A new WTRS scale captures how strongly people believe smoking should be restricted in public settings, with support increasing steadily over time, particularly in indoor spaces. The study supports the long-standing public health strategy of reducing smoking by shifting social norms around secondhand smoke exposure.
Researchers at UC San Diego have received major grants to investigate the relationship between menopause and hormone therapy on dementia risk in women. The studies aim to develop a clinical tool for earlier dementia detection and improve prevention and treatment strategies.
A recent study published in Cell has revealed that senescent cells, often associated with aging and disease, play a previously unrecognized role in building the brain's protective barriers. These cells contribute to the formation of two critical barrier systems: the blood-brain and blood-CSF barriers.
A recent study has identified a specific group of genes, known as Ces1, which are responsible for creating the enzyme that metabolizes cocaine. Variations in these genes are closely linked to how frequently and compulsively rats self-administered the drug, suggesting a potential new target for treatment.
A new telescope technology, featuring a metasurface component, can collect scientifically meaningful data from the Sun in a single snapshot. This technology solves problems in space missions by stabilizing telescopes and reducing costs.
Researchers develop a gene therapy approach to restore normal nerve signaling and reduce muscle spasticity in spinal cord injury patients. The treatment targets GABA signaling and has shown significant improvements in reducing spasticity and restoring reflex function.
UC San Diego Health has received multiple awards from Practice Greenhealth for its achievement and innovation in health care sustainability, including the Greenhealth Leader Award and Circle of Excellence Award. The institution's commitment to operations supporting healthier patients, staff, and communities is recognized nationally.
A major security vulnerability was discovered, allowing attackers to fake their identity in smartphone text conversations by exploiting the difference between email and text message formats. The issue was patched in Android and Apple smartphones as well as all major wireless carriers, including Verizon and T-Mobile.
Researchers created a way to spot and correct distortions in light using artificial intelligence and a tiny optical element. The approach can improve the quality of images in fields like biology, astronomy, and precision manufacturing by making advanced optical systems faster, smaller, and easier to use.
Researchers have developed molecular cages that encase tetrazine, allowing for specific targeting of cancer cells for imaging and drug delivery. This technology enables precise spatial control over chemical reactions in living systems, promising improved outcomes for patients with limited side effects.
A recent study found that semaglutide, a widely used GLP-1 drug, slows down the accumulation of biological aging markers in adults with HIV. The treatment reduced chronic immune activation, visceral and ectopic fat, and reprogrammed certain cells, which may help explain its effects on multiple aging clocks.
The US overdose death rate declined by 24.4% in 2024, primarily driven by falling fentanyl-related deaths. However, deaths involving only stimulants continued to rise, and racial disparities remain severe. The study highlights the need for targeted public health interventions to address persistent inequities.
Researchers identified microRNA-25 as a key player in creating an immune-suppressive tumor environment that resists cancer immunotherapy. Removing miR-25 reshaped the environment and activated anti-tumor immune responses, suggesting a potential target for converting 'cold' tumors into responsive 'hot' tumors.
Engineers at UC San Diego developed an optical device that reveals hidden images and changes colors in response to different levels of humidity. The technology has potential applications in anti-counterfeiting labels, secure data storage, interactive displays, and environmental sensors.
Researchers at UC San Diego have identified a naturally occurring peptide that significantly slows melanoma growth, reduces tumor spread, and restores sensitivity in drug-resistant cells. The findings suggest CST could serve as the foundation for a new class of peptide-based therapies against advanced and therapy-resistant melanoma.
Researchers developed an experimental gene therapy that protects brain cells from toxic protein damage caused by TDP-43, which is linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The approach strengthens the neuron's resilience and helps preserve brain function.
A new AI model, MutationProjector, analyzes tumor DNA to predict immunotherapy and chemotherapy outcomes in various cancers. The model identifies biomarkers associated with treatment responses and provides insights into why predictions are made.
Researchers developed a soft, wearable ultrasound patch that continuously monitors a fetus for hours, enabling early detection of complications in high-risk pregnancies. The technology has the potential to expand access to prenatal care in low-resource settings and improve pregnancy outcomes.
A machine-learning guided lifestyle coaching program based on data collected via personal devices reduced depressive symptoms by six weeks. Participants who implemented the program experienced significant reductions in depressive symptoms and the treatment effect persisted during three months after the intervention ended.
A new UC San Diego study reveals that women are more vulnerable to dementia risk factors affecting cognition, with some risk factors having stronger impacts on women than men. The findings suggest a greater need for targeted interventions, such as managing depression and improving cardiovascular health.
A new study from UC San Diego suggests that advanced large language models (LLMs) can exhibit human-like tone, humor, and fallibility in conversations, making it increasingly difficult for humans to distinguish between them and actual humans. This has major implications for how we think of AI, as the Turing test is no longer just about...
A national study found a sharp increase in leucovorin prescriptions among children with autism following media coverage and White House promotion. Researchers urge caution due to limited large-scale evidence, highlighting the need for rigorous data to inform treatment decisions.
A new study from UC San Diego found that poorer sleep quality is associated with greater memory difficulties and more Alzheimer's-related brain changes in older women with a higher genetic risk. The study suggests that improving sleep could become a target for future Alzheimer's prevention strategies.
Researchers developed a new tool to track ancient climate from wetland sediments, revealing turbulent environmental past in the Mediterranean. People adapted creatively, developing new technologies and strategies, such as floodwater farming and herd animal management.
A new study shows that an AI-powered CPR coaching agent can significantly improve survival rates by providing more accurate and comprehensive instructions. ChatCPR scored 100% on guideline-based CPR checklists and outperformed human dispatchers in guiding bystander resuscitation, with a 36-point gap in advanced steps.
