News From Around the System

Chatter Between Cell Populations Drives Progression of Gastrointestinal Tumors

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are a subtype of cancers known as sarcomas. GIST is the most common type of sarcoma with approximately 5,000 to 6,000 new patient cases annually in the United States. GIST cannot be cured by drugs alone, and targeted therapies are only modestly effective,...

New Grant Funds Clinical Trial to Assess Psychedelic as Treatment for Phantom Limb Pain

Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation awards $1.3 million to investigate therapeutic potential of psilocybin, the active compound in “magic mushrooms”

Existing Heart Failure Drug May Treat Potential COVID-19 Long-Hauler Symptom

UC San Diego clinical trial suggests ivabradine may be effective in treating postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome

COVID-19 Early Detection System Tested in Schools by UC San Diego and San Diego County

The Safer at School Early Alert pilot program tests wastewater and surfaces to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in schools and child care centers

Can Current Smartphone Technology Tell You When a Pandemic Might Come Calling?

Optical tool in many smartphones found effective at assessing blood-oxygen levels and could be used to identify persons with worsening respiratory function

Poorer Mental Health Smolders After Deadly, Devastating Wildfire

2018 Camp Fire case study finds increased chronic psychological issues in the aftermath, such as PTSD and depression

Year or More Delay Between Abnormal, At-Home Screening and Colonoscopy Increases Cancer Risk

Study finds risk of late-stage colon cancer increased at 16 months by approximately 33 percent

UC San Diego Health Opens Vaccination Site on University Campus

Location will primarily serve eligible health system patients, as well as university faculty and staff

Genomic Studies Implicate Specific Genes in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Researchers Expand Clinical Trials Investigating Convalescent Plasma Therapy for COVID-19

It’s hoped the long-used approach, which would use antibody-rich infusions, can either reduce disease symptoms or prevent infections after exposure to SARS-CoV-2