Researchers at UC San Diego have made a breakthrough discovery that can help predict where and how quickly initial fires spread in warehouses. The study focuses on corrugated cardboard, finding that it slows the rate of fire spread due to peeling layers, making it essential for designing warehouse protection systems.
A gene mutation linked to schizophrenia has been identified and shows potential for treating the brain disorder with existing compounds. The mutation impacts a neuropeptide receptor VIPR2, which plays a crucial role in brain development and behavior.
A multi-agency project investigates the effects of air pollution on California's precipitation, with research flights documenting cloud microphysics and aerosol impacts. The goal is to improve climate projections and planning for water and energy resources.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine identified defects in two signaling pathways, Wnt and PS-1, associated with Lesch-Nyhan Disease. These findings also suggest common mechanisms for cognitive and behavioral defects in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
Researchers found specific DNA regions, including those related to the Notch pathway, responsible for hypoxia resistance in flies. Gain-of-function mutations resulted in over-expression of the Notch domain and increased hypoxia tolerance.
Researchers found a significant rise in stroke diagnoses among HIV-infected patients between 1997 and 2006, with ischemic strokes being the primary cause. The study suggests that HAART therapy may be linked to an increased risk of stroke due to metabolic complications, highlighting the need for further research.
The University of California, San Diego's Trauma Epidemiology and Injury Prevention Research Center is expanding its older driver screening program to other counties, focusing on interventions for at-risk drivers. The program aims to identify and address medical conditions that may interfere with safe driving.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a more accurate solar map for California, suggesting that west-facing solar panels can increase energy production. By optimizing panel orientation, households and businesses can maximize their solar power output during peak demand hours.
Researchers have documented genetic abnormalities in human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, including duplications near pluripotency-associated genes and deletions involving tumor suppressor genes. Frequent genomic monitoring of these cell lines is necessary to ensure their stability and clinical safety.
Researchers at UC San Diego found that babies over a year old process words with adult-like brain structures and meanings, challenging previous theories on infant language development. The study used MEG and MRI to map brain activity in infants and confirmed the same left frontotemporal areas activated in adults for word meaning.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine present a new explanation for how fibrotic cells form in the human liver, upending long-held assumptions about EMT and FSP1. The study reveals endogenous stellate cells are the primary culprit in liver fibrosis, and FSP1 is an unreliable marker.
The innate immune system deploys two effective strategies to deal with invasive bacterial infections, including an emergency backup plan involving interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), which stimulates white blood cell production. However, this backup system can also lead to chronic inflammation and organ damage if not managed properly.
A US study suggests a link between sudden infant death syndrome and alcohol consumption by caretakers, particularly on New Year's Day. The research found that SIDS deaths rose by 33% on this day, with no similar spike observed during other holidays or weekends.
A new shellfish marker developed by University of California, San Diego researchers enables the detection of toxin-producing dinoflagellates in shellfish. The marker reveals fluorescent tags on dinoflagellates, indicating potential food poisoning risks, and can be used to develop early warning systems for aquaculturists.
A team of researchers from the University of California - San Diego discovered a molecule dubbed 'longdaysin' with the most potent effects on the biological clock, slowing it down by more than 10 hours in larval zebra fish. The compound could be used to treat severe sleep disorders or quickly reset jet-lagged travelers' clocks.
Researchers have identified a key inhibitory role for the IL-1 signaling pathway in the human innate immune system, revealing its impact on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and anti-inflammatory cytokine production. The study suggests that certain drugs used to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis may be harmful to IBD patients.
Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography have discovered a unique defense mechanism in the clusterwink snail, which uses its shell to scatter and spread bright green bioluminescent light. The study found that this diffused light may be used to create an illusion of a larger animal, deterring predators.
Researchers developed detailed models of brain energy metabolism to explain why some neurons die in Alzheimer's disease, while others remain unaffected. The models identified a key enzyme that allows GABAergic neurons to survive despite disrupted gene function.
Astronomers have made new discoveries about exploding stars, including pauses, flickers, and flares that were not previously observed. Using sensitive data from a satellite, they studied four novae and found three stalls before reaching peak brightness, with all experiencing flickering or flaring during the outburst.
Researchers discover JavaScript code accessing browser histories without user consent, highlighting potential for malicious activities such as phishing. Latest browsers have patched vulnerabilities, but users on outdated versions remain at risk.
Researchers used differential epistasis maps to study how genes interact in response to stress by DNA-damaging agents. The genetic network was found to completely reprogram itself, revealing functional relationships that would go undetected using other approaches.
Researchers found that anti-retroviral therapy improves household investments, education, and nutrition, while a prevention strategy focusing on girls reduces HIV prevalence and genital herpes. The 'Lazarus effect' suggests long-term treatment yields significant economic dividends and positive behavioral changes.
Researchers have described the first functioning 'lipidome' of a mouse macrophage, a white blood cell, providing new insights into how lipids interact and change over time in response to bacterial stimuli. The study sheds light on the crucial role of lipid molecules in inflammation and disease.
Exposure to arsenic in rural Bangladesh is poisonous to the nation's economy, reducing labor supply by 8 percent. The study also shows that women are working fewer hours outside the home while men are working more to compensate for the lack of healthcare access.
Researchers have identified fragile regions in mammalian genomes that are prone to genome rearrangements, disrupting genes and altering gene regulation. The new Turnover Fragile Breakage Model suggests these regions undergo a 'birth and death' process over evolutionary timescales.
