A Scripps-led study finds that the Gulf of California's small-scale fisheries are operating at over capacity, threatening fish habitats and future economic sustainability. The research uses satellite images and flyovers to count small boats and estimates that 34% more boats are operating than sustainable levels.
Researchers at University of California San Diego use CRISPR/Cas9 to reprogram mutated rod photoreceptors into functioning cone photoreceptors, reversing cellular degeneration and restoring visual function in two mouse models of retinitis pigmentosa. The approach shows promise for advancing human clinical trials.
The Amazonian Center of Excellence for Malaria Research, led by UC San Diego's Joseph Vinetz, MD, will receive a $8.3 million NIH grant over seven years to tackle malaria in endemic regions. The research aims to develop new antimalarial compounds and improve therapy options.
A study published in Science puts a monetary value on injuries to natural assets caused by the BP oil spill, with an estimated cost of $17.2 billion. The research used a nationally representative stated preference survey to assess people's willingness to pay for prevention programs.
A recent study by Philip Guo of older adults learning computer programming reveals a diverse range of motivations, including personal enrichment and connecting with younger family members. Despite frustrations with bad pedagogy and lack of real-world relevance, most respondents were eager to learn and saw the value in digital literacy.
Researchers identified a new form of blackhat search engine optimization targeting local listing services like Google Maps. Scammers exploit location-based search to make fake businesses appear in users' searches.
A team of physicists, biologists, and bioengineers from UC San Diego developed a new
Researchers developed nondestructive nanowire technology to record electrical activity of neurons with high sensitivity and resolution. The technology enables simultaneous measurement of multiple neurons and can isolate individual signals, paving the way for accelerated drug development and better understanding of brain function.
Researchers found that bacteria face with limited nutrients will enter an elegant timesharing strategy, alternating feeding periods to reduce competition. The study reveals that structured communities of bacteria use electrical signals to coordinate behaviors and optimize resource utilization.
Researchers have developed a new collection of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to study human genetic variation. The iPSCORE collection includes 222 iPSC lines from diverse ethnic groups, enabling researchers to investigate the segregation of traits and their molecular mechanisms.
Low birth weight and high birth weight are associated with the severity of liver disease in children, increasing their risk for NAFLD. Children born with low-birth weight are more likely to develop severe scarring of the liver, while those with high-birth weight are at greater risk for the hepatitis form of fatty liver disease.
A genome-wide association study reveals three novel genomic loci linked to Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD), a condition affecting the cornea and causing progressive vision loss. The findings provide new insights into the disease's pathology and potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers at UC San Diego discovered a new regulatory protein called SMARCAD1 that fine-tunes embryonic stem cells to switch between two states. By suppressing this protein, they can induce the switch and maintain pluripotency in stem cells.
A study published in the American Journal of Medical Genetics describes the physical and neurologic characteristics of congenital Zika syndrome in 83 Brazilian children. The findings show that microcephaly, joint immobility, and brain abnormalities are common features, with some cases having milder symptoms.
Researchers found activation of maternal immune system during pregnancy alters expression of key genes and processes associated with autism, leading to potential neurological repercussions. MIA-induced effects involve single genes and pathways essential for early fetal neurodevelopment.
Researchers have created a polygenic hazard score that predicts age-specific risk of developing Alzheimer's disease based on genetic information. The score identifies individuals with higher genetic risk who develop AD at an earlier age, even among those without the APOE E4 allele.
Researchers at University of California - San Diego School of Medicine identified a new approach to treat depression by inhibiting the brain enzyme Glyoxalase 1 (GLO1). The study showed that inhibiting GLO1 alleviated depression symptoms in mice, with faster results compared to conventional antidepressant Prozac.
Researchers developed a new method to search for synthetic-lethal gene combinations using CRISPR/Cas9, uncovering 120 new opportunities for cancer drug development. The technique allowed them to test thousands of gene mutation combinations simultaneously, revealing more than 120 new synthetic-lethal interactions.
A team of scientists at the University of California San Diego has created a cellular model of anorexia nervosa using induced pluripotent stem cells, revealing a potential genetic link to the disease. The study identified a novel gene, TACR1, that may contribute to the development of eating disorders.
A team of engineers developed a nanotechnology-based retinal prosthesis that mimics the retina's light-sensing cones to directly stimulate retinal cells. The device, powered wirelessly, has shown promising results in animal tests, bringing researchers closer to restoring functional vision in patients with severe retinal degeneration.
A Scripps-led study has identified patterns to predict red tides in coastal areas, offering opportunities for an early-warning system. The research used empirical dynamic modeling and a 30-year archive of field data to identify mechanisms causing red tides.
A newly analyzed fault system off California's coast is capable of producing earthquakes with magnitudes up to 7.3. The Newport-Inglewood/Rose Canyon faults are part of a single, continuous fault system that runs from San Diego to Los Angeles. This realization has significant implications for the state's densely populated urban areas.
Researchers have developed a new blood test that can detect cancer and identify its location in the body, offering an alternative to invasive surgical procedures. The test works by analyzing DNA released by dying tumor cells and identifying specific methylation patterns unique to each tissue type.
Researchers at UC San Diego have successfully printed a functional blood vessel network using 3D bioprinting, addressing a major challenge in tissue engineering. The technology enables the creation of complex microstructures with high resolution, using inexpensive and biocompatible materials.
