A team of biologists and engineers at the University of California, San Diego has discovered how white blood cells generate traction forces to propel themselves forward by coordinated action of contractile proteins. This finding is crucial for developing new pharmacological strategies to treat chronic inflammatory diseases.
A new study by Scripps Institution of Oceanography predicts that some regions will experience an increase of up to 30 more dry days per year due to climate change. This shift in precipitation patterns will have significant impacts on vegetation, soil moisture, and water resources.
A study analyzing over a billion Facebook status updates found that positive posts beget positive ones, while negative posts lead to negative ones. The researchers discovered that emotional contagion spreads online and is stronger for positive expressions.
Researchers have discovered that FDA-approved anti-psychotic drugs possess tumor-killing activity against glioblastoma. The finding is based on shRNA technology that identifies genes required for glioblastoma growth and reveals surprising links to dopamine regulation, a crucial component in treating Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia.
Scientists have observed phonon polaritons in van der Waals crystals, which can be tunable and long-lived, opening the door for innovative applications in nanoscale devices. The discovery uses infrared light to launch waves that travel across the crystal material, creating interference patterns.
Researchers at UC San Diego have found that the health risks to pregnant women with a history of Kawasaki disease (KD) are low with proper management and care. The study, published in British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, also notes that the long-term risk for adults with KD is not known.
Breast cancer patients with high vitamin D levels are twice as likely to survive the disease. Vitamin D receptors prevent tumor growth and expansion, leading to better survival rates in patients with high serum levels.
A recent study on the Save Darfur Cause on Facebook found that only a small percentage of members donated or recruited others, despite the campaign's large online presence. Meanwhile, those who joined independently were more likely to engage in activism, highlighting the potential for individual actions to drive collective change.
New research reveals that the ocean's surface acts as a sink for nitrogen oxides at night, removing about 15% of these chemicals from polluted air. The study measured dinitrogen pentoxide and nitryl chloride in the air above the sea surface, finding no net exit of nitryl chloride into the air.
Researchers at UC San Diego discovered that direction-sensing cells in the retina send signals to the cortex, enabling brains to process directional movements. The study has practical implications for understanding and treating disabilities related to motion processing.
Scientists at UC San Diego School of Medicine have made a breakthrough discovery on the fate determination of T lymphocytes during an infection. They found that individual cells can make decisions about whether to become effector or memory cells almost immediately after exposure to a pathogen, suggesting that this process could be cruc...
A team of researchers at the University of California - San Diego examined over 2,000 pieces of malware used by Bitcoin mining operations and found that they made at least 4,500 Bitcoins over two years. The study highlights how malware operators use low-cost and no-investment infrastructure to mine Bitcoin.
A study evaluated the role of infliximab in treating Kawasaki disease, a condition that can lead to irreversible heart damage if not diagnosed or treated promptly. Infliximab treatment was found to be safe and effective in preventing coronary artery damage in children with Kawasaki disease.
Researchers at SDSC developed software for multi-scale QM/MM simulations, expanding types of simulations that scientists can use to design new drugs and chemicals. The software integrates with AMBER molecular simulation package, reaching a large user base.
Astronomers have observed huge clouds of gas circling supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies, revealing a previously unknown phenomenon. These clouds can intermittently dim X-ray sources, providing evidence for their existence and confirming predictions made by recent models.
Growing industrialization threatens deep ocean ecosystems, which provide vital functions such as carbon sequestration. Experts urge a new 'stewardship mentality' to balance human needs with ecological impact, highlighting the need for international cooperation, regulation, and research funding to protect the world's last frontier.
Researchers found that a single session of attention modification training decreased overeating in obese children by training their brains to ignore food cues. The study used implicit training methods to distract the children's attention away from food words.
Researchers discovered that a well-known protein UPF1 controls the biological circuit to determine whether an immature neural cell remains in a stem-like state or becomes a functional neuron. The study's findings have significant implications for developing new therapies for neurological disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.
A study by UC San Diego School of Medicine found nearly 396,000 Californians smoke on a measurable basis but reject the label. This 'non-identifying smoker' phenomenon poses health risks and may hinder efforts to reduce tobacco consumption.
A team of scientists, led by Tom Murphy, found that the performance of laser-based reflectors on the Moon's surface is negatively affected during full moon nights due to accumulated moon dust and heating. The effect was later confirmed during a lunar eclipse in December 2010.
Researchers identified a protein that broadly regulates mRNA editing, enabling the creation of multiple proteins from a limited number of genes. This discovery may help understand genetic mechanisms of diseases and identify new therapeutic targets.
A protein called Lis1 regulates asymmetric division of hematopoietic stem cells, ensuring proper blood cell generation. Deleting Lis1 from mouse stem cells accelerates differentiation, leading to a bloodless mouse. The finding has implications for cancer treatment, as cancer stem cells also rely on Lis1.
Researchers discovered that DNA damage triggers dramatic reorganization of the Golgi, leading to its dispersal throughout the cell. This dispersal involves a novel signaling pathway directly linking DNA damage response to the Golgi, affecting cell survival and chemotherapy efficacy.
A study published in Science has identified a genetic mutation in almost 75% of cases, linking HSP to other common neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and ALS. The research found over 50 families with autosomal recessive HSP, providing insight into the biological processes underlying these diseases.
A bioengineer is researching the necessary nutrients for stem cells to grow and function as heart cells, with a focus on understanding cell metabolism. The goal is to prevent diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and obesity by optimizing heart cell nutrition.
