Researchers at the University of California, San Diego have made significant breakthroughs in understanding how fat cells metabolize nutrients to produce fatty acids. This discovery could lead to new insights into potential irregularities in fat cell metabolism and help identify better drug targets for treating diabetes and obesity.
A novel mouse study finds that modulating the brain's stress circuitry with a CRF-antagonist significantly prevents Alzheimer's disease neuropathology and cognitive impairment. The treatment reduced amyloid plaque generation and cellular damage, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for AD prevention.
Researchers have created a new 'progenitor cell' capable of unlimited expansion and differentiation into mature kidney cells without the risk of forming tumors. This breakthrough presents several advantages over using undifferentiated human stem cells, including reduced tumor growth potential and easier manipulation for therapeutic use.
Researchers developed a new method that identifies more proteins and peptides in mass spectrometry data, analyzing pairs of overlapping peptide spectra. The method improves performance by up to four-fold, overcoming the bottleneck created by vast amounts of raw data.
Researchers are developing new technologies to analyze pancreatic tumor super-enhancers and testing therapies targeting these signals in clinical trials. The goal is to reprogram cancer cells or create vulnerabilities that can be exploited with combination drug therapies.
Researchers developed a method to detect small chromosomal deletions or duplications, such as Cri du Chat Syndrome and DiGeorge Syndrome, with a simple blood test. The new semiconductor sequencing platform can identify these abnormalities at an average gestational age of 24 weeks, reducing the need for invasive procedures.
A genetic biomarker called loss of heterozygosity (LOH) predicts which patients with premalignant mouth lesions are at highest risk of developing oral cancer. The study found that LOH-positive patients had a lower three-year cancer-free survival rate, but no benefit from erlotinib treatment.
A recent study by UC San Diego researchers found that young adults experience envy more frequently than older adults, particularly in regards to physical appearance and academic success. The study also revealed that men and women tend to envy someone of the same age group, with younger participants reporting envy over looks and romance.
Researchers identify genetic mutations common to blood cancers in patients with unexplained low blood counts and cytopenias. The condition, clonal cytopenias of undetermined significance (CCUS), may represent early stages of subsequent blood cancers.
A team of researchers at the University of California, San Diego has developed a predictive model that can forecast how different individuals will respond to a particular drug. The model, which uses genomic and metabolomics data, aims to provide insights into why some patients experience side effects while others do not.
Researchers at University of California - San Diego developed a new computational strategy to search for molecules that could inhibit glioblastoma growth. One molecule, SKOG102, successfully shrunk human glioblastoma tumors grown in mouse models by an average of 50 percent.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a new fabrication process that cuts the time needed to make high-tech flexible sensors in half. The new process uses a peel-and-stick medium and allows for mass-market manufacturing, making it possible to monitor vital signs and brain activity more easily.
Researchers found that patients with complete symptom resolution have a significantly lower risk of depression recurrence compared to those with residual symptoms. Complete symptom resolution is associated with a nearly three times higher risk of returning to a full-blown depressive episode within one year.
Researchers at UC San Diego found that bacteria use electrical signaling mechanisms similar to those in the human brain to communicate and resolve metabolic stress. This discovery suggests that bacterial biofilms may be connected to neurological disorders, such as migraines and seizures.
A UC San Diego study found that more connected chambers in ant nests increase social interactions, allowing ants to quickly communicate good food sources. The spatial organization of a nest has a greater impact on collective behavior than the number of workers.
Researchers have discovered a new molecule involved in the development of fibrosis, a condition characterized by inflammation and stiffening of skin tissue. High levels of this molecule, fibulin-5, were found to contribute to increased skin tissue inflammation and stiffening.
Researchers discovered M1 strep's ability to inactivate antimicrobial peptides, a key component of the immune system's defense. This finding highlights the need to fortify or optimize antimicrobial peptides to improve the immune system's odds of fending off infections.
Researchers found that tamoxifen enhances clearance of antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogen MRSA and reduces mortality in mice. The study suggests that tamoxifen's immune-boosting effect could aid the immune system in cases where traditional antibiotics have failed.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed a dual frequency wireless charging platform that can charge multiple devices, including smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, and tablets, simultaneously using different wireless standards. The new technology addresses the issue of incompatibility between competing wireless standards, enabling univer...
Researchers discovered that mice lacking both Pten and Shp2 enzymes are prone to lethal anemia, which can occur even if they lack one of the enzymes alone. This finding suggests that genomic screening before treatment may help prevent anemia in cancer patients.
Scientists studied the evolution of jerboas' remarkable limbs to understand processes controlling limb development and bone growth. They found that evolution controls individual bone size, suggesting complex genetic regulation.
The NIH Common Fund has awarded three grants totaling over $30 million to researchers at University of California, San Diego. The 4D Nucleome Program aims to determine how DNA is organized within the cell's nucleus and its impact on human health and disease.
Researchers found that online e-cigarette vendors use sophisticated and aggressive marketing practices to promote their products, including social media engagement and promotional offers. The study highlights the potential of the Internet to encourage e-cigarette initiation and underage purchasing, despite laws in place to regulate onl...
Researchers found that fatty liver disease and scarring have a significant genetic component, with heritability rates of around 50%. The study used twin analysis to show that monozygotic twins were more likely to share similar levels of fat content and liver stiffness.
The NCI has renewed a five-year, $13 million grant to support joint research projects between San Diego State University and UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center. The partnership aims to address cancer health care disparities among Hispanic/Latinos in the region, with a focus on innovative research and community outreach.
A team of researchers used a toddler-like robot to study infant-parent interaction, finding that babies intentionally smile to elicit a response from their caregivers. By analyzing the timing of these smiles, they discovered a statistically strong correlation between intentional smiling and mutual smiling in both humans and robots.
