Drug reverses age-related cognitive decline within days
Researchers have discovered an experimental drug called ISRIB that can reverse age-related declines in memory and mental flexibility in mice. The study suggests that a
University of California - San Francisco
Forest fires, cars, power plants join list of risk factors for Alzheimer's disease
A new study found that air pollution in neighborhoods is associated with an increased likelihood of amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that exposure to microscopic airborne particles may be implicated in tens of thousands of cases of the disease.
Big data powers design of 'smart' cell therapies for cancer
Researchers combine machine learning with cell engineering to create living medicines that selectively kill cancer cells while leaving normal tissue unscathed. By analyzing massive databases of proteins, they assemble a catalog of combinations that can precisely target tumors, overcoming the limitations of current treatments.
For teens with migraine, sleeping in (a bit) may help
A study led by UCSF researchers found that teens with migraines who started school after 8:30 a.m. experienced an average of 4.8 headache days per month, compared to 7.7 days for those who started earlier. The difference remained significant even when adjusting for risk factors.
Gut immune cells may help send MS into remission
Researchers have found that gut immune cells express an antibody called IgA, which helps protect against harmful bacteria and may help bring flare-ups under control. This discovery opens up new lines of research for therapeutics and suggests a potential new player in managing MS symptoms.
Minorities benefit less from regionalizing heart attack care
A new study by UC San Francisco researchers found that California's Black and Hispanic communities received less benefit from regionalized heart attack care protocols. Despite improved access to PCI-capable hospitals, survival rates remained unchanged for minority groups, whereas whites in non-minority communities showed better outcomes.
Rapid test can ID unknown causes of infections throughout the body
A single clinical laboratory test has been developed to detect any infection from any body fluid, without special handling or processing. The test employs powerful DNA-sequencing technology and relies on specially developed analytical software to compare DNA sequences in the sample to massive genomic databases.
Climate change will give rise to more cancers
A new report from UCSF links climate change to a significant increase in global cancer rates, particularly lung, skin, and gastrointestinal cancers. The study highlights the need for urgent action to mitigate climate change and reduce air pollution to prevent cancer cases and deaths.
Election angst? In states that back losing nominee, residents' mental health may falter
Residents in states with a Hillary Clinton majority experienced increased stress and depression following the 2016 general election, according to a UCSF-Duke study. The study found that Clinton's margin of victory was predictive of mental health change.
SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateNov 2, 2020
ICE detention centers saw sustained outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, says study
A study by University of California - San Francisco researchers found that over a three-year period, more than a dozen ICE detention centers experienced large, repeated outbreaks of vaccine-preventable illnesses, including influenza, chickenpox, and mumps. The Centers reported nearly half of the infections occurred in two facilities.
Axing the ACA means young adults with cancer lose coverage
A UCSF-CHOP study found that patients under 25 with pediatric cancer were more likely to remain on private insurance for longer durations compared to their older peers. Brief disruptions in insurance have been associated with harmful health consequences, highlighting the importance of the ACA's dependent coverage provision.
CRISPR meets Pac-Man: New DNA cut-and-paste tool enables bigger gene edits
A new CRISPR-Cas3 tool allows for larger DNA edits, enabling researchers to study disease and normal function in humans and other organisms. This advancement will facilitate the development of new treatments and improve our understanding of the human microbiome.
Higher-calorie diets for patients with anorexia nervosa shorten hospital stays
Patients with anorexia nervosa who received higher-calorie diets recovered faster and had shorter hospital stays compared to those on lower-calorie diets. The study found that patients in the higher-calorie group reached medical stability three days earlier and gained weight faster.
Team of international scientists identify common vulnerabilities across coronaviruses
An international team of researchers analyzed medical records and identified commonly hijacked cellular pathways in three lethal coronaviruses. The study revealed treatment regimens for current and potential future viral pandemics, providing real-world implications for COVID-19 treatment.
COVID-19 has a prolonged effect for many during pregnancy
A national study found that COVID-19 symptoms in pregnant women can last two months or longer, impacting health and wellbeing. Researchers analyzed 594 women who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 virus during pregnancy, discovering that half had symptoms after 3 weeks and 25 percent had symptoms persisting beyond 8 weeks.
Risk of deadly skin cancer may be gauged by accumulated DNA damage
A new study has discovered that accumulated DNA damage in skin cells can be used to estimate the risk of deadly skin cancer. Researchers sequenced DNA from individual melanocytes and found a significant number of mutations associated with melanoma, even in people without visible moles.
DNA test identifies genetic causes of severe fetal and newborn illness
A new study by UCSF researchers uses exome sequencing to identify genetic diseases as the underlying cause in 37 cases of nonimmune hydrops fetalis, a life-threatening condition. The study finds that genetic diagnoses are critical for families and healthcare providers to guide prenatal management strategies.
SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 7, 2020
Expanded newborn screening could save premature infants' lives
A novel screening method could lead to earlier detection of life-threatening complications in babies born preterm and help reduce racial disparities in outcomes. The study identified a combination of six newborn characteristics and 19 metabolites that reliably predict preterm babies at increased risk for death and severe illness.
Parents less aware when their kids vape than when they smoke
A UCSF study found parents are more likely to know their child is using e-cigarettes if they're older and male, but less aware of vaping compared to smoking. Parents setting strict household rules can help prevent tobacco use in children.
Cancer immunotherapy 'uniquely suppressed' by liver tumors
Researchers discovered that liver tumors can harness the liver's powers to retrain the immune system and exert its influence on distant cancer cells. Adding a second checkpoint inhibitor in combination therapy may overcome this resistance and increase immunotherapy effectiveness.
Customizable synthetic antibiotic outmaneuvers resistant bacteria
Researchers at UCSF create customizable antibiotic molecules to evade bacterial resistance mechanisms. By redesigning existing antibiotics, they've found promising variations with activity against dozens of strains of pathogenic bacteria.
Most infants are well even when moms are infected by COVID-19
According to a new study, infants born to mothers infected with COVID-19 generally do well six to eight weeks after birth. However, there was a higher rate of NICU admissions reported if the mothers had COVID-19 up to two weeks prior to delivery.
'Awe walks' boost emotional well-being
A new study published in Emotion journal found that older adults who took weekly 15-minute 'awe walks' for eight weeks reported increased positive emotions and less distress. Participants showed a visible shift in their selfies, featuring landscapes instead of themselves, and experienced significant boosts in daily prosocial emotions.
First 'plug and play' brain prosthesis demoed in paralyzed person
A team of researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, has made a significant breakthrough in developing a 'plug and play' brain prosthesis that enables individuals with paralysis to control devices using their brain activity. The device uses machine learning algorithms to match brain signals to desired movements, allo...
Female chromosomes offer resilience to Alzheimer's
Women with Alzheimer's live longer and experience less severe symptoms due to the protective effects of their second X chromosome. The study found that women carrying a specific variant of the KDM6A gene have twice the dose of protective proteins, giving them greater protection against the disease.
SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 26, 2020
COVID-19 vaccines are moving fast, but will americans agree to get them?
A new study found that US adults' flu vaccination rates differ significantly by demographics such as age, insurance status, and chronic conditions. The researchers suggest that boosting vaccination rates requires a concerted public health campaign and proactive primary care outreach strategy.
SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateAug 26, 2020
To stop COVID-19 spread in schools, start with local data and do the math
A new UCSF study found that the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among asymptomatic children mirrors the number of confirmed cases in the general population. Researchers developed an equation to estimate the number of infected students in a classroom based on local data, revealing risks ranging from 11% to 79%.
Smartphones may help detect diabetes
Researchers at UCSF have developed a smartphone-based digital biomarker to detect Type 2 diabetes, providing a potential in-home alternative to blood draws and clinic-based screening tools. The algorithm correctly identified the presence of diabetes in up to 81% of patients, offering a promising solution for widespread disease screening.
Genomic sequencing as a standalone newborn screening tool falls short
A comprehensive assessment of genomic sequencing as a standalone newborn screening tool found it comes up short, missing about 160 cases and incorrectly identifying 8,000. However, sequencing can still be useful in suspicious cases not clearly identified by MS/MS.
Drug prevents multiple sclerosis relapses in phase 3 trial
A new drug, ofatumumab, has been shown to significantly reduce inflammation and clinical relapses in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis. Nearly nine out of ten patients on the treatment showed no sign of disease activity after one year.
SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 5, 2020
Pandemic drives telehealth boom, but older adults can't connect
A study by UC San Francisco found that over a third of adults aged 65 and older face difficulties seeing their doctor via telemedicine due to various obstacles. The researchers highlight the need for innovation in devices, services, and policy to ensure older adults are not left behind during the shift to telehealth.
Some 'inert' drug ingredients may be biologically active
Researchers have identified 38 excipient molecules that interact with human enzymes and receptors, highlighting the potential for previously unappreciated effects on health. The study emphasizes the need for further investigation to establish whether these substances may contribute to unwanted side effects in human patients.
Front-line physicians stressed and anxious at work and home
A new analysis of 426 emergency physicians found moderate to severe levels of anxiety at both work and home, with women reporting higher stress. The study identified key factors contributing to stress, including lack of PPE and inadequate rapid diagnostic testing.
Older adults who can really smell the roses may face lower likelihood of dementia
A UCSF study found that older adults with retained senses of hearing, vision, and touch have half the risk of developing dementia compared to those with marked sensory decline. The study tracked over 1,800 participants in their seventies for up to 10 years, revealing a stronger association between olfaction and lower dementia risk.
