Researchers at UCLA have found a way to significantly reduce the duration of tuberculosis treatment using artificial intelligence and data analysis. The new approach identifies synergistic drug combinations that work together to cure TB more quickly and effectively.
A new study has found that for-profit dialysis providers are charging private insurers up to four times more than government payers for the same treatment. DaVita alone controls 37% of the U.S. market and operates over 2,500 clinics, with annual financial statements revealing significantly higher prices paid by private insurers.
A phase I clinical trial using stem cell immunotherapy will be tested on patients with advanced sarcomas and the NY-ESO-1 tumor marker. The treatment aims to generate a lasting immune response against cancer by modifying blood-forming stem cells and T cells to target specific proteins.
A new AI system called FocalNet has been developed to aid radiologists in detecting prostate cancer, achieving 80.5% accuracy in reading MRI scans. The system uses machine learning to evaluate tumors and predict their aggressiveness, providing diagnostic guidance to less-experienced radiologists.
Researchers found that eliminating routine but low-value preoperative tests for cataract surgery patients can lead to significant cost savings. The study showed a savings of $67,241 over three years at one medical center, without measurable negative effects on patients.
Current methods for measuring health impacts from oil and natural gas extraction are insufficient, with studies finding poor health outcomes near operations despite standard health benchmarks not being reached. The authors call for further research on emissions using accurate timeframes and proximity to extraction sites.
A preclinical study found that combining CAR T-cell therapy with photothermal ablation suppressed melanoma tumor growth for up to 20 days in mice. Among the treated mice, 33% remained tumor-free after 20 days.
Researchers discovered that women undergoing perimenopause experience significant changes in body composition, including increased fat mass and decreased lean body mass. The study also noted ethnic/racial differences in the impact of menopause on body composition.
Researchers have identified a promising new therapeutic strategy using two types of drug inhibitors to treat pancreatic cancer. The approach combines chloroquine with an inhibitor of the replication stress response pathway, showing potential in reducing tumor growth and improving prognosis.
The AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) presented 11 oral and 19 poster presentations on HIV and TB co-morbidities, treatment, and cure. Key findings include novel medications for MDR-TB and the impact of DMPA injections among women treated for HIV and TB.
A recent study published in the peer-reviewed journal Surgery found that surgery for uncomplicated appendicitis in adults is very safe, with more than 97% of procedures being minimally invasive. The study analyzed 7,778 appendectomies and found that only 3% resulted in complications, making it a low-risk option.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a method to screen hundreds of drugs in patients' own cells, creating miniature tumor organoids. This approach can help identify effective treatments for rare and hard-to-treat cancers, and could guide treatment decisions.
The Health Equity Network of the Americas (HENA) aims to address persistent health inequities in the region by fostering intersectoral partnerships. HENA's approach focuses on increasing knowledge of effective practices, promoting adoption of policies and programs, and ensuring successful implementation.
Researchers found patients born without a CCR5 gene recover better from mild stroke than those with the gene. Maraviroc, a drug blocking CCR5, accelerated recovery in mice and boosted motor skills, language, and sensory function.
Researchers identified a new type of immune cell called macrophages that play a critical role in heart valve formation and maintenance. These heart-derived macrophages are particularly adept at consuming excess tissue, making them indispensable to the formation and maintenance of healthy valves.
A study analyzing public health impact of e-scooters found that nearly a third of those injured required emergency department treatment. The majority of riders were not wearing helmets when injured.
A UCLA-led study found that administering immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab before surgery significantly extended the lives of people with recurrent glioblastoma. The study showed that those who received the drug prior to surgery lived nearly twice as long after surgery compared to those who received it afterward.
A new UCLA-led study shows that men with low- or intermediate-risk prostate cancer can safely undergo higher doses of radiation over a significantly shorter period and still have the same successful outcomes as from a much longer course of treatment. The study analyzed data from 2,142 men treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy for...
Researchers at UCLA create mature T cells capable of killing tumor cells from pluripotent stem cells using artificial thymic organoids. This breakthrough technique has the potential to lead to new approaches to cancer immunotherapy and create a virtually unlimited supply of T cells.
Researchers have created a method for modifying blood stem cells to reverse the genetic mutation that causes IPEX, a life-threatening autoimmune syndrome. The approach adds a normal copy of the FoxP3 gene to blood stem cells, restoring proper immune regulation and eliminating symptoms in mice.
A new UCLA study overturns the long-held belief that cancer cells are glycolytic, consuming more glucose than normal cells. Instead, researchers found that squamous cell skin cancers can use alternative nutrients like glutamine to fuel their growth.
Researchers found that paramedics can effectively identify acute psychiatric crises and divert them to specialized psychiatric facilities, reducing wait times for treatment. Over a five-year period, 22,000 psychiatric patients were treated at these facilities after being medically cleared by paramedics.
A major study has linked genetic variants to their molecular effects in the brain, revealing new mechanisms of diseases. The findings provide a roadmap for development of new therapies for psychiatric conditions. Thousands of RNA molecules are dysregulated in autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Researchers found significant problems in 7/112 children with eye abnormalities, 6/49 with hearing issues, and 11/94 with severe delays in language, motor skills, or cognitive function.
A UCLA-led research team has developed a spray gel that can awaken the immune system to stop cancer from recurring and spreading. The substance was successful half of the time in lab animals, with 50% survival rate after treatment.
