A randomized, controlled clinical trial found that Tai Chi Chih increased immunity to the varicella zoster virus in older adults at risk for herpes zoster. The study showed significant improvements in both immunity and physical functioning without any negative effects.
A team of researchers used a computer game to study human navigation, identifying distinct brain cells responsible for spatial mapping (place cells) and goal-directed behavior (goal cells). The study demonstrates that humans use both visual and cognitive processes to navigate their environment.
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has received a significant National Science Foundation (NSF) award for its plasma research, enabling the development of new computational infrastructure and innovation. The NSF funding will support key areas of research, including fusion energy, astrophysics, and space weather.
A UCLA study discovered that fatigued breast cancer survivors have increased levels of circulating T lymphocytes and CD4+ T cells, which correlate with elevated inflammation markers. The findings suggest an immunologic basis for fatigue in breast cancer survivors.
A UCLA study reveals a significant shortage of surgeons is looming due to an aging population. The study finds that surgeries performed on older adults will have the highest increase in demand by 2020, with ophthalmology leading the way.
A new UCLA study suggests that coronary heart disease may be accelerated in younger HIV-infected people. The research found that the rate of coronary heart disease in young HIV-positive men and women was significantly higher than in their HIV-negative counterparts.
The UCLA Center for Astrobiology will focus on four themes: extrasolar planetary systems, habitability of planets and their satellites, Earth's early environment and life, and evolution of biological complexity. The center aims to detect planets beyond our solar system using new methods and study the factors that control habitability.
A UCLA-led study found that individuals with bipolar depression who continued taking antidepressants in conjunction with mood stabilizer medication after remission had a lower risk of depression relapse. The study's lead author, Dr. Lori Altshuler, suggests guidelines similar to those for unipolar depression may be more effective.
Researchers at UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute and Georgetown University Medical Center found medication and cognitive behavioral therapy effective in treating depression among low-income minority women. Sixty percent of participants were at or below federal poverty guidelines, with many experiencing abuse and domestic violence.
Giovanni Zocchi's team has created a nanoscale sensor that can detect specific genetic markers in DNA or RNA molecules with high sensitivity. The sensor uses evanescent wave scattering to analyze the conformational changes caused by target molecule binding, allowing for precise detection of single molecules.
A study of 2,466 HIV-positive adults reveals that 53% use alternative medicine, often without informing their doctors. This can lead to adverse interactions with conventional treatment and increased risk of treatment failure.
A recent study by researchers at the University of California - Los Angeles found that many gun dealers are willing to sell firearms to individuals prohibited from buying them, despite federal laws. The survey revealed that 87.5% of dealers would make a sale if the firearm was identified as being for someone else.
Researchers have found an optimum amount of fluid motion enhances fertilization significantly, applicable to various species including humans. They also discovered a molecule controlling sperm navigation and an inhibitor blocking its effects.
A team of scientists has identified a molecule called bourgeonal that activates the human sperm receptor protein, which may play a critical role in fertilization. The discovery could lead to new non-toxic contraceptives and provide valuable insights into chemical communication during fertilization.
Researchers at UCLA discovered that two cellular networks collaborate to control breathing, with one system responding to sensory feedback and another controlling stability. This finding has important implications for treating neurological disorders such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease.
Researchers used PET scans to predict treatment response in OCD and depression patients, finding distinct brain activity patterns associated with improvement. The study demonstrates the potential of functional brain imaging to tailor psychiatric care, with implications for accelerating treatment discovery.
Researchers at UCLA have created a new method for producing carbon nanoscrolls, which can be made at room temperature and offer significant advantages over traditional carbon nanotubes. This breakthrough could lead to improved hydrogen storage, enabling the development of pollution-free, hydrogen-powered cars.
Dr. Teitell's discovery of the animal model may uncover genetic mutations that cause certain types of blood cancers. The model could lead to new therapies by identifying cell pathways involved in cancer growth.
A comprehensive review of research findings shows that surgery is a superior treatment option for disabling seizures caused by mesial temporal lobe epilepsy, with better quality of life and reduced medication use. The analysis also found low surgical morbidity and mortality rates, making it an attractive alternative to medication.
Astronomers have strengthened the case for a massive black hole at the galactic center with observations of a newly discovered star. The star's high velocity and proximity to the black hole confirm its presence, ruling out alternative explanations.
A UCLA study found substantial evidence that surgeon experience is associated with lower complication rates in radical prostatectomy. Low-volume surgeons had twice the in-hospital complication rate of high-volume surgeons, and their patients were hospitalized one day longer on average.
Researchers have discovered that an earthquake can cause damage to a neighboring fault line, potentially leading to more earthquakes. The study, led by UCLA's Vidale, measured seismic wave speed to detect this effect and found it in the Landers fault, which is 10 miles away from the Hector Mine fault.
Researchers found that patients preferred the new endonasal approach, which provides a simpler and minimally invasive method compared to the traditional sublabial procedure. The study showed comparable remission rates and similar hormonal gain and loss among patients with pituitary tumors.
A UCLA study used fMRI to scan brains while participants learned to associate names with faces, revealing areas of high activity during encoding and retrieval. The findings show that different parts of the hippocampus contribute to memory formation and retrieval in distinct ways.
Research suggests that taking dietary supplements of L-arginine and antioxidants like vitamins C and E may lower the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease. The treatment reduced inflammation and increased production of eNOS, a molecule that prevents blood clots.
