Researchers at UCSF found that certain gut bacteria can reduce chemotherapy side effects by clearing excess drugs and producing the protective vitamin K2. Patients with more beneficial bacteria had fewer side effects, suggesting that probiotics may help mitigate chemotherapy's impact.
Researchers at UC San Francisco have identified potential protein markers for frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a form of dementia affecting middle age. The study found changes in RNA regulation and brain connections that could lead to early diagnosis and targeted treatments.
A UC San Francisco-led study found that delivering medicine for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) via the amniotic fluid was safe and helped prevent damage to nerve cells. The therapy used molecules called antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), which can alter gene expression, and was tested in mice and sheep with promising results.
A study by UC San Francisco found that children with ALL living in mixed middle- and low-income neighborhoods have a 30-40% higher risk of death. In contrast, AML hospital treatments are shorter, and outpatient visits fewer, reducing challenges for underserved patients.
Researchers at UCSF found clinically significant improvements in mood, cognition, and motor function after psilocybin therapy for patients with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease. The study suggests that psilocybin could provide relief from multiple symptoms of the disease by reducing inflammation and promoting neuroplasticity.
Researchers at UCSF's AViDD Center have developed a highly bioavailable, covalent molecule that inhibits coronavirus MPro with potent in vivo efficacy. This discovery holds promise for preventing future coronavirus pandemics.
Researchers at UCSF's AViDD Center have developed powerful drug candidates that outperformed Paxlovid in preclinical testing against SARS-CoV-2 and MERS. The compounds could inhibit coronaviruses in general, providing a head start against future pandemics.
A new study from the University of California - San Francisco suggests that telehealth can be an effective treatment option for women experiencing urinary incontinence after giving birth. The research found significant improvements in symptoms, regardless of whether women received physical therapy in-person or via telehealth.
A new study suggests that CT scans could account for 5% of all cancer cases each year, primarily due to radiation exposure. The largest risk is among infants, followed by children and adolescents. To mitigate this risk, reducing the number of scans and doses per scan can help save lives.
Neuro-immunologist Stephen Hauser has won the 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences for his role in identifying the immune system's primary driver of damage to nerve cells in multiple sclerosis. His B-cell theory has led to the development of therapies that have transformed treatment, reducing relapses and improving prognosis.
Researchers discovered a mechanism that harnesses immune cells to produce opioids, potentially alleviating chronic pain. Estrogen and progesterone drive this process, which could lead to more effective treatments for women experiencing pain after menopause.
A study of 733 older female participants found that those with increasing sleepiness had double the risk of stable sleepers. Poor sleep quality in midlife and delayed dream phase are also linked to a higher risk of dementia. The study adds to recent research on the relationship between sleep patterns and dementia.
A new study suggests that hospital rehabilitation for older adults might only be the beginning of a longer journey. While therapy is crucial in mitigating functional decline, only a small minority of patients receiving intensive therapy (14+ hours/week) had a greater likelihood of home discharge.
Researchers at UC San Francisco have enabled a paralyzed man to control a robotic arm through a device that relays signals from his brain to a computer. The device, known as a brain-computer interface (BCI), worked for a record 7 months without needing to be adjusted.
A new study by researchers at UCSF has found that long-acting injectable treatments can be transformative for patients who struggle to take daily HIV pills, resulting in undetectable viral loads and improved health outcomes. The treatment approach could help stop the spread of HIV by keeping more patients from being infectious.
Researchers discovered that females' dormant X chromosome reactivates in late life, expressing genes related to brain development and cognitive health. This phenomenon may explain why women outlive men and retain their cognitive abilities longer.
Researchers at UCSF have discovered that human lung tissue contains hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) capable of producing red blood cells, platelets, and immune cells. The finding suggests the lungs could be a potent source for life-saving stem cell transplants, particularly for patients with leukemia.
Scientists discovered a protective variant of the HAQ-STING gene that prevents COPA Syndrome. This finding opens the door to a new gene therapy for the condition, which currently has no cure.
Scientists found that parts of human chromosomes have evolved rapidly to enable complex brain development in humans. However, this acceleration may also lead to neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. The study used artificial neurons derived from human and chimpanzee cell lines.
The FDA has approved a new treatment for Parkinson's disease that can adjust to the individual's brain activity, providing precise stimulation. This technology, known as adaptive deep brain stimulation (aDBS), detects patterns of brain activity and delivers tailored electric pulses to reduce symptoms.
Researchers at UCSF have identified unique, cancer-specific proteins created through mistakes in RNA splicing. These antigens could be used to create potent immunotherapies that recognize and attack hard-to-treat tumors. The discovery offers new hope for glioma patients and expands the number of targets available for cancer therapy.
A new study published in Annals of Neurology found that lower concentrations of vitamin B12 in healthy, older adults led to signs of neurological and cognitive deficiency. These individuals showed slower processing speeds, brain lesions, and delayed responses to visual stimuli compared to those with higher B12 levels.
Researchers at UCSF have discovered how a unique type of virus called a jumbo phage protects itself inside bacteria. The shield works via a set of secret handshakes that allow only useful proteins to pass through, giving the phage an advantage over regular phages when fighting infections.
Researchers at UCSF describe how to curb MYC levels by disrupting the protein assembly line controlled by RBM42. Disrupting RBM42 in pancreatic cancer cells stopped them from growing, suggesting drugs could be developed to do the same for other fast-growing cancers.
Researchers at UCSF used CRISPR gene editing technology to transform ordinary white fat cells into 'beige' fat cells that voraciously consume calories to make heat. Implanted near tumors, these cells outcompeted cancer cells for nutrients, beating back five types of cancer in lab experiments.