Researchers have designed enzyme-functionalized micromotors that can rapidly remove carbon dioxide from water and convert it into a usable solid form, potentially helping to mitigate ocean acidification and global warming.
A $13 million NIH grant will fund a collaborative effort to build reproducible assays to model autism spectrum disorder. The project, called COPACABANA, uses a universal stem cell model derived from patient tissue to study the effects of individual genetic variation on mental health diseases.
Albert La Spada, a UC San Diego professor, has received a $900,000 Harrington Scholar Award to develop a therapy for Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7), a rare neurological disorder. His research may also have implications for Parkinson's and ALS.
A study published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience has confirmed the pathogenic role of beta amyloid in dementia, both in Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found that people with Down syndrome develop abnormal protein at twice the rate, providing insights into how Alzheimer's naturally progresses.
A team of researchers has identified a protein that helps heart muscle cells regenerate after a heart attack, improving cardiac function and survival rates in mice and pigs. The protein patch, loaded with Follistatin-like 1, showed remarkable results in animal models, regaining nearly normal function within four to eight weeks.
Nanoparticles wrapped in human platelet membranes deliver drugs to targeted sites, increasing therapeutic effects for diseased rats and mice. The platelet-membrane-coated nanoparticles selectively bind to damaged blood vessels and certain pathogens, minimizing the spread of bacteria and enhancing antibiotic efficacy.
Researchers have found that more than 60 percent of the foraging honey bees in San Diego County are Africanized, and that Africanized bees can now be found as far north as California's delta region. The study suggests that the northward expansion of Africanized bees in California is consistent with patterns previously documented in Texas.
A prospective study found that reduced heart rate variability may indicate a greater risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in U.S. Marines before and after combat deployment. The researchers suggest that addressing the biology of the autonomic nervous system may offer new opportunities for preventing PTSD.
Scientists at UC San Diego School of Medicine have elucidated a genetic interaction between SIX6 and p16INK4a that may prove key to the development and progression of glaucoma. Inhibiting p16INK4a expression could offer a new therapeutic approach for the disease, which is currently treated by lowering intraocular pressure.
A recently discovered deep-sea methane seep off the San Diego coast has revealed a unique ecosystem with diverse habitat types and adapted creatures. The site, which produces methane as it sinks to the ocean floor, supports a community of organisms that consume and convert the gas.
Researchers have identified a histone deacetylase inhibitor that reverses MECP2 alterations in mutant neurons, offering hope for treating the devastating neurological disorder. The breakthrough uses stem cell-derived 'mini-brains' to screen potential drug libraries, providing an efficient method for finding effective treatments.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine identified a new pathway that causes resistance to treatments, and developed a therapeutic drug that targets this pathway. The drug, KG5, inhibits the pathway and increases survival rates among patients with aggressive cancers.
Researchers have developed three new rapid tests for diagnosing drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB), which can be completed in as little as a day. The tests were found to be accurate in detecting resistance to most anti-TB drugs, with the molecular techniques showing superior performance.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed a new wireless communication technique that sends magnetic signals through the human body, offering lower power consumption and improved security compared to existing Bluetooth technology. The technique shows promising results with path losses up to 10 million times lower than Bluetooth radios.
Leptospirosis is a poorly understood and often misdiagnosed bacterial disease with a high case fatality rate. The researchers aim to develop an inexpensive, sensitive, and efficient diagnostic test for leptospirosis, which could lead to improved clinical outcomes and reduced mortality.
Engineers at UC San Diego developed a mouth guard that monitors health markers in saliva, transmitting data wirelessly to smartphones. The technology could be used to continuously monitor patients without invasive procedures or athletes' performance.
Four UC San Diego School of Medicine researchers have received the NCI Outstanding Investigator Award for their groundbreaking research in cancer. Kun-Liang Guan, Tannishtha Reya, Jin Zhang, and Michael Karin will receive multi-million-dollar awards to fund new projects tackling cell growth, cancer detection, and treatment.
Researchers found that degenerating neurons in patients with Alzheimer's disease responded to gene therapy treatment by showing heightened growth, axonal sprouting, and activation of functional markers. The study suggests that nerve growth factor is safe over extended periods and merits continued testing as a potential AD treatment.
A team of researchers used DNA barcoding to accurately identify over 13,000 fish eggs collected from the Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier. The study provides a detailed picture of fish spawning patterns and creates a baseline for assessing future changes in spawning due to climate change.
Scientists at the University of California, San Diego have developed a new method to build microscopic robots with complex shapes and functionalities. The researchers created microfish-shaped microrobots that can swim efficiently in liquids, are chemically powered by hydrogen peroxide, and magnetically controlled.
A study by UC San Diego biologists found that black bears in Yosemite National Park primarily forage on plants and nuts, with acorns and pine nuts being their main food sources. The research also suggests that female bears tend to forage more heavily for high-fat seeds during reproduction.
Researchers discovered that human induced pluripotent stem cells can be differentiated into retinal pigment epithelial cells without immune rejection. This finding provides hope for the development of human stem cell therapies to treat macular degeneration, a condition affecting 30-50 million people globally.
The CTRI will support eight junior faculty through the CTSA grant program, create a new post-doctoral fellowship focused on team science, and develop infrastructure to speed regulatory processes. The institute will also expand biomarker and biocomputational capacity and improve information systems tools for research.
A recent study published in Tobacco Control found that varenicline, a prescription smoking-cessation aid, has no significant impact on the rate of smokers who successfully quit. Instead, it appears to displace the use of older tobacco addiction therapies, such as nicotine patches and bupropion.