A study published by UC San Francisco researchers found that levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in pregnant women's blood have declined by two-thirds since the chemicals were banned in California. This decline suggests that regulations can impact people's everyday lives.
A new study by UCSF researchers found that higher-calorie diets result in twice the rate of weight gain compared to lower-calorie diets for adolescents hospitalized with anorexia nervosa. This approach also shortens hospital stays without increasing the risk of refeeding syndrome.
The University of California, San Francisco will conduct multidisciplinary research to inform the FDA's regulation of tobacco products. The UCSF center will focus on seven areas, including risk perceptions and cardiovascular effects, to develop evidence-based policies to curb the global tobacco epidemic.
A pilot study shows that comprehensive lifestyle changes can increase telomere length by up to 10%, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases. The study, conducted over five years, involved 35 men with prostate cancer who followed a plant-based diet and engaged in moderate exercise, stress reduction, and social support.
Researchers at UCSF have discovered a link between meal times and daily changes in the immune system. Eosinophils, previously thought to fight parasitic diseases, may actually help invaders, according to the study. This discovery could lead to new strategies for fighting chronic parasitic infection and allergies.
A new study published in JAMA found that a 'pay for performance' program rewarding doctors on quality of care yields better health outcomes than traditional fee-for-service models. The program improved blood pressure control rates among patients with diabetes, with significant benefits observed in high-risk populations.
Researchers at UCSF have identified a new way to manipulate the immune system that may keep it from attacking the body's own molecules in autoimmune diseases. The study discovered a distinctive type of immune cell called eTAC, which puts a damper on immune responses and prevents autoimmune diabetes in mice.
The study found that measuring cystatin C in the blood strengthens the association between kidney function and risks of death and end-stage renal disease. Kidney function stages categorized by cystatin C were better at reflecting future risk than those based on creatinine estimates.
A specially designed 3-D video game has been shown to improve cognitive performance in healthy older adults. The game, NeuroRacer, enhances cognitive control and reverses some of the negative effects of aging on the brain.
Researchers have discovered that the protein Parkin plays a key role in fighting tuberculosis, triggering the destruction of bacteria by immune cells. This finding suggests that strategies already being explored to combat Parkinson's disease may also be effective against tuberculosis.
Researchers at UC San Francisco discovered a potential epilepsy drug in zebrafish bred to mimic Dravet Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. Clemizole, an antihistamine, showed efficacy in preventing seizures in the fish, offering a glimmer of hope for families affected by this debilitating disease.
A team of researchers from UCSF analyzed medical records and found that most thyroid nodules are benign, not malignant cancers. They suggest biopsying only patients with microcalcifications or large solid nodules over two centimeters in diameter to reduce unnecessary procedures.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that pediatric readmission and revisit rates are limited in their usefulness as a quality indicator for pediatric hospital care. The study suggests that grouping patients with similar diagnoses could improve the accuracy of readmission rates as a quality measurement.
Research suggests cocaine use may lead to continued drug seeking by stimulating growth of new brain structures associated with learning and memory. The study used live brain imaging to observe mice given cocaine or saline, finding significant increases in dendritic spines after two hours.
A UCSF team discovered that a chemical found in an anti-wrinkle cream can increase mutant PINK1 enzyme activity to near normal levels, reversing cell death caused by Parkinson's-disease mutations. This finding suggests potential for new treatment strategies and raises hope for combatting other diseases, including diabetes and cancer.
A new GE technology uses pyruvate levels to detect prostate tumors in real time, providing a safe and non-invasive way to assess cancer progression. The technology has shown promising results in a clinical study of 31 patients with prostate cancer.
Researchers have found that specific DNA sequences in enhancers affect gene activity, enabling the design of synthetic DNA for gene therapy. This discovery may advance efforts to treat diseases using gene and cell therapies.
A large-scale international study has identified 25 new mutations on nine key genes behind severe childhood epilepsy, including two new genes never before associated with the disorder. The findings suggest a new direction for developing genome-wide diagnostic screens and precise therapies for the condition.
A new two-minute assessment tool has been developed to help hospital staff identify patients at risk of developing delirium, a condition characterized by severe confusion and disorientation. The tool, termed AWOL, uses elements that can be assessed quickly in the fast-paced environment of a hospital.
A new study led by UCSF found that banning smoking in casinos results in significantly fewer emergency calls for ambulances, highlighting the need for stricter smoke-free laws in the industry.
A new study from the University of California - San Francisco found that friendships play a crucial role in reducing risky behaviors among homeless youth. Homeless young women were found to have lower condom use and a higher likelihood of sex with intravenous drug users, leading to higher rates of STIs.
A scientific panel recommends personalized strategies to reduce cancer overtreatment by classifying indolent tumors and improving screening strategies. The goal is to detect consequential cancer while avoiding inconsequential disease.
Researchers at UCSF recommend six measures to prevent hepatitis C, including clean syringe programs, social issue addressing, and injection cessation interventions. The study estimates 31,000 new cases per year among young injectors in the US.
UCSF researchers have discovered a new adenovirus that can spread from primate to primate and potentially from monkeys to humans. The study suggests that adenoviruses may pose a risk for cross-species infections, highlighting the need for vigilance in tracking animal viruses.
Researchers discovered that inhibiting neural pathways between the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens reduces compulsive drinking in rats. The study's findings suggest a potential link to FDA-approved medications targeting these pathways, which could accelerate the development of new treatments for human compulsive drinking.
A new study by UCSF researchers has identified a key protein called BMI1 that plays a vital role in ensuring normal tissue development. The findings suggest that manipulating BMI1 could be a strategy for creating cell-based treatments to replace damaged tissues and potentially slow tumor growth.
