Research found that successful immunotherapy activates peripheral 'memory' immune cells, key to long-term defense against cancer. A system-wide immune response is crucial for broadening immunotherapy's effectiveness.
A new study found that clinic closures in Texas due to House Bill 2 led to a significant decline in the official number of abortions. Counties with longer travel distances to the nearest abortion facility saw a 50% decrease in abortions, while those with limited capacity at remaining clinics also experienced declines.
A new UCSF study reveals that binge drinking can cause fatty liver, inflammation and enzyme changes within seven weeks. The researchers found that even a short period of excessive drinking resulted in liver dysfunction.
A recent study has identified signatures of ethnicity in the genome that reflect shared culture and environment rather than genetic ancestry. The researchers found that only three-quarters of epigenetic differences between Mexican and Puerto Rican children could be accounted for by genetic ancestry, suggesting a biological stamp made b...
UCSF researchers have identified anti-CRISPR proteins that can switch off the widely used CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing system, reducing unintended edits and improving precision. The discovery has the potential to revolutionize CRISPR applications in both basic research and clinical settings.
UCSF researchers found a way to pause the development of early mouse embryos for up to a month in the lab by inhibiting a master regulator of cell growth. The treatment could improve outcomes in assisted reproduction and regenerative medicine, while also potentially slowing cancer growth.
A study of over 18,000 adults found that those who slept five or fewer hours per night consumed 21% more caffeinated sugar-sweetened beverages than those who slept seven to eight hours a night. The researchers suggest improving sleep may help reduce sugar intake and break the cycle of unhealthy habits.
Using a high-throughput cell-editing platform, researchers have successfully mutated genes in human immune cells to make them resistant to HIV infection. The new system enables the rapid testing of gene mutations that confer resistance, which could potentially accelerate the quest for an HIV cure.
A study published in PLOS Genetics identified two genetic variations linked to age-related hearing impairment, shedding light on the disorder's biological basis. The research used a large cohort of patients' electronic medical records and genome sequences to discover these genetic links.
Researchers found HIV in brain, kidney, spleen & other tissues of treated patients with undetectable viral loads, suggesting continued disease progression. The study suggests that strategies to 'cure' HIV infection must consider targeting tissue-based sites of HIV.
New research reveals that gene DIXDC1 may act as a general risk factor for psychiatric disease by interfering with brain connection regulation. Mutations in this gene are linked to reduced synapse numbers and impaired WNT signaling in neurons, leading to heightened anxiety, loss of motivation, and social interaction deficits.
Researchers have discovered a previously unknown mass migration of inhibitory neurons into the brain's frontal cortex during the first few months after birth. This late-stage migration may play a role in establishing fundamentally human cognitive abilities.
A study by researchers at UC San Francisco found that a particular pattern of microbes in newborns' guts triples their risk of developing asthma by age four. The abnormal gut microbiome produces molecules that reduce the abundance of key immune cells, leading to a hyperactive immune system and chronic inflammation.
Researchers have discovered a new strategy to cultivate beneficial beige fat, which can help ward off obesity and diabetes. By preventing beige fat cells from digesting their own mitochondria, the intervention successfully protected against obesity and pre-diabetic symptoms in mice, raising hopes for future applications in human patients.
Researchers developed a novel opioid drug candidate by starting from scratch using computational techniques to explore over four trillion chemical interactions. The new compound, PZM21, blocked pain effectively like morphine but did not trigger deadly side effects, including breathing interference and addiction.
A team of researchers at UCSF and UC Berkeley identified duramycin as an effective blocker of Zika virus infection in human cells. The study reveals two potential routes for the virus to reach the fetus and shows that duramycin can prevent birth defects associated with microcephaly.
Researchers found that half of people newly infected with HIV experience mild to moderate neurologic issues, which usually resolve after starting anti-retroviral therapy. These findings suggest that HIV affects the nervous system within days of infection.
Researchers have discovered two tarantula toxins that target a previously unknown pain pathway in sensory nerves, potentially leading to new drugs for treating chronic pain. The toxins also represent a broadly applicable tool for selectively manipulating sodium channels implicated in numerous neurological disorders.
A new approach repairs liver disease by converting fibrosis-causing cells into functional hepatocytes, reducing damage and improving liver function. The technique targets liver fibrosis, a primary driver of liver disease, and may be more efficient than cell transplants.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) was effective in preventing malaria in pregnancy, with no reported cases among women taking monthly doses. The therapy showed better results than sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), a widely used but ineffective option due to widespread ...
Researchers at UCSF discovered that homeless individuals aged 50+ often experience difficulties with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. Cognitive and visual impairments are also common, with rates comparable to those of people in their 80s.
Researchers have identified a specific gene mutation that appears to link unusual sleep patterns and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The PER3 gene mutation was found in family members with both conditions, suggesting a connection between circadian genes and mood disorders.
A distinctive gene signature discovered in white blood cells of patients infected with Lyme disease could lead to a new way of diagnosing the tick-borne illness. The study found that this signature persisted even after antibiotic treatment, suggesting potential long-term symptoms.
A worldwide study led by UC San Francisco and Emory University investigators found belatacept to be a better option for kidney transplant recipients, with lower mortality and graft loss rates. The drug's long-term benefits are seen in preserving kidney function and suppressing antibodies that cause late graft loss.
A large study of over 20,600 breast cancer survivors found that those who quit smoking after diagnosis had a significantly lower risk of death from breast cancer. Quitting smoking led to a 33% reduction in mortality rate, with the highest risks observed among long-term smokers and former smokers.
