Researchers developed a genomic blood test that uses gene activity data to predict survival rates for patients with advanced heart failure who undergo mechanical circulatory support devices. The test was 93% accurate in predicting outcomes and could improve survival rates and treatment decisions.
Researchers at UCLA discovered that high glucose levels in pregnant women can lead to premature heart cell maturation, increasing the risk of congenital heart disease. The study found that targeting the pentose phosphate pathway could help generate more mature cells for regenerating heart tissue.
A new UCLA study estimates that 47 million Americans already show signs of susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease and this number is expected to double by 2060. By then, about 5.7 million will have mild cognitive impairment and 9.3 million will have dementia due to Alzheimer's.
A new medical note system called 'OurNotes' has the potential to promote patient engagement, improve patient-centered care and collaboration between patients and providers. The study suggests that inviting patients to co-produce their own notes may help reduce documentation burdens on clinicians.
A UCLA study found that people are being screened for cardiovascular risk factors like diabetes and high blood pressure more frequently since the ACA implemented. However, a disparity was found in aspirin therapy, with men taking daily doses more often than women.
A new study found that heavy rainfall can indicate upcoming outbreaks of mosquito-borne viruses Zika and Chikungunya. The researchers developed a framework to predict where and when future outbreaks will occur, enabling municipalities to prepare measures to limit the spread of diseases.
HIV-infected patients have a lower rate of cholesterol-lowering statin drugs and aspirin therapy, while antihypertensive medication therapy shows less significant differences. The study calls for improving the quality of cardiovascular care for people with HIV.
Researchers developed a predictive tool to accurately estimate cardiac risks for older patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. The 'Geriatric-Sensitive Perioperative Cardiac Risk Index' considers age-specific risk factors and significantly outperforms traditional tools.
A new study found that hospitalized heart failure patients have lower survival rates and higher re-hospitalization risks despite normal left ventricular ejection fractions, highlighting the need for better treatments and outcomes prediction methods.
A new analysis of heart failure data found that federal policies aimed at reducing readmissions have led to an increase in deaths among these patients. The study suggests that the focus on keeping patients out of hospitals may be harming them, rather than improving quality of care.
A UCLA-led study reveals that sleep deprivation affects the ability of brain cells to communicate with each other, leading to mental lapses in memory and visual perception. The researchers discovered that lack of sleep also slows down brain cell activity, causing sluggish cellular activity and performance issues.
Researchers found that low-current electrical pulses targeting the right side of the entorhinal area significantly improved patients' ability to recognize specific faces. The study builds on previous research demonstrating that electrically stimulating the brain's entorhinal cortex can strengthen human memory.
Researchers at UCLA School of Dentistry used nanodiamonds embedded with biomaterials to protect disinfected root canals, resulting in improved tissue healing and no infection in three patients. The study confirms the immense promise of using nanodiamonds for overcoming barriers in various medical procedures.
Researchers developed improved mini brain organoids from stem cells, closely mimicking human brain structure. They found critical similarities between the organoids and real brain tissue and identified effective drugs to block Zika's entry into the brain, offering new avenues for studying neurological disorders
Researchers have developed a synthetic molecule, SUW133, that awakens dormant HIV cells and then knocks them out. The technique, called 'kick and kill,' could lower the viral reservoir enough for people with HIV to discontinue their anti-viral therapy.
A new UCLA study shows that black tea alters energy metabolism in the liver by changing gut metabolites, promoting weight loss and improving lean body mass. Both black and green tea change the ratio of intestinal bacteria, with black tea stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria.
A recent study by UCLA researchers found that low-cost, high-volume services account for a large portion of unnecessary healthcare spending in the US. The study analyzed data from Virginia's healthcare system and found that these services cost the state over $586 million in 2014.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse has awarded UCLA a $5 million grant to create a resource center for researchers studying the effects of substance abuse on HIV/AIDS. The Collaborating Consortium of Cohorts Producing NIDA Opportunities will connect researchers with access to millions of pieces of research data and lab samples.
Elementary school children with craniofacial anomalies show highest levels of anxiety, depression and peer interaction difficulties compared to middle and high school peers. Researchers call for education and acceptance to help youngsters thrive.
The UCLA-led study highlights the success of the kidney voucher program, which enables individuals to donate a kidney now and prioritize family members for future transplants. The program has led to 25 lifesaving transplants across the US, thanks to the altruistic donations of living donors.
A recent study has overturned a common belief about how bone morphogenetic proteins regulate the formation of nervous system cells during embryonic development. The findings could inform the creation of stem cell-based therapies that restore sensation, particularly for paralyzed patients.
Scientists at UCLA have initiated a phase 1 clinical trial using genetically engineered blood-forming stem cells to produce cancer-fighting white blood cells called T cells. The trial aims to provide both short and long-term immune response to cancer, targeting the NY-ESO-1 tumor marker.
The grant aims to improve the quality of donated livers and reduce organ rejection in transplanted patients. Researchers will focus on developing novel therapeutic strategies to prevent graft rejection and opportunistic infections.
A new study finds that brief interventions in a primary care clinic can reduce patients' risky substance use by 40%, with the greatest impact on Latino patients. The intervention, which included advice and counseling, resulted in two fewer weekends of drug use per month.
Researchers used gene therapy with LeXis, a 'junk DNA' suppressor of cholesterol, to reduce plaque in mice with familial hypercholesterolemia. The treatment lowered cholesterol and blockages in arteries, and appeared to reduce fat build-up in liver cells.
