Dr. Tallie Z. Baram, a renowned UCI researcher, has been honored with the nation's top neuroscience prize for her pioneering work on childhood febrile seizures and their link to adult epilepsy. Her research has defined molecular changes in brain cells caused by early-life febrile seizures.
Researchers found evidence of reactive chlorine chemistry in surface air, estimating it creates 5-8 parts per billion of maximum daily ozone level. Chlorine levels fluctuate with little regularity and its cause remains unknown.
The study found that soluble forms of amyloid beta are highly toxic, killing neurons in as little as 12 hours, while fibrillar forms render them useless over a period of days. Researchers hope to develop therapies targeting these different forms of amyloid beta.
A team of UCI researchers, led by Ken Muneoka, will focus on harnessing the body's natural healing process to heal deep wounds involving bone, muscle, nerves and other soft tissues. The goal is to recreate a regeneration process in mouse models that could lead to breakthroughs in wound healing and limb regeneration.
A new study suggests that body mass index (BMI) standards for younger adults may not be appropriate for people in their 80s and 90s. The analysis found that those who were overweight had the lowest mortality rates, while being underweight led to higher mortality rates.
A recent study by the University of California - Irvine has found that indoor air purifiers producing even small amounts of ozone can exceed public health standards. This increases exposure to ozone levels in excess of health guidelines for people operating these devices indoors, potentially worsening respiratory issues such as asthma.
The Allergan Foundation has donated $2 million to support eye research, clinical care, and education at the University of California, Irvine. The donation will help develop a new facility dedicated to retinal diseases, including diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
Researchers will investigate the biological processes linking exercise with disease in children, examining how exercise impacts growth, development, and immune function. The goal is to develop effective exercise programs to lower obesity rates and improve health outcomes for children with chronic diseases.
Scientists have discovered that agrin controls nerve cell excitability by regulating sodium pump activity in the brain, potentially leading to new treatments for epilepsy. Agrin also regulates potassium levels in heart tissue, raising the possibility of its use in treating congestive heart failure.
Researchers discovered that men's and women's brains behave differently even when at rest, with distinct connections to other brain regions. This finding may lead to a better understanding of why certain psychiatric disorders affect one gender more than the other.
The five-year grant will enable large-scale imaging studies on brain disease and illness, improving collaboration among researchers. Function BIRN aims to speed discoveries and treatments for schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, depression, and dementia by sharing data and expertise.
A team of researchers from UCI has identified a new form of superior memory syndrome, hyperthymestic syndrome, in a 40-year-old woman known as AJ. The study found that AJ's memory is instant and deeply personal, related to her own life or to other events that were of interest to her.
Researchers have created genetically modified mosquitoes resistant to the Type 2 dengue fever virus, which infects 50 million people annually. The mosquitoes showed high levels of resistance and were able to reproduce, making them a promising tool for controlling mosquito-borne diseases.
UCI researchers found a compound, AF267B, reduces hallmark lesions and improves cognitive function in genetically modified mice. The compound mimics the effects of acetylcholine and binds to M1 receptors, preventing beta-amyloid production and accumulating tangles.
A comprehensive report examines the health status and political influence of Hispanics in America, finding rising rates of obesity and diabetes among young Hispanics. The report also projects increased Hispanic political influence, but warns that changes to voting rights laws could limit this growth.
Neural activity prior to an event can predict whether it will be remembered, according to a new study by UCI neuroscientist Michael Rugg. The study found distinct neural patterns that indicate whether words would be recalled in a later test.
Researchers found that adding neurotrophins to human embryonic stem cells increases cell survival by 36-fold. This discovery could enable mass production of stem cells for disease treatment and prevent tumor formation.
Frank LaFerla, a UCI neurobiologist, has made significant strides in understanding the molecular development of Alzheimer's disease. His work identified beta amyloid and its buildup as the trigger that marks the onset of memory decline, contradicting previous beliefs.
A multidisciplinary team at UCI will investigate the connection between genetic variations in mitochondria and metabolic syndrome symptoms. The research may lead to new diagnostic tools and treatments for conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers analyzed over 15,000 Union veterans' records, finding a strong link between war experiences and increased signs of cardiac, gastrointestinal, and nervous disease. Youngest soldiers who witnessed the bloodiest combat had shorter life spans, despite surviving the war.
Researchers found that the hippocampus processes contextual memories, while the anterior cingulate cortex handles unpleasant stimuli. The amygdala consolidates both contextual and unpleasant information, suggesting a fragmented processing of memories.
A team at UC Irvine will receive a $1.5 million grant to develop computer-based simulations of pandemic flu and other infectious disease outbreaks. The research aims to improve understanding of how to prepare for and contain the spread of such diseases.
Researchers will use fMRI technology to map brain regions active during speech and language tasks in healthy subjects, with data from stroke patients used to correlate language deficits with damage to specific brain areas.
Researchers will use a tumor biopsy or blood examination to identify a 'gene signature' that indicates aggressive prostate cancer, allowing patients to make informed treatment decisions. The study aims to improve outcomes for up to 30% of men with prostate cancer who do not require radical treatments.
Researchers found that up to half of Amazon's oldest trees are over 300 years old, with some reaching 1,000 years. This challenges previous studies suggesting the Amazon can absorb more carbon dioxide than predicted.
Dr. Tallie Z. Baram has been awarded the Epilepsy Research Recognition Award for her pioneering research on childhood febrile seizures and their potential link to adult epilepsy. Her work aims to develop new treatments that can calm childhood seizures without harming adults.
