Researchers at UCSF successfully transplanted stem cells into fetal mice carrying a genetic mutation that causes MPS7, a disorder affecting enzyme production. The treatment improved survival rates and helped sustain the fetus through birth, with potential benefits for related metabolic disorders.
A computational study identified lansoprazole and 12 other FDA-approved drugs that reduce inflammation and may prevent preterm birth. The drugs act on biological pathways affecting the immune response, which is implicated in preterm birth. Further testing is needed to confirm their effectiveness.
A study in mice reveals that new nerve insulation, myelin, plays a critical role in laying down long-lasting emotional memories. Increased myelin formation is necessary for the consolidation and maintenance of fear memories, which could lead to new treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder.
A retrospective study by researchers at UC San Francisco found that removing the non-contrast-enhancing tumor increases survival for adults with glioblastoma. Patients with IDH-mutant tumors who underwent resections of both contrast-enhancing and non-contrast-enhancing tumor had a significantly longer average survival time, around 37.3...
Researchers at University of California - San Francisco discovered how the brain generates imagined future scenarios, providing new insights into neurobiology of decision-making. Place cells in the hippocampus rapidly switch between present and possible paths, generating a 'menu' for other parts of the brain to make decisions.
A new study published in Nature found that widely used cerebral organoids are 'confused' and 'disorganized' compared to the developing human brain. The researchers measured gene expression in over 235,000 cells from 37 different organoids and compared it to normal brain tissue, revealing a lack of development into distinctive cell type...
A low-cost test screening for excess protein in the urine accurately identifies patients at higher risk for progressive kidney disease after being hospitalized for acute kidney injury. Targeting treatment to these high-risk patients could reduce future need for dialysis or kidney transplants and save billions of dollars.
Researchers found that modifying default settings for opioid prescriptions resulted in lower quantities prescribed. The study's findings suggest that reducing default settings can help improve prescription practices and protect patients from developing opioid addictions.
A UC San Francisco-led research team has discovered the first conclusive evidence that natural selection may also occur at the level of the epigenome for tens of millions of years. The study found a particular epigenetic mark on the DNA sequence of Cryptococcus neoformans, which should have disappeared during the age of the dinosaurs.
A single payer system would replace private insurance and simplify billing, leading to savings through lower drug costs and efficiencies. The study found that 19 of 22 models predicted net savings in the first year, averaging 3.5% of total healthcare spending.
A landmark study published in Social Science & Medicine found that over 95% of women who had an abortion said it was the right decision for them five years later. The study also showed that negative emotions such as sadness and guilt decreased dramatically over time, while relief remained a dominant emotion.
A study found that Italian and English speakers with primary progressive aphasia experience different speech and reading difficulties due to their native languages. Italian speakers tend to produce simpler sentences but struggle with pronunciation, whereas English speakers have more trouble pronouncing words.
A physically and mentally active lifestyle can slow FTD symptoms by providing cognitive resilience to brain degeneration. Research participants with dominant genetic mutations showed slower functional decline in the most active group compared to the least active group.
A recent UCSF study reveals a significant spike in e-scooter-related injuries and hospital admissions, mainly among young adults. The number of scooter-related injuries increased by 222 percent between 2014 and 2018, with nearly 40,000 injuries reported.
A new study by UCSF and CDC estimates that millions of young women in the US are undergoing medically unnecessary pelvic exams and Pap tests. The exams can lead to false positives, over-treatment, anxiety, and unnecessary cost.
A new study by UCSF researchers found that JUUL delivers significantly higher levels of nicotine to the bloodstream compared to previous-generation e-cigarettes and cigarettes. The study also revealed that JUUL impairs blood vessel function similarly to cigarette smoke, which can have severe cardiovascular consequences.
A new study finds that tau protein is a more reliable predictor of brain atrophy in Alzheimer's patients than amyloid plaques. Tau PET imaging technology has the potential to accelerate clinical trials and improve individualized patient care.
