Researchers used the Advanced Light Source to study graphene's properties and found that electrons strongly interact with each other. The discovery sheds light on graphene's potential applications in electronic devices.
A new analysis of raloxifene, a medication approved for osteoporosis prevention and treatment, found it reduces the risk of invasive, estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women by at least 50% for up to 8 years. The drug is also effective in reducing the risk of spine fractures.
A recent study by Moores UCSD Cancer Center researchers found that populations living near the equator have lower incidence rates of type 1 diabetes, suggesting a strong role for vitamin D in reducing disease risks. The study's findings support the concept of using vitamin D to prevent childhood type 1 diabetes.
Researchers found that sirolimus can help protect against rejection in non-compliant kidney transplant patients, potentially extending their organ's lifespan. The study used an assay to measure immune function at 'trough' levels of immunosuppressive drugs.
Glowing films developed by UC San Diego chemists can quickly reveal trace amounts of nitrogen-based explosives, providing evidence in crime-solving. The technology uses fluorescent polymers that emit blue light under UV light, detecting minute amounts of explosives.
Research found that quitting smoking is linked to a cultural shift, with groups of spouses, friends, siblings, and co-workers giving up the habit at the same time. Closer relationships have a greater impact on quitting, with education playing a role in influencing behavior.
A national study has found that the majority of kidney cancers are now diagnosed at an earlier stage, with a significant increase in stage I tumors and improved overall survival rates. The study attributes this trend to the increased use of medical imaging, which leads to the detection of smaller, non-symptomatic tumors.
Researchers discovered the Ashwell receptor's essential role in reducing coagulation abnormalities during infection and sepsis, significantly improving survival. The receptor triggers a protective response, limiting lethal side effects by removing pro-coagulation factors from circulation.
Researchers at the University of California - San Diego have found that parent cells involved in embryonic development can generate three important types of cells with potential for cardiac repair. The study suggests that restoring the ability of adult epicardial cells to generate cardiomyocytes may enhance their future potential for c...
Researchers at UC San Diego have created experimental solar cells with nanowires that show promise as efficient thin-film solar cells of the future. The new design increases electron transport and reduces recombination, leading to a significant boost in efficiency.
Bhaskar Rao's research on MIMO systems has enabled high-quality video transmission across wireless channels without increased power consumption or bandwidth usage. His work has also influenced new WiMax standards and is world-renowned in the field of signal processing.
Scientists create microscopic vehicles that can navigate the bloodstream, targeting tumors with high precision. The nanoworms, coated with a tumor-specific molecule, remain in circulation for hours, offering potential for more effective delivery of toxic anti-cancer drugs.
A new study confirms that oxygen-poor regions in tropical oceans are expanding, limiting habitats for predatory fishes and other marine organisms. The research team analyzed ocean oxygen measurements and found significant declines in tropical oceans between 300 to 700 meters depth over the past 50 years.
Researchers at UC San Diego report improved resuscitation with a radically different approach combining hypertonic saline with viscosity enhancers that thicken blood. Dramatic increases in healthy blood flow through tissues and organs were observed in hamsters with severe blood loss.
A single protein is essential to both innate immune response and hypoxic response, revealing a critical regulator of the hypoxic response. The study provides clues toward new treatment strategies to boost immune function in infected tissues.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have discovered a novel way to prevent cardiac fibrosis by targeting the Epac molecule. By increasing Epac expression, they were able to block the ability of agents to promote fibrosis in cardiac fibroblasts.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine found that low levels of adiponectin, a hormone produced by fat cells, are linked to elevated albumin protein in the urine and increased inflammation in the kidney. The study suggests that supplementing with adiponectin or other therapies may help protect kidney function in obese patients.
Researchers at UC San Diego have created the first 3D image of an antibody gene, shedding light on the human genome's three-dimensional structure. The study uses geometry to resolve the structure of a genetic locus, revealing 'flower-like' structures connected by linkers that generate diverse antibodies.
Biologists at UC San Diego have found that mouse skin responds to low oxygen levels by regulating EPO production, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell creation. This discovery could revolutionize treatment for anemia and improve endurance athlete performance.
Researchers have created a more efficient photon mapping approach to reduce computational cost in creating realistic smoky and foggy 3-D images. The new technique, presented at Eurographics 2008, has the potential to increase the reach of ray tracing algorithms into video games and consumer graphics.
A large randomized drug trial found statins significantly reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure, contributing to a reduced risk of stroke and cardiovascular events. The study involved 973 participants taking either simvastatin or pravastatin or a placebo for six months.
A new drug candidate, TG101348, has been developed to treat a rare class of blood diseases called myeloproliferative disorders (MPD). The drug, which targets the JAK2 protein that causes overproduction of red blood cells, shows promise in halting disease progression and reversing excessive production of red blood cells.
A new species of bacteria, Leptospira licerasiae, has been identified as a cause of severe leptospirosis in the Peruvian Amazon region. The pathogen was found to have novel biological features and is significantly different from other forms of the bacteria.
Researchers at UC San Diego have created a method to determine the structure of nonribosomal peptides in just one day, compared to six months or a year previously. This breakthrough may aid in the development of new drugs inspired by natural compounds with antibiotic and antiviral properties.
Researchers have shown that MRI can non-invasively characterize brain tumors and determine which are responsive to specific treatments based on their molecular properties. The study identified five distinct MRI features linked with particular gene expression patterns, including those associated with tumor proliferation and growth.
