The addition of immunotherapy to standard therapy increases the percentage of children with high-risk neuroblastoma who are alive and free of disease progression after two years. The new regimen, which targets a substance on tumor cells called GD2, presents a clear paradigm shift in treating this cancer.
A 40-year-long tobacco control program in California has led to significant reductions in smoking rates, resulting in lower lung cancer mortality. The study credits the state's aggressive tax on cigarettes and comprehensive tobacco control efforts.
UC San Diego researcher Maike Sander leads a team in developing replacement insulin-producing beta cells from patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells. The goal is to create a cell-based approach for treating type 1 diabetes, providing patients with insulin independence and reduced risk of hypoglycemia.
A new material, a potential ingredient for microbicides, dramatically lowers HIV infection rates by targeting the mediator between the virus and cells. The coating molecule blocks SEVI's interactions with both the virus and immune cells, preventing at least one way for HIV to attach.
A team of researchers at UC San Diego will study the impact of low oxygen levels on cells and tissue in the heart, lung, and brain. The study aims to understand molecular mechanisms that contribute to low oxygen tolerance or susceptibility in diseases such as stroke and pulmonary hypertension.
A cross-sectional study found that children exposed to a particular strain of adenovirus were significantly more likely to be obese. The researchers detected neutralizing antibodies specific to AD36 in 15% of the children, with those who tested positive weighing an average of 50 pounds more than their non-positive counterparts.
Trius will use its proprietary Focused Antisense Screening Technology (FAST) to identify antibacterial compounds from marine natural product libraries discovered by Scripps researchers. The goal is to develop novel antibiotics directed against microorganisms causing serious infections.
A new material can mark early-stage tumors using ultrasound imaging, potentially reducing the need for second surgeries and making operations more comfortable for patients. The durable material is made of porous glass spheres filled with a gas that helps it last longer.
Scientists have found a key protein regulating biological clocks also regulates glucose production in the liver, improving diabetic mice health. Altering this protein can open new treatments for obesity and type 2 diabetes.
The US Department of Energy has awarded a $1.05 million grant to the University of California - San Diego and San Diego State University to develop and execute commercialization plans for promising renewable energy technologies. The program aims to enhance university-based innovation ecosystems in the region.
Economists Krislert Samphantharak and Robert M. Townsend introduce a framework that enables researchers to create detailed accounts for households based on corporate financial accounting principles. This approach allows for more accurate data collection and comparisons across households and regions.
Researchers used the friendship paradox to study the 2009 flu epidemic among 744 students, finding that friends of central members were more likely to get sick earlier. This method can predict epidemics before they spread widely, allowing for an earlier and more effective response.
Researchers at UC San Diego identified misfolding of neuroligin-3 due to gene mutations, leading to trafficking deficiencies and abnormal neuron communications. The findings advance understanding of autism causes and may offer new drug therapies.
The San Diego Supercomputer Center and CAIDA have created a geometric map of the Internet using hyperbolic geometry, leading to more efficient routing architecture. The new approach simplifies path-finding throughout the network, increasing speed, accuracy, and resistance to damage.
Researchers have synthesized hundreds of new compounds that can specifically reduce A-beta 42 levels in the brain, a primary component of Alzheimer's disease. The compounds, called gamma-secretase modulators, were tested in mouse models and showed promising results, reducing neuritic plaques and A-beta 42 levels.
A team led by UC San Diego aims to study the genetic bases of bipolar disorder and lithium treatment through a 5-year project, expanding the NIH's Pharmacogenomics Research Network. The goal is to identify key genetic markers to personalize treatment and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers have discovered that the harmful amyloid protein in Alzheimer's disease interferes with the cellular process of breaking down proteins, leading to an accumulation of toxic debris. The study reveals a natural mechanism for getting rid of excess amyloid, which may help understand the disease.
Researchers have identified dendritic cells in zebrafish, opening up new possibilities for studying the complexities of the human immune system. The discovery provides another model for investigating the mammalian immune system, particularly with regard to humans.
A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that toddlers with autism spend more time examining dynamic geometric patterns than social images. This preference was observed as early as 14 months in infants at-risk for autism, and was associated with a higher risk of developing an autism spectrum disorder.
Researchers used imaging mass spectrometry to map signaling molecules between organisms, discovering metabolites involved in bacterial cannibalism. SDP and SKF were found to be essential for identifying and killing genetically identical cells.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine identified a molecular mechanism making omega-3 fatty acids effective against chronic inflammation and insulin resistance in diabetes. Omega-3 fatty acids activate GPR120 receptor on macrophages, resulting in anti-inflammatory effects and improved insulin sensitivity.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed a new chip prototype called GreenDroid, which uses dark silicon to improve performance through specialized processors. The prototype delivers improved efficiency by running heavily used code in Google's Android platform, resulting in up to 7.5 times increased efficiency compared to aggressive mobil...
A team of researchers has developed a simulation to better understand the impact of sound on marine mammals like whales and dolphins. The simulation uses advanced computing and X-ray CT scanners to create a 3D virtual environment, allowing scientists to study the effects of sound on these organisms.
Researchers at UC San Diego and NEI Corporation are designing new types of lithium-ion batteries with exceptional energy density, potentially used in NASA space exploration projects and consumer applications. The goal is to create commercially useable cathode materials with high capacity and structural stability.
A team of UC San Diego researchers has created a novel map of lipid locations in a single cell, providing insights into how lipids influence disease processes. The study identified over 220 individual molecular lipid species and found that numerous lipids change in abundance once a macrophage becomes active.
