School of Medicine

The Latest

Novel Molecular Dynamics Captures Atomic-level Detail of CRISPR-Cas9 Activity

Using a novel molecular dynamics method capable of capturing the motion of gyrating proteins at time intervals up to one thousand times greater than previous efforts, a team led by UC San Diego researchers has identified, for the first time, the myriad structural changes that activate and drive CRISPR-Cas9, the innovative gene-splicing technology that’s transforming the field of genetic engineering. SDSC’s ‘Comet’ supercomputer was used to helps break the “millisecond barrier” for complex biological simulations.

Harnessing Cancer’s Methylation Footprint for More Precise Diagnosis and Prognosis

In a new study, researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine, with colleagues in Xijing Hospital and Sun Yat-sen Cancer Center in China, report that DNA methylation can provide effective markers for at least four major cancers, not only correctly differentiating malignant tissues from normal, but also providing information on prognosis and survival.

UC San Diego Partners with Janssen to Research New Approaches to Treat Metabolic Diseases

University of California San Diego School of Medicine has entered a five-year strategic partnership with Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., part of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, to discover meaningful treatments for metabolic diseases.

UC San Diego Biologists Named Pew Scholars

The Pew Charitable Trusts today announced that Rachel Dutton and Elizabeth Villa, researchers in UC San Diego’s Division of Biological Sciences, have been selected as Pew scholars in biomedical sciences.

NASA Awards UC San Diego Orthopedist Distinguished Public Service Medal for Research

NASA has selected Alan Hargens, a professor of orthopedic surgery at the UC San Diego School of Medicine, to receive a 2017 Distinguished Public Service Medal for his research on astronaut health and performance. This is NASA's highest form of recognition for any non-government employee whose distinguished service, ability or vision has personally contributed to NASA's advancement of U.S. interests.

Radiation Therapy Vital to Treating Brain Tumors, but It Exacts a Toll

Radiation therapy (RT) using high-energy particles is a common and critical component in successfully treating patients with brain tumors but it is also associated with significant adverse effects. In a new study, researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine report that irradiation can cause broader adverse effects, altering the structural network properties in impacted brains and perhaps contributing to delayed cognitive impairments observed in many patients following brain RT.