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...
Researchers found that vitamin D3 and omega-3 fatty acids improved the immune system's ability to clear amyloid plaques from the brain. The study identified key genes and signaling networks regulated by these substances, which may help control inflammation and improve plaque clearance.
Researchers at UCLA's Pediatric Medical Home will study ways to reduce preventable hospital admissions and emergency room use among children with medically complex illness, aiming to decrease healthcare expenditures. The study will analyze root causes of preventable hospitalizations and design cost-saving strategies.
A new study from UCLA has identified a possible link between outdoor food ads and a tendency to pack on pounds. The researchers found that the more outdoor advertisements promoting fast food and soft drinks there are in an area, the higher the likelihood that residents are overweight.
A UCLA-led study found that older adults' general mistrust of the government and AIDS-related conspiracy theories significantly impact their willingness to get tested for HIV. Despite venues offering free testing, 45% of participants had not taken an HIV test in the past year.
Researchers have developed a new technique to identify abnormal tau proteins associated with repetitive head injuries, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and tracking of brain disorders. The study used PET scans to detect elevated levels of FDDNP in the brains of five retired NFL players.
A new UCLA study reveals that obese youngsters are at far greater risk of having three or more reported medical, mental, or developmental conditions compared to their non-overweight peers. The researchers found a nearly twice the risk of obesity, as well as a higher likelihood of poorer health, disability, and emotional problems.
A new study led by UCLA researcher Dr. Derjung Tarn found that a simple training program improved physicians' ability to communicate key facts about prescribed medications, including potential side effects and medication adherence. The intervention resulted in higher ratings from patients on communication about medications.
A new study reveals that genetic factors significantly contribute to obesity, with DNA influencing body-fat responses to high-fat, high-sugar diets. The research found that genetics account for up to 80% of the variation in body-fat percentage among mice, suggesting a strong link between DNA and fat gain.
Researchers at UCLA have found a powerful boost to therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy by combining a proven FDA-approved medication, dantrolene, with existing treatments. This combination aims to restore normal muscle function and improve the lives of those affected by the disease.
A new imaging-guided targeted biopsy method using MRI and ultrasound fusion has been shown to detect prostate cancer more accurately than traditional blind biopsies. The technique led to a high rate of cancer detection and identification of aggressive tumors, improving patient outcomes.
Researchers suggest that physicians use tools from behavioral economics and social psychology to motivate patients to control their chronic diseases. Techniques include helping patients form specific plans, breaking big goals into smaller tasks, and using cash payments as a motivator.
The University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences successfully performed the nation's first
UCLA's heart transplant program has been ranked among the nation's best by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), with a silver-level ranking for its high transplant rates and patient survival. The program is one of only seven nationwide to achieve this level, and it has earned a silver ranking twice, including in 2010.
A new approach for assessing fracture risk combines bone density measures with body size and bone size, predicting risk accurately regardless of race or ethnicity. The study found that this composite bone strength index performed just as well as traditional methods in a group of nearly 2,000 women.
Researchers measured brain activity during sleep and found the entorhinal cortex shows persistent activity, behaving as if it's remembering something. This challenges conventional theories about memory consolidation during sleep.
Researchers find harmless virus living on skin that naturally targets and kills Propionibacterium acnes bacteria, a major trigger of acne. The discovery offers promising new hope for developing targeted anti-acne therapies.
Researchers have discovered how chemical agents bind to and detect amyloid beta plaques and tau tangles in the brain, enabling quicker diagnosis and earlier treatment. The study's findings will speed the development of new imaging agents, providing potential benefits for patients with early Alzheimer's disease.
A US multicenter study showed that 46% of kidney transplant recipients in living donor chains were minorities, contradicting previous fears. The study highlights the potential for expanding donor chains to increase diversity and accessibility for minority patients.
A team of researchers has identified a possible key to slowing the progression towards AIDS by uncovering an early immune response that targets a specific section of the HIV protein. This novel finding could lead to new insights into vaccine design and may provide hope for better treatment options for those living with HIV.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a gene therapy regimen that safely restores immune systems to children with ADA-deficient severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), a devastating disease. The treatment showed promising results in restoring immune function to three out of six patients, offering new hope for these children.
Researchers discovered that tumor suppressor genes TSC and PTEN regulate stem cell-like blood precursor cells in fruit flies. The TOR pathway uses these genes to gauge nutrition levels and stress, expanding or increasing the number of blood progenitor cells. High levels of ROS were found to be valuable in this context.
A UCLA study challenges the World Health Organization's approach to HIV prevention in South Africa, suggesting a 'test and treat' strategy could be more effective but costly. The researchers predict that treating the 1.6 million people who need treatment would be very effective as a form of 'treatment as prevention,' bringing the epide...
Researchers identified a unique cell type that bridges bone marrow stem cells and the entire human immune system, offering insights into healthy immune function and potential therapies for diseases. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding cancer development and treatment.
Researchers investigated six models for community health center access to subspecialty care, finding that integrated systems offer the best comprehensive access. Community health centers can hire subspecialists or partner with hospitals to provide better care.
A new device that mechanically removes stroke-causing blood clots from the brain has been proven to be highly effective in reopening blocked vessels, with a success rate of 61% compared to 24% for the standard FDA-approved mechanical device. The device also led to better survival rates three months after a stroke.
A new UCLA study identifies uniquely human patterns of gene activity in the brain that could deepen our understanding of human evolution and brain diseases. The research suggests that complex signaling pathways and enhanced cellular function in the frontal lobe created a bridge to human evolution, enabling higher rates of learning.
Scientists at UCLA and the Technion have unraveled how our brain cells encode vowel pronunciation in speech. They found two distinct areas in the brain responsible for this process, one responding to all vowels and another firing exclusively for specific vowels.
US-born Latina women are at higher risk of having children with retinoblastoma due to factors like poorer diets and smoking during pregnancy. In contrast, Mexican-born Latinas are at lesser risk, possibly due to healthier behaviors after immigration.
A UCLA study finds that a computerized brain fitness program significantly improves memory and language skills in older adults. The six-month program, used by participants aged 84, demonstrated improved cognitive function compared to those who played less frequently.
Researchers have discovered that embryonic endothelial precursors can differentiate into beating cardiomyocytes in the absence of Scl, a master regulator of blood development. This finding may provide new avenues for creating cardiac stem cells and treating heart conditions through regenerative medicine.