Despite high-risk genetic mutations detectable through simple blood or saliva tests, only 15% of affected women in US have taken recommended genetic test. A new study from UCLA Fielding School of Public Health highlights a significant unmet need for genetic testing across the country.
A new study published in Menopause found that vaginal estrogen therapy does not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, or other health issues in post-menopausal women. The research suggests that vaginal estrogen is a safe treatment for genitourinary symptoms associated with menopause.
Researchers at UCLA have identified a novel method to activate dormant stem cells in the hair follicle, which could lead to breakthroughs in treating hair loss. By manipulating cellular metabolism, they found that increasing lactate production accelerates hair growth in mice.
Researchers at UCLA found that estrogen therapy's dose, not delivery method, affects risk and benefit for postmenopausal women. Higher doses of conjugated equine estrogen are associated with greater risk of heart disease and certain cancers, especially in obese women.
Researchers identified distinct gut microbiota profiles associated with altered brain activity and emotional responses in healthy women. The Bacteroides group showed increased gray matter and hippocampal volume, while the Prevotella group exhibited reduced brain volumes and heightened negative emotions.
A streamlined method of tracking medical records reduced racial disparities in HIV care, with blacks and Latinos showing significant improvements in viral suppression rates. The study found that integrated medical records improved use of anti-retroviral therapy and reduced gaps between whites and minorities in HIV health outcomes.
A recent study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that HIV-positive women with cytomegalovirus (CMV) are more likely to transmit the virus to their infants, increasing the risk of congenital CMV infection. The study also found a significant association between gonorrhea and CMV transmission.
Researchers found that urinary cortisol levels were strongly associated with asymptomatic coronary heart disease in both women and men. Surprisingly, dopamine was inversely related to heart risk, indicating higher levels are linked to lower coronary calcium buildup.
Researchers found that Zika viral load and dengue antibodies were not associated with severe symptoms or fetal harm, contradicting previous theories. The study's findings suggest a lack of correlation between the amount of virus in the blood and severity of symptoms in pregnant women.
Researchers discovered genetic changes in the Galapagos cormorant that led to its loss of flight and also contribute to human bone development disorders. The study provides insights into the evolution of limb size and may lead to new treatments for people with skeletal ciliopathies.
Scientists at UCLA developed a laboratory test to determine the most effective treatment for gonorrhea. The new test led to a significant increase in the use of ciprofloxacin, from 0% to 34%, while reducing the use of ceftriaxone from 100% to 66%. This shift may help slow down the emergence of antibiotic resistance.
A UCLA study has discovered a pair of genes in Caenorhabditis elegans that encode both a poison and its antidote, representing a clear example of 'selfish genetic elements'. The research suggests that these elements could be used to stop the spread of diseases like malaria.
A study found that Americans with systemic sclerosis had a greater imbalance of good and bad gut bacteria compared to Norwegians. The researchers believe this difference is due to genetics and diet, which could lead to new treatments by restoring balance through diet modification, probiotics, and fecal transplantation.
A new study by UCLA researchers found a strong association between gut microbiota and brain regions involved in processing sensory information from the body. The study also revealed connections between childhood trauma, brain development, and the composition of the gut microbiome.
Researchers discovered specific genetic changes in placentas of women who gave birth to growth-restricted infants, which sabotage placental blood vessel growth and fetal nourishment. These changes can be used as a biomarker to predict normal pregnancy and newborn health.
Peripheral artery disease affects 200 million people worldwide, but less than half receive appropriate medication and lifestyle counseling. This study highlights the need to improve quality of care for high-risk individuals, who are at risk of adverse outcomes such as coronary heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.
Researchers have identified a new combination therapy that may improve survival for women with ovarian cancer by eradicating chemotherapy-resistant tumors. The treatment, involving carboplatin and birinapant, showed promise in mice and human tumor models, with 50% of samples responding to the therapy.
Scientists at UCLA's Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research have discovered a new role for netrin1 in organizing axon growth during embryonic development. The study reveals that netrin1 acts locally, guiding axons to form a normal functioning nervous system.
Researchers at UCLA found conscious sedation is a safe option for heart valve procedures, with shorter ICU and hospital stays, lower direct costs, and similar adverse event rates. The study suggests patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement should receive conscious sedation whenever possible.
Researchers identified six people with hypertriglyceridemia whose bodies produce autoantibodies against GPIHBP1, preventing LPL from reaching capillaries. This newly discovered syndrome, dubbed the GPIHBP1 autoantibody syndrome, has life-threatening potential and may be treatable with immunosuppressive drugs.
A UCLA study has identified a small cluster of brain cells that malfunction in Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and Tourette syndrome. These support cells play a crucial role in encoding Pavlovian response and may hold the key to diagnosing and treating these disorders.
Researchers developed a new way to visualize cholesterol distribution on cells and tissues using NanoSIMS imaging. The study found that accessible cholesterol is highly enriched on microvilli, supporting the idea that they play a role in regulating cholesterol production and unload surplus cholesterol.
Researchers have found that T cells soften after activation, allowing them to elicit a stronger response. They identified drugs that can help either activate or suppress T cell responses, providing a new approach to manipulating the immune system.
Researchers at UCLA School of Nursing found that donepezil, a medication approved for Alzheimer's disease, can accelerate cognitive decline in people with mild cognitive impairment who carry the K-variant of butyrylcholinesterase. Genetic testing is advised to determine if the drug is safe for these patients.
A limited subset of HIV strains can be transmitted from mothers to children, but these viruses are generally shorter and have fewer sugars attached, making them less likely to be neutralized by the immune system. This study highlights the need for different strategies to prevent transmission during pregnancy and breastfeeding.