University Of California, San Francisco

This study tested whether showing a short video or asking a simple question in the emergency department could encourage adults to get a COVID-19 booster shot. Over 900 people took part, and researchers tracked who got vaccinated within 30 days. The goal was to find easy ways to i…

This study tested two text-message programs for low-income Latino parents of children aged 1 to 5. One program aimed to reduce sugary drinks and juice; the other encouraged reading aloud. Researchers measured changes in children's drink intake and reading frequency. The goal was …

This study gave fruit and vegetable vouchers to 19 young kidney transplant patients (ages 2-25) who had trouble affording food. For six months, they used the vouchers to buy fresh produce. The goal was to see if this improved their diet satisfaction and health. The program aimed …

This study tested whether a diabetes drug (SGLT2 inhibitor) can prevent cystine kidney stones in people with cystinuria, a rare genetic condition. Ten adults took the drug to see if it would add glucose to their urine and stop stones from forming. The goal was to find a better, e…

This study tested the drug everolimus in 65 children whose low-grade gliomas (slow-growing brain tumors) had come back or gotten worse. The goal was to see if the drug could stop the tumors from growing for at least 6 months. Children took everolimus by mouth and had regular MRI …

This study tested a new combination pill (polypill) that packs four heart failure medicines into one tablet. The goal was to see if it helps people take their medications more regularly compared to taking several separate pills. The study included 35 adults with heart failure, so…

This study looked at whether communities with low levels of trachoma (an eye infection that can cause blindness) can safely stop yearly antibiotic treatment. Over 3,900 people in Niger took part. Some communities stopped the annual azithromycin, while others continued for three m…

This study tested whether providing medically tailored meals and nutrition support for six months can improve blood sugar levels and reduce food insecurity in adults with type 2 diabetes. 281 participants received either the food support program or usual care. The goal was to see…

This study tested whether finding and treating low-density malaria infections (infections with very few parasites) in children can improve their long-term health and reduce illness. Researchers followed 600 children in Tanzania, comparing those who received treatment for these hi…

This study tested strategies to treat depression and PTSD in adults visiting a public hospital in Kenya. Over 2,100 participants received therapy or medication through their primary care clinic. The goal was to find cost-effective ways to integrate mental health care into regular…

This study looked at the best way to treat acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare but serious eye infection. 49 participants first received either chlorhexidine alone or with povidone iodine, then were randomly assigned to early, late, or no steroids. The goal was to find which approach …

This study tested whether giving patients home blood pressure monitors and digital tools (like text messages and online portals) helps them better manage their high blood pressure. 540 adults in San Francisco took part. The goal was to see if these tools improve blood pressure co…

This study tested two different glaucoma surgeries—standard trabeculectomy and a newer micro version—in 100 adults aged 40 and older. The goal was to see which surgery lowers eye pressure better and causes fewer complications in the first 3 months. Results help doctors choose the…

This study tested whether clemastine fumarate, a drug originally used for allergies, can help repair the protective coating around nerves in people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). Fifty adults with MS took either clemastine or a placebo for up to 3 months while …

This study tested a smartphone app called LetSync designed to help Black men who have sex with men and their partners stay engaged in HIV care and take their medications as prescribed. About 144 participants (80 couples) used the app for up to 14 months. The goal was to see if th…

This study tested whether adding a rose Bengal dye and green light treatment to standard antibiotic or antifungal eye drops could improve vision in people with severe corneal infections. 330 adults in India and Brazil with fungal, amoeba, or culture-negative ulcers and vision of …

This study tested whether adding precise, high-dose radiation (SBRT) to the drug apalutamide helps control prostate cancer that no longer responds to standard hormone therapy and has spread to a few spots. Twenty-six men with castration-resistant prostate cancer participated. The…

This study tested whether removing sugary drinks from workplace sales and offering brief counseling could help employees lose belly fat and improve insulin sensitivity. Over 600 full-time workers who drank at least three sugary beverages per week took part. Results showed changes…

This study tested a program that gives small rewards to people with HIV who stop using stimulants like meth and take their HIV medicine. 37 adults took part in a primary care clinic. The goal was to see if this reward system is practical and helpful for managing both HIV and drug…

