University Of California, San Francisco

This study tested two different first-line treatments for depression and PTSD—talk therapy (Interpersonal Psychotherapy) and a common antidepressant (fluoxetine)—when delivered by trained non-specialist health workers in a Kenyan primary care clinic. It aimed to find the most eff…

This study looked at how a diabetes prevention lifestyle program affects weight, heart health, and stress levels in adults from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. Researchers followed 15 participants for 18 months to see if the program helped them maintain weight loss a…

This study tested if combining four common heart failure medications into a single daily pill helps patients take their medicine more consistently. Researchers worked with 35 adults who have a specific type of heart failure, including some who also have HIV. The goal was to see i…

This study tested whether giving monthly fruit and vegetable vouchers for six months could help young kidney transplant patients who struggle to afford healthy food. It involved 19 participants aged 2 to 25. Researchers looked at whether the vouchers improved participants' diets,…

This study tested whether sending personalized text messages could help colon and rectal cancer survivors eat more whole grains and less refined grains. Researchers enrolled 46 survivors who were not on active cancer treatment to receive nutrition education and 12 weeks of tailor…

This study tested if a reward program could help people with HIV take their medication more consistently and reduce stimulant use like methamphetamine. Researchers worked with 37 participants in a primary care setting, offering incentives for providing clean urine tests that show…

This study compared whether getting a root canal done in one appointment or spread over two appointments leads to better healing for infected teeth. Researchers followed 59 patients for one year after their procedures, checking how well the infection cleared up at 6 and 12 months…

This study tested if taking birth control pills (Yasmin) for six months straight works better than the standard three-weeks-on, one-week-off schedule for managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). It involved 51 women with PCOS, aged 16-35, who were not already on the pill. The g…

This study tested a new program in HIV clinics to better identify and treat substance use, depression, and anxiety. Over 10,000 HIV-positive adults used tablets to screen for these issues during routine visits. Those who screened positive could then receive counseling from a beha…

This study tested whether communities with low rates of the eye infection trachoma could safely stop their yearly antibiotic treatments. Researchers compared what happened in villages that stopped the medicine versus those that continued it for three more years. The goal was to f…

This study tested whether providing free, diabetes-friendly meals and nutrition education for six months could help low-income adults with type 2 diabetes better manage their condition. Researchers enrolled 281 participants who were struggling with food insecurity and randomly as…

This small study tested whether a diabetes medication called dapagliflozin could help prevent cystine kidney stones. Researchers gave the drug to 10 adults with cystinuria, a genetic condition that causes painful, recurring stones. They wanted to see if the glucose the drug adds …

This study tested if adding a short, precise course of radiation to a hormone-blocking drug helps men with advanced prostate cancer that has spread to a few spots. Men were randomly assigned to receive either the drug alone or the drug plus targeted radiation to their visible can…

This study tested whether adding a special light treatment to standard medications helps people with serious eye infections see better. It involved 330 adults in India and Brazil who had moderate to severe vision loss from fungal or amoeba infections. Participants were randomly a…

This study tested whether clemastine, an older allergy medicine, could help repair the protective coating (myelin) around nerves in people with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). Fifty participants with MS and evidence of nerve damage in their vision took either clemastine or a p…

This study aimed to find a better way to help hospitalized patients whose kidneys suddenly stop working and need dialysis. Researchers tested if waiting for specific signs before giving dialysis, instead of automatically scheduling it three times a week, could help more people re…

This study tested whether adding mindfulness training to standard diet education helps people with type 2 diabetes stick to a low-carbohydrate eating plan. Researchers worked with 60 participants to see if learning mindfulness skills—like noticing cravings without acting on them—…

This study tested a new type of botulinum toxin injection (called DAXI) for people with adductor spasmodic dysphonia, a condition that causes involuntary voice muscle spasms. Researchers wanted to see if this injection worked better and lasted longer than the standard treatment (…

