The Latin American Urology Association names its highest accolade after UCLA's Dr. Shlomo Raz in recognition of his efforts to educate and train urologists in the region. The inaugural Shlomo Raz Medal will be awarded annually to a deserving urologist who furthered Raz's mission.
A new UCLA study reveals that cocaine makes quiescent CD4 T cells susceptible to HIV infection. Chronic cocaine exposure can increase the pool of infected cells with a higher viral reservoir, posing significant implications for HIV-positive individuals who abuse stimulants.
A new UCLA-led study examines the effects of childhood abuse and lack of parental affection across the body's entire regulatory system. The research finds a strong biological link between negative early life experiences and physical health, with parental warmth offering protection against these effects.
Researchers found that patients diagnosed with early Alzheimer's disease who received brain imaging test results had better clinical outcomes, including superior executive function and memory abilities. The study suggests that earlier diagnosis can lead to significant benefits, potentially saving healthcare dollars.
A study found that 11% of ICU patients received treatments perceived by physicians as 'futile', with high costs and poor outcomes. The majority of patients received appropriate care, but many were given aggressive therapies without expected benefits.
A UCLA study demonstrates that combining behavioral science with social media and online communities can lead to increased HIV testing and encouraged significant behavioral change among high-risk groups. The approach proved to be one of the best HIV-prevention methods on the Internet, with high retention rates and successful engagement.
Researchers at UCLA have identified a new form of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) that occurs after an acute bout of diverticulitis. The study, published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, found that patients who developed IBS-like symptoms after diverticulitis may also experience mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
A team of UCLA researchers is working on a new approach to improve the quality of donor livers, aiming to reduce organ rejection and increase transplant survival rates. They plan to target specific immune activation pathways and enhance local mechanisms that promote liver regeneration.
A new UCLA-led study finds that substituting less expensive medications for brand-name counterparts can result in significant cost savings for Medicare beneficiaries. The study identified 50 common medications and found that 39% of patients receiving the low-income subsidy were eligible for generic or therapeutic substitutions, leading...
A culturally tailored HIV prevention program has been shown to significantly reduce unprotected sex among bisexual black men. The innovative approach, MAALES, takes a holistic approach to minimizing behaviors that could put men at risk for HIV.
A new study found that replacing soybean oil with fish oil in intravenous nutrition can reverse intestinal failure-associated liver disease in children. After 17 weeks, nearly 80% of patients experienced a reversal of their liver disease, while only 5% of those who received soybean oil saw a reversal.
Researchers at UCLA invented a tool called research maps, which helps neuroscientists quickly scan existing knowledge, plan their next study, and optimize investments. The maps classify information into categories and score the weight of evidence based on criteria such as reproducibility and convergence.
A UCLA-led research team found that religiosity in Hindus and Sikhs but not Muslims is associated with being overweight or obese. Despite differences in diet and physical activity, the link persists due to various factors including societal stigma and religious gatherings.
Researchers found that women with more severe past trauma improved the most in an HIV/trauma intervention, suggesting a tailored approach may be necessary. The study suggests focusing on the most severely traumatized individuals can lead to greater psychological improvement.
Dr. Gary Mathern, a pediatric neurosurgeon at UCLA, was honored with the Ambassador for Epilepsy Award for his significant work in improving clinical care for children with medically refractory epilepsy. His research has led to breakthrough discoveries on mechanisms of the disease process and how seizures develop in the brain.
A new UCLA-led study found that primary care physicians rarely discuss the risks and benefits of dietary supplements with their patients. The study analyzed audio recordings from over 1,400 office visits and discovered that only six out of 738 supplements were discussed in detail regarding all five major topics.
Researchers discovered that Alzheimer's drugs designed to target amyloid plaques are ineffective against small Aβ clumps called oligomers. Future studies aim to develop new drugs specifically targeting these oligomers to potentially treat the disease.
A recent UCLA-led study highlights the crucial role nurse practitioners play in treating chronic geriatric conditions. Nurse practitioners were found to improve the satisfaction of quality indicators for patients with falls, urinary incontinence, dementia, and depression when co-managed with primary care physicians.
A study by UCLA researchers found that older adults who used the Dakim BrainFitness program demonstrated significant improvements in both immediate and delayed memory skills, as well as language abilities. The findings suggest that computerized brain training can be an effective way to improve cognitive skills in this age group.
A new minimally invasive procedure called CELS allows doctors to remove large and hard-to-reach polyps while keeping the colon intact. The procedure has been shown to have lower complication rates and shorter hospital stays compared to standard surgery.
Hyundai Hope on Wheels has awarded a $75,000 Hyundai Scholar Grant to Dr. Vivian Chang at UCLA's Children's Discovery and Innovation Institute to support her research on DNA sequencing technology for identifying cancerous genes in children. The grant will enable oncologists to design personalized surveillance programs using advanced to...
A UCLA study found that women with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) who take antihistamines are more likely to experience bad outcomes, including low birth weight babies and premature births. The study also showed that these medications are not effective in treating HG symptoms
A new study reveals that hormonal treatment for endometrial cancer works by binding to stromal tissue cells, rather than directly targeting cancerous cells. Researchers hope to develop a simple test to determine patient suitability for progesterone therapy.
Researchers at UCLA have isolated a new population of pluripotent stem cells, called Multi-lineage Stress-Enduring (Muse-AT) cells, from fat tissue that can differentiate into virtually every cell type in the human body. These cells are stress-resistant and may even be activated by severe stress, making them potentially superior source...
