Researchers created a mouse model that displays remarkably similar symptoms and behavior as children and adults on the autism spectrum. The animals responded well to an FDA-approved drug prescribed to treat repetitive behaviors often associated with the disease.
A new study reveals that tobacco companies were aware of cigarette radioactivity since the 1950s and conducted research on its effects. The industry used misleading statements to suppress information, including a technique that could have eliminated radioactive particles from tobacco.
Researchers at UCLA developed a risk scoring system to predict long-term survival after liver re-transplantation, identifying eight key risk factors for potential failure. The predictive index will help guide physicians in determining patient risk and provide patients with informed consent information.
A study found that men over 75 with prostate cancer are being undertreated, while those with a single comorbid condition are being overtreated. The study suggests that individual medical problems impact survival more than age alone.
Researchers found that GABA suppressed inflammatory immune responses involved in Type 2 diabetes development. The supplement also improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity even after disease onset.
Researchers found that a key signaling pathway, Wnt, plays an important role in the disease and may offer a potential treatment target. The study suggests increasing a specific receptor, FZD2, could promote brain-cell survival and alleviate symptoms.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have developed a gene-based imaging system that can detect castration-resistant prostate cancer earlier than conventional methods. The system uses specific genes and reporter genes to accurately identify the spread of the disease, giving oncologists more time to treat it and pot...
Researchers found a six-fold increase in pancreatitis cases and a higher rate of pancreatic cancer among patients using sitagliptin and exenatide. The study also suggests a possible link between these drugs and an increased risk of thyroid cancer.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that blocking cholesterol uptake in brain cancer cells could provide a new strategy to battle glioblastoma. The study, published in Cancer Discovery, identified the LDL receptor as a key regulator of cancer cell growth and survival.
Researchers at UCLA found that estrogen treatment can reverse the progression of pulmonary hypertension to heart failure and restore lung and ventricle structure and function. The study suggests that even short-term estrogen therapy may suffice to reverse the disease, offering new potential therapeutic applications for human patients.
A pilot study using human saliva found that curcumin inhibited a critical cell signaling pathway and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines in patients with head and neck cancers. The study suggests curcumin could be combined with other treatments to treat head and neck cancer, and may be given to high-risk patients as an adjuvant treatment.
The new duty-hour limits will require US teaching hospitals to spend up to $1.3 billion a year on implementing the changes, which aim to reduce medical errors caused by fatigue. The reforms also introduce changes in the training environment, including standardized hand-overs and education on fatigue and patient safety.
Researchers at UCLA found that brain cancer stem cells can change their metabolic state from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation, allowing them to evade treatment. This unique ability makes glioma stem cells resistant to conventional treatments, highlighting the need for new therapies targeting these cells specifically.
A UCLA study reveals that the loss of a critical protein regulating estrogen and immune activity can lead to metabolic syndrome, characterized by Type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, and cancer. The research found that this protein's absence promotes increased fat accumulation, inflammation, and glucose intolerance in female mice.
Researchers found that stage 3 comprehensive, multidisciplinary intervention programs can lead to successful outcomes and cost savings. The investment in services is recovered in 6.5 years for privately insured patients and 3.5 years for Medicaid-insured patients.
Rasmussen Encephalitis is a rare neurological disease causing seizures, cognitive deficits and paralysis of half the body. Researchers at UCLA aim to narrow down the cause(s) of the disease using animal models and collaboration between experts in brain immunology and neuropathology.
A new UCLA study found that a six-week memory fitness program improved verbal memory and reduced age-related memory decline in seniors over 80. The program included education on lifestyle factors impacting memory ability and overall brain health, resulting in enhanced self-perceived memory and cognitive function.
A study analyzing medication trials published in high-impact general medicine journals found that surrogate outcomes, composite outcomes, and disease-specific mortality are used, which can be misleading. These outcome measures may not accurately reflect a medication's impact on important clinical outcomes like heart attacks or strokes.
Research finds children of mothers with extreme morning sickness may suffer from anxiety, bipolar disorder, and depression as adults. A UCLA-USC study suggests prolonged malnutrition and stress during fetal brain development could contribute to these lifelong neurobehavioral disorders.
A UCLA study found that smokers with alcohol, drug, and mental disorders are five times more likely to quit with help from their primary care physician. The study suggests targeting these patients for smoking cessation counseling to reduce tobacco-related healthcare costs.
Researchers identify a molecular process by which human cells can neutralize toxins released by Clostridium difficile, offering a promising new treatment for intestinal disease. The discovery could also be applied to other bacterial diseases and has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of hospital-acquired infections.
A new UCLA study finds that implementing complete smoke-free rules can reduce smoking-related costs by nearly half, resulting in estimated property savings of $18 million. Nearly half of properties have no smoke-free policies, with smaller ones having a higher rate of compliance.
Researchers found that human embryonic stem cell-derived cells bear striking differences from human tissue cells in gene expression, functionality, and appearance. The cells' developmental maturity is also a concern, particularly for transplantation and disease modeling, as they may not mature to the same levels as adult cells.
Researchers at UCLA have found that adult human cardiac myocytes lose their ability to proliferate due to their primitive state being incompatible with proper heart function. This knowledge could lead to reprogramming a patient's own cardiac myocytes to replace damaged heart muscle, potentially revolutionizing treatments for heart cond...
A UCLA preclinical study found that Intralipid, a man-made fat emulsion, can prevent extensive heart damage and preserve heart function when used during blood flow return after a heart attack. This discovery may introduce a new way to significantly decrease damage to the heart muscle due to reperfusion injury.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center developed combination treatments to combat BRAF gene mutations in melanoma. The study identified optimal combinations of molecules to block key pathways, showing promise for extending treatment effectiveness and improving patient outcomes.
