New UCLA research finds global warming will make Arctic shipping routes accessible due to melting sea ice, allowing ordinary vessels to navigate previously inaccessible areas. By mid-century, ships will be able to traverse the Arctic Ocean without icebreakers, and even the Northwest Passage may become viable for commercial shippers.
A new study by UCLA life scientists suggests that pregnant women who receive strong social support from their families during pregnancy have lower levels of a stress hormone and reduced risk of postpartum depression. The research found that emotional support was the most powerful form of support, and early interventions may provide a b...
A recent study by UCLA and Washington University researchers discovered that acne-causing bacteria contain both 'bad' and 'good' strains. The 'good' strain is found in healthy skin but rarely occurs in those with acne, suggesting it may have a natural defense mechanism to protect the skin.
Researchers discover that defective viruses, once thought useless, increase the spread of disease by 'hitchhiking' with functional viruses. The presence of a defective DENV-1 virus may have led to large increases in dengue fever cases in Myanmar in 2001 and 2002.
Researchers demonstrate acceleration of electrons by a laser in free space, a significant breakthrough with implications for fusion as a new energy source. The capture-acceleration scenario, proposed by Yu-kun Ho's group, explains how a tightly focused laser can create a channel for electrons to receive energy gain.
Researchers at UCLA refine their 'NanoVelcro' device to capture and analyze single cancer cells from patient blood, enabling 'liquid biopsies' for metastatic melanoma. The improved device allows doctors to tailor personalized treatment to specific patients.
A new study suggests that scopolamine can help boost the effectiveness of exposure therapy for anxiety disorders by disrupting contextual processing. Researchers found that administering scopolamine to rats during anxiety-extinction led to fear-recovery being thwarted, suggesting a potential breakthrough in preventing relapse.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a new technique to fabricate micro-scale graphene-based supercapacitors, which can charge and discharge faster than standard batteries. The method uses a DVD burner to create the devices, making them more affordable and scalable.
A UCLA study found a link between untreated depression and decreased effectiveness of the shingles vaccine in older adults. Patients with depression showed a weaker immune response to the varicella-zoster virus, making them less responsive to the vaccine.
Researchers have developed a new bio-mimicking therapeutic that can stabilize bFGF, allowing for its potential use in treating skin wounds and accelerating the healing process. The stable conjugate has been shown to function like normal bFGF to trigger the same signaling pathways involved in wound healing.
A UCLA team developed a degradable nanoscale shell to carry proteins to cancer cells, stunting tumor growth and inducing cell death. The process is safer than traditional chemotherapy and gene therapies, preserving healthy cells.
Researchers found that benomyl exposure can trigger a cascade of cellular events leading to Parkinson's disease, even in individuals without prior pesticide exposure. The study suggests developing new drugs to protect ALDH activity may slow disease progression.
A new UCLA study assesses the prevalence of various study partner types in Alzheimer's clinical trials, finding that non-spouse partners can impact trial results and interpretations. The study also highlights disparities in recruitment among minority groups.
Researchers at UCLA have created a lightweight device called the iTube that attaches to a cell phone to detect allergens in food samples. The iTube uses the cell phone's camera and a smart application to run a test with high sensitivity, similar to laboratory tests.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Center have identified liposarcoma tumors that can be imaged by PET scanning using a tracer substance known as FAC, and found these tumors are sensitive to chemotherapy. This discovery has translational potential for liposarcoma patients and may lead to more effective treatment strategies.
A new study by UCLA researchers found that women with obstructive sleep apnea have more severe brain damage than men with the disorder. The study also revealed that women are more affected by sleep apnea and experience higher levels of depression and anxiety symptoms.
A new UCLA study suggests that older adults' brains are less active in the anterior insula region, which is linked to disgust and detecting dishonest faces. This reduced activity makes it harder for older adults to recognize untrustworthy faces, leading to increased vulnerability to financial exploitation.
Using thermal models, scientists pinpointed the extremely cold regions where ice has been found on or below the surface. The dark deposits are thought to be a thin crust of residual organic material brought by asteroids and comets.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a molecular compound called CLR01 that breaks up toxic protein aggregations in a mouse model, clearing amyloid-beta and tau aggregates and protecting neurons' synapses. The compound has shown high safety and efficacy in treating Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists found that carbon-rich asteroids have been splattering dark material on Vesta's surface over billions of years, creating a youthful appearance. The protoplanet's bright outer layer remains pristine, with tiny metallic particles absent, indicating minimal weathering.
A recent study proposes redirecting $750 billion in wasteful healthcare spending towards various initiatives, including businesses, education, infrastructure, and job retraining. The potential outcomes include reducing deficit, funding preschool programs, improving transportation projects, and promoting rural development.
A new UCLA study reveals that women in stable but not-so-sexy relationships become more distant and critical during periods of high fertility, according to researchers. Despite this, the negative feelings appear fleeting and do not impact long-term commitment to their romantic relationship.
Researchers suggest that small numbers of stars kicked to the edges of space during galaxy collisions may explain infrared light 'halos'. This theory proposes that only one-tenth of 1 percent of stars are distributed like dark matter, producing fluctuations in the cosmic background.
Researchers developed a new technique using phase contrast tomography and EST algorithm to create high-quality 3D images of breast tissue, allowing for earlier and more accurate detection of breast tumors. The technique uses lower radiation doses than current CT scanners, enabling clearer images with sharper details.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Orthopsychiatry found that high-risk children adopted from foster care do equally well with gay, lesbian or heterosexual parents. Children in these households achieved significant gains in cognitive development and stable behavior problems.
