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.
Researchers found that blocking the mutated BRAF protein in melanoma cells sets off a cellular cascade in other skin cells with pre-disposing mutations, leading to accelerated development of skin squamous cell carcinomas. The study provides molecular insight into this side effect and suggests strategies to prevent secondary tumors.
Researchers at UCLA have identified dihydromyricetin as a potential treatment for acute alcohol intoxication and withdrawal symptoms. The compound blocks the action of alcohol on the brain's GABAA receptors, reducing voluntary consumption without major side effects.
A new study suggests that home monitoring strategies, including self-care, phone calls from nurses, and telemedicine, can effectively track heart failure disease-management and early identification. The authors recommend a multi-pronged approach, combining monitoring with patient follow-up and feedback to improve outcomes.
Researchers at UCLA have discovered that two-way signaling between niche cells, the progenitor cells themselves, and their daughter blood cells is necessary for maintaining a balanced population of blood cells. This balance ensures the creation and maintenance of the blood supply in Drosophila fruit flies.
Researchers found that routine removal of neck lymph nodes during initial thyroid surgery for papillary thyroid cancer may lead to lower disease recurrence rates and lower levels of thyroglobulin, a thyroid tumor marker. This procedure may reduce the need for further surgeries in the critical central area of the neck.
Researchers found that surgery to snip nerves related to the sympathetic nervous system on both sides of the chest can help control dangerous incessant ventricular arrhythmias. Four out of six study patients completely responded with no more arrhythmias, and one patient had a partial response.
Researchers identified STARD9, a kinesin-like protein involved in cell division, as a potential target for cancer therapy. Depleting STARD9 stops cancer cells from dividing and causes them to die quickly, showing promise in treating certain types of melanoma and non-small cell lung cancers.
A study by researchers at UCLA and RAND Corp. found that children's hospitals in California served largely unhealthy food, with only 7% of entrees rated as healthy. The average score for the 16 hospital food venues was 19.1 on a scale of 0 to 37.
Researchers found that newly derived human embryonic stem cell lines have a better molecular signature than established lines, indicating higher quality and potentially better performance in disease modeling. The study suggests that maintaining the original state of X chromosome inactivation could be crucial for achieving optimal results.
Researchers from UCLA's cancer and stem cell centers have successfully engineered blood stem cells to create cancer-killing T-cells that seek out and attack human melanoma. The approach could lead to a sustained immune response, potentially protecting against cancer recurrence.
A recent study found that women taking combination estrogen and progestin menopausal hormone therapy are at a greater risk of developing breast cancer if they experience new onset breast tenderness. In contrast, women on estrogen alone without breast tenderness did not have an increased risk of breast cancer.
Researchers found that pluripotent stem cells respire at the same level as differentiated body cells but produce very little energy. UCP2 protein blocks respiration substrates from entering mitochondria, allowing glycolysis to dominate. The study suggests that changes in metabolism drive cell differentiation.
Researchers used a unique brain scan to assess amyloid plaques and tau tangles in older adults with severe depression. The study found higher protein levels in critical brain regions, suggesting a link between depression and possible dementia later in life.
A topical gel containing an anti-HIV drug was found to be safe and effective in reducing HIV infection when applied to rectal tissue exposed to HIV. The study suggests a significant reduction in HIV transmission, particularly for receptive anal intercourse, which accounts for a major route of new infections.
UCLA researchers developed a new therapy based on small molecules that mimic the effects of hepcidin, a hormone regulating iron flow in the body. The findings could lead to new drugs to help prevent iron overload conditions.
A low-fat diet with fish oil supplements slowed the growth of prostate cancer cells in human tissue compared to a traditional Western diet. The men on the low-fat diet also showed changes in cell membrane composition, increasing omega-3 fatty acids and decreasing omega-6 fatty acids.
Post-menopausal women experiencing new onset breast tenderness after starting combination hormone therapy may have an increased risk of breast cancer compared to those without breast tenderness. Higher breast density is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer, with extremely dense breasts posing a four to six times higher risk.
Researchers discovered that vitamin D is essential for triggering an effective immune response against tuberculosis, a potentially fatal lung disease. They found that T-cells release a protein called interferon-γ that requires sufficient levels of vitamin D to activate immune cells and kill the bacteria.
Researchers identified 694 compounds that showed some activity against brain cancer stem cells, including four lead compounds that most successfully inhibited the cells. The study aims to reveal the biology of these stem cells and potentially result in a new therapy for deadly brain cancers.
A study by UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that a combination of chemotherapy and Herceptin significantly increases survival in patients with HER-2 positive breast cancer. The regimen without Adriamycin was comparable to the standard therapy, reducing heart toxicity and acute side effects.