A research team led by UCSD scientists has discovered how genetic mutations affect the structure of proteins implicated in autism spectrum disorders, contributing to developmental abnormalities. This study represents a solid starting point for understanding the disorder and developing new drug therapies.
A new UCSD study found that eating at least five servings of vegetables and fruits a day and walking briskly for 30 minutes, six days a week, can reduce breast cancer mortality by 50%. The study also showed that this combined lifestyle pattern is effective for both obese and non-obese women.
A new study by the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine has linked low testosterone levels to an increased risk of death in older men. The research followed nearly 800 men aged 50-91 for an average of 18 years and found that those with low testosterone had a 33% greater risk of death.
Women with early-stage breast cancer who reported hot flashes while on tamoxifen therapy had a lower risk of recurrent breast cancer than those without hot flashes. Hot flashes were a stronger predictor of outcome than age or hormone receptor status.
Researchers used laser tweezers to measure the forces exerted by a virus's motor as it pushes DNA into its capsid. The study found that positively charged ions play a critical role in overcoming electrostatic repulsion, allowing the virus to inject genetic material into bacterial cells.
A study warns that climate change and deforestation will lead to significant declines in global bird diversity over the next century. According to the research, even under optimistic scenarios, at least 400 bird species are projected to become imperiled by 2050 due to reductions in their geographic ranges.
Scientists have observed paxillin moving from cell surface hubs to the nucleus, highlighting its role in signaling and controlled cell growth. This discovery sheds light on paxillin's interactions with other proteins and its potential involvement in diseases such as cancer.
Researchers at UC San Diego report that grafting human spinal stem cells into paralyzed rats restored ambulatory function within six weeks. The study demonstrates the potential of stem cell therapy to reconstruct neural circuitry and treat debilitating muscle spasticity.
Yersinia pathogen uses effector protein YpkA to target Gaq, a messenger protein that transmits alarm signals into the host cell. This study identifies a novel molecular target for preventing disease and fighting antibiotic-resistant strains.
A nationwide study compared two surgical procedures for urinary stress incontinence, finding the fascial sling procedure significantly more effective than the Burch colposuspension technique. The SISTEr trial involved 655 women and found overall success rates of 47% for the sling procedure versus 38% for the Burch procedure.
A research team led by UC San Diego radiologist Michael Kuo has developed tools that can translate CT images of cancer tumors into molecular details, revealing a strong connection between imaging features and genetic activity patterns. The study found consistent associations between 75% of genes in liver tumors and imaging traits.
Researchers at UC San Diego are studying spiral-shaped carbon nanotubes for new switching and memory storage devices. These nanotubes may outperform conventional silicon technologies in terms of power consumption, radiation hardness, and heat dissipation.
The William J. von Liebig Center for Entrepreneurism and Technology Advancement has awarded $430,000 to nine research projects with potential for commercialization. These projects include thermoelectric devices, reconfigurable dynamic robots, protease detection systems, and online photo enhancement technology.
A recent study conducted by University of California - San Diego researchers found that using a Taser on healthy individuals does not cause lasting harm. The study monitored the physiological effects of a single Taser activation in human subjects and discovered no clinically significant or lasting changes.
Dayeh's work resolves debate on III-V compound semiconducting nanowire growth mechanism, opens door to wider tuning range of temperature and precursor flow rates. His research also reveals unique electronic properties in InAs nanowires grown at different temperatures and orientations.
Researchers have developed a method to analyze the entire network of signaling proteins controlling cell movement. The study provides the first comprehensive profile of these proteins, shedding light on the inner workings of the 'steering wheel' that drives cells forward.
Researchers at UCSD School of Medicine targeted heparan sulfate in tumor blood vessels to inhibit angiogenesis and tumor growth. Modifying the action of this sugar uniquely impacted the tumor vasculature, altering its growth rate in lung carcinoma cells in mice.
Children with a family history of autism exhibit impaired social referencing, seeking emotional cues less frequently and failing to respond consistently to adult reactions. Brain activity measurements also show differences in neural response to emotionally tagged objects.
A comprehensive global survey reveals that island populations have significantly higher densities of lizards and other animals compared to mainland ecosystems. This study highlights the increased vulnerability of island species to biological invasions, sea level rise, and storm activity due to climate change.
Researchers at UC-San Diego have discovered that nanowire photodetectors can achieve single-photon sensitivity, making them highly sensitive to light detection. The unique geometry of nanowires traps holes, increasing the time electrons travel down the wire and triggering an increase in current.
A team of scientists has conducted molecular simulations to understand the cellulose enzyme complex's role in breaking down tightly bound cellulose into sugars. By discovering key steps in this process, researchers can develop protein engineering strategies to speed up the reaction and produce ethanol more efficiently.
Researchers discovered that damaged motor neurons in ALS send incorrect signals, triggering an immune cell response that accelerates their own death. This finding offers a new approach for therapies targeting the motor neurons themselves.
Chemists at UCSD develop a device that captures sunlight, converts it to electrical energy, and splits carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide and oxygen. This process has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, produce industrial chemicals, and save fuel.
A new study published in Nature found that participants in a game were willing to reduce their own earnings to increase another player's income, demonstrating a preference for economic equality. The results suggest that egalitarian motives underlie human cooperation and reciprocity.
Engineers at UC San Diego's Jacobs School of Engineering used a virtual building to test the impact of the 1994 Northridge earthquake on a 275-ton structure. The virtual model allowed researchers to visualize data from over 600 sensors, gaining new insights into structure performance and enabling 'what if' simulations.
