYC Times articles, identifying topics and trends. This technology can be applied to various fields, such as medical research and law.
The LifeChips program aims to develop broad-based skills in students combining engineering, physical sciences, biological sciences, and medicine for life science research. Graduates will be prepared to lead the next generation of LifeChips research, making scientific discoveries and transforming them into technologies.
Researchers from University of California, Irvine, found that transplanted human embryonic stem cells do not cause harm and can be used to treat acute spinal cord injuries. The study confirmed previous findings that replacing a cell type lost after injury improves outcomes in rodents.
Researchers found that nicotine exposure in rat fetuses led to impaired auditory processing and cognitive deficits. The study suggests that prenatal nicotine exposure damages brain receptors, affecting sound sensitivity and higher cognitive functions.
A recent genetic study discovered a link between beta-actin mutations and developmental brain disorders, including dystonia. The findings suggest that these mutations may play a wider role in a range of congenital diseases.
Researchers will conduct experiments on college students with normal vision to determine optimal training patterns for visual analysis and how it can improve performance for people with certain deficits and disorders. The findings could provide insight into vision deficits such as dyslexia.
Sue J. Gross and William H. Gross have made a $10 million gift to UC Irvine to support stem cell research, enabling scientists to collaborate and advance the field. The donation will facilitate research efforts and build a proposed Stem Cell Research Center building.
Sheryl Tsai receives $240,000 to pursue her work on polyketide synthases, enzymes that produce natural products used in pharmaceuticals. Her research aims to develop new drugs for cancer and other diseases.