CAT scans of sabertooth cats’ skulls unearth evolution of predatory behavior

Some sabertooth cats had powerful skulls that allowed them to kill their prey in one or two bites, according to research published at UCLA. A UCLA professor, along with a team of international researchers, published a study in October that analyzed sabertooth cat skulls from two different species to determine how the cats killed their […]

Researchers in molecular genetics lab discover pathway to cancer cell development

UCLA researchers discovered how to transform normal cells into cancer cells, allowing for the development of therapies against aggressive forms of cancer. In a study published Thursday, UCLA researchers in the lab of Owen Witte, professor in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, discovered how to manipulate the genes in normal prostate and […]

Researchers discover correlation between BPA exposure, reproductive dysfunction

UCLA researchers discovered that exposure to some chemicals may cause reproductive defects in future generations of humans. In a study published in May, the researchers in the laboratory of Patrick Allard, an assistant professor in the UCLA Institute for Society and Genetics, demonstrated that bisphenol A, a chemical used to strengthen many plastics, caused fertility […]

UCLA researchers develop vaccines for common bioterrorism pathogens

UCLA microbiologists have developed vaccines against anthrax and other diseases likely to be used in bioterrorist attacks. In a study published May 3, UCLA researchers developed a platform for creating vaccines against three Tier 1 select agents, bacteria responsible for diseases such as anthrax, tularemia and plague. Tier 1 select agents are effective in bioterrorism […]

UCLA researchers improve hand, arm mobility in paralysis patients

UCLA researchers have partially restored hand and arm function in paralysis patients without performing surgery. In a study published in April, UCLA neuroscientists demonstrated a new technique to improve motor function in patients with severe spinal cord injuries. The researchers stimulated the spinal cord with electricity to help paralysis patients regain control over their hands […]

UCLA astronomers attempting to validate Einstein’s theory of gravity

UCLA astronomers are preparing to observe a star approaching a black hole to test Albert Einstein’s theory of gravity. In a study published in February, UCLA astronomers in the Galactic Center Group, a research team focused on studying the center of the Milky Way, showed the star S2 is likely a single star, rather than a […]

UCLA researchers develop method to accelerate cell force detection

UCLA researchers have developed a method to simultaneously study the strength of thousands of cells, allowing scientists to accelerate the process of drug testing and discovery. In a study published last week, UCLA researchers showed their method, which measures the amount of force a single cell produces, is able to look at greater than 30,000 […]