UCSF's Positive Choice: Interactive Video Doctor and Healthy Living interventions have been selected by the CDC for their effectiveness in reducing HIV risk behaviors. These programs address crucial aspects of living with HIV, including stress and coping, transmission risk behaviors, and adherence to medication regimens.
A study by researchers at UCSF found that behavioral weight-loss programs can significantly reduce urinary incontinence in overweight and obese women. Participants who lost an average of 17 pounds experienced a 47% reduction in incontinence episodes compared to those in the control group.
Research finds children with newly diagnosed IBD have higher concentrations of folate in their blood compared to individuals without the disease. This discovery challenges previous theories on folate deficiency in IBD patients.
Researchers have discovered a novel way in which the Myc oncogene accelerates cancer by directly affecting protein production, suggesting a new strategy to halt cancer's progression. Drugs like Rapamycin may help treat cancers where Myc is overactive.
Researchers at UCSF have identified a woman's immune system anomaly that may lead to breakthrough therapies for autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and colitis. The discovery of antibodies blocking T-cell movement could result in more targeted treatments with lower risks of infections or tumors.
A new study found that California law enforcement agencies experienced a significant increase in sudden deaths and firearm-related deaths after deploying Tasers, contradicting industry claims. The rates of sudden death increased six-fold, while firearm-related deaths rose by two-fold.
The University of California, San Francisco has partnered with Muhimbili University of Health Allied Sciences in Tanzania to develop strategies for training healthcare workers. The two-year grant aims to strengthen the academic environment and revise curricula to increase health professional output in Tanzania.
The UCSF School of Dentistry has received a seven-year grant to launch programs preventing early childhood tooth decay. The initiative aims to reduce oral health disparities among vulnerable populations, particularly children in low-income families and minority groups.
Researchers at UCSF Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center have identified a DNA sequence variation on chromosome 15 associated with the level of response to alcohol. This finding could signal the genetic factors that affect alcohol abuse, and may help develop targeted treatments.
A UCSF study found that maternal cells enter the fetus during pregnancy, inducing regulatory T cells that enforce a state of tolerance between the fetus and mother. This discovery defines a previously-unrecognized pathway for human tolerance development.
Researchers found that cancer drugs imatinib and sunitinib can put type 1 diabetes into remission in 80% of test mice. The benefits of the drugs' rapid action are attributed to their ability to block platelet-derived growth factor receptor, a tyrosine kinase not known to be implicated in diabetes.
A study found a significant increase in radiology tests in managed care settings, with an average cost per patient increasing by $214 over 10 years. Newer technologies like CT and MRI scans also saw a rise, but their use was not as efficient as expected.
Researchers have found a way to 'rescue' immune cells that are exhausted from fighting off HIV infection using the molecule Tim-3, which is present at high levels on poorly functional immune system cells. Blocking the activity of Tim-3 improved cell function and allowed them to rejoin the battle against HIV.
Pregnant women who wait out stalled labor for an extra two hours can reduce health risks and eliminate over 130,000 C-section deliveries per year. A new study by researchers at UCSF found that one-third of women achieve a normal delivery without harm.
A new study found a correlation between anti-HIV immune response and sexual activity in treatment-suppressed HIV patients. Individuals with regular unprotected receptive anal intercourse showed stronger anti-HIV immune responses.
Researchers found less than half of Medicare patients had pre-elective PCI, and only 44.5% underwent stress testing within 90 days.
A novel nerve stimulator alleviates pain in patients with hemicrania continua, a rare form of chronic daily headache. The study found that five of six patients reported sufficient benefit to recommend the device.
Two new studies by UCSF researchers found that infants born past 40 weeks of gestation are at higher risk for impaired health and death. The studies, which analyzed over 2.5 million births, confirmed the increased risk of cesarean deliveries and poor maternal or child outcomes as early as 40 weeks.
Two UCSF scientists, Yuriy Kirichok and Miguel Ramalho-Santos, received $1.5 million NIH grants to study molecular mechanisms of cell energy production and stem cell specialization. Their research aims to develop new therapies for age-related diseases and regenerative medicine.
A nationwide study confirms virtual colonoscopy's accuracy in detecting colorectal cancers and pre-cancerous polyps as high as traditional colonoscopy. This minimally invasive procedure has been endorsed by the American Cancer Society, offering a safe and non-invasive screening option for millions of Americans.
Research reveals that as we age, our brains struggle to ignore irrelevant information and process information rapidly, leading to decreased memory formation. This breakdown occurs early in visual processing and persists despite attempts to suppress extraneous information.
A gene controlling blood vessel differentiation during embryonic development has been linked to a brain disorder that causes stroke. The study found that the gene, Notch, can induce and reverse the disease's progression in mice, offering new insights into its molecular mechanisms.
A study by researchers at UCSF found that California's state tobacco control program saved $86 billion in personal healthcare costs over 15 years. The program prevented 3.6 billion packs of cigarettes from being smoked, resulting in significant health cost reductions.
Five UCSF faculty members have received $13.7 million in funding from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine to explore fundamental questions about embryonic stem cells and develop treatment strategies for conditions such as cancer and liver disease. The researchers will investigate molecular mechanisms, cell specialization...
A new UCSF study finds that rats that voluntarily use cocaine exhibit persistent cellular memories in the brain's reward center, even after several months of abstinence. This suggests that active choice plays a significant role in cocaine addiction and that environmental cues can trigger relapse.