This study tested a drug called alirocumab in 118 adults with HIV who were at risk for heart disease. The goal was to see if the drug could reduce inflammation in the arteries and improve blood vessel function. Participants received either the drug or a placebo for about a year, …

This study tested whether injecting an antifungal drug (voriconazole) directly into the cornea, along with standard antifungal eye drops, works better than drops alone for treating fungal corneal ulcers. 70 people with moderate to severe infections took part. The goal was to see …

This study tested whether a problem-solving program delivered by video calls and text messages could help young people aged 18-29 living with HIV stay engaged in care, improve mental health, and reduce substance use. Fifty participants from the East Bay area of San Francisco took…

This early study tested if injecting small amounts of the Gardasil 9 HPV vaccine directly into genital warts could help treat them. Only 2 adults took part, and researchers measured changes in wart number and size over time. The goal was to see if this approach is worth studying …

This study looked at whether giving people more money each month to buy fruits and vegetables helps them actually use the benefit and eat healthier. 242 adults in Stockton, California were randomly assigned to receive $40, $80, or $110 per month for 6 months. Researchers tracked …

This study tested a program called CareConnect that uses automated phone calls to help cancer patients quit smoking. The program gave patients educational messages and connected them to resources like quitlines and websites. Researchers wanted to see if this approach increased th…

This study looked at whether taking birth control pills every day for 6 months (continuous) is better than the usual 3-weeks-on, 1-week-off cycle for women with PCOS. 51 women aged 16-35 with PCOS took part. The goal was to see if continuous use lowers testosterone and improves a…

This study tested a new clinic program to help people living with HIV. Over 10,000 patients used tablets to privately screen for substance use, depression, and anxiety during routine visits. Those who screened positive could then talk with an on-site specialist for counseling and…

This study tested a simple, low-cost method to find undiagnosed dementia in older adults by analyzing electronic health records. Over 1,200 participants without a prior dementia diagnosis took part. The goal was to see if the eRADAR algorithm could help doctors detect dementia ea…

This study tested two kinds of long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets to see which better prevents malaria in Uganda. Over 200,000 people took part, and researchers tracked malaria cases at health clinics. The goal is to find the most effective net to protect communities from …

This study tested whether giving malaria drugs to people at high risk—like those living in villages or working in forests—could lower malaria rates in their communities. Over 14,000 people in five Thai provinces took part. Researchers compared areas that received this targeted dr…

This study looked at whether a simple urine test can help people remember to take their daily HIV prevention pills (PrEP). About 100 women already taking PrEP were randomly assigned to get real-time urine test results with supportive feedback or standard counseling. The goal was …

This study tested whether offering small financial rewards to parents helps them brush their young children's teeth more often. 244 families with children in Early Head Start programs took part. The goal was to see if this approach could prevent cavities by improving toothbrushin…

This study tested whether a combination of improved HIV prevention and treatment tools, delivered through a community health program, could lower the rate of new HIV infections. Over 80,000 people aged 15 and older in East Africa took part. The approach focused on reaching everyo…

This study tested a school-based program called Fuerte for newcomer immigrant teens at risk for traumatic stress. The program aimed to improve mental health knowledge, social connections, and link at-risk youth to professional help. 321 high school students from Spanish-speaking …

This study tested new ways to help women and men who visit drinking venues in rural Kenya and Uganda start using HIV prevention medications like PrEP. Over 9,000 adults took part, and researchers tracked how many began prevention within a month. The goal was to find effective, lo…

This study tested a new way to help young men who have sex with men (ages 18-30) take their daily HIV prevention pills (PrEP) more consistently. Researchers used a simple urine test to check if the pills were being taken, then gave personalized counseling based on the results. Th…

This study tested a program to help healthcare providers prescribe HIV PrEP (a daily pill that prevents HIV) more effectively. The program included a web-based tool and a coordinator to support providers. The study took place in 10 clinics in San Francisco and measured how many P…

This study tested a program called Malkia Klabu ("Queen Club") in Tanzania. It trained local drug shops to be more welcoming to adolescent girls and young women, so they could easily get HIV prevention services and contraception. The goal was to see if this approach increased HIV…

This study tested a program to reduce stigma and help transgender women in São Paulo, Brazil, get HIV testing and start taking PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) pills to prevent HIV. About 392 women took part, with half receiving the program right away and the other half later. The…

This study tested a tablet-based tool and clinic training to help women learn about HIV prevention options like PrEP. About 141 women from a Florida clinic took part. The goal was to see if the tool helped them decide on and start using prevention methods.

