A study found that varenicline significantly reduced average number of drinks per week by 36% in participants assigned to take the drug. The effects on drinking behavior were separate from its effects on smoking.
Scientists at UCSF used a pioneering imaging technique to study the interaction between breast cancer and the immune system in mice. They found that activated immune cells are headed off at the pass by healthy cells forming a 'thin red line' around tumors.
A study of over 20,000 older patients with non-small-cell lung cancer found that younger patients were more likely to receive treatment than their older counterparts. The research suggests that age alone is not a reliable indicator for cancer treatment decisions, and other health factors should be considered.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that addressing subsistence needs is crucial for improving the health of HIV-infected individuals living in poverty. The research, conducted by UCSF scientists, revealed that unmet basic needs like housing and food significantly undermine the benefits of HIV medication delivery.
A groundbreaking study found that effective HIV treatment and transmission reduction are thwarted by patients' unmet basic living needs such as housing, food, and hygiene. The research suggests that addressing these subsistence needs is crucial to improving public health outcomes.
A new study links malaria resurgence to funding cuts, with 91% of episodes tied to weakened control programs. The research highlights the need for sustained financial support to maintain gains in malaria control.
A study of nearly 20,000 cases of routine appendicitis at 289 hospitals and medical centers in California found significant discrepancies in hospital charges, ranging from $1,529 to $183,000. The median charge was $33,611, with county hospital charges being 37% lower than nonprofit hospital charges.
A new study from UCSF found that brain surgery for epilepsy has not increased in the decade since a landmark clinical trial demonstrated its effectiveness. Despite this, thousands of Americans suffer from uncontrolled seizures each year, highlighting disparities by race and insurance status.
Scientists from UCSF used brain recordings to decode which speaker a subject was listening to, even when multiple voices were present. The study sheds light on the human brain's ability to focus on one voice in noisy environments, with implications for language learning disorders and neuroprosthetic devices.
A recent survey conducted by UCSF researchers found that half of young adult tobacco smokers also use marijuana, with usage highest among Caucasians and rural residents. The study suggests that smoking cessation programs should take into account the effect of marijuana use in their treatment plans.
A study of Vietnam-era veterans found that those who experienced more combat-related killing had twice the likelihood of reporting suicidal thoughts. The relationship held even after adjusting for PTSD, depression, and other factors.
A new brain cancer vaccine tailored to individual patients has proven effective in a multicenter phase 2 clinical trial, extending their lives by several months. The vaccine combined with the drug Avastin showed promise in treating recurrent glioblastoma multiforme, a type of brain cancer that kills thousands of Americans every year.
A new study by UCSF doctors suggests that publicly available overall readmission rates may overestimate unplanned readmissions by up to 25 percent. The team found that 'all cause' readmission rates do not distinguish between planned and unplanned surgeries, potentially leading to misinformation about hospital quality.
Researchers have discovered that activating mutations in the FLT3 gene play a crucial role in acute myeloid leukemia, making it an attractive target for new treatments. The study identifies drug-resistant mutations in FLT3 and suggests that therapies involving combinations of multiple drugs could suppress these mutated forms.
The UCSF project provides a large publicly available resource to help researchers determine the importance of genes in mice. The resource includes 162 gene-disrupting vectors, 64 new stem cell lines, and 46 new strains of mice with missing microRNAs.
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) chancellor is urging patient advocates to work with policymakers to develop regulations for a data network that integrates research and clinical care. The goal is to accelerate medical advances through 'precision medicine,' which tailors treatment to individual patients.
A new MRI technique uses computer modeling to predict the rate and physical path of degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia. The study supports the idea that these diseases spread through the brain along specific neuronal pathways, similar to prion diseases.
Researchers found that EKG abnormalities in healthy elderly individuals increased the risk of heart attack. The study, which followed 2,192 adults aged 70 and older for eight years, suggests that EKGs could be used to detect heart disease earlier in patients without chest pain or symptoms.
A study of nearly 1,000 patients with cardiovascular disease found a direct correlation between lifetime traumatic stress exposure and elevated levels of inflammatory markers. The researchers also discovered that this relationship remained even after adjusting for psychiatric diagnoses, suggesting a long-term negative impact on health.
Researchers at UCSF find hidden genetic code layer influencing protein synthesis rates, even in 'silent' mutations. The discovery challenges long-held assumptions and may accelerate industrial protein production for biofuels and medicines.
A UCSF-led study finds that meditation significantly reduces destructive emotions and improves social and emotional behavior in female schoolteachers. The study's findings suggest increased awareness of mental processes can influence emotional behavior, leading to better relationships and overall well-being.
A decline in industry-sponsored funding of accredited continuing medical education (CME) is seen as an opportunity to make CME more relevant, cost-effective, and less biased. Interactive forms of medical education, such as online learning and practice improvement activities, are gaining traction.
Researchers found that Alzheimer's disease and other dementias spread within nerve networks by moving directly between connected neurons. The study used magnetic resonance imaging research to predict the course of dementias based on a nerve region's connectivity to a disease hot spot.
A study led by Salomeh Keyhani found no evidence to support the notion that higher regional healthcare costs indicate inappropriate care. The researchers reviewed 114,830 peer-reviewed articles and concluded that there is a lack of scientific evidence to design policies that reduce unnecessary care.
Research from UCSF and Harvard Medical School finds that trauma significantly contributes to the HIV epidemic among women. Women with HIV are exposed to trauma at higher rates than the general population, leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and poor treatment outcomes.