A UCLA-led team of experts found the proposed criteria to be reliable and valid in helping mental health professionals diagnose hypersexual disorder. The study accurately classified 88% of patients as having the disorder, with significant consequences including job loss, relationship end, and emotional distress.
Researchers at UCLA's Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine have discovered that the Trop2 protein promotes the self-renewal of cancer cells through a mechanism involving cleavage. This finding may lead to the development of new therapies that block Trop2 molecular signaling, stopping tumor growth in various epithelial malignancies.
A new life sciences study using 14 years of data on gray wolves in Yellowstone National Park found that cooperative group behavior and a mother's weight are crucial for raising successful offspring. Larger packs tend to get larger and win the 'arms race' of holding territories against competing packs.
Astronomers report the discovery of S0-102, a star with an extremely short orbit near the supermassive black hole at the Milky Way's galactic center. The study aims to test Einstein's theory of general relativity and reveal the fabric of space and time around a black hole.
A new study led by researchers from UCLA School of Nursing found that nursing interventions and art messaging programs can significantly decrease substance abuse among homeless youths. The study revealed significant reductions in alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, and hallucinogen use.
A new clinical study by UCLA researchers found a direct correlation between pressure ulcers, or bedsores, and patient mortality, as well as longer hospital stays and readmissions. The study tracked over 51,000 Medicare beneficiaries and found that seniors with bedsores were more likely to die during their hospital stay.
A UCLA study found that female politicians with stereotypically feminine facial features are more likely to be Republican, while those with less feminine features are more likely to be Democrat. The researchers used a computer model to analyze the faces of 434 House Representatives and found a strong correlation between facial features...
A new process called chemical lift-off lithography (CLL) enables precise patterning of biomolecules at the nanoscale, avoiding diffused patterns. The technique uses chemically treated stamps to remove molecules already in place on gold substrates.
A new UCLA psychology study found that pre-wedding uncertainty, especially among women, predicts higher divorce rates and less marital satisfaction years later. Women with doubts were two-and-a-half times more likely to divorce than those without doubts.
Researchers identified a link between a genetic variant in the MET receptor tyrosine kinase gene and changes in brain connectivity, particularly in social behavior. The 'C' variant was found to disrupt functional and structural connectivity of brain networks involved in social behavior in both healthy children and those with ASD, but h...
A new UCLA-led study found that employees in green companies, which adopt international environmental standards, are 16 percent more productive than the average. The researchers discovered a positive correlation between the adoption of these practices and increased employee motivation, training, and interpersonal relationships.
A UCLA study challenges the World Health Organization's approach to HIV prevention in South Africa, suggesting it could lead to millions developing drug-resistant strains and costing billions more than estimated. The researchers argue that providing treatment to those in need would be more effective and cost-efficient.
A new UCLA psychology study found that labeling emotions at the precise moment of confrontation can reduce fear and anxiety. The researchers asked participants with a fear of spiders to approach and touch a large tarantula, with results showing those who described their emotions were able to get closer and experience less distress.
A recent study by UCLA researchers found that beetle diversity exceeds that of crocodiles, contradicting the long-held theory that older lineages produce more species. The team proposes that adaptive zones, which determine a lineage's ecological limit, play a crucial role in shaping species richness.
New research at UCLA found that students who sacrifice sleep to cram for a test or complete more homework tend to experience more academic problems the following day. The study suggests that maintaining a consistent study schedule and using time efficiently can help students achieve better grades without sacrificing sleep.
Scientists at UCLA and the Technion have identified two brain regions that encode vowel pronunciation. The discovery may lead to new technology that verbalizes unspoken words of people paralyzed by injury or disease.
An UCLA scientist has discovered that the geological phenomenon of plate tectonics exists on Mars, revealing a primitive stage of plate tectonics. The discovery provides insight into how the early Earth may have looked and helps understand the origins of plate tectonics on Earth.
A new method developed by UCLA life scientists can rapidly and reliably assess drought tolerance in plants for diverse species across ecosystems worldwide. The method is based on the turgor loss point and osmotic potential, allowing for fast estimates within 10 minutes per leaf.
Researchers found fluoxetine to be a potent inhibitor of coxsackievirus replication, reducing viral RNA and protein production. The discovery has significant implications for understanding enterovirus replication and potential clinical utility for future treatment.
Researchers found that a specific type of yogic meditation, Kirtan Kriya Meditation, reduced inflammation and stress levels in dementia caregivers. This 12-minute daily practice for eight weeks led to changes in 68 genes related to inflammation, resulting in improved well-being.
UCLA researchers have created a new type of transparent solar cell that can generate electricity while still allowing people to see outside. The cells, made from a photoactive plastic, absorb mainly infrared light and have nearly 70% transparency to the human eye.
Astronomers detected a rotating spiral galaxy in the early universe, over 3 billion years after the Big Bang, using the Hubble Space Telescope. The galaxy, named BX442, is unlike other ancient galaxies with its grand design structure and massive size.
A new study by UCLA psychologists reveals that low-income individuals hold traditional values towards marriage and divorce, similar to those of the middle class and rich. However, their lower marriage rates and higher out-of-wedlock births remain unexplained, as values do not always predict behavior.
Kendall Houk and colleagues have made unprecedented progress in understanding the Diels-Alder reaction, a pivotal mechanism in synthesizing polymers and steroids. Their research reveals that two bonds form simultaneously within five femtoseconds on average.
Researchers found two key epigenetic regulating genes that govern cell-fate determination of human bone marrow stem cells. The discovery may allow stem cells to differentiate specifically into bone cells while inhibiting fat cell differentiation, paving the way for therapies in regenerative medicine and osteoporosis treatment.