Researchers found a wide variety of genetic changes contributing to autism, including simple deletions and complex 'structural variants'. These mutations often disrupt genes involved in brain development, highlighting potential new targets for treatment.
A recent study by University of California, San Diego School of Medicine reports that educating Community Health Workers (CHWs) and other 'citizen scientists' can boost the integrity of scientific research. The Building Research Integrity and Capacity (BRIC) program uses eight modules to teach research ethics and concepts.
A $6.3 million CIRM grant will fund stem cell trials to rescue and restore neurons devastated by ALS. The goal is to extend motor neuron survival, adding years to fulfilling life for patients.
Researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine successfully targeted RNA in living cells using CRISPR-Cas9. This breakthrough may lead to new therapeutic approaches for diseases linked to defective RNA transport, such as autism and cancer.
Researchers develop mouse model of Jacobsen syndrome, a rare inherited disease that affects social behavior and brain function. The study finds that the anti-anxiety drug clonazepam reduces autistic features in mice, suggesting potential for new therapies.
Researchers found nearly half of AF patients at the highest stroke risk were not prescribed oral anticoagulants, highlighting a significant treatment gap. The study emphasizes the need to address barriers to anticoagulant prescription and optimize risks versus benefits for these high-risk patients.
Researchers at University of California, San Diego have developed a new cell labeling probe using fluorine-19, which can be detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), allowing for the visualization of cell behavior. The addition of iron enhances the MRI signal, making it possible to track cells quickly and clearly.
A new treatment approach has been developed to remove congenital cataracts in infants and allow remaining stem cells to regrow functional lenses. The method produced fewer surgical complications and resulted in superior visual function compared to the current standard-of-care.
Researchers tracked individual cells in Hydra to reveal the mechanism behind its mouth opening, which involves dramatic elastic deformations of epithelial cells. The findings solve a long-standing puzzle on how Hydra feeds and offer insights into tissue formation and patterning in simple organisms.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego have developed a potential new therapy for critical limb ischemia, a condition that causes extremely poor circulation in the limbs. The therapy, an injectable gel derived from skeletal muscle tissue, promotes muscle remodeling and improves blood flow in a rat model.
Researchers pinpoint stress factor behind 2011 Tohoku-oki earthquake by analyzing geological rock formations offshore of Japan. The study provides new insights into the hazard potential of large earthquakes at subduction zones.
A study involving skydiving participants found that acute stress can cause molecular alterations in the immune response, leading to increased risk of stress-related conditions. The researchers identified specific genes and pathways involved in both innate and adaptive immune responses that were dysregulated after the jump.
Researchers have discovered a new biomarker, guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs), that triggers hyperactivity in proteins fueling cancer growth and spread. Elevated GEF expression is associated with shorter progression-free survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
Macrophages produce excess inflammatory cytokine IL-1beta when damaged mitochondria release signals; p62 coats damaged mitochondria, ensuring removal. This prevents chronic inflammation and potentially age-related diseases.
Researchers found that a longer, more intense period of rehabilitation boosts brain recovery after injury, with rats showing significant restructuring of the brain and dramatic functional recovery. The study highlights the critical role of the basal forebrain cholinergic system in rehabilitation.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine have discovered a crucial HIV RNA modification called m6A that influences viral replication. Silencing the enzyme adding or removing m6A from RNA can increase or decrease HIV replication, offering new avenues for developing effective anti-HIV therapies.
The study reveals novel adaptations and traits in infectious species of Leptospira that help illuminate its evolutionary history and provide new preventive and treatment approaches. It identifies key pathogen-specific features, including the CRISPR-Cas genetic machinery, which are unique to pathogenic Leptospira.
A new method called TruSPADES generates Synthetic Long Reads to assemble metagenomes with improved accuracy and efficiency. This innovation enables researchers to sequence the DNA of organisms that can't be cultured in the lab, such as microbes living in the human gut or bacteria in ocean depths.
Researchers found that chronic alcohol consumption impairs the body's ability to keep microbes in check, leading to bacterial migration and increased risk of liver disease. Restoring natural gut antibiotics may help treat the disease.
A new algorithm combines traditional computer vision classification with deep learning models to improve pedestrian detection speed and accuracy. The technology has the potential to be used in smart vehicles, robotics, and image/video search systems.
A team of engineers at the University of California, San Diego has successfully created a 3D-printed liver tissue model that closely mimics human liver structure and function. The new model can be used for patient-specific drug screening and disease modeling, potentially saving pharmaceutical companies time and money.
A Scripps-led team has discovered four new deep-sea worm species, expanding the diversity of known species from one to five. The discovery has significant implications for understanding early animal evolution and the development of organ systems such as guts, brains, and kidneys.
A University of California, San Diego study found that weight loss programs emphasizing healthy fats lower both good and bad cholesterol. The walnut-rich diet had the most impact on cholesterol levels, decreasing low-density lipoprotein and increasing high-density lipoprotein.
Researchers analyzed hundreds of peer-reviewed articles to find that fish populations worldwide are contaminated with industrial and agricultural pollutants. However, pollutant concentrations have been consistently dropping over the last 30 years.
A recent study published in Journal of Molecular Medicine found that e-cigarette vapor boosts bacterial virulence and inflammation, suppressing the human immune system. The research also revealed that exposure to e-cigarette vapor increases the risk of bacterial infections and suppresses lung function.
