Researchers have discovered that pre-trained phages can increase their ability to fight bacterial infections, delaying the onset of antibiotic resistance. This breakthrough uses evolutionary training to improve phage potency against deadly bacteria.
A new separator developed by nanoengineers at the University of California San Diego traps gas molecules to stabilize volatile electrolytes, preventing swelling and explosions. The separator boosts battery performance at ultra-low temperatures, with cells operating at 500 milliamp-hours per gram at -40 C.
Global clean energy technology adoption is growing at a rapid pace, particularly in niche markets like Norway and California for electric vehicles, Ireland for wind power, and China for electric buses and new nuclear. These pioneers are crucial to addressing climate change by developing and deploying low-carbon technologies.
Researchers create synthetic fly species with a genetic barrier to limit gene drive spread, offering a safe and reversible method of controlling populations. The technology has potential applications in disease elimination, crop protection, and pest management.
Researchers discovered that a Western diet high in fat and cholesterol can lead to obesity, diabetes, and Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which progresses to liver cancer, kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease. Switching to a normal chow diet improves NASH and liver fibrosis, prevents cancer progression and mortality.
Electrical engineers at UC San Diego developed a technology that converts low-resolution light to high-resolution light, enabling ordinary microscopes to image living cells with a resolution of up to 40 nanometers. The technology uses a specially engineered material that shortens the wavelength of light as it illuminates the sample.
Over 50 years of progress in women's health has seen significant improvements in access to healthcare and survivorship. However, maternal death rates remain high, particularly among African American women, and intersectional health disparities persist.
Researchers developed a genetic editing toolkit for Culex mosquitoes, which transmit devastating diseases like West Nile virus and avian malaria. The new CRISPR tools aim to create gene drives that can disable pathogen transmission in the targeted mosquito population.
Researchers have discovered that non-professional cells can detect changes in metabolism and activate defensive measures against pathogens. This finding has implications for understanding immunity in humans and potentially developing new tools to prevent and treat infections.
A study by UC San Diego scientists reveals that extreme heat and elevated ozone levels have a disproportionate impact on low-income ZIP codes in California. Areas with higher unemployment rates and car traffic are more affected, with increased hospitalizations for respiratory issues.
Papers that cannot be replicated in psychology, economics, and science journals are often the most cited due to their intriguing results. The study found that non-replicable papers are cited significantly more than replicable ones, with a gap of up to 300 times in Nature/Science journals.
Scientists at UC San Diego School of Medicine discovered two enzymes, histone deacetylases (HDACs), that inhibit the body's inflammatory response in the skin. These enzymes allow the skin to tolerate certain microbes living on its surface while preventing a constant rash from developing elsewhere.
A new study found that older adults with functional impairments are at higher risk of using prescription opioids, tranquilizers/sedatives, and medical cannabis. This population is more susceptible to substance use disorders and mental health issues due to chronic pain, insomnia, or anxiety.
By mapping the genetic underpinnings of type 1 diabetes, researchers have identified a predictive causal role for specific cell types, including pancreatic exocrine cells. This study provides a major leap in understanding the causes of type 1 diabetes and may lead to new treatments for reversing its course.
Research finds herbivores weaken early emergers in California grass species, offsetting advantage of early germination. This discovery highlights the role of herbivory in shaping natural selection and evolutionary responses to global environmental changes.
Research finds that medications commonly prescribed for schizophrenia may worsen brain functioning, particularly among patients taking multiple psychotropic drugs. A study of 1,120 participants with schizophrenia found that 63% had an anticholinergic cognitive burden score of at least 3.
A pilot clinical trial is underway to evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound stimulation in reducing COVID-19-related inflammation. The study, called UNITE Study, will recruit 40 patients with severe symptoms and compare the treatment group's recovery time to a control group receiving standard medical care.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a novel genetic sensor called CopyCatcher to detect precise CRISPR editing in cells throughout the body. The study shows promise for treating genetic disorders such as blood diseases, vision and hearing problems, and muscular dystrophy.
Researchers at University of California San Diego School found that controlling cholesterol in microglia can alleviate chronic pain, a common side effect of chemotherapy. They developed a novel therapeutic approach using a modified version of apoA-I binding protein to reverse the harmful effects of excessive cholesterol.
Researchers found that pediatricians are more likely to refer toddlers for evaluation if parents independently express concerns, leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment. The Get SET Early program, a simple screening tool, has been linked to improved outcomes for children with ASD.
A study of charging patterns on a University of California San Diego campus found that DC fast chargers were less affected by the pandemic, with usage returning to near-normal levels. The researchers recommend deploying additional DCFCs on campus and beyond to support growing EV adoption.
A new infrared imager developed by researchers at the University of California San Diego converts shortwave infrared light into visible images using organic semiconductors. The device is compact, simple, and provides better image resolution than existing systems.
Researchers used gene therapy to introduce a therapeutic compound into the hippocampus of AD mice, preserving learning and memory. The approach restored normal neural function and reversed neurodegenerative processes by promoting neuronal and synaptic plasticity.
Researchers discovered SARS-CoV-2 uses m6A modification to evade immune response, increasing viral replication and survival. Inhibiting METTL3 suppressed viral replication.
A new analysis by researchers from around the world offers a deeper understanding of species interactions and their impact on ecosystem diversity. The study found that closely-related tree species interact weakly with each other, while distantly-related pairs can interact with surprising strength.
