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.
A recent study by UCSF scientists has identified a specific region of genes linked to perfect pitch in people of European ancestry. The researchers found that multiple genes contribute to perfect pitch and that different genes may be associated with different ethnic backgrounds.
A recent study has identified a 'feed-forward' pathway that links estrogen receptors in the uterus to increased local estrogen levels and promotes cell growth. This pathway may be targeted in drug therapies for endometriosis and uterine cancer.
Researchers found that biochemical signals inhibit oligodendrocyte development, hindering myelin repair in multiple sclerosis. The Wnt pathway's role in myelin production and repair has been identified as a key factor in the disease's progression.
A new method detects protein biomarkers in body fluids, increasing the number of diagnostic tests for cancer. The technique is highly reproducible across laboratories and instruments, allowing for early cancer detection.
A study published by UCSF researchers found that bone marrow extract is as effective as bone marrow stem cells in improving cardiac function, decreasing scar tissue, and pumping capacity after a heart attack. Both therapies resulted in increased blood vessels and reduced cardiac cell death, showing promise for new treatments.
A UCSF study of nearly 2,000 middle-aged and elderly women reveals that physical problems are less likely to impact their sexual activity than their partner's health or interest. The study also shows significant racial differences in sexual desire, satisfaction, and activity.
Researchers at UCSF advocate for a nationwide Primary Care Cooperative Extension Service to support primary care clinicians and address the shortage of physicians. The service would provide infrastructure for practice transformation through local learning communities, information exchange, and cross-fertilization of ideas among practices.
A study on rats reveals that neural replay of past experiences occurs both during and after wakefulness, forming long-term memories more accurately. The hippocampus replays events in peppered bursts, often involving different settings, suggesting elements of past experience are constantly reactivated.
A new risk assessment test, CAPRA, has been developed to predict long-term risks and pinpoint high-risk cases in prostate cancer. The test accurately predicted bone metastasis, prostate cancer-specific mortality, and all-cause mortality when localized prostate cancer is first diagnosed.
The I-SPY trial offers critical insights into locally advanced breast cancer, emphasizing the importance of not ignoring growing breast masses. The study found that most interval cancers are discovered between routine mammogram exams, suggesting a need for better screening strategies.
A new partnership between UCSF and MMRF aims to accelerate the development of next-generation treatments for multiple myeloma. The initiative will leverage UCSF's expertise in translational research to identify new therapeutic targets and bring them to clinical trials.
Researchers at UCSF have identified a specialized protein called CHC22 that controls the formation of GLUT4 storage compartments in human muscles. This discovery highlights key differences between humans and mice and has implications for developing better models for studying type 2 diabetes.
A new study finds that following quality measures has a greater impact on patient outcomes than hospital volume for coronary artery bypass surgery. Patients treated by surgeons and hospitals with high adherence to six quality standards have better post-operative results, regardless of their volume, the research team found.
Researchers have developed a method to quickly identify shRNA that turns genes on and off, enabling complex genetic screens at minimal cost. The tool has the potential to revolutionize the study of gene function in mammals, paving the way for targeted therapeutics.
A UCSF study found that personalized self-management programs for asthma patients significantly improved medication adherence and disease control. The program, which included a 30-minute session with a healthcare professional, resulted in better health outcomes and reduced emergency department visits.
A new UCSF study found that negative attitudes towards the tobacco industry are associated with lower rates of smoking among young adults. The study, which surveyed 1,528 people aged 18-25, suggests that anti-tobacco advertising campaigns can be effective in reducing smoking rates by portraying the industry in a negative light.
Researchers at UCSF found that anal human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with a higher risk of new HIV infection in previously HIV-negative men who have sex with men. The study suggests that HPV enhances susceptibility to HIV infection through anatomical and immunological mechanisms.
Researchers at UCSF have developed a novel therapy using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) that blocks the abnormal brain waves believed to cause migraine aura. The study found that TMS therapy is effective in treating migraine sufferers who cannot tolerate medication, offering a potential new treatment option.
UCSF researchers found a correlation between glutamate toxicity and neurodegeneration in MS patients, suggesting a new method for tracking disease progression. The study's findings may lead to improved monitoring of treatment and the development of new therapies.
