Cutting Through the Clamor: How the Brain Helps Us Understand Spoken Words in Noisy Settings
UCSF scientists have discovered an unexpected mechanism the brain uses to seamlessly compensate when speech sounds are obscured by noise.
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Most Popular Science Stories of 2016
Stories about sensory processing disorder, videos about “zombie” cancer cells, and news about the effects of caffeine and alcohol on the heart were among the topics that most engaged our readers in 2016.
Alzheimer’s and Concussion-Related CTE May Spread in the Brain Via Common Mechanism
A shared biological mechanism may drive the progression of both Alzheimer’s disease and chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a neurodegenerative condition associated with repeated concussions and brain trauma.
Zika in Fetal Brain Tissue Responds to a Popular Antibiotic
UCSF researchers identified fetal brain tissue cells that are targeted by the Zika virus and determined that azithromycin can prevent the virus from infecting these cells.
UCSF in Top 20 for U.S. News’ 2017 Global Universities Rankings
UCSF has ranked as one of the top 20 universities in the world, according to the 2017 Best Global Universities rankings released Tuesday by U.S. News & World Report.
Gene Links Risk of Psychiatric Disease to Reduced Synapse Numbers
Research led by UCSF scientists has revealed that mutations in a gene linked with brain development may dispose people to multiple forms of psychiatric disease by changing the way brain cells communicate.
Human Neurons Continue to Migrate After Birth, Research Finds
Researchers at UCSF have discovered a previously unknown mass migration of inhibitory neurons into the brain’s frontal cortex during the first few months after birth.
Replacing Myelin Protects Nerve Cells, Restores Function in Mouse Model of Multiple Sclerosis
Using a mouse model of multiple sclerosis, UCSF scientists demonstrated that regenerating myelin can both protect neurons from damage and restore lost function.
Human Neuron Transplants Treat Spinal Cord Injury in Mice
Chronic pain and loss of bladder control are among the most devastating consequences of spinal cord injury.
Long-Sought ‘Warm-Sensitive’ Brain Cells Identified in New Study
A new UC San Francisco study challenges the most influential textbook explanation of how the mammalian brain detects when the body is becoming too warm, and how it then orchestrates the myriad responses that animals, including humans, use to lower their temperature.
The Key to Effectively Treating Mental Illness: Eliminate the Stigma
The stigma associated with mental illnesses is causing millions of Americans go untreated because of misconceptions and shame. UCSF researchers are among those who are pushing for changes that would help to eliminate the stigma and get people the treatments they need.
New Understanding of Thirst Emerges from Brain Study
A new UCSF study shows that specialized brain cells in mice “predict” the hydrating effects of drinking, deactivating long before the liquids imbibed can actually change the composition of the bloodstream.
Tarantula Toxins Offer Key Insights Into Neuroscience of Pain
Researchers have identified a pair of tarantula toxins that target a previously unknown pain pathway in sensory nerves.
Michael Merzenich Wins 2016 Kavli Prize in Neuroscience
For his pioneering research on plasticity, the brain’s remarkable capacity to modify its structure and function, UCSF's Michael M. Merzenich, PhD, has been awarded the 2016 Kavli Prize in Neuroscience.
Crosstalk Between Left and Right Brain Is Key to Language Development
Proper communication between the left and right sides of the brain is critical for the development of advanced language skills, according to new research by UC San Francisco scientists.