Children with sensory processing disorder (SPD) have altered brain connectivity pathways compared to typically developing children, affecting auditory and tactile processing. The study found strong correlations between white matter integrity and sensory functioning, paving the way for personalized treatments.
Regular caffeine consumption does not lead to extra heartbeats, contrary to clinical belief. A 12-month study of 1,388 participants found no association between frequent coffee, tea, or chocolate consumption and cardiac rhythm disturbances.
A UCSF-led study found a significant increase in CT scans for non-serious injuries from 2005 to 2013, with more than 8 million adult patient visits tracked. The rise is attributed to defensive medicine practices, diagnostic accuracy, convenience, and demand for expedited discharge.
Adult smokers who use e-cigarettes are 28 percent less likely to stop smoking cigarettes, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis of published data. The largest study to quantify the effect of e-cigarettes on quitting found no association between e-cigarette use and increased smoking cessation.
Researchers have discovered that the DNA-binding protein Foxd3 acts as a genetic traffic signal, holding stem cells in readiness for transformation during early embryonic development. This discovery sheds light on how development works and has important implications for understanding developmental and adult diseases.
A multi-center study led by UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital San Francisco found that purified cannabidiol reduced monthly motor seizures in children with uncontrolled seizures by 36.5%. The treatment was well-tolerated, and the study suggests that CBD may be a promising new treatment option for children with severe epilepsy.
A new brain-scanning study of jazz pianists found that 'happy' and 'sad' music evoke different neural patterns, with greater activation of reward regions during sad improvisations. The researchers suggest that emotion plays a crucial role in creative states, influencing which parts of the brain's creativity network are activated.
A new study found that conveying emotions affects brain's creativity network, with 'happy' and 'sad' music evoking different neural patterns. The research suggests emotion plays a crucial role in creative states, with varying degrees of activation in brain regions.
A new analysis found that despite federal efforts to diversify clinical research, the number of studies including minorities remains low, and scientists from minority communities are less likely to receive funding. This lack of diversity poses a significant risk to understanding and addressing health disparities in the US population.
A team of researchers at UCSF developed ORACLs, a lineage of genetically modified cancer cells that change their appearance when treated with drugs, inspired by face-recognition software. These cells can quickly organize molecules in institutional compound libraries according to their biological function.
A new study by UC San Francisco scientists shows that the proportion of normal cells in tumor samples can skew genetic analysis results. The team used a massive dataset to examine how tumor purity affects three common genomic methods, revealing potentially disruptive effects on cancer research findings and clinical classifications.
A new form of immunotherapy aims to protect insulin-producing cells using patients' own immune cells. The therapy, called regulatory T cells, was well-tolerated and durable in a Phase 1 clinical trial, supporting the development of a Phase 2 efficacy trial.
Researchers found that treating patients with expensive new drugs for hepatitis C earlier than usual is worth the cost, despite high prices. Early treatment can save healthcare costs and improve patient quality of life by preventing long-term damage from the disease.
A study reveals that yeast cells falsely perceive a specific pattern of stress as an ever-increasing ramp, leading to their self-destruction. The findings suggest that many cell types, including human cells, may be predisposed to misperceptions and could be fooled by carefully engineered illusions.
A study published in Injury Prevention found that gunshot wound patients in urban areas with high crime rates were more likely to die within five years, mainly due to homicide. The research tracked patients after discharge from hospital and showed a significant risk of early death among these survivors.
A new study maps out the genetic changes in melanoma development, confirming sun exposure's role and identifying an intermediate disease stage between benign moles and malignancy. The research provides evidence of UV-induced mutations in benign lesions, precursor lesions, and melanoma, highlighting the importance of sun protection.
Scientists at UNC and UCSF developed a general tool to find homes for 'orphan' cell-surface receptors, illuminating their roles in behavior. The creation of the research tool allows researchers to learn how orphan receptors interact with molecules inside the body or with drugs.
A large study found that low-income patients on Medicaid are rarely screened for diabetes, despite being at high risk. Integrated health care would make it easier for patients to get screening and treatment.
A new analysis of the iPrEx trial suggests that PrEP is effective in preventing HIV infection among transgender women. However, lower drug levels and reduced adherence rates are observed due to socio-cultural factors, emphasizing the need for tailored delivery models.
Scientists have identified a chemical compound that can potentially be used in eye drops to reverse cataracts. The compound, known as compound 29, was shown to stabilize crystallins and prevent them from forming amyloids, which are the hallmark of cataract disease.
A $20 million gift from the Dolby Family Fund will support UCSF's Department of Psychiatry in its research on depression, bipolar disorder, and related illnesses. The goal is to rapidly advance treatments and eliminate stigma surrounding mental illness.
Researchers aim to conduct clinical trials on implantable, engineered organs in this decade. The device mimics human kidney functions and has shown encouraging early studies.
Researchers at UCSF and Feeding America found that providing nutritious food and education to low-income individuals with diabetes improved glycemic control and medication adherence. The intervention also encouraged the consumption of healthy foods, including fruits and vegetables.
Researchers discover a protein called Casein Kinase 2 that prevents white fat from burning energy in cold conditions. Inhibiting this molecule boosts metabolism and reduces weight gain in mice fed high-fat diets.
Reducing added sugar consumption can reverse chronic metabolic diseases in children, including high cholesterol and blood pressure, within 10 days. The study shows that sugar is metabolically harmful due to its effects on the body, not its calories.