A recent study examined the impact of the 1988 Spitak earthquake on adolescents in Armenia and found that psychotherapy provided sustained benefits even 1.5 years post-disaster. Untreated adolescents had higher levels of PTSD and depressive symptoms, while treated adolescents saw significant improvements in their conditions.
A new UCLA study suggests that colonoscopy results do not reassure Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) patients, contradicting previous beliefs. The study found limited diagnostic value of colonoscopy in diagnosing IBS for patients under age 50.
A new study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found that bupropion significantly reduced methamphetamine cravings and diminished the 'high' associated with its use. The research suggests that bupropion prevents methamphetamine from entering brain cells, reducing feelings of euphoria.
A recent study found that infant mortality for black and white infants born at minority-serving hospitals is significantly higher than at non-minority hospitals. The study suggests that these hospitals may provide lower quality care to very low-birthweight infants.
A recent study found that heavy drinking declined with age, although the drop was slower among men and smokers compared to women and non-smokers. The study also revealed that those who got married or quit smoking during follow-ups reduced their heavy drinking. Regular moderate drinking is likely beneficial for cardiovascular health.
Researchers discovered sequence variations in the DISC1 gene that predict schizophrenia, neurocognitive deficits, and brain structure abnormalities. The study's findings offer hope for developing a treatment that can prevent or fix the protein's function.
UCLA researchers have developed a new method to monitor the immune system's response to cancer using PET scans. This breakthrough could lead to faster and more effective ways to test immunotherapies and track human responses to cancer treatments.
Research suggests that disruption of myelination is a key component behind childhood developmental disorders such as autism, ADHD, and schizophrenia. Incomplete inhibitory circuits may lead to impulsive behaviors, while fully functional excitatory circuits worsen psychiatric disorders.
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.