UCLA Scientists Create a Renewable Source of Cancer-Fighting T Cells
A study by UCLA researchers is the first to demonstrate a technique for coaxing pluripotent stem cells — which can give rise to every cell type in the body and which can be grown indefinitely in the lab — into becoming mature T cells capable of killing tumor cells. The technique uses structures called artificial…
Neuroscientists Pinpoint Genes Tied to Dementia
$5.1 Million Grant Will Fund Research to Develop a Stem Cell-Based Therapy for Blinding Eye Condition
Scientists at the UCLA Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research and the Stein Eye Institute have been awarded a $5.1 million grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine to advance the development of a novel therapy for blinding retinal conditions. The award by the California Institute for Regenerative…
Researchers Develop Mechanism for Characterizing Function of Rare Tumor Cells
Scientists have long known that circulating tumor cells, rare cancer cells that are released into the bloodstream, have the potential to provide vital information about a person’s specific cancer. But until now, they have been unable to reliably access information on how these cells behave. UCLA researchers have created a quick and effective mechanism to…
Statins Associated With Improvement of Rare Lung Disease
FINDINGS In the first study of its kind, researchers have found that cholesterol-lowering statins may improve the conditions of people with a rare lung disease called autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. The research also suggested that two new tests could help diagnose the condition. BACKGROUND Autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is a rare syndrome affecting 1 in…
Scientists Identify Two Hormones That Burn Fat Faster, Prevent and Reverse Diabetes in Mice
UCLA geneticists have created a new technique to hunt for hormones that influence how organs and tissues communicate with each other. The method enabled them to find naturally occurring molecules that play major roles in Type 2 diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. In particular, they discovered: Two hormones called “notum” and “lipocalin-5” that speed up…
New Tuberculosis Therapy Could Be More Potent Than Current Treatments
Effort Aims to Fund Pharma for Lower Income Countries
Funding a set of essential medicines for low- and middle-income countries. As the world moves toward universal health coverage, the question arises: How can governments ensure equitable access to essential medicines in low- and middle-income countries? A section of The Lancet Commission on Essential Medicines Policies report, released this week, finds that funding for a “basket” of…