Researchers at UCLA and international collaborators identify 50 brain and behavioral measures associated with bipolar disorder, including thickness of gray matter in key brain regions. The study's findings could be a major step toward identifying specific genes contributing to the illness.
The UCLA research team aims to restore patients' independence by returning their ability to type on a keyboard, open doors and transfer themselves between their bed and wheelchair. The most promising therapy uses electrical impulses to stimulate dormant pathways within the spinal cord.
A large health care database study has found a twofold increase in the risk of heart attacks among men under 65 using testosterone therapy. The research also confirmed earlier findings that men over 65 experience a similar increased risk.
A team of researchers discovered that large multicellular organisms grew tall to access nutrient-rich ocean flow, gaining an advantage over bacteria. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of early life forms and may have implications for understanding modern ocean processes.
UCLA researchers Gabriel Rossman and Oliver Schilke analyzed 25 years of data on mainstream cinema to discover the logic behind Hollywood's decisions. They found that filmmakers who make movies with "Oscar appeal" (often mocked as "Oscar bait") face a risk-and-reward structure similar to lobbyists, with costly bids for potential awards.
Researchers have identified a group of bacteria from the genus Burkholderia that can be used to fertilize crops without harming humans. These beneficial strains fix atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, which helps plants thrive. The discovery has significant implications for sustainable agriculture in less productive areas.
Researchers found that people, especially men, tend to perceive risk-seekers as taller and stronger than cautious individuals. The study used fictional characters and real-life scenarios to demonstrate this phenomenon.
Researchers at UCLA discovered a mechanism by which certain adult stem cells suppress their ability to initiate skin cancer during dormancy. The study found that PTEN gene plays a crucial role in tumor suppression via quiescence in hair follicle stem cells.
A new data compression method, inspired by physics and the arts, has been developed to reduce big-data bottlenecks. The technique, called anamorphic stretch transform (AST), reshapes data in a way that preserves sharp features while compressing coarse ones.
Researchers have found that scattering by intense natural radio waves known as 'chorus' in the Earth's upper atmosphere is primarily responsible for the observed relativistic electron build-up. This discovery resolves decades of scientific controversy and has important practical applications for understanding planetary magnetospheres.
A study by UCLA and McGill researchers reveals that the US health care system is inefficient, ranking 22nd globally, with every dollar spent translating to less than half a month of increased life expectancy. The study also highlights significant gender disparities, with men experiencing greater gains in life expectancy than women.
Researchers identify key molecular mechanisms, cell populations and developmental stages of human articular cartilage cells. This breakthrough study provides a new cell source and biological roadmap for therapies to repair cartilage defects and damage from osteoarthritis.
Researchers from UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that glioblastoma cells can temporarily eliminate gene mutations when exposed to cancer drugs, becoming drug-resistant. After the drug is removed, the tumor cells reacquire the mutation, repeating this cycle and making treatment more challenging.
Researchers have found that prostate cancer stem cells change from basal to luminal cells as the disease progresses, rendering existing treatments less effective. This discovery could lead to more targeted therapies by targeting the evolving cancer stem cells.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that HIV-positive men who have sex with men are at a higher risk of developing anal cancer due to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The researchers discovered that taking antiretroviral therapies as prescribed can lower the risk of HPV infections among HIV-infected men.
Research finds that children whose bond with mother was disrupted early in life show similar responses to adoptive mother and strangers in the amygdala, indicating potential long-term effects on social interaction. Longitudinal study of 67 youths aged 4-17 reveals reduced amygdala differentiation and increased indiscriminate friendliness.
A comprehensive study reveals that poor mothers and fathers from ethnic minority groups experience high levels of chronic stress, affecting their mental and physical health. The research also found that certain ethnic groups, such as recent immigrants, tend to have lower stress levels despite facing similar socioeconomic challenges.
Researchers at UCLA's Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research have identified a specific type of cell and related cell communication pathway crucial for healthy placenta growth. The findings may help clarify the causes of fetal growth restriction and other pregnancy complications.
A majority of young California children eat fast food regularly, with 60% consuming it at least once a week. Parents in lower-income households have less influence over their children's eating habits, emphasizing the need for targeted health education and support.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have discovered key cell-signaling pathways used by BRAF-mutant melanoma to resist inhibitor drugs. The studies provide a better understanding of how tumors adapt and become resistant to treatment, ultimately leading to the development of new combination treatments.
Scientists at UCLA and Emory University have identified a biochemical signal in the blood associated with the faster-progressing form of Parkinson's. The researchers discovered that N8-acetyl spermidine is significantly elevated in rapid progressors, suggesting its potential as an early biomarker for the disease.
A new technique, deformability cytometry, can analyze over 1,000 cells per second and provide more accurate diagnoses than traditional methods. The test uses fluid flow to 'squeeze' individual cells, allowing for detailed analysis of cell properties.
The study found that primate faces with more complex patterns are associated with larger group sizes and more closely related species in the same habitat. Facial complexity is linked to social communication among members of the same species, aiding identification and recognition.
Researchers at UCLA have identified the medial prefrontal cortex as a key player in how anxious youths interpret neutral information. Increased activity in this brain region is observed when teenagers with anxiety disorders view faces that might be perceived as threatening, highlighting the importance of context in shaping their percep...
Researchers developed a new drug-delivery technique using two types of nanoparticles to effectively treat pancreatic cancer in mouse models. The dual-wave method opens up access to tumor cells, allowing chemotherapy drugs to target and kill cancer cells more efficiently.
