UCSF researchers discovered a small cluster of neurons in the brain stem that regulates tempo and coordinates breathing with vocalization. This finding has implications for understanding speech pathologies, as altered wiring in this system may cause difficulties with speaking.
A recent study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that regular exercise enhances the connections between neurons in older adults, maintaining healthy cognition. The research, led by Kaitlin Casaletto and William Honer, suggests that physical activity may help boost synaptic functioning and safeguard against dementia.
Researchers at UCSF identify unique immune microenvironments in different types of cancer, paving the way for personalized immunotherapies. The study categorizes tumors into 12 groups based on their immune profile, suggesting that some cancers share similar characteristics despite being from different types.
A new UCSF study found that the neural connections of newborns with two different kinds of brain injuries were linked to significantly different developmental outcomes years later. CHD newborns had worse language function at 12-18 months and worse cognitive, language, and motor function at 30 months compared to HIE infants.
Researchers analyzed hundreds of thousands of secure email messages between doctors and patients to find that most doctors use language too complex for their patients' low health literacy. Effective communication can improve patient outcomes by tailoring electronic messages to match the complexity of the patient's language.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that using race-based equations to evaluate lung disease can lead to under-treatment of Black patients. The research, conducted by a team at the University of California - San Francisco, used data from SPIROMICS, a multi-center cohort of ev...
A digital version of cognitive behavioral therapy (dCBT) has been shown to reduce insomnia, depression, and anxiety during pregnancy. The treatment also reduced symptoms of insomnia and depression in non-depressed women for up to six months postpartum.
Researchers at UCSF developed a new technique using skin grafts with 'privacy glass' to provide a better facial color match for cancer patients. The study found that the technique resulted in a better match than other methods, with an average delta-E calculation of 6.3.
A new study suggests that sun exposure may reduce the risk of multiple sclerosis in children and young adults by up to 52%. Vitamin D levels are also found to be higher in individuals with increased sun exposure, which may play a role in protecting against autoimmune diseases.
A new study found that only alcohol consumption consistently triggers episodes of atrial fibrillation, a common heart condition. The study used an individualized testing method, where participants tested various triggers, including drinking alcohol and caffeine, to find the most effective ways to manage their AF.
Researchers at UCSF discovered a narrower blood pressure range during surgery that significantly improves neuromotor recovery in patients with spinal cord injuries. Patients whose mean arterial blood pressure was between 76 mmHg and 104-117 mmHg had maximal recovery, indicating a potential new treatment guideline.
A new UCSF study shows that solo seniors with social support are less likely to need nursing home care. Older adults who said they could count on a friend or relative for assistance in the event of a health crisis reduced their risk of institutional care from 14.2% to 10.9%. The study found that many older adults can take care of thems...
A large US-based analysis of electronic health records found that people taking SSRI antidepressants, particularly fluoxetine, were significantly less likely to die from COVID-19. The results add to evidence suggesting SSRIs may have beneficial effects against the worst symptoms of COVID-19.
A new study found that adolescents in the US doubled their non-school related screen time to 7.7 hours a day during the pandemic, leading to increased depression and anxiety. The study also revealed that children of color and those from lower-income families spent more time on screens than their white, wealthier peers.
Researchers have discovered a new type of skin cell, TIFFs, that may play a role in inflammatory skin diseases such as scleroderma. These cells were found to interact with immune cells and expand in response to inflammation, leading to an exaggerated response and fibrosis.
A new study found that COVID-19 can trigger severe psychiatric symptoms in adolescents, with anti-neural antibodies playing a potential role. Two patients with mild/asymptomatic COVID developed suicidal thoughts and paranoid fears, while another patient without prior psychiatric history recovered fully after treatment.
Researchers identify key neurons and signaling pathway regulating female activity before ovulation. Discoveries could lead to new treatments for menopause that sidestep estrogen and reactivates the circuit with CRISPRa technology.
Researchers analyzed genetic expression profiles of developing brain cells, finding that early tissue holds a pre-set map that develops into the cerebral cortex's characteristic topography. A new method for predicting cell fate has also been established, using chromatin structure to determine lineage before gene expression is possible.
Researchers created a customized device that targets unique brain circuits associated with depression, providing immediate relief. The approach uses neural biomarkers to personalize therapy and has shown long-term efficacy in treatment-resistant patients.
Researchers mapped cancer through protein interactions, revealing biomarkers and potential new treatments for breast and head and neck cancers. The study provides a new definition of biomarkers based on large, multi-protein complexes, offering a more precise way to explain mutation effects.
A global study found that air pollution contributed to almost 6 million premature births and 3 million underweight babies worldwide. Indoor air pollution, mainly from cook stoves, accounted for two-thirds of the measured effects.
A new study led by UCSF indicates that depression in early adulthood can increase the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. The research found that moderate or high depressive symptoms were associated with a 73% higher odds of cognitive impairment among older participants.
UCSF researchers found that Erα plays a crucial role in overcoming innate anti-cancer mechanisms and developing resistance to treatment. Inhibiting Erα RNA-binding activity restored tamoxifen's potency against breast cancer tumors, making the cells more sensitive to stress and apoptosis.
A study by UCSF researchers found that emergency department visits and hospitalizations made by patients with addictions increased by 30% and 57%, respectively, between 2014-2018. The authors highlight the urgent need for hospitals to develop systems of hospital-based interventions to provide addiction treatment.