A study by researchers at UC San Francisco found that fewer than half of California pharmacies provided correct disposal instructions for antibiotics and opioids. Only 10% followed the FDA's recommended takeback programs. Improving disposal practices requires better education and expanded programs to ensure patient safety.
A California law eliminating nonmedical exemptions increased vaccination rates and restored 'herd immunity,' preventing outbreaks. The study found a 3.3% increase in MMR coverage and a 4.3% increase in overall vaccination coverage, while nonmedical exemptions decreased by 2.4%.
Researchers found that fenfluramine significantly reduced convulsive seizures in Dravet syndrome patients, with a 62% decrease in seizures per month. The study also showed improvements in seizure-free intervals and parental assessments of child improvement.
A new longitudinal study found that e-cigarette use increases the risk of developing chronic lung diseases like asthma and bronchitis. Dual users of e-cigarettes and smoked tobacco are at an even higher risk of developing lung disease.
Researchers at UCSF-Kaiser Permanente found that primary care patients with 'unhealthy alcohol use' were 15% more likely to take benzodiazepines than moderate drinkers and nondrinkers. This increased risk was associated with a higher likelihood of overdose, accidents, falls, and exacerbation of psychiatric conditions.
Phages construct an impenetrable compartment to protect their vulnerable DNA from CRISPR and restriction enzymes. This unique mechanism makes them virtually indestructible, with only two jumbo phages showing pan-CRISPR resistance.
Researchers found that a specific toxin in Staphylococcus aureus prevents tolerance and maintains the immune system's vigilance. Early-life exposure to commensal bacteria like S. epidermidis leads to immune tolerance, while later exposure to pathogenic S. aureus results in a vigorous immune response.
A UCSF-led study reveals that three in four patients with anorexia nervosa experience some improvement, but only 21% achieve full recovery. Full recovery is predictive of permanent remission and is often linked to family-based treatment and holistic approaches to emotional well-being.
Researchers found that the brain responds to a marker of vocal stress in the middle of each syllable, which is a universal feature of human languages. This signal allows the brain to split speech into syllabic units and track patterns of stress critical for meaning in English and many other languages.
Scientists at UCSF discovered that blocking the activity of MMP9 can prevent breast cancer from spreading to distant organs. The researchers found that MMP9 helps create a hospitable environment for cancer cells to form new tumors by remodeling healthy tissue and transforming it into safe havens.
A new study reveals that intestinal stretch sensors uniquely stop hungry mice from wanting to eat, contradicting long-held assumptions about how we feel full. Researchers mapped the molecular and anatomical identities of vagal sensory cell types innervating the stomach and intestine, discovering that these stretch receptors are more po...
Researchers discovered that cells with extra chromosome 21 in DS mice activated a biological circuit that detects stress and tamps down protein production, leading to cognitive impairments. By targeting this stress response, scientists were able to reverse learning and memory deficits in the mouse model.
A US-led study found that anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation lose their effectiveness in older patients due to increased mortality from non-stroke causes. The study of nearly 15,000 AF patients aged 75+ found warfarin and apixaban were not beneficial after age 87 and 92, respectively.
Researchers at UCSF have successfully implanted a bioreactor containing human kidney cells into pigs without triggering an immune reaction or blood clots. The device, similar to the size of a deck of cards, maintained healthy kidney function and demonstrated progress towards eliminating dialysis for patients with end-stage renal disease.
A new study from UCSF finds that adolescents and young adults with plus-size anorexia nervosa are at risk of cardiovascular complications, including slow heart rate and electrolyte imbalances. The study challenges traditional views of anorexia nervosa as solely affecting underweight individuals.
A new UCSF study examines the use of medical, behavioral, and social services among frequent ED users, revealing their complex social needs and the need for care coordination. The researchers found that these patients are generally sicker than infrequent ED users and seek a wide range of services.