A team of biologists at UC San Diego has developed a new method to determine if bacteria are susceptible to antibiotics within a few hours. The approach allows doctors to rapidly identify the appropriate treatment for patients with life-threatening bacterial infections, potentially slowing the emergence of drug resistance.
Researchers have identified a biomarker, CDX2, that can predict which Stage II colon cancer patients are most likely to benefit from chemotherapy after surgery. The study found that patients without CDX2 had poorer outcomes, but those treated with chemotherapy had improved survival rates.
The GenomeSpace platform enables biologist-friendly genomic data analysis by connecting over 20 bioinformatics software packages. It provides 'recipes' - step-by-step workflows - to help non-programming researchers interpret their genomic data, including tools for gene expression and protein interaction analysis.
Researchers develop technique to 'see' energy delivery in fast ignition, achieving record high efficiency. The new approach enables better understanding of energy flow and investigation of experimental designs.
Researchers found dramatic changes in melt rate within less than a mile on the Ross Ice Shelf, which is normally stable. The study suggests freshwater from subglacial drainage systems contributes to melting, impacting the ice shelf's stability.
Researchers have developed a human in vitro cellular model of Cockayne syndrome, a devastating neurodegenerative condition. The model reveals key aspects of the disease, including altered electrophysiological activity and impaired neuronal function.
A wearable, 64-channel brain monitoring system has been developed, providing a better fit for real-world applications. The system comprises a dry-electrode wearable EEG headset and sophisticated software for data interpretation, with a wide range of applications in research, neuro-feedback, and clinical diagnostics.
A study by UC San Diego researchers found that populations living at high latitudes with limited sunlight exposure are at a higher risk of developing leukemia due to low vitamin D levels. This epidemic of vitamin D deficiency in winter populations contributes significantly to the burden of leukemia worldwide.
Researchers found that authors from a shared medical training background are more likely to publish articles supporting maximal tumor removal for patient survival. This phenomenon, known as 'medical academic genealogy,' suggests that mentorship and training influence the types of articles published.
A recent study by University of California, San Diego School of Medicine analyzed 2.4 million physician payments totaling $475 million made during the last five months of 2013. Internal medicine and orthopedic surgery received the greatest total value at $111 million each.
A new study finds that eyewitness confidence is a strong indicator of identification accuracy, contradicting earlier lab studies. High-confidence identifications are more likely to be correct, while low-confidence ones are more likely to be incorrect.
Scientists at University of California, San Diego discover protein Wnt5a stimulates CLL cell growth via ROR1 and ROR2 proteins. Experimental monoclonal antibody cirmtuzumab inhibits growth and spread of cancer cells.
A study published in Pediatric Obesity found that waiting 30 seconds between bites of food can help children realize they're no longer hungry and prevent overeating. The slow eating approach resulted in significant weight loss among participants, with some students losing up to 5.7% of their initial weight after six months.
Research identifies abnormal cell cycle gene activity as a common underlying factor for brain overgrowth and undergrowth in autistic toddlers. The study found that disruptions in cell cycle networks, which control prenatal neuron production, contribute to abnormal early brain growth.
Electrical engineers at UC San Diego developed a spectral-cloning receiver that can extract faint, non-repetitive signals from noise. This innovation has applications in secure communication, electronic warfare, signal intelligence, remote sensing, astronomy, and spectroscopy.
A new method developed by UC San Diego biologists can quickly identify and characterize compounds capable of controlling antibiotic-resistant bacteria in natural product extracts. This breakthrough could shave years off screening efforts and lead to the discovery of new antibiotics, addressing a growing global crisis.
Researchers at UC San Diego are investigating DNA methylation in the blood as a potential signature for Parkinson's disease. The study, funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation, aims to improve early diagnosis and treatment of the chronic movement disorder.
Researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have discovered that the existing compound KD3010 offers hope for slowing Huntington's disease and its symptoms. The study found that KD3010 improved motor function, reduced neurodegeneration, and increased survival in a mouse model of HD.
A team of physicists and biologists from UC San Diego found that the cost of synthesizing enzymes for aerobic respiration outweighs its benefits in fast-growing cells, leading them to favor fermentation. This discovery provides a new perspective on why many organisms use fermentation instead of aerobic respiration.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine discovered a specific group of proteins decrease, triggering changes in the cancer microenvironment and accelerating growth of therapy-resistant CSCs. A targeted monoclonal antibody treatment effectively impaired CSC regeneration and made them easier to target with existing therapies.
A recent study reveals that tiny nanostructures in the exoskeletons of blue-haired tarantulas are responsible for their vibrant color. The researchers believe this discovery could lead to new ways to improve computer and TV screens using biomimicry.
Researchers discovered unique gene variants that protect against neurodegenerative diseases in older adults, preserving their valuable contributions to society. These protective genes are present in Africa and evolved to help preserve elderly wisdom and cultural knowledge.
A new technology uses oscillating electric fields to isolate drug-delivery nanoparticles from blood, overcoming traditional separation methods' limitations. The device can recover nanoparticles in various processes and monitor their interaction with blood proteins.
Scientists have created RNA-based drugs that can temporarily activate and inactivate the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system, providing more precise control over gene expression. This breakthrough enables researchers to correct and inactivate genes with increased efficiency and potential selectivity.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have developed a simple way to send peptides into cells and tissues. The new method uses a densely packed brush to protect peptides from digestion and enhance their ability to enter cells without altering their biological function.