A 3D model of Henry Molaison's (H.M.) brain has been created, providing new insight into the neurological basis of his severe amnesia. The study reveals a small lesion in the left orbitofrontal cortex that was likely created during H.M.'s 1953 surgery, which may help scientists understand the consequences of similar operations today.
Researchers have developed a new artificial metamaterial that increases the light intensity and blink speed of a fluorescent dye molecule, speeding up underwater optical communications by 76 times. The material could eventually replace acoustic communications systems for short distance applications.
A team of scientists found that a protein called focal adhesion kinase (FAK) enables tumor cells to spread into the bloodstream by weakening the blood vessel barrier. Selective inhibition of FAK within endothelial cells prevents spontaneous tumor metastasis without altering tumor size.
Scientists at UC San Diego have developed a new genetic platform that enables efficient production of natural molecules, including a novel antibiotic compound called taromycin A. The study demonstrates the potential for this technology to unlock the drug discovery potential of countless new microbes.
A US study found that drivers with a blood alcohol content (BAC) as low as 0.01% are more likely to be blamed for accidents than sober drivers. Drivers in this range were 46% more likely to be solely blamed by accident investigators.
A recent study from UC San Diego found that nearly half of patients experience shame or guilt during doctor visits, with weight and sex being common triggers. Focusing on behaviors rather than self-attributions can lead to positive changes in patient behavior and health outcomes.
A nationwide study reports a three-fold increase in minimally invasive surgery rates for patients with pancreatic disease, resulting in reduced bleeding, infections, and shorter hospital stays. Surgery performed at teaching hospitals is associated with better outcomes and lower complication rates.
A study published in JAMA found that coronary artery calcium (CAC) density is associated with lower risk of cardiovascular events. Researchers suggest re-evaluating the CAC scoring system to incorporate density and other variables, as dense plaques may be more stable than previously thought.
Scientists have identified a key gene receptor and signaling pathway essential to maintaining human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in an undifferentiated state. By blocking the WNT signaling pathway and its encoded receptor FZD7, researchers were able to keep hESCs in their pluripotent state.
A research team at the University of California, San Diego has discovered how calcium phosphate-based materials encourage stem cells to differentiate into bone-forming cells. The findings could lead to the development of new biomaterials that can be used to treat bone defects and diseases.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine found that combining ROR1 and TCL1 oncogenes in mice accelerates and worsens blood cancer. The study suggests ROR1 could be an important therapeutic target for patients with CLL, a common form of blood cancer affecting over 15,000 new cases annually.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a humanized mouse model that can prevent the immune system from rejecting human embryonic stem cells. This breakthrough allows for potential use in developing stem cell therapies and understanding how tumors evade the immune system.
A study by UC San Diego researchers has mapped the complex genetic interactions underlying cellular response to UV radiation, revealing links between chromatin structure remodeling and efficient repair. The findings provide new insights into DNA damage caused by UV radiation and its role in skin cancer.
Researchers at University of California, San Diego found that total smoking bans in homes and cities significantly boost the odds of smokers cutting back or quitting. The study, published in Preventive Medicine, suggests that comprehensive bans are more effective than partial ones.
Researchers are developing a humanized monoclonal antibody that specifically targets and inhibits the functioning of ROR1 in cancer stem cells. The goal is to deliver toxins selectively to cancer stem cells without harming normal cells.
Researchers create algorithm using group pictures to determine urban tribes, achieving 48% accuracy rate. The algorithm analyzes images as the sum of their parts and attributes to pick up social cues.
A study of U.S. Marines found that traumatic brain injury (TBI) during deployment was a significant predictor of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) over time. Pre-deployment PTSD symptoms and combat intensity also played a role in the development of PTSD.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed an algorithm that uses group pictures to determine urban tribes, achieving 48% accuracy. The algorithm analyzes facial features, clothing, and other attributes in a 'parts and attributes' approach, with potential applications in search results, social networks, and public space surveillance.
Researchers found that brain cancer cells temporarily lose their EGFRvIII gene mutation to evade drugs, then re-amplify it after therapy is stopped. This 'hide-and-seek' mechanism makes targeted therapies less effective, with implications for improving treatment outcomes.
A new study reveals that ocean acidification causes anxious behavior in juvenile rockfish, affecting their ability to forage and navigate. The researchers found that the affected fish preferred dark areas and showed altered behavior even after being returned to normal seawater.
A global assessment reveals that fishing has reduced vital seaweed-eating fish by more than 50%, compromising coral reef health. The study highlights the importance of protecting these key species to preserve ecosystem balance.
A nanosponge vaccine has been developed to combat MRSA toxins, triggering neutralizing antibodies and fighting off lethal doses in mice. The vaccine was found to be safer and more effective than traditional toxoid vaccines made from heat-treated staph toxin.
Researchers at UC San Diego used quantitative models and microfluidic devices to study bacterial growth and evolution of drug resistance. They found that the expression of resistance genes depends on the bacterial colony's growth status and the effectiveness of the resistance mechanism. The interaction between drug and resistance is co...
Scientists have identified a key metabolic enzyme used by Plasmodium species at each stage of infection, paving the way for more effective drugs and potentially eradicating malaria. The discovery could lead to radical cures and prevent infections, blocking transmission back to mosquitoes.
Scientists have engineered B cells to synthesize and deliver microRNA, a non-coding RNA that can be used to introduce or inhibit specific proteins. This achievement may lead to new therapeutic applications, including vaccination and cancer treatment.