Researchers at UCLA have identified TR4 as a key driver of tumor growth in Cushing disease. By knocking down TR4 in lab mice, they reversed tumor growth and excess ACTH production, paving the way for potential drug therapy.
Researchers found that consuming beneficial bacteria probiotics through yogurt altered brain function in healthy women, both at rest and in response to emotional tasks. The discovery highlights the gut-brain connection and potential benefits of dietary changes for brain function.
UCLA will study the use of videoconferencing technology to deliver integrated behavioral and mental health services to children in community primary care settings. The project aims to provide effective, efficient, and family-centered care to children in low-income communities.
Despite improvements, one-third of advanced heart failure patients don't survive three years. The study found decreased mortality and sudden cardiac death rates, but patient mortality from progressive heart failure increased.
A 14-year study found older men with multiple health issues were at higher risk of dying from other causes, making watchful waiting a viable option for low- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients.
Researchers found that breathing motor vehicle emissions alters high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, making it contribute to clogged arteries. The inhalation of emissions activates components of oxidation, leading to inflammation and hardening of the arteries.
A new study found that roughly half of plastic surgeons use social media tools, with Facebook being the most popular platform. Most respondents saw benefits from using social media, including increased marketing effectiveness and patient referrals.
A recent UCLA study found that adolescents who purchased Subway meals consumed nearly as many calories as they did at McDonald's. The researchers also noted that both restaurants' meals likely contribute to overeating and obesity.
Researchers will conduct community-based trials and analyze decades of data to identify effective stroke prevention interventions for underserved minorities. The goal is to reduce stroke risk through lifestyle changes, medication, and access to healthcare, with the potential to improve outcomes across the US.
A UCLA-led study found that teen girls are more likely to continue using methamphetamine during treatment, suggesting a need for new approaches. The study suggests that gender differences in addiction may begin in adolescence.
Researchers at UCLA have classified kidney cancer into several unique subtypes, which will aid in tailoring treatment to individual patients. The study, conducted over 10 years, identified deletions of chromosomes 3p and 14q in clear cell renal carcinoma tumors, associated with improved survival rates for some patients.
Researchers found that temporarily blocking a critical protein helps the immune system fight off chronic infection, reversing many immune problems. The discovery suggests new approaches to treating persistent viral infections like HIV and hepatitis C.
A UCLA brain-imaging tool has helped identify early signs of cognitive decline and stroke risk in individuals without dementia symptoms. The study used a brain scan to measure amyloid beta plaques and neurofibrillary tau tangles, which are hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease.
A UCLA study found that heart failure medications recommended by national guidelines are highly cost-effective in saving lives and may also provide savings to the healthcare system. The combination of these medical therapies demonstrated the greatest gains in quality-adjusted life years for heart failure patients.
Researchers used hormone levels to estimate when a woman will have her final menstrual period, providing a way to gauge menopause-related bone loss. The study found that levels of estradiol and follicle stimulating hormone can predict the timeline for menopause.
Researchers found increased cell proliferation and alpha-cell expansion in pancreases of individuals with Type 2 diabetes treated with incretin therapy, a widely used type of treatment. The study suggests a possible link between GLP-1-based therapies and an increased risk of neuroendocrine tumors.
Young people with Type 1 diabetes who transitioned from pediatric to adult care are 2.5 times more likely to have chronically high blood glucose levels, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure. The estimated median age of patients when this transition occurred was 20.1 years.
Researchers genetically engineered tomatoes to produce a peptide that mimics the action of good cholesterol, reducing inflammation and plaque build-up in mice. The study suggests that targeting the small intestine may be a new strategy to prevent diet-induced atherosclerosis.
Researchers at UCLA successfully treated two patients with severe ventricular arrhythmias using a minimally invasive technique normally employed in treating brain aneurysms. The coil embolization procedure helped stop the electrical storms and eliminate the blood supply to the affected area, allowing the heart to return to normal rhythm.
A new study found that community-based HIV-prevention efforts can significantly increase testing rates and reduce new infections. The trial demonstrated a 14% reduction in new HIV infections compared to control communities.
A recent UCLA study reveals that certain bacteria, including those causing tuberculosis, can pretend to be viruses when infecting humans. This allows them to hijack the immune response and hide out inside cells. The findings may also explain how viral infections like the flu make us more susceptible to bacterial infections like pneumonia.
Researchers discovered two strains of acne bacteria associated with pimples and one strain linked to healthy skin. Increasing the body's friendly strain through a cream or lotion may help calm spotty complexions.
A new UCLA study reveals that primary hyperparathyroidism is the leading cause of high blood-calcium levels, affecting mainly women and the elderly, particularly African American women over 50. The condition can lead to bone loss, depression, fatigue, and increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
A consortium of top researchers has made significant progress in understanding and treating Rasmussen encephalitis, a rare neurological disease. The RE Children's Project has raised funds to study the disease tissue and search for genetic links.
Researchers at UCLA have identified a natural protein called cholesterol-25-hydroxylase (CH25H) that can block the entry of HIV and other deadly viruses into cells. The protein, which is activated by interferon, produces an oxysterol that can permeate cell walls and inhibit viral growth.
Researchers found that African American and Latino men who have sex with men voluntarily used health-related Facebook groups to discuss HIV knowledge, stigma, and prevention, leading to increased requests for home-based HIV tests. The study suggests social media can be a useful tool for collecting and analyzing data, saving money and i...