The FDA has approved a gene therapy for severe leukocyte adhesion deficiency-I, a rare genetic condition that affects one in a million children globally. The therapy, Kresladi, has been shown to significantly reduce severe infections and improve immune function in treated patients.
Researchers found that combining targeted radiation therapy with BO-112 and anti-PD-1 therapy before surgery activated the immune system to fight cancer. This approach reshaped the tumor microenvironment to support T-cell activity, resulting in fewer cancer cells and a more effective anti-tumor response.
Researchers will use human stem cell-based models to uncover molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying autism and schizophrenia. They aim to identify genetic variants that alter brain development and pinpoint common underlying mechanisms for both conditions.
UCLA researchers identified a key protein, E2F3, essential for survival in cancer cells lacking the protective gene RB. Blocking E2F3 effectively halted tumor growth, offering a new strategy for treating aggressive cancers.
Researchers tracked mouse groups during cold exposure and found that individual brain activity influences collective behavior, leading to self-correction when one member is compromised. The study highlights the importance of considering the whole group in understanding brain function.
Researchers engineered supercharged T cells that can recognize and kill prostate cancer cells more effectively. By fine-tuning how they physically interact with tumor cells, the T cells form a stronger bond, allowing them to deliver a targeted immune response without damaging healthy tissue.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a novel immunotherapy that uses CAR-NKT cell therapy to fight endometrial cancer. The therapy achieved complete tumor elimination and prolonged survival in mouse models, outperforming conventional CAR-T cell therapies.
A new study by UCLA researchers shows that a personalized counseling program, called Motivation and Problem-Solving (MAPS), can help cervical cancer survivors quit smoking, with twice as many women quitting compared to standard support. The program's cost-effectiveness is also demonstrated, with the probability of being cost-effective ...
Patients with neurological diseases face profound questions about identity, purpose, and meaning, but neurologists often lack training and tools to address these concerns. A new paper offers practical strategies for incorporating spiritual assessment into routine neurological care.
A recent study in mice has identified the brain circuits responsible for why we help others, finding a common neural basis in parenting and prosocial behavior. The research suggests that evolution may have linked the biological drive to care for offspring with the urge to comfort distressed peers.
The novel approach outperforms standard CAR-T cell therapy in preclinical studies using mouse models of glioblastoma and ovarian cancer. Armored CAR-T cells eliminate tumors, reshape the tumor environment, and boost immune-cell activity.
A new UCLA study suggests that adding hormone therapy to post-operative radiotherapy may provide little survival benefit for most men with prostate cancer, especially those with low PSA levels. However, men with higher PSA levels before radiation may see modest improvements in survival and metastasis-free survival.
Researchers at UCLA have found a way to supercharge immune cells with a fuel source that tumors can't steal, dramatically improving their ability to survive and attack solid tumors. The approach enables T cells to import cellobiose and convert it into usable glucose inside the cell.
Researchers found that a condensed brain stimulation therapy, known as '5x5' TMS, produced comparable results to the standard six-week course of treatment. Patients who showed little improvement immediately after finishing their five-day course still benefited significantly in the weeks that followed.
Researchers found that certain inhalers used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are not only less harmful to the environment but can also lead to slightly better patient outcomes. The dry powder inhaler was associated with a 14% lower risk of moderate or severe COPD exacerbations compared to metered-dose inhalers.
UCLA researchers have developed a novel gene-editing approach using lipid nanoparticles to deliver a full-length CFTR gene into human airway cells. The study shows promise for treating cystic fibrosis by correcting the underlying genetic mutation, which could lead to more effective and long-term therapies.
A new UCLA study found that adding immunotherapy to standard chemotherapy before surgery is safe and shows promise for some patients with borderline-resectable pancreatic cancer. The combination treatment helped patients live long enough to reach surgery, shrank tumors, and produced encouraging survival outcomes.
A new report published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health highlights the significant global palliative care gap among children, with 96% of those in need living in low- and middle-income countries. The study estimates that $1 million per year is sufficient to cover pain medications for all children ages 0-14 years in need who live...
A UCLA research team has identified the best design for a promising new type of immunotherapy that could be mass-produced to treat multiple solid tumors. The 4-1BB-containing CAR design emerged as superior, demonstrating strongest anti-tumor activity and persistence.
Researchers at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center developed a new zinc oxide formulation that significantly reduces the white, chalky cast associated with traditional mineral sunscreens. The tetrapod-shaped particles provide strong protection against UV radiation while staying evenly distributed in the sunscreen.
A study published in Cell identified a protein complex called CRL5SOCS4 that marks tau for degradation, suggesting strengthening this natural defense mechanism could represent a new therapeutic strategy. Higher expression of CRL5SOCS4 components made neurons more likely to survive despite the accumulation of tau protein.
Aging muscles heal more slowly after injury due to increased levels of protein NDRG1 in aged muscle stem cells. NDRG1 helps stem cells survive longer but reduces their ability to activate and repair tissue.
A new clinical trial shows that treating desmoplastic melanoma with immunotherapy before surgery dramatically shrinks or eliminates tumors, improving quality of life for patients. The study found that 71% of patients had no detectable cancer remaining at the time of surgery.
Researchers created a comprehensive map showing how eight different genetic mutations associated with autism spectrum disorder affect early brain development. They found that despite initial differences, these mutations increasingly impact overlapping molecular pathways as development progresses.
Researchers developed miniature 3D tumor organoid models that closely mimic the human brain, revealing how glioblastoma interacts with surrounding brain cells and immune system. The models identified PTPRZ1 as a key regulator of tumor behavior, which helps determine its aggressiveness.
A UCLA-led team has discovered a novel mechanism of kidney stone formation involving bacteria, challenging the long-held assumption that stones develop solely through chemical and physical processes.
A new study demonstrates a health care approach matching treatment intensity to individual risk levels can significantly reduce self-harm and depression among at-risk adolescents and young adults. The randomized clinical trial found significant reductions in self-harm behaviors, improved patient satisfaction, and high follow-up rates.
The Phase 2 ANDROMEDA trial combines two types of PSMA-targeted radiopharmaceuticals with stereotactic body radiotherapy to delay progression and minimize side effects in patients with oligorecurrent prostate cancer. Researchers aim to determine which approach provides the most durable cancer control.
Research finds that nearly one in four Medicare beneficiaries with dementia are prescribed potentially harmful medications linked to falls, confusion, and hospitalization. Despite declines in prescribing rates, high levels of inappropriate prescribing persist among older adults with cognitive impairment.
The funding will support research at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine, College of Letters and Science, and Fielding School of Public Health. The studies aim to inform evidence-based regulation and public health priorities.
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.