This study tested a 7-month program to reduce pesticide exposure in 85 California child care centers serving preschool children. The program used integrated pest management (IPM) techniques, like sealing cracks and using bait stations instead of sprays. Researchers measured pesti…

This study tested whether trained peer navigators (women with similar experiences) could help women involved in the criminal justice system access HIV prevention medication called PrEP. The goal was to reduce stigma and improve health. Thirty women aged 18-49 in San Francisco pro…

This study tested whether a special silver dressing can help prevent infections where the LVAD driveline exits the body. 25 adults with a new LVAD were randomly assigned to use the silver dressing or standard care. Researchers tracked infection rates, comfort, and cost over one y…

This study looked at 132 people having knee arthroscopy (like ACL or meniscus repair) to compare two types of nerve blocks for pain and muscle strength. One block targets the femoral nerve, the other the adductor canal. The goal was to see which provides better pain control while…

This study tested whether a smartphone app called Calm Health, which teaches mindfulness and meditation, could help reduce anxiety and depression in adults with non-infectious uveitis, an inflammatory eye disease. About 100 participants used the app and reported their symptoms. T…

This pilot study tested two different computer-based brain training programs that also include light physical activity. The goal was to see if they could help improve thinking skills like memory and attention in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study planned to enroll 40 …

This study tested whether montelukast, a common asthma medication, can reduce the number and severity of infusion reactions in people receiving monoclonal antibody treatments for blood disorders. Forty adults were given montelukast along with standard premedication before their i…

This study tested a new type of botulinum toxin injection (DAXI) for people with adductor spasmodic dysphonia, a condition that causes the voice to spasm and sound strained. 22 adults who had already been helped by standard Botox injections received one DAXI injection. The goal w…

This study tested whether mindfulness training helps people with type 2 diabetes better manage food cravings and stick to a low-carb diet. Sixty adults with type 2 diabetes who often ate in response to cravings participated. The goal was to see if mindfulness skills could reduce …

This study tested whether adding whole-body hyperthermia (a treatment that safely raises body temperature) to standard cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) could help adults with major depression. Thirty participants received either real or sham heat sessions alongside weekly thera…

This study tested whether giving an extra hormone (FSH) along with the standard hCG trigger before egg retrieval improves egg quality and pregnancy rates in IVF. 232 people undergoing IVF participated. The goal was to mimic the natural hormone surge to potentially increase fertil…

This study looked at whether a root canal for an infected tooth with an abscess can be done in one visit or needs two visits. 59 adults were treated and followed for a year to see how well the infection healed. The goal was to find out which approach works better for clearing the…

This small study tested whether combining online cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) with passive body heating (using a sauna blanket) is feasible for adults with insomnia. Ten participants used the treatments over 9 weeks. The goal was to see if people would stick …

This study looked at whether giving insulin slowly over time (extended bolus) helps teenagers with type 1 diabetes control blood sugar after eating high-fat, high-protein meals like pizza. Thirty teens using a closed-loop insulin system participated. The goal was to find a way to…

This study tested two sleep medications (suvorexant and zolpidem) against a placebo in 40 adults with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a brain disease that disrupts sleep. Each person tried all three options for one week each, with a week off in between. The goal was to see …

This study tested an online workshop for 109 family caregivers of people with dementia. The workshop taught caregiving skills and ways to manage stress and difficult emotions. The goal was to see if the workshop was feasible and helpful for caregivers, with the long-term aim of i…

