The West Coast high-frequency radar network, operated by Scripps Institution of Oceanography, provides kilometer-scale current observations out to 150 kilometers offshore and 2,500 kilometers of shoreline. This network allows for the determination of geographic differences in coastal surface circulation and characterization of phenomen...
Scientists uncover a highly conserved dual mechanism that regulates both brain development and function across diverse species. The discovery could lead to biomarkers for neurological diseases and potentially cure them with microRNA therapeutics.
Research shows that eating triggers anxiety in individuals with anorexia nervosa, rather than the expected feeling of pleasure. The study uses brain imaging technology to demonstrate a paradoxical response to food in people with the disorder, highlighting the need for effective treatment strategies.
The California Energy Commission is funding $1.4 million in renewable energy research at UC San Diego, including advanced solar forecasting and energy storage systems. The investment will help accelerate the development of clean energy technologies and achieve California's 33% Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard by 2020.
A human gene implicated in leukemia also acts to prevent cancer of the liver by producing an enzyme called Shp2, which protects hepatocytes from toxic damage. Conversely, this same enzyme is a known factor in the development of several types of leukemia.
A new study from UCSD School of Medicine reveals the plasticity of some gene expression programs, allowing for alternative induced gene expression. This plasticity may contribute to cancer cell growth and normal differentiation, with implications for hormone therapy.
Researchers at UC San Diego found that induced pluripotent stem cells could be rejected by the immune system, challenging their potential as a promising means to develop stem cell therapies. The study suggests that iPSCs are subject to some of the same problems of immune system rejection as embryonic stem cells.
Researchers found that a steroid hormone called ADIOL moderates inflammation in the brain and may lead to new treatments for patients with neurodegenerative conditions. The discovery could also help predict risk or responses to drugs that mimic its actions.
A study led by Subhojit Roy reveals how certain proteins in neurons travel at a slower pace than others, assembling into larger complexes that move down the axon. The proposed model suggests a 'plume' of proteins, where complexes disassemble and reassemble as they progress, making the overall motion slow and coordinated.
Researchers at UC San Diego and Scripps Institute of Oceanography used matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry to reveal multiplex microbial interactions. The technique allowed them to see competition for resources, secretion of molecules altering neighboring organisms' phenotypes.
A team of researchers has deciphered the genome of a tropical marine organism, Lyngbya majuscula 3L, which produces substances with biomedical promise. The study provides insights into the genetics underlying their production and reveals key information about its limitations and shortcomings.
A study by researchers at UC San Diego finds that Filipino children are more likely to develop aneurysms and inflammation of the blood vessels of the heart compared to other Asian and non-Asian backgrounds. The research highlights the need for medical providers to be aware of Kawasaki disease in high-risk populations.
Researchers have developed a new material sensor that can detect when carbon filters in respirators become saturated with toxic vapors, providing a more accurate warning for emergency workers. The sensor uses photonic crystals made of carbon nanofibers, which change color as the filter absorbs chemicals.
A new method developed by researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine has revealed functional gene networks in a live organism. The technique allows for the prediction of gene functions and could be useful for understanding human disease.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, developed a novel screening approach to detect Autism Syndrome Disorder (ASD) in babies at 1-year check-ups. The 'One-Year Well-Baby Check Up Approach' has shown a positive predictive value of 75% using a simple, five-minute screening technique.
Biologists at UC San Diego discovered that electrical oscillations are critical for the brain to store spatial memories. Grid cells in the entorhinal cortex require precise timing of electrical oscillations to function properly, suggesting a key component in memory processing.
Researchers have identified potential human molecular targets of Nelfinavir, an anti-HIV drug also effective as a cancer therapy. The study suggests that the collective effect of weak interactions with multiple protein kinases leads to clinical efficacy.
Researchers at University of California - San Diego School of Medicine and colleagues report a game-changing advance in stem cell science: the creation of long-term, self-renewing neural precursor cells from human embryonic stem cells that can be directed to become many types of neuron. The new process promises to have broad applicatio...
The San Diego Supercomputer Center is launching a new data-intensive supercomputer system named Gordon, which will have 250 trillion bytes of flash memory and 64 I/O nodes. This new system aims to solve the challenge of storing valuable data and accelerating scientific discovery by providing faster speeds and massive storage capabilities.
Researchers found that an appropriate dose of pirfenidone halted decline and improved kidney function in patients with diabetic nephropathy. The study suggests that the drug may be useful in treating other types of fibrotic diseases, including focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine have discovered a potential cancer biomarker in non-human sialic acid antibodies, which can also be used as a treatment to suppress tumor growth. The study found that patients with carcinomas have elevated levels of antibodies to one specific Neu5Gc-containing sugar chain.
Researchers discovered Osedax living on tuna and wahoo bones, contradicting earlier assumptions. The study confirms Osedax as generalists that exploit various vertebrate bones, shedding light on their evolution.
A phase 2 clinical trial demonstrates the benefit of a neurotrophic factor to treat geographic atrophy, a severe form of age-related macular degeneration. The therapy, which delivers ciliary neurotrophic factor using encapsulated cell therapy, slowed vision loss and stabilized vision in patients with high-dose treatment.
Three UC San Diego researchers, Jack Bui, Pamela Itkin-Ansari and Adriana Tremoulet, receive $100,000 grants for their innovative research on improving childhood diseases. Their projects focus on immune system responses to cancer, Type-1 diabetes treatment and Kawasaki disease diagnosis.