Researchers at UCLA have created the first genome-wide mapping of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) in human embryonic stem cells, discovering its role in activating genes. The study's findings may lead to better understanding of gene regulation and potential cancer control.
A recent study by UCLA found that nearly all patients with high-grade, non-invasive bladder cancer are not receiving comprehensive care recommended by the American Urology Association and National Comprehensive Cancer Network. This is critical as it can significantly minimize the likelihood of patient death from their cancer.
A large clinical trial found that low-dose spiral CT scanning reduced lung cancer deaths by 20% compared to chest X-ray screening. The study involved over 53,000 participants and provided conclusive evidence of the mortality benefit from CT screening.
Researchers at UCLA have identified a new stem cell that plays a vital role in repairing the large airways of the lungs. The discovery has implications for understanding airway diseases and developing novel cell-based therapies.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a patented test that uses methylation patterns in DNA to accurately predict a person's age within five years. This test could offer a new forensic tool for crime-scene investigations, as well as personalized medicine applications, such as tailoring medical interventions based on an individual's bio-ag...
A new UCLA study reports favorable long-term outcomes for lower-risk patients with left main coronary artery disease who underwent angioplasty with medication-coated stents. The procedure had an excellent short-term outcome profile and a low risk of complications.
Researchers found that prostate cancer can adapt to hormone therapy by activating a survival cell signaling pathway, making it more effective. The study's findings suggest that targeting both the androgen receptor and PI3K pathways may be necessary to effectively treat these cancers.
Researchers at UCLA have discovered a sugar-binding protein called galectin-9 that traps PDI on T-cells' surface, making them more susceptible to HIV infection. This finding may lead to the development of new anti-HIV therapeutics by inhibiting PDI or galectin-9.
Researchers used a brain scan to assess amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in adults with Down syndrome, revealing higher levels in all brain regions compared to healthy controls. The study found significant associations between increased age and higher binding values in specific brain areas.
Researchers have uncovered the molecular mechanism of a biological sensor known as the gating ring, which regulates bodily activities such as blood pressure and insulin secretion. The findings could lead to therapies against diseases like hypertension and genetic epilepsy.
A national study found that optimally implementing key guideline-recommended therapies for all eligible heart failure patients could prevent up to 67,996 deaths annually. The study highlights the potential health benefits of more consistent use of evidence-based treatments.
A recent study found that high out-of-pocket costs were a significant factor in the public's willingness to use PrEP, outweighing its effectiveness in preventing HIV infection. Participants expressed a desire for a 100% effective pill and reported concerns over sexual risk disinhibition and stigma associated with PrEP use.
A UCLA study has identified a common molecular signature in autistic brains, shedding light on the disorder's origins. Researchers found consistent differences in gene expression patterns between autistic and healthy brains, particularly in the cerebral cortex.
A new test measuring multiple parameters including PSA and six antibodies found in the blood of men with prostate cancer is more sensitive and specific than the conventional PSA test. The A+PSA assay reduces false-positives and shows great potential to improve prostate cancer diagnosis.
A new technology fusion of MRI with real-time 3D ultrasound improves targeted biopsy accuracy for prostate cancer diagnosis. The system identifies suspicious areas in the prostate and provides a roadmap for biopsy needle guidance, increasing cancer detection rates by five times compared to conventional biopsies.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have developed a method to enhance the functionality of killer T-cells, which can help fight melanoma and other cancers. The study found that priming killer T cells with IL-12 increased their ability to recognize and target cancer cells.
A new study found that Latinas who endure domestic violence during or within a year of pregnancy are five times more likely to experience postpartum depression. The researchers suggest that recent exposure to intimate partner violence is a stronger predictor of postpartum depression than prenatal depression.
A new study found that adding community mobilization activities and post-test psychosocial support services to easily accessible HIV counseling and testing programs improved initial and repeat testing rates significantly. The project detected almost four times as many HIV cases in community-based areas than clinic-only programs.
UCLA researchers have discovered a novel method to stimulate the immune system against lung cancer by delivering an immune-stimulating protein via nanoscale containers called vaults. The approach showed potent inhibition of cancer growth in pre-clinical studies and has the potential to be a game-changer in cancer immunotherapy.
UCLA researchers may have discovered a way to convert non-insulin-producing cells into functional beta cells, which could lead to a permanent solution for diabetes. The study found that chemical tags called methyl groups play a crucial role in maintaining cell identity and converting cells into insulin-secreting beta cells.
A study by UCLA researchers found that ACE inhibitors may increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence in women who have had early-stage breast cancer. In contrast, beta blockers appeared to have a protective effect, and when used together with ACE inhibitors, may help mitigate this risk.
Squamous cell cancers can arise from hair follicle stem cells, which were found to be more prone to developing tumors. Researchers hope this discovery will lead to specific therapies targeting cancer initiation, potentially preventing the disease before it starts.
An experimental drug called NVP-BEZ235 blocks a crucial cancer cell signaling pathway, slowing ovarian cancer growth and increasing survival in an ovarian cancer mouse model. The drug also re-sensitizes resistant cancer cells to platinum chemotherapy, offering new hope for fighting drug resistance.
A new educational booklet developed by UCLA researchers can help patients better prepare for a colonoscopy, increasing the likelihood of a successful procedure. The booklet provides clear instructions and visual aids to aid in bowel preparation, which is crucial for identifying polyps and reducing cancer incidence.