A large carved jade pendant, once belonging to an ancient Maya king, was discovered in southern Belize. The pendant, inscribed with a historical text, is now believed to have been buried during a time of crisis due to climate change and the collapse of the Maya civilization.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego found a collaborative diabetes clinic to be cost-effective, improving patient outcomes and lowering healthcare costs. The clinic's personalized medication therapy management and education led to better glycemic control and reduced medical costs for patients over three years.
A new tool called MARGI identifies all RNA molecules interacting with a segment of DNA, as well as their locations. This breakthrough enables researchers to identify new gene functions and instructions encoded in the genome.
Researchers isolated and grew good bacteria with antimicrobial properties to treat atopic dermatitis. The treatment successfully reduced Staphylococcus aureus on the skin, offering a new approach to managing the condition.
Researchers aim to develop novel treatments and preventative medicines to assist with malaria eradication and elimination, replacing ineffective current drugs that are losing efficacy.
Researchers created a material that reduces signal losses in photonic devices, boosting the efficiency of lasers and other light-based technologies. The discovery addresses a key challenge in photonics by incorporating a semiconductor material into plasmonic metamaterials.
A new class of antibiotic daptomycin is effective and well-tolerated in children, offering a safe alternative to vancomycin for treating invasive MRSA skin infections. The study found no evidence of daptomycin toxicity, making it a promising option for pediatric patients.
Researchers developed a new tool to analyze genetic changes in ovarian cancer, revealing pathways disrupted by the loss and gain of genes. The study found that targeting autophagy genes showed promise in treating chemotherapy-resistant disease.
Sandra Horning, a cancer survivor and renowned oncologist, will receive the Duane Roth Memorial Award for her pioneering work in developing new treatments for lymphoma. Her commitment to personalized therapies and holistic approaches to patient care has improved cancer treatment outcomes.
Researchers have identified plausible gene variants that predispose some children to developing Kawasaki disease, a common acquired heart disease in children. A variation of the toll-like receptor 6 gene and another variant in tumor-associated calcium signal transducer 2 were linked to the pro-inflammatory state during KD's acute stage.
Researchers analyzed zinc and volatile elements in trinitite glass, comparing it to lunar rocks. The study found similarities between the two, supporting the giant impact theory of the Moon's formation.
Engineers at University of California San Diego developed a desktop diagnosis tool that detects harmful bacteria in blood samples in hours. The breakthrough uses proprietary chemistry, machine learning, and high-end imaging to identify DNA sequences from bacteria causing food-borne illnesses and pneumonia.
Researchers found that inhibiting intestinal protein NCoR1 breaks down bilirubin, eliminating signs of severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in mice. This discovery could lead to new therapeutic approaches for preventing or treating the condition.
A study published in Health Affairs found that Medicare Advantage plans are paying more for patients with higher risk scores, despite no evidence of increased illness. The payment method could result in overpayments of $200 billion over the next decade.
A new material developed by UC San Diego engineers can absorb a broad range of infrared wavelengths, enabling potential applications in cooling buildings and cars, enhancing solar cell efficiencies, and blocking thermal detection. The material's unique properties allow it to be customized for specific absorption ranges.
Researchers are studying the effectiveness of two treatment options for children with Kawasaki disease who resist initial therapy. The study aims to compare the impact of IVIG and infliximab on preventing heart damage in these patients.
Researchers have developed a potential new anti-cancer drug class that simultaneously inhibits two key molecular targets to maximize therapeutic efficiency and safety. The dual-activity inhibitors target MYC-regulated factors PI3K and BRD4, effectively blocking cancer cell growth and metastasis.
Researchers have discovered a critical DNA sequence code, known as the human Initiator, that regulates over half of all human genes. This breakthrough provides insight into gene regulation and may lead to new discoveries in understanding how human genes are turned on and off.
Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography have developed underwater robots that mimic the movement of plankton to study ocean currents and marine life. The robotic plankton, also known as M-AUEs, were deployed in a swarm to capture a three-dimensional view of the interactions between ocean currents and marine life.
A new study reveals parrotfish play a pivotal role in coral growth by removing algae. Overfishing of parrotfish is linked to declining reef health and the shift from coral- to algae-dominated reefs.
Researchers at UC San Diego are working on developing new treatments for Zika virus infections and ovarian cancer using stem cell-derived natural killer cells. They have already reported promising results, suggesting that some FDA-approved drugs may be effective against the virus.
A study found that AYA patients with small intestine GISTs had improved survival rates compared to older adult patients with stomach GISTs. Surgical management was also associated with improved survival in AYA patients, even those with metastatic cancer.
A new study from the University of California San Diego finds that native Mandarin speakers exhibit superior pitch processing skills in young children compared to English-speaking peers. The research suggests that brain skills learned in one area, such as language, can generalize to other cognitive abilities like music.
A study found that sedentary elderly women have shorter telomeres, indicating accelerated biological aging. Regular exercise can slow down this process.
Researchers at UC San Diego discovered that hair behaves differently depending on stretching speed, with faster stretches making it stronger. The team found a unique structural transformation allowing hair to withstand high stress without breaking.
Researchers identified a molecular signaling pathway that promotes sensory neuron growth and prevents or reverses peripheral neuropathy in cell and rodent models of type 1 and 2 diabetes, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, and HIV. Anti-muscarinic drugs already approved for other conditions may offer new treatment options.