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.
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.