Health & Behavior

Research

The Latest

Blueprints for Designing T Cells that Kill

By mapping the varied states of our body's immune cells, UC San Diego researchers are working to empower the next generation of cancer immunotherapies.

Image of killer T cells attacking a cancer cell.

Plastic Pollution Promotes Hazardous Water Conditions, New Study Finds

A new UC San Diego study reveals that fossil fuel-based plastic pollution may be promoting toxic water conditions by removing animals that keep water at safe levels. Biologically based plastics had a much smaller impact.

Experimental ponds at UC San Diego Biology Field Station.

New Dashboard Helps Predict and Plan for Disease Outbreaks

When infectious diseases surge, response often comes down to timing: whether communities can position the right people and supplies before case counts spike. Researchers at the School of Global Policy and Strategy are helping bridge that gap with a new platform that forecasts disease outbreaks.

Picture of the Disease Incidence and Resource Estimator (DIRE), which is a geospatial predictive analytics platform designed to help decision-makers anticipate infectious disease outbreaks.

New AI Tool Accelerates Hearing Research with Unprecedented 3D Views of Sensory Cells

Scientists have developed a 3D, AI-based tool for viewing hearing cells. To understand hearing damage from noise and aging, and develop new treatments, scientists need detailed images of hair cells. The new VASCilia tool uses deep learning to accelerate sensory cell image processing and analysis.

UC San Diego Study Cites Link Between Mental Health and Long COVID in Older Women

UC San Diego researchers find older women with both depression and anxiety face a 78% higher risk of long COVID, despite similar infection rates. People experiencing mental health illnesses are vulnerable to other diseases and may have trouble following public health guidelines.

A senior woman with back to camera faces out towards a window from a bed with a sense of loneliness and thinking.

New Research Connects Heart Attacks to Brain, Nervous and Immune Systems

UC San Diego scientists have uncovered a transformative new understanding of heart attacks. The research, which connects the heart, brain and nervous and immune systems, shows that blocking key signals can lead to new treatments for heart attacks and minimize their resulting damage.