A new UC San Diego study found that Republicans' willingness to get vaccinated increased over time, while Democrats' views remained stable. The study also showed that Republicans were less trusting of media and viewed the COVID-19 virus as less threatening than Democrats.
A University of California San Diego engineering professor has solved the mystery of deep-focus earthquakes, which originate between 400 and 700 kilometers below the Earth's surface. Her new theory explains how high pressures cause olivine rock to transform into denser spinel, leading to volume collapse and seismic waves.
Researchers developed a neural implant that monitors brain activity in multiple areas simultaneously. The study reveals two-way communication between the hippocampus and cerebral cortex during learning and memory formation, tied to sharp-wave ripples.
Researchers have created two unique collections of over 20,000 biological samples from laboratory rats to study the biological bases and consequences of cocaine and oxycodone addiction. The biobanks provide deeper insight into the paths and pathologies of these addictions.
A multi-institutional team of researchers has identified genetic abnormalities that drive pre-cancer cells into becoming invasive head and neck cancer. The study found that patients with specific genetic imbalances are less likely to respond to immunotherapy.
A study found that babies born to mothers with cannabis use disorder were more likely to experience negative health outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight. Infants born to these mothers were also at a higher risk of infant mortality.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a theoretical model explaining how pelicans exploit wind updrafts from breaking waves to conserve energy during flight. This discovery has potential applications in drone control and weather forecasting, highlighting the intricate dance between ocean, wind, and bird behavior.
A new study by the University of California San Diego found that Airbnb hosts in college towns increase their listing prices during home football games against rival teams, resulting in a 78% reduction in rental income. This phenomenon is attributed to strong emotions involved in college football rivalries and financial constraints.
Researchers have created a precise map of brain connectivity from the basal ganglia, revealing new details and a surprising level of influence connected to the basal ganglia. The findings offer a blueprint of the area's architecture that could potentially open additional avenues for intervention of Parkinson's disease and other disorders.
Researchers have found that a chemical inhibitor called K777 can reduce the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to infect cells. Clinical trials are underway for its potential use in treating COVID-19, particularly in patients with severe cases.
Researchers identified specific neural circuits in the basal ganglia linked to motor and non-motor Parkinson's symptoms. The findings provide a novel framework for understanding disease progression and may lead to more precise therapeutic strategies.
A study found that newly abstinent opioid users resist carrying naloxone, even if it can save their lives. Researchers suggest reframing the meaning of carrying naloxone to represent a commitment to group safety and wellbeing. They propose re-targeting naloxone distribution efforts to include persons at any phase of their drug use.
A new study reveals a connection between wisdom, loneliness and gut microbial diversity. Participants with lower levels of loneliness and higher levels of wisdom had greater phylogenetic richness and diversity in their gut microbiome. A more diverse gut microbiota may promote better resilience and stability.
Researchers found that higher platelet counts linked to better outcomes for patients with staph sepsis, while repurposed drugs protect platelets and improve survival of septic mice. The study suggests that boosting the immune system by protecting platelets could reduce mortality in staph sepsis.
A recent study of vaccinated healthcare workers found a low overall positivity rate among fully immunized individuals, supporting high protection rates of COVID-19 vaccines. However, the authors noted an elevated risk of infection after vaccination, possibly due to differences in demographics and behaviors.
A recent study by University of California San Diego researchers identified 12 essential attributes that explain why commercial carbon capture and sequestration projects succeed or fail in the US. The credibility of revenues and incentives is crucial, with policies like the 45Q tax credit providing a guaranteed revenue stream.
Researchers estimate SARS-CoV-2 was circulating in China as early as mid-October 2019. The virus likely dies out naturally more than three-quarters of the time without causing an epidemic.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a nanoscale artificial neuron device that efficiently carries out activation functions in hardware, reducing computing power and circuitry. The device, which implements the rectified linear unit activation function, can process images and perform edge detection with high accuracy.
Researchers discovered pancreatic cancer cells employ macropinocytosis, a novel pathway to procure nutrients when autophagy is inhibited, enabling them to thrive despite starvation. A combination of autophagy and macropinocytosis inhibitors resulted in rapid tumor regression in mouse models.
Researchers at UC San Diego discover epigenetic mechanisms to accelerate muscle cell growth using pluripotent stem cells. Triggering specific factors can prime these cells for rapid regeneration.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed a gene therapy that temporarily represses a gene involved in sensing pain, increasing pain tolerance and providing months of relief. The therapy could be used for various chronic pain conditions, including lower back pain and rare neuropathic disorders.
Researchers discovered that metastatic cancer cells use adhesion and contractility to move away from stiffer tissue, defying the typical durotaxis process. By modulating cell contractility, they can change their ability to migrate in response to environmental stiffness.
A wearable microgrid developed by UC San Diego engineers powers small electronics using sweat-powered biofuel cells, motion-powered triboelectric generators, and energy-storing supercapacitors. The system can power devices quickly and continuously, lasting three times longer than traditional triboelectric generators alone.
Researchers developed a tumor-penetrating peptide that can deliver chemotherapy drugs deep into pancreatic cancer tumors, increasing effectiveness and reducing metastasis. The therapy showed promising results in animal models, with significant increases in survival and reductions in cancer spread.
A coordinated conservation strategy removed invasive rodents from Hawadax Island, leading to the return of native species and a restoration of the island's ecosystem. The study found that removing the rats allowed the seabirds to replenish the seashore invertebrate population, driving down kelp abundance.