A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience has identified two proteins, SDF1 and Ang1, as key triggers for neuronal migration and regeneration after a stroke. These molecular signals, released by newly formed blood vessels, promote post-stroke neuroblast migration, holding promise for developing new therapies to repair brain cells.
Researchers developed a new imaging technique that detects abnormal brain protein deposits associated with Alzheimer's disease in mild cognitive impairment. The study found that the method was more effective in differentiating patients with Alzheimer's disease from normal subjects, and tracked disease progression over a two-year period.
The UCLA Department of Family Medicine will evaluate its interventions aimed at reducing racial and ethnic disparities in depression using the grant. The findings will help identify effective solutions to improve care for minority patients.
A Phase III study found that combining Herceptin with chemotherapy significantly improves disease-free survival in women with early stage breast cancer and reduces the risk of heart damage. The study showed a five-fold decrease in significant heart toxicities compared to those who received Adriamycin.
A small-scale nuclear conflict could produce as many direct fatalities as WWII and long-term climate disruptions, impacting nearly everyone on Earth. The scientists estimated fatality estimates ranging from 2.6 million to 16.7 million, and the environmental impacts could spread worldwide.
A new study proposes that myelin, the fatty insulation around brain cells, is linked to various neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer's. The research suggests that enhancing myelination through cholinergic treatments may improve neuron signaling and potentially delay disease progression.
A new UCLA study found that pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomies can be safely discharged after a short post-operative recovery period at an outpatient surgery center. The study, which reviewed nearly 800 patient records, showed no increased complications with average discharge times of 1 hour and 47 minutes.
Researchers at UCLA and Rutgers University have solved the mystery of DNA transcription, revealing a new mechanism involving the 'scrunching' of DNA during transcription. The discovery could lead to breakthroughs in combating bacterial diseases that kill millions worldwide.
A new procedure at UCLA's Jules Stein Eye Institute uses fine-needle aspiration to collect cancer cells from the living eye and predict high-risk tumors. The test has shown promise in reducing mortality rates among ocular melanoma patients.
A new study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that many major biomedical journals have inadequate conflict of interest policies and practices. The study revealed that less than half of these journals require policies for editors or peer-reviewers and that many do not disclose potential conflicts to readers.
A new set of quality indicators has been created to evaluate the quality of care received by patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery. The guidelines cover aspects of surgical care, including pre-operative evaluation and post-operative management, to provide a valuable tool for improving patient outcomes.
UCLA scientists identified gene networks that correspond to specific brain regions in humans and chimps. The study found significant differences in the cerebral cortex region, where human-specific genes show changes at the DNA level. These findings support the theory that variations in DNA sequence contributed to human evolution.
A new UCLA study found that physicians rarely discuss medication costs with patients, which can lead to non-adherence and increased out-of-pocket expenses. The study, published in The American Journal of Managed Care, suggests that higher-income patients are more likely to initiate discussions about costs.
A study found that heart failure patients with higher systolic blood pressures had lower death rates compared to those with lower pressures. Lower systolic pressures may indicate more advanced disease and a poorer prognosis.
Researchers found that daytime talk shows increased politically inattentive voters' likelihood of voting according to their own values and preferences by nearly 25% compared to those who didn't watch daytime television. The study highlights the significant impact of 'soft news' coverage on voting behavior.
A study by UCLA researchers found that HIV-infected individuals without consistent outpatient medical care are disproportionately minorities, the poor, and substance abusers. These groups are more likely to receive acute care rather than routine medical services.
A new software program developed by UCLA radiologists and Siemens Medical Solutions allows experts to operate MRI machines remotely via the Internet. The quality of remote scans was found to be superior to onsite scans performed by less experienced technologists, offering options for regions with limited medical staff and expertise.
Researchers found that non-white patients, Medicaid recipients, and uninsured individuals were less likely to receive care at high-volume hospitals for certain procedures. The study highlights the need to address disparities in patient access to improve surgical quality of care.
A team of UCLA researchers has developed a new three-dimensional imaging technique that tracks the spread of Alzheimer's disease through the hippocampus. The study reveals distinct patterns of atrophy in specific brain regions, shedding light on the progression of the disease.
The new center will apply advanced engineering techniques and life science knowledge to control molecular interactions in cells, aiming to enhance disease treatment methods. Researchers will investigate optimal drug cocktails and mapping of molecular events that trigger stem cell differentiation.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded a $4.5-million supplemental grant to UCLA's Center for HIV Prevention and Research to develop microbicides combatting HIV transmission. This funding will support collaborative work with Johns Hopkins University, University of Pittsburgh, and CONRAD.
Researchers found that northern peatlands released massive amounts of methane gas, contributing to global warming after the ice age. The study suggests a more complex relationship between climate change and natural processes.
Researchers found that children from supportive families had a reduced risk for depression, while those from emotionally cold homes were at greater risk. The study suggests that environmental factors can regulate biology and steer the effects of genetic predispositions.
A new UCLA study shows that chemotherapy causes persistent changes in brain function, leading to cognitive symptoms like forgetfulness and confusion. PET scans reveal a link between chemo-brain symptoms and lower brain metabolism, suggesting that monitoring brain activity could help prevent these effects.
Researchers at UCLA/VA have discovered that curcumin, a compound found in curry and turmeric, can enhance the immune system's ability to clear amyloid beta from the brain. In a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, treated macrophages showed improved uptake of amyloid beta in 50% of patients with Alzheimer's disease.