Researchers at UCSF have discovered a way to indirectly target myc-driven tumors using an experimental drug that targets the mTOR protein. Clinical trials for this new treatment approach may soon be available for patients with myc-driven cancers.
Researchers at UCSF discovered changes in intestinal bacteria can perpetuate inflammation triggered by HIV, linked to chronic diseases such as heart disease, dementia, and obesity. The study suggests manipulating microbial populations could be a promising strategy to restore gut health and potentially treat HIV.
A new UCSF project creates choirs for seniors in San Francisco to assess the impact of singing on cognitive, mobility, and overall wellbeing. The study aims to provide scientific-based evidence that community arts programs can promote health among older adults.
Researchers have found quantifiable differences in brain structure among children with sensory processing disorders (SPD), which are often overlooked and misunderstood. The study provides a potential biological basis for the disease, using advanced MRI techniques to examine white matter tracts in the brain.
Researchers at UCSF discovered that vitamin C helps release brakes on genes in mouse stem cells, potentially playing a key role in normal development. This finding may lead to the use of vitamin C in IVF and cancer treatments, as it can stimulate gene activity similar to early embryonic development.
A team of UCSF researchers discovered a sensory system in the foreleg of fruit flies that tells males whether a potential mate is from the same or different species. The Gr32a system prevents hybrids from forming, helping species preserve its identity.
A new UCSF study has identified thousands of previously unknown RNA molecules outside genes that are more likely associated with inherited disease risks. The research highlights the potential importance of non-gene DNA regions in human biology.
A Phase III clinical trial showed that a simple drug regimen of clopidogrel and aspirin lowered the risk of stroke by almost one-third compared to aspirin alone. The three-month period following stroke is critical for medical intervention, and the combination was found to be more effective in preventing subsequent strokes.
Research suggests that gene mutations causing cell signaling network disruptions during embryonic development can lead to subtle brain disruptions contributing to psychiatric disorders. Dact1 protein mutations in mice have been found to have structural flaws in interneurons, which regulate brain activity and cognitive processes.
A new study by UCSF researchers identified a brain pathway linked to addiction cravings and found that deactivating it could prevent relapse in rats. The study suggests that targeting the molecular pathway mediated by mTORC1 could lead to a treatment option for people with alcohol abuse disorders.
A research team at UCSF has found that exposure to nitrogen dioxide during infancy is strongly linked with later development of childhood asthma among African Americans and Latinos. The study indicates that traffic-related pollution might be a cause of the disease, calling for tightened U.S government standards for annual exposure to NO2.
A new study suggests that aspirin slows the accumulation of DNA mutations in abnormal cells in Barrett's esophagus, a pre-cancerous condition. This finding implies that aspirin may exert cancer-preventing effects by lowering mutation rates.
A UC San Francisco-led study found that men with non-metastatic prostate cancer who consumed more healthy vegetable fats had a lower risk of developing lethal prostate cancer and dying from other causes. Replacing 10% of daily calories with these fats was associated with a 29% lower risk of lethal prostate cancer.
Researchers found hospitalization for severe hypoglycemia doubled dementia risk, while dementia patients experienced twice as likely severe hypoglycemic events. Cognitive impairment may lead to poor diabetes management and worse health.
A recent UC San Francisco study found that poor sleep quality is significantly associated with increased inflammation levels among women with coronary heart disease. Women who reported very poor or fairly poor sleep quality showed a greater increase in inflammatory biomarkers compared to men.
A new study from the University of California - San Francisco found that African-American and Latino children are increasing their consumption of 100 percent fruit juice, which often has just as much sugar as soda. The study suggests that parents need more education on healthy beverages to replace sugary drinks with water or milk.
Researchers found that individuals with untreated major depression have increased telomerase activity in immune cells, which may help fight back against disease progression. The study also suggests a potential protective role for telomerase in the hippocampus and reducing depressive symptoms with treatment.
UCSF researchers have created the first functioning human thymus tissue from embryonic stem cells, fostering healthy immune responses and preventing autoimmune reactions in mice. The achievement marks a significant step toward potential new treatments for type-1 diabetes and other autoimmune diseases.
Researchers at UC San Francisco found that giving small amounts of formula to infants experiencing high early weight loss can increase the length of time their mothers end up breastfeeding. This study provides evidence for the benefits of 'early limited formula' in some newborns.
A new genomic test helps identify low-risk men suitable for active surveillance, sparing them from unnecessary treatment. The test provides statistically significant and clinically meaningful prognostic information, aiding in determining which men are best suited for active surveillance.
Researchers at the University of California - San Francisco have developed a type of human brain cell called medial ganglionic eminence (MGE) cell that grows seamlessly when transplanted into mice. These cells have the potential to treat several types of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson's disease,...
Researchers at UCSF controlled seizures in epileptic mice with a one-time transplantation of MGE cells, which inhibit signaling in overactive nerve circuits. The treatment showed promising results, eliminating seizures in half of the treated mice and reducing spontaneous seizures in the rest.
Scientists at UCSF have developed a new gene sequencing technique that can identify the Lone Star virus in less than 24 hours, significantly faster than conventional methods. The ultra-rapid deep sequencing approach has the potential to democratize viral surveillance and could help prevent outbreaks.
A genetic mutation in the casein kinase I delta gene has been linked to a typical form of migraine, with evidence showing its impact on pain threshold, cortical spreading depression, and astrocyte activity. This discovery offers hope for developing better therapies for migraine sufferers.