A recent MS study analyzed identical twins to identify environmental factors contributing to the disease. The research found that environmental factors play a significant role in multiple sclerosis development, with genes influencing but not determining individual susceptibility.
A new study found that statins can reduce the incidence of new brain lesions in patients with multiple sclerosis by 55.3% compared to a placebo group. This could be meaningful for patients as new lesions are reliable correlates of future clinical attacks.
Experts recommend including interventions that reduce weight gain in mothers-to-be and increase breastfeeding time to create a comprehensive anti-obesity program. This approach has the potential to alter the course of the childhood obesity epidemic, particularly among low-income children and ethnic minorities.
Age-related nerve decline is associated with metabolic factors like blood sugar levels within normal ranges. Peripheral nerves are affected more in men than women later in life, suggesting a link between aging, gender, and inflammation. Modifiable risk factors may help prevent or delay peripheral nerve function decline.
Scientists at UCSF successfully created a new period of brain plasticity in juvenile mice by transplanting embryonic cells into the visual cortex. This approach may one day be used to repair neural circuits following injury or disease. The findings suggest that inhibitory neurons play a crucial role in regulating this plasticity period.
Scientists at UCSF have developed a novel cell-based strategy to treat Parkinson's disease by transplanting embryonic neurons into the striatum, improving motor function and balance in rats. The approach may offer a more precise effect than traditional strategies and has implications for other neurodegenerative diseases.
A UCSF study found that delivering HIV prevention services to people living with HIV in clinical settings can sharply reduce their sexual risk behaviors. The intervention, led by medical care providers during routine visits, resulted in a consistent decline in risky behavior over the 12-month study period.
A new study led by UCSF researchers found that unusual femur fractures are extremely rare in patients with osteoporosis, even those taking bisphosphonates for extended periods. The study's findings provide context to reports of these fractures and highlight the importance of weighing treatment benefits against potential risks.
Researchers at UCSF have discovered a key cellular defect that can lead to cancer susceptibility and are developing a new generation of inhibitory drugs to correct this defect. The new drug, PP242, has shown promising results in clinical trials and holds promise for treating various types of cancer.
The Positive Prevention Toolkit aims to enable HIV/AIDS caregivers to provide prevention messages when interacting with HIV-positive patients. The toolkit consists of seven sections, including training skills, curricula, and practical resources.
Researchers found Ritalin enhances learning and focus by increasing brain plasticity and activity of dopamine receptors. The study showed Ritalin improves cognitive abilities in animals by strengthening communication between neurons.
Researchers identified signaling molecules linked to B cell actions and solid tumor growth, suggesting a previously used lymphoma treatment may be effective against other solid tumors. The discovery opens up new therapeutic targets and combinations of chemotherapy with immune system-modifying drugs.
A UCSF team recommends modifying NIH stem cell guidelines to protect the rights of individuals donating egg or sperm to patients undergoing in vitro fertilization. The guidelines currently give IVF patients unrestricted authority over embryos leftover after fertility treatments.
Researchers aim to improve contraceptive use and reduce unintended pregnancies among HIV-positive women in Kenya. The study, supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, will evaluate an integrated model of HIV care and family planning services.
A new instrument called PIB-PET effectively detects amyloid-beta protein plaques in the brains of living people, predictive of who will develop Alzheimer's disease. The study confirms the sensitivity of the tool and provides strong evidence supporting the 'amyloid hypothesis'.
Researchers have identified a molecular regulator Hv1 that controls human sperm ability to fertilize eggs. Hv1 operates as a pore in the outer membrane of sperm cells, increasing internal pH levels. The findings provide new insights into male infertility treatment and marijuana's effect on sperm motility.
A gene family called Dishevelled has been found to direct the migration of cilia on an embryo's node cells, which is crucial for left-right symmetry breaking and organ positioning. The finding provides insights into how certain birth defects occur in humans.
A study by UCSF researchers found that low vitamin D blood levels are associated with a significantly higher risk of relapse attacks in childhood-onset multiple sclerosis patients. Increasing vitamin D levels can potentially decrease the rate of subsequent relapses.
A study of 2,131 elderly women found that 18% with severe cognitive impairment received unnecessary screening mammography. The study highlights the potential harms of screening in women with limited life expectancies.
A new analysis by UCSF researchers found that African Americans account for over 8% of smoking-attributable healthcare expenditures and 13% of smoking-attributable mortality costs in California. The study aimed to provide an objective picture of the economic burden of tobacco use on African American Californians.
Researchers have identified a gene, Kir2.6, underlying the rare genetic disease thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis (TPP), which causes temporary muscle paralysis. The finding, published in the journal Cell, illustrates how investigations of rare genetic diseases can drive insights into more common ones.
UCSF researchers found that offering rapid HIV tests to patients in community health centers significantly increases the number of patients screened for HIV. The study saw a nearly three-fold increase in screenings from 3,000 to over 11,000 patients.
A new study reveals significant variation in radiation doses for CT procedures, with some patients receiving up to 13-fold more exposure than others. The research highlights the need for standardization to reduce the risk of cancer associated with CT scans.
A new study published in Science has found that a specific gene associated with schizophrenia plays a critical role in adaptive plasticity, the brain's ability to compensate for disruptions. The discovery suggests that impaired adaptive plasticity may contribute to the development or progression of schizophrenia.
