Researchers found that individuals with objective subtle cognitive difficulties accumulated amyloid protein faster than cognitively normal individuals, even before symptoms appeared. This suggests that sensitive neuropsychological measures can detect subtle cognitive changes earlier in the disease process.
Researchers developed a novel gene-silencing approach to deliver a treatment vector to adult ALS mice, preventing disease onset and blocking progression in animals with existing symptoms. The method uses an adeno-associated virus to deliver shRNA, effectively silencing the SOD1 gene and protecting motor neurons.
A team of scientists has developed a way to quantify disease-causing mutations found only in the sperm of fathers, providing a more accurate assessment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk in future children. The method uses deep whole genome sequencing and reveals that up to 15% of fathers' sperm cells contain such mutations.
A study found that in a common subtype of autism, brain areas responsible for vision and attention are not controlled, leading to severe social symptoms. Researchers combined eye gaze data with brain scans to make the discovery.
Researchers found that treating spinal cord injuries with conditioned stem cells boosted neural growth and improved motor function in rat models. After four months, the treated rats showed a three-fold increase in motor activity and significant improvements in cell survival, offering new hope for human treatment.
A new CRISPR-based gene-drive system, Pro-AG, has been developed to target antibiotic-resistant bacteria with increased efficiency. The system uses a self-amplifying editing mechanism to insert tailored genetic payloads into target sites with high precision.
Researchers developed a mathematical model that uses RNA sequencing and bioinformatics to identify sudden transcriptomic switches in healthy liver tissue, turning them cancerous. The tool can predict tumor stages and prognosis for patients with liver cancer.
Researchers discovered genetic variations in RNF5 dampen CFTR protein expression, potentially reducing lung infections. This study offers a new approach to understanding cystic fibrosis and developing targeted treatments.
A recent study by University of California San Diego School of Medicine found that the presence of meaning in life is associated with better physical and mental well-being, while the search for meaning in life may be associated with worse mental well-being and cognitive functioning. The researchers also discovered an inverted U-shaped ...
A pilot study found that limiting food consumption to a 10-hour window per day improved health outcomes in participants with metabolic syndrome. Participants experienced significant weight loss, reduced abdominal fat, and stable blood sugar and insulin levels.
A study by researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography found that atmospheric river storms (ARs) pose a significant flood risk in the West, causing nearly $51 billion in damages over 40 years. The majority of these damages were caused by just ten ARs, with some areas experiencing over 99% of flood damage from ARs.
Researchers discovered a fear-greed tradeoff in bacteria that use ancient respiratory quinones for aerobic respiration, leading to oxidative stress and growth limitations. The study provides fundamental insights into microbial bioenergetics evolution and potential strategies for modulating bacterial growth and survival.
Researchers found that extra DNA surrounding cancer-causing genes is crucial for maintaining their activation and supporting tumor growth. This discovery could explain why some cancer treatments are effective while others fail, and may lead to new therapeutic strategies.
Researchers found that circular extrachromosomal DNA in cancer cells dramatically amplifies mutant oncogenes, promoting aggressive behavior and resistance to therapy. This unique shape enables tumor cells to generate massive amounts of growth-promoting oncogenes and evolve quickly.
Researchers identified genetic variations in non-coding enhancer regions of specific brain cell types, such as microglia, which may play a role in disease risk. The study provides new insights into how genes are regulated in individual cell types and has significant implications for understanding neurological conditions.
Researchers developed an AI algorithm based on electronic health records data that accurately predicted life expectancy for heart failure patients, achieving an 88% success rate. The model identified eight readily available variables to determine low- and high-risk of death, providing valuable insight for informed medical decisions.
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine successfully applied phage therapy in mice for a condition not considered a classic bacterial infection: alcoholic liver disease. Phages target the cytolysin toxin produced by Enterococcus faecalis, reducing bacteria and alleviating liver damage.
A new power-saving chip developed by UC San Diego engineers significantly reduces the need to replace batteries in IoT devices and wearables. The wake-up receiver wakes up devices only when necessary, allowing for reduced power use and increased battery life.
A study published in Thorax confirms that ICU patients experience delayed return-to-work and joblessness, with 20-27% requiring disability benefits at one year. Survivors incur substantial lost earnings, impacting quality of life.
New research finds that bacteria launch exploration when thriving in their current environment, using a mechanism to optimize population movement. The study also shows that slower bacteria have advantages at smaller distances, contradicting traditional wisdom that faster is always better.
Researchers developed a computational method to measure intercellular forces without disturbing cell activity. The approach combines biophysical modeling with data-driven modeling using microscopy images.
A recent study published in Nature Genetics has identified short tandem repeats, also known as eSTRs, which impact nearby gene expression in the human genome. The researchers found over 28,000 eSTRs associated with various complex traits, including schizophrenia, inflammatory bowel disease, and intelligence.
Researchers have made a novel discovery about galactic winds, observing a huge outflow of gas extending far beyond a galaxy. The study's findings provide direct evidence for the role of galactic winds in creating the circumgalactic medium.
Researchers developed a new type of micromotor that can move around single cells and microscopic particles in three dimensions without damaging them. The technology has potential applications in targeted drug delivery, nanomedicine, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and other biomedical fields.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego have identified a key player in fruit fly olfactory processing that amplifies courtship signals in male flies. The discovery of PPK25, a sodium-ion channel, reveals a critical role in regulating pheromone sensitivity and promotes courtship behavior when flies are most fertile.
