A significant spike in suicidal thoughts, planning, and attempts among older US adults was found in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic. The study's findings suggest that traditional risk factors may not be the only factors at play, and that a broader risk assessment approach is needed to identify older adults at risk.
A new analysis of a phase 3 clinical trial found that daraxonrasib improved survival compared with standard chemotherapy across multiple groups of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. The treatment consistently provided a benefit regardless of tumor RAS mutation status or previous treatment history.
A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that New York City's tenant right-to-counsel program was associated with lower rates of all-cause emergency department visits among low-income residents at high risk of eviction. However, the program was linked to an increase in ED visits related to mental health and s...
A new AI platform, MAESTRO, has been developed to identify promising drug combinations for overcoming treatment resistance in prostate cancer. The platform uses large language models to analyze scientific knowledge and ranks the most promising candidates, providing a clear biological rationale for experimental testing.
A new study found that oxaloacetate, a molecule that helps cells produce energy, may improve cognitive function and reduce fatigue in breast cancer survivors with 'chemo brain' or brain fog. The study showed significant improvements in memory, concentration, and physical functioning after 8 weeks of treatment.
Susan Ettner, Donald Kohn, and Dennis Slamon elected to National Academy of Medicine for their groundbreaking research in health economics, gene therapies, and cancer treatment. Their election recognizes major contributions to medical science, healthcare, and public health.
Dr. Donald Kohn, a renowned pediatric bone marrow transplant physician and gene therapy researcher, has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine for his groundbreaking work in blood stem cell gene therapies. His lab has made significant contributions to treating ADA-SCID, severe leukocyte adhesion deficiency-I, and other diseas...
Researchers at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center used CRISPR screen to identify key molecular pathway driving T-cell exhaustion in cancer-fighting immune cells. Disabling the pathway, CRL5, allowed engineered immune cells to stay active longer and fight solid tumors more effectively in preclinical studies.
The UCLA Tarjan Center's 2026 Forum in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities will discuss pressing issues in disability services, misinformation, mental health, and education, with a focus on advocacy, action, and community engagement. The forum will bring together state leaders, researchers, clinicians, advocates, and people with lived expe...
Two UCLA-led studies reveal features of effective immune responses in glioblastoma and introduce a preclinical model that more closely mirrors the human disease. Long-term survivors showed evidence of a stronger immune response within their tumors, offering important clues for developing treatments.
A UCLA-led team will investigate how Zika virus damages the developing eye and explore potential treatments with a $2.7 million NIH grant. They will use lab-grown retinal pigment epithelium cells, mini retinas, and newborn mouse models to examine protein interactions and test promising compounds.
A new UCLA study suggests that adding a targeted radioactive drug to stereotactic body radiation therapy may help delay the spread of recurrent prostate cancer. The treatment showed a 62% lower risk of progression or needing additional hormone therapy, and improved control of disease on conventional imaging.
UCLA scientist Tara TeSlaa is developing a new approach to record nutrient use in specific cell types, aiming to build maps of cellular metabolism across tissues and conditions. Her lab will use stable isotope tracing to create a molecular record of nutrient use, allowing for more accurate interpretations of nutrition research.
Dr. Dennis Slamon, a pioneer in breast cancer research, has been awarded the 2026 Albany Prize for his groundbreaking work on targeted cancer treatments. His discovery of the HER2 protein and the development of Herceptin have transformed the understanding and treatment of breast cancer, saving millions of lives worldwide.
Researchers will investigate if persistent symptoms are driven by ongoing gut inflammation or altered gut-brain signaling. The study aims to support new personalized treatment approaches for ulcerative colitis patients with persistent IBS symptoms.
A multidisciplinary UCLA research team is developing a noninvasive approach to determine whether indeterminate pulmonary nodules are cancerous. The team aims to improve risk stratification, support earlier and more accurate clinical decision-making, and reduce unnecessary biopsies or surgery.
