A UCSF-led team discovered that the Haemophilus influenzae Type b vaccine protects against acute lymphoblastic leukemia by preventing the conversion of 'pre-leukemia' blood cells into full-blown cancer. Chronic infections push these cells into malignancy.
A microclinic intervention significantly reduced disengagement from care by half and decreased stigma by 25% among rural Kenyan HIV patients. By mobilizing social networks, these clinics provided crucial support to patients, ultimately improving retention in care.
A study found that microclinics significantly reduced the rate of HIV patient disengagement from care by half and decreased perceived stigma within communities. Microclinics mobilized rural Kenyan patients' informal social networks to support their staying in care.
A new clinical model proposes addressing trauma to improve patient health outcomes, with four components: environment, screening, response, and foundation. The model aims to create a trauma-informed environment that promotes safety, reliability, trust, and empathy.
Researchers at UCSF-Brown have discovered an enzyme that breaks down bat tissue, exacerbating the spread of white-nose syndrome. They identified Destructin-1, a collagen-digesting enzyme, and found potential inhibitors, paving the way for new treatments.
Researchers analyzed 3,550 North American rodent fossils to show how fundamental evolutionary mechanisms drive the emergence of novel mammalian stem cells. The study found that most extinct species can acquire continuously growing molars through evolution, and the final developmental step is surprisingly simple.
A new study found that statins can help prevent heart disease in older adults but may cause muscle pain, weakness, and mild cognitive impairment. The study suggests that the benefits of statin use may be offset by these side effects, particularly in geriatric populations.
Scientists have discovered a new autoimmune syndrome characterized by severe lung disease and arthritis in early childhood. The disorder is caused by mutations in the COPA gene, which disrupts protein trafficking within cells, leading to cellular stress and an immune response. Researchers believe that targeting Th17 cells with drugs ma...
Researchers discovered that myeloid cells switch roles and become anti-therapy agents when angiogenesis inhibitors are used, leading to tumor growth and relapse. Targeting the PI3K signaling pathway may offer a way to prevent this phenomenon.
Researchers found routine preoperative testing for cataract surgery is still done in 53% of patients, despite being unnecessary. Testing varies widely among ophthalmologists and seems to be driven more by provider behavior than patient characteristics.
A quarter of all atrial fibrillation patients at the lowest risk for stroke receive unnecessary blood thinners from cardiology specialists. Researchers found that males and older patients were more likely to be prescribed oral anticoagulation despite having no risk factors for stroke.
Researchers discovered that deep-brain stimulation (DBS) reduces excessive synchronization of brain activity in the motor cortex, a region governing body movements. This reduction leads to improved symptoms and facilitated movement in patients with Parkinson's disease.
Researchers at UCSF have visualized the TRPA1 protein, also known as the 'wasabi receptor', at near-atomic resolution. This discovery provides valuable insight into how anti-inflammatory pain drugs can be designed to target this receptor.
A study by UCSF researchers found that lower extremity revascularization procedures had little impact on patients' function in nursing homes. Despite the procedure's operative risk, only a few U.S. nursing home residents gained any walking ability after surgery.
A new study led by UC San Francisco documents the increasing amount of care provided in emergency departments for complex, chronic conditions. The research shows a rise in non-injury diagnoses, including gastrointestinal and nervous system disorders, among vulnerable populations.
Researchers at UCSF identified a biological escape hatch that explains resistance to targeted drug treatment in lung cancer patients. Combining two compounds, erlotinib and PBS-1086, effectively wipes out cancer cells in mice implanted with cells from drug-resistant tumors.
A blood test between 10-14 weeks of pregnancy accurately diagnosed all 38 fetuses with Down syndrome, surpassing standard non-invasive screening techniques. The cell-free DNA blood test correctly identified fetuses with two other less common chromosomal abnormalities.
A research team has isolated energy-burning beige fat from adult humans, which can convert unhealthy white fat into healthy brown fat. This discovery holds promise for developing new medications to fight obesity by recruiting and activating human brown fat.
Researchers found the genetic signature of enterovirus D68 in half of California and Colorado children diagnosed with acute flaccid myelitis, linking it to a new strain with potential for causing neurological symptoms. The study suggests that individual biology may also play a role in determining disease presentation.
A research team at UCSF has discovered a noncoding RNA molecule called Pnky that can be manipulated to increase the production of neurons from neural stem cells. The study suggests that Pnky may have broad applications in regenerative medicine, including treatments for Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
Industry documents reveal close ties between sugar industry and NIH in developing research approaches focused on alternatives to reducing tooth decay. Analysis found that sugar industry priorities influenced the 1971 National Caries Program's research proposals.
A new study has identified two distinct subtypes of childhood leukemia and found that about 13 percent of ALL cases may be successfully treated with targeted drugs. The research developed a simple lab test to determine which patients fall into the less-common subtype, opening up new hope for treatment options.
A new study found that nearly 86% of Tourette syndrome patients will receive a second psychiatric diagnosis, with 58% receiving two or more. Mood and anxiety disorders are common among TS patients, emerging as early as age 5, and are related to OCD and ADHD diagnoses.
Researchers found that abnormal fast-spiking interneuron activity contributes to cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. Correcting these abnormalities, either through drug treatment or direct stimulation, can reverse cognitive symptoms, suggesting new potential therapies for the disorder.
Researchers have discovered that inflammation causes molecular bonds to form within mucus in cystic fibrosis, making it thicker and more difficult to clear. A potential new therapeutic approach targeting disulfide bonds has been identified, offering hope for improved treatment options.
