A new UCLA study finds that the Patient Safety Indicator 04 (PSI 04) metric is fundamentally flawed when applied to emergency stroke care. The researchers argue that the metric incorrectly flags unavoidable complications of severe strokes, rather than problems with the procedure itself.
A new UCLA study combines human and animal research to identify chlorpyrifos as a potential environmental cause of Parkinson's disease. Long-term residential exposure to the pesticide increases the risk of developing the condition by more than 2.5 times.
A new study from UCLA Health found that a cardiovascular risk score can predict who will develop serious eye diseases years later. Higher cardiovascular risk scores were significantly more likely to develop conditions like age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma.
Researchers identified dozens of genes that regulate DNA repeat expansion, which accelerates as people age. The study found common genetic variants can speed up or slow this process by up to fourfold, linking it to serious diseases like kidney failure and liver disease.
Researchers found that tangled or irregular collagen at old uterine scars breaks down normal boundary between uterus and placenta, creating permissive environment for abnormal attachment. Persistent inflammation and immune cells also interfere with normal scar remodeling.
The UCLA-led Clinical Coordinating Center will standardize clinical and data processes, accelerating the development of therapies for people with autism and related conditions.
Maher El-Kady's work on sustainable energy storage technologies aims to create a cleaner, more accessible future. Dr. Dennis Slamon's breakthroughs in breast cancer treatment have benefited millions worldwide, highlighting the impact of UCLA researchers on global health and innovation.
Research finds that automatic patient outreach significantly increased the number of patients who completed advance care planning documentation. The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, suggests that health systems can implement automated mechanisms to promote advance care planning conversations and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers developed an AI tool to identify patients with undiagnosed Alzheimer's disease using electronic health records, addressing underdiagnosis and healthcare inequities. The model achieved sensitivity rates of 77-81% across diverse populations, promoting fairness while maintaining high accuracy.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that older adults with chronic kidney disease or cerebrovascular disease are at double the risk for developing neuroinvasive West Nile virus infection, which can lead to paralysis and death. The study identified several risk factors, including male sex, immune suppressants, and multiple scle...
A new oral endocrine therapy, giredestrant, has been shown to significantly lower the risk of breast cancer recurrence in early-stage HR-positive/HER2-negative patients. In a large clinical trial, patients treated with giredestrant were 30% less likely to have invasive disease recur or progress.
Researchers at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified a small molecule that can inhibit cancer-driving protein IGF2BP3, slowing leukemia growth and triggering cancer cell death. The discovery could lead to new treatments for leukemia and other hard-to-treat cancers.
A new study developed a powerful computational method, FAME, to detect and quantify genetic interactions. The researchers found 16 instances of interactions on traits such as cholesterol and liver enzymes, which were larger than the effects identified by examining individual variants alone.
Researchers mapped NBCn1's structure-function properties to understand how breast cancer cells thrive in hostile environments. The study provides insights into the protein's dynamics and ion transport pathways, paving the way for designing drugs that target this transporter.
Researchers at UCLA present several new studies on emerging blood-based surveillance tools, new approaches to predicting treatment response, and tailoring therapies across the disease spectrum for patients with breast cancer. The findings highlight the potential of precision medicine in improving quality of life.
A new study published in Gut Microbes reveals that married individuals with higher perceived emotional support have a lower body mass index and fewer food addiction behaviors. The study found that oxytocin pathways linking the brain, gut microbiome, and eating behaviors play a crucial role in shaping obesity risk.
A recent study by UCLA Health investigators found that mental health conditions significantly raise the likelihood of developing liver cancer among US veterans living with cirrhosis and hepatitis C. The study suggests that these disorders limit access to hepatitis C care, reducing the chance of a cure.
A comprehensive review of over 2,500 articles found limited support for medical cannabis in treating chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia. However, pharmaceutical-grade cannabinoids have demonstrated effectiveness in specific conditions like HIV/AIDS-related appetite loss and severe pediatric seizure disorders.
A recent study by UCLA Health found that a key genetic variant in the C3 gene increases the risk of chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) after lung transplantation. CLAD is the primary cause of mortality after lung transplantation, and the study suggests that impaired complement regulation drives this process.
A randomized clinical trial conducted at UCLA Health found that AI scribe tools reduced physician documentation time by 9.5% and improved burnout scores. While the technology showed promise, it also generated clinically significant inaccuracies and required active physician oversight.
A study published in JAMA Oncology found that shorter courses of androgen deprivation therapy can effectively control prostate cancer without increasing risks. The ideal duration of ADT depends on cancer risk, allowing for more personalized treatment plans.
A study published in JAMA Network Open finds that veterans with cardiometabolic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure are at a 10-14% higher risk of dying during days with extreme heat compared to other days. The researchers also found that homeless veterans faced a 25% higher risk of death vs. housed veterans.
A new report warns that AI can worsen health disparities in brain disease diagnoses if proper safeguards are not implemented. Researchers call for diverse perspectives, AI education, and strong governance to ensure equitable implementation.
Researchers found that fewer than 1 in 4 eligible younger adults completed colorectal cancer screenings after the USPSTF lowered the recommended screening age to 45. Despite investigating unmet social needs, no significant differences were found in testing uptake for this early midlife cohort.
The new department will drive the next generation of discovery and patient-centered care through advanced imaging and therapy. Key collaborations include UCLA Health, David Geffen School of Medicine, and UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Dr. Sedrak receives King Hussein Cancer Research Award for innovative work on accelerated aging in cancer survivors, with a focus on developing new strategies to prevent or reverse age-related effects. His research aims to improve health span and quality of life for cancer patients, holding promise for other age-related diseases.