A multidisciplinary approach is crucial for treating recurrent prostate cancer, combining advanced imaging, radiation, and systemic therapies to address microscopic disease. The case report follows Larry Hardesty, who underwent several clinical trials, including PSMA-targeted radioligand therapy, leading to undetectable PSA levels and ...
Researchers will study interoceptive neuroscience to understand how the nervous system senses and interprets signals from within the body. The five-year grant will establish a national research center to connect neuroscience, physiology, medicine, and computational science, aiming to improve patient outcomes.
The UCLA Tarjan Center is launching a three-year initiative to expand employment opportunities for Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program aims to improve employment pathways, workforce training, leadership development and access to disability resources. Through three complementary programs, participa...
UCLA researchers present new radiotherapy research for prostate cancer, head and neck cancers, and personalized radiation therapy. A genetic test identifies men with prostate cancer at higher risk of urinary side effects after SBRT, suggesting personalized radiation treatment.
A UCLA study found that a dietary supplement, Ca-αKG, reduced lung tumor growth in female mice, but increased tumor growth in male mice. The supplement activated genes associated with better outcomes in women with lung cancer, but had the opposite effect in men.
Researchers aim to understand the conditions that determine the survival of transplanted retinal cells and develop more effective regenerative therapies for geographic atrophy. They also seek to uncover early mechanisms that contribute to infertility and create a more detailed blueprint for human germ cell development.
Researchers have discovered novel blood biomarkers, long-chain dicarboxylate acids (DCAs) and medium- to long-chain acyl-carnitines (ACs), in mouse and human blood samples exposed to air pollution. These biomarkers provide insights into how air pollution damages cell function and increases the risk of heart disease. The buildup of thes...
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that Black and Hispanic patients are less likely to adhere to their diabetes medications compared to White patients. The study, which analyzed national health data from 2019, showed that extra assistance programs significantly reduced treatment gaps, particularly for high-cost treatments.
A UCLA research team engineered immune cells that target atherosclerotic plaques, clearing out rogue smooth muscle cells and inflamed macrophages and foam cells. The 'triple-threat' cells outperformed single-target versions in mouse models and artery tissue, showing promise in treating cardiovascular disease.
A UCLA study found that teaching autistic children to 'think like a reporter' using cognitive reappraisal reduces brain activity in sensory regions and increases activity in areas regulating emotional responses. The technique, already used in cognitive behavioral therapy, shows promise in easing sensory difficulties in daily life.
UCLA researchers are launching a phase 1/2 clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of JAK inhibitors in preventing immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced type 1 diabetes. The trial aims to test whether these drugs can protect insulin-producing cells in patients who develop diabetes after cancer immunotherapy.
A new UCLA study has found a connection between brain aging and gut biology, suggesting that people's brains may be aging decades before symptoms appear. The study, published in eBioMedicine, analyzed brain scans and stool samples to identify a link between brain communication patterns, gut bacteria, and brain aging.
Scientists have identified a pathway in liver cells that may explain how statins could help prevent or slow the development of liver cancer associated with fatty liver disease. Statins reduced levels of GGPP, a molecule that helps activate Rho GTPases, proteins involved in regulating a cell's internal structure and signaling.
A new study from the Stein Eye Institute resolves the long-standing debate on the structural question of primate cone photoreceptors' disk membranes. Researchers found that the majority of disk membranes are closed, unlike non-mammalian species, with implications for cell biological processes and phototransduction.
UCLA scientists develop a stem cell-based platform to produce uniform T cells that target solid tumors in a unique way, avoiding a common side effect. The therapy, called AlloESO-T cells, keeps tumors in check and extends survival in mouse models of ovarian, melanoma, and prostate cancers.
A new study identifies astrocytes in the brain's fear center as a key player in stress response and anxiety. The research found that restoring the antenna-like structure on these cells can ease stress behaviors, and a potential treatment target has been identified.
Dr. Amir Iravani brings expertise in molecular imaging and radiopharmaceutical therapy to UCLA Health, expanding research and clinical cancer care. He aims to integrate theranostics into cancer care, expand clinical trials, and develop new treatments for solid tumors and hematologic malignancies.