An international team, led by UCLA's Roel Ophoff, is conducting a four-year study on schizophrenia that will analyze the human genome of approximately 850 Dutch patients and 750 control subjects to pinpoint related genes. This approach aims to separate false clues from true genetic variants associated with the disorder.
A study analyzing 13 biomarkers found that combinations of neuroendocrine and immune markers were associated with high-risk pathways in men, while systolic blood pressure was linked to female high-risk pathways. Recursive partitioning identified the importance of biological regulatory systems in predicting mortality in later life.
A new study finds that concentrating antiretroviral drugs in urban areas could reduce new infections by up to 46%, but would violate basic ethical principles of treatment equity. The approach would also exacerbate urban/rural healthcare disparities.
A recent study by researchers at UCLA and the University of Oslo suggests that breast discomfort during hormone therapy may be an early warning sign for breast cancer. The findings indicate that women experiencing breast pain or tenderness while on hormone replacement therapy should consult their healthcare provider promptly.
A new risk factor for schizophrenia has been identified by UCLA scientists, with infants having a specific immune gene that closely resembles their mothers' being more likely to develop the disease. The study suggests that this genetic match may increase fetal susceptibility to schizophrenia, particularly in females.
A new UCLA/LSU study found that consuming salad and raw vegetables is associated with higher concentrations of essential nutrients like folic acid, vitamins C and E, and carotene in the bloodstream. The research suggests that including one serving of salad or raw vegetables per day can significantly boost nutrient intake.
Researchers found that the human gut stores a significant amount of HIV, equivalent to nearly twice the amount in the bloodstream. The gut's role in harboring the virus was not fully understood until now.
Researchers found that combined liver-kidney transplants improved patient survival rates compared to separate transplants. Patients who received dialysis for longer than two months before surgery also recovered better after the combined transplant.
A new study by UCLA researchers analyzed clots removed from the brain blood vessels of 25 stroke victims, revealing that they are composed of similar components. The analysis showed that red blood-cell accumulations often accumulated on clots after impaction in the brain artery, contradicting previous assumptions.
MRSA is the most common cause of skin and soft-tissue infections among patients presenting in emergency rooms across the country, according to a UCLA study. The infection was found to be resistant to commonly used antibiotics, emphasizing the need for clinicians to culture infections and prescribe effective medications.
Researchers at UCLA compared neural stem cells grown in the lab to those derived from donated fetal tissue and found the former expressed lower levels of a metabolic gene called CPT 1A. This abnormality may impact the effectiveness of these stem cells in treating diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
A placebo study found that brain activity during a 'placebo lead-in' phase prior to antidepressant treatment can predict clinical outcomes. The study, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, used EEG measurements to analyze changes in brain activity and its impact on depression scores.
A new study published in Obesity journal found that societal pressure on weight can discourage adults from adopting exercise and healthy lifestyle habits. The research highlights the importance of shifting focus away from specific target weights and promoting physical activity and healthy eating habits instead.
Researchers found that a healthier balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can reduce prostate cancer tumor growth rates and PSA levels by 22% and 77%, respectively. The study suggests using EPA and DHA supplements to lower inflammatory response in prostate cancer development.
A study by UCLA psychologists found that multi-tasking impairs the ability to learn new information, especially in tasks requiring attention and declarative memory. The researchers used fMRI to examine brain activity and found that multi-tasking disrupts the hippocampus, a critical region for learning and memory.
Researchers at UCLA develop trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS) as a new alternative for controlling seizures in individuals who are resistant to medication or ineligible for surgery. The device uses a brain pacemaker to stimulate the trigeminal nerve, offering a potential advantage over vagus nerve stimulation.
Researchers at UCLA have successfully transformed adult stem cells from human adipose tissue into functional smooth muscle cells, which can help regenerate damaged organs like the intestine, bladder, and arteries. The study's findings offer a promising alternative to using patient's own tissue for organ regeneration without anti-reject...
Researchers identified a new disorder called enteric anendocrinosis caused by a mutation in the Neurogenin-3 gene. Patients with this condition develop type I diabetes and have abnormally low endocrine cells in their intestine, leading to severe malnutrition and growth failure.
A new study finds that diabetes disease-management programs lead to higher rates of recommended examinations, such as eye and foot exams, and cholesterol checks. However, these strategies had no impact on controlling key factors associated with diabetes complications, like blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar levels.
A new UCLA study found that brain activity responds differently to opposition candidate's face depending on the viewer's party affiliation. The brain's cognitive networks regulate emotions in response to opposing candidates' faces, with increased negative feelings toward opponents and positive feelings toward favorites.
A study of 38 infant-mother pairs found that women who transmitted HIV to their babies had lower levels of a neutralizing antibody, suggesting its potential as a protective factor. The study suggests further research into the antibody's role could lead to an effective vaccine or passive antibody approaches.
A UCLA-evaluated study of a demonstration project shows how incorporating physical activity and healthy eating into an office culture can significantly increase vigorous physical activity among participants. The six-week wellness-training program boosts fruit and vegetable intake, while reducing feelings of sadness and depression.
A recent UCLA study discovered thousands of genes behave differently in male and female organs, shedding light on the gender gap in disease risk and drug response. The findings may explain why males and females diverge in terms of disease severity and response to treatment.
Researchers successfully converted human embryonic stem cells into mature T-cells, a key step towards gene therapy for HIV and other diseases. The breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments for severe combined immunodeficiency and other conditions.
A study at UCLA found that pomegranate juice can increase doubling times of PSA levels in men with prostate cancer, allowing for delayed use of hormone therapy. The study involved 50 men who experienced increases in PSA levels after surgery or radiation.