A team of researchers has discovered that healthy brain cells segregate amyloid precursor protein (APP) and beta-secretase enzyme (BACE-1) into distinct compartments, preventing their combination and triggering Alzheimer's disease. This separation mechanism may hold the key to understanding how AD develops in some individuals.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed a cost-effective and efficient robot called SkySweeper to inspect power lines. The robot can move along utility lines, searching for damage and other problems that require repairs, and can be scaled up for under $1,000.
The ancient greenhouse world had few large reefs and a poorly oxygenated ocean, supporting minute picoplankton instead of larger diatoms. Large marine animals became abundant when algae became large enough to support top predators in cold oceans.
Researchers found that IL-17 signaling in tumor-infiltrating T cells encourages resistance to VEGF-blockade in mouse models. Inhibiting IL-17 with monoclonal antibodies may improve clinical efficacy of VEGF-targeting drugs, a potential new strategy for cancer therapy.
A new non-invasive test may be more effective in promoting colorectal cancer screening among uninsured patients than a traditional colonoscopy. The test, fecal immunochemical test (FIT), was shown to triple participation rates compared to usual care strategies.
A team of researchers has identified a gene mutation responsible for a severe form of pontocerebellar hypoplasia, a currently incurable neurodegenerative disease affecting children. A nutritional supplement, AICAR, bypasses the block that prevents protein synthesis, restoring neuronal survival.
The new approach has broad applicability for the successful production of iPSCs for use in human stem cell studies and eventual cell therapies. The method is highly reproducible, efficient, non-integrative, and works on both young and old human cells.
A study by UC San Diego engineers found that dirty solar panels in California lost only 7.4% of their efficiency after 145 days without cleaning, resulting in a mere $20 gain in electricity production. For larger systems, the financial losses are still relatively small.
Researchers developed new compounds that mimic catestatin, a naturally used blood pressure regulator. The findings suggest these compounds could be used to control hypertension and potentially lead to new treatments for the disease.
Researchers have discovered a novel compound, anthracimycin, produced by an ocean microbe, which exhibits potency against anthrax and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The finding highlights the vast resource of new materials in the oceans for treating various diseases and illnesses.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Neuroradiology found that women with mild cognitive impairment experience higher rates of cognitive decline than men, while all women exhibit greater regional brain loss over time. The study's authors suggest that hormonal differences may play a role in these findings.
A study by University of California, San Diego researchers found that almost half of mobile apps on iOS devices access the unique identifier, location, and address book. A new app called ProtectMyPrivacy detects and controls what data other apps can access, giving users control over their privacy.
Researchers track cellular events leading to cardiac regeneration in zebrafish, revealing a novel potential source of cells for repairing damaged heart muscle. The study's findings provide evidence that various cell lines in the heart are more plastic than previously thought, offering new hope for treating heart failure.
A study by UCSD researchers reveals that MCL-1 promotes normal heart function, but its absence leads to rapid heart failure and cell death. The protein's role in cancer treatment and potential cardiac toxicity are also explored.
Researchers found that a developmental protein called ROR1 promotes cancer metastasis by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Silencing ROR1 reverses this process and inhibits tumor growth in animal models.
A team of researchers created a 3D map of blood vessels in the cerebral cortex, revealing unexpected connections that don't align with neural cell organization. The study's findings have implications for functional brain imaging and our understanding of dementia.
A computational model of E. coli has been developed, enabling researchers to compute the temperature sensitivity of proteins and predict weak points that limit heat tolerance. This study opens up possibilities for creating heat-tolerant microbial strains for industrial applications.
Researchers discovered that herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) binds to a receptor called MARCO, which enhances its ability to infect cells and cause disease. This interaction may lead to serious health complications in people with compromised immune systems, such as atopic dermatitis.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a firefighting robot that creates a 3D thermal imaging picture of a burning building, providing critical data for first responders. The robot uses stereo vision and sensor data to map the interior of the building, allowing rescuers to better assess the structure and plan their activities.
A landmark study suggests that altered neural circuitry contributes to restricted eating in anorexia and overeating in bulimia. Functional MRI scans revealed diminished responses to sweet tastes in recovered individuals with anorexia, while elevated responses were seen in those with bulimia.
Researchers have discovered the functional importance of enhancer-directed RNAs, also known as eRNAs, which boost or enhance nearby genes. The discovery could provide a new way to alter gene expression in a cell-specific manner, potentially treating diseases.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine discovered a novel mechanism that suppresses tumor growth by stabilizing heterochromatin, a form of chromosomal DNA. This finding suggests a potential new approach to inhibit cancer gene expression and may represent a new class of tumor suppressors.
Researchers found that an EGFRvIII mutation alters the splicing of genes controlling cellular metabolism, enabling rapid tumor growth. The study highlights the critical role of EGFRvIII in GBM pathogenesis and provides new targets for oncogene-specific drug development.
Researchers at UC San Diego identified apoA-I binding protein as a key player in regulating blood vessel growth by removing excess cholesterol from endothelial cells. This process inhibits angiogenesis and can help prevent tumor growth.
Scientists have designed nanoparticles that can flip from a sphere to a net-like structure in response to tumor signals, accumulating at the site of cancer. This new approach aims to target treatments specifically to diseased cells, overcoming current limitations.
