UCLA studies find that menopause speeds up cellular aging by an average of 6 percent, making women biologically older than their chronological age. Insomnia also accelerates aging, with postmenopausal women experiencing nearly two years more biological aging due to five insomnia symptoms.
Researchers from UCLA have discovered a type of cell called chimeric antigen receptors that can be used to kill HIV-infected cells. CARs are artificially created immune T cells engineered to produce receptors designed to target and kill specific cells containing viruses or tumor proteins.
Researchers found that Grindr's ad campaign effectively reached untested high-risk populations, increasing the distribution of HIV self-testing kits. The study showed that 74% of test recipients had last been tested for HIV over a year ago, highlighting the need for targeted testing initiatives.
A UCLA-led study found that nearly half of California nursing home residents completed Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment forms in 2011. The study also identified areas where the use of these forms could be improved, including facilities with low completion rates and a lack of signatures on some forms.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded a five-year grant of $69.6 million to support the UCLA Clinical and Translational Science Institute's research partnership, building on previous funding totaling over $152.7 million. The consortium aims to accelerate the translation of laboratory discoveries into effective treatments for pa...
A UCLA-led study estimates that nearly 28,500 deaths in the US could be prevented annually through use of a new FDA-approved class of cardiovascular medication. The therapy helps reduce mortality in patients diagnosed with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction by enhancing protective hormonal systems.
Researchers found that eliminating α-synuclein protein protects zebrafish from ziram-induced dopamine loss and provides potential treatment for pesticide-exposed Parkinson's patients. This study supports the approach of targeting α-synuclein to slow or stop disease progression in most people with Parkinson's.
Researchers at UCLA have found laser heat ablation to be a safe and effective treatment option for men with intermediate risk prostate cancer, with no serious adverse effects reported. The technique uses MRI guidance to target and destroy cancerous tissue, offering a middle ground between radical surgery and active surveillance.
Researchers identified a possible intervention for age-related memory problems by exploring how the brain links two memories and whether time affects their connection. Boosting neural excitability may reverse age-related inability to link memories.
Researchers found that surgeons differ in recommending surgery based on how they perceive risks and benefits, rather than just the patient's diagnosis. A surgical risk calculator can lead to more accurate predictions, but does not change a surgeon's likelihood of recommending an operation.
A new UCLA study finds no evidence to link the anti-nausea drug Zofran to an increased risk of birth defects. Women with extreme morning sickness who took Zofran reported fewer miscarriages and higher live birth rates compared to those without the medication.
A UCLA study found a significant decline in funding for the US government's HIV/AIDS initiative, PEPFAR, from $448.6 million in 2013 to $302.8 million in 2014. This drop is concerning as many countries rely on PEPFAR for vital health care services.
A new study by UCLA researchers reveals that children in households with less than three months of savings are at a higher risk of obesity and chronic illnesses. Having enough savings to cover basic expenses for three months is crucial in avoiding debt and maintaining good health, according to the study.
Researchers found significant increases in health insurance coverage, quality of coverage, and diagnoses for chronic health conditions among low-income adults in states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. The study's findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and residents in states with ACA Medicaid expansions.
A UCLA study found that anti-inflammatory gut bacteria can slow or stop the development of certain types of cancer. Researchers discovered that a specific bacterium, Lactobacillus johnsonii 456, reduced gene damage and inflammation in mice with cancer, leading to a lower risk of tumor formation.
A state-of-the-art molecular genetic test, exome sequencing, has been found to greatly improve the diagnosis of neurogenetic disorders in children and adults. The test can identify disorders that may have gone undiagnosed for years with greater speed and accuracy.
A new study by UCLA researchers proposes expanding the use of recycled water to reduce water and energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and improve public health. The strategy has potential global applications, particularly in addressing water scarcity and related health issues.
Researchers found that IGF2BP3 regulates various RNA messages contributing to the development of MLL-rearranged leukemia. The protein binds to and stabilizes hundreds of leukemia-promoting messages, leading to cancer cell growth.
A study by UCLA researchers found associations between Zika infection and grave outcomes, including fetal death, placental insufficiency, and central nervous system damage. The study suggests that Zika can cause a range of abnormalities in pregnant women, even if the fetus is not directly affected.
Researchers found that charges are inflated by a factor of three to one, disproportionately affecting the underinsured and uninsured. The study suggests targeting office-based events and procedures rather than operating room interventions for improved value within surgical care.
A UCLA study reveals that cancer surgery significantly increases the risk of injuries and age-related health issues in older patients, leading to prolonged hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and a higher risk of death. The study highlights the importance of discussing potential events with doctors before surgery.
Scientists at UCLA have developed a new approach using CRISPR/Cas9 to correct genetic mutations that cause Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The approach, which can be used in clinical trials within 10 years, has the potential to treat 60% of patients with the deadly disease.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association found that follow-up emails from doctors are crucial to keeping patients informed about their care. Patients who continued receiving reminders tended to access their notes more frequently, leading to better health outcomes.
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that remote telemonitoring did not significantly reduce all-cause 180-day hospital readmissions among heart failure patients. Despite this, the intervention group reported improved quality of life at 180-days compared to usual care patients.
Researchers identified two tiny clusters of neurons responsible for transforming normal breaths into sighs. Sighing is vital to lung function and helps preserve lung function, but frequent sighing can be debilitating.
New UCLA research demonstrates that BPS, a common replacement for BPA, speeds up embryonic development and disrupts the reproductive system. Exposure to low levels of BPA and BPS alters physiology in as quickly as 25 hours, leading to premature birth and disruption of reproductive endocrine brain cells.
