Researchers at UC San Diego discovered how flu viruses exploit a mucus-rich barrier to infect cells, and found that blocking neuraminidase activity could prevent infection. This finding could lead to new drugs or therapies that more effectively inhibit viral activity.
Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography have developed a method to genetically engineer marine algae to produce more lipids, the fat molecules that store energy for fuel. This breakthrough enhances biofuel production and has the potential to lower costs and increase efficiency.
AUC San Diego study reveals racial inequality in cancer treatment access, resulting in 15% higher mortality for African-American patients. Despite receiving similar treatments, black patients are less likely to receive primary tumor surgery and chemotherapy.
Researchers used genomic sequences to reconstruct metabolic repertoire for each strain, predicting its environmental niche. The analysis could help develop ways to control deadly E. coli infections and identify new strains.
The UC San Diego shake table, the world's largest outdoor shake table, has been used to test various structures including wind turbines and buildings. A robot called SkySweeper, designed to inspect utility lines, also won an award for its innovative technology.
Researchers used genetic engineering to precisely study a key protein's role in familial Alzheimer's disease, discovering that simple loss-of-function doesn't contribute to the inherited form. The findings could help elucidate Alzheimer's mechanisms and inform drug development.
Researchers have found that the bioluminescent display of a marine worm produces a long-lasting blue glow through a slimy mucus secreted from its body. The mucus contains riboflavin, vitamin B2, which is acquired by the worm through its diet or symbiotic bacteria.
Researchers at SDSC are using a Linux cluster built with 16 Raspberry Pi computers to teach children and adults about parallel computing. The system, named Meteor, will be demonstrated at SC13, featuring gaming competitions and interactive presentations.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a new single-cell genome sequencing technique that confines genome amplification to fluid-filled wells with a volume of just 12 nanoliters. This approach enables the generation of more complete genome sequences from single cells, including E. coli and individual neurons from the human brain.
A study led by UC San Diego scientists reveals a new way in which RNA-binding proteins govern regulated gene expression, expanding potential targets for therapies. The discovery challenges existing models and has implications for the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders and certain cancers.
Scientists have discovered a novel approach to treating ALS by targeting toxic RNA, which aggregates into foci in the brain. The new therapy uses antisense oligonucleotides to selectively degrade the toxic RNA without affecting normal RNA production.
The center will integrate operations at four locations, including the UC San Diego Jacobs Medical Center and the Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine. It aims to translate discoveries into therapies that can improve and save lives, with a focus on treating cancer, Lou Gehrig's disease, and spinal cord injury.
A study of 126,134 users on OkCupid.com found that racial barriers to romance are not insurmountable online. While people tend to self-segregate by race, they are more likely to reciprocate a cross-race overture and initiate interracial contact in the future.
Research in South Asian countries reveals that young maternal age and rapid pregnancies are major factors contributing to high infant mortality rates. In India and Pakistan, these factors account for nearly one-quarter of infant mortality among young mothers, leading to approximately 200,000 infant deaths annually.
Children who speak dual-marking languages grasp the concept of 'two' earlier than English-speaking counterparts and learn number words faster. The study suggests that naturalistic speech is critical to number word learning, but teaching routines are still necessary for later math performance.
A new study reverses the prevailing theory on diabetic kidney disease, finding that elevated glucose levels do not cause the condition but rather suppressing mitochondrial activity. The researchers discovered that boosting beneficial AMPK activity through lifestyle changes or drug activation can reduce kidney disease severity.
Researchers replicate formation of first silicate dust and find matching oxygen isotopes in stony meteorites, solving long-standing solar system formation puzzle. The discovery suggests a simple physical chemistry principle governed the early solar system.
Researchers provide physical explanation for Larson's Laws, showing that three correlations are due to the same underlying physics of supersonic turbulence. The study uses six simulations to support this interpretation and sheds light on molecular cloud structure formation.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine have discovered a way to effectively deliver staurosporine, a powerful anti-cancer compound, to mouse tumors without harming healthy tissue. The new liposomal delivery system increases the efficiency of drug-loading by over 70% and shows potent results in suppressing tumors.
High-priced cigarettes ($4.50+ per pack) and smoke-free homes are associated with lower smoking behaviors in low-income individuals, who tend to smoke more due to lower state cigarette prices. A smoke-free home is also crucial for successful quitting among these smokers.
A recent study of 2,012 participants found no association between vitamin D levels and kidney stone incidence, contradicting earlier concerns about supplementation. However, the study did identify older age, male gender, and higher BMI as risk factors for developing kidney stones.
Thomas Kipps, MD, PhD, receives a 5-year, $6.25 million grant from The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to support research on chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The grant aims to identify potential new therapies that target identified pathways supporting leukemia-cell survival.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine developed a new approach to understand how master regulators read the genome and turn genes on and off. By analyzing DNA sequence differences affecting these proteins, they found that mutations impact neighboring transcription factors needed to make functional enhancers.
African-American individuals are disproportionately affected by glaucoma, with a four to five times higher risk of occurrence and up to 15 times greater likelihood of significant visual impairment compared to European descent.
For the first time, researchers have isolated and characterized the progenitor cells that eventually give rise to malignant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumors. These cells can be identified long before actual tumors are apparent, suggesting a new approach for early detection and therapeutic intervention.
