African American couples affected by HIV will benefit from a new intervention program, Eban, which aims to reduce HIV transmission and promote healthier living. The program's effectiveness was previously tested in a four-city study with 535 serodiscordant couples.
Researchers at UCLA have identified a novel molecule, ephrin-A5, that inhibits new connections between neurons, limiting brain recovery after stroke. Blocking this molecule promotes axonal sprouting and functional recovery in mouse models.
A new targeting technology has been found to improve outcomes for patients with atrial fibrillation, with an 86% success rate after a single procedure. The technology, known as focal impulse and rotor modulation (FIRM), allows doctors to detect and shut down the electrical sources of the arrhythmia in minutes.
A UCLA-led study found that reporting models for mortality may unfairly skew hospital rankings if stroke severity isn't considered. The researchers discovered that more than half of hospitals initially classified as having higher-than-expected mortality rates were reclassified after adjusting for stroke severity.
Physicians feel responsible for assessing and addressing medication adherence but often rely on simple inquiries about adherence, leaving room for improvement. Non-adherence can lead to poor clinical outcomes, increased hospitalizations, and higher mortality rates.
Researchers at UCLA are conducting a clinical trial to investigate the impact of copper surfaces on reducing hospital-acquired infections. The study aims to determine if lowering bacteria levels on hospital surfaces results in reduced infection rates, better patient outcomes, and lower costs.
A new UCLA study found that obesity and a higher waist circumference reduce risk of adverse outcomes in advanced heart failure patients. Men and women with high BMI and waist circumference had significantly better event-free survival rates than those with normal weight.
A new UCLA study published in Basic Research in Cardiology found that heart attacks in late pregnancy result in worse heart function and more damaged heart tissue than in non-pregnant females. The research suggests that the heart may be particularly vulnerable to injury during this critical period, but partially recovers after giving b...
Researchers found that a diet enriched with DHA and curcumin preserved walking ability in rats with spinal-cord injury, while a Western diet caused measurable walking problems. The study suggests that dietary supplements may help repair nerve cells and maintain neurological function after degenerative damage to the neck.
Researchers at UCLA have combined gene expression and peripheral blood analysis to identify potential precursors of autism. The study found strong links between genetic variations in specific regions of the genome and altered expression patterns in genes related to nervous-system function.
A new UCLA-led study shows that a two- or three-drug combination given to infants within 48 hours of birth can reduce the risk of mother-to-child HIV transmission by about half compared to AZT alone. The study found that this combination significantly reduced HIV transmission, while also being less toxic to the infants.
Researchers at UCLA discovered that purified human perivascular stem cells can form bone faster and with higher quality than traditional methods, potentially eliminating the need for invasive bone grafts. The study uses a fresh cell composition called stromal vascular fraction to isolate and purify the stem cells.
A recent study found that 26.7% of homeless adults in downtown LA are infected with hepatitis C, while nearly half (46.1%) are unaware of their infection status. The study also highlights the need for interventions such as HCV education, counseling, and voluntary testing and treatment services.
A new study reveals the immune system and inflammation may play a significant role in Lou Gehrig's disease, specifically targeting motor neurons for clean-up by macrophages. Resolvin D1, an omega-3 fatty acid derivative, was found to curb inflammation and block harmful proteins, offering a potential new approach to treating ALS.
Studies show that ligand cells produce pulling force to pull on Notch, activating cellular responses. The findings provide compelling evidence for the role of mechanical force in Notch signaling, potentially leading to new therapeutic targets for diseases related to Notch signaling.
Researchers discover mutation on same gene responsible for Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, a disease characterized by rapid cell division and large size. The finding enables early diagnosis and treatment of IMAGe syndrome, a rare disorder stunting infants' growth.
The study found that kidney stone prevalence nearly doubled from 8.8% in 2007-2010 to 17.6% in 1994, with obesity and diabetes being key risk factors. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and body weight can reduce the risk of kidney stones.
The Urologic Diseases in America report documents the significant impact of urologic conditions, such as urinary tract infections and prostate cancer, on the American public. The study reveals that these conditions result in substantial healthcare costs, with estimates suggesting $40 billion annually.
A new UCLA study finds that nerve-sparing surgical techniques and experienced surgeons can improve erectile function after prostate cancer surgery. Surgeons with at least 1,000 cases under their belt and those who actively seek improvement have better outcomes.
Researchers found two specific gene variants associated with faster motor decline in Parkinson's patients. These variants can now help doctors predict disease progression, allowing for targeted therapies and faster results on efficacy of drugs.
A new UCLA study reveals that a high-fructose diet can slow the brain and impair memory and learning. However, adding omega-3 fatty acids to the diet may help minimize this damage.
Researchers create functional motor circuits outside the body using stem cell-derived neurons and muscle cells, enabling accurate measurement of synaptic activity. The study provides a proof-of-principle for understanding neurological disorders that impair motor functions.
Researchers discovered that underweight babies are more likely to become obese due to a disrupted hypothalamus, which leads to an increased appetite for calories. This results in the child consuming more calories to catch up on lost nutrition in utero, potentially leading to childhood obesity.
Researchers at UCLA identified new genetic components controlling neural stem cell adhesion and proliferation, crucial for normal nervous system development. The study's findings could lead to a better understanding of birth defects and disorders like autism, as well as the formation of brain tumors.
