A UCLA study analyzed over 6 million scholarly publications in biomedicine and chemistry, finding that most researchers prioritize established knowledge over innovative questions. This 'publish or perish' pressure leads to a tradeoff between traditional productivity and riskier innovation.
A recent UCLA-led study quantified the direct impact of climate on ecosystems worldwide, finding that it has a strong and immediate effect on forest productivity. The research restores scientific consensus on the topic after a controversial 2014 paper questioned the correlation between climate change and ecosystem growth.
A study found that people's mind's-eye images of an unknown black male are similar to those of an unknown white male convicted of assault. The researchers also discovered that size and status are linked in opposite ways depending on the assumed race, with larger characters perceived as lower in social influence and respect.
A UCLA-led team developed a mathematical model to predict crime hotspots, which was tested in Los Angeles and Kent, England. The model accurately predicted crime locations more often than human analysts, leading to a significant reduction in crime rates in Los Angeles, with potential annual savings of $9 million.
Scientists at UCLA used a microscope to image the 3D positions of individual atoms with precision of 19 trillionths of a meter. This breakthrough enables researchers to infer macroscopic material properties from atomic arrangements, guiding the development of aircraft components and other applications.
Analyzing intestinal bacteria could predict health outcomes as we age. The study discovered changes in gut microbes precede and predict the death of fruit flies.
A study published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence found that men who buy sex have less empathy for women in prostitution and view them as intrinsically different from other women. This aligns with research on sexual aggression, which suggests a lower level of empathy among perpetrators.
A UCLA physicist tested dark energy theories by mimicking the vacuum of space using cold atoms. The study found no difference in the acceleration of cesium atoms when changing the location of a dense object, providing insight into how chameleon fields interact with normal matter.
A team of UCLA scientists discovers a Jupiter-like planet, 51 Eridani b, which orbits a nearby star at a distance similar to Saturn's orbit. The planet has the strongest concentration of methane ever detected on a planet outside the Milky Way and is roughly twice the mass of Jupiter.
A meta-analysis of integrated care for youth found that children and teens who receive combined mental health and medical treatment are 66 percent more likely to have a good outcome. The study also revealed that the likelihood of a positive outcome increases when primary care and mental health providers work together closely.
Researchers at UCLA and University of Illinois found that emphasizing the benefits of vaccination and taking a non-confrontational approach can increase support for vaccination among skeptical parents. A study with 315 adults showed that highlighting the dangers of measles and mumps can substantially increase support for vaccination.
Scientists at UCLA have made groundbreaking breakthroughs in treating paralysis by developing a non-invasive procedure that stimulates the spinal cord, enabling five men with complete paralysis to move their legs. The new approach has shown promising results, suggesting that patients may regain control of multiple body functions.
A study by researchers at UCLA found that a social skills program for high-functioning young adults with autism improved their ability to engage with peers. The gains persisted 16 weeks after the program ended and were accompanied by increased empathy and greater responsibility.
A study by UCLA and University of Pittsburgh researchers has isolated specific genetic differences between people with DiGeorge syndrome who have autism and those who have psychosis. The findings suggest a potential way to determine which child is at risk for which disorder, allowing for early intervention and improvement.
Scientists analyzed ocean temperature measurements, finding a layer between 300-1,000 feet below the surface has been accumulating more heat than previously recognized. This warming will drive a surge in global surface warming as warm water moves westward, affecting surface temperatures and climate patterns.
A team of UCLA researchers has discovered the structure of mysterious plasma waves in near-Earth space, which were first detected in the 1960s. The findings reveal a zebra-striped pattern that could explain how these waves are excited.
Researchers found that schizophrenia patients have a higher-than-normal share of rare genetic mutations, highlighting the complex genetic architecture of the disorder. The study supports the hypothesis that schizophrenia may originate during early brain development.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a new way to harness light particles, enabling photons to be entangled in multiple dimensions. This allows for the transmission of denser packets of information through fiber optic networks, with potential applications in finance, healthcare, and military communications.
A UCLA study found that long-acting injectable risperidone significantly reduces symptoms of schizophrenia, especially in recently diagnosed patients. The medication showed better adherence and efficacy compared to daily oral pills, with only 5% experiencing symptom return within a year.
A new UCLA study uses brain scans to identify patients with OCD who are more likely to relapse after cognitive-behavioral therapy. The research found that brain connectivity before treatment can predict worsening symptoms after treatment.
Researchers at UCLA have created a novel system that can store solar energy for several weeks, unlike current systems which only hold energy for a few microseconds. The breakthrough design is inspired by photosynthesis and uses polymer donors and nano-scale fullerene acceptors to separate charges.
Researchers estimate that subduction returns almost no carbon to the mantle, with 'exchange between reservoirs in balance.' New analysis sheds light on Earth's climate over geologic time scales and implications for life.
A new study by UCLA neuroscientists shows that even during quiet moments, our brains are preparing us to be socially connected to other people. The research reveals that the brain's social nature is biologically based and can affect our daily lives.
UCLA researchers have identified a potentially effective treatment for methamphetamine addiction, with Naltrexone significantly reducing craving and arousal. The study found that Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors in the brain, making the drug less pleasurable, and had minimal side effects.
A study found that rhino horn is more valuable by weight than gold, diamonds, or cocaine, posing a devastating threat to the world's largest herbivores. The loss of these animals would have drastic implications for ecosystems and human societies, with some species expected to become extinct in as little as 80-100 years.
