A new study found that genetic variants in lysosomal genes may contribute to the development of Parkinson's disease in individuals exposed to high levels of pesticides. The research suggests a potential gene-environment interaction, where minor changes in these genes can lead to increased disease risk under stress.
The FDA has approved the use of N-803, an immunotherapy drug, in combination with BCG for treating patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer who did not respond to conventional treatment. The approval is based on a trial led by UCLA's Dr. Karim Chamie, which showed improved outcomes and longer overall survival rates.
Research suggests that female physicians have a clinically significant impact on patient outcomes, with lower mortality and readmission rates compared to male doctors. Female patients benefit more significantly from treatment by female physicians, possibly due to better communication and understanding of sensitive health issues.
A new study by UCLA Health found that middle-aged Black Americans had the highest mortality rates from suicide, drug overdose, and alcoholic liver disease in 2022. Native Americans had the highest combined death rate from these causes over nearly two decades.
Researchers identified a gene mutation associated with impaired natural killer cell function, leading to increased susceptibility to viral infections in people with a rare genetic condition. Oleic acid supplementation shows promise as a potential therapy for these patients.
A pilot study by UCLA Health investigators suggests that treating patients with immunotherapy and chemotherapy before surgery may improve long-term outcomes for those with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer. The study found a higher rate of successful tumor removal and increased overall survival when compared to historical controls.
A new study found that lonely women exhibit increased activity in brain regions associated with food cravings and motivation towards eating high-calorie foods. The researchers also discovered a link between social isolation, obesity, and poor mental health, highlighting the importance of holistic interventions to break the cycle.
Research highlights gaps in information, support, and resources for women with serious mental illness who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. The study found that few women recalled discussions of pregnancy with their mental health providers and were dissatisfied with the information they received about potential safety concerns.
A new therapy combines gene-modified dendritic cells with immunotherapy to promote a stronger immune response against lung cancer. The treatment slows down tumor growth and activates T cells to attack cancer cells systemically.
Researchers present findings on immunotherapy approaches, a potential biomarker for neuroendocrine carcinomas, and improved treatments for pancreatic cancer and melanoma. A UCLA team identified UCHL1 as a molecular indicator and therapeutic target for aggressive neuroendocrine cancers.
A new vaccine developed by UCLA researchers demonstrates high protection against melioidosis, a tropical disease that causes 89,000 fatalities annually. The vaccine was tested in mice and found effective even against a highly lethal strain of the bacteria.
Adding ribociclib to hormone therapy improves invasive disease-free survival by 90.4% at three years, distant disease-free survival by 90.8%, and recurrence-free survival by 91.7%. The study found a 25% relative reduction in recurrence rate for patients with stage 2 or 3 HR-positive, HER2-negative early breast cancer.
A combination of short-course hormonal therapy and stereotactic body radiation therapy has been shown to be safe and effective in treating metastatic prostate cancer. In a preliminary study, 50% of patients remained recurrence-free six months after treatment, with less than a quarter experiencing severe side effects.
Researchers found that adding a note to play up psychological sense of ownership was more effective at convincing people to get the booster. This approach outperformed lab findings and expert insights, highlighting the importance of reproducibility in behavioral science.
A study published in Journal of Psychosomatic Research suggests that short-term biofeedback therapy can alleviate certain symptoms of long COVID, including physical and mental health issues. Participants reported significant improvements after six sessions of biofeedback therapy.
A survey of healthcare professionals and laypeople found that both groups prioritize saving the greatest number of lives possible, but differ on how to achieve this. The study aims to inform policymakers and improve resource allocation during future health crises.
A new UCLA Health study found that women and individuals who don't fit traditional norms in the emergency room environment are underrepresented due to the challenging cultural dynamics. Most medical students who pursued emergency medicine despite this hurdle indicated they needed mentorship, representation, and exposure to the specialty.
UCLA Health researchers found a group of astrocytes in the central striatum regulate neurotransmitter communication and gate perseverative behavior. The discovery may lead to potential therapies for disorders like autism, OCD, and Tourette syndrome.
A study published in Cancer Research Communications reveals a potential genetic marker associated with better survival outcomes in patients with head and neck cancer. The researchers found that the presence of a specific genetic variant and higher expression of the GAN gene product gigaxonin may contribute to improved survival rates.
A UCLA Health study suggests Kundalini yoga can improve cognitive function, memory and brain health for postmenopausal women. The study found that yoga prevented brain matter decline, reversed aging and inflammation-associated biomarkers – improvements not seen in a group who received standard memory training exercises.
A new off-the-shelf vaccine has shown promise in treating pancreatic and colorectal cancers in patients with KRAS mutations. The study found that the vaccine significantly decreased tumor biomarkers and produced strong T-cell responses, leading to a reduced risk of relapse and death.
A UCLA-led study found that a combination of telehealth coaching, peer support, and automated text messages increased PrEP uptake among younger Americans by more than doubling it. The intervention's success suggests the importance of behavioral interventions and wraparound services in supporting HIV prevention.
Researchers at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified the protein TYRP1 as a promising target for CAR T-cell therapy. The study demonstrates potent antitumor responses against cutaneous and rare melanoma types, offering new hope for treating these challenging-to-treat cancers.
A four-drug chemotherapy regimen, NALIRIFOX, has been approved by the FDA for frontline treatment of metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The regimen, combining irinotecan liposome, oxaliplatin, leucovorin, and fluorouracil, resulted in longer overall survival compared to a two-drug protocol.