Researchers identified 13 metabolites that are significantly different in patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease compared to healthy controls. Twelve of the metabolites are linked to mitochondrial function, suggesting suppressed mitochondria as a fundamental characteristic of diabetic kidney disease.
A single gene mutation in the HPRT1 gene is linked to Lesch-Nyhan syndrome and other neurological disorders such as Alzheimer
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine have created over 650 new compounds that restore or improve effectiveness against drug-resistant pathogens in animal models. The findings could have major impact in the struggle against antimicrobial resistance, which threatens public health globally.
The San Diego Supercomputer Center has been awarded a $12-million grant to deploy the 'Comet' petascale supercomputer, designed to expand access and capacity among traditional and non-traditional research domains. The system will provide nearly two petaflops of peak performance, supporting a broader range of researchers.
A study found that honey bees fear predators and avoid associated food sources, making colonies more cautious but individual bees more risk-tolerant. This strategy may help bees exploit all available food sources by having some foragers visit danger to allocate the colony's foraging efficiently.
A team of engineers has developed a new approach that marries computer vision and hardware optimization to sort cells up to 38 times faster than current techniques. The approach improves on imaging flow cytometry, which uses camera mounted on a microscope to capture cell features.
Research by the University of California, San Diego reveals that Mexican women with more children and those who breastfeed for extended periods are at a higher risk of developing triple negative breast cancer. This contradictory finding challenges existing knowledge about breastfeeding's benefits in reducing breast cancer risk.
Researchers developed nanowires that block lithium diffusion, promoting layer-by-layer lithiation and potentially minimizing cracking and improving durability. This breakthrough could lead to more effective electrode architectures for lithium-ion batteries.
The WIFIRE project aims to create a scalable system for wildfire analysis, integrating networked observations and computational techniques. It will support situational awareness, responses, and decision-making at local, state, national, and international levels.
Cancer researchers at UC San Diego isolated and characterized early-stage prostate cancer cells, which may drive recurrent disease. The study suggests that these cells could be targeted for new treatments, potentially reducing cancer progression.
Researchers have found no significant evidence of an increased risk of birth defects in babies born to mothers who received the H1N1 influenza vaccine during pregnancy. The study, which followed over 1,000 pregnant women across the US and Canada, also found that vaccinated women were more likely to deliver earlier, but only slightly so.
A global analysis of Kawasaki disease cases found a seasonal occurrence shared by regions across the Northern hemisphere, with peak cases in winter months. The study suggests that large-scale wind currents may play a role in transmitting the suspected infectious agent.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara develop new algorithm MSP that assembles genomes with extreme efficiency, reducing memory consumption by two-thirds. The new method enables faster and more efficient processing of large genomic datasets, paving the way for smaller, less expensive clusters to assemble large genomes.
Researchers developed an iPad app to teach spatial visualization, a key skill for doing well in science, math, and engineering. The app uses 3D computer graphics and touchscreen technology to help students visualize objects in 3D and learn how they look from different perspectives.
In a Pfizer-sponsored clinical trial, varenicline was found to help smokers with depression quit smoking, with 36% of participants quitting during treatment and 20% remaining abstinent after 40 weeks. The study suggests that varenicline may improve efforts by depressed smokers to quit tobacco use.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a revolutionary method to identify and characterize antibiotics, providing a powerful tool to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The new approach enables the rapid prioritization of promising molecules, accelerating the development of new medicines.
Researchers propose a new approach called network-based stratification to identify cancer subtypes based on shared genetic networks. This method has immediate clinical value and can help clinicians better match treatment to individual patients, leading to more effective therapies.
A new study by UC San Diego researchers reveals that the pancreatic protein Nkx6.1 is crucial for regulating insulin biosynthesis and secretion in beta cells. The study found that impaired Nkx6.1 levels contribute to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes, leading to rapid onset of diabetes in mice.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have identified a biochemical mechanism that makes cholera toxin so deadly. By weakening cell junctions and increasing sodium ion flow, the toxin causes severe diarrhea. The study's findings could guide the development of new therapies against cholera and other intestinal disorders.
Biologists at the University of California, San Diego have identified a quality check system for neurons that uses two proteins to detect and mark defective cells. The discovery could lead to remedies or drugs for human disorders such as horizontal gaze palsy with progressive scoliosis.
Two studies found that vedolizumab resulted in remission and reduced use of prednisone for patients with moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The medication blocks immune system cells that trigger inflammation, reducing side effects commonly associated with other treatments.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have decoded the genetic basis of chronic mountain sickness, a disease affecting Andean highlanders. They found two genes, ANP32D and SENP1, that are overexpressed in CMS individuals and may hold key to treating the condition.
A $3 million NIH grant will fund a longitudinal study tracking preterm children's cognitive development from preschool to grade school. Healthy preterm babies are at high risk for lower academic achievement, especially in math.
Researchers developed a new model to simulate cloth accurately in animated movies and video games, addressing existing limitations. The model uses a novel approach to simulate light interaction with cloth, treating fabric as a mesh of interwoven microcylinders.
Researchers applied simple math to a long-studied biological process, finding that catabolite repression is controlled by the difference between glucose and other essential nutrients. This discovery demonstrates the power of quantitative biology in elucidating complex biological processes.