A new UCI-led study indicates base editing has tremendous potential to treat inherited retinal degeneration, particularly in Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) patients. The treatment rescued cone photoreceptors on a long-term basis, suggesting a one-time, durable treatment for LCA patients.
A UCI-led study has found that early life adversity can lead to microglia dysfunction, resulting in abnormal stress responses later in life. The researchers discovered that microglial pruning of excitatory synapses during brain development is crucial for refining functional circuits and preventing aberrant stress responses.
UCI engineers developed an adaptive composite material that regulates heat through reconfigurable metal structures. The material can be used in various applications, including temperature-controlled packages and cups, with potential benefits for energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
A UCI-led study reveals how a TREM2 gene mutation in brain microglia immune cells can increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The research found that blocking excess calcium accumulation may be an effective way to modulate microglia behavior and fight the disease.
Researchers at UCI have made a breakthrough in understanding the Taq enzyme, which is crucial for DNA sequencing. They found that Taq behaves unexpectedly, rejecting correct bases more frequently than expected. This discovery has significant implications for personalized medicine and the accuracy of sequenced genomes.
Researchers found that disruption of normal neuronal functions affects metabolic activity, potentially contributing to drug-seeking behaviors. The study suggests that alterations in dopamine signaling may reprogram the circadian liver metabolome, leading to substance use disorders.
Researchers at UCI and NASA's JPL found that glacier grounding lines retreated at alarming rates, up to 12 km/year, due to high melt rates of floating ice in the Amundsen Sea Embayment. This process reduces basal resistance, speeding up glacier retreat.
A new mathematical model developed by UCI researchers combines human and algorithmic predictions and confidence scores to improve AI accuracy. The hybrid model outperforms individual human or machine predictions, demonstrating the potential of human-AI collaboration in building smarter AI systems.
A UCI-led study found that using peer-led online communities increased HIV self-testing and reduced alcohol consumption among Latinx and African American MSM. The HOPE intervention program was successful in reaching diverse audiences, particularly those with high rates of HIV cases and new diagnoses.
A UCI team uncovered key brain mechanisms by which the hippocampus organizes memories into sequences, enabling decision-making. The finding may help understand memory failures in Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
In a groundbreaking study, UCI scientists discovered how galaxies can strip smaller ones of their dark matter during collisions. This mechanism has the potential to explain how galaxies might be able to exist without dark matter, challenging long-held theories.
Researchers have discovered a gene variant that protects against Alzheimer's disease by increasing the activity of brain immune cells called microglia. The P522R variant also enhances the activation of other important aspects of immune function, suggesting potential new strategies for treating or preventing the disease.
Research finds prepubescent female rodents outperform males in hippocampal long-term potentiation and spatial learning, reversing after puberty. The study proposes optimal teaching strategies should adapt to brain differences between sexes during this critical life stage.
Researchers at UCI discovered that AdipoR1 protein deficiency leads to ceramide accumulation in the retina, causing progressive photoreceptor cell death. A pharmacological treatment combining desipramine and L-cycloserine reduced ceramide levels, protecting photoreceptors and improving vision.
A UCI-led team identified a molecular feature in prostate cancer associated with ancestry, which may help predict patient risk and tailor treatment. ERV expression signatures also showed promise for identifying patients at greatest risk of progression across different ancestries.
A UCI-led research team has identified novel functional roles of new circuit connections between the CA1 region and dorsal CA3 regions of the hippocampus. Genetic inactivation of this projection impairs object-related spatial learning and memory, but does not modulate anxiety-related behaviors.
UCI researchers used cryo-electron tomography to study the rod outer segment membrane in the eye, revealing key structural determinants that contribute to blindness. The study's findings could lead to new therapeutic approaches using gene editing technologies.
A new study by UCI researchers confirmed the connection between impaired DNA repair and increased DNA damage in spinocerebellar ataxia type 7, a condition that affects coordination and movement. The study identified PARP inhibitors as potential therapeutic targets for the currently incurable disease.
A new UCI study links rising temperatures to higher blaze risk in the Sierra Nevada, predicting a 50% increase in wildfires by 2040. The research analyzes daily temperature spikes and finds that each 1 degree Celsius rise increases fire risk by 19-22%
A multidisciplinary team from UCI has published a new guide for statistical analysis in neuroscience research, providing an overview of mixed-effects models and clear instructions on their application. The guide aims to improve the validity and reproducibility of experimental findings in the field.
A UCI-led team has developed a high-throughput screen methodology to identify compounds that affect the functional role of Rh, a key G protein-coupled receptor. The study reveals new allosteric modulators that can alter rod light response kinetics or reduce rod sensitivity, paving the way for next-generation therapeutics.
Researchers found a specific plant extract activates a potassium channel that soothes pain, while having the opposite effect on another related channel, which can prevent diarrhea. The discovery could lead to new medicines for pain and gastrointestinal issues.
Researchers at the University of California, Irvine developed a new 'body area network' fabric that enables battery-free communication between clothing and nearby devices. This innovation allows wearers to digitally interact with electronic devices and make secure payments using a simple high-five or handshake.
Researchers at UCI found that PIEZO1, an ion channel mechanosensor, regulates keratinocyte migration and wound healing speed. In mice lacking PIEZO1, wounds heal faster than those with increased PIEZO1 function.
A recent study suggests that wind and solar power can meet more than 80% of global electricity demand, especially in larger, lower-latitude countries, but may require energy storage for multi-day periods in colder regions
A US study found that businesses selling non-FDA-approved stem cell products grew four-fold in five years, with California, Texas, and Florida leading the nation. Patients spend thousands of dollars on unproven treatments, posing significant risks to their health, while the industry's lack of regulation endangers public health.
