Researchers designed a synthetic genetic circuit that creates a striped pattern, using genes from one species of bacterium and inserting them into another. By controlling the rate at which cells move, they can create distinct patterns with concentric rings of crowded and dispersed bacterial cells.
A new survey of galaxies reveals active galactic nuclei in young, blue star-making factories, overturning the idea that these objects hinder star formation. The study finds X-ray signals from AGN in a wide range of galaxy types, including massive and smaller galaxies, old elliptical red galaxies and younger blue spirals.
A newly developed method allows scientists to match compounds produced in the wild back to their genomic origins, revealing core structural details and biosynthetic pathways. This approach has the capability of changing the way natural products are discovered in nature, offering a paradigm shift in the field.
Early humans' immune system responded strongly to Neu5Gc, a sugar molecule found on most animal cells. This response likely reduced reproductive success in males with high levels of Neu5Gc, driving the evolution of human ancestors.
Researchers at University of California, San Diego, have made a groundbreaking discovery blocking the progression of lung fibrosis in mice. By targeting a specific phosphorylation pathway, they found that it may contribute to the development of lung injury and fibrosis.
Researchers identify key protein CFH that blocks inflammatory immune response to oxidative stress, found in conditions like atherosclerosis and AMD. The study reveals potential therapeutic target for treating chronic inflammatory diseases.
A new polymeric material has been developed that can disassemble in response to low-level near infrared light, making it suitable for non-invasive medical procedures. This breakthrough could allow previously inaccessible target sites to be reached for diagnosis and treatment.
The University of California San Diego is awarded a $5.9 million grant to study kidney complications related to type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The researchers aim to challenge current dogma by examining the link between mitochondrial function, metabolic alterations, and kidney disease.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego have identified unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats from plants and cold-water fish as beneficial for health. These fats block JNK activation by saturated fatty acids, which are linked to adverse health effects.
Three international teams describe in unprecedented detail the workings of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), a major molecular target for drugs. GPCRs are essential to human life, involved in almost every physiological function, and malfunctions have been linked to dozens of diseases.
Research from the University of California - San Diego School of Medicine found that people with prehypertension have a 55% higher risk of experiencing a future stroke than those without. The study analyzed 12 prospective cohort studies involving over 518,000 participants and found that even high-but-normal blood pressure elevates stro...
A study has identified an enzyme called proteasome phosphatase that regulates the removal of damaged proteins from cells. This process is essential for removing misfolded or damaged proteins from the cell, but a defective proteasome can be catastrophic.
Two key Southern California fisheries have collapsed due to a combination of overfishing of spawning areas and changes in oceanographic conditions. The study found that despite stable catch rates, the population sizes of barred sand bass and kelp bass decreased by 90% since 1980.
A breakthrough allows scientists to assemble virtually complete genomes from DNA extracted from a single bacterial cell. This opens the door to sequencing bacteria that cannot be cultured in the lab, including those living on the planet's surface and within human bodies.
Scientists discovered a previously unknown compensatory pathway that protects the brain and organs from genetic and environmental threats. The NMD pathway is vulnerable to insults, but human cells have evolved a way to overcome attacks by sending reinforcement molecules to compensate for losses.
A novel software system developed by SDSC researchers was used in the first global camera trap study of mammals, documenting 105 species across seven protected areas. The study confirms that habitat loss and smaller reserves have a direct impact on mammal diversity and survival.
The ComPASS project aims to improve educational capacity for preparing students to contribute to a computationally driven economic future. UCSD and SDSU will offer 'computer science principles' classes at high school, undergraduate, and teacher training levels.
Researchers at UC San Diego have been awarded grants to develop innovative, affordable healthcare technologies. The projects include a smartphone-based disease diagnostic tool and a device that turns cell phones into microscopes, with the goal of improving chronic disease management and preventive care in underserved communities.
Researchers at University of California - San Diego have discovered that inhibiting a single enzyme helps slow disease progression in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. The study suggests that targeting fatty acid metabolism could lead to new therapies with fewer side effects.
Women's sexual satisfaction is linked to their overall quality of life and perception of successful aging, even as physical health declines with age. Approximately 67% of women reported being moderately to very satisfied with their sex lives across different age groups.
Researchers have discovered a novel cytokine, Interleukin 37 (IL-37), that protects mice from colitis by modulating inflammation. This finding offers a promising approach to treat or control overactive immune systems in humans, particularly for patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
A study by UCSD researchers reveals a rapid increase in hookah use among California youth aged 18-24, with most users smoking with friends. Hookah is perceived as a safer alternative to cigarettes despite being less healthy, prompting calls for laws to ban hookah lounges.
Researchers measured a spike in radioactive sulfur in the air, revealing that 400 billion neutrons were released per square meter surface of cooling pools between March 13 and March 20, 2011. The levels reached California coast, but posed no threat to human health.
Cabo Pulmo National Park has proven to be the world's most robust marine reserve, with a 463% increase in fish biomass from 1999 to 2009. The park's 'no take' restrictions and local enforcement have been key factors in its success.
Gordon, a high-performance supercomputer using large amounts of flash-based SSD memory, is being made available to US academic researchers. The system will handle massive databases with up to 100 times faster speeds than traditional hard drive disk systems.
A new experimental study from the University of California, San Diego suggests that spoilers don't spoil stories, but rather enhance enjoyment. People who flip to the last page before starting a book have better intuition and prefer spoiled versions of ironic-twist and mystery stories.