A new study found that young teenagers who develop a strong distrust of others as a result of childhood bullying are substantially more likely to have significant mental health problems as they enter adulthood. Researchers used data from 10,000 children in the UK and found that adolescents who were bullied at age 11 and developed great...
A UCLA-led evaluation found that 81% of homeless residents in the pilot program were no longer unsheltered after one year. The initiative improved housing placement rates and reduced time spent in locked psychiatric settings.
New research finds that Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals experience greater negative impacts on their health status, activity levels, and ability to work after COVID-19 infection compared to white participants. The study highlights the need for equitable health interventions for underserved populations.
Researchers have identified genetic and cellular changes underlying placenta accreta spectrum disorder, which can cause the placenta to fail to separate from the uterus at birth. The study sheds new light on this increasingly prevalent disorder, which has devastating implications for maternal and neonatal health.
Researchers have identified UCHL1, a protein found in highly aggressive neuroendocrine carcinomas and neuroblastoma, as a potential molecular biomarker for diagnosing these cancers and predicting responses to therapy. Targeting UCHL1 with inhibitors has been shown to delay the growth and spread of these tumors in pre-clinical models.
UCLA surgeons and scientists present research on ethnic predictors of gastric cancer survival, early liver retransplantation and risk factors for chemical restraint use in adult trauma patients. The studies highlight the importance of understanding these factors to improve patient care.
A new study finds that infants born full-term to mothers infected with COVID-19 during pregnancy are three times more likely to develop respiratory distress compared to uninfected infants. Vaccination prior to infection was found to be protective, reducing the risk by half.
A recent study by researchers at UCLA Health Sciences found that the presence of certain microorganisms in semen may affect sperm motility and male fertility. Specifically, Lactobacillus iners was linked to negative impacts on sperm parameters.
Researchers found a combination treatment involving high doses of radiation and chemotherapy to be safe and effective in treating locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer. The treatment, which includes an adaptive boost plan, showed promising results in improving progression-free survival and reducing toxic side effects.
Researchers found that impaired autophagy can lead to cardiac dysfunction by depleting NAD+ levels, which activates a chain of events causing mitochondrial and cardiac damage. Inhibiting a key enzyme in this pathway may offer new therapeutic options for heart failure treatment.
Scooter-related injuries in the US nearly tripled from 2016 to 2020, resulting in more severe injuries and higher healthcare costs. The study found that scooter riders were more likely to experience long bone fractures and paralysis than bicycle riders.
A new study found that fentanyl-laced prescription pills are driving a surge in overdose deaths among high school age adolescents in the US. The death rate for this group has increased to 5.2 per 100,000, with Arizona and Colorado experiencing rates double the national average.
Researchers used OCTA to visualize retinal blood vessel changes in migraine patients during and between attacks. Blood flow decreases were found, with asymmetrical flow correlated to headache pain side.
A new report by UCLA neurologist Dr. Indu Subramanian recommends that doctors delivering Parkinson's diagnoses use correct terminology and provide guidance on treatment options, lifestyle choices, and coping strategies to give patients hope and agency.
Researchers at UCLA Health have received a $3 million grant to identify novel biomarkers and develop AI for detecting aggressive prostate cancer. The project aims to improve treatment accuracy and reduce unnecessary interventions.
A new UCLA study found that the ketogenic diet alters key gut microbiome functions related to fatty acid oxidation and amino acid metabolism in pediatric epilepsy patients. These changes confer seizure resistance in mice when transplanted fecal matter is used, holding promise for new microbiome-based therapies.
A new UCLA Health study found that hormonal contraceptive pill users processed stress differently at the molecular and psychological level. They also reported a more negative emotional response to stress compared to non-users.
A study by UCLA researchers found that nearly 20% of patients with serious illnesses listed as alive in their medical records were actually deceased according to California data. This discrepancy led to hundreds of wasteful follow-up outreach efforts, straining resources and healthcare workers' time.
Two studies led by UCLA researchers reveal how cancer cells use energy to survive and grow, shedding light on why some prostate cancers become resistant to hormone therapy. The findings highlight the importance of considering cell metabolism in developing new cancer treatments, particularly those targeting the androgen receptor.
A new study found Black men diagnosed with advanced stages of prostate cancer are significantly less likely to be prescribed novel hormone therapy compared to white or Latino men. The disparity persisted at five years and beyond, with Black patients receiving this crucial treatment at a lower rate.
A UCLA study found that substance abuse treatment can lead to reduced methamphetamine usage and longer periods of abstinence. The study, which analyzed responses from nearly 300 men in Los Angeles, suggests that even limited treatment options can be effective in reducing methamphetamine use.
A new study calls for increased health outcome reporting at ICE detention centers to monitor the quality of medical care. The researchers found discrepancies between emergency medical services and ICE reports, raising questions about the medical care provided in these centers.
Researchers discovered an alternative immune response involving NK and CD4+ T cells that can recognize and attack cancer cells when the usual recognition marker B2M is missing. This finding holds potential for developing more effective combination cancer immunotherapy treatments.
A study of over 2.9 million patients found that gender concordance was associated with lower mortality for female patients, but higher mortality for male patients. The quality of surgical care provided by female surgeons is equivalent to or slightly better than that provided by male surgeons.
A new study from UCLA Health researchers demonstrates that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is effective in most patients with major depressive symptoms, starting to alleviate symptoms as quickly as one week. The treatment was found to be associated with a significant response rate of 54% of patients, with early impr...
Researchers developed an AI model using epigenetic factors to predict patient outcomes across multiple cancer types. The model successfully divided patients into two groups with different survival chances, and its genes were found to have a significant overlap with cluster-defining signature genes.