The National Institute on Aging has awarded the University of California, Irvine (UCI) $9 million to continue its research on Alzheimer's disease. Two key projects will focus on understanding age-related changes in the brain and the role of mitochondrial defects in causing Alzheimer's disease. These studies aim to advance our knowledge...
Ivan Soltesz, a UCI neurobiologist, received the Senator Jacob Javits Award in the Neurosciences to investigate post-traumatic epilepsy research. The $2.7 million grant aims to develop new anti-epileptic treatment strategies for people who have recovered from severe head trauma.
A human embryonic stem cell-derived treatment has restored insulation tissue for neurons in rats with acute spinal cord injuries, leading to significant improvements in walking ability. However, the same treatment was ineffective on rats with chronic injuries, highlighting the importance of early intervention.
A new technique using a femtosecond-pulsed laser can create highly precise incisions, leading to faster healing and stronger transplants. Clinical trials are expected to begin this summer, offering hope for patients with corneal disorders.
A new study estimates that polluted O.C. beaches result in significant healthcare costs, affecting both locals and tourists. The research, conducted by UCI researchers, provides policymakers with a valuable tool for evaluating the cost-benefit of cleaning up coastal waters.
A nationwide study by UCI researcher found that nitrogen fertilization can have a devastating impact on rare plant species, causing a decline in diversity and even local extinction. The study analyzed 967 plant species across various ecosystems and identified simple plant traits as predictors of species risk.
Researchers found that training for filtering out clutter doubled efficiency in clear displays, but had no effect on cluttered displays. The study suggests new methods for training people to pinpoint targets in busy images.
Researchers at the University of California, Irvine, have found that electroacupuncture can reduce elevated blood pressure by up to 50 percent in rats. The study suggests that acupuncture may be an effective complement to other medical treatments for patients with hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.
A UCI research team identified beta amyloid accumulation within neurons as the trigger for Alzheimer's memory decline in mice. By clearing away excess beta amyloid, they were able to correct memory impairments. The findings have implications for developing drugs targeting beta amyloid.
A California university study found that improved infrastructure around schools increases walking and biking habits in kids, contrary to a decades-long trend of decreased physical activity. Parents report their children are three times more likely to walk or bike to school near such improvements.
Susan Bryant, a leading researcher in limb regeneration, was elected a 2005 Association for Women in Science fellow for her efforts to increase women faculty at UCI. Her work led to a significant increase in the percentage of women recruited to tenure-track positions across campus.
A recent study found that nicotine can eliminate the differences in brain activity between men and women during hostile or impulsive acts. Brain imaging research conducted by UCI showed that when participants were given nicotine, the brain-metabolism activity was virtually identical for both sexes.
A UCI study found that combinatorial drug therapies halted brain-cell damage in fruit flies with mutated Huntingtin protein, showing potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases. The treatment combines compounds targeting different cellular processes with no toxic side effects.
Researchers propose that insects close off their respiratory systems to lower internal oxygen concentration and prevent oxidative damage. Insects like grasshoppers and moths regulate oxygen levels by controlling breathing patterns, which can impact aging and pesticide use.
Researchers at University of California - Irvine find that chronic nicotine exposure increases neurofibrillary tangles in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, contradicting previous studies. The study highlights the importance of investigating therapies for both plaque and tangle formations in Alzheimer's.
A new study by UCI researchers found that carotid-artery plaques develop depressions called ulcerations that can lead to stroke-causing blood clots. Early detection and treatment of these plaques before ulceration growth may benefit people at risk for stroke.
UCI's undergraduate research programs will receive a $900,000 funding boost from the National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health. The programs, launching this summer, will allow students to conduct interdisciplinary research in biomedical and health promotion fields.
A UCI study discovered that enhancing frequency modulation on cochlear implants and hearing aids can significantly boost performance by separating background noise and increasing tonal recognition. This improvement can particularly benefit users of hearing aids, affecting music and certain spoken languages like Mandarin.
Researchers at UCI create a new method to rapidly discover antigens for vaccines, enabling the expression of hundreds of proteins in just one week. This technique addresses the bottleneck in processing large amounts of data from genome sequences, allowing for faster vaccine development and improved safety.
A new UCI study finds that men and women use different brain areas to achieve similar IQ results, with women having more white matter and men having more gray matter related to intellectual skill. The study suggests that human evolution has created two different types of brains designed for equally intelligent behavior.
A UCI professor has developed a method to measure the relationship between environment and mental well-being, finding that natural features like water and flowers are most beneficial for mental health. The study suggests that designing landscapes with these elements can enhance overall quality of life.
Researchers have identified a potential therapeutic application for the new drug Nifrolidine in treating nicotine addiction and Alzheimer's disease. The study found that Nifrolidine binds to specific brain receptors implicated in these conditions, offering hope for early diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers found that people who believed they had become sick from eating hard-boiled eggs or pickles were more likely to avoid these foods in the future. However, the effect was limited to novel food items, with no change in behavior towards commonly consumed foods like potato chips.
Researchers at UCI created oligodendrocyte cells from human embryonic stem cells that can function in a living system, forming myelin patches and restoring sensory and motor function. The study shows great promise for treating spinal cord injuries and diseases.
