The 2017 Massry Prize recognizes the groundbreaking research of Knight, Gordon, and Pace on the human microbiome. Their work has led to a deeper understanding of microbes' role in human health and disease, with applications in fields such as medicine and environmental science.
A team of scientists at UC San Diego has found that lysosomes can travel to distant parts of neurons' dendrites and branch-like areas, playing a key role in remodeling and plasticity. This discovery may provide new insights into the development of neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers discovered that a single protein from Group A Streptococcus bacteria can wipe out macrophages but not other immune cells, triggering an early warning system. This finding has implications for vaccine design and treatment of toxic shock syndrome.
Tiny primordial black holes could have destroyed neutron stars from the inside out, leading to the ejection of dense neutron-rich material that formed heavy elements like gold and uranium. This process would also explain several long-standing mysteries in the universe, including Fast Radio Bursts and positron emissions.
A University of California San Diego study found that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with reduced mortality and greater chances of remaining cognitively healthy into older age. Among men and women aged 85+, individuals who consumed 'moderate to heavy' amounts of alcohol were twice as likely to be cognitively healthy than no...
Researchers developed a new imaging approach called ChromEMT to visualize the three-dimensional structure of chromatin, resolving long-standing debates about its organization. The study reveals that local nucleosome structure combined with global 3D organization determines gene expression and cell fate.
A study published by the University of California - San Diego found that e-cigarette use increased among smokers attempting to quit, leading to a higher overall quitting rate. The study suggests that e-cigarettes play a role as a cessation tool and may have contributed to an increase in smoking cessation rates in the US.
Researchers identified regional hotspots for gene transfer and genomic 'islands' hosting exchanges across multiple bacterial species. The study sheds light on the role of horizontal gene transfer in competition for iron and its impact on microbial ecosystems.
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine have been awarded a $5.8 million CIRM grant to develop an immunotherapy that targets cancer stem cells using CAR T-cell therapy. The treatment aims to improve the ability of immune cells to target and kill multiple types of cancers.
Researchers at University of California San Diego have identified key brain pathways tied to distinct depressive behaviors. The study found that modifying specific neural connections in mice led to improved behavioral changes, providing insight into the interaction between multiple brain areas in depression.
Researchers found that adults with bulimia nervosa have elevated reward-related brain activation in response to taste, which may explain their drive to eat even when not hungry. The study suggests that new treatment therapies targeting specific brain pathways could be effective.
Researchers at UC San Diego have invented a new method for controlling gene expression across bacterial colonies by engineering dynamic DNA copy number changes. This approach allows for the regulation of gene expression, enabling the creation of synthetic biological circuits that can be turned on and off.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed a temperature sensor that runs on 113 picowatts of power, reducing energy consumption by 628 times. The technology can enable new devices powered by harvesting energy from low-power sources.
Researchers discovered a molecular signature in patients who responded to the anti-asthma drug amlexanox, which showed significant improvements in blood glucose levels. The study reveals a potential new therapeutic approach for treating type 2 diabetes and identifies key gene changes associated with the beneficial effects.
Scripps researcher Nick Pizzo found the exact location on a wave where a surfer gains maximum speed, enabling better forecasting of weather and climate. The study also sheds light on the energy transfer between waves and the atmosphere.
Researchers found that DNA methylation analysis can predict cancer versus normal tissue with over 95% accuracy, identifying metastases with 97% correctness. This method could improve outcomes by providing more accurate diagnoses, particularly for indolent or aggressive tumors.
Researchers found that even when facial expressions are objectively identical, familiar faces are judged more positively. The study suggests that prior experience with a face can influence how happy it appears, highlighting the dynamic nature of emotion perception processes.
A new study published in PNAS argues that achieving net-zero carbon emissions requires a diverse portfolio of clean energy technologies beyond wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. Experts emphasize the importance of a broader approach to decarbonization, citing technical challenges and infrastructure realities.
Researchers have identified the driving force behind differences in sea spray particles' chemical make-up, enabling better understanding of ocean chemistry and physics' influence on cloud formation. The study's findings could improve climate models by providing a more accurate representation of clouds' impact on precipitation.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed new electrolyte chemistry that enables lithium batteries to operate at -60°C and electrochemical capacitors at -80°C. This technology could improve the performance of electric vehicles in cold climates and enable space exploration applications.
A massive surface melt event occurred on the West Antarctic Ice Sheet in 2015-2016, with melt episodes spanning most of the Ross Ice Shelf. The study suggests that strong El Niño events may become more common, leading to increased ice sheet instability and potential sea level rise.
Researchers found that radiation therapy can alter neural networks and lead to cognitive decline in patients with brain tumors. The study suggests that the treatment may cause broader adverse effects, including thinning of the brain cortex and increased segregation between brain regions.
Researchers found that pathologists outside of academic centers were more likely to misdiagnose appendix tumors as invasive cancer. A significant number of patients had their diagnoses changed after a second evaluation, emphasizing the importance of expertise in appendix cancer diagnosis.
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine found that cancer cells exploit the unfolded protein response (UPR) to activate Wnt signaling, promoting tumor survival and drug resistance. This mechanism enables cancer cells to cope with nutrient deprivation and therapies, contributing to intra-tumor heterogeneity.
Researchers found that obese children do not need to attend treatment to lose weight with parent-based therapy, which can be more cost-effective than traditional family-based treatment. The study showed similar outcomes in both groups for weight loss, nutrition, physical activity, and parent feeding behaviors.