This study tested whether virtual reality (VR) could help children aged 5-17 feel less pain and anxiety during a kidney biopsy, possibly reducing the need for sedation drugs. 32 children participated, and most said they would recommend VR to others. The results suggest VR is a we…

This study looked at three different online wellness programs to see if they could help improve memory, thinking, and brain health in adults aged 55 and older who were having mild memory problems. A total of 77 people took part. The goal was to find out which program worked best …

This study tested a smartphone-based training called attention bias modification (ABM) to see if it can reduce PTSD symptoms. Over 1,300 adults with significant PTSD symptoms took part entirely online. The training aimed to change how people pay attention to threats. Results will…

This study tested whether a medication called lemborexant can help night shift workers sleep longer during the day. 29 full-time night shift workers who had trouble sleeping took either the drug or a placebo for two weeks. The goal was to see if the drug increased total daytime s…

This study tested whether a microfluidic chip can select healthier sperm for IVF compared to the standard method. About 393 couples with unexplained infertility and a history of poor embryo quality took part. The goal was to see if the chip leads to more high-quality embryos on d…

This study tested an online sleep program for 20 preschool children with autism who had trouble sleeping. The program taught parents behavioral strategies to improve their child's sleep. Researchers measured changes in sleep habits and quality to see if the program was easy to us…

This study tested a program called Care Ecosystem, which provides dementia care support over the phone and internet. Over 1,200 people with dementia and their caregivers took part across six health systems. The program aimed to improve quality of life, reduce emergency room visit…

This study tested a live-streaming group program called Brain Health Together for older adults with mild cognitive decline. The program aimed to help participants improve brain health through lifestyle changes. 208 people took part, and the researchers measured changes in thinkin…

This study tested whether adding peer mentors to a social media program helps teens and young adults quit vaping. 27 participants from California joined a private Instagram group for 5 weeks. Researchers measured how many people stayed engaged and completed the program.

This study tested whether an in-office app with narrated instructions and a quiz could help glaucoma patients on multiple eye drops remember their regimen. Twenty participants were split into two groups: one used the app, the other did not. After one month, both groups were teste…

This study tested if brief phone coaching could help people with sleep apnea use their positive airway pressure (PAP) machine more regularly. 27 adults who were not using their device enough took part. The coaching aimed to improve adherence and reduce daytime sleepiness.

This study tested whether a simple walking program using a pedometer could help reduce fatigue and improve quality of life in people with lupus. About 101 participants with lupus and moderate to severe fatigue were randomly assigned to either a walking program with personalized s…

This study looked at whether the drug letrozole can prevent pain during ovarian stimulation (a key part of fertility treatment) in women with endometriosis. 60 women participated, and researchers measured pain levels and egg quality. The goal was to find a way to make fertility t…

This study tested a computer program called D-kit/EF1 to see if it could improve thinking and problem-solving skills in children aged 4-8 with mild intellectual disability. Eleven children used the program on an iPad for 30 minutes, five times a week, for 12 weeks. Researchers co…

This study tested a program that treats both mothers with depression and their young children (ages 2-4) with behavior problems at the same time. The goal was to see if treating both together works better than treating each separately. 76 mother-child pairs took part, and the stu…

This study tested three different programs to help adults with type 1 diabetes manage the worry and stress (diabetes distress) that often comes with keeping blood sugar in check. About 296 people took part in one of three programs: TunedIn, FixIt, or StreamLine. The goal was to s…

This study tested whether giving teens extra education and coping skills through a smartphone app could help them manage pain and recover faster after scoliosis surgery. Forty teens aged 11 to 18 took part. The app provided videos and tools to address the emotional side of pain, …

This study tested whether a health coach could help low-income patients with COPD or asthma get better specialist care. 328 adults from public clinics were assigned to either usual care or extra coaching. The goal was to see if coaching helped patients follow treatment guidelines…

This study looked at whether genetics play a role in how often people have extra heartbeats (called PACs and PVCs). Researchers used wearable heart monitors on 156 identical and fraternal twins to compare their heart rhythms. The goal was to understand if these common, usually ha…

