A Phase 2 pilot study will test the efficacy and safety of InflammaGen Shok-Pak, an enzyme inhibitor that blocks autodigestion, a condition leading to multi-organ failure. The treatment has shown promising results in pre-clinical studies and ex-U.S. patient experiences.
Researchers validated protease cathepsin B as a target to improve memory deficits and reduce amyloid plaque pathology in an animal model representative of most AD patients. Deleting the CatB gene improved memory deficits while reducing amyloid plaque, mimicking that found in AD.
University of California, San Diego engineers build nanowire 'trees' that capture solar energy and convert it into hydrogen fuel. The trees' vertical structure maximizes energy absorption, making them more efficient than traditional flat surfaces.
Researchers found a unique ecosystem where hot and cold habitats intersect, featuring tubeworms, fish, mussels, and crabs. The discovery reveals new species and potential communities in the deep sea, highlighting the need for further exploration of this largely uncharted environment.
Scientists at University of California, San Diego have identified ROR1 as a protein expressed by breast cancer cells but not normal adult tissues. Silencing its expression impairs tumor growth and survival, making it a potential therapeutic target for future anti-cancer drugs.
A team of UC San Diego bioengineers created a self-healing hydrogel that can bind in seconds and withstand repeated stretching. The material has numerous potential applications, including targeted drug delivery, industrial sealants, and self-healing plastics.
Researchers at UC San Diego found that epicatechin-enriched cocoa improved mitochondrial structure in patients with advanced heart failure and type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that treatment with epicatechin-rich cocoa may improve exercise capacity in these patients.
Researchers at the University of California - San Diego have developed an injectable hydrogel that could repair cardiac tissue damaged by heart attacks. The gel promotes positive remodeling-type response and is compatible with catheter delivery, offering a minimally invasive treatment option.
A team of scientists led by Bing Ren has discovered how differential DNA methylation in the parental genomes sets the stage for selective expression of imprinted genes. The study found parent-of-origin specific DNA methylation imprints at 1,952 dinucleotide sequences, including previously unknown regions.
Researchers analyzed six RNA binding proteins that control genetic splicing, discovering they work together to regulate thousands of genes. The study highlights the importance of these proteins in maintaining cell homeostasis and may offer clues for rational drug design.
Scientists propose mass melting as new force behind volcanic activity in eastern Oregon, suggesting a dynamic rupture lasting two million years across the Farallon slab. The study aims to explain the origins of sudden, massive eruptions of lava at the planet's surface.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed a new method for culturing complex tissue in three-dimensional arrangements. The approach allows for the production of tissue culture scaffolds with multiple structurally and chemically distinct layers, enabling broader accessibility and potential applications in tissue engineering.
A team of UC San Diego researchers created the smallest room-temperature nanolaser to date, as well as a highly efficient, thresholdless laser that funnels all its photons into lasing without waste. These breakthroughs could enable the development of future optical circuits packed onto tiny computer chips.
Researchers discovered the Arapaima fish's unique scales provide 'bioinspiration' for engineers developing flexible ceramics. The combination of hard and soft materials allows the scales to repel piranha bites while maintaining strength, offering lessons for bio-inspired engineers.
A Scripps Institution of Oceanography study reveals that corals exposed to cold temperatures suffer greater growth impairment and measurable damage compared to those subjected to heat. However, corals are able to adjust to cool conditions over time, whereas prolonged heat stress leads to severe bleaching and growth stoppage.
Research on the International Space Station aims to better understand fuel combustion and improve fire-fighting techniques in space. The experiments, led by Professor Forman Williams, investigated the behavior of fuels in different atmospheric conditions and pinpointed the limiting oxygen index for methanol and heptane.
Researchers found that fat-derived stem cells thrive on stiff surfaces and form myotubes when matured, a crucial step in muscle development. These cells may offer new therapeutic possibilities for muscular dystrophy patients.
Scientists discovered a new link between mutations in an evolved gene module and syndromic autism, specifically Joubert syndrome. The study found that alterations in cellular primary cilia led to malformation or underdevelopment of the cerebellum and brainstem.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine have created new fast-acting fluorescent dyes that optically highlight electrical activity in neuronal membranes. This breakthrough addresses a long-standing challenge in neuroscientists' ability to accurately measure and visualize small voltage changes between neurons.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have successfully created self-assembling cell membranes using a simple metal catalyst. This breakthrough could be a crucial step in making artificial life forms from scratch and understanding the origins of life on Earth.
Scientists at UC San Diego School of Medicine have created in vitro models of sporadic and hereditary Alzheimer's disease using induced pluripotent stem cells. The living cells provide an unprecedented tool for developing and testing drugs to treat the disorder, offering a new method for understanding the cause of the disease.
Researchers argue that most charter school studies use unsophisticated methods, failing to account for differences in student backgrounds and academic histories. Lottery-based studies suggest charters perform as well as traditional public schools, but these findings are limited by low representation rates. Value-added research is propo...
A new test can identify biomarkers for mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), a group of inherited metabolic disorders, allowing for earlier diagnosis and potentially more effective treatment. The test detects specific carbohydrate structures in cells, blood, and urine samples, enabling differentiation between forms of the disease.
William C. Mobley, chair of UC San Diego's Department of Neurosciences, received the International Sisley-Jérôme Lejeune Prize for his innovative research on treatments for neurological disabilities, including Down syndrome. The prize acknowledges his contributions to advancing care and management of intellectual disabilities.
Researchers have solved part of the mystery of DNA mismatch repair (MMR) in eukaryotes, revealing a brief window of opportunity for MMR proteins to identify new DNA strands. This discovery sheds light on how eukaryotes eliminate genetic errors and develop cancer resistance.
