Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have discovered a new cell signaling pathway that controls cell growth and development. This pathway, part of a global DNA damage response, turns off 136 genes that can promote aberrant cell division and cancer.
A new study found that the effectiveness of anti-HIV drugs darunavir and ritonavir was similar between men and women. However, women dropped out of the trial at higher rates than men due to reasons other than drug failure. The study aims to improve retention of diverse populations in HIV treatment trials.
The UCLA team will remotely monitor firefighters using wireless health technologies, developing metrics to analyze health risks and optimize exercise programs. The results will aid in mitigating fatalities due to cardiovascular events and inform new equipment development for firefighters.
Research found that chronic stress increases cancer spread by 30-fold in stressed mice compared to unstressed controls. Stress alters the biology of immune cells, promoting metastasis to distant organs. Beta blockers blocked this effect, suggesting potential prevention strategies.
Researchers at UCLA found that female induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) retain an inactive X chromosome, similar to most female human embryonic stem cells. This discovery has critical implications for studying X-linked diseases and could lead to a unique form of gene therapy.
A recent study by UCLA researchers has identified a genetic variation linked to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Asian men. The findings suggest that this variation on the X chromosome enhances an immune response, increasing the risk of developing lupus in men compared to women.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have found that adult stem cells vital for lung repair are associated with a poor prognosis in patients who develop cancer. These cells may mutate into cancer-causing stem cells, making them a potential target for prevention strategies and new targeted therapies.
Researchers have created comprehensive genetic interaction maps for mammalian cells, revealing which genes work together and their roles in disease. The study, published in Genome Research, offers valuable information for research and potential therapeutic targets.
Research by UCLA and Harvard University found that white children and those from below the poverty level have higher rates of frequent ear infections. The study's findings highlight racial and socioeconomic disparities in access to healthcare for these vulnerable populations.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have uncovered a new role for polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPASE) in regulating the import of RNA into mitochondria. Reducing PNPASE expression impairs mitochondrial energy production and cell growth.
A new UCLA study suggests that socioeconomic status is a major driver of cardiovascular disease risk disparities in the United States. The researchers found that lower socioeconomic status was associated with higher risk across all racial and ethnic groups.
A study by UCLA researchers found that pancreatic cancer cells can metabolize fructose to generate nucleic acids, driving cell division and proliferation. The study suggests that high fructose corn syrup consumption may be linked to increased cancer risk, highlighting the need for reduced refined sugar intake.
Researchers identified basal cells from benign prostate tissue as a new cell-of-origin for human prostate cancer. This discovery could lead to better predictive and diagnostic tools, as well as the development of targeted treatments. The study provides a novel model system for understanding prostate cancer development and progression.
A UCLA study suggests that a simple approach can cultivate female leadership in medicine and other fields. Subtle encouragement from teachers can increase female students' willingness to identify themselves as leaders, leading to a more balanced distribution of leaders in the classroom.
A new performance intervention improved adherence to national guideline-recommended therapies for heart failure patients in an outpatient setting. The program applied clinical decision support tools, structured improvement strategies, and medical chart audits with feedback to help clinicians better provide evidence-based therapies.
Research shows that IBS is associated with both decreases and increases in grey matter density in key brain areas involved in attention, emotion regulation, and pain inhibition. These findings suggest a 'brain-gut disorder' component and move beyond the traditional view of IBS as a functional syndrome.
A study found that high-dose radiation targeting the neural stem cell niche in brain cancer patients doubles their progression-free survival time. Patients who received higher doses experienced 15 months of progression-free survival, while those with lower or no doses had 7.2 months.
Researchers have isolated the first stage of tissue production in human embryonic stem cells, marking a significant breakthrough in regenerative medicine. The discovery may lead to the development of safer tissues for use in treating various medical conditions, including leukemia and sickle cell anemia.
A study by UCLA researchers found that NF1 genetic mutations disrupt working memory in the brain's prefrontal cortex, hindering communication between brain cells. The excess GABA release hampers neural activity, leading to reduced success rates in memory tasks.
A new study found that a culturally specific intervention program based on the African concept of Eban increased condom use and reduced acts of unprotected sex among heterosexual African American couples with differing HIV status. The program aimed to improve communication, relationship health, and community respect.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center created a large battalion of tumor-seeking immune system cells that can locate and attack melanomas in real-time. The genetically engineered lymphocytes were injected into mice and found to kill the cancer within two to three days, paving the way for potential treatment in humans.
Researchers have discovered that silicon oil can absorb nearly 50% of radioactive rays during radiation therapy for ocular melanoma. The study, published in Archives of Ophthalmology, suggests that the substance acts as a physical shield to reduce radiation exposure to the eye.
A new study found that ultrafine particles from vehicular emissions can boost allergic inflammation in the lungs, exacerbating asthma. The researchers used a real-time testing method to isolate the effects of ultrafine particles on the immune response in mice, and found significant enhancement of allergic airway inflammation with expos...
Female human embryonic stem cells show variations in X chromosome inactivation as early as five passages, suggesting culture conditions can impact cell safety. The study's findings may have implications for cancer development and disease treatment, prompting further research on uniforming X chromosome inactivation patterns.
In a three-year study, UCLA scientists found that networks of brain cells in culture can learn to generate simple timed intervals after being stimulated with patterns. The research provides new insights into how the brain tells time and enhances understanding of its workings.