This study tested a new urine test that can quickly show if people with HIV are taking their medication as prescribed. The test looks for tenofovir, a common HIV drug, in urine. Researchers compared the urine test results with blood tests and pharmacy records to see if it could h…

This study examined blood and tumor samples from 25 people with advanced melanoma to understand why some respond to the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab while others do not. Researchers focused on T cells, a type of immune cell, to find genetic clues that could predict treatment …

This study looked at whether offering extra help, like personal guidance and text messages, encourages people in cardiac rehabilitation to take part in a Food is Medicine program. 84 adults from San Francisco took part. Researchers compared four groups to see which support method…

This study looked at how dupilumab affects the immune cells and genes inside the skin of people with moderate-to-severe eczema. Seventeen adults took the drug and had skin samples tested before and after 12 weeks of treatment. The goal was to understand how the medicine works at …

This study tested whether speech and language therapy delivered through video calls (teletherapy) can improve communication skills in children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Researchers enrolled 210 children up to 27 months old, some with public insurance who were randomly assi…

This study tested whether giving older adults a pill (oral sedation) instead of medicine through an IV (intravenous sedation) before cataract surgery is a good option. Twenty people aged 65 and older took part. The goal was to see if it's possible to run a larger study comparing …

This study looked at whether telemedicine (video or phone doctor visits) can help people in rural northern Nigeria get urologic care faster than traveling to see a specialist in person. About 220 adults with urologic problems took part, split into two groups: one got standard in-…

This study looked at whether a family therapy program originally done in person could work over video calls for teens involved with child welfare and their parents. About 93 teens and their caregivers took part. The goal was to see if the program helped them communicate better an…

This study looked at how nicotine from a standardized research e-cigarette (SREC) compares to nicotine from a person's usual e-cigarette brand. 32 regular e-cigarette users took part. Researchers measured nicotine levels in the blood, puffing patterns, and how people felt after v…

This study looked at blood and airway samples from 23 adults during an asthma attack and again after recovery. The goal was to find out what happens in the body during a severe flare-up. The results may help scientists develop better treatments for asthma in the future.

This study looked at whether using dialysis less often helps people with acute kidney injury recover kidney function faster. It involved 220 hospitalized adults who needed dialysis. The goal was to see if a conservative approach (less frequent dialysis) leads to more patients bei…

This study followed 72 newborns who had seizures shortly after birth to understand how inflammation might be linked to developing epilepsy later. Researchers measured seizure activity and checked which babies went on to have epilepsy. The goal was to gather information, not to te…

This study looked at over 3,600 adults having major surgery to find out which of two blood pressure drugs (norepinephrine or phenylephrine) is better at preventing serious problems like kidney injury or death. Patients received one of the drugs during anesthesia, and researchers …

This study looked at whether a person's blood group antigens are connected to asthma attacks. Researchers followed 126 people with asthma to see if certain blood types had more flare-ups needing steroids. The goal was to understand, not to test a new treatment.

This study tested whether remote smartphone tests of thinking, memory, and motor skills can identify older adults who might develop confusion (delirium) after spine surgery. 34 participants completed the tests before their operation. The goal was to see if this approach could hel…

This study looked at 217 Hispanic people living with HIV to see if the types of bacteria in the anus are linked to HPV infection and anal precancer. Researchers compared samples from California, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. The goal was to understand why anal cancer rates differ amon…

This study looked at whether sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a non-drug ingredient often added to medications, changes how the body absorbs the drug fexofenadine. Twelve healthy adults took fexofenadine alone or with low or high amounts of SLS. Researchers measured drug levels in th…

This study looked at 48 non-diabetic adults with obstructive sleep apnea to see if those with low oxygen levels (hypoxia) have greater insulin resistance in the liver and fat tissue. Researchers measured how the body makes new fats and stored fat in the liver using special scans …

This study tested four different approaches to find eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy in adults aged 50 and older in Nepal. Over 87,000 people took part. The goal was to see which method—comprehensive screening, cataract camps, community health worke…

This study tested a device that uses near-infrared light to help surgeons quickly locate parathyroid glands during surgery for overactive parathyroid glands. The goal was to see if this tool could reduce the number of tissue samples sent to the lab and lower the chance of needing…