Electrical engineers created a miniaturized short pulse generator that eliminates a roadblock for optical interconnects. The pulse compressor enables higher data rates and generates less heat than copper wires, critical for future computer networks.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego discover that statins activate white blood cells' ability to kill bacteria. Statins stimulate phagocytes to release extracellular traps that ensnare and kill bacteria before they spread in the body.
UC San Diego undergraduate bioengineers develop a new microenvironment that provides all three types of cues necessary for stem cell growth and differentiation. The system uses a gelatin-like hydrogel bathed in an electrolyte solution, mimicking the natural environment to steer stem cells towards specific cell types.
Researchers are developing a manufacturing platform to produce biodegradable frames that mimic nature's fine-grained details, including vasculature. The goal is to grow replacement cardiac tissues for people who have suffered a heart attack, and create better systems for growing and studying cells in the laboratory.
Researchers discovered that connections in the spinal cord regrew spontaneously and extensively after a mild spinal cord injury in primates, restoring 60% of original connections. This finding holds significant promise for developing new treatments for patients with spinal cord injuries.
Researchers at UCSD School of Medicine created functional neurons from patients with Rett syndrome, providing a new human cellular model for studying autism spectrum disorder. The neurons featured fewer synapses, reduced spine density, and altered calcium signaling, suggesting that synaptic deficiencies may not be permanent.
Researchers discover that amyloid beta disrupts an anti-oxidant protein called catalase, causing neural damage. A new coating molecule protects catalase from amyloid's harmful effects, restoring its function and potentially treating Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers linked hundreds of approved drugs to M. tuberculosis proteins, identifying new anti-tuberculosis targets and repurposing potential. The study provides a promising computational strategy for novel drug discovery.
A new mouse model created by Japanese scientists confirms the link between mutated beta-synuclein protein and neurodegeneration in diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The discovery establishes B-synuclein as a potential target for developing new therapies.
Researchers discovered that FoxO1, a multi-tasking protein, promotes an inflammatory response in macrophages, leading to insulin resistance and diabetes. Conversely, it generates a negative feedback loop to limit damage from excessive inflammation.
The National Resource for Network Biology (NRNB) center will provide researchers with access to advanced tools to study human systems and diseases. The center aims to develop sophisticated models of how human systems function or fail, ultimately leading to new treatments and therapies.
A new study from the University of California, San Diego, and Harvard University suggests that a specific variant of the DRD4 gene may contribute to liberal political views. Researchers found that individuals with this genetic variant were more likely to be liberal if they had an active social life in adolescence.
Researchers at UC San Diego are developing a national center for biomedical computing, iDASH, to share anonymized data and create novel algorithms. The grant aims to democratize science and bridge the computational divide between institutions.
Researchers found that BAFF interacts with c-MYC gene, promoting aggressive leukemias and lymphomas. High levels of BAFF in CLL microenvironment may lead to improved treatment options by blocking its effects or inhibiting signaling pathways.
A study by Kerri N. Boutelle found that parent-only groups are a viable method for childhood obesity treatment, achieving similar results in child weight loss and other outcomes. The approach is more cost-effective and potentially easier for families, with further research planned.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine propose a new theory that links depression to chronic brain inflammation. According to this theory, depression is an adaptive response to stress and trauma, which can lead to neural remodeling and malfunctions.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine questions the foundation of placebo-controlled trials, citing a lack of standardization and regulation for placebo ingredients. The researchers found that only 10% of cases disclose the makeup of placebos, leading to potential biases in study results.
A national research team led by UC San Diego scientists created the first lipidome of human plasma, discovering hundreds more fats than previously known. The findings reveal lipids' diverse roles beyond energy storage and cell membrane building, including signaling molecules that may play a role in diseases like diabetes and cancer.
Ming T. Tsuang has been awarded the Lieber Prize for his groundbreaking research on schizophrenia, including identifying underlying causes of mental illnesses. His work aims to learn how to stop psychiatric disorders before they start.
Neil Chi, a UCSD cardiologist, has been awarded a $2.3 million NIH New Innovator Award to investigate the remarkable ability of zebrafish to regenerate their hearts. His goal is to develop regenerative therapy for humans using this process.
The partnership aims to double the number of physicians graduating from Mozambique medical schools in the next decade and improve surgical care in rural areas. The UCSD component will focus on training additional faculty and building surgical research capacity within UEM.
The Center for Aerosol Impacts on Climate and the Environment (CAICE) will use a wave tank simulator to study aerosol particles' impact on climate. Researchers will add various atmosphere-changing ingredients to measure effects of different variables, aiming to improve representation of aerosol mechanisms in global climate models.
A research team led by Kang Zhang aims to use chemicals to reprogram Muller cells into photoreceptors in the eye, potentially leading to new cell-based therapy and small molecule drugs for regenerative medicine. The goal is to restore visual function lost due to diseases such as macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa.
Researchers found that sleeping between 5-6.5 hours per night is associated with excellent survival among women, contradicting previous studies that suggested 6.5-7.5 hours. Obstructive sleep apnea did not predict increased mortality risk in older women.
Seth Field, a UC San Diego researcher, has been awarded $3.86 million to study GOLPH3's role in breast cancer. His project aims to understand the mechanism by which GOLPH3 contributes to cancer and develop new therapy targets.