Researchers at the University of California - San Diego discovered a structural basis for how strep protein can trigger toxic shock. The proteins form dense scaffolds that mimic blood clots, leading to widespread inflammation and organ failure. This breakthrough provides new insights into the pathogenesis of strep-induced toxic shock.
UCSD scientists create a new type of genetic tag visible under an electron microscope, allowing for detailed, three-dimensional images of individual cells. The modified protein, dubbed miniSOG, produces abundant singlet oxygen when exposed to blue light, enabling its visualization.
Researchers discovered that cancer cells generate a 'stress response' signal that induces nearby macrophages to issue a similar stress response, promoting inflammation and tumor development. This finding presents a potential target for tumor-specific therapies.
Biologists at UC San Diego identified molecular mechanisms in fruit flies that enhance the nervous system's response to smell, potentially regulating human appetite. The discovery could lead to new ways to decrease overeating among obese individuals and increase appetites among the infirm.
A recent study by UCSD researchers found a significant inverse association between surgeon availability and road traffic injury-related deaths. Regions with more surgeons showed lower mortality rates, suggesting timely surgical treatment can reduce death risk.
Research by the University of California - San Diego team discovered that icebergs cool and dilute ocean water, affecting phytoplankton distribution and carbon dioxide absorption. The findings suggest enhanced phytoplankton growth would increase carbon dioxide removal from the ocean.
Researchers have reanalyzed Stanley Miller's 1958 'primordial soup' samples and found a diverse array of organic compounds, including sulfur amino acids. The discovery supports the hypothesis that volcanoes and lightning played a key role in creating the building blocks of life on Earth.
Researchers propose engineered virus-like particles that can subdue HIV infection in individuals and spread to high-risk populations, potentially lowering the prevalence of infection. The treatment could be used in conjunction with current antiretroviral therapies or vaccine campaigns.
Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography found evidence of ancient 'hyperthermals' - sudden global warming events that occurred tens of thousands of years ago, with impacts on marine life and ocean circulation.
Researchers at UCSD School of Medicine identified Twist1's role in promoting invadopodia formation and matrix degradation in tumor cells. This process facilitates the spread of cancer to surrounding tissues and other parts of the body.
The study found that over one-third of genes affected by TDP-43 are involved in the central nervous system. The protein also affects alternative splicing of many genes, including its own RNA message. This loss of regulation leads to more TDP-43 accumulation and neuron damage.
Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography found phytoplankton bloom timing has progressed up to 50 days earlier in the Arctic Ocean, with unknown impacts on the food chain. The shift may have consequences for the entire ecosystem and global carbon cycle.
Researchers discovered protein-coding point mutations in all 22 hiPSC lines, with an estimated six mutations per exome. The findings suggest that genetic screening of hiPSCs before clinical use is crucial to ensure their safety and accuracy.
Sanfilippo disease is a rare metabolic disorder caused by the accumulation of complex carbohydrates in cells, leading to severe physical and neurological problems. Researchers at UC San Diego have identified a novel secondary metabolite, dermatan sulfate, as a potential biomarker for the disease.
Researchers found that humans can't produce a specific sialic acid molecule, leading to insulin and glucose metabolism problems. This discovery suggests evolutionary changes may have influenced human metabolism and increased diabetes risk.
Scientists at the University of California, San Diego are creating a new technique for identifying critical lymph nodes in breast cancer patients. By injecting fluorescent microbubbles into the tumor and imaging them with ultrasound, doctors can pinpoint the sentinel lymph node without surgery.
Researchers found that daily intakes of vitamin D in the range of 4000-8000 IU/day are needed to maintain blood levels of vitamin D metabolites and reduce the risk of several diseases by half. The recommended minimum daily intake is only 600 IU/day.
Researchers have developed methods to store billions of positrons for hours or more and cool them to low temperatures to study their properties. The largest trap for low-energy positrons is being built, capable of storing trillions of antimatter particles.
A study published in Cell identified the motors driving non-infectious prion proteins up and down long neuronal transport pathways. The research sheds light on how these proteins interact with infectious forms to cause disease, potentially aiding therapies for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Research at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine identifies regulatory T cells as primary source of RANKL protein, accelerating breast cancer spread. Interfering with RANKL interaction with cancer cells may block tumor progression, offering potential target for drug therapy.
Researchers at UC San Diego discovered that Wnt proteins stimulate planar cell polarity signaling in growth cones, guiding nerves to their proper targets. This finding provides critical understanding of brain wiring mechanisms and may pave the way for nervous system repair and regeneration.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, develop novel method to detect long-distance chromosomal interactions and find association with CAD risk from altered inflammatory signaling response. The study identifies 33 regulatory elements in the 9p21 interval involved in cellular signaling and response to inflammation.
Researchers identify two distinct neuronal signaling pathways activated by Imiquimod, a topical cream that treats skin diseases while inducing severe itching as a side effect. The study may lead to designing future drugs that effectively treat targeted conditions while blocking problematic itching and scratching.
A recent study by researchers at the University of California - San Diego suggests that medication education is a key factor in helping patients with diabetes stick to their drug treatment plans. Counseling opportunities can be more effective if pharmacists understand individual patient motivations and provide tailored advice.
Scientists at UC San Diego have developed injectable fluorescent peptides that cause hard-to-see peripheral nerves to glow, alerting surgeons to their location. The discovery could revolutionize nerve preservation in surgery, especially in cases where nerves are damaged or distorted.
Researchers found that learning causes significant structural changes in affected neurons, including a 22% increase in dendritic spines connecting them to other motor neurons. This discovery suggests that the adult brain is highly changeable and adaptable as it learns new information.