2024 reflections: The year in review
As we head into the holidays and prepare to usher in 2025, Newsroom takes a look back at the accomplishments of the Bruin community and the highlights of 2024.
health
Results
Nearly 40 UCLA faculty named among the world’s most influential researchers
The researchers have published studies that are cited most often by other scholars in their fields.
UCLA researchers discover a way to make fat cells skinny
Findings could lead to new, more effective therapies for managing diabetes.
What is familial Mediterranean fever? The genetic disorder causes painful inflammation
UCLA’s program dedicated to the condition, which is sometimes known as “Armenian disease,” is the only one in the Western Hemisphere.
Watch: Mayor Karen Bass gives an update on city’s efforts to combat homelessness, offers ideas for progress
The mayor spoke with UCLA’s Jim Newton during a discussion titled “L.A. Confronts Homelessness: Are we on the right track?”
Generation Z wants to be safe, UCLA study finds
Being kind to others, self-acceptance and having fun are also goals for 10- to 24-year-olds surveyed across the U.S.
Scientists discover ‘entirely unanticipated’ role of protein netrin1 in spinal cord development
Known for its axon guidance properties, new research suggests protein is critical in guiding neural development.
Chemicals produced by fires show potential to raise cancer risk
Simulations reveal PAHs’ affinity for binding to DNA — and evading repair — in study co-led by a county firefighter.
Scientists can reverse brain aging in fruit flies by preventing buildup of a common protein
A study shows the buildup of filamentous actin, which inhibits cellular waste removal, contributes to age-onset cognitive decline.
UCLA researchers uncover novel role of protein GPNMB in heart repair
Research brief: New study highlights a target for therapies to prevent heart failure after heart attacks.
UCLA researchers engineer experimental drug for preventing heart failure after heart attacks
New single-dose therapy shows promise in enhancing repair after heart attacks in preclinical models.
Reality bites! Teens want a new genre on screen: Nomantasy
A new study from the Center for Scholars & Storytellers at UCLA finds that young people prefer fantasy — without the romance.
UCLA’s Dr. Donna Washington elected to the National Academy of Medicine
Washington is the 48th UCLA faculty member to achieve one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine.
UCLA team develops a platform that mimics nature to enhance T cell-based therapies
Immune-based treatment gets a boost to its cancer-fighting superpowers.
FDA approval of drug regimen helps lower recurrence risk for early-stage breast cancer patients
The decision is based on findings from a clinical trial led by UCLA’s Dennis Slamon combining ribociclib with hormonal therapy.
New Autoimmunity Center of Excellence at UCLA will seek cures for autoimmune disorders
The new center, established with a $3.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health, will house three main projects.
In memoriam: Eugene Rosenfeld, 90, alumnus, real estate entrepreneur and philanthropist
Rosenfeld, who earned his bachelor's degree at UCLA in 1956 thanks to a $50 scholarship, transformed the campus with his giving and leadership.
Health inequities abound in California, according to newest California Health Interview Survey
The latest edition of the nation’s largest state health survey spotlights trends in housing discrimination, health care access and other topics.
Unlocking the potential of patient-derived ‘organoids’ for personalized sarcoma treatment
Using small 3D models that mimic a patient’s tumor, UCLA researchers can quickly test hundreds of potential drugs.
Why diverse clinical trials matter for medical breakthroughs
Dr. Keith Norris, Dr. Arleen Brown work to enhance representation among patients participating in medical research.
UCLA scientists uncover limits of metabolic flexibility in a skin cancer
A new study suggests combination therapies could overcome tumor adaptability.
U.S. Latino GDP skyrockets to record $3.7 trillion, with growth rate outpacing China, India
Despite COVID, Latinos’ economic output in 2022 was greater than 6 of the world’s 10 largest economies.
LGBT adults in California face increased risks of firearm violence
UCLA Center for Health Policy Research study shows lower rates of gun ownership, higher rates of fear of being a victim of gun violence.
UCLA and VA partner to revive West LA campus garden for veterans
They aim to provide agricultural therapy and create a space for veterans to find a sense of community and safety.
In memoriam: Ralph Shapiro, 92, alumnus, philanthropist and lifelong supporter of UCLA
Shapiro, who for more than half a century played an immense role in the life of campus as a donor, volunteer, mentor and advisor, died Aug. 14.