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.
A new approach to treating tuberculosis could significantly reduce treatment time and improve patient outcomes. Researchers identified an effective four-drug regimen that kills TB bacteria in the lungs and cures mice up to four times faster than current treatments.
Researchers have found that women's mental sharpness starts to decline as early as their 50s, with an average decline of 5% over 10 years. Cognitive processing speed and verbal memory also show significant declines, highlighting the importance of menopause transition in understanding cognitive changes.
A new study from UCLA suggests modifying federal health guidelines to use a risk calculator that takes into account more factors, potentially increasing effectiveness of PrEP in preventing HIV transmission. The calculator uses real-world data and is expected to be useful for gay and bisexual men who have sex with men.
Researchers will create a detailed map of the heart's nerves to develop new therapies targeting neural structures and improve electrical stimulation therapies. More than 800,000 US deaths annually from cardiovascular diseases link to the autonomic nervous system.
Researchers found that temporarily blocking type I interferon can restore immune function and speed up viral suppression in HIV-infected mice. This approach may help eradicate HIV throughout the body when combined with antiretroviral therapy.
A UCLA study found high rates of moderate-to-high drug use in East Los Angeles (19.4%) and Tijuana (5.7%). Screening could steer people away from risky drug use with just a few minutes of counseling.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that Zika-linked abnormalities in human fetuses are more common and severe than initially thought. Out of 125 pregnancies among Zika-infected women, 46% resulted in birth defects or fetal death, with microcephaly being only one of several complications.
Researchers define how genetic factors affect blood-forming stem cells' regenerative properties, accelerating or hindering their ability to restore the immune system. The findings highlight two molecular mechanisms that could be manipulated to increase hematopoietic stem cell regeneration.
A special edition of the International Journal for Equity in Health examines Brazil's improved access to medical care and highlights areas where health inequalities persist. The study finds disparities in healthy life expectancy, chronic diseases, mental health care, and violence across different regions and socioeconomic groups.
A comprehensive model estimates the cost of providing a set of essential medicines to all people in low- and middle-income countries. The model suggests that it would cost $13 to $25 per capita annually to ensure access to these medicines, with total costs ranging from $77 billion to $152 billion.
Researchers found that surgical reconstruction of the phrenic nerve can lead to significant improvement in breathing and an increase in regular physical activities. Eighty-nine percent of patients reported overall improvement in breathing function.
A recent study published in Menopause found a gene variant associated with hot flashes in postmenopausal women. The study examined genetic variations across the human genome and discovered that specific variants on chromosome 4 linked to the tachykinin receptor 3 were more common among women experiencing hot flashes.
Researchers found that CTA tests led to higher adoption of preventive measures and healthier lifestyle practices compared to exercise electrocardiography and stress tests. After 60 days, more people who underwent CTA tests started taking aspirin, statins, and beta-blockers, and eating healthier, with lower rates of obesity.
A new study aims to evaluate treatment strategies for older adults with depression who have not responded to medications. The researchers will compare the effectiveness of switching people to a new medication or augmenting their current medication with a second drug.
A UCLA-Caltech study has pinpointed the individual neurons in the brain that support observational learning, a skill essential for human decision-making. The research team discovered that these neurons fire in response to schadenfreude, the pleasure of seeing someone else make a mistake.
A UCLA study finds that Latinos age more slowly at the molecular level, with an epigenetic clock measuring their age as 2.4 years younger than non-Latino women of the same age after menopause. This discovery may help scientists understand how to slow the aging process for everyone.
A new study by UCLA researchers found that Bisphenol S (BPS) damages a woman's eggs at lower doses than BPA. The study exposed roundworms to various concentrations of BPA and/or BPS, revealing decreased fertility in those exposed to either chemical.
The study found that despite progress toward universal coverage, citizens still reported gaps in primary care organization, financing, and delivery in six Latin American and Caribbean countries. People with better experiences at the primary care level were less likely to say their health system needed major reforms.
Researchers developed a noninvasive device that tricks premature infants' brains into thinking they're running, reducing apnea of prematurity incidents and low oxygen levels. The device uses vibrating disks on the skin to stimulate nerve fibers, promoting increased breathing.
Researchers found an association between low physical activity and a higher risk for dementia in older individuals, with regular exercise potentially leading to higher brain volumes and reduced dementia risk. The protective effect was strongest in people aged 75 and older.