Flames roared through Santa Barbara County in late 2017. UC Santa Barbara canceled classes, and the administration recommended donning an N95, long before the COVID pandemic made the mask a household item. Smoke and ash choked the air, but the Thomas Fire’s effects weren’t restricted to the land and sky. Huge amounts of ash settled …

Ash can fertilize the oceans Read More »

Kidney stones affect nearly 10% of the global population. For more than three decades, thiazide diuretics, a common medication used for high blood pressure, have been the standard of care for kidney stone prevention because they reduce the excretion of urinary calcium.   ​Kidney stones affect nearly 10% of the global population. For more than three …

New study uses genetic data to support use of thiazide diuretics for kidney stone prevention Read More »

Following an 18-month meditation program can improve the wellbeing of older adults, finds a new randomized controlled trial by an international team. ​Following an 18-month meditation program can improve the wellbeing of older adults, finds a new randomized controlled trial by an international team. Following an 18-month meditation program can improve the wellbeing of older adults, …

Meditation training can support wellbeing in older adults Read More »

A major clinical trial has found that vitamin D supplements do not increase bone strength or prevent bone fractures in children with vitamin D deficiency. The findings challenge widely held perceptions relating to the effects of vitamin D on bone health. ​A major clinical trial has found that vitamin D supplements do not increase bone …

Vitamin D supplements do not prevent bone fractures in children Read More »

An international team of researchers has elucidated the process by which the major flavonoids naringenin, apigenin, and genistein are metabolized in the body. These findings are fundamental in elucidating the correlation between the metabolism of flavonoids in the body and their potential health benefits. ​An international team of researchers has elucidated the process by which …

Decoding flavonoid metabolism: A closer look at plant-based diets Read More »

A study suggests that the response of immune system cells inside the protective covering surrounding the brain may contribute to the cognitive decline that can occur in a person with chronic high blood pressure. This finding may shed light on new ways to counteract the effects of high blood pressure on cognition. ​A study suggests …

Salty immune cells surrounding the brain linked to hypertension-induced dementia Read More »

Two new studies give insight into how cells use energy to influence the way prostate tumors survive and grow — advancements that can help explain why some prostate cancers become resistant to hormone therapy, the most commonly used treatment for men with advanced stages of the disease. ​Two new studies give insight into how cells use …

Studies help explain why some prostate cancers become resistant to hormone therapy Read More »