A study of egg cell division has revealed an 'inside out' mechanism for chromosome separation, which could help explain reproductive problems like Down syndrome and infertility. The researchers used time-lapse microscopy to observe egg cell meiosis with high precision, discovering that chromosomes move apart by being pushed in the middle.
A team of experts is proposing a new approach to deal with the variability in behavior of nano-scale computer components by re-thinking and enhancing the role that software can play. The National Science Foundation has awarded a $10 million grant to explore 'Variability-Aware Software for Efficient Computing with Nanoscale Devices.'
Researchers have identified a new cellular communication mechanism in glioblastoma cells, which could be targeted to slow tumor growth. If blocked, this pathway may significantly reduce GBM malignancy.
A new study found that rising temperatures in Asia will slow rice production, with daily minimum temperature increases cutting yield growth rate by 10-20 percent in several locations. This could lead to food insecurity and poverty for the over three billion people who rely on rice as their staple food.
Researchers developed a proof-of-concept system that removes pedestrians from urban scenes in Google Street View, exploring how computer vision can preserve privacy in public environments. The system replaces pedestrians with an approximation of the actual background behind each pedestrian.
Babenko's fellowship will allow him to attend the European Conference on Computer Vision and work on weakly supervised learning systems for object detection and recognition. His research focuses on tackling computer vision problems with less precise labels, enabling more efficient data collection.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine identify microRNA miR-132 as the 'gas pedal' controlling uncontrolled blood vessel growth. They develop an anti-miR therapy to restore functionality to the 'brake,' halting disease progression in mouse models of cancer and retinal disorders.
A US-Mexico border program using a 35-minute behavioral intervention significantly reduced the incidence of HIV and STIs among female sex workers. The program, called Mujer Segura or Healthy Woman, was found to be cost-effective, with an estimated expense per intervention of less than $200.
A bioengineered implantable glucose sensor successfully monitored tissue glucose levels in animals for over a year, demonstrating its potential as an alternative to traditional glucose monitoring methods. The device could help people with diabetes adjust their insulin doses and reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.
Electrical activity in developing brain cells influences the choice of neurotransmitter, altering behavior. Researchers found that tweaking genetic signals can change an animal's behavior by changing the transmitters neurons make and use.
Researchers discovered a non-human sialic acid sugar in biotech drugs that can provoke a strong immune response in some individuals, worsening chronic inflammation. A simple modification to the drug-making process could solve this problem by adding human sialic acid.
NOAA has selected Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, to lead a new research partnership, CIMEC, to study climate change and coastal ecosystems. The institute will focus on ecosystem-based management of fisheries and continue the longstanding work of JIMO in climate and ocean sciences.
Researchers at Monash University and Scripps Institution of Oceanography developed a new mathematical scaling theory to explain the global motions of tectonic plates. The theory demonstrates that the velocities of plates and boundaries depend on subduction zone size and presence of subduction zone edges.
Researchers discovered the SRD5A3 gene mutation responsible for congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG), which affects eye and brain development in infants. A daily dietary supplement containing dolichol, a lipid carrier, may treat the condition, which has no current treatment.
A new study by Scripps Institution of Oceanography reveals that floating glaciers produce larger icebergs than grounded cousins and behave erratically. This is the first detailed observation of a glacier transitioning from grounded to floating.
The University of California, San Diego will lead a seven-year, $9.2 million NIH grant-funded effort to study and understand the complete disease cycle of malaria in the Amazon basin. The goal is to comprehensively address the ongoing public health problem of malaria, which affects over 3 billion people worldwide.
Researchers at UC San Diego identify new signaling pathway critical for embryonic stem cells' self-propagation, finding that inhibiting this pathway reduces teratoma formation. This breakthrough enables a potential solution to the major obstacle in developing human embryonic stem cell therapies.
A landmark study in the US has compared natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) to traditional laparoscopic surgery for gallbladder removal. The trial aims to assess safety, efficacy, pain levels, and cosmetic outcomes of NOTES, which may reduce post-operative infection, hernia, scarring, and pain.
Researchers at UC San Diego discovered that the brains of humans and chickens share comparable regions for analyzing auditory inputs. The study found laminated layers of cells linked by narrow columns in both species, indicating that complex cognitive functions may have evolved from ancient vertebrates.
A study by researchers at the University of California, San Diego found that older adults spent three times more time watching TV than younger adults, yet reported lower levels of positive emotion during TV viewing. This suggests a need to increase awareness of alternative activities and reduce barriers to social engagement.
A study published in Neuron reveals that the loss of Nna proteins causes mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to severe cell death in mice and fly models. Researchers believe this discovery could provide insights into human neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease.
A new software called SleepServer created by UC San Diego computer scientists reduces energy consumption on enterprise PCs by an average of 60 percent. The software maintains connectivity and responds to applications even when the PCs are in low-power sleep mode, enabling them to work while they sleep.
A four-year clinical trial will investigate the effects of weight loss and increased physical activity on quality of life and co-existing medical conditions in overweight breast cancer survivors. The study aims to reduce breast cancer recurrence risk and improve psychosocial problems.
Researchers found that adding nucleic acid testing to HIV screening can detect the presence of HIV earlier, increasing detection yield by 23%. A large majority of study participants received negative test results via automated phone or internet systems. The findings suggest that such programs can help control the HIV epidemic.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine found that removing three key inhibitory molecules from myelin did not significantly improve axon regeneration in damaged spinal cords. The study suggests that successful regeneration will require a combination of many approaches and techniques.