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University of California - San Diego


Pluripotent and differentiated human cells reside in decidedly different epigenomic landscapes

Researchers discovered that human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and lineage-committed cells have drastically different epigenomic landscapes. The unique epigenome of each cell type directs the cell to interpret its genetic information differently in response to environmental factors, influencing their development and function.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMay 6, 2010

New solar concentrator design

Researchers at University of California, San Diego developed a new solar concentrator design that minimizes materials, alignment, and assembly costs. The innovative system collects sunlight with thousands of small lenses imprinted on a common sheet, reducing the need for individual photovoltaic cells.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalOptics Express·DateApr 21, 2010

Common test for detecting liver problems in children is often interpreted incorrectly

A study published in the Journal of Gastroenterology found that the current ALT threshold value for detecting liver disease in children is unknown, leading to incorrect interpretations. Researchers developed sex-specific thresholds using data from the National Health and Examination Survey, which improved detection rates by 70-80%.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateMar 31, 2010

'Pay it forward' pays off

Researchers from UC San Diego and Harvard found that cooperative behavior is contagious and spreads through a social network. When people benefit from kindness, they are more likely to help others, creating a cascade of cooperation.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2010

Video games may help combat depression in older adults

Researchers found that exergames significantly improved mood and mental health-related quality of life in older adults with subsyndromal depression. The study suggests encouraging results from using video games to improve symptoms, with over one-third of participants experiencing a 50-percent or greater reduction of depressive symptoms.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateFeb 25, 2010

Genes, environment, or chance?

A new study of nematode worms with identical genes and environments found that chance played a role in the development of their gut, defying traditional explanations. Researchers attribute variations among organisms to differences in genes or environment, but this study adds random variation to the mix.