A new UCSF study shows that using discharge diagnoses to determine ER visit validity could dissuade patients from seeking emergency care for serious conditions. The research highlights the complexity of the issue, suggesting strategies to narrow ER use may not improve health or lower costs.
A new study involving over 900,000 women found that biennial mammograms are as effective as yearly exams in detecting breast cancer and reducing false positives. For women with dense breasts, screening every two years decreases the risk of false-positive results by about a third.
A new study by UCSF researchers reveals that T cells gather together and share information, helping to mount a coordinated response to invading pathogens. The discovery sheds light on the mechanism behind vaccine effectiveness, which relies on T-cell aggregation to form long-term memory.
Scientists at UC San Francisco have developed a more precise way to turn off genes using a protein from bacteria to fight off viruses. The new technology, called CRISPR interference, allows researchers to selectively perturb gene expression on a genome-wide scale and identify key proteins that control cellular events.
A new checklist-based tool helps doctors assess health risks in older adults, considering factors like age, medical conditions, and functional status. The tool, called a 'mortality index,' has been validated with over 20,000 adults and can help seniors engage with their primary care provider to discuss informed health care maintenance.
The AHRQ report identifies 10 strongly recommended patient safety strategies, including preoperative checklists and hand hygiene, to prevent harmful events in US healthcare institutions. The report builds on previous research and provides clinicians with a sound basis for integrating proven strategies into their care.
Scientists at UCSF have discovered a way to detect abnormal brain rhythms associated with Parkinson's disease by implanting electrodes within the brains of people with the disease. This finding may lead to developing next-generation brain stimulation devices to alleviate symptoms.
Scientists have created a detailed map of the global connections within the brains of individuals with agenesis of the corpus callosum, a genetic cause of autism. The study reveals abnormal brain connectivity patterns and network topology, potentially leading to new imaging biomarkers for diagnosis and management.
A new UCSF study reveals large price swings in patient charges for the 10 most common outpatient conditions in emergency rooms across the country. The median charge for total outpatient conditions was $1,233, with some patients facing bills of $4 to $24,110.
A significant majority of uninsured and underinsured patients use email and text messaging in their everyday lives, but many clinics do not offer patient portals or secure messaging. Patients are interested in using electronic communication with providers, which could improve clinical communication and efficiency.
A team of UCSF researchers has uncovered the neurological basis of speech motor control, revealing a hierarchical and cyclical structure that exerts split-second control over articulators in fluent speech. The study has potential implications for developing computer-brain interfaces and treating speech disorders.
Researchers discovered a molecular machine called SCANR that recognizes and targets transposons in cells, potentially halting the spread of genetic elements. This finding builds upon previous discoveries of jumping genes and RNA interference, suggesting a novel way for cells to distinguish between 'self' and 'non-self' genes.
A new study by UCSF found that California's tobacco control program cost $2.4 billion and reduced health care costs by $134 billion over nearly 20 years. The program also led to a significant decrease in smoking prevalence and cigarette consumption, contributing to the overall healthcare cost savings.
A recent study from UCSF found that parents are more accepting of oral birth control pills (59%) than other forms of contraception. The most effective methods, such as implants and IUDs, were less acceptable to a minority of parents. Parental recognition of their teen's autonomy was the only predictor of acceptability across all methods.
A large international study of over three million births found that higher particulate air pollution levels were associated with increased rates of low birth weight. The study, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, highlights the need for policy makers to address air pollution to prevent serious health consequences.
A UCSF study of over 140,000 women aged 66-89 found that biennial screening led to fewer false positives and no increased risk of late-stage breast cancer. The study suggests life expectancy and co-existing illnesses should be considered when making cancer screening recommendations for older women.
A new study found that women with BRCA gene mutations tend to undergo menopause significantly sooner than other women, resulting in a shorter reproductive window. Heavy smokers with the mutation had an even earlier onset of menopause, sparking concerns about potential infertility risks.
GATA3 acts downstream to activate microRNA29b, which stops tumor cells from spreading by inhibiting genes involved in metastasis. The absence of GATA3 allows cancerous cells to break free and induce inflammation and new blood vessel formation.
Researchers at UCSF and the Australian Joint Registry expose loopholes in the 510(k) clearance process that allow untested high-risk medical devices to reach the market. The devices have failed at a dangerously high rate, requiring multiple surgeries and posing unknown risks to patients.
A new study by UCSF neurosurgeon Christopher Ames and orthopedic surgeon Vedat Deviren found that complex spinal surgeries with two attending physicians were significantly shorter, averaging five hours instead of eight, and resulted in less blood loss, fewer major complications, and shorter hospital stays.
Researchers at UCSF and Kaiser Permanente have found that atrial fibrillation significantly increases the risk of end-stage renal disease among patients with chronic kidney disease. The study involved over 206,000 adults and showed that those who developed atrial fibrillation were 67% more likely to progress to kidney failure.
A new study led by UCSF finds that trained nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, and physician assistants can provide clinically safe early abortion care. Outpatient abortion is very safe for all providers, regardless of qualifications.
Researchers found that drug-resistant melanoma tumors can be controlled by using an on-again, off-again treatment schedule. This approach may prolong the effectiveness of the drug for people with late-stage disease.
The UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center has received a $36 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to fund its research programs and clinical trials. The center's excellence in laboratory, clinical, and population-based research was recognized by the NCI.
A new online resource called PREPARE has been developed to help people make complex medical decisions through user-friendly content, videos, and a step-by-step process. The website addresses key aspects of advance care planning and decision making, providing concrete examples and tools for patients and their families.
