Regular use of NSAIDs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, significantly improves overall five-year survival rate from 25% to 78% for patients with head and neck cancer containing the mutated PIK3CA gene. This is the first study to show a strong clinical advantage of regular NSAID use in this specific case.
The proportion of U.S. liver transplants for alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) has doubled in the last 15 years, with a shift away from the six-month abstinence rule contributing to the increase. Despite this, ALD patients still appear to be disadvantaged in transplant access.
A new study published in Nature Immunology has identified a new type of immune cell that infiltrates lung tissue and initiates fibrosis in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The researchers were able to prevent fibrosis in mouse models by targeting these cells for destruction, which may lead to new treatments for this terminal illness.
Researchers develop a novel approach to target aggressive liver cancer by inhibiting protein production, leaving healthy cells unharmed. The study shows promising results using a genetic approach and a drug that directly inhibits translation, slowing tumor growth and blocking immune evasion.
Researchers have identified a surprising role for brain cells in controlling bone density, suggesting a new approach to preventing osteoporosis. Blocking estrogen signals in the brain causes female mice to build extraordinarily strong bones and maintain them into old age.
Researchers found that South Asian men had high rates of calcification change in artery walls, similar to white men, and higher risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes at a younger age. Early detection of coronary artery calcium through CT scans may help guide treatment options for this population.
Researchers at UC San Francisco discovered a second visual system in the mouse cerebral cortex, challenging 75-year-old dogma of mammalian vision. The post-rhinal cortex (POR) obtains visual data directly from the superior colliculus, an evolutionarily ancient sensory processing center.
Researchers at UC San Francisco have found that female mice live longer than males due to the presence of two X chromosomes. Having both female sex chromosomes and gonads extended life in mice, with most of the effect coming from the sex chromosomes.
Anxiety and depression are linked to increased odds for heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, stroke, but not cancer. Treating mental health conditions can cut healthcare costs, according to a new UCSF study.
Researchers at UCSF developed CRISPRa, a modified version of the gene-editing tool that activates appetite-suppressing genes without making cuts to the genome. This approach prevented severe obesity in genetically engineered mice with only one functional copy of certain genes.
A UC San Francisco study found that homeless older adults often have limited access to stable phone numbers, leading to increased stress and social isolation. The lack of two-way communication also contributes to high emergency department usage and inadequate healthcare services.
A recent report by researchers at UC San Francisco suggests that fentanyl's deadly spread is largely driven by the economic imperatives of suppliers, rather than demand from users. The report found that fentanyl's cheap and plentiful availability in wholesale markets following heroin supply shocks contributed to its rise.
A nationwide study of cardiac arrests found ambulances took nearly four minutes longer to handle calls from low-income areas than high-income communities. The study highlights the importance of ensuring access to care for vulnerable populations.
Researchers found that stimulating the lateral orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) improved mood in patients with moderate to severe depression. The study suggests that OFC stimulation may help individuals experience a naturally positive mood state, removing an impediment to positive mood common in people with depression.
Researchers have discovered a new way to target drug-resistant tumors by combining EGFR and Aurora Kinase A inhibitors. Elevated levels of TPX2 protein in biopsies can predict tumor susceptibility to combined therapies.
A UCSF study found that kindergarten friendships can promote better behavior in children with harshly parented backgrounds. Warm relationships with peers and teachers also mitigate adverse effects, suggesting that treating oppositional defiant disorder outside the family environment may be helpful.
A UCSF-led study found that women who experienced emotional abuse had 50% higher odds of night sweats and 60% higher odds of painful sex. Women with PTSD symptoms or domestic violence history also reported higher prevalence of menopausal pain and discomfort.
A UCSF-led research consortium will investigate the causes and effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) using a $3.45 million grant from the NFL's Play Smart. Play Safe initiative. The study aims to track patients over several years to advance understanding of TBI.
Researchers have developed a CRISPR-based system called SLICE to rapidly assess gene function in primary immune cells, guiding decision-making for next-generation cell therapies. The new method identified genes that promote T cell replication and suppress it, revealing key regulators of proliferation.
UCSF scientists create new animal model of glioma that captures the clinical lifecycle of brain tumors, allowing them to test strategies to prevent radiation-associated cognitive decline. They discover that temporarily suppressing a key immune system component can prevent this problem.
A new study of over 72,000 women found that simple ovarian cysts are normal and extremely common, with no association to a higher risk of ovarian cancer. Simple cysts should be considered normal findings in women of any age and can be safely ignored unless symptomatic.
A UCSF study found that community choir participation reduced loneliness and increased interest in life among older adults, but did not improve cognition or physical function. The program, Community of Voices, engaged adults aged 60+ cognitively, physically, and socially through weekly group choir sessions.
Researchers found shared genetic factors between Alzheimer's disease and high blood lipid levels, suggesting potential for early diagnosis and targeted therapies. The study analyzed 1.5 million individuals and identified specific DNA variants that increase the risk of developing both conditions.
A new study has identified a common pattern of brain activity linked to feelings of low mood and anxiety, particularly in individuals with a tendency towards depression. The findings could serve as a biomarker for developing new therapies to treat mood disorders.
Researchers found that targeted therapies could be more effective in treating TB, which killed an estimated 1.3 million people worldwide last year. Patients with minimal disease showed high efficacy with four-month treatments, while those with moderate or severe disease required longer treatment durations.