A recent study found rare genetic changes in autistic children that are often not present in their parents, occurring nearly 20% more frequently. The research, involving over 60 institutions worldwide, suggests that tiny errors during egg and sperm formation may contribute to autism.
A study found that a 10% increase in cigarette pricing resulted in an 18.2% decline in smoking among individuals with alcohol, drug or mental disorders. This suggests that increasing tobacco taxes could be an effective way to curb smoking among vulnerable populations.
A UCLA team of scientists discovered a relationship between DNA methylation and nucleosome positioning, which compact and regulate access to DNA. This finding could lead to techniques to control DNA methylation patterns and prevent cancer.
Research found that sarcopenia, low skeletal muscle mass and strength, is associated with insulin resistance and high blood-sugar levels in both obese and non-obese individuals. Muscle mass and strength are crucial in preventing type 2 diabetes.
A new study found significant racial and ethnic disparities in family-centered care for children with special health care needs. African American and Latino children are less likely to receive adequate time with their provider and culturally sensitive care compared to white children.
A new study from UCLA's Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Program found significant improvements in surgical outcomes for pediatric epilepsy patients over the past two decades. The researchers attribute the success to advancements in diagnostic technology and experience in selection and operations.
Young adult survivors of childhood cancers are four times more likely to develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) than their control group siblings. The study found that 589 survivors reported significant functional impairment and clinical distress, consistent with a full diagnosis of PTSD.
A recent study by researchers at UCLA Health Sciences has found that over a third of drinkers aged 60 and older consume excessive amounts of alcohol, posing health risks. The study also highlights demographic factors, such as age, education level, and income, that contribute to at-risk drinking among the elderly.
A UCLA study found that health fair referrals, especially those assisted by phone, significantly improved blood pressure in middle-aged low-income immigrants. This approach helped these individuals make timely appointments with doctors and adjust their medications, leading to a notable reduction in systolic blood pressure.
Operation Mend provides life-changing surgeries to military personnel severely injured in Iraq and Afghanistan. The program also offers treatment for post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries, as well as patient support and family accommodations.
A new study identifies women and patients with diabetes and dementia as most likely to fall into Medicare's 'donut hole', a gap in coverage where beneficiaries face unsubsidized medication costs. Researchers recommend doctor-patient counseling to manage drug regimens and prevent adverse effects on patients' health.
A novel 'medical home' program at UCLA significantly reduced emergency room visits among participating families, with a 55% decrease in ER visits. The program's effectiveness was attributed to continuous, accessible outpatient care and coordinated care coordination.
Researchers at UCLA successfully removed CCR5 receptor, which HIV binds to, from human immune cells using a gene-based approach. This strategy shows promise for treating HIV-infected individuals by reducing the virus's ability to infect cells.
A new evaluation tool helps clinicians decide whether to surgically remove or monitor asymptomatic pancreatic cysts. The tool considers overall health, age, cyst size, surgical risk, and patients' quality of life preferences.
Researchers at UCLA use mathematical modeling to analyze urban crime patterns, identifying two types of 'hotspots' that respond differently to policing. The model predicts when increased policing efforts will displace or suppress crime, providing valuable insights for law enforcement.
A UCLA study sheds light on why gene variants can only partly explain common disorders, and how environmental factors contribute to disease risk. The research highlights the importance of considering interactions between genes and their environment in genetic research.
A study by UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that specific histone modifications can predict prognosis and response to treatment in pancreatic cancer patients. The findings suggest that low levels of these modifications are associated with poor survival, while high levels may indicate a favorable response to chemotherapy.
Researchers have identified a broad-spectrum antiviral compound effective against HIV-1, influenza A, filoviruses, poxviruses, and other deadly diseases. The compound, LJ001, targets enveloped viruses by exploiting their biogenic reparative ability, resulting in permanent and irreversible damage.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have performed the first complete genomic sequencing of a brain cancer cell line, revealing a unique biological signature that may lead to new therapies. The study also holds promise for developing patient-specific diagnostics to monitor for cancer recurrence.
Researchers at UCLA's Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Program have found that a non-invasive approach to pre-surgical testing, combined with earlier consideration for surgery, is associated with the best seizure-free surgical outcome in patients with TSC. Approximately two-thirds of TSC patients became seizure-free after surgery.
A joint UC study found that three-quarters of medical students believe conventional Western medicine would benefit from integrating more complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies. The survey revealed that CAM can enhance patient care, improve treatment outcomes, and increase the effectiveness of healthcare systems.
Researchers found that patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol who ordered medications by mail were more likely to take them as prescribed. Mail-order pharmacy users had a financial incentive to fill prescriptions and lived farther from local pharmacies.
A new UCLA study has found that metformin is safe for use in treating patients with both diabetes and advanced heart failure, suggesting improved survival rates. The study involved 401 patients who were followed for 14 years and showed a lower risk of death among those taking metformin.
Researchers found that volunteering was associated with lower rates of frailty after three years, even after accounting for physical and cognitive function. The study suggests that participating in volunteer activities may help older adults maintain their health and prevent frailty.
Researchers have identified two cellular proteins that are important factors in hepatitis C virus infection. The natural compound Quercetin inhibits the synthesis of these proteins, significantly inhibiting viral infection in tissue culture. A Phase I clinical trial will be launched to determine if the compound is safe and effective.