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.
A new UCSF study urges doctors to consider patient risks and benefits when treating benign skin cancers in elderly patients, who may endure complications but not live long enough to benefit from treatment. The study found that most non-melanoma skin cancers were treated surgically, despite limited life expectancy or tumor recurrence ri...
A large study found that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are associated with a 10% increased risk of adverse outcomes after surgery, including bleeding and transfusions. The study suggests that patients on SSRIs should discuss their medication with their surgeon or primary care physician before undergoing surgery.
UCSF scientists discovered that muscle repair requires the action of two types of cells: eosinophils and fibro/adipogenic cells. Eosinophils help clear cellular debris and collaborate with FAP cells to trigger muscle regrowth.
The study found that women with more advanced breast cancer at diagnosis, higher body mass index, and more positive lymph nodes were at increased risk of developing lymphedema. Genetic markers associated with the development of lymphedema in breast cancer survivors were also identified.
A common EKG test may predict serious cardiovascular illness in people with left anterior fascicular block (LAFB), a previously thought benign condition. The study found those with LAFB had a higher risk of atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure and death.
Researchers at UCSF discovered that long noncoding RNA molecules, once considered 'junk', are involved in brain development and may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. The study identified 88 lncRNAs associated with Huntington's disease and found weaker associations with Alzheimer's and other conditions.
Researchers have linked autism in a mouse model to abnormalities in specific chromosomal regions and associated genes. The study provides new insights into the disease's causes and may lead to the development of new treatments.
Researchers have discovered that stimulating one part of the brain with laser light can wipe away addictive behavior in rats and turn non-addicted rats into compulsive cocaine seekers. The study suggests a new therapy using transcranial magnetic stimulation could be effective for humans, offering hope for treating cocaine addiction.
Researchers envision cell-based therapeutics as a promising approach to treat critical diseases. Cells can adapt and respond better than small-molecule drugs, offering a more predictable treatment option.
A study by UCSF researchers found that EEGs can identify seizures in up to 7.4% of hospitalized patients, highlighting the underutilization of this diagnostic tool. Seizures are treatable with FDA-approved anticonvulsants, and prompt diagnosis can lead to shorter hospital stays and improved patient outcomes.
Researchers used brain mapping to study decision-making in rats and found that the hippocampus plays a crucial role in linking memories to future choices. The study suggests that considering possibilities is essential for making better decisions and could lead to interventions to improve cognitive function.