Researchers will use web-based, patient-controlled personal health records to improve health and HIV prevention outcomes for HIV positive patients. The studies aim to assess the effectiveness of mobile phone text messages and a strategy called SBIRT in reducing drug and alcohol use and improving antiretroviral medication adherence.
A study led by researchers at UCSF and UC Berkeley found that regular PE class participation is significantly associated with greater cardiovascular fitness and lower body mass index. Engagement in at least 20 minutes of exercise during PE class also improved weight status and decreased mile times.
Two UCSF teams, one for diabetes and one for brain tumors, have received grants from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine to advance stem cell-based therapies. The goal is to file new drug applications with the FDA within four years, driving potential therapies toward clinical trials.
Philanthropists Irwin and Joan Jacobs are donating $6.5 million to UCSF for head and neck cancer research, the largest private U.S. gift for this disease. The gift will establish two professorships in otolaryngology and radiation oncology, aiming to uncover molecular underpinnings of these tumors.
Current screening programs have not significantly decreased deaths from breast and prostate cancers, despite high costs and increased treatment. Experts recommend focusing on identifying patients at risk for aggressive cancers and developing new tools to improve screening.
The Primary Immune Deficiency Treatment Consortium will focus on three severe immune disorders: SCID, WAS, and CGD. Researchers will study patients who have already received treatment and develop new clinical trials to better understand these disorders and improve treatment outcomes.
Scientists have characterized the detailed structure of prions using unconventional X-ray diffraction methods. The results show significant structural differences between natural and synthetic prions, which may explain their infectious behavior.
A study at UCSF has identified networks of nerve cells controlled by estrogen that influence male territorial behavior, challenging the view of single gender-related behaviors.
The University of California's ATHENA Breast Health Network is a groundbreaking statewide collaboration aimed at improving breast cancer care. The project will involve 150,000 women across California and generate rich data on breast cancer treatment, potentially leading to breakthroughs in personalized medicine.
Researchers found a 62% decrease in high bilirubin levels with universal screening, leading to increased phototherapy use. The study suggests that routine screening can prevent serious hyperbilirubinemia.
UCSF researchers found private cord blood banking to be cost-effective only for families with high likelihood of needing a stem cell transplant. The analysis revealed that the process is more expensive than expected, with an additional $1,374,246 per life-year gained.
Researchers at UCSF have identified microRNA collections that affect distinct processes critical for cancer progression. By analyzing these 'signatures', the team found a link between deregulated microRNAs and processes like hyperproliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis.
Researchers at UCSF have developed a way to control mammalian cells using light, enabling the creation of 'microscopic robots' that can follow light beams or stop on command. This breakthrough offers new possibilities for cancer and cardiovascular research, as well as potential applications in nerve growth and repair.
UCSF researchers have successfully restored the missing protein calpain degrades LIS1 protein to near-normal levels in mice with the mouse-model of this defect. The team gave daily injections of a calpain inhibitor to pregnant mice whose fetuses had the mouse-model, resulting in more normal brains and no sign of mental retardation.
UCSF researchers have identified specific genes influencing how cancer cells respond to drugs and become resistant. The new strategy, using genetic mutations in mouse models, may lead to more effective treatments for leukemia and other cancers.
A new study from UCSF found a high HIV infection rate among gay-identified men in Soweto Township, with 33.9% of participants infected. The study also highlights the importance of targeted prevention and treatment for this population.
Scientists found that primary cilia can either suppress or promote basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. Removing primary cilia from skin cancer cells blocks tumor growth, while boosting cilia function boosts tumor growth.
Researchers at UCSF discovered a tiny filament extending from brain cells, known as primary cilia, may play a role in the most common malignant brain tumor in children. The study found that primary cilia are present in some tumors but absent in others, suggesting they may be used by cancer cells to grow.
Researchers identified two core structures, a negative feedback loop and feed-forward loop, that enable cells to adapt to changing environments. These findings have potential applications in targeted drug development for complex diseases like diabetes and cancer.
Elective labor induction at 41 weeks of gestation lowers cesarean risk by 22 percent compared to waiting. Women whose labor was electively induced were also half as likely to have meconium-stained amniotic fluid, a sign of fetal stress. However, physicians need to give inductions sufficient time to work before deciding on a cesarean.
Researchers identified a mutated gene hDEC2 that allows individuals to thrive on six hours of sleep, and studied its impact on mice and fruit flies. The findings suggest that the gene modulates both sleep quantity and wakefulness-behavioral drive.
Researchers at UCSF have identified a new drug target for the herpes virus that causes Kaposi's sarcoma, which could also treat other diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's. The new target, a protease dimer, responds well to a chemical inhibitor, offering a potential breakthrough in treating this devastating viral family.
The UCSF team emphasizes that outpatient care for chronic disease patients poses unique challenges, including lack of communication, inadequate resources, and medication management. To improve safety, the authors advocate for targeted safety promotion efforts and robust health information technology systems.
Researchers at UCSF have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the Schistosoma mansoni blood fluke genome and identifying potential drug targets. The discoveries may lead to new therapies for schistosomiasis, a tropical disease that affects over 200 million people worldwide.
A gene called Chd1 has been found to be critical in maintaining the pluripotent state of embryonic stem cells. This discovery could lead to a greater understanding of how cells acquire specialized states and provide a strategy for efficiently reprogramming mature cells back into the pluripotent state.
A new study found that job programs can successfully mitigate increased rates of suicides and alcohol abuse during economic downturns. The research team analyzed data from European Union countries over three decades and found that investing in active labor market programs can prevent a rise in deaths during recession.