A team led by Professor Kenneth Mease will develop an algorithm to control a Mars lander's flight during the hypersonic entry phase and deliver the vehicle with pinpoint accuracy. The first demonstration of pinpoint landing is under consideration for a Mars mission in 2011.
Researchers found that the combination of nicotine and acetaldehyde significantly enhances addictiveness in adolescent rats, while adult rats show no significant increase. The study suggests studying interactions between nicotine and other tobacco smoke components could improve smoking cessation efforts.
A UCI study found that increased CRH can inhibit normal brain-cell development, leading to poor dendrite growth. The researchers believe this may be related to autism, depression, and dementia, and may have potential preventive treatments.
Researchers have successfully grown ultralong carbon nanotubes that exhibit superior electrical properties to copper, a world record for nano-materials of this length. The discovery paves the way for innovative applications in supercomputers and healthcare.
The new UCI Environmental Molecular Science Institute will investigate how chemical reactions occur at the boundary between air and liquid droplets, affecting atmospheric pollution and climate change. Researchers will use theory, experiments, and computer modeling to gain new insights into smog formation and acid rain.
The UCI Brain Imaging Center will utilize advanced fMRI, PET, and DTI imaging techniques to study abnormal brain networks in schizophrenia. The goal is to identify the underlying biology of the disease and develop more effective treatments.
Researchers successfully targeted the key HIV protein Nef using small molecules, disrupting its interaction with other proteins. This breakthrough may lead to new drug therapies with improved treatment options.
A new Web-based template helps Internet buyers and sellers with clear privacy policies, leading to increased trust and online sales. The study found that shoppers who used the template bought products 33% more often than those presented with standard policy statements.
Researchers at UCI are working on a vaccine against melioidosis, caused by B. pseudomallei, a bacterium that thrives in water and can cause severe pneumonia and septic shock. The development of a safe and effective vaccine is crucial to blunt bioterrorism threats.
A UCI study discovered a new brain protein, NPS, that regulates sleep and anxiety. The findings suggest that NPS can be a target for new drugs to treat sleep disorders and anxiety.
A UCI study found that specialized training for resident physicians significantly improves their teaching and mentoring skills. The 'residents-as-teachers' program was designed to enhance communication skills and model professional attributes.
Researchers found that using specific antibodies to clear a certain type of brain lesion reversed abnormalities arising from another, halting disease progression. Early treatment significantly increases chances of success.
A new UCI study has identified a gene linked to breast cancer that can also suppress tumor growth by blocking estrogen and growth factor signals. The research provides further insight into how estrogen interacts with mutated BRCA1 genes to promote breast cancer development.
A comprehensive brain-scan study of intelligence has identified certain brain regions and their gray matter volume as key determinants of general human intelligence. The research reveals that multiple brain areas are related to IQ scores, with only about 6% of all gray matter appearing crucial for intelligence.
The University of California - Irvine has launched the nation's first medical education program focused on Latino culture, providing a unique training experience for future physicians. The Program in Medical Education for the Latino Community (PRIME-LC) combines medical-school training with post-graduate work in environmental health, s...
An international team of scientists has successfully observed elusive neutrino oscillation using the Super-Kamiokande detector. The findings confirm that neutrinos have mass and change state from one type to another, providing evidence for neutrino mixing.
A novel mutant gene variant of MLH1 significantly increases the risk of colon cancer among Israeli patients, with a 40-percent lifetime risk. Researchers discovered the gene in Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jews, Muslim and Christian Arabs, and other ethnic groups, suggesting its widespread presence globally.
Kenneth Baldwin will lead a $2.5 million NASA program to develop exercise programs for astronauts, addressing physical impacts of space travel. The research aims to enhance the new NASA Space Exploration Initiative, enabling humans to work for months on the International Space Station and potentially send humans to Mars.
Adolescents are more susceptible to the rewarding effects of nicotine due to age-related differences in brain maturation and chemical interactions. Research findings also suggest that programs to prevent teen smoking have a significant positive economic impact.
A new molecule, AM1172, has been identified as a potential treatment for overeating and drug dependency. By regulating the brain's natural 'bliss' system, AM1172 may help counterbalance feelings of anxiety and depression that contribute to obesity and substance dependence.
Researchers discovered that migratory birds can detect fluctuations in magnetic fields using a molecular substrate for chemical reactions. The study found that the birds' sensitivity to artificial magnetic fields ruled out the use of simple magnetic materials in their beaks or brains.
Researchers found urban surfers reported almost twice as many symptoms as rural surfers due to water exposure. The study suggests current pollution guidelines may not be sufficient to protect public health from general water runoff.
A study found that California's beach warning system incorrectly notifies the public about coastal water quality up to 41% of the time. The research identified tidal outlets as major contributors to pollution along the shore, suggesting a need for improved warning systems and approaches to managing storm runoff.
Researchers have extended atmospheric record of methyl bromide over 300 years by analyzing air bubbles in an ice core. The study shows that global atmospheric methyl bromide levels increased significantly during the industrial era.
A UCI study reveals that newborn neurons in the adult brain mature by growing neural signaling appendages similar to those found in developing brains. This finding may aid in understanding how stem cells can be used to treat neurological diseases.
A study from UCI reveals that individuals with hostile personalities exhibit significant brain activity in response to nicotine, leading to a predisposition for cigarette addiction. Non-hostile individuals show no such reaction.