A multidisciplinary team of UC San Diego researchers has developed a simple technology called photoplethysmography (PPG) coupled with artificial intelligence (AI) that can detect peripheral artery disease (PAD) with high accuracy. The technique, which uses PPG recordings to measure blood volume changes in the toes, demonstrates strong ...
UC San Diego engineers developed a more efficient ground station system using multiple small antenna panels that can work together to handle increasing satellite traffic. This approach offers a cost-effective solution to the growing demand for satellite connectivity.
Researchers have developed a free, web-based platform, StructureMASST, to make public metabolomics data more accessible. The tool allows users to search for chemical structures across billions of chemical spectra, enabling discoveries of new metabolites and connections between molecules and diseases.
The UC San Diego team developed an open-source digital twin platform called Tiny-Twin, which enables fast and realistic testing of applications over wireless networks. The platform allows researchers to test complete applications, such as video streaming, without needing specialized hardware or proprietary data.
The University of California San Diego has been awarded a $5 million renewal for its Faculty Institutional Recruitment for Sustainable Transformation (FIRST) program. The program enabled the institution to hire 12 new faculty in life sciences disciplines across campus, who have collectively brought in $16 million in new research grants.
A new five-year study led by UC San Diego Health is seeking to improve sleep and reduce delirium among adults in the ICU through evidence-based strategies. The research team will investigate which sleep-promotion methods are most effective in this setting, engaging patients, families, and clinicians throughout the process.
A study by Marta Serra-Garcia examines how incentives in the online attention economy shape scientific communication, finding that attention-driven summaries are not more likely to be factually inaccurate but tend to include less information. The research reveals a trade-off between engaging content and conveying accurate details.
A recent NIH grant termination survey found that BIPOC and LGBTQ+ researchers faced higher odds of termination, with disparities extending beyond representation. The study highlights concerns about the long-term impacts on the US scientific workforce.
A recent study analyzing data from two California school surveys found that adolescents consistently perceive cannabis as the least harmful substance among their peers. The study, which examined responses from over 175,000 students, also identified age, experience, and social environment as factors influencing teens' perceptions of can...
A national survey found that millions of US adults have microdosed substances like cannabis, psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA, with cannabis being the most commonly microdosed. The study also revealed patterns tied to mental health and policy environments, suggesting that changes in drug policy may influence access to these substances.
A new study reveals that impaired protein recycling is the key factor in T cell exhaustion, allowing researchers to develop a 'tag and sort' fix to restore normal proteostasis. This approach boosts the potency of cell therapy against cancer.
Researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to visualize individual water molecules and metal ions within RNA polymerase II, revealing their active role in DNA transcription. The study provides a new understanding of how genetic information is read and expressed, challenging the traditional 'protein-centered' view.
The study demonstrates that the T1GRS tool can identify children and adults at high risk for Type 1 diabetes earlier than current methods, enabling preventive measures before the disease develops. The researchers grouped individuals into four sub-types based on genetic features, each with unique clinical profiles and outcomes.
Engineers developed an adhesive gel that can deliver substances into plants' tissues, clearing bacterial infections within 48 hours. The gel sticks to various surfaces, including hairy leaves and stems, and can be removed without damage.
The new robotic system combines artificial intelligence, data-driven alignment planning, patient-specific implants, navigation, and robotic screw delivery to enhance precision and coordination. This technology streamlines operating room workflows, reducing procedure time and supporting recovery for patients undergoing spine fusions.
The researchers will investigate novel therapies to protect the aging brain from neurodegenerative diseases by eliminating RNA pollution. They will map out signatures of RNA pollution across over 200 cell lines and patient biofluids to understand its effects.
A US study found that anti-vaping advertising and widespread news coverage of a lung-injury outbreak tied to vaping reversed the country's youth vaping trend in 2019. Quit attempt rates nearly doubled among current vapers, while susceptibility to future vaping dropped among teens who had never vaped.
A new conversational AI tool uses trusted medical protocols to provide guidance on symptom assessment and triage, reducing unnecessary hospital visits. The system has been tested across over 30,000 simulated conversations with high accuracy, making it a promising support tool for healthcare organizations.
A UC San Diego study found that diabetes is associated with changes in biological signals in the blood linked to Alzheimer's disease and brain damage in Latino adults. Researchers suggest that metabolic health may play a role in shaping future dementia risk.
A recent study estimates that 2.8% of US residents over 12 used psilocybin in the past year, highlighting the need for clinicians to be aware of its use among patients with depression. The findings also underscore the importance of longitudinal studies and increased public health surveillance as de-criminalization efforts progress.
A study by UC San Diego researchers identified CgA-centered stress-response pathways as key drivers of cognitive resilience in individuals with asymptomatic Alzheimer's disease. The findings also introduce a new framework to accelerate the discovery of preventive therapies for Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have developed a new tool called Microbial Interaction and Niche Determination (MIND) that accurately predicts how microbes compete within complex communities. By analyzing nutrient preferences and energy allocation, MIND helps beneficial organisms outcompete dangerous pathogens. This approach has the potential to accelerat...
Teenagers who begin using cannabis show slower gains in thinking and memory skills as they grow. The study found that teens who used cannabis showed restricted growth over time compared to those who did not.
Neurobiologists have identified the brain circuitry responsible for placebo pain relief, revealing a site where endogenous opioid peptides drive pain relief. The study offers hope for using expectancy-driven placebo effects as a substitute for painkillers and developing protocols to produce placebo pain resilience in humans.
A new tool identifies mangrove patches facing the greatest risk of degradation, allowing for proactive conservation. The Mangrove Threat Index provides a science-based way to identify areas where pressures are accumulating and where timely intervention can prevent long-term ecological and social costs.