Researchers at UC San Diego have discovered a previously unrecognized treatment target for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Disrupting the activity of PUF60 causes widespread errors in gene processing, resulting in DNA damage and tumor cell death.
Pangenomics is the study of many different genomes from one specific species, providing a holistic picture of natural variation and mutations. A new data structure and compression technique, PanMAN, enables researchers to handle vast genetic data scales by encoding additional biologically relevant information.
A California statewide study found that an expanded school-based tobacco prevention program was associated with significantly lower rates of smoking and vaping among middle and high school students. Students in funded schools were 20% less likely to use tobacco overall and 23% less likely to vape.
A national study reveals that pharmacists are at a significantly higher risk of suicide compared to the general population. The study found that job-related stress and mental health issues are key factors contributing to these deaths, highlighting the need for improved workplace policies and resources.
A clinical trial by UC San Diego School of Medicine found that personalizing cancer treatments using molecular testing improves treatment success. The study used advanced genomic sequencing to identify unique tumor DNA profiles and developed personalized treatment plans, resulting in better treatment results for patients.
A University of California San Diego team is developing a first-of-its-kind stem cell-based gene therapy for Friedreich’s ataxia. The $7.4 million grant will support safety studies, manufacturing and clinical planning needed before applying to test the treatment in patients.
Researchers identified specific gut bacteria and metabolic pathways that drive alcohol production in patients with auto-brewery syndrome, a rare condition causing intoxication without drinking. A stool-based test may serve as an alternative to monitored blood alcohol testing for diagnosis.
A new study from the University of California San Diego and Princeton University shows how a mix of subsidies for clean energy and taxes on pollution can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. When incentives are applied consistently, the economy can reach an 80% reduction in energy-related carbon emissions by mid-century.
Researchers have developed a spray-on polymer coating that can be sprayed directly onto plant leaves to protect against harmful bacterial infections and survive drought. The coating works by disrupting bacterial cell membranes, reducing water loss and inducing molecular-level stress response mechanisms.
A new study found that genetic communities in rats are shaped by their social partners' genes. Researchers identified three gene-microbe associations, including one linked to bacteria that feed on sugar molecules added to mucus.
A new study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience reveals that a visual training program called Perceptual Attention Therapy (PATH) produces rapid improvements in reading, attention, memory, and executive function after concussion. PATH addresses underlying visual timing deficits before strengthening specific cognitive skills.
The CaliBaja Higher Education Consortium brings together institutions from California and Baja California to enhance student and faculty mobility, bolster research networks, and support a highly skilled binational workforce. The alliance aims to address shared challenges and opportunities in the region.
Researchers have identified the enzyme N4BP2 as the key driver of chromothripsis, a process in which cancer cells rapidly evolve and become resistant to treatment. The study reveals that tumors with high N4BP2 expression exhibit significantly more chromothripsis and structural rearrangements.
A new study describes a three-hit metabolic signaling model that reframes autism as a treatable disorder of cellular communication and energy metabolism. The model suggests that up to half of all autism cases might be prevented or reduced with prenatal and early-life interventions.
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine discovered that immune cells can slow fat breakdown when exposed to physiological stressors, helping early humans preserve energy stores. This finding provides new insight into the underlying metabolism of obesity and other metabolic disorders.
UC San Diego Health has been recognized as a Best Hospital for Maternity Care by U.S. News & World Report for the fourth year in a row. The hospital provides world-class care for parents and newborns, with a focus on compassion, expertise, and dedication.
A new online tool has been developed to detect drug exposure directly from patient samples, revealing a more accurate picture of what drugs are in a person's body than what is listed on their medical record. The tool uses a publicly-available library of chemical fingerprints from thousands of drugs and their breakdown products.
Researchers have identified promising compounds that can combat resistant COVID-19 variants by targeting an enzyme similar to one used by Chagas disease. Compounds 5a and 5b, synthesized from older chemical libraries, demonstrated strong Mpro inhibition with low toxicity.
Khalessi will shape UC San Diego Health's innovation strategy and lead the integration of new technologies, including AI. He aims to accelerate innovations supporting clinicians, patient safety, and operational efficiency.
Researchers used human pluripotent stem cells to model early placental formation, discovering VGLL1 plays a crucial role in turning stem cells into placental stem cells. The study's findings could lead to improved embryo quality and viability, especially for in vitro fertilization.
A new study from UC San Diego finds that adults who experienced intimate partner violence are more likely to own firearms and purchase them recently. The analysis of statewide survey data suggests a strong association between experiencing or perpetrating intimate partner violence and increased firearm ownership rates.
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine found that streamlined surgical preference cards can significantly reduce hospital waste and improve operational efficiency. By analyzing thousands of surgeries, they identified unnecessary items and optimized lists to save up to $3 million over five months.
A genetic study of 135,000 participants revealed 11 genetic regions tied to delayed gratification, showing overlap with risks for conditions like obesity and diabetes. The study found that delay discounting is deeply intertwined with genetic pathways involved in brain development, cognition, and physical health.
The coralME tool creates detailed genome-scale models of metabolism, gene and protein expression from large amounts of data. The models uncover how microbes respond to certain nutrients and predict what nutrients favor the formation of undesired products.
The Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at University of California San Diego is expanding its roadway safety education efforts to reach more Californians, with a focus on Native American youth, pedestrian safety and Spanish-speaking communities. The project will train local Native peer educators to del...