The Malaria Elimination Group provides a roadmap for countries pursuing malaria elimination, reviewing operational, technical and financial decisions. The guidance aims to support countries in achieving universal coverage of preventive and treatment measures by 2010.
The UCSF Visiting Professor Program has provided training and mentoring to 40 visiting professors from minority universities, resulting in over $50 million in research funding and 425 scientific publications. The program accelerates careers and promotes interdisciplinary approaches to HIV/AIDS prevention research.
Researchers found that thermosensory neurons in C. elegans help regulate response to increasing heat by changing steroid signaling pathways, which affect longevity. This system allows worms to reduce the effect of warm temperature on aging processes, similar to how warm-blooded animals control their body temperature.
Researchers identify specific brain regions affected by each disease, suggesting a common disease process among all forms of neurodegeneration. The discovery could lead to earlier diagnoses and novel treatment-monitoring strategies.
Scientists have developed a new method to create safe and effective embryonic-like stem cells using tiny molecules called microRNAs. This breakthrough technology eliminates the risks associated with traditional DNA-based methods, making it a promising step towards regenerative medicine.
Researchers discovered the JunB gene's role in regulating hematopoietic stem cells, which produce blood cells. The study suggests that JunB can help prevent leukemia by limiting cell proliferation and differentiation.
A UCSF research team has developed a technique to diagnose melanoma by measuring differences in levels of genetic markers, with a success rate higher than 90 percent. The new strategy distinguished between benign and malignant skin lesions, shedding light on difficult-to-diagnose cases.
The new medical center will be a 289-bed facility featuring a children's hospital with urgent/emergency care, a women's hospital for cancer care, and adult cancer patients' hospital. The project is expected to create over 1,000 jobs during peak construction and boost local employment.
The UCSF Center of Excellence for Transgender HIV Prevention has received a grant to expand access to culturally competent health care information and resources. This will improve the quality of medical care received by transpeople in California and around the nation.
Researchers created a mouse model of melanoma that replicates the earliest stages of skin cancer in humans. Testing two drug therapies caused a statistically significant regression in cancer cell development, offering hope for new treatment approaches.
A study by UCSF researchers identifies critical barriers hindering the adoption of electronic personal health records, including cost, privacy concerns, and design shortcomings. The authors propose solutions such as improving interoperability and using mobile phones as an entry point for consumers to access their records.
African-American breast cancer patients with high blood pressure have a higher mortality rate than their white counterparts, controlling for age, tumor characteristics, and treatment. Hypertension accounts for approximately 30 percent of the survival disparity between the two groups.
UCSF researchers found that hair samples can accurately predict treatment success in HIV patients by analyzing antiretroviral drug levels. This method may become a new standard in HIV clinical care, allowing for the monitoring of pill-taking and treatment response.
A new study found that angiogenesis inhibitors, which starve tumors of their blood supply, can sometimes promote more invasive cancer growth and increase the incidence of metastases. Researchers call for further studies to determine if the drugs affect tumors in patients as they do in mouse models.
The UCSF-GIVI CFAR's mentoring program uses innovative strategies like 'trans' mentoring to support early-career investigators. The program aims to retain and optimize productivity of these researchers, addressing concerns about lack of access to funding and support for clinician scientists.
A study by UCSF researchers found that cabergoline, a hormone disorder drug, decreased alcohol consumption and relapse in rodents. The drug showed specificity for alcohol, not affecting general reward or pleasure.
A new UCSF study using the Coronary Heart Disease Policy Model found that adherence to 2001 NCEP guidelines would be cost-effective in preventing and managing coronary heart disease, saving 20,000 heart attacks and 10,000 CHD deaths annually. Statin costs become negligible when prices fall below 50 cents per pill.
Scientists at the University of California, San Francisco, have created a new drug that blocks cancer's main source of growth and has proven effective in mice. The drug succeeds where similar compounds fail by blocking both mTOR signal pathways, making it a major advance over existing rapamycin-based drugs.
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) has received tentative approval for a comprehensive stem cell training program, designed to cultivate the next generation of stem cell scientists. The three-year grant, totaling $3.9 million, will support six graduate students, six postdoctoral fellows, and four clinician-scientists.
A new UCSF study reveals significant differences in life experiences and perceptions of homeless youth among African American and white youth. The research found that African Americans tend to maintain closer ties to their families, while white youth are more likely to be runaways from dysfunctional homes.