A new study found that warmer nights due to climate change can lead to increased instances of insufficient sleep, with the poor and elderly being most affected. The research shows that a single month of nightly temperatures averaging 1 degree Celsius higher than normal could result in 9 million more nights of insufficient sleep.
A small clinical trial found improvements in language and social behavior, restricted repetitive behaviors, and coping skills in children with autism spectrum disorder after a single dose of suramin. The study suggests the cell danger hypothesis as a possible unifying theory for ASD, highlighting a potential new approach to treatment.
Researchers have developed a new device to map the brain during surgery, providing higher resolution neural readings than existing tools. The device enables doctors to perform safer, more precise brain surgeries by distinguishing between healthy and diseased tissues.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed a flexible and stretchable rechargeable battery that can power wearable sensors. The batteries use commercially available materials and are stable, allowing them to be worn for long periods.
Researchers found that intestinal fungi exacerbate liver disease and can be protected against by antifungal treatment. Fungi overgrowth leads to inflammation, which kills liver cells and promotes disease progression.
A new national study analyzed data from the PATH Study and found that nearly half of 12- to 17-year-olds who had never used tobacco products were receptive to tobacco marketing if they recalled or liked at least one advertisement. Receptivity to tobacco ads is linked with an increased susceptibility to smoking cigarettes in the future.
A team of researchers found computer code in Volkswagen vehicles that allowed them to circumvent emissions tests by activating curbing systems. The code, labeled as an 'acoustic condition,' was used on a wide range of models and emitted up to 40 times the allowed nitrogen oxides.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed nanoparticles that mimic the behavior of natural melanosomes, protecting skin cells from UV radiation. These synthetic melanin-like nanoparticles show promise as artificial melanosomes for novel therapy development.
Research suggests that humans and nonhuman animals can discriminate between quantities, but this ability is grounded in biology and culture. Nunez proposes that 'quantical skills' may be more universal than previously thought, offering a new approach to education and problem-solving.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a soft, four-legged robot that can walk on rough surfaces like sand and pebbles. The breakthrough was made possible by combining soft and rigid materials using 3D printing, enabling complex shapes for the robot's legs.
Engineers at UC San Diego developed a nano-sized optical fiber that can detect forces down to 160 femtonewtons and hear sounds down to -30 decibels, with applications in detecting bacteria, monitoring cellular behavior, and creating mini stethoscopes.
A recent study suggests that an aggressive reef competitor, the Threespot Damselfish, may be impeding the recovery of Caribbean long-spined sea urchin populations after a mysterious disease outbreak. The research reveals a link between the decline of staghorn coral and the increase in damselfish populations.
Researchers have determined that MRE can accurately measure liver fibrosis in children, a major determinant of clinical outcomes. The study's results suggest that MRE may be useful for monitoring the progression or improvement in children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
A Scripps Institution of Oceanography research team discovered bacteria in marine sponges produce toxic compounds nearly identical to man-made fire retardants. The study uses genome mining and environmental DNA sequencing to identify specific genes and enzymes involved in the production of these compounds.
A study in PLOS ONE reveals that Yellowstone grizzly bears continue to forage for declining whitebark pine seeds, a key food source. The analysis suggests that some bears may be consuming more plants and berries in response to the decline of whitebark trees.
Scientists discovered that biological activity in sea spray affects the chemical composition of aerosol particles, making them more complex and diverse. This finding could improve the accuracy of atmospheric and climate models, which play a crucial role in understanding the impact of sea spray on climate.
Researchers found altered short-term neurological behaviors in Ecuadorian children exposed to flower pesticides during peak Mother's Day production. Children examined shortly after the harvest displayed lower performance on measures such as attention and self-control compared to those examined later. The study suggests that pesticide e...
Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed biomimetic bone tissues that provide a safe space for donor cells to grow without competition from host cells. This breakthrough technology has shown promising results in mice, with donor cells surviving for up to six months and supplying new blood cells.
Scientists successfully completed the first EPA-approved outdoor field trial for genetically engineered algae, testing a strain in real-world conditions without adverse impact on native populations. The study demonstrates the feasibility of cultivating genetically engineered algae outdoors while maintaining engineered traits.
Researchers analyzed FDA Adverse Effect Reporting System data to find that ketamine alleviates depression symptoms in patients taking pain medication. The study also identified three other drugs with previously under-appreciated antidepressant effects: Botox, diclofenac, and minocycline.
Researchers found that patients with advanced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) tend to have more Proteobacteria and fewer Firmicutes in their stool than those with early stage NAFLD. A stool-based test for NAFLD is being developed using microbial patterns, which could potentially diagnose the condition earlier and more easily.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine have mapped out beta cell growth pathways that could be exploited to regenerate cells. This new information opens the door for finding drugs that stimulate these pathways to improve blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
A team of engineers at the University of California San Diego discovered a simple, no-bake method to make bricks from Martian soil by applying pressure. The resulting bricks are stronger than steel-reinforced concrete and may be compatible with additive manufacturing.
Researchers found that neonicotinoid pesticide thiamethoxam impairs honey bee flight ability, affecting their ability to collect food and pollinate crops. Long-term exposure can be fatal, while short-term exposure increases activity levels but decreases accuracy of flight.
Scientists used bacteriophages to treat a patient with a deadly, antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The patient recovered well after the treatment, which could be an alternative to failing antibiotics for treating multidrug-resistant infections.