A chemical reaction in the atmosphere above major cities is a significant contributor to urban ozone and smog, according to UC San Diego chemists. This new mechanism involves reactions between water vapor and NO2, producing OH radicals that attack hydrocarbons and form nitrogen dioxide.
The UC-San Diego computer scientists have developed an algorithm to separate gloss from non-gloss in digital images, enabling the creation of photorealistic makeup portraits. Users can upload a portrait-style photograph and apply thousands of makeup products from various brands.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a sensor capable of detecting trace amounts of hydrogen peroxide in homemade explosives. The penny-sized electronic sensor is comparable to current instruments but cheaper and more portable.
A genetic circuit in HIV controls whether it turns on or stays dormant. Researchers have discovered how this circuit works and can be used to force the virus into dormancy. This finding has shown promise as an avenue for HIV therapy.
A UC San Diego researcher has identified a new enzyme target that can reduce the production of beta-amyloid peptides, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. By inhibiting this enzyme, the researchers observed improved memory and reduced levels of beta-amyloid protein in mice bred to exhibit Alzheimer's disease symptoms.
UC San Diego researchers have identified a novel protein called Atg30 that controls peroxisome degradation, a process linked to cell growth, aging, and homeostasis. The discovery allows scientists to control this aspect of cellular autophagy, potentially leading to new insights into aging, immunity, neurodegeneration, and cancer.
A new analysis by economists at the University of California, Berkeley and UC San Diego shows a significant increase in China's carbon dioxide emissions growth, far surpassing previous estimates. The study predicts an annual growth rate of at least 11 percent for China between 2004 and 2010.
A study by UCSD researchers reveals a link between chemical exposure and chronic, multi-symptom health problems in Persian Gulf War veterans. The study found that symptoms such as fatigue, muscle pain, and memory problems were more prevalent among veterans exposed to certain chemicals.
Researchers have demonstrated that immunization with a stabilized version of M protein found on Streptococcus bacteria can provide protection against Strep infections. The modified M1 protein stimulates the immune system in mice without serious side effects.
A team of UC San Diego computer scientists has developed a groundbreaking algorithm for 3D reconstruction from 2-D images, solving the long-standing problem of autocalibration. This technology has vast potential in various applications, including virtual product showcases and augmented-reality walkthroughs.
Biologists have elucidated a plant gene controlling atmospheric ozone entry, helping explain why CO2 levels may not increase photosynthesis. The discovery provides a new tool for geneticists to design plants with drought resistance by regulating stomatal pores.
A team of researchers used a supercomputer-powered virtual earthquake program to calculate realistic simulations of megathrust quakes on the Cascadia Subduction Zone. The simulation found that ground motion could be up to twice as large and duration shaking could last up to five minutes, posing major damage to metropolitan areas like S...
Researchers at UCSD developed a gene therapy protocol that successfully activated the immune system in six patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The protocol introduced a gene with potential to activate an immune response and resulted in the production of antibodies reacting against leukemia cells.
A collaborative team of researchers has identified somocystinamide A, a highly potent cancer-fighting compound isolated from cyanobacteria L. Majuscula, which inhibits neovascularization and tumor cell proliferation.
A new study by UCSD researchers found that autobiographical recollection was impaired for recent memories but fully intact for remote past memories in patients with medial temporal lobe damage. The Autobiographical Interview method elicited more detailed long-term memories than previous studies.
In a breakthrough study, targeting astrocytes in mice with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) doubles the lifespan of affected animals. This finding suggests that astrocytes, support cells essential for neuronal function, may be viable targets to slow disease progression and extend life expectancy.
Researchers developed MAPAS to predict protein contact surfaces, which can guide new treatments for devastating diseases. The tool uses supercomputers to analyze protein shapes and energy, revealing key details of membrane interactions.
The study mapped thousands of neuronal proteins to understand how they connect into complex signaling networks guiding neuron function. This research may lead to a better understanding of brain development, neurodegenerative diseases, and spinal cord regeneration.
Researchers discovered significant changes in brain activity with intensive cognitive-behavioral therapy, leading to improved symptoms and reduced anxiety. The study suggests that this type of therapy may be more effective than previously thought, with potential implications for treatment.
Researchers at UC-San Diego have developed a modified protein that can block excessive scar tissue growth in the liver, stopping its progression and even reversing some cell damage. The peptide has shown promising results in animal studies, opening new possibilities for treating conditions like cirrhosis of the liver.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have identified a unique plant gene that prevents fertilization when mutations are present in both the male and female reproductive cells. The discovery, known as 'abstinence by mutual consent,' reveals a previously unknown mechanism in plant reproduction.
Researchers found that Argentine ants' ability to switch from carnivorous to plant sap-loving creatures allowed them to rapidly spread throughout coastal California. The change in diet enabled the ants to thrive in irrigated residential communities where more plant material than insect protein is available.
A new genetic variation has been identified that affects a child's risk of developing Kawasaki disease, an illness characterized by acute inflammation of the arteries. The variation influences immune activation and response to standard treatment, with implications for alternative therapies.
UCSD undergraduates Jorge Ortiz, Robert Valtierra, and Breena Fraga were recognized for research excellence at the SACNAS national conference. The students presented their research findings in poster format and received awards, including engineering and chemistry recognition.
Researchers at UCSD developed a novel technique to predict drug side effects using computer modeling, identifying an unintended protein target for SERMs. The approach can be applied to any drug with existing receptor structure data in the PDB, potentially reducing adverse effects and improving therapeutics.