The comprehensive maps and analyses of the epigenomes of human cells and tissues will provide new insights into normal development and disruption in disorders such as cancer, autism, and heart disease. The data will also be valuable in studying autoimmune diseases, Alzheimer's disease, and other conditions.
A recent UCSF-led study identified YAP as a key driver of resistance to targeted cancer therapies. By suppressing YAP, the researchers found that combination therapies targeting both MEK and YAP pathways can enhance the effectiveness of individual drugs in treating BRAF- and RAS-mutant tumors.
Researchers found that individuals carrying a single copy of the KLOTHO allele, associated with better cognition and longevity, have larger volumes in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. This brain region is vulnerable to atrophy as people age, impacting planning and decision-making abilities.
Research by UC San Francisco scientists reveals that estrogen-producing neurons play a crucial role in regulating aggression in mice, affecting both male and female behavior. The study found that eliminating these neurons slowed response times to threats and reduced aggression in males, while females showed similar changes in maternal ...
Researchers at UCSF discovered that immune cells in brain respond to fat in diet by causing mice to consume more food. The study found that a population explosion of microglia, a type of immune cell, in the hypothalamus region drives increased food intake.
A comprehensive analysis of post-abortion care found major complications occurring in under 1% of cases, with rates varying by age and abortion method. The study suggests that current regulations may be unnecessary, calling into question the need for additional safety measures.
Research from UC San Francisco found that kids living in renovated public housing had fewer repeat ER visits, while those in older public housing had more. Investments in physical infrastructure may foster better health among children.
Researchers at UCSF have identified patterns of genetic activity that can be used to diagnose endometriosis and its severity, offering a less invasive alternative to surgery. The test uses machine learning to analyze gene expression patterns in uterine lining cells.
A groundbreaking study by UCSF researchers found elevated carcinogen markers in nonsmoking car passengers after exposure to secondhand smoke. The study suggests that simply sitting in cars with smokers can lead to increased levels of toxic compounds associated with cancer, heart disease, and lung disease.
Researchers from UC San Francisco discovered a protein called PDGFD that is made in growing human brains but not in mice, driving brain cell growth. The protein's presence may have played an evolutionary role in the huge increase in cortical size in mammals leading to humans.
Two major genetic studies have implicated dozens of genes in autism, affecting communication networks and fundamental biological mechanisms. The research provides a clear path forward for understanding the biology of autism and finding new treatments.
A new study pinpoints the complex genetic origins of multiple autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes and MS. The researchers discovered that specific DNA variations, even outside genes, can alter immune system functions. Epigenetic characteristics of immune cells were also found to play a crucial role in disease development.
A study of nearly 12,000 people in Belarus found that higher radiation doses were associated with more aggressive tumor features, such as spread to lymphatic vessels. The findings have implications for those exposed to radioactive iodine fallout from the Fukushima nuclear reactor incidents.
A study by UCSF researchers found that cardiac monitor alarm frequency and accuracy are crucial to improving patient safety. The study suggests that medical devices should focus on using all available ECG leads and provide prompts for optimal alarm settings.
A UC San Francisco research team found that a specific microRNA, miR-30a-5p, plays a central role in the development of alcohol addiction by lowering levels of protective protein BDNF. Increasing miR-30a-5p levels in the brain region mPFC reduced BDNF and led to excessive drinking behavior.
A genetic variant common in Latina women has been found to protect against breast cancer, with a significant reduction in risk. The variant, originating from indigenous Americans, is believed to interfere with the action of estrogen receptors and is more prevalent in Latina populations than previously thought.
A new study by University of California, San Francisco researchers has discovered a rare population of immune cells associated with less severe cancer outcomes in humans. These 'good' cells, known as antigen-presenting CD103+ dendritic cells, are found in most tumors and may hold therapeutic potential.
A new study by UCSF researchers found a significant association between sugared soda consumption and cell aging, as measured by telomere shortening in immune cells. The findings suggest that regular consumption of sugar-sweetened sodas may influence disease development through accelerated cellular aging.
A new study by the University of California, San Francisco reveals that smoking in California costs $18.1 billion annually, with a majority of smokers being 'light' users who abstain on certain days. The study found that smoking-attributable deaths were 17 times higher than those from AIDS and five times higher than those from diabetes.
UCSF researchers develop SunTag technology to precisely turn genes on and off, revolutionizing CRISPR applications. The technique has broad implications for reprogramming cells and understanding diseases.
A UCSF study found that HIV-infected men who use stimulants experience difficulties accessing antiretroviral therapy due to concerns over adherence. However, the research shows that these patients can take their medications reliably with integrated care services.
Researchers will explore protein quality-control decline in dementias, illnesses. Badly formed proteins can lead to devastating physiological consequences by acting as templates, spreading misfolding like an infection.
Five UCSF researchers received NIH awards to pursue groundbreaking research on autoimmune diseases, cancer, diabetes, and neurological disorders. Their projects focus on developing novel diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches.
Researchers at UCSF found a nurse-led intervention program did not improve 30-day hospital readmission rates among ethnically and linguistically diverse older patients. The study suggests hospitals evaluate such programs before implementing or continuing.
The study found that Native American ancestry is associated with a lower asthma risk, while African ancestry is linked to a higher risk in Latino children. Lung function on average was also lower among children with greater African ancestry, even without asthma.