Researchers have discovered a way to prevent light signals from reflecting backwards on silicon chips, enabling faster data transfer rates and lower costs. The breakthrough could lead to the development of integrated photonic chips that replace electronic chips in information technology.
A study by UC San Diego researchers found that convenience-driven choices account for 36-51% of a child's daily caloric needs, with meals providing over 50% of recommended sodium intake. The study highlights the need to educate families on making healthier decisions when dining at fast-food restaurants.
A UC San Diego study found that mimicking someone's body language can incur a reputational cost in certain situations. In real-life interactions, people are often observing others' mirroring behavior, which can negatively impact their perception of the person doing the mirroring.
A new study has identified possible genetic variations that could influence a patient's recovery from an eating disorder. The findings suggest that certain genetic traits, including those associated with anxiety and concerns over mistakes, may be linked to chronic eating disorders.
The University of California, San Diego has received a major $18 million grant to further develop the science of glycobiology. The grant will focus on training scientists fluent in glycan chemistry and biology to study how glycans modulate inflammatory responses and fund collaborative projects.
A new study by UC San Diego researchers found that solar photovoltaic panels can cool buildings by up to 5 degrees Fahrenheit, reducing cooling costs by 5% over the panels' lifetime.
A novel combined therapy has been developed to treat brain cancer patients with neoplastic meningitis, a devastating neurological complication. The treatment involves delivering chemotherapy directly to the brain's surfaces while draining excess spinal fluid to alleviate pressure and improve quality of life.
A team of researchers led by Ayse Pinar Saygin found that the human brain responds with a mismatch in perception when an android's appearance and motion are at odds. This phenomenon, known as the 'uncanny valley,' occurs when an artificial agent becomes too human-like, causing discomfort and unease.
Researchers at UCI have found a new method for predicting how influenza proteins evolve, allowing for potential pharmaceutical exploitation. This approach could aid the development of new drugs targeting so-called 'flu protein pockets'.
Scripps researchers identify a new force driving Earth's massive tectonic plates, finding that plumes of hot magma from the deep interior play a crucial role in shaping the planet. This 'plume-push' mechanism has been linked to significant geological events, including the formation of volcanoes and the movement of continents.
Researchers found that women are more likely to survive after gastrointestinal surgeries than men, particularly those before menopause. Female patients had lower mortality rates in various procedures, suggesting that female hormones may enhance the immune system.
A Scripps study found 9.2% of mid-water fish contained plastic debris, primarily small pieces smaller than a human fingernail, in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre. The researchers estimate tens of thousands of tons of debris are ingested by fish annually.
Researchers found evidence of coincident timing between ancient Salton Sea flooding and fault rupture, potentially triggering large earthquakes on the southern San Andreas Fault. The study suggests heightened preparedness for a major quake immediately following smaller quakes in the stepover zone is warranted.
Researchers found a weakened ability to sync brain hemispheres in toddlers with autism, which could lead to earlier diagnoses and treatment. The study used fMRI scans on sleeping toddlers and identified language areas with reduced synchronization.
A team of scientists used induced pluripotent stem cells from patients with inherited ALS to reveal how reduced VAPB protein levels contribute to the disease. The study provides a novel in vitro model of ALS and offers an unprecedented opportunity to answer questions about the disease's pathogenesis.
A team of scientists has uncovered a novel mechanism regulating gene expression and transcription linked to Spinocerebellar ataxia 7, an inherited neurological disorder. Non-coding RNA plays key role in neurological development and function.
A study published in Addiction journal finds that even low levels of blood-alcohol content are associated with severe injuries and death. The research suggests that buzzed drivers are more likely to speed, be improperly seat-belted, and drive at greater speeds, leading to increased accident severity.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed a method to disguise nanoparticles as red blood cells, allowing them to evade the immune system and deliver cancer-fighting drugs directly to tumors. This breakthrough could lead to more personalized drug delivery, reducing the risk of immune response.
Researchers have uncovered a crucial survival response in the body's immune system to deadly anthrax infections. The study found that a key signaling molecule ATP is released from infected macrophages to alert other immune cells, triggering a complex pathway to combat the bacteria.
Researchers at UCSD identified a tumor inflammation trigger common to most cancers, which can be blocked by inhibiting a single protein. This inhibition reduces primary tumor growth and halts tumor progression and metastasis in animal studies.
Researchers at UCSD have discovered a novel signaling pathway and gene, Wnt16, essential for the formation of hematopoietic stem cells in vertebrate embryos. This breakthrough has significant implications for developing stem cell-based therapies for diseases such as leukemia.
A new phase-change memory-based 'Moneta' system offers unprecedented performance, with read speeds up to seven times faster than current SSDs. The device uses PCM technology to store data in a metal alloy, providing lower latency and reduced energy requirements for high-performance computing applications.
Researchers have discovered a potential new therapy for Alzheimer's disease, with the cysteine protease inhibitor E64d improving memory deficits and reducing β-amyloid build-up. The study suggests that increasing Cathepsin B activity is not detrimental to memory function, contrary to previous assumptions.
A new biomaterial more closely mimics native human tissue, exhibiting negative Poisson's ratio and maintaining its shape when stretched. The breakthrough enables the creation of biocompatible tissue patches for repairing damaged heart walls, blood vessels, and skin.