This small pilot study tested a new way to help teens and young adults quit vaping. Researchers created private Instagram groups where participants received messages from a counselor and support from peer mentors who had already quit. The goal was to see if this social media appr…

This study tested if a cholesterol-lowering injection called alirocumab could reduce heart disease risk in people living with HIV. It involved 118 adults aged 40+ with well-controlled HIV and either existing heart disease or significant risk factors. Participants received either …

This study aimed to find out which of two common medications is better for maintaining a patient's blood pressure during major surgery. Researchers compared norepinephrine and phenylephrine in over 3,600 adults undergoing long operations to see which drug led to fewer serious com…

This study explored whether adding whole-body heat therapy (like a medical sauna) to standard cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) could help people with major depression. Thirty adults with depression received eight weeks of CBT and were randomly assigned to also get either real o…

This study tested an automated phone system called CareConnect that helps cancer patients quit smoking. The system called 400 cancer patients who smoke and offered to connect them with free quitting resources. Researchers wanted to see if this automated approach would help more p…

This study tested if adding an antifungal injection directly into the eye works better than using medicated eye drops alone to treat severe fungal eye ulcers. About 70 patients in India were randomly assigned to receive either the injection plus drops or just the drops. The main …

This study tested whether a counseling program delivered by text and video calls could help young adults (ages 18-29) living with HIV stay engaged in their medical care. The 8-month program aimed to address common challenges like depression and substance use that can interfere wi…

This study tested if adding a second hormone (FSH) to the standard one-hormone (hCG) injection given before egg retrieval could improve outcomes for people undergoing IVF. Researchers wanted to see if this two-hormone approach, which more closely mimics a natural menstrual cycle,…

This study tested whether providing speech and language therapy through video calls at home could help young deaf and hard-of-hearing children develop better communication skills. Researchers enrolled 211 children under 2 years old and offered an 18-month teletherapy program to s…

This study tested whether finding and treating very low-level malaria infections in children leads to better long-term health, growth, and development. It involved 600 children in Tanzania, comparing standard care to two methods using more sensitive tests to detect these hidden i…

This study tested whether a simple phone app could help people with glaucoma remember their complex eye drop schedules. Twenty patients who use at least two different eye drops were split into two groups: one used the app, and one did not. The app showed pictures of the drops, ga…

This large study tested whether adding a comprehensive water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) program to antibiotic treatment is better at controlling trachoma, a bacterial eye infection that can cause blindness, than antibiotics alone. It involved over 47,000 people across 40 com…

This study tested a remote care program for people with dementia and their family caregivers. Over 1,200 patient-caregiver pairs across six U.S. health systems received 12 months of support via phone and web from trained navigators supervised by dementia specialists. The research…

This study tested a new web and text message program designed to help people who have had colorectal cancer eat healthier. Researchers wanted to see if the program was easy to use and acceptable to 50 cancer survivors over 12 weeks. The goal is to help survivors make dietary choi…

This study tested whether people with a common irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) should stop drinking coffee after a heart rhythm reset treatment. Researchers randomly assigned 200 patients to either quit coffee or keep drinking it for six months to see which group had fe…

This study tested a new, gentler method for selecting sperm for IVF. Couples with a history of poor embryo quality were randomly assigned to have sperm prepared either with the standard lab method (centrifugation) or a new microfluidic chip. The chip aims to isolate healthier, mo…

This study tested a new way to help low-income patients with COPD or asthma get better care. Researchers wanted to see if pairing a health coach with a lung specialist during consultations would help patients follow treatment plans and improve their quality of life. They compared…

This study tested whether a daily pill called everolimus could help control recurrent or worsening low-grade brain tumors in children. It involved 65 children and young adults aged 3 to 21 who had tumors that returned or progressed despite prior treatments. The main goal was to s…

This small pilot study explored whether injecting the Gardasil 9 vaccine directly into genital warts could help treat them. Two adult participants with multiple warts received the injections and were monitored for changes. The goal was to see if this method could reduce wart size…