A study led by UCSF researchers found that women with mild retinopathy are more likely to experience cognitive decline and related brain changes. The findings suggest retinopathy could serve as a simple eye screening tool for detecting early stages of vascular disease.
Researchers found that male fruit flies drink more alcohol after being rejected by females due to a molecular trigger called neuropeptide F. This discovery may help shed light on the brain mechanisms underlying social interaction and addiction in humans.
Researchers call for ob-gyns to evaluate patients' exposure to environmental chemicals, provide education, and advocate for policy change to reduce toxic exposures. The human reproductive system is vulnerable to biological changes caused by chemicals during critical periods of development.
Scientists at UCSF have identified a protein called PRDM16 that can convert ordinary white fat cells into brown fat cells, which burn calories. This discovery makes PRDM16 a possible target for future obesity treatments.
A new study from UCSF identifies a broad number of evidence-based recommendations for young adult preventive care. The transition to young adulthood is associated with increased engagement in health-damaging behaviors and preventable health problems. Primary care visits present an opportunity to improve the health of this population.
A study of patients infected with both HIV and hepatitis shows how interferon boosts the human body's natural immunity to fight the virus. The drug, once used to alleviate symptoms, works by mediating the action of restriction factors that combat HIV.
A study published in Neuron found that intensive computerized cognitive training exercises can improve complex cognitive functions and social cognition in people with schizophrenia. The training improved the ability to distinguish internal thoughts from reality, coinciding with increased activation in the medial prefrontal cortex.
Scientists at UCSF found simultaneous targeting of two molecules can effectively shrink tumors, block invasion, and stop metastasis in mice. The approach may improve combination treatments, including drugs like Avastin, for various cancer types.
Patients with heart disease who took cholesterol-lowering statins were significantly less likely to develop depression than those who did not. Statin users experienced a 38% lower risk of developing depression compared to non-statin users.
Researchers at UCSF have discovered a new class of drugs that target the mTOR protein, which is hyperactive in many forms of cancer. The new drugs block mTOR more completely than previous ones, effectively hobbles cancer cells and prevents metastasis.
A study by UCSF researchers found that anticipating stressful situations accelerates cellular aging, leading to shorter telomeres and increased risk for chronic diseases. Caregivers who anticipated more threat showed signs of accelerated cellular aging.
A new study by neurologists at UCSF reveals that mothers who suffer from migraine headaches are more than twice as likely to have babies with colic. The research suggests a possible link between colic and childhood periodic syndromes, which may be precursors to migraine headaches later in life.
A nationwide study has shown that injecting anticonvulsant medication into the thigh muscle using an autoinjector is as safe and more effective than traditional intravenous administration. The method resulted in 73% of patients being seizure-free upon arrival at the hospital, compared to 63% for those receiving IV treatment.
A UCSF stem cell study conducted in mice suggests a novel strategy for treating damaged cardiac tissue after a heart attack. The approach potentially improves cardiac function, minimizes scar size, and avoids tissue rejection.
A study by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, found that the quality of life for disabled elderly people is closely tied to their sense of dignity and autonomy. Most participants rated their quality of life as 'fair to very good' on a five-point scale.
A combined public health campaign in Kenya successfully tackled HIV/AIDS, malaria, and diarrhea by distributing bed nets, water filters, condoms, and educational materials. This approach saved over $16,000 per 1,000 people reached, resulting in 16 lives saved and hundreds of years of healthy life.
A UCSF team has identified genes that influence male and female behaviors, such as sex drive and nurturing behavior, which can be manipulated individually. The study suggests complex behaviors like autism may be broken down into component parts to better understand and treat disorders.
Researchers found that systolic blood pressure above 140/90 is associated with increased risk of end-stage renal disease in patients with chronic kidney disease. The study's findings challenge current guidelines, which recommend a systolic pressure of 130/80 or lower.
A team of UCSF researchers argues that sugar is a primary culprit of the global obesity pandemic, contributing to 35 million deaths annually. Limiting sugar consumption requires environmental and community-wide solutions, similar to those for alcohol and tobacco.
A study by UCSF researchers found that vigorous exercise is linked to increased expression of genes thought to prevent cancer progression. The study identified nearly 200 genes in healthy prostate tissue that are more active among men who exercised vigorously for at least three hours a week.
A new molecular test can predict the likelihood of death from early-stage lung cancer with greater accuracy than traditional methods. The test, which measures gene activity in cancerous tissue, has been shown to improve prognosis and guide treatment decisions for patients with non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer.
A UCSF team has developed methods to reveal a molecular marker in tissue samples from brain tumors that has been linked to better survival odds. Monitoring this marker could provide doctors with a better way to follow their patients after surgery and assess how they respond to recommended treatments.
Researchers at UCSF are sequencing the DNA of 4,000 people with various forms of epilepsy in a bid to identify the genetic causes of the disease. The study, funded by a $25-million grant, will also explore ways to treat people with epilepsy and uncover new patterns of genetics.
Researchers at UCSF have found that neutrophils use mechanical force to transmit tension across their membrane, restricting activity to the leading edge and enabling them to attack invaders. This discovery could lead to new therapies for conditions such as spinal cord injury and cancer.
A study has identified a protein called hepsin that may trigger the spread of breast cancer in certain cases. Hepsin, a protease enzyme, was found to free tumor cells from their native tissue matrix, allowing them to invade other tissues and grow into aggressive tumors.