A comprehensive genome sequencing study reveals rare CFTR mutations in Puerto Rican and Dominican patients, driving the disease's progression. This finding underscores the need for diverse clinical trials to develop personalized therapies, as transformative new drugs may not benefit minority populations.
A UCSF study found that anti-immigrant rhetoric from the White House harms Latino patients' perceptions of safety and access to emergency care, with 75% of undocumented immigrants feeling unsafe. The study also showed that patients were afraid to come to the ED for care, delaying treatment by two days on average.
A study by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco found that a workplace ban on sugared drinks led to a 48.5% reduction in consumption and improvements in insulin resistance and total cholesterol levels among participants.
A study led by UC San Francisco has found antibodies against enterovirus in the spinal fluid of nearly 70% of AFM patients, but not in non-AFM patients. This evidence suggests that AFM is caused by an enterovirus invading and impairing the central nervous system.
A new AI algorithm developed by UCSF and UC Berkeley outperformed two out of four expert radiologists in detecting tiny brain hemorrhages on head scans. The algorithm achieved exam-level accuracy, tracing detailed outlines of abnormalities within the brain's three-dimensional structure.
A new gene, NPSR1, has been discovered that promotes natural short sleep and prevents memory deficits associated with sleep deprivation. The researchers found that the mutant version of NPSR1 is easier to activate and better at switching on other proteins involved in wakefulness.
A new study at UCSF used brain maps to predict FTD progression by analyzing connected brain networks, offering insights into the disease's spread and potential clinical tools. The research suggests that individualized predictions can be made based on neural network maps, which could lead to more effective treatment development.
A recent study by UCSF researchers found hundreds of waste items from e-cigarettes, combustible tobacco products, and cannabis products at Bay Area high schools. The study highlights the environmental hazard posed by these products' toxic chemicals and heavy metals, which are contaminating school environments and surrounding areas.
A new study by UC San Francisco researchers reveals that two distinct types of slow brain waves, slow oscillations and delta waves, compete to determine whether new information is consolidated or forgotten. Disrupting one type of wave enhances memory retention, while disrupting the other leads to forgetting.
Researchers develop novel therapies to reverse or prevent myelin loss in PMD patients, identifying iron toxicity as a key factor and discovering a potential treatment using an FDA-approved agent. Clinical trials are planned to test the effectiveness of this treatment in slowing or halting disease progression.
A recent study by UCSF researchers found that young adults with food insecurity are more likely to develop disorders associated with obesity and obstructive airway diseases like asthma. Chronic stress from food insecurity can lead to inflammation, insulin resistance and increased risk of mental health issues.
A new study reveals that cooking food fundamentally alters the microbiomes of both mice and humans. Cooking raw foods can harm certain microbes, while cooked foods may be more calorie-dense, affecting gut bacteria. In a human trial, participants showed significant changes in their microbiome after switching between raw and cooked diets.
A monthly phone call from a care team navigator can suppress depression and improve quality of life for dementia caregivers. The 12-month study found a significant decrease in caregiver depression and a notable increase in patient quality of life.
Children with asthma who also have depression and anxiety are more likely to visit the ER, with a rate of 28 visits per 100 child years compared to 16 for those without mental health diagnoses. This population may benefit from more intensive care coordination to improve medication compliance and symptom recognition.
A recent UCSF study revealed that unauthorized immigrant recipients of liver transplants in the US have similar three-year survival rates as US citizens. Despite this, disparities in access to life-saving organs vary widely by state due to policies and provider attitudes.
Researchers at UCSF found that tailoring instruction to individual birds' genetic predispositions can improve their learning abilities. In contrast, standardized tutoring programs failed to engage birds from families with different song tempo preferences.
A months-old infant with rare childhood leukemia was treated with sorafenib, a targeted therapy approved for adults with inoperable liver cancer. The patient's unique genetic mutation led to a significant response to the treatment, highlighting the importance of identifying genetic mutations in cancer treatment.