This study tested a new computer tool called eRADAR that scans patients' existing electronic health records to identify those at high risk for dementia. The goal was to see if using this tool could help primary care doctors find more cases of dementia earlier. Over 1,200 patients…

This study tested a new tool called PTeye that uses near-infrared light to help surgeons see and identify tiny parathyroid glands during surgery to remove them. The goal was to see if using this light could make surgeries quicker, reduce the need for extra tissue tests, and lower…

This study tested a 7-month training program to help child care centers use safer pest control methods, aiming to reduce young children's exposure to pesticides. Researchers worked with 85 centers in California, comparing those who received the training to those who did not. They…

This study tested whether providing $500 per month in guaranteed income to 300 low-income Black young adults (ages 18-24) could improve their mental health, help them invest in education or job training, and reduce unmet healthcare needs. Participants received payments for 12 mon…

This study tested if a special silver-coated dressing could prevent infections where the power cord for a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) exits the skin. Twenty-five patients with these heart pumps were randomly assigned to use either the new silver dressing or a standard d…

This study tested a new support system for doctors to help more people at risk for HIV get prevention medication (PrEP). It involved a web-based tool to assess patient risk and a coordinator to help manage care. The goal was to see if this system helped doctors prescribe PrEP mor…

This study tested a new way to help young men who have sex with men take their HIV prevention pills (PrEP) more consistently. Researchers used a simple urine test during clinic visits to check pill levels, then provided brief, targeted counseling. The goal was to see if this appr…

This study tested a new, quick urine test designed to help people taking daily medication to prevent HIV (PrEP). Researchers wanted to see if giving people immediate feedback on whether the drug was in their system would help them take it more consistently. The study involved 100…

This study tested a school-based group program called Fuerte, designed to prevent traumatic stress in recent immigrant teenagers. Over 300 Spanish-speaking students in San Francisco schools were randomly assigned to either join the program or be on a waitlist. The program aimed t…

This study tested a program called 'Guerreiras' (Warrior Women) designed to help transgender women in São Paulo, Brazil, prevent HIV. The program used peer-led group sessions and one-on-one navigation to reduce stigma and encourage more HIV testing and use of prevention pills (Pr…

This study tested whether offering small financial rewards to parents would encourage them to brush their young children's teeth more consistently. Researchers worked with 244 mostly Latino families in early childhood programs, using a smartphone-connected toothbrush to track bru…

This study tested a two-part program to help more women access HIV prevention methods like PrEP. Researchers gave clinic staff special training and offered patients a private tablet tool to learn about their HIV risks and prevention options. The goal was to see if this approach h…

This study tested a program where trained peer guides helped women on probation in San Francisco get connected to HIV prevention services. The goal was to see if this support could reduce the stigma these women face and make it easier for them to start and stay on a daily pill ca…

This study tested new ways to get more people to start and keep using HIV prevention pills (PrEP and PEP) in Kenya and Uganda. Researchers focused on adults who visit drinking venues, as these places are linked to higher HIV risk. They compared different outreach methods to see w…

This study tested whether showing short videos or asking simple questions in emergency departments could encourage more people to get updated COVID-19 booster shots. Researchers worked with 919 adults who visited emergency rooms and hadn't received a booster in the past six month…

This study tested whether a two-part workplace program could help employees improve their health. Researchers examined if banning sugary drink sales at work and offering brief personal counseling could help reduce belly fat and improve the body's response to sugar. Over 600 hospi…

This large study in Uganda compared two different types of insecticide-treated bed nets to see which one was better at preventing malaria. Over 200,000 people across 20 districts received either a newer net type or a standard one during a national distribution campaign. Researche…

This small pilot study explored whether it's practical and acceptable for people with depression to reduce the amount of ultra-processed foods in their diet. Researchers worked with 20 adults who had major depressive disorder and typically ate a lot of processed foods. The main g…