A team of engineers and marine biologists created a suction cup that clings to both smooth and rough surfaces, holding up to hundreds of times its own weight. The device was inspired by the clingfish's unique adhesive mechanism, which involves a soft layer and slits in the artificial suction cups.
Researchers developed a system that allows for spatiotemporal control of CAR T-cell therapy, enabling cancer cells to target specific locations and times. This approach reduces the risk of non-specific targeting of organs and normal tissues, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed soft actuators that can be controlled electrically, making them compatible with small electronic devices and batteries. These actuators enabled the creation of compact, portable and multifunctional soft robots with various applications.
A recent study by researchers at the University of California San Diego and others found that religion is a primary driver of anti-refugee sentiment in the US. The study shows that Muslims face significant bias, regardless of age, gender, or fluency in English.
Researchers developed new diagnostic criteria that consider a woman's sex when evaluating verbal memory performance, leading to improved diagnosis accuracy and potentially detecting cognitive impairment earlier. This could result in better study designs for clinical trials and more accurate studies on disease progression.
A new study identifies a clear biological basis for PTSD, finding that genetics accounts for between five and 20 percent of the variability in PTSD risk following a traumatic event. The study also found significant overlap with other mental disorders, including depression, schizophrenia, and neuroticism.
A study from University of California - San Diego outlines a fundamental process for liver macrophage specialization, enabling future research into macrophage malfunction's contribution to liver disease. The team identified key genetic and molecular changes that occur during the two-week differentiation process.
Tardigrades' protein Dsup protects cells from X-rays and hydroxyl radicals by binding to chromatin and forming a shield. This mechanism may help develop animal cells that can live longer under extreme conditions.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine discovered that genetic variations in NKX2-5 protein affect heart function, revealing a common mechanism across multiple heart-related traits. The study uses skin-derived induced pluripotent stem cells to analyze the role of NKX2-5 variants.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine identified a principal cellular player controlling HIV reproduction in immune cells, which when turned off or deleted eliminates dormant HIV reservoirs. The discovery highlights a potential therapeutic target to eradicate HIV and AIDS.
Researchers identified a critical gene network disrupted in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that correlates with symptom severity. The findings suggest genetic factors influencing brain development during pregnancy are primary causes of ASD, providing potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and prediction of symptom severity.
Researchers discovered a bacterial enzyme that removes Neu5Gc from cells, potentially preventing inflammatory diseases. A new type of sialidase was found in the gut microbiomes of mice fed with red meat-like diet, which can be leveraged to strip away animal carbohydrates.
A repurposed leukemia drug has been found to be effective in stopping childhood brain tumor medulloblastoma, attacking the disease from two sides and reducing the need for toxic combination therapies.
Researchers identified six genes responsible for producing plant antibiotics that control fungal disease resistance in maize. This breakthrough could lead to improved disease resistance in rice and other crops using the same genetic pathways.
UC San Diego will collaborate with Stanford University to create the Neuroelectromagnetic Data Archive and Tools Resource (NEMAR), a brain imaging data archive and tools resource. The project aims to add human neuroelectromagnetic brain imaging, including EEG and MEG, to the OpenNeuro archive.
A recent study published in JAMA found that surgeries using mesh support and removing the uterus via hysterectomy have comparable clinical outcomes after three years. The research recruited 183 postmenopausal women and showed a 12% better outcome for mesh surgery, with high patient-reported improvements in quality of life.
A team of engineers at UC San Diego has discovered a method to make materials more resilient against massive shocks using grooved patterns. The researchers found that these patterns can diminish the impacts of reflected shock waves, while initial transmitted shock waves showed inconclusive results.
A new study suggests that measuring how quickly a person's pupils dilate during cognitive tests may be a viable method for detecting Alzheimer's disease risk before symptoms appear. The study links pupillary dilation responses to identified AD risk genes, providing proof-of-concept for this screening tool.
The University of California, San Diego's Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) has been awarded $1.2 million in funding to support research and implementation of the Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative. The initiative aims to reduce new infections by 90% by 2030. CFAR will lead teams working on four pillars: diagnose, treat, prevent, and res...
UC San Diego researchers develop a method to stabilize genetic circuits in microbes for extended periods, resetting the mutation clock and keeping the circuit running. This approach has significant implications for fields like cancer therapy, bioremediation, and protein production.
A new study links elevated levels of FAK to the survival of cancer stem cells and DNA repair in ovarian cancer tumors, making them resistant to platinum chemotherapy. Researchers found that FAK inhibition can improve treatment response in mice with chemo-resistant tumors.
A team of engineers and psychologists at UC San Diego discovered clever tricks to design materials that replicate different levels of perceived softness. The findings provide fundamental insights into designing tactile materials and haptic interfaces that can recreate realistic touch sensations.
Researchers used a machine learning algorithm to analyze electrical patterns from lab-grown brains and compared them to premature babies' brain activity. The study found that the lab mini-brains produced similar electrical patterns as premature babies, with similar levels of electric activity following a similar pattern.
Research from University of California - San Diego found a significant association between tramadol use and an increased risk of developing hypoglycemia. The study analyzed over 12 million reports and identified a 10-fold greater risk compared to other opioids, with methadone being the only other drug with comparable effect.
Engineers at UC San Diego and Riverside developed a new ceramic welding method that doesn't require a furnace. The process uses ultrafast pulsed lasers to melt ceramic materials along the interface, creating strong welds.