Ancient European wolves are genetically linked to modern dogs, contradicting earlier research suggesting a Middle Eastern origin. Dogs derived from wolves that inhabited Europe and are now extinct.
Astronomers have discovered an unusual asteroid with six comet-like tails, which change dramatically over just 13 days. The object's rotation rate may be causing its surface to fly apart, ejecting dust in episodic eruptions.
Scientists create a virtual reality environment to study how rats navigate and anticipate rewards. The results show that rats prefer to use visual cues for navigation, while their legs work in harmony with their anticipation of food. In contrast, auditory cues alone lead to confusion and random movement.
A Phase 1B study of MK-3475, an anti-PD-1 immunotherapy drug, showed encouraging results in treating non-small cell lung cancer, with a 24% response rate and median overall survival of 51 weeks. The drug, developed by Merck, allows the immune system to detect and attack cancer cells.
Researchers found that thicker leaves have larger cells in all tissues except vascular tissue, and cell walls are proportionally thicker. The team developed new mathematical equations to predict internal anatomy from leaf thickness, providing insights into leaf function and design.
Researchers at UCLA's College of Letters and Science have employed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to better measure the temperature of gases inside a catalytic reactor. This non-invasive method maps gas temperatures in real-time, enabling engineers and chemists to design better lab-on-a-chip devices and optimize reactor conditions.
A recent UCLA sleep apnea study uncovered that women with the condition are more likely to develop symptoms of heart disease and other health issues due to weaker autonomic responses. The study found that women with obstructive sleep apnea tend to have subtler symptoms, leading to delayed diagnosis and potential long-term consequences.
Researchers found that consciousness does not reside in a specific area of the brain but rather arises from the communication among billions of neurons. The study provides an initial step toward developing a scientific definition of consciousness.
A three-way partnership between UCLA, USC, and UC Irvine will form the Los Angeles–Southern California Regional Coordinating Center to address stroke prevention, acute therapy, and recovery. The network will perform five to 10 clinical trials and educate fellows in stroke translational research.
A new study identifies cancer-specific gene signatures for breast, lung, prostate, and ovarian cancers using surprisal analysis, a thermodynamics-based approach. This method allows researchers to understand how cellular energy is expended in cancer cells and identify potential biomarkers for early detection and therapy.
Researchers at UCLA School of Dentistry validated that pancreatic cancer biomarkers reside in saliva through a study on tumor-ridden mouse models. The team demonstrated that tumor-derived extracellular RNA molecules are transported through exosome vesicles and re-processed into saliva as biomarkers.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that mice on high-fat diets developed abnormally high numbers of pancreatic lesions, which are precursors to pancreas cancer. A normal diet was shown to have a significant impact on reducing the risk of this deadly disease.
Researchers at UCLA have created a synthetic metabolic pathway that converts all six glucose carbon atoms into three molecules of acetyl-CoA without losing any as carbon dioxide. This breakthrough could lead to a significant increase in the production of biofuels, with potential applications in biorefineries and photosynthetic microbes.
Researchers from UCLA and international partners use a unique alignment of six spacecraft to measure the release of magnetic energy close to Earth. They discover that this energy is stored in Earth's magnetosphere and released through a process called magnetic reconnection, which powers Earth's auroras and radiation belts.
Researchers have created a transparent, elastic OLED that can be repeatedly stretched, folded and twisted at room temperature while still retaining its original shape. The new material has potential applications in smartphones, clothing, lighting, medical tools and more.
A team of UCLA scientists successfully modeled and explained the unprecedented behavior of a previously unknown third radiation ring around Earth. The region was found to consist of different populations driven by various physical processes, with ultra-relativistic electrons posing significant hazards to satellites.
Nanodiamonds have been found to promote bone growth and deliver proteins to treat osteonecrosis, a debilitating disease that causes bones to break down. The tiny diamonds can be administered non-invasively, potentially revolutionizing dental implant procedures.
UCLA researchers have created a portable smartphone attachment that can detect single viruses, bacteria, and nanoparticles using a cellphone-based imaging platform. The device weighs less than half a pound and can be used for sensitive detection of sub-wavelength objects in field settings.
Four UCLA researchers received significant funding to advance promising stem cell therapies for HIV/AIDS, prostate cancer, and sickle cell disease. Drs. Jerome Zack, Robert Reiter, Donald Kohn, and Gerald Lipshutz will use the grants to develop innovative treatments with potential to revolutionize disease care.
The portable device, developed by UCLA researchers, can determine levels of albumin in urine and transmit results within seconds, reducing the need for frequent office visits. The device weighs around one-third of a pound and is compatible with smartphones.
The UCLA School of Dentistry is developing a salivary biomarker panel to detect stomach cancer using exRNA biomarkers. The research has the potential to create a new paradigm in salivary diagnostics, revealing saliva's transformative potential for detecting systemic diseases.
A UCLA study found that women diagnosed with breast cancer who created personal websites experienced reduced depressive symptoms, improved mood, and increased appreciation for life. The project, Project Connect Online, provided a platform for breast cancer patients to share their experiences and connect with friends and family online.
A UCLA analysis of over 1.5 million books shows how cultural values have changed, revealing individualism and materialistic values on the rise.
A genetic alteration in the TOP3B gene has been identified as a risk factor for schizophrenia and intellectual impairment. The study reveals a common biological pathway between schizophrenia and Fragile X syndrome, which is associated with autism and learning difficulties.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have successfully combined cellular therapy and gene therapy in a mouse-model system to develop a viable treatment strategy for breast cancer that has spread to the brain. The approach shows significant promise in reducing metastatic brain tumor size, providing new hope for pati...