A single injection of human neural stem cells produced therapeutic benefits in rats with acute spinal cord injury, including improved function and mobility. The grafted stem cells stimulated host neuron regeneration and partially replaced the function of lost neurons, reducing muscle spasticity.
Researchers developed a new way to characterize relationships among communities defined by language, religion, and ethnicity. They used cell phone data to map connections among 1216 towers for five months, revealing strong associations between geographic divisions.
James Cameron will deliver a presentation on his DEEPSEA CHALLENGE expedition and donate an extreme-depth unmanned undersea exploration system known as a 'lander' to Scripps. The lander will be used for future deep-sea exploration endeavors, unlocking the mysteries of Earth's least explored environment.
A study published in Violence Against Women reveals that countries with high girl child marriage rates have significantly higher maternal and infant mortality rates. The research suggests a 70% reduction in maternal mortality could be achieved by reducing girl child marriage rates by just 10%. The findings support greater advocacy and ...
Researchers found that a tumor-activated protein, VEGF-C, activates integrin α4β1 on lymphatic vessels in lymph node tissues, making them more attractive to metastatic tumor cells. This highlights the way tumors can have long-range effects on other parts of the body, impacting tumor metastasis or growth.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a flexible robotic arm inspired by the seahorse's tail, which can be compressed to 50% of its size without permanent damage. The design uses bony plates that slide past each other, providing exceptional flexibility and protection.
Researchers have discovered plant transport proteins that can help increase the supply of food and energy for a growing global population. These proteins can improve crop yields in saline and acidic soils, reducing the need for fertilizers and water.
Bone-melting acid secreted by Osedax worms dissolves whale bones to access collagen and lipids, a process similar to how mammals repair and remodel bone. The symbiotic relationship between the worms and bacteria involved in this process is still not fully understood.
Researchers found sulfur-isotope signatures in oceanic lava flows indicating the material originated in Earth's Archean crust. The discovery supports the theory that most of the Archean crust was subducted or folded back into the mantle.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed novel statistical models to identify associations between DNA variants and diseases, leading to a more complete understanding of genetic underpinnings and potential breakthroughs in disease treatment and gene discovery.
Researchers at UC San Diego found that rats adopt a new chemical code when exposed to large changes in day and night cycle, leading to anxiety and depression. The discovery opens up new ways to treat brain disorders like Parkinson's by switching neurotransmitters.
Scientists at UC San Diego discovered eight genes in fruit fly Drosophila that are also involved in wound healing in humans. These genes, which regulate biological processes in the fly's exoskeleton, may lead to new treatments for skin conditions like psoriasis and diabetic ulcers.
Researchers found a strong correlation between summer monsoon and climate patterns that preceded it, enabling forecasts to predict the monsoon a few months in advance. The study discovered that El Niño's influence on the Indian Ocean temperature and atmospheric anomalies in the western Pacific amplifies each other.
A team of neuroscientists studied the case of EP, a man with radical memory loss due to viral encephalitis. Unlike HM, who retained some residual tissue, EP's brain damage resulted in total destruction of specific memory-linked structures, rendering him unable to learn new information.
A team of scientists used a new approach to study aerosols, finding that biological activity in sea spray reduces its ability to form clouds. The study isolated marine aerosols, demonstrating the impact of biological mixtures on climate properties.
Researchers engineered algae to produce a fusion protein that blocks malaria transmission, suggesting its potential use in treating other mucosal lining infections. The study's findings encourage the development of algae-based vaccines as a cheaper alternative for distributing life-saving medicines to developing countries.
Engineers at UC San Diego have developed nanosponges that can neutralize a wide range of pore-forming toxins, including those produced by MRSA, E. coli, and poisonous snakes and bees. The nanosponges are designed to absorb toxins and divert them away from their cellular targets, with promising results in mouse studies.
Researchers at UC San Diego identified fractalkine as a new therapeutic target for treating type 2 diabetes. Administering the protein stimulated insulin secretion and improved glucose tolerance in mouse models and human islets.
Researchers developed an immersive video game, CodeSpells, that teaches Java programming to students aged 10-12. The game's interactive nature and creative freedom help children learn coding skills in a fun and engaging way.
The UC San Diego/Open Science Grid collaboration successfully processed massive LHC data using SDSC's Gordon Supercomputer, providing crucial input for international planning meetings on particle physics. The project helped define the future research agenda and accelerated the search for dark matter.
A UC San Diego team developed a scalable GPU-accelerated code for earthquake engineering and disaster management, achieving a five-fold speedup over CPU code and sustained performance of one petaflop per second. This breakthrough enables more accurate earthquake predictions with increased physical reality and resolution.
A new study by UC San Diego researchers found that a guided self-help treatment program can be an effective solution to help children lose weight. The program, which combines structure and self-help elements, showed significant decreases in BMI immediately after completion and maintained losses six months later.
A key protein in Schwann cells is essential for normal interactions between nerve cells and Schwann cells, regulating the steps that lead to nerve regeneration. Deficiency of this protein may lead to chronic neuropathic pain, motivating the development of a small molecule drug to mimic its function.
Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography have captured a unique image of a site deep in the earth where magma is generated. The cross-section area of the melting region rivals the size of San Diego County, providing insights into the fundamental processes of plate tectonics.
Researchers at University of California, San Diego Moores Cancer Center identified a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CD44, directly killing chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells. The antibody, RG7356, induces apoptosis in CLL cells expressing ZAP-70, a protein found in roughly half of CLL patients.