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24th Edition | October 2023

Dear colleagues,

The seasons are changing, students are back on campus and the whirl of fall activities has begun!


	UCI Receives $5.8 Million NIH Grant for Acupuncture Research Database and Repository
	A new open-access repository and database for acupuncture research called TARA (Topological Atlas and Repository for Acupoint research) will create an important bridge between traditional East Asian medical theories and modern understanding of anatomy and physiology. Read More


	UC Irvine to lead multi-institutional study of single-cell vulnerabilities to Alzheimer’s disease
	Campus awarded $10 million NIH grant to analyze early-stage impact of tau protein deposits. Read More


	UCI awarded $3.5 million grant to study sex-specific brain pathway responses to stress
	Building on the earlier discovery of how brain circuit operation is disrupted by exposure to early-life adversity, researchers will study the emergence of gender as a pivotal factor. Read More


	UCI awarded $3.8 million NIH grant to advance BRAIN Initiative research
	Funding will help campus become a national center for neuroscience resources. Read More


	Researchers have discovered small-molecule drugs with potential clinical utility in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP)
	Today, approximately 350 million people worldwide suffer from debilitating vision loss caused by either AMD or DR, and a large majority of these cases (>90%) have only minimally effective or no treatment options available. Read More


	A UCI-led study found that plant extracts used by indigenous people hold promise in treatment of ataxia
	Common nettle (Urtica dioica), one of the plants used in Native American traditional ataxia therapy and found in the present study to rescue EA1-linked mutant channel activity. Read More

Foundation continues support for brain cancer research

Since 2021, when The Audley Fund of the Philadelphia Foundation began providing support, UCI Health neuro-oncologist Dr. Daniela Bota has led 29 innovative drug and vaccine trials.
Read More

New research may explain why, despite “the munchies,” frequent
cannabis users are leaner than non-users

Results show that interfering with endocannabinoid signaling during adolescence disrupts adipose organ function in a permanent way, with potentially far-reaching consequences on physical and mental health.
Read More


	UCI named one of CIRM’s cell and gene therapy manufacturing facilities
	A $2 million state grant allows campus stem cell center to advance regenerative medicine. Read More


	Devon Lawson, PhD, and Kai Kessenbrock, PhD, participate in milestone Human Breast Cell Atlas Project
	The milestone project is the largest-ever atlas of normal breast cells, providing an unprecedented new resource for investigators working to understand changes that occur in the tissue during cancer and other diseases of the breast. Read More


	Simple sugar compound improves function in multiple sclerosis patients, a UCI study shows
	Future studies demonstrating that N-acetylglucosamine can restore neuro-logical function in MS patients would be a game changer. Read More


	School of Medicine Alumnus Donates $2 Million to New UCI Health — Irvine Building
	Nicolas R. Conway, DO, dedicated nearly four decades to his private family medicine practice in California before retiring in 1988. Read More


	Bilingual, digital health tool helps reduce alcohol use, UC Irvine-led study finds
	A large-scale, randomized clinical trial is the first of its kind focused on Latino participants. Read More


	GLP-1RA weight-loss drugs may be dangerous to children, UCI researchers warn
	Researchers say pediatric obesity has become epidemic in large measure because of environments without adequate venues for safe play and exercise for children and adolescents, coupled with the availability of popular, inexpensive, high-calorie fast-foods. Read More

Research team identifies glycosylation enzyme critical in brain formation

Findings may contribute to new therapeutic uses for neural stem cells.
Read More

2023 UCI School of Medicine White Coat Ceremony

The doctors-to-be also recited the medical student oath and received a pin from the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, signifying the importance of compassion and empathy in patient care.
Read More

Yuan-Chen Tsai, PhD, receives 2023 FRAXA Fellowship

Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited cause of Autism and other neurological disorders and occurs when a single gene shuts down in the X chromosome. As a result, this gene does not form the protein needed for proper brain development.
Read More

Study reveals first clear link between chronic kidney disease and stroke risk

UCI-led study discovers that reducing renal disease may ultimately improve brain health.
Read More


	UCI Health team receives $13.7 million federal grant to address antibiotic resistance in nursing homes
	Novel project brings together diverse investigators to examine six organisms at once. Read More


	UCI launches innovative initiative to address diabetes in the Latinx community
	Collaboration will focus on prevention, research and treatment of the deadly disease. Read More


	UCI Health enrolls first patient in expanded access protocol program for ALS drug
	A continuing challenge for people living with ALS is that not everyone is eligible to participate in clinical trials due to their disease characteristics or progression. Read More


	Celebrating a decade of visionary achievement
	UCI Gavin Herbert Eye Institute celebrates it’s 10^th anniversary! Read More


	The healthcare industry has climate responsibility: How UCI Health — Irvine is leading the sustainability transformation
	One of the main efforts of UCI Health in this regard is the construction of an all-electric healthcare campus: UCI Health – Irvine. Read More


	Treating the whole person
	Bringing integrative healthcare into the mainstream. Read More

UCI Health among nation’s top 10 academic medical centers for high-quality care

Outpatient care network is also ranked one of the top 10 ambulatory systems in the U.S.
Read More

Nursing home dementia residents’ care linked to majority presence, UC Irvine-led study finds

Heterogeneous populations are found in most facilities, highlighting need for specialized training.
Read More

Research shows people who live to be 90+ with superior thinking skills are resilient to Alzheimer’s pathology in their brains

Age is the primary risk factor for cognitive issues, such as Alzheimer’s, Lewy body disease and other related dementias. Over the past 30 years, the number of people aged 90 and older in the U.S. has nearly tripled, and this number is projected to quadruple in the next four decades.
Read More

Dangerous ‘superbugs’ are a growing threat and antibiotics can’t stop their rise. What can?

High-blood pressure at 18 puts you at higher risk for heart attack at midlife

Meet the winners of the 2023 Ig Nobel Prize

Should we be worried about older politicians?

Web searches for self-managed abortions rose after Dobbs decision

Why the rare skin cancer that killed Jimmy Buffet may become more common

Ozempic and Wegovy can also protect your heart

Early-stage trial for Parkinson’s disease therapy shows signs of promise arcers use ‘mini brains’ to look for origin of autism.

Even one drink a day can raise your blood pressure.

Oct. 28: 15th Annual Orange County Symposium for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention

Oct. 28: Eighth Annual UCI Hematology Symposium

Nov. 3: 2023 Comprehensive Neuroscience & Stroke Symposium

Nov 4: 6th Annual ALL UC Medical Schools Dean’s Reception at AAMC Annual Meeting

Nov. 23 – 24: Thanksgiving Holiday

See All Events

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