A new UCLA study found that hospitals with shorter lengths of stay and higher readmission rates tend to use more post-acute care services. This can lead to patients being discharged prematurely, resulting in higher readmission rates.
Researchers review studies on PrEP and aspirin, finding similar low rates of serious side effects. PrEP works well to prevent HIV when taken daily, supporting efforts to make it available over-the-counter.
UCLA scientists have discovered a crucial role for the Rbfox1 gene in regulating genes that contribute to autism risk. The study highlights an untapped region in brain cells as a goldmine of drug targets for new treatments.
A new study from UCLA Health Sciences reveals that Mexico's homicide rate has taken a devastating toll on men's life expectancy, with life expectancy among men ages 15-50 falling by 0.6 percent between 2005 and 2010. The murder rate in Central America and Mexico more than doubled during the same period, leading to increased mortality r...
A UCLA study found that less than 5% of men with low-risk prostate cancer undergoing active surveillance receive regular monitoring, putting them at risk of cancer progression. The study suggests that patients and doctors should agree on a follow-up schedule to closely monitor the cancer.
A Phase II randomized, placebo-controlled study found that taking estriol along with conventional medications helped RRMS patients avoid relapses. Estriol treatment improved cognition and prevented brain atrophy, potentially providing a one-two punch against the disease.
Researchers at UCLA have found a new way to reduce painful ascites, a common condition in ovarian cancer patients. The experimental drug inhibits macrophages, immune cells that help cancer spread, making the abdominal cavity less conducive to tumor growth.
A new UCLA-led study suggests that wrist fractures in postmenopausal women can predict a higher risk of future fractures, particularly spine, upper arm and lower arm fractures. The research highlights the importance of developing strategies to prevent subsequent fractures after an initial wrist fracture occurs.
A new UCLA study found that having a routine place for well and sick care is the most reliable predictor of whether a child will be readmitted to hospital. The study also revealed that parents' confidence in their children's continued good health is closely correlated with fewer unplanned readmissions.
A new study by UCLA researchers reveals a wide range of costs for treating low-risk prostate cancer, with active surveillance being the most cost-effective option. The study used time-driven activity-based costing to analyze costs across an entire care process, finding significant variation in prices for different treatments.
Researchers have identified growth differentiation factor 10 (GDF10) as a molecule that promotes brain cell formation of new connections after a stroke. The discovery may lead to the development of a treatment to enhance brain repair and functional recovery in people who have suffered a stroke.
A study by the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health found that CicLAvia significantly reduces air quality in Los Angeles neighborhoods. The event decreases ultrafine particle presence and particulate matter readings by up to 49% along closed streets, and even lower rates on nearby streets still open to traffic.
A UCLA-led study suggests that brief interventions in primary care clinics can significantly reduce risky drug use among patients. Participants who received brief advice and follow-up coaching reported a 33% reduction in their drug use over three months.
Youths with high-functioning ASD exhibit underdeveloped and insufficiently networked social brain areas, with increased blood flow in frontal regions important for navigating social interactions. Reduced long-range connectivity between default mode network nodes may explain impairment in social responsiveness.
The Harry Winston Fellowships support research to prevent, treat and cure disease in children. The three new Fellows are Dr. Claire Baldauf, studying intra-uterine growth restriction, Dr. Jina Lim examining aortic valve disease, and Dr. Emily Whang investigating inflammatory bowel disease.
A high-fructose diet has been shown to slow down the brain's ability to recover from head trauma, according to a new US study published in the Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism. The research found that rats fed a fructose-infused diet took 30% longer to solve a maze after being subjected to a simulated traumatic brain injury.
A new UCLA study reveals that Alzheimer's disease consists of three distinct subtypes, each requiring targeted research and potential new treatments. The cortical subtype appears to be fundamentally different from the other two, suggesting different causes and optimal treatment approaches.
Research reveals HIV testing trends among adults aged 50-64 are not sustaining gains after CDC's 2006 recommendation. Testing rates remain low at around 3.7% despite risk behaviors remaining constant, underscoring the importance of patient advocacy for older adults
A UCLA-led study found that only 1 in 10 heart failure patients are referred to a cardiac rehabilitation program after hospitalization, despite strong evidence of its benefits. The study's findings point to the need for improved awareness and strategies to increase referrals.
The UCLA division of geriatrics has received a $2.5 million grant to enhance geriatric education, training and workforce development in Riverside County. The program, called PICATE, will establish new interprofessional curricula for students training in medical, nursing, social work and allied health fields.
Researchers discovered that CA125-negative tumor cells have an enhanced ability to repair their DNA and resist programmed cell death, making them dangerous. Combining chemotherapy with birinapant significantly improved disease-free survival in laboratory models of human ovarian cancer.
A UCLA-led study found that despite high compliance rates with guidelines for treating traumatic brain injuries, hospitals do not necessarily provide better care. The study analyzed data from 14 Los Angeles County trauma centers and found significant variability in mortality rates and procedure adherence.
A UCLA study found that the Sound Body Sound Mind curriculum tripled the percentage of students who passed California's standardized physical fitness test in under-resourced schools. The program increased students' confidence levels, enjoyment of physical activity, and knowledge about fitness.
A UCLA/USC study suggests that damage to the brain's nerve fibers is likely the cause of varying recovery times after a traumatic brain injury. The research found that patients with widespread myelin damage performed 14% worse on cognitive tests and had slower wiring, while those with intact myelin recovered faster.