Researchers developed a breath test that measures sulfur compounds in exhaled breath to detect bacterial growth in cystic fibrosis patients. The test found significantly higher levels of sulfides in cystic fibrosis patients, suggesting an increased amount of bacterial growth in the lungs.
A new study by UCI researchers found that early life emotional stress can lead to deficits in brain-cell communication for learning and memory function, even in adulthood. Infants subjected to limiting nesting material in cages exhibited behavioral changes later in life, including difficulties with memory and recognition.
A new study at UCI Medical Center will investigate the impact of exercise on growth in premature babies, using bedside nurses to perform daily range of motion exercises for four weeks. The study aims to identify approaches that optimize weight gain and reduce length of stay in neonatal care.
A recent study by UC Irvine and USC researchers found that gang injunctions can lead to positive short-term outcomes, including reduced intimidation and visibility of gangs. However, the findings suggest that lasting community changes require additional efforts, such as vocational training and resident involvement.
A new study by UCI researchers shows that adult human neural stem cells can differentiate into new oligodendrocyte cells and neurons, restoring myelin and improving motor function in mice with spinal cord injuries. The treatment also leads to behavioral improvements, including the ability to step using hind paws.
A new treatment approach blocks memory for places associated with cocaine use by inactivating the ERK protein, suggesting a potential strategy for developing addiction therapies. The research provides novel insights into brain mechanisms underlying relapse and shows long-lasting effects.
A new study by UCI neurobiologists suggests that the brain uses a unique coding system to store memories. When this code is used, information is stored in more brain cells, resulting in stronger memories. However, if the code is not used, memories may be weaker due to fewer neurons involved.
A study examining the health of over 2,900 black immigrants reveals that those born in Europe experience poorer health outcomes than U.S.-born blacks, while those from Africa and South America fare better. The research highlights the negative impact of racial discrimination on health.
Researchers employed a bacteriophage to learn how an HIV protein responds to new anti-viral molecules, identifying compounds with potential to overcome drug resistance. This approach enables faster and more effective drug discovery for other anti-viral therapies.
A study by UC Irvine researchers discovered that estrogen has a protective effect on the mitochondria in vascular cells, increasing energy production efficiency and reducing oxidative stress. This finding suggests that estrogen may be beneficial for women's cardiovascular health, particularly after menopause.
University of California, Irvine researchers will evaluate alternative materials and recycling programs to reduce the environmental impact of e-waste, including cell phones. The interdisciplinary team aims to create a comprehensive model to protect public health and the environment from hazardous chemicals in electronic waste.
A major observational study suggests that a healthy diet rich in folates can significantly reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study, led by UC Irvine researchers, analyzed the diets of over 500 individuals and found that high folate intake was associated with a 55% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's.
Using RoboLase, Australian scientists successfully performed sub-cellular surgery on a laser microscope system in California, demonstrating the potential for remote medical procedures. The technology enabled researchers to collaborate without traveling to a single laboratory site, paving the way for increased global scientific collabor...
Researcher Elizabeth Loftus found that people can be led to believe they got sick as children from specific unhealthy foods, resulting in reduced appeal as adults. Participants showed a similar tendency to avoid the food after believing they had a negative experience.
Research reveals that emotionally arousing events activate the brain's amygdala, strengthening connections between neurons and increasing a protein called Arc to store lasting memories. The study shows that the amygdala plays a pivotal role in forming long-term memories.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is providing $1.95 million for a new UC Irvine center to evaluate juvenile and adult prison programs, including rehabilitation and reentry options. The Center for Evidence-Based Corrections will inform policy decisions with scientific evidence.
Researchers found that estrogen triggers molecular activity blocking cardiac hypertrophy, a common cause of heart enlargement and heart failure. The study suggests that estrogen supplements may prevent cardiac hypertrophy in postmenopausal women, continuing a debate on the hormone's role in limiting cardiovascular disease.
A new study reveals how the GDF11 protein controls retinal-cell differentiation during development, making it an attractive therapeutic target. By manipulating this process, researchers may be able to harness the power of existing stem cells in the retina to replace damaged or diseased cells and potentially cure visual disorders.
Researchers at UCI identified a protein called prokineticin 2 (PK2) that directs new neurons created from adult stem cells to specific brain regions. This discovery could lead to targeted therapies for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, as well as stroke and other brain injuries.
Researchers have discovered a link between stress-induced analgesia and endocannabinoids, finding that natural marijuana-like chemicals in the brain play a key role in pain suppression. A novel inhibitor molecule has been developed to boost the analgesic effect of the specific cannabinoid compound most directly related to pain relief.
Researchers developed mathematical model to estimate probability of drug-resistant mutant cells and identify optimal combination of three drugs. The model suggests a 'cocktail' approach is needed to reduce treatment failure rates, improving outcomes for patients with CML.
Scientists at the University of California - Irvine have developed a method to send data at speeds of up to 10 gigahertz using nanotubes, breaking conventional copper wire limitations. This technology has the potential to revolutionize high-speed electronic devices and wireless systems.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded UC Irvine a $40 million grant to establish the Pacific-Southwest Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases Research. The center will focus on developing vaccines, antidotes, and new methods to prevent infectious diseases.
Michael Prather, a renowned atmospheric scientist from UCI, has been awarded the Jefferson Science Fellowship to provide expertise on environmental issues. He will spend a year in Washington, D.C., advising the US Department of State and discussing science with non-specialists.