A new study by UC San Francisco found a marked increase in advanced prostate cancer rates across California since doctors stopped routine screening, with death rates plateauing in most regions. The study emphasizes the need for screening that can identify fatal tumors without raising false alarms.
A study found that people with delayed REM sleep have higher levels of toxic proteins amyloid and tau, and lower levels of healthy protein BDNF, which can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's. Practicing healthy sleep habits may help mitigate this risk.
A new microdosing approach using low doses of buprenorphine has been tested on patients with opioid use disorder, but most found it ineffective. The study, which included 126 participants, showed that only 34% were able to work up to a full dose of buprenorphine.
UCSF researchers found that when brain cells of female mice express only a maternal X chromosome, their memory and cognitive skills deteriorate faster. This study could explain the variation in brain aging between the sexes and individual women.
UCSF researchers identify a molecular timer controlling mouse birth timing, which could lead to new tests for human preterm labor risk and interventions. DNA packaging during pregnancy plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression, with KDM6B working as a 'timer' that winds down over time.
A new UC San Francisco study found that most 11- and 12-year-olds use TikTok and other social media platforms against the rules, showing signs of addiction. The study also revealed a quarter of children reported elements of addiction while using social media, linked to depression, eating disorders, ADHD, and disruptive behaviors.
A new study by UCSF found that menopause increases the rate of MS progression in women, particularly in walking speed and fine motor skills. The study also suggests that hormone therapy may be beneficial in slowing disease progression, with some participants showing a lower rate of relapse during pregnancy.
Researchers at UCSF have discovered a new type of stem cell in the young brain that can form cells found in tumors, shedding light on how adult brain cells grow and develop into deadly brain cancers. The study provides a comprehensive roadmap for understanding healthy brain development, which could lead to better treatments for conditi...
A recent case series suggests that an extended course of Paxlovid may help some patients with long Covid experience sustained improvements in their symptoms. The study, published in Communications Medicine, found that five out of 13 patients experienced significant symptom relief after taking the antiviral drug for 15 days.
A review of 3,000 studies suggests microplastics in the air may cause serious health problems, including colon cancer, poor lung function, and infertility. The tiny plastic particles are believed to contribute to chronic pulmonary inflammation, increasing the risk of lung cancer.
A study by UCSF researchers found that language, education, and age affect someone's ability to engage with digital health tools. Young English speakers are most comfortable using digital health tools, but others face barriers due to limited education or language proficiency.
A new study finds that a blood test using phosphatidylethanol (PEth) can detect liver disease caused by excessive drinking, offering a more reliable alternative to self-reported measures. The test has shown strong correlation with Fibrosis 4, an indicator of liver risk, and could be included in routine blood tests.
UCSF Medical Center has received the highest possible rating for maternity care, reflecting its commitment to clinical excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration. The hospital's maternal care teams include a broad array of expertise, including nurse practitioners, midwives, and obstetrician anesthesiologists.
Researchers combine a precision cancer drug with an antibody and radiation therapy to eliminate tumors without causing side effects. The approach uses the cancer drug as a molecular flag for cancerous cells, allowing immune cells to target them. This method has shown promise in eliminating lung cancer in mice with minimal side effects.
Scientists at UCSF have developed engineered T cells that act as immune referees to soothe overreacting immune responses and mope up inflammatory molecules. These cells could improve treatment for organ transplants, type 1 diabetes and other autoimmune conditions by reducing the need for harsh immunosuppressant drugs.
Scientists have created a living cell therapy that can navigate to specific organs using a
Researchers at UCSF found a brain signature of resilience in mice that suggests a new way to treat severe depression. Stress changes activity in the amygdala, distinguishing resilient from less resilient mice. By stimulating neurons, the team improved decision-making and reduced ruminating in less resilient mice.
A systematic review of 18 randomized controlled trials found that drinking enough water can help with weight loss and prevent kidney stones. Drinking eight cups a day significantly decreased the likelihood of getting another kidney stone, while six cups a day helped adults lose weight.
Scientists have successfully used optogenetics to control seizure activity in living human brain tissue, opening doors to new treatments for epilepsy and other neurological diseases. By switching off specific neurons with light pulses, researchers can prevent seizures from occurring, providing a less invasive alternative to surgery.
Researchers at University of California - San Francisco designed biological sensors that can ensure engineered cells are activated in tumor environments, making cancer therapies more effective. The new sensors, called SNIPRs, can bind to soluble molecules and alter gene expression, offering a promising approach for targeted therapies.
Researchers developed a new AI-powered diagnostic system, FastGlioma, which reveals invisible cancerous tissue in brain tumor surgery. The technique may delay or prevent recurrence of high-grade tumors and improve patient survival.
A groundbreaking metagenomic sequencing test has proven effective in rapidly diagnosing almost any kind of pathogen, including viruses, bacteria, fungus or parasite. The test analyzes all nucleic acids present in a sample, replacing multiple tests with a single one and speeding up diagnosis.
A new study suggests that a keto diet rich in ketone bodies may help alleviate symptoms of multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune disorders. The diet promotes the production of indole lactic acid, which blocks the activation of immune cells responsible for these conditions.
A new study from UCSF has found that ChatGPT overprescribes in emergency care situations, providing unnecessary x-rays and antibiotics. The AI model was less accurate than resident physicians, with a tendency to err on the side of caution. Researchers emphasize the need for better frameworks to evaluate clinical information before AI c...
A study by UC San Francisco found that more screen time is associated with severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, inattention, and aggression in 9-10 year olds. The effects were small but consistent, with activities like video chatting and playing video games strongly linked to depressive symptoms.