A recent study by UC San Francisco and the University of Michigan found that childhood trauma can lead to increased pain, depression, and loneliness in older adults. Participants who experienced more traumatic events were more likely to experience these symptoms during their final years.
A study found that doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (doxy-PEP) did not significantly alter the overall composition of gut bacteria in individuals who took it for six months. However, the researchers noted signs of resistance building against tetracycline, a class of antibiotics to which doxycycline belongs.
Researchers at UCSF have identified a molecular pathway that controls the formation of scar tissue in spinal cord injuries. By activating this pathway, they were able to reduce scarring and promote healing in mice with spinal cord injuries.
Researchers at UCSF used cryogenic electron microscopy to study the protein TGF-Beta, which plays a crucial role in development and cancer. They found that TGF-Beta can signal even when bound to a 'straitjacket' within the cell membrane, challenging decades-old dogma on its function.
A new study estimates nearly 10.5 million U.S. adults have A-Fib, a three-fold increase from previous estimates. Early detection and treatment can reduce its adverse outcomes.
Researchers at UCSF develop a method to target GTPases, enzymes involved in Parkinson's and many other diseases, by using drugs targeting the K-Ras oncogene. This approach reveals new drug binding sites that could not be predicted by computational tools.
Researchers at UCSF identified signals in the metabolic system of infants who died from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), finding associations between lower C-3 levels and elevated C-14OH. Elevated biomarkers also led to reduced risk of SIDS, but further research is needed to validate these findings.
A clinical trial led by UC San Francisco aims to develop new therapies for progressive supranuclear palsy, with a focus on reducing time to find effective treatments and increasing diverse participant enrollment. The five-year grant could lead to the first effective drugs for this incurable neurodegenerative disorder.
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that general exercise programs can reduce urinary incontinence symptoms almost as much as pelvic floor yoga. The LILA study involved 240 women who experienced urinary incontinence at least daily, and randomly assigned them to either a pelvic yoga program or a physical condit...
A new study by UCSF estimates that 3 to 5% of women who undergo tubal sterilization experience unplanned pregnancies within a year. This contradicts the common perception of tubal surgery as a permanent form of birth control. The researchers suggest using alternative methods like IUDs or arm implants for more effective contraception.
A new study suggests treating all children under 5 with azithromycin in Africa can significantly reduce child mortality. Treating older kids protects younger children from respiratory and lethal infections.
Researchers at UCSF have developed intelligent brain pacemakers that use AI to monitor and adjust brain activity in real-time, providing personalized treatment for Parkinson's patients. The approach, called adaptive deep brain stimulation, has shown promise in reducing symptoms such as movement problems and insomnia.
Scientists discovered a way to kill pancreatic cancer in mice by combining a ketogenic diet with an existing cancer drug. The diet blocks the cancer's only source of fuel, allowing the drug to take effect and shrink tumors. This finding opens a new vulnerability for treating cancer with diet and personalized therapies.
A new study from UCSF finds that child-parent psychotherapy can reduce biological age acceleration in children who have experienced trauma. The treatment group showed significantly less age-related change than the comparison group, with potential implications for long-term health outcomes.
A study of nearly 30,000 US caregivers found that comprehensive mental health coverage laws reduced difficulties in accessing care for children. Caregivers from diverse backgrounds faced more challenges, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive services.
Researchers found that children's immune systems attacked their own tissues after latching onto a coronavirus protein resembling one found in multiple organs. Early intervention was crucial to prevent death in these cases, and the study has implications for understanding other autoimmune diseases.
Researchers have developed a new therapy called PIPE-307 that targets an elusive receptor on certain cells in the brain, prompting them to mature into myelin-producing oligodendrocytes. This could potentially reverse damage caused by multiple sclerosis, leading to improved movement, balance, and vision.
Researchers at UC San Francisco found a link between healthy diets and a younger biological age. Even when people eat healthy diets, each gram of added sugar is associated with an increase in epigenetic age. The Mediterranean diet had the strongest association with lower epigenetic age.
A new study found significant disparities in stroke services across the US, with hospitals in disadvantaged communities up to 42% less likely to obtain stroke center certification. Hospitals serving affluent communities are more likely to become certified, which improves patient outcomes and access to critical treatment.
A recent study found that e-bicycle injuries doubled every year from 2017 to 2022, while e-scooter injuries rose by 45%. The researchers also noted that e-scooter riders were more likely to suffer internal injuries and conventional scooter riders were more likely to experience upper extremity injuries.
A team of UCSF specialists predicts 24-hour seizure risk using brain activity patterns that foreshadow seizures. The discovery may improve quality of life for 2.9 million Americans living with epilepsy.
Scientists have discovered a new hormone, CCN3, that helps maintain bone density and strength in breastfeeding women. In mice, CCN3 increased bone mass and strength, even when estrogen levels were low. The hormone also accelerated bone healing in fracture models, offering hope for treating osteoporosis and other bone conditions.
Researchers discovered that young adults with higher levels of inflammation were more likely to experience reduced cognitive function in midlife. Higher inflammation was associated with lower performance on skills testing and differences in executive functioning.
Researchers have discovered a new diagnostic method for PSP by analyzing protein biomarkers in spinal fluid, which could lead to earlier diagnosis and targeted therapies. The high-throughput technology allows for the measurement of thousands of proteins in a tiny drop of fluid, providing a promising solution for identifying the condition.
Researchers at UCSF have discovered a way to turn ordinary white fat cells into beige fat cells that burn calories, opening the door to developing new weight-loss drugs. The approach uses a protein called KLF-15 and may avoid side effects associated with current treatments.