A comprehensive study analyzed 232 papers on prostate cancer treatments and found that surgery is the most cost-effective option, saving lives at a lower cost than radiation therapy. The analysis also showed that treatment plans for localized prostate cancer vary dramatically across different centers.
A recent study by UCSF researchers found that patients who receive high-quality communication from their doctors are more likely to fill their prescriptions. The study of 9,377 patients showed that effective communication leads to better medication adherence rates, with a 4-6% lower rate for those who felt heard and trusted.
A new UCSF study examines the role of key molecule PKCγ in regulating the food clock, which is disrupted by irregular eating patterns. The findings have implications for understanding diabetes, obesity, and other metabolic syndromes.
A clinical trial by UCSF researchers found that hospital MRIs are better at predicting long-term outcomes for people with mild traumatic brain injuries than CT scans. The study revealed detectable spots on MRI scans called focal lesions, which helped doctors predict persistent neurological problems in patients with 'normal' CT scans.
A nationwide survey of obstetricians and gynecologists found that many doctors perform routine pelvic exams in low-risk women due to misconceptions about ovarian cancer screening. The study suggests that the exams may be performed for non-clinical reasons, such as reassurance or expectation, rather than medical necessity.
Scientists at UCSF have identified a specific nerve cell subset and protein called NOMPC responsible for sensing gentle touch in fruit flies. The discovery sheds light on the fundamental sense of gentle touch and its role in human experience.
A study published by UCSF found that acute kidney injuries have doubled over the last decade, from 222 to 533 cases per million people. The total number of deaths associated with acute kidney injury also more than doubled during this time, from 18,000 in 2000 to nearly 39,000 in 2009.
A team of researchers at UCSF has identified a compound that regulates whole-body metabolism, providing a potential solution to obesity and diabetes. The breakthrough was achieved by screening over 2,400 medications in zebrafish, revealing two compounds that activate genes involved in fat burning.
Researchers found a low risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) following intrauterine device (IUD) insertion. Women who were screened for gonorrhea and chlamydia on the same day as IUD insertion had an equivalent risk of PID to those who were not screened.
Researchers at UCSF discover an 'immune exchange' between the brain and blood that allows disease-causing B cells to move in and out of the brain, providing a potential key to unlocking better treatments and diagnostics. The study suggests that targeting specific B cells could lead to precision therapies tailored to each patient's needs.
A UCSF study suggests an association between attentional state and length of telomeres, finding that those who report more mind wandering have shorter telomeres, while those who are more present in the moment have longer telomeres. Mindful meditation interventions may promote health by increasing activity of telomerase.
A study by UCSF analyzed emergency department visits and found that many minor genital injuries can be prevented through educational and product safety approaches. The research identified specific age groups and consumer products as risk factors, offering insights into preventing such injuries.
A recent study by UCSF researchers found that supporting entrepreneurs in academia can lead to extraordinary traction in translating academic research into public benefit. The study found 60 new companies and 75 bioscience entrepreneurs in just six years, generating over $230 million in funding.
A recent UCSF study found that most liver transplant candidates who died or were removed from the transplant list received one or more liver donation offers prior to death/delisting. The study suggests that efforts to reduce wait-list mortality must target multiple factors beyond just organ availability.
Scientists at UCSF have successfully transplanted embryonic neurons into newborn mice brains, defying the prevailing theory on cell death in developing brains. The study suggests that a fraction of cells may die due to unknown 'signals' rather than competition for survival factors.
A Phase I clinical trial demonstrates signs of engraftment and safety at 1 year, with modest gains in neurological function. The study provides encouraging results for the use of transplanted neural stem cells as a potential treatment for severe myelination diseases.
A multi-center team of scientists will focus on identifying causes of resistance in advanced prostate cancer and tailoring therapy for patients. The goal is to revolutionize treatment through personalized medicine, sparing unnecessary treatment.
A recent study confirms indoor tanning significantly increases non-melanoma skin cancer risk, especially among young people. Researchers estimate over 170,000 new cases annually in the US.
A study published in JAIDS found that starting antiretroviral therapy reduces food insecurity and improves physical health among HIV-infected Africans. Food insecurity is linked to higher rates of opportunistic infections, poorer immune responses, and increased risk of death.
A new viral outbreak in Africa has been linked to the Bas-Congo virus, a previously unknown microbe that causes deadly acute hemorrhagic fever. Genetic analysis reveals the virus is distinct from other rhabdoviruses, including those causing rabies.
A new UCSF study reveals a significant uptick in cinematic smoking, with top-grossing films featuring nearly 1,900 tobacco incidents in 2011. The increase in onscreen smoking targeted young audiences, contributing to the risk of starting to smoke and developing tobacco-induced disease.
A new study reveals that secondhand smoke exposure disproportionately affects African Americans, especially black infants, resulting in higher mortality rates. The study found that communities of color experience the greatest losses due to secondhand smoke, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
A recent study has confirmed that an association between XMRV and prostate cancer was due to laboratory contamination. The researchers found that the virus was introduced into prostate tissue samples through contact with a different cell line, which had been contaminated with XMRV in the 1990s.
Researchers have identified a calcium-activated chloride channel that holds clues to reducing asthma severity. Blocking this channel has been shown to inhibit airway secretions and smooth muscle contraction, key factors in asthma attacks.
A new study suggests that a simple, structured risk assessment tool can improve the accuracy of clinicians in evaluating the risk of violence among patients with severe mental illnesses. The tool, called HRC-20-C, has been shown to be effective in reducing errors and improving safety for staff and patients in high-risk settings.