News

Perturbed Genes Regulating White Blood Cells Linked to Autism Genetics and Severity

September 23, 2019

Perturbed Genes Regulating White Blood Cells Linked to Autism Genetics and Severity

Researchers at UC San Diego say they are getting closer to identifying the mechanisms of autism spectrum disorder, revealing a critical gene network that is disrupted and which helps predict severity of symptoms. Full Story


Phase 1 trial shows hydrogel to repair heart is safe to inject in humans--a first

September 11, 2019

Phase 1 trial shows hydrogel to repair heart is safe to inject in humans--a first

Ventrix, a University of California San Diego spin-off company, has successfully conducted a first-in-human, FDA-approved Phase 1 clinical trial of an injectable hydrogel that aims to repair damage and restore cardiac function in heart failure patients who previously suffered a heart attack. Full Story


Study uncovers metabolic cause for rare eye disease

September 11, 2019

Study uncovers metabolic cause for rare eye disease

An international team of researchers has discovered a cause for a rare eye disease affecting the macula that leads to loss of central vision, called macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel). Using genetic and metabolic data from patients with MacTel, researchers found that the disease is driven by reduced levels of the amino acid serine and accumulation of toxic lipids called deoxysphingolipids. Full Story