Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a new 'split-drive' system that harnesses the spread of cargo carried by gene drives, providing more control over their releases. The system uses a non-spreadable Cas9 component to separate genetic implementation processes, increasing safety and control.
A study found specific brain regions respond differently to emotional stimuli related to loneliness and wisdom. Lonelier individuals showed increased activity in the left superior parietal cortex when presented with angry faces, while wiser individuals displayed enhanced happy emotion-driven activity in the left insula.
Researchers confirm that fine particles in wildfire smoke can be several times more harmful to human respiratory health than particulate matter from car exhaust and other sources. The study, focused on Southern California, highlights the risks of tiny airborne particles with diameters of up to 2.5 microns.
Researchers have shown that three-layered surgical masks are most effective at stopping large cough droplets from getting atomized into smaller aerosols. This is crucial since these smaller droplets can linger in the air, spreading to people at larger distances.
A new study analyzes biological drivers of multiple paternity in sharks and rays, finding no conclusive evidence that male behavior drives the phenomenon. The researchers suggest that female advantages, such as thicker skin and larger size, may play a role in shaping multiple paternity.
A study of college students found that decreased physical activity during the pandemic was strongly associated with increased rates of depression. Those who maintained their daily exercise habits were at the lowest risk for depression.
Researchers have discovered that soupfin sharks undergo a triennial migratory cycle and reproductive cycle, returning to the same location every three years. This finding has significant implications for conservation and management of the species in U.S. waters, highlighting the need for revised management strategies.
Researchers at UC San Diego used sewage-handling robots to detect SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater and predicted COVID-19 cases with excellent accuracy. The system extracts RNA from sewage samples, runs PCR to search for virus signature genes, and can process 24 samples every 40 minutes.
Researchers used NASA's ICESat-2 satellite to track snowfall and found that 41% of height increases over West Antarctica during the 2019 winter occurred due to landfalling atmospheric rivers. These events delivered large quantities of snow during short periods, contributing to increased snow mass.
A study published in EClinical Medicine found a correlation between retinal ischemic perivascular lesions and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Researchers identified this mark in patients who underwent optical coherence tomography scans, suggesting it could serve as a biomarker for heart disease.
Researchers at UC San Diego have created coronavirus-like nanoparticles to serve as positive controls for COVID-19 tests, ensuring reliability and accuracy. These new controls can be used with existing tests or adapted to newer assays, making them a valuable tool for mass testing in underserved areas.
Researchers identified a new drug that modulates a key enzyme to prevent amyloid plaque formation, reducing or eliminating problematic protein fragments. The novel compound showed safety and effectiveness in rodent and monkey studies, suggesting potential as a therapy for Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists have created detailed maps of brain blood vessel clusters, revealing that small blood vessels compensate for varying energy requirements. The study provides novel insights into the distribution of oxygen and sugar to different brain regions, shedding light on how brains are kept nourished.
A new study by Scripps scientists reveals that mountain snowpack is vulnerable to premature melt due to rising temperatures, with coastal regions and the Arctic being the most at-risk. The research identifies regional variations in snowpack melt and provides a theory explaining why some regions are more susceptible than others.
Researchers found that tocilizumab, a monoclonal antibody treatment, improved length of stay by eight days and reduced mechanical ventilator use, but had no significant impact on clinical status or mortality rate in severe COVID-19 pneumonia patients. Further studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness
A new type of electrolyte weakly binds to lithium ions, enabling a battery to retain its capacity at -60 degrees Celsius. The researchers discovered that the binding strength between lithium and the electrolyte determines the battery's performance at low temperatures.
The NIH has awarded UC San Diego $33 million over four years for five COVID-19 diagnostic projects, including RADx-UP and RADx-rad initiatives. These efforts focus on managing data centers, expanding testing in disadvantaged communities, and developing innovative approaches to address gaps in COVID-19 testing.
Researchers used stem cell-derived organoids to study SARS-CoV-2 interaction with organs. Lung organoids responded more to the virus than brain organoids, producing different molecules and outcomes.
A genetic tool has been validated to estimate age of onset for aggressive prostate cancer in diverse ethnic/racial groups, with improved performance in men of African ancestry. The polygenic hazard score demonstrated excellent performance across European, Asian, and African genetic backgrounds.
A UC San Diego engineer is developing a research platform to study new materials that melt at temperatures higher than 4000 degrees Celsius. The team aims to increase the melting point of materials by mixing large numbers of different atoms together, reducing the driving force for the solid to melt.
Researchers found that light-intensity physical activity, such as gardening or walking, may protect mobility in older women. Women who spent the most time performing light-intensity activities had a 46% lower risk of mobility loss compared to those with lower levels of physical activity.
Researchers developed a new sodium-ion conductor that enhances stability in higher-voltage oxide cathodes, resulting in improved efficiency and lifespan. The material, NYZC, can last over 1000 cycles while retaining 89.3% of its capacity, outperforming other solid-state sodium batteries.
A new study has identified a universal strain of bacteria derived from healthy human skin that can treat the most common type of eczema. In a Phase I clinical trial, two-thirds of participants showed significant improvements in symptoms, including reduced itchiness and inflammation.
Research at University of California San Diego School of Medicine identified a new cellular target for GIST therapy that could lead to improved disease control and cure rates. The study found that specific cell-to-cell communication influences GIST biology and is strongly associated with cancer progression and metastasis.
A recent study suggests that genetics play a role in determining immunity to COVID-19. The study found that the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes, which code for cell surface proteins essential for the adaptive immune system, may limit individual immune responses to SARS-CoV-2.