A UCI-led study identifies a glucosyltransferase domain as an ideal molecular target for therapeutic interventions against C. difficile infection. The research reveals the structural basis for Toxin B recognition of small GTPases Rho and R-Ras, offering new strategies to combat this deadly disease.
Researchers have identified a specific molecular mechanism that controls the transition from acute to chronic pain. Disabling an intracellular enzyme called N-acylethanolamine acid amidase (NAAA) can halt chronic pain development in mice, suggesting a new class of drugs to treat various forms of chronic pain.
Researchers detected SARS-CoV-2 viral load in wastewater samples that correlated with reported COVID-19 cases. The study suggests wastewater-based epidemiology as a valuable tool for early warning detection during outbreaks.
Experts from the UK and US are calling for AI to advance research and develop new therapies for the growing global deafness crisis. Nearly 2.5 billion people will experience some degree of hearing loss by 2050, with inadequate care for many affected individuals.
A recent study by UCI researchers found that the extract of Corydalis yanhusuo prevents morphine tolerance, dependence, and addiction. The findings suggest that YHS may help reduce opiate overdose mortality when co-administered with morphine.
Researchers at UCI and NASA JPL found that a thinning of the ice melange, a slushy concoction of windblown snow, iceberg debris, and frozen seawater, is a major driver of ice shelf collapse. The study revealed that melange thinning can lead to rapid retreat of Antarctica's ice shelves.
A UCI-led team has discovered specific brain cells, called fan cells, that compute and represent the association between new unrelated items. These cells are controlled by dopamine and are required for successful acquisition of new associative memories.
A UCI-led study identifies a new molecular pathway that promotes wound healing in the skin by relaxing cell-cell adhesions between migrating keratinocytes. This finding may improve understanding of wound healing biology and lead to new therapies for non-healing wounds like diabetic ulcers.
A study by UCI researchers reveals two ways APOBEC3A is controlled in response to stress, offering potential therapeutic strategies against cancers and viral infections. The findings could lead to new treatments that prevent DNA mutations caused by the enzyme, reducing disease progression and resistance.
A team of University of California, Irvine scientists discovered a novel pharmacological approach to attenuate mitochondrial dysfunction that drives diet-induced obesity. They found that a small molecule, SH-BC-893, can correct metabolic disease even when mice continue to consume an unhealthy Western diet.
Researchers warn that rising temperatures and drought will reduce California's natural ability to remove CO2 from the atmosphere, potentially limiting the state's progress toward achieving carbon neutrality. The study highlights the importance of present-day drought and wildfire in driving carbon sequestration losses.
Researchers at the University of California, Irvine have created a new type of camera technology that can visualize various materials and structures with detailed chemical information. The technology uses nonlinear optical effects in silicon to capture depth-resolved images on a camera in one shot, allowing for faster inspection of obj...
Researchers discovered Piezo1 selectively restrains Treg cells, limiting their potential to mitigate autoimmune neuroinflammation. Inhibiting Piezo1 could lead to new treatments for neuroinflammatory disorders like MS.
A study by UCI researchers found that fireworks use spikes air quality pollution, particularly in low-income communities. The team used PurpleAir sensors to track PM2.5 levels before, during and after Fourth of July fireworks, revealing a significant impact on public health.
New research reveals how lung cancer progression disrupts circadian glucose regulation, fueling cancer cell growth. The study identifies REV-ERB? as a key regulator and suggests targeting this protein to suppress cancer cell growth.
Researchers found a link between abnormal cellular stress and Huntington's disease, identifying stress granules as a pathological feature. The study also uncovered extracellular vesicles that may alter other cells' behavior and impact granule accumulation.
A recent UCI-led study reveals that cancer immunotherapy can trigger both favorable and unfavorable immune effects, with T regulatory cells playing a key role in limiting tumor control. The study found that CTLA-4 blockage activates these cells, decreasing the efficacy of immunotherapy and potentially leading to fatal autoimmunity.
A University of California, Irvine-led study reveals albumin activates a proton channel giving sperm the ability to penetrate and fertilize an egg, and allowing white blood cells to secrete inflammatory mediators. The interaction also enables neutrophils to produce and secrete inflammatory mediators that kill bacteria and fight infection.
Researchers have identified a unique binding site between Clostridioides difficile toxin B and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4, revealing a potential therapeutic avenue for combating hypervirulent strains. A CSPG4-mimicking decoy could neutralize major TcdB variants, offering a superior alternative to existing antibody therapeutics.
A UCI-led study has identified key molecular mechanisms underlying complex traits and diseases, providing new insights into the role of genetic variation and environmental factors. The research reveals that specific molecular features associated with phenotypic variations contribute substantially to disease risk.
Researchers at UCI tracked 22,896 patients with COVID-19, analyzing medicine usage rates of 10 different medicines. The study found that dexamethasone increased in usage from 1.4% to 67.5%, while hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin saw significant declines.
A UCI study shows that human-sourced greenhouse gas and aerosol pollution is lengthening and intensifying droughts globally. Drought hotspots in the Americas, Africa, and Asia have seen significant shifts due to anthropogenic forcing.
A new study finds that low serum levels of the sugar N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) are associated with progressive disability and neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis. The study suggests that GlcNAc deficiency may promote disease progression, providing potential avenues for identifying patients at risk.
New research suggests that the Arctic's increasing plant biomass is not enough to absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide, as most of it is released through fires and timber harvests. The study estimates that only 430 million metric tons of biomass have accumulated over 31 years, with much of it being lost due to wildfires.