Add BrightSurf on Google Email

University of California - Los Angeles


It's never too late to quit smoking and save your vision

A UCLA study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology found that older women who quit smoking had a significantly lower risk of developing advanced age-related macular degeneration. The research, led by Dr. Anne Coleman, followed 1,958 women over five years and showed that even after age 80, quitting smoking can reduce AMD risk.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalAmerican Journal of Ophthalmology·DateDec 31, 2009

UCLA researchers engineer bacteria to turn carbon dioxide into liquid fuel

Researchers at UCLA have genetically modified a cyanobacterium to consume carbon dioxide and produce isobutanol, a potential gasoline alternative. This method recycles carbon dioxide, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and uses solar energy, making it an efficient and less expensive approach than current biofuel production methods.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateDec 10, 2009

Medical 'pay for performance' programs help improve care -- but not always, study finds

A new study found that certain types of financial incentives for improving patient care have a positive effect on patient experiences. However, placing too much emphasis on physician productivity can actually harm patient satisfaction. Researchers analyzed data from 124,021 patients and found improvements in areas like communication an...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateNov 23, 2009

Why can't chimps speak?

A UCLA/Emory study discovered significant differences between the human and chimp versions of the FOXP2 gene, which may explain why humans developed language while chimps did not. The research provides insight into the evolution of the human brain and may lead to new drug targets for disorders characterized by speech disruption.

Loss of tumor supressor gene essential to transforming benign nerve tumors into cancers

Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that the loss of PTEN tumor suppressor gene plays a central role in transforming benign neurofibromas into malignant and deadly sarcomas. The study could lead to new therapies targeting cell signaling pathways regulated by PTEN.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 2009