A recent study published in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity found that higher levels of light physical activity and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were associated with lower risk of death. In contrast, higher sedentary time was linked to increased mortality risk, regardless of genetic predisposition for longevity.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a precision-guided sterile insect technique (pgSIT) to control invasive fruit fly populations. The technology uses CRISPR editing to target key genes in female viability and male fertility, resulting in a fertility dead end for the species.
The NeuRRAM chip demonstrates wide range of AI applications with equivalent accuracy while reducing energy consumption by up to 70% compared to traditional compute platforms. It also supports various neural network models and architectures, enabling diverse AI applications on edge devices.
Researchers at UC San Diego have received a $1.3 million grant to study the role of misfolded tau proteins in causing neurodegenerative diseases like dementia. The team aims to develop new tools for understanding and treating these diseases, which affect nearly 6 million people worldwide.
New research by UC San Diego's School of Global Policy and Strategy finds that 3D printing technology has a positive impact on global trade. The study reveals that production processes changed but supply chains remained intact, leading to a doubling or near-doubling in producers' exports after five years.
A new study suggests that acetate produced by the liver diffuses into the intestines, supporting bacterial growth and causing imbalanced microbiota. This imbalance does not appear to play a major role in alcoholic liver disease risk.
A new analysis of seismic data from NASA's Mars InSight mission has found that the Martian subsurface contains little or no ice, contradicting a leading idea about water on Mars. This discovery suggests that conditions are too cold to freeze water at depths below 300 meters near the equator.
A nationwide study is investigating the effects of COVID-19 on patients in the US, with a focus on understanding and preventing lingering symptoms. The four-year study, RECOVER Initiative, will enroll up to 20,000 participants and explore factors that put individuals at risk for long-COVID.
Scientists at UC San Diego and Salk Institute discover link between mitochondrial function, inflammation, and DNMT3A and TET2 genes in atherosclerosis. Abnormal inflammatory signaling is triggered by low levels of these genes, leading to excessive plaque buildup.
Researchers have developed a novel approach to engineering live bacterial therapeutics by using native microbes that can survive in the gut. This method overcomes previous limitations of introducing engineered bacteria into the gut, demonstrating potential for long-term therapy and reversal of disease pathologies in mouse models.
Researchers discovered that giant viruses, known as bacteriophages, construct a shielded compartment that acts like a nucleus in human cells, protecting their genetic material. The nuclear-like structure allows certain components inside while serving as a defense mechanism against bacterial threats.
A new study found that COVID-19 health risks spurred more smokers to quit, with cigarette purchases declining by 20-30% and quitting rates increasing by 10 percentage points. The decline was sustained for at least a year and may lead to longer-term benefits on population health and life expectancy.
A new gene therapy approach using the neuroprotective protein SynCav1 has shown promising results in slowing down ALS disease progression and increasing life span in rodent models. The treatment preserved spinal cord motor neurons and extended longevity in mice, with similar effects observed in a rat model of ALS.
Researchers found substantial iron deposits in motor circuits of the brain in individuals with high genetic risk for hereditary hemochromatosis, increasing risk for Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. Males were more affected than females due to natural processes.
A new study from UC San Diego's Rady School of Management found that referrals and recommendations can act as a gatekeeping process in elite occupational contexts. Female candidates recommended by highly tenured female sponsors are most likely to be hired, contrary to initial findings suggesting male sponsors are more persuasive.
The Institute for Emerging CORE Methods in Data Science (EnCORE) aims to transform the core aspects of data science, including complexity, optimization, responsible computing, and education and engagement. EnCORE will conduct interdisciplinary research, develop innovative tools, and engage students from K-12 to postdoctoral levels.
Scientists at the University of California San Diego have taken the first-ever cryo-EM images of nitrogenase during catalytic action, providing new insights into the enzyme's mechanism and its potential for cost-effective and environmentally friendly ammonia production. The atomic-level-resolution images may pave the way for understand...
A study by UC San Diego researchers reveals health care facilities serving diverse populations were less likely to administer COVID-19 vaccines during the initial rollout. The findings highlight inequities in vaccine distribution, contradicting national policy goals.
A study of 1,813 older women found that accelerated biological aging is associated with lower odds of living to be 90 years old and maintaining physical and cognitive function. Slower age acceleration was linked to a reduced risk of mortality.
A study by University of California San Diego found that cash transfers were more effective than workforce training in improving the lives of Rwandan youths. The research revealed that cash transfers improved ownership of assets and productive hours, while training only enhanced business knowledge.
Researchers found that lactating mothers expose their pups to triclosan, leading to early signs of liver damage that can progress to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Exposure to triclosan in early life may lay the groundwork for future development of fatty liver disease.
Researchers found that the SARS-CoV-2 virus likely jumped from animals to humans at least twice and possibly as many as two dozen times at the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan, China. The market's genetic diversity suggests multiple spillover events occurred, with at least two strains making successful introductions.
Researchers have developed a novel COVID-19 vaccine based on altered plasmid DNA that effectively blocks cell infection across all tested variants. The vaccine targets a specific vulnerability in the SARS-CoV-2 virus's spike protein, inducing a focused antibody response.
UC San Diego Professor Thomas Murphy warns that economic growth is unlikely to continue indefinitely due to diminishing resources. He uses historical data and calculations to illustrate the point that energy consumption and waste heat will accelerate, leading to severe environmental consequences.
Researchers identified common cellular mechanisms and dysfunctional processes driving post-COVID lung disease, similar to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The study found shared gene expression patterns and endoplasmic reticulum stress as early triggers of both conditions.
