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News Archive - Biological Sciences

Enzyme Promoting Tumor Growth and Spread in Pancreatic Cancer Identified

An enzyme called MICAL2 promotes tumor growth and metastasis in the most common form of pancreatic cancer, according to a new study by UC San Diego School of Medicine researchers.

Staphylococcus Aureus Thwarts Vaccines by Turning on a Protein That Halts Immune Response

After dozens of clinical trials, there are still no effective vaccines against Staphylococcus aureus. In two new studies, scientists report that the pathogen turns on the protein interleukin 10, shutting down the protective vaccine response. But blocking the protein restores vaccine efficacy in an animal model.

Kimberly Cooper and Elizabeth Villa Named Pew Innovation Fund Investigators

UC San Diego School of Biological Sciences Professors Kimberly Cooper and Elizabeth Villa have been selected by the Pew Charitable Trusts as members of its 2024 class of Innovation Fund Investigators.

Changes in Blood Cell Production Over the Lifetime Could Impact Leukemia Outcomes

The first comprehensive map of the dramatic changes that take place in the blood system over the course of the human lifetime could have implications for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia and other blood diseases.

UC San Diego Ranks 9th in the World for Most Influential Researchers

UC San Diego has the highest number of influential voices in the University of California system and tied for 9th highest among universities and institutes worldwide, according to Clarivate’s 2024 Highly Cited Researchers list.

New Gene Drive Reverses Insecticide Resistance in Pests… Then Disappears

UC San Diego geneticists have developed a gene drive-based solution to the widespread problem of insecticide resistance. In an effort to protect valuable crops, the researchers created an “e-Drive” that reverses insecticide resistance and then disappears from the insect population.

Cetuximab Outperforms Durvalumab in Treatment of Head and Neck Cancers

The standard treatment for head and neck cancer, cisplatin, can’t be given to some patients due to pre-existing conditions. A new study compares the efficacy of two alternatives: cetuximab, a monoclonal antibody, and durvalumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor.

Researchers Uncover Achilles Heel of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

To stem the surging antibiotic resistance public health crisis, scientists seek solutions inside the mechanics of bacterial infection. A new study has found a vulnerability related to magnesium availability. This limitation potentially could be exploited to stop the spread of antibiotic resistance.

Sleep is No Light Matter for Bees

Disrupted sleep cycles are a well known problem for human health and function, and now researchers have found similar impacts on insects. A new study has found that artificial light disrupts the circadian rhythms of honey bees and poses a threat to their essential role as pollinators.

Key Pathway Leading to Neurodegeneration in Early Stages of ALS Identified

Researchers at UC San Diego identify a key pathway leading to neurodegeneration in early stages of ALS, hinting at the potential for short-circuiting the progression of the fatal disease if diagnosed early.

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