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Chemical Exposure May Raise Your Risk for Parkinson’s

Exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE), a chemical found in the air, water, and soil, may increase the risk of Parkinson's disease by 70%, according to a UCSF study. TCE is commonly used today as a degreasing solvent.

A pair of gloved hands hold a green chemical barrel.

Does Exercise Rejuvenate Blood, Improve Cognitive Function?

Saul Villeda, the 2023 recipient of the Byers Award, delivered a lecture titled "Blood Work and the Brain: Deciphering the Language of Cognitive Rejuvenation." His research focuses on understanding the biological mechanisms behind cognitive decline with age and exploring potential ways to reverse it.

Saul Villeda speaks with attendees for the 2023 Byers Award. Behind him are scientific posters on is research.

Scientists Discover a Deadly Brain Cancer’s Hidden Weakness

UCSF scientists have found that brain cancer glioblastoma can cause cognitive decline by affecting neural connections, but the epilepsy drug gabapentin shows promise in blocking this activity, offering hope for new treatments.

Microscopy of white connections between blue glioblastoma cells.

Sleep Phase Can Reduce Anxiety in People with PTSD

Sleep spindles, bursts of brain activity during NREM2 sleep, may regulate anxiety in PTSD, challenging recent studies. Non-invasive therapies could provide relief, such as prescription drugs or electrical brain stimulation. Sleep hygiene is also recommended to maximize the benefit of spindles after a stressful episode.

A female doctor places electrodes on a female patient's head for a sleep test polysomnography.

Making Sense of Scents

In a first, UCSF scientists created a molecular-level, 3D picture of how an odor molecule activates a human odorant receptor.

A female chef holds a slice of cheese as she sniffs it. She stands in a large kitchen