A brain fitness program has been shown to improve visual memory in older adults by up to 10%, leading to increased accuracy and a link to changes in neural activity. This study's findings suggest that focused training can lead to plasticity in the brain, improving cognitive function in aging populations.
A new study found that overweight and obese women with hot flashes can reduce their symptoms by losing weight through diet or exercise. Half of the participants reported improvements in hot flashes after six months, with those in the active weight loss group twice as likely to see an improvement compared to the control group.
A study found that genetic ancestry data correlates to physiologic measures, providing new evidence for personalized medicine. The research used genetic tools to estimate individual genetic ancestry and found a significant association between ancestry and lung function.
A new study found that high concentrations of cocoa flavanols decrease blood pressure and improve the health of blood vessels in patients with heart disease. Flavanols, found in foods like cocoa products, tea, and fruits, have a cardio-protective benefit for heart disease patients.
Researchers at UCSF have found a link between serotonin, a neurotransmitter, and gestational diabetes, suggesting that high protein diets may trigger the condition. The study's findings offer new insights into possible ways to reverse non-gestational diabetes and provide potential therapeutic solutions.
Two new UCSF studies detail the wide reach of the tobacco industry and its influence on young people, military veterans, and national healthcare reform. The analyses reveal industry 'youth smoking prevention' tactics and efforts to defeat healthcare reform under President Clinton.
A new study from UCSF reveals that vigorous physical activity can protect individuals from the effects of stress by reducing its impact on telomere length. The researchers found that even moderate amounts of exercise can provide critical protection for telomeres.
Researchers have discovered a new stem cell in the developing human brain that produces nerve cells forming the neocortex, the site of higher cognitive function. The study sheds light on developmental diseases such as autism, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease, and could lead to novel therapies.
HIV-infected patients have altered balance between Th17 and Treg cells, leading to endless cycle of inflammation and viral persistence. Pharmacological inhibitors of IDO1 may lead to new therapeutic approaches for controlling HIV disease.
Researchers at UCSF have created a transgenic mouse model that displays the earliest signs of Parkinson's disease, including constipation and gastrointestinal problems. The model is significant as it validates a theory suggesting the neurological component of Parkinson's is a late-stage effect of a larger systemic problem.
A new method has been developed to predict which women with DCIS are at high risk of developing more invasive tumors. The study found that two factors - the method of detection and biomarker expression - can identify patients who are most likely to develop invasive cancer within eight years.
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.