The study reveals that similar isotopic signatures exist for many biological processes, including those difficult to observe with current tools. This finding could enable the assessment of ocean productivity using stable oxygen isotopes.
Researchers created a highly efficient automated tool to deliver nanoparticles and other large cargo into mammalian cells at a rate of 100,000 cells per minute. This breakthrough enables new scientific research and potential medical applications, such as studying disease development and understanding cell responses.
A UCLA professor of planetary astronomy confirms that the timing of human births and hospital admissions is not influenced by the lunar cycle. The study highlights the persistence of flawed beliefs despite evidence, attributed to confirmation bias, and societal costs including measles outbreaks.
A new study by UCLA psychologists found that almost none of their subjects could accurately draw the Apple logo from memory. Only one student correctly reproduced the logo on a blank sheet of paper.
A new study by UCLA professor Jingyi Jessica Li and Mark Biggin from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory concludes that transcription plays the largest role in determining protein abundance. The research highlights the importance of accurate measurement and analysis methods for modeling gene expression.
An international team of astronomers has discovered a hot, dusty cloud of molecular gases in a dwarf galaxy near our own, where over 1 million young stars are forming. The star cluster is buried within a supernebula and contains massive 'O' stars that are a million times brighter than the sun.
A UCLA study identifies four key problem areas for Latinos under the Affordable Care Act: uninsurance of undocumented residents, growing Latino population in non-expansion states, increased demand on health systems, and language barriers. Insuring undocumented residents could improve access to care and reduce costs.
Researchers found that visual cues associated with overweight people influence one's sense of smell, and participants with higher BMI tend to be more critical of heavier individuals. This study suggests that weight stigma may be more pervasive than previously thought, affecting everyday life in various ways.
A new study by UCLA researchers has shown the feasibility of a blood-based test for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease, offering a safer and more affordable alternative to current methods. The test uses blood protein panels to predict brain amyloidosis with modest accuracy.
Researchers at UCLA and Université Pierre et Marie Curie identified a method for manufacturing more durable glass that resists temperature variations and aging. This breakthrough could result in stronger materials for various applications, including display screens, fiber optic cables, windows, and cement.
People with anorexia nervosa and body dysmorphic disorder share similar abnormalities in their brains that affect processing of global visual information. The study's findings suggest that perceptual retraining may be an effective therapy for both disorders.
A team of astronomers has discovered a distant star exploding as a supernova, with four images captured by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. The unique alignment is due to the powerful gravity of a foreground galaxy embedded in a massive cluster, providing a rare opportunity to study dark matter.
UCLA researchers have created a powerful new method to identify genetic markers for many diseases, including cancer and schizophrenia. The GIREMI method can accurately detect RNA editing sites, genetic mutations, and single nucleotide polymorphisms, enabling diagnosis and risk prediction for various conditions.
Research at UCLA Fielding School of Public Health finds that income inequality affects worker health, with stagnant wages and increased healthcare costs contributing to high stress, cardiovascular disease, and lower life expectancy. The study highlights the need for policies addressing workplace conditions and improving working-class h...
Researchers suggest the Higgs field's motion may have created a temporary imbalance between particles and antiparticles, resulting in a small excess of matter. This asymmetry is believed to be responsible for the formation of stars and planets, making up most of the universe.
A new platform developed by UCLA bioengineers uses nanotechnology-enhanced medications and AI-driven analysis to create safer and more effective treatments for drug-resistant tumors. The approach, called Feedback System Control.II, has been shown to outperform traditional combination therapies.
A UCLA-led study analyzing over 270,000 Chinese-language books found rising individualism in concert with growing urbanism, increasing wealth and higher education levels. Words like 'choose,' 'compete,' and 'innovation' demonstrated a growing prevalence of individualistic values.
A new thermal imaging technique called plasmon energy expansion thermometry (PEET) allows for precise temperature mapping in tiny electronic circuits. This can help engineers design microprocessors that minimize overheating and improve device performance.
A new study found that meditation can help preserve gray matter in the brain, reducing the age-related loss of functional abilities. Researchers compared 50 meditators with 50 non-meditators and found a significant difference in gray matter volume.
A team of researchers from UCLA and Columbia University has made a breakthrough in controlling light on a nanoscale by using random crystal lattice structures. This discovery could lead to more precise data transfer in computer chips and the development of new optical materials for laser emission.
Researchers discovered a type of sulfur bacteria preserved in rocks over 1.8 billion years old, which remain unchanged and indistinguishable from modern bacteria found in the same region. This finding supports Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by suggesting that evolution occurs only when environmental conditions change.
A UCLA study finds that regulating body temperature is a crucial factor in zebra striping, controlling zebras' body temperature and protecting them from diseases carried by biting flies. The research provides the first evidence of thermoregulation as the main reason for stripes and patterns.
A new study found that urban areas are experiencing a significant increase in heat waves, with extreme temperatures rising by over 50% per year. The trend is more pronounced at night due to the heat island effect, which traps heat in buildings and infrastructure.
Research on endangered monkey species in the Amazon reveals new insights into their diversity and evolutionary history. Genetic analysis shows that some species have distinct groups, while others have smaller habitats threatened by climate change.
A UCLA study found that environmental messages can significantly reduce energy use, with participants reducing their electricity consumption by an average of 8% after receiving weekly emails highlighting the health and environmental benefits. The most effective message was one that combined both ideas, reminding people that energy redu...