Researchers created a three-dimensional computer model that generates Jupiter's massive east-west winds and alternating jets at higher latitudes. The model suggests convection driven by deep internal heat sources powers the surface winds, providing a possible answer to why they remain stable for centuries.
Researchers at UCLA have identified a molecular signature that can predict which patients with glioblastoma, a deadly brain cancer, are likely to respond to drug therapy. The discovery involves the presence of a mutant protein and a tumor suppressor protein called PTEN.
Researchers found that statin drugs can reverse learning deficits in mice with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a condition affecting five percent of the world population. The treatment enables normal brain cell communication, creating physical changes in the brain and improving memory.
Researchers at UCLA found that reflecting on personal values can significantly lower cortisol levels after stressful events, providing a potential new method to combat stress. The study involved 80 undergraduates who underwent stressful tasks, with those reflecting on meaningful values showing reduced cortisol responses.
A study led by Dr. William Cunningham found that HIV-infected patients with low socioeconomic status have a higher risk of death, particularly those with limited financial resources and education. The researchers also noted that these patients are more likely to use emergency room services and hospital care instead of preventive measures.
The study analyzed data from 2,567 clients and estimated cost of treatment for an individual, finding reductions in hospital inpatient, emergency room, and mental health services costs. The research team also discovered a significant reduction in the cost of victimization and other criminal activities, averaging $5,676.
The analysis shows that animals have varying sleep patterns to optimize their chances of finding food and avoiding danger. Human sleep follows similar rules as other animals, but is shorter in duration.
Researchers at UCLA have identified how an antibody blocks prostate cancer growth by signaling cells to stop growing and die. The discovery could lead to a new treatment targeting prostate stem cell antigen, also found in bladder and pancreatic cancers.
A study found that managed care programs failed to increase colorectal cancer screening rates, with only 26% of eligible patients receiving screening. The intervention program aimed to improve screening practices but had little impact after two years.
Researchers found that AIDS selectively attacks the brain's motor, language and judgment centers, but leaves other areas intact. Brain scans revealed specific patterns of tissue damage correlated with physical and mental symptoms, including impaired motor coordination and slowed reflexes.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a new type of solar cell made from plastic that is cheaper to produce than traditional silicon-based cells. The cell has an efficiency rating of 4.4% and aims to reach 15-20% efficiency in the future.
Reducing resident physician work-hours may lead to significant cost savings, with estimates suggesting $673 million to $1.1 billion in annual savings nationwide. To break even or save money, however, harmful errors would need to decrease by 19-31%.
Researchers found that early detection and treatment of age-related macular degeneration with pegaptanib sodium can help patients maintain and, in some cases, regain vision. Patients treated with pegaptanib had a significantly better prognosis than those receiving usual care.
A new study finds that co-therapy with erythropoietin is more cost-effective than standard treatment for patients with Hepatitis C and treatment-induced anemia. The research suggests that this treatment approach can improve rates of complete cure from the disease, making it a viable option for this patient population.
A new UCLA study found that seniors with the lowest expectations for aging were more than twice as likely to report engaging in less than 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity. Increasing physical activity can improve health outcomes for older adults, making it a powerful way to address common age-related health issues.
Researchers found that patients with high levels of somatization are more likely to use healthcare services after being evaluated by doctors, suggesting that physicians may be driving the need for excessive tests. The study suggests educating doctors on recognizing somatization and treating it appropriately.
Researchers at UCLA and NIH have discovered a new compound that can block viruses from entering cells, providing potential relief for conditions like HIV, herpes, and the flu. The compound also shows promise in combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
A new UCLA study highlights the importance of using CT scans to evaluate cervical spine injuries, finding that x-rays fail to detect secondary injuries in 36% of cases. The researchers recommend that all patients with cervical spine injuries undergo CT imaging to identify missed injuries and non-contiguous injuries.
A new study published in the American Journal of Cardiology found that early statin therapy can significantly reduce mortality and other complications in heart attack victims. Patients who received statins before or within 24 hours of hospitalization had a 54% lower risk of in-hospital mortality, compared to those not on statin therapy.
Caloric restriction is unlikely to lead to a dramatic increase in human lifespan, according to UCLA researcher John Phelan. By restricting calories by up to 60%, mice live longer than those with unlimited access to food, but humans will not experience the same benefits.
Researchers at UCLA used a drug to block mutant proteins from deforming cell nuclei, significantly reducing misshapen nuclei in human cells. The findings offer new clues into how progeria develops and could lead to treatment with new drugs for related disorders like osteoporosis.
The study found that subjective responses to cocaine peak and decline more rapidly than those of methamphetamine. Cardiovascular responses are similar at onset but respond differently over time.
A new study by UCLA researchers reveals that heart-failure patients suffer from both physical and mental injuries, with brain damage impacting their ability to exercise. The findings emphasize the need for cardiologists to recognize this connection and develop therapies to prevent brain injury and boost brain function.
A UCLA professor has been awarded a major DOE grant to develop algorithms that can solve complex plasma physics problems, which could lead to breakthroughs in controlled fusion reactors and clean energy. The research is part of the Office of Science's "Multiscale Mathematics" program.