A recent study published in JAMA found that transgender women on hormone therapy have drastically lower PSA levels, which may lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. The researchers analyzed Veterans Health Administration records and recommended caution when interpreting PSA values in transgender women.
A new study by UC San Francisco's ANSIRH program found that patients who received care remotely for medication abortion had similar outcomes to those who got ultrasounds and in-person care. The researchers analyzed the experiences of over 500 patients and found a high success rate for the
A new study led by UCSF found that COVID-19 vaccine side effects like headache and tiredness indicate a strong immune response. Those with more symptoms had nearly double the antibody levels of those without, suggesting the vaccine is effective in preventing infection.
A new study led by researchers at UC San Francisco found that a virtual emotion-centered program called TunedIn can reduce diabetes distress by half and improve glucose control. The program incorporates elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and was delivered virtually to 276 adults with Type 1 diabetes.
Scientists discover that multiciliated cells use cell division to control hair-like projections called cilia. This adaptation breaks the cancer-preventing rule of making only four centrioles per cell, producing hundreds instead.
Researchers found that restricting screens in bedrooms and at mealtimes has the biggest impact on reducing screen time and addictive behavior. Parents who model healthy practices at home also see a decrease in their child's screen use. Limiting and monitoring screen time can reduce usage by 1.29 hours and 0.83 hours, respectively.
Researchers found that eating more than one gram of sodium per day increases the likelihood of eczema flares by 22%, making it easier for patients to manage their symptoms. Eczema affects over 31 million people in the US and can be difficult to cope with when unpredictable.
Among Medicare enrollees, researchers found that being female, white, healthier, and wealthier was associated with a higher risk of TBI. The study also found that participants who went on to be diagnosed with TBI were less likely to have lung disease or cognitive impairment at enrollment.
Researchers at University of California - San Francisco discovered a new type of neuron that guides the formation of intricate 3D lattices of blood vessels in the retina. These perivascular neurons produce PIEZO2 protein to sense nearby cells and direct the lattice's growth.
Researchers at UCSF find that smoking fentanyl poses increased risks of fatal overdose, especially among those with opioid tolerance. The study highlights the need for harm reduction-based education campaigns to address this emerging risk.
A plant-based diet is associated with a 47% lower risk of prostate cancer progression in men. Eating one or two extra servings of healthy foods daily can significantly reduce the disease's worsening chances.
Researchers at UC San Francisco found that dispensing abortion pills through the mail is a safe and effective method, with nearly 98% of patients completing their abortions. The study suggests that this model can help increase access to abortion care for clinicians and patients alike.
Researchers at UCSF used an AI model to analyze clinical notes and determine patient urgency, achieving an accuracy rate of 89% and surpassing human physician performance in 88% of cases. The study suggests AI could help alleviate ED overcrowding by providing backup decision-making tools for clinicians.
Scientists have identified a consistent signature of multiple sclerosis in the blood of patients years before they develop symptoms. The discovery, published in Nature Medicine, could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of the disease, affecting nearly 1 million people in the US.
Researchers at UCSF have identified laryngeal and tracheal neuroendocrine cells that sense water and acid in the upper airway, triggering a cough reflex. The discovery could lead to interventions to prevent pneumonia and treat certain types of chronic cough.
A study of 156 severe COVID-19 survivors found that nearly two-thirds experienced persistent impairments after one year, including physical, respiratory, psychiatric, and cognitive problems. The study highlights the life-altering impact of SARS-CoV-2 on these individuals, many of whom required long-term acute care hospitalization.
Researchers developed a smartphone cognitive testing app that detects early signs of FTD in gene carriers before symptoms appear. The app was found to be comparable to gold-standard methods and may enable greater participation in clinical trials.
Researchers found a 32% vaccine uptake among patients asked about receiving the flu shot and a 41% uptake for those who received a pamphlet, watched a video, and were told about benefits. The study suggests a systematic approach to increase vaccine uptake among underserved populations.
People with dementia experience declines in social well-being as their disease progresses, while caregivers become isolated due to caregiving responsibilities. Experts recommend screening for loneliness and finding ways to keep individuals socially connected to improve quality of life and reduce health outcomes.
A new study finds that Latinx children with unreliable access to food at age 4 are nearly four times more likely to develop fatty liver disease later. The researchers recommend earlier screening for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and ensuring public meal programs offer nutritious meals.
Research from UCSF found COVID antigens lingering in blood up to 14 months and tissue samples for over two years after infection. The persistence of these fragments may drive long COVID symptoms and associated risks.
A landmark study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that COVID vaccines are safe to administer during pregnancy, with no abnormal delays in infants when tested at 12 months and 18 months. The study of over 2,200 infants from across the country also found an increased risk of delay among male infants at 12 months but not at 18 months.
Researchers have designed a candidate drug to target the K-Ras G12D mutation, responsible for nearly half of all pancreatic cancer cases. The molecule permanently modifies the mutation, stopping tumor growth in cancer cell lines and animal models.
UCSF scientists discover delivering therapeutic molecules to amniotic fluid can effectively treat Angelman syndrome and other neurological conditions. The treatment uses antisense oligonucleotides, which can alter gene expression, and has shown improved motor function and learning outcomes in mice.
A study by UC San Francisco researchers found that daily cannabis users had a 25% increased risk of heart attack and a 42% increased risk of stroke compared to non-users. The study also found significant cardiovascular risks associated with cannabis use, including coronary heart disease and the combination of heart attack and stroke.