Researchers at UCSD School of Medicine have identified two variants of the natural tumor suppressor enzyme PHLPP, which control three different disease pathways. The findings suggest that therapies targeting PHLPP1 could improve insulin regulation in diabetes, while therapies targeting PHLPP2 could enhance cell survival in heart and ne...
A new study from UCSD reveals that California's tobacco control program has led to a significant increase in smoking cessation rates, especially among young adults. Cessation rates have risen by 50% among those aged 20-34, while daily cigarette consumption has declined, particularly among older smokers.
The UCSD system uses a clever image indexing technique that allows it to cover larger collections of images at a lower computational cost. It outperforms existing approaches in terms of annotation and retrieval accuracy, as well as efficiency.
Researchers at UCSD School of Medicine discovered a cellular receptor involved in triggering cell death is also necessary for tissue repair and regeneration after liver injury. p75 neurotrophin receptor promotes the initial activation of hepatic stellate cells to stimulate new hepatic cell proliferation.
Researchers at UC San Diego discovered that iron oxide nanoparticles can be toxic to nerve cells and interfere with their signal-transmitting extensions. The nanoparticles were initially investigated as a possible way to manipulate nerve cells remotely with magnetic force.
Researchers at UC San Diego and University of Hawaii will analyze avian flu genomes using bioinformatics software and a computational grid. The project aims to combat emerging bird flu pandemic threats using reverse genetics techniques and promotes global cooperation in case of a flu pandemic.
A team of geoscientists has discovered physical evidence of ancient plate tectonics in southern Greenland, dating back to 3.8 billion years ago. The finding suggests that seafloor spreading and oceanic crust formation occurred as far back as the early history of Earth.
Researchers used massive computer-simulation power to model protein aggregation and its role in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. They found that beta-synuclein blocks harmful structures caused by alpha-synuclein, offering a potential treatment for debilitating diseases.
The San Diego Consortium for Regenerative Medicine has received six grants totaling $16.479588 to conduct life-saving human embryonic stem cell research, including work on brain repair and spinal injuries. The consortium aims to develop cures and therapies for devastating diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
A fibrous protein called fibrinogen promotes multiple sclerosis (MS) when it leaks into the brain, triggering inflammation. Researchers at UCSD have identified a specific receptor that binds to fibrinogen and inhibit this inflammation process.
Research at UCSD School of Medicine suggests inflammation associated with tumor growth plays a key role in prostate cancer metastasis. A signaling pathway triggered by RANK ligand increases metastases in mouse models.
A new study using NASA's ICESat mission reveals a complex plumbing system of subglacial lakes and rivers under the West Antarctic ice sheet. The research suggests that this system may play a major role in controlling the rate at which ice moves off the continent, with potentially significant implications for sea levels.
Researchers have identified the liver as a promising target for cancer gene therapy using viral vectors, taking advantage of the structural disorganization in cancer cells. The study demonstrates that adenoviral vectors can selectively infect cancer cells while leaving normal liver cells unharmed.
Research by UCSD School of Medicine reveals that Vitamin D3 plays a crucial role in controlling the body's innate immune response and protecting against infections. Fluctuations in vitamin D3 levels affect the healing process of skin wounds, with lower concentrations linked to increased susceptibility to infection.
New studies using meta-analysis found a significant link between high vitamin D levels and reduced risk of breast and colorectal cancers. Individuals with the highest blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D had the lowest risk of these cancers, with potential protective effects achievable through diet, supplements, or sunlight exposure.
Researchers at UC San Diego have created an 'origami lens' that folds the telephoto lens, enabling the creation of ultrathin, high-resolution miniature cameras. This technology addresses performance issues in cell phone cameras and may be used for unmanned surveillance aircraft, infrared night vision, and other applications.
Researchers have created a virtual human metabolic network that allows them to quickly discover the effects of changing metabolic reactions on cell behavior. The tool can be used to study hundreds of human disorders and potentially tailor diets for weight control, as well as develop new cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Researchers at University of California, San Diego found a molecular link between chronic inflammation and cancer development. The protein p100 enables communication between inflammatory response and normal cell growth, but excessive levels may overactivate developmental pathways, leading to cancer.
Researchers at UCSD found fibrosis and remodeling in pediatric EE patients similar to airway remodeling in asthma. These changes increase blood vessel adhesion molecules, leading to inflammation in the esophagus.
The UCSD initiative aims to keep middle school girls engaged in STEM fields by providing hands-on learning experiences, such as measuring air quality and analyzing solar radiation. The project also develops a multi-player online science challenge game designed specifically for girls, addressing the critical leak in the talent pipeline.
A team of scientists developed a method to determine the influence of past volcanic eruptions on climate and the chemistry of the upper atmosphere. The chemical fingerprint of fallout from past eruptions reveals how high the volcanic material reached and what chemical reactions occurred while it was in the atmosphere.
A team of physicists and neuroscientists has discovered a bottleneck in the brain's blood supply, specifically in penetrating arterioles, which makes it vulnerable to strokes. This finding may explain the origin of gray matter damage detected in brain scans, especially among the elderly.
Engineers at UC San Diego synthesized p-type zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoscale cylinders, which transport positive charges and could pave the way for an inexpensive new kind of light emitting diode (LED). The development of these semiconducting materials may lead to more efficient LEDs and a wider range of nanodevices.
Studies found that heparan sulfate in the liver plays a crucial role in clearing triglycerides and cholesterol from the blood. The discovery could lead to new treatments for high blood-fat levels and related complications such as arthrosclerosis.
Researchers at UCSD School of Medicine discovered a genetic mechanism that can both drive tumor growth and act as a tumor suppressor. This finding could lead to new cancer therapies by targeting aneuploidy, a characteristic of cancer cells with extra or missing chromosomes.