Researchers at UC San Diego created a four-legged robot that doesn't need electronics, using pressurized air for controls and locomotion. The robot mimics mammalian reflexes and can navigate uneven surfaces with the help of pneumatic circuits.
Researchers at University of California - San Diego will investigate psilocybin's safety and efficacy in treating chronic phantom limb pain. The study aims to elucidate brain mechanisms involved, including possible alterations in brain circuitry.
Engineers at UC San Diego developed a soft, stretchy skin patch that monitors cardiovascular signals and multiple biochemical levels in the human body. The patch tracks blood pressure, glucose, lactate, alcohol, and caffeine levels, providing a comprehensive overview of the wearer's health.
Researchers found that ivabradine, a heart failure medication, reduces heart rate and improves symptoms associated with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) in patients with POTS. The study suggests that ivabradine may be an effective treatment option for COVID-19 long-haulers.
Researchers found that selecting fillers who are facially dissimilar to the suspect enhances eyewitness ability to accurately identify the perpetrator, while protecting innocent suspects. The counterintuitive technique improves outcomes without affecting the number of false alarms.
A team of US engineers has received a $5.8 million NASA grant to create computational design tools for air taxi designs. The project aims to develop safe, quiet, and affordable eVTOL aircraft using advanced design optimization algorithms.
A team of researchers led by Alysson R. Muotri used stem cells to create 'mini-brains' modeled after extinct Neanderthals, discovering a single genetic alteration that could explain key differences in brain development and function between modern humans and our closest relatives
Researchers found that smartphone PPG technology can accurately measure blood-oxygen levels and heart rate, comparable to FDA-approved hospital instruments. This technology could enhance remote monitoring of patients with chronic cardiopulmonary disease and initial treatment for respiratory viral pandemics.
Residents who experienced the 2018 Camp Fire exhibited measurable increases in PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders, worsened by proximity and previous adverse experiences. Chronic mental health problems were mitigated by physical exercise, mindfulness, and emotional support.
Researchers showed that deepfake detectors can be defeated by inserting inputs called adversarial examples into every video frame, which cause AI systems to make mistakes. The attack still works after videos are compressed. Key findings include high success rates of over 99% for uncompressed and 84.96% for compressed videos.
A new study found that delaying colonoscopies after abnormal at-home screenings by over 12 months increases the risk of colorectal cancer diagnosis and death. The odds of being diagnosed with late-stage colon cancer increased by approximately 33% at 16 months.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism that can increase the strength and toughness of high entropy alloys, enabling applications in transportation, energy, and defense industries. The discovery opens doors to lighter, safer, and more energy-efficient materials.
A recent study found 18 specific gene loci linked to PTSD, providing potential new targets for treatment. The research validated the disorder's underlying biology and genetic overlap between symptoms.
A new study reveals the immune system's 'tripwire' defense mechanism, which uses a protein called NLRP1 to detect and respond to invasive pathogens. This evolutionarily elegant way of detecting viral infection opens up new avenues for investigating potential future clinical applications.
Researchers have discovered that two anti-viral enzymes, APOBEC3C and ADAR1, fuel the transition from pre-cancer stem cells to leukemia stem cells. Inhibiting these enzymes with existing medications may help prevent cancer, including leukemia.
Researchers found that time-restricted feeding, a form of intermittent fasting aligned with circadian rhythms, improved metabolic health and reduced tumor growth in mice with obesity-driven postmenopausal breast cancer. Elevated insulin levels drove accelerated tumor growth, which was mitigated by reducing insulin levels.
During the pandemic, female academics are sharing their experiences and advice on managing work-life balance while juggling caregiving responsibilities. The authors suggest finding peer support groups, saying no to non-essential tasks, and prioritizing self-care. They also emphasize the importance of recognizing individual differences ...
Researchers developed an antisense oligonucleotide that targets IRF4, silencing cancer stem cells and proliferating tumor cells. The treatment significantly reduced myeloma cell burden and increased survival of mice with human myeloma.
New research from the University of California San Diego explores the potential of direct air capture to remove CO2 from the atmosphere and slow global warming. The study finds that a massively funded program could reverse temperature rise well before 2100, but deep cuts in emissions are still needed.
Researchers developed a multi-fidelity graph network approach to predict material properties with improved accuracy, enabling predictions for disordered materials. The new method reduced mean absolute errors by 22-45% compared to traditional approaches.
Researchers at UC San Diego and UCLA found that de novo mutations in tandem repeats are associated with autism spectrum disorders. The study analyzed 1,600 families and identified an average of 50 de novo mutations at tandem repeats in each child, regardless of whether they were affected by autism.
Researchers found that certain metabolites can predict which patients are most likely to relapse into major depressive disorder. The study identified six metabolic pathways and specific lipids associated with the condition, suggesting a new approach for predicting vulnerability to depression recurrence.
Researchers are developing mobile telehealth robots to support remote exams, enable isolated people to interact with their communities, and protect healthcare workers from COVID-19. The robots will use advanced tactile sensing, manipulation, and haptics technologies to provide a sense of presence and touch.
Starting tobacco products before age 18 increases addiction risk for young adults. A recent study found that youth who used e-cigarettes were three times more likely to become daily cigarette smokers compared to those who didn't use e-cigarettes.
Ocean acidification is transforming California mussel shells from aragonite to calcite, a response linked to increased acidity. This shift has significant implications for marine organisms and ecosystems, as mussels provide homes for hundreds of other species and are a rich food source.