A study of over 21,000 participants found new genes that boost or lessen the risk of brain atrophy, mental illness, and Alzheimer's disease. The research also uncovered genetic variants associated with individual differences in brain size and intelligence.
A team of UCLA researchers demonstrates that genetically engineered human blood stem cells can form mature, multi-functional T cells that specifically target HIV-infected cells. This approach shows promise for suppressing the virus in living tissues in animal models.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association is funding a study to examine the effects of sports-related concussions on student-athletes over their college careers and beyond. The study aims to identify factors that contribute to later problems, such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy, in order to minimize risks.
A study by UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that early Positron Emission Tomography (PET) response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy is associated with increased survival in patients with soft tissue sarcomas. Patients who showed a significant PET response had significantly longer survival rates compared to those who did not.
Researchers found that moderately regulated calorie intake during infancy reduced the likelihood of becoming obese, contrary to previous studies. Early dietary interventions may have long-lasting effects into childhood and adult life.
A new study found that robotic-assisted surgery for bladder cancer results in fewer deaths, in-patient complications, and reduced need for intravenous nutrition compared to traditional open surgeries. However, the procedure is more costly due to longer operation times and greater use of disposable instruments.
Researchers have found that individuals with specific gene variants are more likely to develop PTSD symptoms after exposure to trauma. The study suggests a genetic link to PTSD, which could lead to new screening methods and targeted treatments.
A study by UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that patients with both MEK1 and BRAF mutations respond equally well to BRAF inhibitor drugs, challenging conventional wisdom. The presence of both mutations does not contribute to drug resistance in melanoma patients.
Researchers identified a protein called NOD2 that triggers the activation of dendritic cells, which deliver critical information about the pathogen to T-cells. The study found this pathway to be potent in fighting leprosy, but inhibited in more serious forms of the disease.
Researchers at UCLA have identified a method to correct human mitochondrial mutations by targeting corrective RNAs, which could lead to treating a range of mitochondrial diseases. The study builds on previous work that uncovered a role for an essential protein in regulating RNA import into mitochondria.
Researchers found that insulin and nutritional factors help maintain the 'stemness' of blood stem cells in fruit flies. The study's implications include a potential connection between metabolic disruptions and chronic inflammation in humans.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have uncovered a mechanism by which melanoma becomes resistant to the BRAF inhibitor Zelboraf. By amplifying the mutated BRAF gene, cancer cells can overproduce the drug target protein, rendering the treatment ineffective.
Researchers discovered that vitamin D3 activates key genes and cellular signaling networks to stimulate the immune system to clear amyloid-beta protein from the brain. The study provides new insights into the potential therapeutic benefits of vitamin D3 for Alzheimer's disease treatment.
Researchers identified PDGF-B signaling in trophoblasts as a vital component of the placental niche, supporting blood stem cell generation and expansion without promoting differentiation. This discovery provides new insights into regulating EPO expression and governing the fates of blood stem cells during development.
Researchers found that states with smaller disparities often had white populations living shorter lives than average, while African Americans lived longer. The study highlights the need to improve health outcomes for African Americans across all states, not just those with large disparities.
A newly approved drug for metastatic melanoma has nearly doubled median survival times, changing the way this deadly form of skin cancer is treated. The drug, Zelboraf, blocks a mutated BRAF protein and has been shown to have a significant impact on patient outcomes.
A UCLA study reveals that migrating cells exhibit a tendency to turn right in response to environmental changes, leading to the formation of diagonal stripes resembling tissue architecture. The researchers believe this phenomenon holds promise for developing new methods for tissue engineering and organ regeneration.
A new UCLA study found that a widely used assessment tool for community health centers may not accurately measure the quality of diabetes care. The study examined 30 Los Angeles County health centers and found no correlation between the tool's scores and the actual quality of care.
A new parent-training program has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of low-income, preschool-age Latino children being overweight. The study found a 9% reduction in overweight and obese children after one year, compared to a 16% increase in the control group.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that radiation treatment converts normal breast cancer cells into treatment-resistant stem cells. These induced breast cancer stem cells have a 30-fold increased ability to form tumors, undermining the effectiveness of radiation therapy.
A UCLA-developed brain-imaging tool detects abnormal protein deposits associated with Alzheimer's disease and tracks progression over time. The technique, using FDDNP-PET scans, predicts cognitive decline in individuals with mild cognitive impairment and normal aging, offering potential early detection and treatment of Alzheimer's.
Researchers at UCLA have found that stimulating a critical junction in the brain can improve memory in human patients. The study focuses on the entorhinal cortex, which plays a crucial role in transforming daily experiences into lasting memories.
The SOLITAIRE Flow Restoration Device outperformed the standard mechanical treatment in removing blood clots from blocked brain arteries in stroke patients. The new device resulted in a 61% success rate compared to 24% for the older device, leading to better survival rates and reduced mortality.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified a cell-permeable peptide that blocks viral replication in liver cancer and cirrhosis. The peptide targets heat shock proteins (HSPs) 40 and 70, which are important factors in hepatitis C virus infection.
Researchers discovered that leprosy pathogen Mycobacterium leprae manipulates micro-RNs to evade the human immune system, specifically targeting vitamin D-dependent immune pathways. This finding offers new treatment avenues for infectious diseases.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that younger breast cancer patients experience more severe mental health issues and physical impairments than older women. Researchers recommend educating these patients about potential post-treatment effects to reduce anxiety and improve quality of life.