A recent study found that testing for lipoprotein(a), a genetic risk factor for heart disease, is still uncommon in the US despite modest increases over the past decade. The study analyzed 300 million patient records and found that only 0.2% of the population has been tested, with significant regional and racial disparities
Researchers at UC San Diego have created a new genetic editing approach that uses small nuclear RNA base editing, which can modify the genetic code with greater precision and safety than CRISPR. This method has the potential to treat various diseases, including neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and immune disorders.
UC San Diego Health has been ranked as a top performer in the Vizient Quality Leadership Ranking, demonstrating excellence in patient-centeredness and quality of care. The recognition reflects the institution's dedication to delivering safe, effective, and compassionate care.
A recent study found that cybersecurity training programs do little to prevent employees from falling for phishing scams. Researchers sent 10 different phishing email campaigns to over 19,500 employees at UC San Diego Health and found that embedded phishing training only reduced the likelihood of clicking on a phishing link by 2%. As t...
A newly-formed group of scientists will examine ecological disruption and potential extinction of essential microbes for planetary and human health. The commission aims to map conservation priorities and develop tools to protect critical microbes from extinction.
UC San Diego researchers Guru K. Jayasingh and Nigel Goldenfeld have predicted that a pipe's curvature can lead to a discontinuous turbulent transition beyond a critical flow velocity. This phenomenon is mathematically equivalent to the freezing of water, leveraging tricritical directed percolation theory.
Researchers found no indication of reduced driving ability in frequent cannabis users who had abstained for at least two days. The study's findings suggest that relying on blood THC concentrations to assess impairment is not justified for regular cannabis users.
The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is now assigning a dedicated diagnostic code to Gulf War illness, recognizing the condition's chronic nature and physical symptoms. This development aims to improve diagnosis, treatment, and research for veterans affected by the Gulf War.
Researchers found that caustic alkaline waste in corroded metal barrels off Los Angeles created extreme environments mirroring natural hydrothermal vents. The discovery suggests the waste has persisted for over half a century, joining DDT as a persistent pollutant with long-term environmental impacts.
A new blood-based biomarker study identifies a link between self-reported cognitive decline and blood-based biomarkers, paving the way for a simple blood test to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The approach could be faster, less-invasive, and more affordable than existing screening tools.
A new hydrogel has been developed to combat vaginal changes caused by menopause, offering a hormone-free alternative for treatment. The study found that the hydrogel improved vaginal tissue thickness and reduced inflammation, providing potential relief from symptoms such as dryness and pain.
UC San Diego researchers have discovered that spaceflight accelerates the aging of human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, leading to increased DNA damage and telomere shortening. The study's findings offer insights into aging and disease risks during long-duration space travel and suggest potential rejuvenation strategies.
A study by University of California San Diego researchers found that delta-8 THC use is most common in states where marijuana is illegal, with 10.9% of adults reporting lifetime use. The study suggests that gaps in cannabis policy may be steering people towards less-regulated substances.
Research from UC San Diego's Rady School of Management shows men view sponsorship as a career advancement tool, while women focus on their protégés' success. This approach raises important questions about which method is more effective and how to balance individual goals with protégé needs.
The procedure uses a combination of advanced imaging, artificial intelligence, and 3D printing to create a customized implant tailored to each patient's unique anatomy. This technology allows for more precise spinal alignment, reduced surgical complications, and faster recovery times.
A new study reveals that the Tijuana River releases large quantities of toxic gases, including hydrogen sulfide, contributing to poor air quality across the region. The polluted river's poor water quality mirrors the symptoms reported by residents of South Bay communities, highlighting the need for improved environmental protection.
Researchers at UC San Diego and NIDA developed a new biochemical approach to combat addiction by custom engineering ion channels to be activated by cocaine, breaking the positive feedback loop. This approach could lead to gene therapies for cocaine addiction that preserve enjoyment of regular activities.
A new investigational drug, ION224, shows promise in treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a serious form of fatty liver disease. By targeting the DGAT2 enzyme, the drug helps reduce fat buildup and inflammation, two major drivers of liver damage.
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine found that chronic alcohol use impairs gut bacterial regulation. This allows bacteria to migrate to the liver, worsening ALD. Targeting this mechanism with existing drugs may provide a new approach to minimizing liver damage from alcohol use.
Disordered energy hinders polariton formation and energy transfer in light-matter interactions. Researchers develop a strategy to overcome this limitation, retaining coherent delocalization for potential applications in energy technology and photonic engineering.
A study by UC San Diego researchers reveals that paying enforcers to punish makes people less likely to cooperate with others, leading to social norms breaking down. Cooperation declined after punishment was introduced, even when punishment targeted selfish behavior.
Researchers have developed a novel method to stimulate and mature human brain organoids using graphene, accelerating disease research and enabling brain-machine interfaces. The approach allows for safe, non-genetic, biocompatible stimulation of neural activity over days to weeks.
Dr. Catheryn Yashar, a renowned radiation oncologist, has been appointed president-elect of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). She will champion innovative radiation therapies and advance health policy reform to improve cancer care outcomes.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed a computational method to determine omega positions of lipids in complex biological samples. This breakthrough makes omega position information accessible even for lipids in low concentrations, significantly advancing lipid research.
A recent study found that school-based online surveillance companies are extensively monitoring students' digital behavior beyond school hours, often using AI with little human oversight. The research team identified 14 companies marketing such services, citing concerns about privacy, equity, and oversight.
