A global team led by UC San Diego's Ludmil Alexandrov is receiving a $25 million Cancer Grand Challenges award to decipher the molecular origins of cancer. The team aims to identify unique patterns of DNA damage and their sources, which could lead to new prevention and treatment strategies.
The grant will support environmental DNA surveys, expanded deep ocean monitoring, and glacier research. Scripps researchers will use new tools to collect crucial baseline data on marine organisms and bring new insights to parts of the ocean with little coverage.
A randomized, double-blind clinical trial found that a natural fungal supplement, FoTv, reduced short-term vaccine side effects and helped antibodies last longer in people who had not previously been exposed to COVID-19. The study suggests that FoTv may help strengthen vaccine protection without increasing side effects.
A new blood test score, MetALD-ALD Prediction Index (MAPI), has been developed to identify when fatty liver disease is driven by excessive alcohol use. The tool uses five standard lab values and can estimate whether a person with fatty liver disease may have alcohol-related liver injury.
A new method to steer AI output uncovers vulnerabilities and potential improvements. The researchers identified 512 concepts within five classes and improved LLM performance on narrow tasks.
Scientists have created a way to hear a single molecule 'sing' using infrared-integrated STM. This technique combines infrared excitation with scanning tunneling microscopy, allowing for the detection of individual molecular vibrations.
A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry reveals higher rates of substance use among all non-heterosexual groups in the US, including those uncertain of their identity. The analysis highlights the importance of recognizing a broader range of sexual identities in public health research and clinical practice.
Scientists have developed a technology that reveals which proteins are generated by individual brain cells. They mapped protein production across nearly 20,000 individual cells in the mouse hippocampus, finding surprising patterns and potential links to neurological conditions. The study sheds light on how translation affects memory ci...
A new study uses AI to predict which ulcerative colitis patients with low-grade dysplasia are at high risk of developing colorectal cancer. The model integrates risk factors from narrative clinical notes, enabling more accurate and timely surveillance and potentially reducing treatment delays.
The University of California San Diego School of Medicine and UC San Diego Health are now part of the NICHD Maternal-Fetal Care Network, expanding access to research on pregnancy and newborn health. Clinical trials will focus on maternal mortality, prematurity birth rates, and infant mortality rates.
Researchers at UC San Diego identified a distinct biological pattern of chronic rhinosinusitis in veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxins. The study found that mast cells play a key role in this condition, which has no FDA-approved treatments.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed a new training method for AI systems to improve their performance in solving complex problems that require both text and image interpretation. The approach evaluates the quality of training data and grades models based on their logical reasoning, reducing the risk of incorrect interpretations.
University of California San Diego scientists have solved how the circadian clocks within microscopic bacteria precisely control gene expression during the 24-hour cycle. The researchers identified six proteins needed to rebuild this clock, generating a simplified cyanobacterial system with a clock that only needs.
Researchers found that chatbot-generated summaries changed sentiments in 26.5% of cases and hallucinated answers 60% of the time. Participants who read biased summaries were 84% likely to buy, compared to 52% for original reviews.
A team of researchers used spectral data from the James Webb Space Telescope to study the HR 8799 star system, finding clear evidence of sulfur on three gas giant planets. This discovery suggests that these massive planets likely formed through core accretion, contradicting older models.
Researchers developed a novel CRISPR-based technology called pPro-MobV that can remove antibiotic-resistant elements from bacterial populations. The new tool uses gene-drive thinking and has the potential to combat antibiotic resistance in healthcare settings, environmental remediation, and microbiome engineering.
A University of California San Diego study tracks opioid misuse risk using smartwatch signals and machine learning. The system estimates heart rate variability to detect high-risk states like stress, pain, and craving.
Researchers at the University of California - San Diego have developed a new method to improve gene therapy by increasing the efficacy of gene delivery while minimizing harmful side effects. The new workflow allows for increased control of nuclear DNA delivery, with greater than tenfold increase in nuclear DNA delivery observed.
A new study by University of California San Diego researchers found that fossil fuel plastics can amplify harmful algae blooms by killing off zooplankton, leading to an increase in algal concentrations. In contrast, biodegradable plastics had a smaller impact on zooplankton and algal communities.
Researchers have developed a new AI tool called VASCilia that provides unprecedented 3D views of cochlear hair cells. The tool accelerates the imaging process by 50-fold, allowing scientists to analyze cells with greater precision and accuracy. This advancement offers new insights into hearing loss caused by damaged inner ear hair cells.
A UC San Diego study found that older women with a history of depression and anxiety had a 78% higher risk of developing long COVID. The researchers analyzed data from the Women's Health Initiative and hope to inform preventative measures for public health officials and policymakers.
Researchers have uncovered a new understanding of how cardiac events are interconnected with the brain and nervous/immune systems. They found that sensory neurons in the vagus nerve detect injury and transfer signals to dedicated brain structures, leading to activation of the immune system.
Researchers at University of California San Diego discover gene therapy restoring connexin-43 improves heart function and extends survival in several forms of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. The approach may have broader therapeutic potential across multiple genetic forms of the disease, addressing a critical unmet need.
Researchers found that using words with clear opposites can shape people's sense of certainty when evaluating messages. This means that certain wording types can make messages less effective among skeptics, while boosting confidence among believers.
A six-year study reveals that marine microbes interact more frequently with benefits than harm, challenging traditional views of ocean ecosystems. The research found that warmer temperatures increased positive interactions and changed the dynamics of keystone microbial species.
A team of researchers used Dungeons & Dragons as a testing ground for Large Language Models, evaluating their performance in long-term tasks. The models showed quirky behaviors but excelled in staying 'in character' and determining correct actions, with Claude 3.5 Haiku performing the best.
Researchers found that nearly half of geostationary satellite communications are not encrypted, putting sensitive data such as cellular texts, voice calls, and military information at risk. The study led to immediate action from companies like T-Mobile, Walmart, and KPU Telecom, which enabled encryption in response to the findings.
A new study found that nearly half of Medicare Part D beneficiaries with cancer face high out-of-pocket prescription drug costs, often leading to delayed treatment initiation and poorer health outcomes. Enrolling in the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (M3P) could reduce monthly payment volatility and mitigate cost-related nonadherence.
A new study integrates ocean damage from climate change into the social cost of carbon, doubling the global cost to society. The 'blue' social cost of carbon accounts for economic losses from fisheries impacts, coastal infrastructure damage, and other ecosystem degradation.
A team at UC San Diego is developing functional, patient-specific livers using 3D bioprinting and stem cell technology. The goal is to create 'made-to-order' livers grown from a patient's own cells, offering a safe alternative to transplantation that eliminates the need for donor organs.
The course, launched in 2017, equips faculty to prepare competitive grant proposals with confidence. Participants reported significant increases in confidence, particularly in understanding the NIH review and award process, leading to a 79% increase in receiving grant funding as principal investigators.
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.