The new clinical cancer research center will support lung and genitourinary cancers, serving as a central hub for seven VA medical centers. The grant aims to improve access to precision oncology trials and patient care for veterans diagnosed at later stages.
A new editorial highlights the importance of primary care in preventing heart disease in breast cancer survivors. The study found that most women do not go on to develop serious cardiac disease, but those with higher-risk chemotherapy, older age, or multiple cardiovascular risk factors may benefit from closer monitoring.
A UCLA study finds that DNA copy-number changes enable melanoma cells to resist immune attacks, leading to tumor relapse. The researchers suggest a strategy to make tumors more prone to self-destruction after immune attacks, potentially extending the effectiveness of immunotherapy.
A new UCLA Health study found that a child's early gut microbiome may influence their risk of developing depression, anxiety or other internalizing symptoms in middle childhood. The effect appears to be related to the way bacteria are linked to communication across emotion-related brain networks.
A research team provides a framework to support doctors in their patient care while ensuring AI doesn't undermine their expertise. The framework addresses key issues like timing, trust, and over-reliance on AI.
A new standardized discharge system at UCLA Health reduced patient departure delays from nearly 3 hours to under 90 minutes for four common conditions and decreased hospital length-of-stay by 2.5 days, according to a pilot study published in BMJ Open Quality.
A new UCLA study reveals that breast milk from women living with HIV contains significantly lower levels of tryptophan, an essential amino acid important for infant immune function and brain development. The study suggests that this depletion may be a common denominator explaining the immune, growth, and cognitive differences seen in c...
A 52% increase in complicated cases of diverticulitis was found among patients under 50, with a shift towards younger demographics and more aggressive disease presentations. Treatment strategies have evolved, but the exact causes of this trend remain poorly understood.
A new study found that adding chemotherapy to radiation therapy causes a greater decline in quality of life for women with early-stage cervical cancer. The trial measured patient-reported outcomes, including symptoms and side effects, highlighting the need for supportive care during treatment.
A UCLA Health study found that women continue to face barriers in accessing lung transplants despite recent national policy changes. The new Composite Allocation Score system aimed to improve fairness, but inequities persist, with women still 16% less likely to undergo transplantation.
Researchers found that combining zanzalintinib, a targeted therapy drug, with atezolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, improved survival rates by 20% compared to standard treatment regorafenib. The new combination also delayed cancer progression and showed promising results in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
UCLA investigators unveil decade-long survival data for immunotherapy in advanced lung cancer and promising results for novel therapies targeting PSMA, DKK1, and FGFR3 in various aggressive cancers. These breakthroughs hold promise for improved treatment outcomes and quality of life for patients with difficult-to-treat diseases.
A new survey conducted by UCLA found that nearly 1 in 4 transplant hepatologists in the US screen positive for unhealthy alcohol use. The study highlights the critical need for accessible physician wellness programs and reduced stigma around doctors seeking help.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive blood test that can detect Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) earlier and with higher accuracy by measuring cell-free DNA. The test distinguishes between ALS patients and healthy individuals, as well as those with other neurological conditions.
Researchers at UCLA Health have identified a sex-chromosome linked gene that drives inflammation in the female brain, making women more susceptible to conditions like Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis. Deactivating this gene and using diabetes medication metformin showed promising results in reducing symptoms in female mice.
A new study found that child neurologists often lack knowledge and education on motor difficulties in children with autism. Motor impairments are common in autistic children, affecting their development, language skills, and social interactions. The study recommends more training for medical students and residents to recognize and addr...
Research finds primary caregivers in urban under-resourced communities highlight the importance of parent input to boost equitable access to out-of-school-time activities. Key strategies include broad outreach, structural investments, and family engagement to improve participation and quality., The study suggests that enrichment and re...
Researchers create novel antibody-based treatment that combines diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities to target LRRC15-expressing tumors, slowing growth and extending survival. The approach shows promise in preclinical models by priming tumors for immune response and boosting immunotherapy's effectiveness.
A new UCLA Health study found that inhalers for asthma and COPD generate over 2 million metric tons of carbon emissions annually. Metered-dose inhalers account for 98% of emissions due to potent greenhouse gas propellants, while dry and soft powder mist inhalers are less harmful.
A study found that stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) after prostate surgery is safe and effective in preventing cancer recurrence, with low side effects and manageable treatment. The results suggest SBRT may be a faster and simpler option for men at risk of recurrent prostate cancer.
Dr. Amar Kishan has been recognized for his groundbreaking research on radiation treatments for genitourinary system cancers. He is the recipient of the 2025 Steven A. Leibel Memorial Award, presented by ASTRO and ABR Foundation.
A new PSMA-targeting radioligand therapy added to stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) more than doubled progression-free survival in men with recurrent prostate cancer, delaying the start of hormone therapy by up to 24 months. The study found minimal side effects and identified biological markers that may predict treatment benefits.
Researchers from UCLA presented findings on targeted radioactive therapy, new SBRT approaches and advances in MRI- and 5DCT-guided imaging. The LUNAR clinical trial looked at adding a targeted therapy before ablative radiotherapy for men with recurrent prostate cancer.
In-home gun homicides of children have more than doubled since 2010, with nearly two-thirds of child victims aged 12 and under killed at home. The study found that these cases are often linked to intimate partner violence and child abuse, with parents being the most common assailants.