Researchers at UCLA have identified Rpe65 as a crucial enzyme in the regeneration of rhodopsin visual pigment in the retina after light exposure. This breakthrough could lead to a gene therapy cure for Leber congenital amaurosis, an inherited disease causing up to 20% of childhood blindness.
Scientists have discovered microcompartments in bacteria that challenge the long-held assumption of their simplicity, revealing a more complex organization than previously thought. The study provides the first structures of these protein shells and sheds light on their function, sparking potential biotechnology applications.
Researchers at UCLA discovered a link between nighttime death and sleep apnea caused by the loss of brain cells. Studies in rats suggest that the human brain also loses specialized neurons responsible for breathing during sleep, leading to severe breathing disruptions.
Researchers accurately predicted fMRI signals in patients while watching a movie, validating its use in human neuroscience research. The findings also highlight the importance of further study to understand the correlation between fMRI and single neuronal activity.
Astronomers discover a young star with unprecedented amounts of warm dust near its orbit, where Earth-like planets are most likely to exist. The team believes this could be the result of a massive collision between planet-size objects, potentially forming conditions similar to our own solar system.
Researchers at UCLA have successfully created a nano valve that can trap and release molecules on demand, controlling them at the nano scale. The device uses switchable rotaxane molecules attached to a tiny piece of glass, allowing for precise control over molecule movement.
Researchers found that PGE2 up-regulates T-regulatory cells, suppressing immune function and fueling cancer growth. The study suggests using COX-2 inhibitors like Celebrex to augment immune responses in cancer patients.
A new study reveals severe tissue injury in the brains of children with CCHS, disrupting cardiovascular function and breathing control. Researchers hope to develop new strategies to help the brain compensate for the injury, including injecting nerve growth factors.
The study found significant variations in the quality of heart failure treatment across US hospitals, with only 24% of patients receiving complete discharge instructions. Hospitals with better performance measures had fourfold lower mortality rates and 70% more patients given discharge information.
Researchers identified a cell receptor called Ephrin-B2 as the key used by the Nipah virus to unlock cells, allowing them to develop vaccines and drugs to block viral entry. The discovery could help prevent infection and outbreaks of this deadly virus.
A multi-site study found Risperidone effective in decreasing aggression, repetitive behaviors, and increasing social interaction in children with autism. The medication showed limited side effects, supporting its use as an intermediate-term treatment option.
Researchers found that newborn dolphins and orcas remain active 24 hours a day in the first month, unlike all other mammals. This allows them to reduce danger from predators, maintain body temperature, and facilitate rapid growth.
A study of Japanese and US medical residents found that Japanese doctors are more likely to involve patients' families in decision-making, reflecting stronger family ties in Japan. In contrast, US residents tend to prioritize individual autonomy, with many preferring to communicate solely with the patient.
A research team at UCLA and Caltech found that individual neurons can recognize specific images, including faces and letter strings of names. The discovery suggests a consistent code for transforming complex visual representations into long-term memories.
Researchers discovered that macrophages in the innate immune system may play a role in Alzheimer's development. They found that healthy individuals can clear amyloid-beta, but Alzheimer's patients' macrophages struggle with this task.
Researchers at UCLA have discovered a 'molecular zipper' structure in proteins linked to Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and mad cow disease. The discovery provides a potential rational basis for developing drugs to fight these diseases.
A new dosing approach for growth hormone based on serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) shows improved height increases in children with growth hormone deficiency or short stature. The study found that increasing IGF-I levels resulted in significant gains in height, particularly in those receiving higher doses.
UCLA researchers have identified the mechanism by which chronic exposure to tiny levels of carbon monoxide damages hearing in young ears. This link highlights the need for policy makers to regulate CO emissions from home appliances and vehicles.
Prostate cancer patients who have a spouse or partner report lower levels of depression and emotional distress. Support groups can also benefit single men in improving their quality of life.
A UCLA study suggests that comprehensive health screenings and in-home visits by nurse practitioners can significantly lower the number of health risks faced by adults with developmental disabilities. The research found that nearly half of participants were overweight or obese, while over a third experienced moderate to severe pain.
A new study found that a combination of immunosuppressive therapies significantly reduces non-cellular and humoral rejection in heart transplant recipients. The TAC/MMF group showed the lowest incidence of any treated rejection and improved side effects compared to other groups.
The study found that the newest drug therapy – adefovir – was not cost-effective when taken alone but became very cost-effective when reserved as a second-line agent in people who develop viral resistance for lamivudine. The hybrid treatment strategy of lamivudine and adefovir is also a viable option.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience found changes in GABAA receptors linked to seizures and anxiety during the menstrual cycle. The researchers suggest that these changes may be relevant to post-partum depression and mood swings during pregnancy, and could provide novel therapeutic targets for PMS and catamenial epilepsy.
Spasmodic dysphonia is a neurological condition that disrupts nervous signals to the vocal cords. The surgery provided long-lasting resolution of symptoms and improved physical, social, and emotional well-being in most patients, offering a permanent solution for treating the disorder.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have discovered a method to expose the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on cancer cells, making it accessible to blood-borne immunotherapies. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments for prostate cancer patients with advanced disease.
A new pocket guide for nurses, 'Helping Smokers Quit', aims to enlist the aid of the country's 2.2 million practicing nurses in helping people give up smoking. The guide provides information and tools for nurses to become smoking cessation advocates.