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.
A public-private partnership aims to develop better-run clinical trials and identify effective measures of brain injury and recovery. The collaboration will analyze data from thousands of patients using biomarkers, imaging equipment, and software.
The UCSF Clinician Consultation Center has been funded by the CDC to provide a telephone consultation service for healthcare providers prescribing PrEP. The service will guide clinicians on identifying patients at risk, evaluating their ability to take PrEP regularly and ensuring safe prescribing practices.
A UCSF study found that educating pregnant women about their choices on prenatal genetic testing leads to a decrease in the number of tests. Women who received clear information and unbiased guidance were less likely to undergo diagnostic testing, scoring higher in knowledge of genetic testing.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that CT scans are no more accurate than ultrasound exams in diagnosing painful kidney stones. The study suggests that ultrasound should be used as the first step in diagnosis, avoiding unnecessary radiation exposure.
Researchers used brain scans to forecast early reading difficulties in kindergarteners, finding that white matter development predicts reading ability. The study suggests a new tool for clinicians to spot dyslexia and other reading challenges before they arise.
Researchers at UCSF identified an antibiotic, lactocillin, produced by a common vaginal bacterial species that kills certain pathogens while sparing others. The study suggests that naturally occurring drugs made by our own microbes may play an important role in maintaining human health.
A UCSF-led team found that children with repeated malaria exposure experience fewer clinical symptoms, but also have reduced immune responses. This depletion of gamma delta T cells may be beneficial in some ways, but detrimental in others, allowing the disease to spread.
A new study suggests that minor infections like colds and flu can increase short-lived stroke risk in vulnerable children. The study found that the risk of stroke was highest within a three-day period after an infection, highlighting the need for infection prevention and vaccination to protect at-risk kids.
Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) affects 1 in 58,000 infants, but recent screenings have detected nearly double the previously estimated incidence. The study found that infant screening programs can detect SCID early, allowing for timely treatment and improved survival rates.
A study by UCSF researchers found that hospital workers exposed to antibacterial soap had significantly higher triclosan levels in their urine compared to those using plain soap and water. Washing with antibacterial soap accounted for even higher triclosan levels than brushing with toothpaste containing triclosan.
A UCSF study found significant price differences in common blood tests across California hospitals, with prices ranging from $35 to $7,303. Hospital ownership and teaching status explain some variation, but factors like location and labor costs do not.
Researchers found that gut bacteria can sway food choices by releasing signaling molecules into the gut, influencing physiological and behavioral responses. The microbiome's diversity of interests can be manipulated through diet and supplement changes, offering a tractable approach to obesity and unhealthy eating.
A new study led by researchers at UCSF analyzed the effect of two widely used osteoporosis drugs on breast cancer risk in post-menopausal women. The findings suggest that low estrogen levels, rather than the drugs themselves, may be protecting against breast cancer.
Researchers found that brief acute psychological stress promotes healing in mouse models of three different types of skin irritations. The study revealed that the anti-inflammatory effects of glucocorticoids produced by the adrenal glands under stress are beneficial for inflammatory disorders and acute injury in both mice and humans.
A new study analyzing over 3,500 tumor samples reveals that many cancers can be classified differently based on cellular and molecular criteria. The research suggests that patients may benefit from more accurate diagnoses and tailored treatments, with potential implications for personalized cancer therapy.
Researchers at UCSF have developed a method for analyzing hundreds of cells individually using microfluidic technology, which reveals novel molecular features in diverse cell types. This approach holds promise for understanding how the human cortex arises from cells spun off from stem cells.
Researchers seek to reduce inflammation in kidney transplants by increasing regulatory T cells, either through infusions or pharmacologically. The goal is to maximize long-term organ survival and improve graft success rates, which have remained unchanged at 4% loss annually.
A new UCSF study reveals that emergency department closures can lead to a 5% higher risk of death for patients admitted to nearby hospitals, particularly those with time-sensitive conditions. The findings highlight the ripple effect on patient outcomes and surrounding communities.
Researchers found decreased structural brain connections in specific sensory regions for children with SPD, differing from those with autism. This study provides new insights into the neural underpinnings of these conditions.
Researchers found that blood-forming stem cells falter with age due to DNA replication problems, leading to a decline in immune function. However, even old stem cells can repair induced DNA damage efficiently and retain molecular tags associated with DNA damage.
