A study by UCSF researchers found that HIV infection is associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation, a leading cause of stroke. The risk is comparable to known factors like hypertension and diabetes, affecting up to 1 in 5 HIV-positive patients.
A new study found that medical imaging rates have continued to increase in the US and Ontario, Canada, despite a campaign to reduce their use. The study analyzed over 135 million imaging exams and found that CT and MRI use have grown in most age groups, with a notable decline in children.
Researchers identified a second gene associated with natural short sleep, ADRB1, which promotes wakefulness and regulates sleep. The study suggests that short sleepers experience better sleep quality and sleep efficiency, despite potential health risks.
A study by UCSF and UT Southwestern Medical Center found that elderly patients in LTACHs have a worse prognosis than terminal illnesses, with most dying within 5 years. The researchers recommend considering palliative care interventions to improve quality of life for these patients.
A new blood test developed by UCSF has shown high accuracy in detecting concussions absent on CT scans, with the potential to prevent unnecessary radiation exposure and improve patient care. The test measures brain protein levels, which are significantly elevated in patients with traumatic brain injuries.
Researchers discovered a scorpion toxin that targets the 'wasabi receptor', a protein found in nerve cells responsible for pain and inflammation. The toxin, WaTx, can be used to probe and study chronic pain and may lead to new non-opioid pain relievers.
Scientists found that mutations in mitochondrial DNA can induce an immune response, leading to the rejection of stem cell transplants. The study used hybrid stem cells with nuclear and mitochondrial DNA from different sources and showed that even a single mitochondrial mutation can trigger an immune response.
A study by UCSF researchers found that intensifying antihypertensives at hospital discharge may increase falls, fainting and acute kidney injury without long-term benefits. Patients who received intensified medications had a higher risk of readmission and medication-related serious adverse events within 30 days.
Researchers at UCSF and NIH create a new CRISPR technique that allows them to systematically alter gene activity in human neurons, enabling the study of neurological diseases. They discovered that housekeeping genes behave differently in neurons and stem cells, suggesting that these differences may play important roles in disease.
Researchers at UC San Francisco have found that Alzheimer's disease directly attacks brain regions responsible for wakefulness during the day, leading to excessive daytime napping. This damage is associated with tau protein buildup, which contributes more directly to brain degeneration than amyloid protein.
Researchers found that older adults with moderately severe dementia living at home have more chronic conditions, pain, and anxiety than those in nursing homes. However, they also reported higher rates of falls, depression, and poor health. The study emphasizes the importance of improving home-based medical care for these patients.
A study led by UCSF found that advanced sleep phase, where people wake up at 4 a.m., may be more common than previously thought, affecting around 1 in 300 adults. This condition is distinct from early rising with normal aging and can improve daytime functioning.
A new study has found a significant increase in the use of computed tomography (CT) scans during pregnancy in the United States over the last two decades, exposing mothers and fetuses to ionizing radiation. The study suggests that alternative methods without radiation should be considered whenever possible.
A study has identified a specific bacterial lipid that promotes immune dysfunction associated with allergic asthma in newborn infants. The researchers plan to develop screening protocols to identify newborns at high risk for asthma and allergy based on the presence of this microbial molecule.
A commentary by UCSF experts highlights the need for radical reform in addressing dental decay, citing the sugar industry's influence on dental research and professional bodies. The authors recommend policies to manage financial conflicts of interest and promote public trust.
Researchers found that nearly 50% of chronic kidney disease patients had uncontrolled hypertension and 40% had uncontrolled diabetes between 2006-2014. Statin use was also low, averaging only 3% over the study period.
Researchers identified a unique biomarker, KLHL11, that targets autoantibodies in men with testicular cancer-associated paraneoplastic encephalitis. The discovery has the potential to diagnose this condition earlier and improve treatment outcomes for patients.
After WIC introduced better food options in 2009, researchers found improved health outcomes for mothers and babies. They were less likely to experience preeclampsia and more likely to gain recommended weight during pregnancy.
Researchers found that each additional year of schooling lowered risks like smoking and depression in adulthood. Higher education also linked to reduced heart disease due to higher incomes allowing better food and healthcare access.
Researchers found that most amygdala neurons mature rapidly during adolescence, suggesting a key role in emotional development. However, some neurons remain immature throughout life, offering new insights into how the brain maintains emotional responses flexibility.
A UCSF-led study found 22% of young men and 5% of young women engage in disordered eating behaviors to gain weight. These behaviors can lead to muscle dysmorphia, heart failure, depression, and social isolation if left unchecked.
A new study reveals a frog protein that can detect and neutralize a poisonous compound produced by red tides and other harmful algal blooms. The protein, saxiphilin, acts as a 'toxin sponge' that sops up and sequesters the deadly microbial poison.
A new metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) test has been shown to identify infections better than standard clinical methods. The test identified 32 infections in 31 patients, including cases missed by conventional testing, and confirmed diagnoses in 19 cases.
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition finds that red and white meats raise low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) by the same amount, regardless of meat type. Plant proteins show the best cholesterol benefit and should be prioritized for heart health.
A new digital meditation training program called MediTrain improved attention and memory in healthy young adults by tailoring the length of sessions to their abilities. The program, which required just 20-30 minutes of practice per day, showed significant effects on attention and working memory.
A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that using limited formula in the first days of life does not negatively impact breastfeeding at 6 months. However, it may alter maternal attitudes towards breastfeeding and lead to shorter breastfeeding duration. The study tracked 164 babies born at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals and P...