Researchers at UC San Diego found that cancer cells use non-genetic mechanisms to regrow after targeted therapy, which could help prevent tumor recurrence. By blocking these signaling pathways, future treatments may be able to stop tumors from relapsing during therapy.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a new method to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria using bacteriophages, which target the Klebsiella pneumoniae species. The evolved phages demonstrated improved effectiveness in killing multiple bacterial strains, including multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant K. pneumoniae.
Engineers at UC San Diego developed a wearable system that enables people to control machines using everyday gestures even in highly dynamic environments. The system combines stretchable electronics and AI to overcome the limitation of gesture signals falling apart under excessive motion noise.
Most San Diego County beaches grew in width last year during the post-El Niño recovery phase. California's average beach width has remained stable across nearly four decades despite notable examples of beach erosion. Beach nourishment projects also contributed to recent increases in beach width.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine have identified a promising new therapy for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), employing an antibody-drug conjugate to deliver chemotherapy directly into cancer cells. Targeting tumor-initiating cells through FZD7 may offer a path forward for patients with aggressive TNBC that fails to ...
A recent study found that Google searches for lorazepam increased by 1.6 million over a 12-week period during the airing of The White Lotus, compared to normal expectations. The show's portrayal of lorazepam use was associated with this surge in interest, including queries on how to acquire it online.
A recent study published in Cancer Investigation found that GLP-1 receptor agonists significantly reduced the risk of death among colon cancer patients. The analysis of over 6,800 patients revealed a nearly 50% lower likelihood of death within five years compared to non-users.
Researchers developed a new approach combining genetic ancestry, lifestyle, and social determinants of health to identify individuals with skin cancer. The AI model achieved 89% accuracy in identifying skin cancer across all populations, with 90% accuracy for European ancestry and 81% accuracy for non-European ancestry.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed an electronic sticker that monitors vitamin C levels using sweat from fingertips, providing a convenient and low-cost alternative to current methods. The system is battery-free and can be manufactured at a low cost, making it potentially disposable and widely accessible.
A new alloy design strategy for metal alloy negative electrodes has improved the performance and durability of next-generation solid-state batteries. The design enhances lithium ion movement, leading to faster charge-discharge rates and longer battery lifespan.
Researchers found that a one-week meditation retreat produced rapid changes in brain function, metabolism, immunity, and pain relief. The study suggests that intensive meditation can trigger similar brain activity to psychedelic substances, promoting mental health, emotional regulation, and stress resilience.
A recent University of California San Diego-led study shows that understanding the origin of rainfall is crucial in reshaping drought planning and land management. The research reveals that regions with high reliance on land-sourced moisture are more vulnerable to drought, soil moisture loss, and yield declines.
A study found that undergraduate computer science students initially increase their trust in generative AI programming tools, but long-term trust remains unclear. To address this, researchers recommend that educators provide tasks-based training and ensure students comprehend and modify code without relying on AI assistants.
A team of scientists has successfully developed a new method for producing large amounts of xanthommatin pigment in the lab, using a nature-inspired approach. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of camouflage-inspired materials and cosmetics, as well as alternative materials for industries moving away from fossil fuels.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego found that oscillators operating at similar frequencies lock onto each other in succession, creating a staircase effect in the gut. This new mathematical solution answers two longstanding biological questions, shedding light on how food moves through the digestive tract and is churned.
A new study from UC San Diego found that clinical pharmacists can play a crucial role in helping people with cancer and diabetes better manage their blood sugar. The study showed that patients referred to a diabetes management and education clinic led by pharmacists saw meaningful improvements in blood sugar levels over time.
Researchers have discovered detailed visualizations of mosquito's carbon dioxide-detecting neurons, revealing anatomical adaptations designed to target human blood. The study provides key insights into the mosquito's sensing mechanisms and their unique ability to detect CO2, which contributes to their deadly status.
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine have harnessed bioinformatics to identify Thiorphan as a promising new drug for spinal cord injury, showing effectiveness in adult human brain cells and improving hand function in rats with SCI.
A team from University of California San Diego and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute invented a scalable technology for faster and more reliable 5G and 6G wireless communication. The technique, dubbed FlexLink, nearly doubles spectrum efficiency and reduces latency.
A new study reveals that different prey within a single species can provide vastly different levels of nutrition for marine predators. This variation can lead to predators consuming more prey than necessary, highlighting the importance of understanding prey quality in maintaining ecosystem balance.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine developed an AI-powered approach to decode macrophage gene expression patterns. They identified a 53-gene signature that separates reactive from tissue-healing macrophages, resolving a longstanding debate in Crohn's disease.
Researchers developed a generative AI model, BIGE, to generate optimal motions for athletes to avoid injuries and aid in rehabilitation. The model can produce realistic videos of motions that athletes can mimic during training or execute while injured.
Researchers at UC San Diego have discovered a new way to make yeast cells more efficient 'cell factories' for producing valuable plant compounds. The advance enables the sustainable manufacturing of plant-derived chemicals used to help plants defend against disease, repel pests, attract pollinators, and withstand environmental stresses.
A study published in Tobacco Control found that teenagers and young adults who use cannabis are more likely to become regular tobacco users, even if they haven't previously tried tobacco. The study estimated that 13% of new regular tobacco use is attributable to cannabis, with significant implications for tobacco control programs.
A new study by UC San Diego found that a third of Californians use cannabis regularly, yet there are significant gaps in knowledge about driving-related laws and regulations. The researchers emphasize the need for targeted education initiatives to address these knowledge gaps and promote safe driving practices.