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Genetically Tailored Instruction Improves Songbird Learning
UCSF study conducted in songbirds shows that what at first appear to be genetic constraints on birds’ song learning abilities could be largely eliminated by tailoring instruction to better match the birds’ inborn predispositions.
After 10-Year Search, Scientists Find Second ‘Short Sleep’ Gene
UCSF scientists who identified the only human gene known to promote “natural short sleep” have discovered a second.
Elderly Have Poor Prognosis After Recovery in Long-Term Acute Care Hospitals
While long-term acute care hospitals are designed to help patients recover and regain independence, fewer than 1-in-5 older adults who were transferred to such facilities were alive five years later.
Simple Blood Test Unmasks Concussions Absent on CT Scans
Blood test that is currently under development may flag concussion in CT-negative patients, enabling them to be evaluated for long-term complications.
Scorpion Toxin That Targets ‘Wasabi Receptor’ May Help Solve Mystery of Chronic Pain
Researchers discovered a scorpion toxin that targets the “wasabi receptor,” which they think it can be used as a tool for studying chronic pain and inflammation, and may eventually lead to the development of new kinds of non-opioid pain relievers.
Tweaked CRISPR in Neurons Gives Scientists New Power to Probe Brain Diseases
In a paper researchers describe a technique that uses a special version of CRISPR developed at UCSF to systematically alter the activity of genes in human neurons generated from stem cells, the first successful merger of stem cell-derived cell types and CRISPR screening technologies.
Molecular Recycling in the Brain May Keep Alzheimer’s at Bay
Scientists identify faulty molecular recycling as potential driver of Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s Disease Destroys Neurons that Keep Us Awake
UCSF scientists show that Alzheimer’s disease directly attacks brain regions responsible for wakefulness during the day.