A phase 3 trial shows infigratinib treatment significantly improves growth in children with achondroplasia, a skeletal condition causing disproportionate short stature. The oral treatment option is particularly suitable for early intervention in infants, who are most likely to benefit from pharmacologic treatment.
Two UCLA studies published in Cell and Science uncover the role of metabolism and physical signals in guiding radial glia to produce specific cell types in the developing human cortex. Metabolic research found that the pentose phosphate pathway influences cell fate, while thalamic projections make direct physical contact with radial gl...
A review led by UCLA investigators found that AI can identify subtle signs of breast cancers missed during routine mammograms, but its clinical benefit is uncertain. AI may also identify patterns associated with an increased risk of cancer before it becomes visible on a mammogram.
A new study suggests that estrogen hormone treatment combining estriol and progesterone may help alleviate 'brain fog' symptoms in menopausal women. The study found significant reductions in cognitive symptoms such as memory, concentration, and problem-solving after 12 months of treatment.
A UCLA study found that patients with cancer who used biosimilars had lower average monthly costs for insurers and patients, with savings of $3,820 for insurers and $39.50 for patients. The study also found that biosimilar entry led to lower prices and declining market share for the original branded biologic drugs.
Dr. Mina Sedrak has received a $3.6 million NIH grant to develop strategies for improving physical recovery and reducing frailty in older adults after hematopoietic cell transplantation. The grant will support a multisite randomized clinical trial testing the effectiveness of combining exercise with a senolytic therapy in improving phy...
A new UCLA study found that teenage girls who experienced the highest levels of childhood trauma showed the largest gains in social connectedness after participating in a breathwork course combined with social-emotional learning. The program, developed by the International Association for Human Values, increased social connectedness by...
Researchers analyzed patient data from five clinical trials to evaluate the impact of adding hormone therapy on postoperative radiation outcomes. While traditional pathological features can identify patients at higher risk of recurrence, they do not predict treatment benefit.
Researchers at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center are developing drug-based strategies to enhance cancer immunotherapy for melanoma and potentially other cancers. They identified two promising compounds that could strengthen T cell interaction with cancer cells or make tumor cells more susceptible to destruction by T cells.
Researchers found the nucleocapsid protein amplifies inflammatory pathways in macrophages, fueling tissue-damaging immune responses. The study suggests a possible mechanism for cardiac injury seen in severe COVID-19 cases and points to targeted treatments
Researchers used real human brain tissue samples to test the underlying mechanisms of deep brain stimulation. They found that brain cells became more synchronized in communicating, similar to memory formation, while altering gene expression across different types of brain cells.
Adults with type 2 diabetes have a high risk of fragility fractures, but new research found GLP-1 receptor agonists reduce this risk by 21% compared to DPP-4 inhibitors. The largest reductions occurred in hip, femur, and spine fractures.
Researchers at UCLA created a 'cell village' approach to study the genetics of brain cell fitness, which revealed that individuals with autism are more likely to have faster-dividing cells. This discovery could lead to early mechanistic understanding of how autism develops and improve personalized treatment.
Researchers have identified a promising strategy to improve the effectiveness of targeted therapies in advanced prostate cancer. By combining ADCs with a drug that blocks BCL-XL, they triggered greater cancer cell death and slowed tumor growth. The approach could offer a new strategy for improving antibody-drug conjugates against metas...
Researchers found that a single dose of rapamycin rapidly improved symptoms in adult mice with autism-like changes, reversing abnormal brain signaling and behavior within two hours. The study suggests the adult brain's functional circuitry, not just its physical structure, as a target for future treatment approaches.
A new UCLA Health study found that female ER physicians request more imaging and laboratory tests and admit more patients to the hospital than their male counterparts. However, the additional testing was just as likely to uncover important findings, suggesting clinically appropriate care.
Breast cancers diagnosed during the first three years after childbirth are biologically more aggressive than similar cancers in women who have never given birth. The Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score suggests biological features associated with a higher risk of recurrence among these patients, including higher-grade tumors.