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University of California - Los Angeles


Is sexual addiction the real deal?

UCLA researchers measure brain responses to sexual images in hypersexual individuals, finding that brain response is tied only to level of sexual desire, not severity of hypersexuality. This challenges existing theories of sex 'addiction', suggesting it may be a cluster of problems rather than an addiction.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalSocioaffective Neuroscience & Psychology·DateJul 18, 2013

Note to teens: Just breathe

A UCLA study shows that a four-week program teaching yoga-based breathing practices can significantly reduce impulsive behavior in adolescents, leading to improved emotional regulation and decision-making skills. The program was found to be effective in reducing impulsive acts such as drug abuse, risky sexual behaviors, and violence.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJul 9, 2013

UCLA stem cell gene therapy for sickle cell disease advances toward clinical trials

Researchers at UCLA's Eli and Edythe Broad Center have successfully established a foundation for using hematopoietic stem cells to treat sickle cell disease. The breakthrough technique uses anti-sickling genes to create healthy red blood cells that do not sickle, offering a revolutionary alternative to current treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 1, 2013

New cancer drug shows promise for treating advanced melanoma

A new drug called lambrolizumab has shown promising results in treating patients with advanced melanoma, with 77% of patients experiencing tumor response and minimal serious side effects. The treatment works by blocking a protein that allows cancer cells to hide from the immune system, reactivating an immune response to attack the cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 2, 2013

Boosting 'cellular garbage disposal' can delay the aging process, UCLA biologists report

Researchers found that increasing parkin levels in fruit flies extended their life span by more than 25 percent, reducing damaged proteins and improving mitochondrial function. The study suggests that boosting cellular 'garbage disposal' could delay the onset of aging-related diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 6, 2013

UCLA study finds scientific basis for cognitive complaints of breast cancer patients

A new UCLA study finds a significant correlation between poorer performance on neuropsychological tests and memory complaints in post-treatment, early-stage breast cancer patients. The research suggests that 'chemo brain' may involve neurophysiological changes associated with chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 19, 2013

Affordable care alone may not be enough to help Latinos overcome cancer care barriers

A UCLA study found that financial hardship, lack of doctor continuity and care coordination, and communication issues significantly hinder access to prostate cancer care among Latino men. The study highlights the need for a multi-faceted approach to improve access, increase health literacy, and enhance care coordination.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalQualitative Health Research·DateMar 5, 2013