This study gave 300 low-income Black young adults (ages 18-24) in San Francisco and Oakland a guaranteed income for 12 months, plus access to financial programs. Researchers wanted to see if this money helped with depression, future investments (like school or job training), and …

This study looked at whether stopping coffee drinking can reduce the chance of atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat) returning after a procedure called cardioversion. About 200 adults who drank at least one cup of coffee daily were randomly assigned to either quit or keep …

This study looked at how a single dose of methamphetamine affects HIV activity in 14 people with HIV who were on effective treatment and had no history of meth use. Researchers measured changes in HIV production and inflammation over 4 hours. The goal was to understand how meth m…

This study tested whether personalized text messages could help colorectal cancer survivors eat more whole grains and less refined grains. 46 survivors who had finished active treatment took part. The goal was to see if people would respond to the texts and find the program easy …

This pilot study tested a program called the Brain Health Project for Korean American caregivers of people with dementia. The goal was to increase knowledge about Alzheimer's and related dementias and improve caregiving skills. Seventeen caregivers completed the program, which in…

This study looked at whether providing clean water, toilets, and hygiene training can reduce trachoma infections in rural Ethiopian communities that already receive antibiotic treatments. Over 47,000 people took part. The goal was to see if adding these basic resources makes a di…

This study explored whether music improvisation training can improve self-regulation and brain function in older adults, including those with mild cognitive impairment. 53 participants aged 60+ with little to no music background took part. The goal was to see if improv training c…

This study looked at 228 adults with major depression and healthy volunteers to see if natural compounds in the blood, genetic markers, and gut bacteria differ between the groups. Depressed participants took a standard antidepressant for 8 weeks while researchers tracked changes …

This study looked at whether a special video game that combines physical exercise with mental challenges can improve attention and working memory in healthy adults. 49 participants were assigned to different training groups for 8 weeks. The goal was to understand if combining phy…

This study followed 188 children who had seizures shortly after birth to see how they develop over time. Researchers measured thinking skills and daily living abilities to find risk factors for disabilities like cerebral palsy or intellectual disability. The goal is to better und…

This study tested a 12-week web-based diet program with text messaging for 50 colorectal cancer survivors. The goal was to see if the program was easy to use and could help people eat more vegetables, whole grains, and fish while cutting back on red meat and sweets. Participants …

This study looked at how experiencing social rejection based on race affects sleep and nighttime heart function. About 160 African American and Caucasian adults spent two nights in a sleep lab, once after a rejection task and once after a neutral task. Researchers measured how lo…

This study looked at how losing sleep affects blood pressure and feelings of discrimination in 77 African American adults. Participants had their blood pressure and heart activity measured after social tasks. The goal was to understand how sleep and racial discrimination may toge…

This study tested whether a set of care guidelines helps doctors in community hospitals use proven treatments for children with asthma, pneumonia, or bronchiolitis. Over 11,000 children took part across multiple hospitals. The goal was to see if these guidelines lead to better us…

This study tested different ways of sharing a short video about flu and COVID-19 vaccines to see how trust changes depending on who shares it. Over 500 adults in California watched the video, which was created with input from Indigenous community members. The video was shared eit…

This study tested whether people with major depression who eat a lot of ultra-processed foods could cut back on them. Twenty adults tried a personalized diet change for a short time. The goal was to see if it was possible and acceptable, not to measure health effects. Results wil…

This study looked at how nicotine enters the body when people use JUUL e-cigarettes compared to smoking regular tobacco cigarettes. Seventeen healthy adults took part, and researchers measured nicotine levels and heart rate after each product. The goal was to understand the diffe…

This research study looked at how stress, behavior, and social factors affect weight loss and heart health in people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Fifteen adults with overweight or obesity took part. The goal was to learn more about what helps or hinders weight management in th…

This study collected sputum (mucus coughed up from the lungs) from healthy volunteers and people with cystic fibrosis. Researchers tested whether certain sugar-like compounds could reduce the stickiness of the mucus and block harmful bacteria from binding to it. The goal was to b…