A recent study has found that pregnancies complicated by sepsis are associated with a higher risk of cesarean delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, and preterm delivery. Researchers recommend increased prenatal surveillance for patients with sepsis and other serious infections to mitigate these risks.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has shed light on why it's difficult to learn a second language as an adult. Researchers found that clusters of neurons in the speech cortex fine-tune themselves as listeners gain familiarity with foreign sounds, indicating a crucial step in language learning.
A new study by the University of California, San Francisco found that consuming even one alcoholic drink can significantly increase the risk of atrial fibrillation. The research involved tracking 100 patients with documented AF and found that those who consumed more alcohol had higher odds of experiencing an AF episode.
A large study found that COVID-19 infection during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of very preterm birth and all preterm births. People of color face disproportionate infection risk while pregnant. Researchers recommend vaccination to reduce COVID-19 infection and prevent preterm birth.
A team of scientists discovered molecules called 'toxin sponges' in poison frogs and birds that can act as mops to clean up the poisons, potentially leading to a treatment for paralytic shellfish poisoning. The study found that captive-raised poison frogs were resistant to deadly toxins due to these toxin-sponging proteins.
Researchers have developed a dual-drug therapy for alcohol use disorder by targeting the mTORC1 enzyme. Blocking this enzyme can halt cravings in mice engineered to have AUD, offering a promising alternative to current treatment options.
A UCSF study found that older adults who are lonely are more likely to use prescription opioids and sedatives to ease their symptoms. The researchers advocate for 'social prescribing' to local resources instead of medication.
A large study found no link between moderate coffee consumption and arrhythmia, with a 3% lower risk observed among participants. The researchers suggest coffee's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may play a role in reducing arrhythmia risk.
Researchers followed 484 patients with moderate-to-severe TBI and found that among those in a vegetative state, 1 in 4 regained orientation within 12 months. This challenges early predictions of poor outcome and highlights the importance of considering long-term recovery possibilities.
A UCSF-led study matched CT scans with patient prognosis in concussions, revealing lingering impairment for some patients. The research found specific patterns of brain injury associated with worse outcomes, while others showed complete recovery.
A newly discovered class of immune cells may prevent the mother's immune system from attacking the placenta and fetus. Researchers found that pregnant mice without these cells were twice as likely to miscarry, with severely restricted fetal growth in many cases.
A small UCSF study found that COVID-19 mRNA vaccines were not detected in human milk, providing early evidence of vaccine safety during breastfeeding. The study analyzed seven women and their children and found no trace of the vaccine in breast milk.
A UCSF study found that azithromycin was not effective in preventing symptoms of COVID-19 among non-hospitalized patients, and may actually increase their chance of hospitalization. The study's results challenge the widespread use of azithromycin as a treatment for outpatient SARS-CoV-2 infection.
A UCSF study found that 83% of respondents aged 18-25 had not been vaccinated, with concerns over side effects and safety leading to low vaccination rates. The researchers recommend addressing these concerns through public education campaigns to encourage young adult vaccination.
UCSF researchers successfully developed a speech neuroprosthesis, enabling a paralyzed man to communicate in sentences by translating brain signals into words. The technology promises more natural communication for people with speech loss and could one day enable thousands of individuals to fully communicate.
A gene therapy trial has shown significant improvements in children with primary AADC deficiency, a devastating genetic disorder characterized by severe motor disability and developmental delay. The treatment targets neurons that produce dopamine, resulting in improved motor function, better mood, and longer sleep.
Scientists at UCSF have shown that gene-edited cellular therapeutics can effectively treat major diseases such as peripheral artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and heart failure. The study used specially engineered induced pluripotent stem cells called HIP cells to evade the immune system.
Researchers found that extreme caloric restriction diets alter the gut microbiome, leading to weight loss in participants. The study suggests that a decrease in gut bacteria and an increase in Clostridiodes difficile may be responsible for the observed weight loss effects.
A new study by UC San Francisco finds that individuals with HIV are more than twice as likely to die from sudden cardiac death due to fibrosis in the heart. The study also reveals that one-third of sudden deaths initially attributed to cardiac causes were actually caused by drug overdoses.
A new analysis of national data found that socially engaged older women had a 76% higher odds of experiencing emotional abuse or mistreatment. Researchers suggest that social activities can connect people with valuable community support but also lead to unintended consequences.
A comprehensive delirium prevention care pathway implemented at UCSF Medical Center reduced hospital stays by 2% and 30-day readmissions by 14%, with cost savings of $1,237 per hospitalization. The interventions also improved patient mobility and social connection, potentially mitigating the risk of accelerated cognitive decline.
Researchers found that space travel perturbs human physiology, leading to weaker immune responses and increased susceptibility to infections. The study suggests that T regulator cells (Tregs) play a key role in the weakening of an astronaut's immune system during space travel.
Researchers at UCSF have developed a method to detect complex fetal heart defects in utero, improving detection rates from 30-50% to 95%. The technique combines routine ultrasound imaging with machine learning computer tools to mimic clinicians' tasks.
Researchers have successfully catalogued the effect of individual genes on human neuron function and survival, revealing unexpected results. The team's findings suggest that switching off certain genes can lead to an increase in oxidative stress, which may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases.
A new study reveals that retinal scans can identify early signs of Alzheimer's disease by detecting changes in blood vessels associated with the APOE4 gene. The research provides a potential path forward for early detection and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at UCSF have discovered that brain waves travel both up and down the hippocampus, integrating messages from different areas of the brain. The finding suggests that brain waves can predict direction and may be a biomarker for cognitive activity.