A study by UCSF researchers found that user-friendly websites and easy-to-read advance directives can increase engagement in advance care planning among older adults. The PREPARE For Your Care website showed promise for empowering diverse populations, with high levels of new advance care planning documentation in medical records.
A new analysis found that partially paid family leave policies in California and New Jersey increased breastfeeding rates, particularly among higher-income women. However, the benefits were modest and may not be sufficient to support low-income parents who need it most.
A UCSF special issue of Tobacco Control debunks the tobacco industry's claims that heated tobacco products are safer than conventional cigarettes. The research, led by Stanton A. Glantz, PhD, finds no statistically detectable difference between IQOS and conventional cigarettes in terms of harmful chemicals released.
A new drug, OMX-CV, has been developed to deliver oxygen only to oxygen-starved heart tissue, bypassing systemic side effects. The treatment has shown promising results in an animal model of global hypoxia and could have applications for treating cardiovascular diseases and pediatric conditions.
A new blood test offers a safer approach than surgical biopsies and allows doctors to monitor treatment effectiveness even before changes are identified on scans. The study found that circulating tumor DNA in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid can reveal a driver mutation in 42 of 48 patients, indicating the tumor's genetic signature.
Researchers have found that Alzheimer's disease is closely linked to neuropsychiatric symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. The study used brains from over 1,000 healthy adults aged 50+, finding that AD pathology was present in many individuals who didn't show classic cognitive symptoms.
Scientists have assembled a searchable database of normal human immunity, using 83 studies to create a comparison group for immune system and immune dysfunction research. The data reveals new findings on the differences in immune cells between men and women, as well as between people of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.
A new study analyzing the genomes of nearly a quarter of a million men discovered a single-nucleotide polymorphism on Chromosome 6 linked to an increased risk of erectile dysfunction. The genetic locus was consistently associated with ED risk across ethnically diverse groups, suggesting a novel mechanism specific to sexual function.
A UCSF-led study found that wearable cardioverter defibrillators lower mortality among patients who wear them consistently, but do not significantly reduce sudden cardiac death. The devices were more effective in reducing overall mortality, with a 35.5% lower risk of death compared to those who did not wear the device.
Researchers have discovered new genetic mutations associated with Tourette Disorder, which may disrupt cell polarity and lead to chronic vocal and motor tics. The study's findings provide a deeper understanding of the condition and offer potential insights for developing improved treatments.
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) will conduct a five-year study on the impacts of new tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. The research team aims to evaluate product characteristics, health effects, and behavior, with the goal of protecting public health.
A new study by UCSF researchers reveals that nearly one in seven older veterans with hypertension are discharged with increased blood pressure medications despite having well-controlled blood pressure prior to their hospital stay. The study suggests a potential risk of medication harm due to overtreatment, particularly among older adults.
A new study identifies missed opportunities for catching depression in non-White and medically ill patients, as well as men, who are less likely to be screened. The research suggests that combining hazardous alcohol use screening with a simple questionnaire could improve treatment outcomes for these at-risk populations.
A study at UCSF discovered how a mutation in the TERT promoter gene confers immortality on tumor cells, enabling their aggressive growth. Eliminating a specific protein subunit using CRISPR-based gene editing slowed cancer cell growth.
The UCSF-Stanford Pediatric Device Consortium will develop new medical devices, including a pneumonia detector and appliances for infants with cleft palate. The grant enables collaboration between geniuses to stimulate innovation in the pediatric device market.
Genetic mutations in non-small cell lung cancer blur cells' perception of key growth signals, leading to excessive growth and tumor formation. Researchers use optogenetics to reveal that blurring signal timing may explain why targeted drugs can paradoxically activate the pathway.
For frail nursing home residents with breast cancer, surgery often cures the cancer but worsens quality of life and daily activities. Researchers recommend individualized care with hormonal therapy or symptom management instead.
A new analysis found that daily e-cigarette use nearly doubles the odds of a heart attack, with dual use of e-cigarettes and conventional cigarettes increasing the risk five-fold. Quitting either product can reduce this risk.
A new report by UCSF bioethicists recommends targeted genome sequencing for symptomatic newborns, but opposes universal screening. This approach aims to balance the benefits of genomics with potential risks and costs.
A novel approach targeting the RAS / MAP Kinase pathway slows cancer growth in lung, skin, colon, and pancreatic cancers. Researchers have identified a compound that effectively decouples the entire pathway from external growth signals, leading to significant inhibition of cancer growth.
Researchers found that fat fibrosis in subcutaneous fat is predictive of unhealthy belly fat and insulin resistance in Asian participants. This difference could help explain why Asians develop type 2 diabetes at a lower body weight than Caucasians.
A UCSF-led study of first-time offenders aged 12-18 found that adolescents identifying as non-heterosexual were more likely to experience depression, self-harm, substance abuse, and poorer mental health. The study highlights the need for tailored interventions to support these youth
Researchers at UCSF discovered thymic tuft cells play key role in preventing autoimmunity by displaying proteins to train T cells, similar to gut sensory cells. The finding could lead to better understanding of autoimmune diseases and potentially regulate thymus function.
Researchers found that a simplified intervention can significantly improve rates of blood pressure control in safety-net clinics, with success seen across all racial and ethnic groups. The program adapted treatment algorithms and tracking systems to suit the needs of patients with high-risk profiles.
Researchers at University of California - San Francisco have successfully genetically reprogrammed human immune cells known as T cells without the need for viruses to insert DNA. The new CRISPR-based method employs electroporation and offers a robust molecular 'cut and paste' system to rewrite genome sequences in human T cells.