Researchers at UCSF have identified a new virus, Avian Bornavirus (ABV), as the cause of Proventricular Dilation Disease (PDD) in parrots and exotic birds. The discovery could have profound consequences on conservation efforts for endangered species like the Spix's Macaw.
A national survey found that general internists and pediatricians are uncomfortable providing primary care to young adults with cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease. Only 15% of internists said they would be comfortable treating CF patients, while 32% reported the same for SCD.
A nationwide study found a sharp increase in skin infections, with abscesses and cellulitis rates nearly quadrupling in safety-net emergency departments and tripling among children. The study suggests community-acquired MRSA is the main cause of this rise, affecting all populations but those over 45 less severely.
Researchers propose integrating TB prevention and treatment into HIV care to address the major cause of mortality among HIV patients. The authors recommend intensified TB case finding, preventive isoniazid therapy for non-TB infected HIV patients, and earlier provision of antiretroviral therapy.
The UCSF School of Nursing will continue its research and training activities related to personal care services, focusing on workforce issues and improving access to services for people with disabilities. The center's work aims to provide support for individuals to live and work independently in their community.
Scientists have identified 22 genes that control embryonic stem cell fate, which could accelerate the use of stem cells in therapy and disease treatment. The genes help maintain a memory of stem cell identity, allowing them to correctly read signals that determine cell type.
A meta-analysis of 38 randomized controlled trials found that interventions incorporating these characteristics significantly reduced HIV risk behaviors and sexually transmitted infections. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding diversity within African American communities in developing effective interventions.
A new animal study found that boosting a specific brain protein quickly cuts excessive drinking and prevents relapse. The treatment does not block other pleasure-seeking behaviors, showing promise for a new strategy to combat alcohol abuse, addiction and especially relapse.
A recent study using Caenorhabditis elegans to examine the relationship between eating and weight gain found that increased eating does not necessarily lead to increased fat. The researchers discovered two separate signaling channels controlled by serotonin, which regulates feeding and fat metabolism.
The University of California, San Francisco has received a $34.9 million grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine to construct a regenerative medicine building on its campus. The facility will house 25 principal investigators and their teams at full capacity, driving the cross-pollination of scientific ideas.
Atrazine, a widely used weedkiller, disrupts hormonal signaling in human cells, increasing the risk of abnormal birth weight and infertility. Exposure to atrazine has also been shown to 'feminize' zebrafish, with female fish outnumbering males at concentrations comparable to those found in agricultural runoff.
A new study by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco found that brief exposure to secondhand smoke can cause blood vessel injury in young and healthy nonsmokers. The study also showed that smoke exposure impairs the body's natural repair mechanisms, leading to persistent effects on vascular health.
Researchers at UCSF have made a groundbreaking discovery on how neurons coordinate to generate movement. Individual neurons do not fire independently across the entire duration of a motor function as previously thought but instead coordinate their activity with other neurons. The study revealed that each neuron encodes different aspec...
A computer-based program using a video doctor sharply reduces HIV-positive patients' sexual and drug risk behaviors, according to UCSF researchers. The Positive Choice program was tested at five San Francisco Bay Area outpatient clinics and showed significant reductions in risky behaviors among participants.
The 2004 California Long-Term Care Reimbursement Act increased MediCal costs by nearly 9% but failed to improve quality or access to care. Nursing home staffing levels remained lower than recommended numbers, and staff turnover increased significantly.
Scientists identified Lis1 gene as essential for neuroepithelial stem cell division in mice, providing insight into brain development and potential link to lissencephaly. The study suggests neural migration defects may be caused by defects in other processes like proliferation and division.
Female zebra finches strongly preferred directed, courtship songs with less variability in pitch, indicating an ear for detail. The study's findings also suggest that females' preferences shape male song behavior over time, highlighting the importance of social communication in birdsong production and perception.
Researchers at UCSF have developed a new model for estimating breast cancer risk, incorporating breast density and ethnicity, which is well-calibrated and reasonably accurate across risk factor subgroups. The model may one day be used to calculate a woman's risk for breast cancer during mammograms.
A small clinical trial found that rituximab dramatically reduced inflammatory lesions and clinical symptoms in patients with relapsing-remitting MS. The study suggests that therapies targeting B-cells may provide an important treatment strategy for multiple sclerosis.
Researchers propose steps toward a solution, including technology assessments by independent organizations, to identify beneficial and safe devices. This would increase awareness among health professionals of new technologies' potential promise and pitfalls.
Research with genetically modified mice shows that blocking a single cellular change can prevent morphine tolerance and dependence. The study suggests a new strategy to develop morphine derivatives with improved pain relief without addiction risk.
Researchers found that mice genetically engineered to lack a particular protein have profound deafness and seizures, suggesting a pathway for exploring the hereditary causes of deafness and epilepsy in humans. The study also provides new insight into the role of glutamate, a chemical messenger involved in virtually every brain function.
A new strain of MRSA bacteria has been discovered in sexually active gay men, showing a high rate of transmission through intimate contact and skin-to-skin contact. The study found that these men are 13 times more likely to be infected than the general population, highlighting the need for increased awareness and prevention measures.
Researchers found that teens who remained sexually inexperienced reported fewer positive benefits from refraining from sex, while those who were sexually experienced valued refraining more. The study suggests that adults should guide teens on coping with both positive and negative outcomes of sexual behaviors.
A new brain mapping technique has refined scientists' understanding of language organization within the human cortex, identifying new regions involved in speech production, reading, and naming. The technique allows for safer tumor removal and better outcomes for patients with language-related difficulties.