A study by UCSF researchers found that high blood pressure and elevated blood sugar can cause heart block, a common form of arrhythmia. Lifestyle changes and monitoring could eliminate the need for pacemakers.
A study of human brains found that gene activity in specific cells is associated with autism severity, targeting potential treatments. Researchers identified a common set of circuit changes in neurons and glial cells, which were closely correlated with behavioral symptoms.
A UCSF study found that recreational marijuana legalization in Colorado led to a 10% increase in motor vehicle accidents, as well as a 5% increase in alcohol abuse and overdoses. However, it also resulted in a 5% decrease in hospital admissions for chronic pain.
Researchers found that adults with lupus who experienced adverse childhood events report higher disease activity, depression, and poorer overall health. The study suggests that prevention of ACEs and promotion of resilient relationships may help improve outcomes for patients.
Researchers detected and measured specific prion forms of amyloid beta (A-β) and tau proteins in human brain tissue, strongly associated with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest that active A-β and tau prions could drive the disease and prompt exploration of new therapies targeting prions.
Scientists at UCSF have discovered a type of neuron called VIP interneurons that play a crucial role in anxiety-driven decision-making. By shutting off signals from these cells, researchers found they can reduce anxious behavior, offering potential insights into treating brain disorders.
Researchers have developed a brain-machine interface that can generate synthetic speech by controlling a virtual vocal tract based on brain activity. The technology has the potential to restore fluent communication in individuals with severe speech disabilities, including those with paralysis and neurological diseases.
Researchers analyzed over 90,000 narrative medical school evaluations, finding significant differences in how female and underrepresented minority students are described. Evaluators often used personal descriptors to describe performance, with strikingly different words for men and women. The study also identified biases in descriptive...
A new study by UCSF research suggests that reducing smoking among Medicaid recipients by 1% could lead to significant cost savings, with the median state saving an estimated $25 million. This reduction in smoking prevalence is expected to result in $2.6 billion in total Medicaid savings within a year.
A study by UCSF researchers found that nearly one in seven kidney donors experience potentially adverse events related to their donation. Long-term systematic renal monitoring and routine checkups for living kidney donors are recommended to prevent renal failure and cardiovascular issues.
A study found that at least six states with high opioid abuse rates have restrictive scopes of practice for nurse practitioners, limiting their ability to prescribe medications like buprenorphine. In less restrictive states, NPs were more likely to receive waivers and access these life-saving medications.
Researchers at UCSF have developed a new screening system to identify effective cancer-killers when combining drugs that are only partially effective as single-agent therapies. The study identified combinations of PI3K inhibitors and RNAi that eradicated a devastating blood cancer and certain solid tumor cells.
Researchers identified a phenomenon where cancer cells export PD-L1 in exosomes, remotely disarming immune cells and preventing them from attacking tumors. This discovery may help explain immunotherapy resistance and hints at new strategies to unleash the immune system against disease.
A new study suggests that the brain uses sensory signals from the mouth and throat to temporarily quench thirst, but also relies on gut sensors to review this decision based on a drink's hydration potential. This helps regulate fluid balance within the body and may provide insights into diseases like high blood pressure.
A UCSF study reveals that soft drink companies copied tobacco's playbook to attract young users. The research found that executives from R.J. Reynolds and Philip Morris used similar strategies to promote sweetened beverages, including child-focused marketing tactics and flavors, after selling their tobacco brands.
A study found that thyroid hormones hindered the ability of early mammals to regenerate their heart tissue, leading to modern humans' susceptibility to irreparable damage. The researchers discovered a connection between these hormones and the transition from ectothermic to endothermic animals.
Researchers have successfully pharmacologically activated Nurr1, a key molecule implicated in Parkinson's disease, offering a potential new treatment strategy. The breakthrough discovery provides valuable leads for developing drugs to restore proper dopamine balance and slow the progression of the disease.
Researchers found Google Translate to be 92% accurate for Spanish and 81% accurate for Chinese, with most errors due to grammar or typographical mistakes. Clinicians are advised to verify translations with human interpreters and provide patients with the original English instructions.
UCSF researchers created a blockchain-based system to ensure the integrity of clinical trials data, creating an immutable audit trail that makes tampering visible. The system allows for real-time reporting of adverse events and protects data from corruption.
Researchers discovered that pancreatic beta cells themselves may play a role in T1 diabetes, and found that eliminating senescent cells prevents the disease in mice. The study suggests a paradigm shift for T1 diabetes therapy and opens up new avenues for treatment.
A program offering group support, acupuncture, mindfulness, massage, and gentle exercise reduced pain intensity by 12% and boosted pain self-efficacy by 22% among participants with chronic pain, according to a UCSF-led study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
Scientists have developed a new technique using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to create pluripotent stem cells that can avoid rejection by the immune system. These 'universal' stem cells can be manufactured more efficiently than individualized cells and bring promise to regenerative medicine.
A new study by UCSF researchers found that the majority of triggers for atrial fibrillation (AF), an irregular heartbeat, are easily modifiable lifestyle choices. Nearly 74% of patients reported experiencing AF triggered by common factors such as alcohol, caffeine, exercise, and lack of sleep.
Scientists at UCSF have developed the world's largest virtual pharmacology platform, enabling them to screen hundreds of millions of never-before-synthesized compounds for potential drugs. The platform has identified remarkably potent antibacterial and psychiatric drug candidates.