Researchers analyzed ancient air bubbles trapped in Antarctic ice to determine the composition of Earth's atmosphere 20 million years ago. They found that carbon dioxide levels were similar to today's only during this time period, when global temperatures were 5-10 degrees Fahrenheit higher and sea levels were 75-120 feet higher.
The UCLA center will continue to serve as a key site for the George E. Brown Jr. Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (NEES), facilitating cutting-edge research on seismic vulnerability and disaster preparedness. The center's state-of-the-art mobile field laboratory will enable researchers to test full-scale specimens under re...
Aydogan Ozcan's lab has developed a prototype cell phone diagnostic unit using Lensless Ultra-wide-field Cell Monitoring Array platform (LUCAS) to detect diseases like HIV and malaria. LUCAS can identify and count microparticles virtually instantaneously, revolutionizing mobile health care.
Researchers found that devout Christians and nonbelievers use the same brain regions to judge the truth of religious and nonreligious propositions. The study also found increased activity in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC) when contrasting belief and disbelief, regardless of content.
Researchers identified two chemicals that correctly process essential proteins in cells, potentially leading to new treatments for cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. This breakthrough could benefit millions of people worldwide suffering from genetic disorders, including ataxia-telangiectasia and muscular dystrophy.
Research found that elevated levels of reactive oxygen in fruit fly blood stem cells signal differentiation into immune-bolstering cells. This raises concerns about the potential impact of excessive antioxidant use on human immunity.
Researchers propose a new hypothesis for Alzheimer's disease: the myelin model. This theory suggests that degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's begin with normal brain maintenance and repair processes. The model suggests targeting earlier stages of myelination, potentially reducing dementia's burden.
Researchers discover regeneration of severed nerve fibers is not required for paraplegic rats to learn to walk again. Daily treadmill training enables rats to regain full weight-bearing walking abilities.
The UCLA School of Dentistry is building a state-of-the-art cancer research facility to consolidate and expand its oral cancer research. The Yip Center for Oral/Head & Neck Oncology Research will include cutting-edge laboratories for genomics, proteomics, and salivary diagnostics research.
A new biomarker test has been developed to predict the effectiveness of antidepressant medication in patients with major depression, allowing for quick switching to more effective treatments. The test measures changes in brain-wave patterns and showed an accuracy rate of 74%.
Researchers at UCLA have found a surprise energy transfer mechanism from the solar wind to the Earth's magnetosphere, which could improve spacecraft safety and reliability. This discovery contradicts long-held assumptions about the control of energy transfer rate.
A Phase II study shows Avastin significantly increases response rates, progression-free survival times and survival rates in patients with recurrent glioblastoma. The treatment was found to be effective both alone and in combination with chemotherapy, improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
A new study published in Annals of Epidemiology found that the waist-to-hip circumference ratio was a better indicator of obesity in high-functioning adults over 70 than BMI. The research also showed a significant link between increased waist size and higher mortality risk in both men and women.
A UCLA economist concludes that President Herbert Hoover's pro-labor policies pushed the nation's GDP down by close to two-thirds over two years following the stock market crash of 1929. The findings suggest that the recession would have been significantly worse without these policies.
Researchers from UCLA and Pittsburgh found that obese individuals have a 8% less brain tissue than those with normal weight, while overweight individuals have 4% less tissue. This increased risk is linked to severe brain degeneration and cognitive decline.
Researchers identify a link between high cholesterol and osteoporosis, with the immune system playing a key role in bone loss. The study found that oxidized LDL triggers an immune response, leading to excessive bone damage.
Researchers at UCLA have confirmed the effectiveness of measuring microRNAs in saliva to detect oral squamous cell carcinoma. The study identifies two specific microRNAs, miR-125a and miR-200a, that are present at significantly different levels in the saliva of individuals with oral cancer.
A new UCLA study reveals the immune system plays a crucial role in bone loss, with high cholesterol levels contributing to the disease. The research identifies a new approach for treating osteoporosis using immune-based therapies.
Researchers found that ads for beer, spirits, and alcopops aired more frequently when more teens were watching, with a 7% increase in each 1-percentage-point increase in adolescent viewership. The study suggests that the alcohol industry's voluntary self-monitoring is not effective in reducing adolescent exposure to ads.
A new analysis by Jerome Siegel reveals that sleep's primary function is to regulate behavior and increase efficiency, rather than solely for brain maintenance or longevity. Sleep duration varies across species based on factors such as eating needs, migration requirements, and predator avoidance.
Prokaryotes can exchange genes and merge without losing their cell membranes, a process called endosymbiosis. UCLA molecular biologist James A. Lake discovered the first exclusively prokaryote endosymbiosis, which led to the evolution of double-membrane prokaryotes that produced oxygen through photosynthesis.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has identified a genetic link between physical pain sensitivity and social rejection. Researchers found that individuals with a rare form of the OPRM1 gene are more sensitive to rejection and experience increased brain activity in response to rejection.
Researchers at UCLA have discovered that larger clusters of Amyloid β-protein are more toxic to nerve cells, but smaller clusters outnumber them and are more common. This finding provides a new target for therapeutic drug development.
Researchers at UCLA Engineering will create customized computing technology for health care and medical imaging, promising more energy-efficient and cost-effective solutions. The project aims to transform the role of medical imaging and hemodynamic simulation, improving health care quality, efficiency, and patient outcomes.
A study of 6,476 adults aged 70+ found no link between cognitive decline and socioeconomic status. However, seniors who never married or are widowers tend to perform poorer as they age.