A new UC San Francisco study shows that maintaining healthy behaviors can reduce telomere shortening, a marker of cellular aging. The researchers found that post-menopausal women who exercised, slept well and ate well had less telomere shortening than those with poor lifestyles.
Researchers have identified biochemical pathways that can inhibit reprogramming of gene activity in adult human cells, increasing the efficiency of stem-cell production. This breakthrough could lead to accelerated development of replacement tissue for failing body parts.
Researchers found that endostatin helps maintain stable neural circuit function through homeostatic plasticity. This discovery challenges previous views on the protein's functions and opens new avenues for understanding neurological disorders.
Research at UC San Francisco found 60% of HIV-infected or high-risk unstably housed women experienced recent violence, including emotional, physical, and sexual violence. Social isolation unexpectedly reduced the odds of experiencing violence, while psychiatric diagnoses increased the risk.
A new study from UC San Francisco found that 60% of unstably housed HIV-infected or at-risk women experienced recent forms of violence. Researchers discovered social isolation may protect these women from danger, while psychiatric diagnoses increase the risk of violence.
An expressive therapy group intervention, conducted by The Medea Project, assists women living with HIV in disclosing their health status and improving social support, self-efficacy, and relationship safety. The study reveals five core themes: sisterhood, catharsis, self-acceptance, safer relationships, and gaining a voice.
A new chemical compound, KIRA6, has shown significant protection against degenerative forms of blindness and diabetes in rats and mice. The research offers a promising drug-development path for the diseases caused by cell loss and provides insights into the unfolded protein response (UPR) network.
Researchers at UCSF found catheter ablation to be a highly effective first-line treatment for atrial flutter, reducing hospital visits by 12% and emergency department visits by 40%. The procedure also lowers the risk of atrial fibrillation by 11%.
Researchers question long-held theory that Northern Europeans developed light skin for vitamin D production. Instead, genetic mutations compromising the skin's barrier function enabled survival at higher latitudes. High rates of filaggrin mutations in Northern European populations correlate with increased vitamin D levels.
The study found that the Internet-based trial was a valuable platform for conducting the randomized clinical trial and proved to be both cost and time effective. The researchers successfully enrolled 57 children from 28 states into the trial, which was completed in three months with a high completion rate.
A UCSF-led study found that nearly 80% of obstetricians agree that physicians have a role in helping patients reduce exposures to environmental health hazards. However, only one in five physicians routinely ask about these exposures or receive training on toxic chemicals' effects.
A UCSF study found that families with an autistic child are one-third less likely to have more children. The study analyzed California state health records and found that reproductive stoppage, or the decision not to have more children due to a genetic disorder, is a real phenomenon.
A comprehensive genetic study of the Mexican population identified tremendous genetic diversity reflecting thousands of years of separation, explaining health factors such as differing rates of breast cancer and asthma. The study provides an explanation for misdiagnoses and incorrect treatment based on ethnic heritage.
Research by UCSF scientists reveals two gene variants associated with longer telomeres also increase the risk of developing gliomas. Despite being carried by a majority of people, these genetic variants may promote overall health due to their protective effect on cells from aging.
A new study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that infants exposed to a diverse range of bacterial species in house dust during the first year of life are less likely to develop asthma in early childhood. The study, led by UCSF researchers, suggests that immune responses may be shaped by exposures during...
A new study by UC San Francisco researchers found that two signaling molecules secreted by immune cells trigger the conversion of white fat cells to beige fat cells, leading to weight loss. The discovery provides a potential new strategy for weight loss focused on the immune system rather than the brain.
A 14-year-old boy's rapid recovery from brain-inflaming encephalitis thanks to next-generation sequencing techniques. The innovative approach, developed at UCSF, enables quick diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases, revolutionizing clinical laboratory practices.
A $26 million research project employs advanced technology to understand and treat psychiatric disorders by analyzing brain networks. The project aims to develop neural stimulation therapies to 'unlearn' detrimental signaling patterns, potentially eliminating symptoms.
A comprehensive analysis of e-cigarette research reveals industry health claims are unsupported, and exposure is associated with indoor air pollution. E-cigarettes should be regulated to protect public health.