A comprehensive study of ocean acidification has made key findings, showing that some marine ecosystems are already experiencing acidity levels not predicted to occur until the end of the century. The study used sensors developed at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and found variability in seawater pH within and across ecosystems.
A recent study published in Neuron reveals that rare genetic mutations, specifically copy number variants, contribute significantly to the risk of early onset bipolar disorder. These findings suggest that de novo mutations play a crucial role in the development of the disease, which appears in childhood or early adulthood.
Researchers at UC San Diego created a living 'neon sign' composed of millions of bacterial cells that glow in unison, synchronized by fluorescent proteins. The bacteria can detect low levels of arsenic and other toxins, providing a real-time update on the presence and concentration of toxins.
Researchers have created two new methods to treat overeating in children and adults, focusing on internal hunger and satiety cues. The 'appetite awareness' group trained participants to regulate eating by monitoring their hunger and satiety cues, while the 'cue exposure' group taught them to tolerate cravings to reduce overeating.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a new method for simulating rainbows, including primary, secondary, and twinned rainbows, using improved models of light interaction with water drops. The study provides an almost complete picture of how rainbows form, shedding new light on their physics.
A team of scientists created a genetically modified zebrafish model that can visualize early events in human atherosclerosis. The model, which is efficient and cost-effective, allows researchers to test the potential effectiveness of new antioxidant and dietary therapies.
Scientists identified a novel gene mutation causing glioblastoma, a common type of malignant brain tumor. Two existing drugs targeting this mutation effectively prolonged the survival of mice, offering new hope for patients.
Biologists discovered genes in roundworms that signal wound presence and trigger chemical reactions to close cuts. The study also identified a protein that inhibits wound closure, raising hopes for developing treatments.
Researchers used magnetic resonance imaging data from 406 adult human twins to confirm the long-standing idea that human cortical regionalization is similar to and consistent with patterns found in other mammals. The study found genetic influences on brain development progress along an anterior-to-posterior scale, with differences base...
Researchers discover a novel combination of a sugar molecule and two cell-killing drugs that induces programmed cell death in various types of cancer cells. The treatment, which works by depriving cancer cells of their energy source, shows promise in treating leukemia, hepatocarcinoma, lung, breast, and cervical cancers.
A new international study found that patients with very low systolic blood pressure levels may actually increase their chances of experiencing a recurrent stroke. The research, led by Bruce Ovbiagele, suggests that the relationship between blood pressure and stroke risk is more complicated than previously thought, with timing also play...
A recent study conducted by researchers at UC San Diego Health System found that the text4baby mobile service is increasing users' health knowledge, facilitating interaction with healthcare providers, and improving adherence to appointments and immunizations. The service has already enrolled over 2,200 individuals in San Diego County.
Researchers at UC San Diego have identified a new class of drugs that can arrest division in virtually all tumor cells by altering the structure of the RAF enzyme. The discovery offers an effective alternative to current therapies and has shown promising results in tests on cancer cell lines, animal models, and human tissue biopsies.
Researchers at UC San Diego and EPFL found that removing a regulatory protein called NCoR dramatically improved insulin sensitivity in mice. The study reveals a new role for NCoR in regulating fatty acid storage and glucose metabolism, which could lead to the development of targeted treatments for type 2 diabetes.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine discovered that non-coding RNAs TUG1 and NEAT2 relocate genes to activate their function in response to growth signals. This process provides a new understanding of the interaction between regulated genes and human diseases.
Researchers found a link between large-scale wind patterns and Kawasaki disease outbreaks in Japan, Hawaii, and San Diego. Wind currents carrying potential infectious agents may be triggering the disease, with seasonal shifts in winds exposing regions to air masses from Central Asia.
Scientists discover that genetic dysfunction in multiple cell types contributes to SCA7, a devastating neurological disorder. Targeting specific cell types may improve treatment and slow disease progression.
A study published by researchers at the University of California, San Diego found a 67% excess of cortical cells in children with autism, pointing to prenatal processes gone awry as a possible cause. The excess neurons were discovered in areas associated with social, communication and cognitive development.
Researchers used NASA's Shuttle Radar Topography Mission data to create a model that takes elevation into account, improving predictions of solar power output in California. The model, made available publicly, provides more realistic estimates for utility companies and homeowners.
Biologists have identified two critical genes, DSCAM and COL6A2, responsible for congenital heart defects in individuals with Down syndrome. These genes disrupt cardiac development and function when produced at elevated levels. The study used a novel approach combining fruit flies and mice to untangle the problem.
Researchers at UC San Diego used functional magnetic resonance imaging to assess how memories are formed and compared recollected and familiar items. The data showed that the hippocampus is actively involved in both strong recollections and familiarities, challenging earlier assumptions about their separate functions.
A study by University of California, San Diego biologists reveals that bacteria age and use asymmetric division to improve population fitness. By giving more cellular damage to one daughter cell and less to the other, bacteria allow for rejuvenation and diversity in their reproductive investment.
Biologists at UC San Diego have unraveled the complete chain of biochemical reactions that controls auxin synthesis, a hormone regulating plant growth. The discovery enables agricultural scientists to develop new ways to enhance or manipulate auxin production for improved crop yields.
In the study, men edged out women by 0.11 points on a theoretically perfect score of 5.0, but only excelled with other male raters, highlighting that men's humor prowess is largely driven by social dynamics rather than inherent traits.
Researchers used a combination of MRI, cerebrospinal fluid, and neuropsychological testing to improve predictive accuracy for near-term dementia conversion. The test results were found to be almost perfect in predicting those who would not develop Alzheimer's disease in three years.