UCLA researchers developed a microchip technology that performs over 1,000 chemical reactions simultaneously, accelerating the identification of potential drug candidates for treating diseases like cancer. The technology uses in situ click chemistry and mass spectrometry to analyze results, reducing reagent consumption and lab time.
UCLA researchers developed a new way to scan brain tumors and predict which ones will respond to the drug Avastin before treatment. By linking high water movement in tumors to positive drug response, they predicted with 70 percent accuracy which patients' tumors were the least likely to grow six months after therapy.
A new study by UCLA scientists reveals that mammals and many bird species have exceptional rates of success, while crocodiles and the tuatara have much lower species richness. The research analyzed DNA sequences and fossils from 47 major vertebrate groups to calculate which animal lineages have exceptional rates of success.
A new study by UCLA and RAND Corp. researchers found that 7% of fifth-graders and their families have experienced homelessness, while African American children are more likely to suffer from mental health problems. The study's findings suggest a significant association between family homelessness and emotional, behavioral, and developm...
A study by UCLA and Rutgers neuroscientists found that functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can accurately predict a person's mental task, such as reading words aloud or counting tones. The research suggests that brain patterns are similar across healthy individuals, allowing for predictions on new people.
Researchers at UCLA have found a new explanation for why placebos work, citing genetics as the key factor. Genes that influence brain reward pathways may modulate the response to placebos, particularly in individuals with major depressive disorder.
Researchers identified a novel strategy to inhibit the hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway, which is involved in various physiological processes but also stimulates cancer development. By activating the liver X receptor (LXR), they were able to block tumor cell growth and prevent cancer formation in animal studies.
Researchers found that vitamin D3 and synthetic curcuminoids can stimulate the immune system to clear brain amyloid beta, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests combining these nutrients may be more effective for individual patients.
A new procedure called CESA combines endovascular and surgical approaches to treat high-risk aortic aneurysms. The technique has shown excellent results in the first 20 high-risk patients with complex aortic pathology treated with CESA, with a cumulative survival rate of 76% at two years.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a method to measure the amount of amyloid beta absorbed by immune cells in the blood, which may help predict Alzheimer's risk. The study found that patients with Alzheimer's disease showed lower uptake of amyloid beta compared to healthy controls.
A new UCLA study examines parents' concerns about development, learning and behavior for young children of Mexican origin, identifying a significant association with family documentation status. The research highlights the need for timely access to primary care and reassurance from pediatric providers to address parental worries.
Researchers at the University of California - Los Angeles have developed a low-cost solution processing method for CIGS-based solar cells, which could provide an answer to manufacturing issues. The new method has already shown improved efficiency levels and potential for cost reduction.
Researchers found distinct gene expression signatures in embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, indicating they are not perfectly similar despite sharing potential to become all body tissues. The study aims to understand the biological significance of these differences and their impact on iPS cell function.
Researchers have identified a connection between the immune system and schizophrenia, finding genetic variations that disrupt brain development, memory, and cognition. The study's findings hold promise for developing new treatments targeting specific molecular mechanisms involved in the disorder.
A new UCLA study found that conversing with children is more effective in promoting language development than just reading to them. The study, which measured the effects of adult-child conversations on language development, found that back-and-forth conversation was strongly associated with future improvements in the child's language s...
A UCLA psychologist's study reveals that people with very mild Alzheimer's disease have trouble focusing on what's most important. They recall an average of just 2.8 words out of 12, with a reduced ability to be selective in recalling high-value words.
A UCLA study found that miniscule levels of carbon monoxide during pregnancy cause permanent brain damage in fetuses. The exposure level was established as safe by Cal/OSHA but still led to oxidative stress and protein loss.
A UCLA study reveals that adolescents at high risk for schizophrenia show altered brain development, including reduced white matter integrity. This alteration can predict future functional decline and may be key to identifying individuals who need more treatment.
The review article examines various ways nanomaterials interact with biological systems, highlighting the importance of understanding physical and chemical properties for safe use. It presents a roadmap for designing nanoparticle drug-delivery systems with targeted delivery and reducing potential hazardous interactions.
A UCLA study reveals that depression may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. Researchers also found that the medication donepezil can delay the progression of Alzheimer's in depressed individuals with memory problems.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have developed a unique model to isolate and study lung cancer stem cells. The model uses patient specimens and autologous tumor microenvironments to identify markers associated with cancer stem cells, providing proof-of-concept for the existence of these cells in lung cancer.
Researchers identified an enzyme called Idol that destroys the LDL receptor, allowing more 'bad' cholesterol to circulate in the blood. By blocking Idol's activity, cells produce more receptors and absorb more cholesterol from the body.
A four-year UCLA study found significant impacts on quality of life for prostate cancer patients treated with radical prostatectomy, seed implants, or external beam radiation. The study developed 'probability plots' to predict when side effects will return to normal or if a patient will fully recover.
Scientists successfully constructed a non-native pathway in mice that increased fatty acid metabolism and resulted in resistance to diet-induced obesity. The glyoxylate shunt, unique to plants and bacteria, was introduced into the mitochondria of liver cells to create an additional pathway for converting fatty acid into carbon dioxide.
Researchers at UCLA's Brain Injury Research Center are re-examining the standard treatment for traumatic brain injury (TBI), suggesting that fueling the brain with glucose may not be the best approach. Instead, they propose using alternative compounds like pyruvate and beta-hydroxybutyrate to optimize recovery.