1 in 3 young adults may face severe COVID-19, UCSF study shows
A new UCSF study reveals that young adults with smoking habits are at a higher risk of severe COVID-19. The study found that medical vulnerability was 33% for males and 30% for females, with smoking surpassing other less common risks.
Largest study of prostate cancer genomics in Black Americans ids targets for therapies
A new study has identified genes more frequently altered in prostate tumors from men of African ancestry compared to other racial groups. The research found no significant differences in frequencies of mutations in genes important for current prostate cancer therapies, but suggests that precision medicine approaches can be effective if...
Brain benefits of exercise can be gained with a single protein
A study found that exercising mice secretes a liver protein called Gpld1 into the blood, which correlates closely with improved cognitive function. Researchers believe this protein could be used to develop drugs that mimic the brain benefits of exercise, offering new hope for individuals unable to exercise due to physical limitations.
New model of breast cancer's causes developed by UCSF-led team
A new model of breast cancer's causes, called Paradigm II, illustrates the dynamic and sometimes unexpected interactions between biological, behavioral, social, and physical domains. The model, created by a multidisciplinary team, includes 96 potential interactions and is available online for further research and discussion.
To let neurons talk, immune cells clear paths through brain's 'scaffolding'
Scientists have identified a role for microglia in clearing the extracellular matrix, allowing new synapses to form and improving memory. Disrupting this process can lead to memory problems, including those seen in Alzheimer's and anxiety disorders.
Disrupted circadian rhythms linked to later Parkinson's diagnoses
A new study by UCSF researchers found that weaker or irregular circadian rhythms in daily rest and activity cycles are associated with a greater likelihood of developing Parkinson's disease later on. Disruptions in the brain's internal clock may be an early warning sign of neurodegenerative disease processes.
Disrupted circadian rhythms linked to later Parkinson's diagnoses
A study of 3,000 independently living older men found that weak or irregular circadian rhythms are associated with a greater likelihood of developing Parkinson's disease years later. The researchers suggest that these disruptions may reflect neurodegenerative processes already affecting the brain's internal clock.
3D facial scans could speed diagnoses for children with rare genetic diseases
A new tool using 3D facial imaging and machine learning could help diagnose genetic syndromes more quickly and inexpensively. The prototype was created by a team of researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, and has been shown to accurately classify most subjects as either unaffected or having a syndrome.
Your doctor's ready: Please log in to the videoconference
A new study suggests that video visits may become a permanent feature of the patient-provider landscape due to the coronavirus pandemic. The study found that patients with eating disorders required significant workarounds to provide regular monitoring of weight and vital signs.
Tumors disrupt the immune system throughout the body
Researchers discover distinct effects of different tumor types on mouse immune system and human breast cancer patients, suggesting potential applications for cancer immunotherapy. Tumors cause widespread disruption of immune system, evolving over time, which can impact treatment efficacy.
Out-of-sync brain waves may underlie learning deficit linked to schizophrenia
A new UC San Francisco study found that precise synchronization of high-frequency brain waves is crucial for learning to let go of old rules and make way for new updates. Disrupting these synchronized waves can lead to perseverative behaviors, a common symptom in schizophrenia.
Ketogenic diets alter gut microbiome in humans, mice
A new study found that ketogenic diets significantly changed the proportions of common gut microbial phyla in human participants, with a particular decrease in Bifidobacteria. In mouse experiments, ketone bodies directly impacted the gut microbiome, reducing Th17 immune cells and promoting anti-inflammatory effects.
Microbiome therapy protects against recurrent bacterial vaginosis
Researchers found that LACTIN-V, a product containing healthy vaginal bacteria, significantly reduced the recurrence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) in women. The study also suggests that LACTIN-V may have the potential to prevent HIV infection and preterm birth.
SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 13, 2020
Resilience to ALS due to synaptic safety mechanism
A research team has identified a powerful self-corrective mechanism within synapses that slows down disease progression in animal models of ALS. This mechanism is activated by neurodegeneration and acts to keep the synapse between nerve and muscle working correctly, even though the disease process has already begun to nibble away at it.
'Designer virus' is first new polio vaccine in 50 years
Researchers have developed a new oral polio vaccine that uses genetic wizardry to prevent the virus from evolving into a deadly form. The vaccine showed promise in a Phase 1 clinical trial, with participants generating plentiful antibodies against the poliovirus and no paralysis in mice.
Memory concerns? Blood test may put mind at ease or pave way to promising treatments
A blood test measuring phosphorylated tau 181 (pTau181) shows promise in detecting Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment. The test's accuracy surpasses existing methods, offering a potential solution for early diagnosis and treatment.