Researchers have discovered that combining Avastin with chemotherapy provides superior treatment for advanced colorectal cancer, increasing median survival by 8.3 months and response rates. The study's findings suggest a more effective and less toxic option for patients with this devastating form of cancer.
Researchers have successfully created a delivery system using a vehicle derived from HIV itself to introduce synthetic siRNAs into human cells. This approach aims to prevent HIV infection by knocking out the CCR5 receptor, which is found on T-cells and plays a role in immune function.
A new study by UCLA researchers found that Rh-incompatible mothers are more than twice as likely to have children with schizophrenia. The study mapped genetic data from 181 Finnish families and discovered a significant link between the RHD gene and schizophrenia risk.
Researchers found dramatic gray matter loss in the brains of men with sleep apnea, primarily in regions controlling speech production, movement, and emotion. The severity of brain damage correlated directly with disorder severity, suggesting that early brain wiring abnormalities may contribute to sleep apnea onset.
Researchers use firefly protein to visualize cellular communication pathways in mice, revealing potential for non-invasive cancer treatment and disease research. This breakthrough enables scientists to watch proteins in their natural setting, improving understanding of human diseases.
Researchers create animal model that develops three types of lymphoma, shedding light on genetic mutations and cell signal pathways. The discovery holds promise for developing new treatments to block cancer-causing signals.
The UCLA SPORE will focus on identifying new molecular targets for therapies and investigating nutritional strategies to prevent prostate cancer. Researchers will work together to develop targeted therapies that focus on what is broken in the cancer cell.
Research reveals that people near freeways are exposed to 30 times more ultrafine particles, linked to neurological changes and cardiovascular problems. The study measured particle concentrations near two major freeways in Los Angeles, finding a significant decrease in particle concentration with distance from the freeway.
A UCLA study found that treating more people in developing countries with antiretroviral drug therapy can eliminate HIV on a community level, even without eradicating it in individuals. The research suggests that treatment and prevention are not two separate approaches, but rather intertwined strategies to save lives.
Researchers engineered a virus to target prostate-specific antigen, appearing as 'hot spots' in primary tumors and distant metastases. This method could deliver toxic treatments directly to prostate cancer cells, killing them while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.
Brown dwarfs have long been observed to appear brighter as they cool, but scientists couldn't explain the phenomenon until now. Using a model that takes into account cloudy storm patterns, researchers have found that atmospheric weather on brown dwarfs can cause them to brighten, similar to Jupiter's Great Red Spot.
A UCLA study found that despite efforts to educate parents, 55% of antibiotic prescriptions for respiratory illnesses are unnecessary. The research also showed that doctors are more likely to prescribe antibiotics if they sense parent expectation, highlighting the need for better communication and culturally appropriate education.
Researchers have found a combination therapy of lamivudine and hepatitis B immune globulin significantly reduces HBV infection recurrence after liver transplant, with one-year and three-year survival rates of 92% and 81%, respectively. This breakthrough treatment offers hope for patients with chronic HBV cirrhosis.
A recent study found that childhood sexual abuse is a top predictor for HIV infection in women, with those who suffered abuse at age 18 being seven times more likely to engage in high-risk unprotected sex. Women who experienced trauma also faced greater economic and social challenges, making them more vulnerable to further exploitation.
Researchers found that two American infants were infected with African strains of HIV as early as 1994. The study suggests that more complicated regimens work best to combat the spread of HIV in pediatric patients, but may pose social problems for children entering adolescence.
A UCLA study found that 75% of HIV-positive women reported a positive change in their views of themselves, while 53% reported a shift in life priorities. The women attributed this change to coping with HIV infection, which made them feel wiser and stronger.
Children who grow up in risky families often suffer lifelong health problems, including cancer, heart disease, and mental health issues. The study found a pattern of serious long-term health consequences for children in homes marked by conflict and aggression.
Scientists at UCLA have developed a new technique that enables them to analyze the molecular composition of ancient fossils, providing conclusive evidence for their biological origin. The study's findings confirm that the oldest known fossils are made of organic matter similar to living microbes.
A new UCLA study finds that 'sweaty palms' syndrome is caused by a dominant gene, affecting up to 5% of the population. The disorder can significantly impact daily life and career, with symptoms including excessive sweating in hands and feet.
A UCLA-led team of chemists and engineers has developed a transparent plastic that can mend itself when heated, offering potential use in industries such as electronics, radar and communications. The material, called Automend, retains 60% of its original strength after healing.
As Alzheimer's symptoms progress, so do the costs of caregiver and patient care, with average six-month costs exceeding $29,000 per patient. Researchers urge earlier treatment to prevent increased costs and burden on caregivers.
A team of UCLA and Finnish scientists has identified a genetic mutation outside the lactose intolerance gene, found in 196 adults from African, Asian, and European descent. The researchers believe this variant is the original form of the gene that mutated to tolerate milk products when humans adopted dairy farming.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive method to visualize brain lesions indicative of Alzheimer's disease in living patients using FDDNP and PET scans. This breakthrough will enable doctors to monitor disease progression and test new treatments more effectively.
Case studies illustrate how special-interest groups influence policies on needle exchange programs, ergonomics, and mammograms. The authors suggest that institutions must address vested interests to ensure the appropriate use of scientific evidence.
Researchers combined infrared images with Hubble data to study ancient galaxies, including those similar to the Milky Way. The team identified over 100 billion stars in some galaxies, offering insights into their age, distance, and formation.