Researchers have identified a new type of T cell called phospholipid-reactive T cells that recognize phospholipids, which can stimulate them or prevent glycolipids from reaching the surface of cells. This balance is crucial for maintaining homeostasis in the immune system.
A UCLA-led research team has identified two major groups of genes involved in mutations that result in an overproduction of tau protein, a hallmark of progressive dementia. The study suggests that these genetic processes may be targetable with experimental drugs.
A potential joint US-Mexico opioid epidemic is looming due to relaxed regulations, increased demand, and pharmaceutical pressure. The study highlights the need for US resources to mitigate a possible epidemic in Mexico.
Scientists at UCLA have identified sodium glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) as a key mechanism in lung cancer cell growth, which could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment. The study found that SGLT2 is predominantly used by lung cancer cells to transport glucose, even in pre-malignant lesions.
UCLA researchers found that a specific protein factor is essential for fibroblast cells to migrate and contribute to wound healing. This discovery may offer new insights into cancer progression and treatment options.
A low-fat diet has been shown to increase the survival rate of obese children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia by five times compared to a high-fat diet. This dietary intervention could potentially help kill cancer cells and improve treatment outcomes.
Students from lower-income neighborhoods who attended top-performing Los Angeles County high schools were less likely to abuse marijuana. Attending one of these schools was linked to lower marijuana use, fewer peers abusing drugs, and improved academic performance.
Researchers found that HIV-infected infants were four times more likely to acquire congenital CMV infection compared to uninfected counterparts. Infants born to HIV-positive mothers had high rates of congenital CMV, with a sixfold greater chance of acquiring the virus during pregnancy.
Researchers at UCLA have discovered that late-stage prostate and lung cancers share common molecular mechanisms. The study found that these cancers can evolve similarly, even from different organs, which could lead to the development of drugs to treat not just prostate and lung cancers but also small cell cancers of almost any organ.
Researchers found that online participants lost an average of 10.3 pounds at 6 months and 8.8 pounds at 12 months, comparable to in-person program results. The online program also showed better participation rates than the in-person program.
Researchers at UCLA have created a quick and effective mechanism to measure how circulating tumor cells perform functions that drive disease, such as producing proteins that degrade tissue. The new approach enables scientists to understand how tumor cells act, rather than just what they are made from.
Researchers found that acute changes in extracellular matrix components can trigger rapid changes in cell metabolism and migration, potentially leading to cancer metastasis. The study suggests targeting tumor metabolism by altering the extracellular matrix could lead to new cancer treatments.
A study by UCLA researchers found that California's minority population contributes to the state's relatively low death rate, despite high poverty and lack of insurance rates. The state's death rate from all causes was 619.1 per 100,000 population in 2016, lower than the national average.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a new method for tracking brain chemicals, including neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. The system uses tiny artificial receptors paired with semiconductor devices that can function in living tissue.
A new study led by UCLA researchers found that the ACA reduced disparities in healthcare between Mexican-heritage Latinos and other Latinos, with a significant increase in health insurance coverage among Mexican-heritage Latinos after implementation of the law's major provisions. However, disparities persist due to legal status, income...
Scientists have discovered a three-pronged treatment that stimulates axon growth through scar tissue in rodents, potentially leading to therapies for humans. The approach triggers axon growth and transmission across damaged tissue, opening doors to restoring connections in people with spinal cord injury.
A UCLA-led study found that a combination of pembrolizumab and SD-101 can alter the tumor microenvironment, enabling the immune system to attack cancer more effectively. The treatment has shown promise in people receiving immunotherapy for the first time, with some patients experiencing complete tumor disappearance.
A study of 63 healthy individuals found a strong association between elevated gut bacteria and stronger brain function in areas linked to reward and emotions. This suggests that indole-producing gut bacteria may contribute to overeating behaviors.
A UCLA study reveals that magnetic stimulation of the lower spine can restore significant bladder control in people with spinal-cord injuries. The treatment improved patients' quality of life by an average of 60%, allowing them to urinate voluntarily for up to four weeks between treatments.
A new roadmap for improving health has been developed by UCLA researchers using software that aggregates data on how to treat conditions of children with complex medical situations. The team identified 10 key health outcome domains, including social integration and family support, to help provide a comprehensive model of care.
Researchers found that statins can improve conditions in people with autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, a rare syndrome affecting 1 in 150,000 people worldwide. The study also identified two new tests to help diagnose the condition and showed promise for oral statin therapy as a potential new approach.
A UCLA-led study found that many people with heart failure do not receive recommended medications, and when prescribed, they are often at lower-than-recommended doses. The research highlights the need for new strategies to improve medication dosing and outcomes for people with heart failure.
A new study from the University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences reveals that parents who experienced severe childhood trauma are more likely to have children with behavioral health problems. The study found a strong association between parents' adverse childhood experiences and their children's behavioral health issues, par...
A UCLA-led study found how colon cancer alters its genes to avoid detection by the immune system. The ability of cancer to change its genes, called immunoediting, had never been described in colon cancer before.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a personalized glioblastoma vaccine that shows promise in increasing long-term survival. The vaccine, known as DCVax-L, has been shown to extend median survival time from 15-17 months to 23.1 months.