News From Around the System

Novel Drug Prevents Amyloid Plaques, a Hallmark of Alzheimer’s Disease

In animal models, the new compound modulated a key enzyme, reducing or eliminating production of problematic protein fragments; human clinical trials needed

Repurposed Arthritis Drug Did Not Significantly Improve Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia

But researchers say tocilizumab, a monoclonal antibody treatment, may reduce ventilator use and shorten hospital stays

NIH Awards UC San Diego $33 Million for Five COVID-19 Diagnostic Projects

Efforts range from managing a large data center to expanding testing in disadvantaged communities

Human Lung and Brain Organoids Respond Differently to SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Lab Tests

Findings may help explain the wide variety in COVID-19 symptoms and aid search for therapies

Genetic Tool Improves Estimation of Prostate Cancer Risk in Diverse Ethnic/Racial Groups

You’ve Got to Move It, Move It

Prospective study finds light activity, such as gardening or walking, preserves women’s mobility during aging

Last-Itch Effort: Fighting the Bacteria That Exacerbate Eczema with Bacteria

Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine use bacteriotherapy to improve symptoms of atopic dermatitis

Genetics May Play Role in Determining Immunity to COVID-19

Computational studies suggest a set of genes that regulate immune response help determine robustness and durability of neutralizing antibodies to virus

Chatter Between Cell Populations Drives Progression of Gastrointestinal Tumors

Study results could lead to more effective treatment options for GIST patients, which are currently limited

First-in-Human Clinical Trial to Assess Gene Therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease

UC San Diego researchers will inject harmless virus carrying a restorative gene into participants’ brains, where earlier animal studies suggest it may slow, prevent or reverse progression of the neurological disorder