A University of California San Diego study finds that importers highly dependent on Japan increased total imports of those products after the 2011 earthquake, intensifying offshoring rather than reshoring. Global supply chains are difficult to untangle following a crisis, and firms opt for offshore production to keep costs down.
Researchers at University of California - San Diego launch nationwide clinical trial to investigate benfotiamine as a metabolic treatment approach for Alzheimer's disease. The trial aims to determine the effectiveness of high doses of benfotiamine in benefiting people with mild AD or mild cognitive impairment.
A new study suggests that a unique gene variant supporting cognitive health in older humans may have first emerged to protect against infectious pathogens like gonorrhea. This variant, linked to CD33, allows brain immune cells to break down damaged brain cells and amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers describe biochemical pathway leading to inflammation characteristic of autoimmune diseases, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. FEN1 enzyme plays critical role in generating oxidized mtDNA fragments that trigger complex inflammatory response.
Researchers track changes in fitness landscapes as viruses and hosts undergo ongoing survival competition. The study reveals that coevolution propels adaptations, with viruses innovating to overcome host resistance. This new understanding provides a quantitative framework for predicting evolution in coevolving ecological communities.
A recent study published in PAIN found that mindfulness meditation can reduce pain intensity and unpleasantness by separating pain from the sense of self. Participants who practiced mindfulness reported a significant reduction in pain levels after undergoing painful heat stimuli.
Researchers found brain ripples in all areas of the human cortex, synchronizing distant elements of memory upon recollection. The ripples involve brief, high-frequency oscillations that promote neural interactions and potentially support interaction between distant locations.
Researchers at UC San Diego and Scripps Research developed a wastewater sequencing tool to track regional infection dynamics. This approach proved effective in identifying emerging variants and predicting COVID-19 surges, enabling early detection of cases and informing public health interventions.
Scientists have found that prior exposure to Staphylococcus aureus prevents effective vaccination due to immune response memory. To overcome this, the research suggests targeting only the protective component of the protein IsdB, generating a more effective vaccine against MRSA.
A new approach in metabolomics reveals how much of our body chemistry is traceable to what we consume. By matching molecular signatures with reference databases, scientists can create a diet profile of individuals and understand relationships between diet and health outcomes.
A recent study published in Brain Stimulation reveals that non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation increases reaction times to negative images and decreases reactions to positive images. The findings have implications for the development of treatments for PTSD and other mental health conditions.
A study published in Cell Reports found that a rhythmic small intestinal microbiome prevents obesity and type 2 diabetes in mice. The researchers used mouse models to explore how diet and feeding patterns affect the gut microbiome and its impact on host health, particularly with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed temperature-resilient lithium-ion batteries with high energy density, compatible with high-temperature operation. These batteries could enable electric vehicles to travel farther on a single charge in cold climates and reduce overheating in hot climates.
A new CRISPR strategy, employing natural DNA repair machinery, provides a foundation for novel gene therapy strategies to cure genetic diseases. The technique, known as homologous chromosome-templated repair, uses "nicks" of single DNA strands to correct genetic defects.
Researchers developed a nomogram to predict anal cancer risk in persons with HIV infection, highlighting increased risk among those living with the virus. The model estimates quantitative risk based on patient characteristics, informing screening decisions.
A UC San Diego study reveals six overarching themes contributing to physician job stress and suicide, including physical health deterioration and financial stress. The research calls for short-term solutions like improved access to primary care and long-term changes to address workplace culture and self-care.
A new atlas of tissue-resident memory T cells reveals their adaptation to distinct tissue environments, offering insights into immune defense strategies. The study's findings could inform the development of targeted vaccines and therapies, leveraging 'first responders' in tissues vulnerable to infection.
Researchers discovered common mutations and dysfunction in myotonic dystrophy type 1 and Rett syndrome using brain organoids. The study suggests that targeting NMDA receptors may ameliorate cognitive impairments in young patients with DM1.
Researchers found multiple gene variants contributing to pediatric NAFLD risk and disease severity, including novel SNPs associated with liver fibrosis. These genetic associations may guide future therapeutics for pediatric NAFLD, a chronic childhood disease linked to increased cardiovascular risk and mortality.
A study found that indoor pollutants and human activities impact home biology and chemistry. Researchers detected diverse molecules from skin care products, food, and feces in a test home, with human-derived metabolites dominating the microbiome.
Researchers will evaluate COVID-19 vaccination safety in 1,800 pregnant participants and monitor immune response. The study aims to provide information on vaccine efficacy for mothers and babies.
A study by UC San Diego's Rady School of Management found that people are more likely to hurt others when they believe it is morally right, rather than for personal benefit. The research suggests that laws and punishments may not be effective deterrents if they don't address the underlying moral motivations behind violent behavior.
A UC San Diego study suggests COVID-19 rebound symptoms after taking Paxlovid are likely caused by insufficient drug exposure, not resistance or impaired immunity. The study found the virus remained sensitive to the drug and no relevant mutations were detected.
A new combination therapy using a plant virus and an antibody activates natural killer cells to target and destroy cancer cells. The therapy eliminates all tumors and prevents their recurrence, resulting in 100% survival in mouse models of colon cancer.
Researchers have developed a new hybrid machine learning approach that forecasts lake ecosystem responses to climate change with improved accuracy. The model, which uses data-driven methods and minimal assumptions, is able to capture the complex relationships between variables in ecosystems.