The University of California, San Diego's Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute has received a seven-year, $80 million grant to accelerate progress in human health. The award supports workforce development programs, including mentorship opportunities for early-career scientists.
Researchers at University of California San Diego have identified a microbial DNA signature in blood plasma that reliably differentiates primary liver cancer from metastatic colorectal cancer. The finding has potential clinical applications, including early cancer detection and monitoring of high-risk patients.
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine have identified a specific genetic region called HAR123 that promotes human-specific cognitive flexibility, unlearning and replacing knowledge. The study offers a molecular explanation for radical changes in the human brain over evolution.
A study by researchers at UC San Diego and University of Chicago found that most visual artists lack the technical know-how to block AI crawlers, despite wanting to protect their creative work. The team developed a tool called Glaze, but more effective solutions are needed to prevent AI data harvesting.
A new study from University of California San Diego found that frequent standing breaks can lower diastolic blood pressure in postmenopausal women. Women who increased daily sit-to-stand movements saw measurable improvements in blood pressure, with an average decrease of 2.24 mmHg within three months.
Researchers developed a simple algorithm to analyze scanning electron microscopy images and predict lithium metal battery performance. The method measures lithium uniformity, finding that increasing ID values indicate degradation and earlier cell failure.
A new therapy, regulation of cues combined with behavioral weight loss (ROC+BWL), was found to be more effective than standard cognitive behavioral therapy in reducing binge eating among veterans. The benefits were sustained even six months after treatment ended.
A new AI tool can learn to read medical images with far less data, cutting down the amount of required data by up to 20 times. The tool improves upon medical image segmentation, a labor-intensive task often performed by experts, and boosts model performance in settings with limited annotated data.
Researchers found that hot days increase emergency department visits and hospitalizations, while cold days are associated with fewer deaths, particularly among older adults. The study suggests that health policy needs to account for temperature-related impacts across different age groups.
A recent study by researchers at University of California San Diego School found that individuals with cannabis use disorder are more than three times more likely to develop oral cancer within five years. The study highlights the potential long-term health risks associated with problematic cannabis use and emphasizes the need for furth...
The 250,000-square-foot facility provides greater availability to high-quality integrated care, addressing the region's increasing demand for innovative diagnostic and treatment services. The pavilion brings together a broad range of nationally ranked clinical programs, including cancer clinics, neurology, and surgery.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine have developed a novel approach to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy treatments for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Delivering radiation therapy that preserves tumor-draining lymph nodes followed by immunotherapy resulted in a complete and durable tumor response in...
A global study estimates scuba diving's worldwide economic impact, revealing it supports up to 124,000 jobs and contributes $8.5-$20.4 billion annually. The research highlights the economic benefits of dive tourism in supporting ocean conservation and local communities.
A plant virus, cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV), has shown promise as a low-cost and potent cancer immunotherapy. CPMV stimulates type I, II, and III interferons, which have well-known anti-cancer properties, and activates toll-like receptor 7 to prime antiviral and anti-tumor immune responses.
A recent clinical trial found MyMenoplan.org effective in increasing treatment intentions and menopause knowledge among users. The website offers personalized information and decision-making tools, guiding women through symptom discussions and outlining treatment options.
Researchers developed a CRISPR-based gene-editing system that changes a single molecule within mosquitoes, halting malaria-parasite transmission. The new system is designed to genetically spread the malaria resistance trait until entire populations of the insects no longer transfer the disease-causing parasites.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine have discovered a link between stress and inflammation and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a type of aggressive and lethal cancer. The findings could lead to the detection of PDAC before it becomes life-threatening, enabling early screening tools for precision medicine.
A new study warns of the dangers of human interactions with wildlife, particularly feeding wild animals, which can lead to habituation and dangerous encounters. The research found that provisioning food to wild animals can cause them to become bolder and more prone to causing problems.
Scientists from UC San Diego develop an artificial cell membrane that can remodel itself through metabolic activity, shedding light on how life may have emerged on prebiotic Earth. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in drug delivery, biomanufacturing and environmental remediation.
A new tool allows researchers to probe the metabolic processes of key citrus crop, clementine, to improve yields, flavor, and nutritional value. The comprehensive genome-scale model captures Citrus clementina's metabolism with exceptional accuracy, enabling simulating economically-relevant scenarios.
A team of researchers has proposed that massive star collapse can create a 'neutrino collider,' leading to dramatic changes in supernova outcomes. This process could produce a neutron core or even a black hole remnant, depending on the presence of secret neutrino interactions.
The wristband sensor continuously monitors glucose, lactate, and alcohol levels in real-time, while also tracking blood pressure, heart rate, and arterial stiffness. This wearable device provides a comprehensive physiological snapshot, enabling early action to reduce diabetes risk.
A new study finds that US universities rely heavily on international students to offset the country's trade deficit, but new tariff and visa policies may reverse this trend. The researchers estimate that a 25% drop in Chinese students from 2017-18 to 2018-19 resulted in $1.1 billion in revenue loss for US universities.
New humanoid surgical robots offer a solution to the growing healthcare labor shortage, allowing for more efficient surgeries and reduced burnout among doctors. By taking on routine tasks, these robots can free up surgeons to focus on more complex procedures.
A landmark survey of over 5,000 Californians reveals significant gaps in knowledge about cannabis use and its impacts. The study found that many users seek symptom relief, while few consult their doctors for advice on safe use practices.