This study tested whether a simple, home-based walking program using a pedometer could help reduce the severe fatigue often experienced by people with lupus. Researchers enrolled 101 adults with lupus and moderate-to-severe fatigue, randomly assigning them to either start the wal…

This study tested whether adding montelukast, a medication commonly used for asthma, to standard pre-treatment medications could reduce infusion reactions in patients receiving monoclonal antibody treatments for blood cancers. The trial involved 40 adult patients who were startin…

This small pilot study tested whether two different computer brain training programs, combined with light physical activity, could help improve thinking skills like memory and attention in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Participants used either a large-screen motion-sensing…

This study tested if offering extra help, like a personal guide or text message reminders, would make it easier for people in heart rehabilitation to join and use a free healthy food program. Researchers randomly assigned 84 participants to receive different types of support or n…

This study compared two different nerve block methods for pain relief after outpatient knee surgery. Researchers tested whether a newer method (adductor canal block) provides similar pain relief while causing less leg muscle weakness compared to the standard method (femoral nerve…

This study tested whether two different sleep medications could safely improve sleep for people with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a rare brain disorder. Forty participants tried each medication and a placebo for one week at a time, with breaks in between. Researchers mea…

This study tested whether playing interactive virtual reality games could help children feel less pain and anxiety during kidney biopsies. Researchers offered VR headsets to 32 children aged 5-17 as an alternative or addition to sedating medications. The goal was to see if this d…

This study tested whether a special brain-training app could help children with learning challenges improve their thinking skills and daily life abilities. Eleven children, aged 4 to 8, used the app on a tablet for 30 minutes, five times a week, for 12 weeks. Researchers compared…

This study tested whether a prescription sleep medication called lemborexant could help night shift workers sleep longer during the day. 29 workers who had trouble sleeping after their night shifts took either the medication or a placebo (inactive pill) for two weeks. Researchers…

This study tested whether simple attention training exercises on a smartphone could help reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Researchers enrolled over 1,300 adults with significant PTSD symptoms to try different types of daily training for two weeks. The goa…

This study tested an online program designed to help parents improve sleep for their preschool-aged children with autism. Researchers adapted proven sleep strategies into easy-to-access videos and materials that parents could use at home. The goal was to see if this online approa…

This study tested three different 3-month support programs to help adults with type 1 diabetes manage the emotional stress and worry that comes with daily disease management. About 300 participants were split into groups to try either a program focused on emotions, one focused on…

This study tested whether three different online wellness programs could help improve thinking skills and brain connections in older adults experiencing memory problems. Seventy-seven participants aged 55 and older were randomly assigned to take part in either online Tai Chi, a m…

This study tested if a medication called letrozole could reduce pain for women with endometriosis who are undergoing IVF (egg retrieval). Sixty women were divided into groups to compare letrozole against a placebo (inactive pill) and against women without endometriosis. The main …

This study tested whether a family therapy program could be delivered effectively through video calls (telehealth) to help teens in foster care and their birth parents or caregivers. Researchers adapted an existing program to improve how families communicate and manage difficult …

This study tested an online workshop designed to help family caregivers of people with dementia. The 6-week program taught caregiving skills and stress management. Researchers enrolled 109 caregivers to see if the workshop was practical to run and acceptable to participants, with…

This study tested whether providing teens with educational and coping skills videos on a smartphone could help them manage pain better after major scoliosis surgery. It involved 40 adolescents aged 11-18 who were having spinal surgery. Researchers wanted to see if this support co…

This study aimed to understand why some patients with advanced melanoma respond to immunotherapy while others don't. Researchers analyzed blood samples from 25 patients receiving standard pembrolizumab treatment to identify immune cell patterns linked to treatment success. The go…

This study followed children who had seizures as newborns to understand how these early seizures affect long-term development. Researchers tracked about 280 children from nine U.S. hospitals, assessing their thinking skills, behavior, and daily living abilities as they grew. The …

This study aimed to understand if genetics play a role in how often people experience common extra heartbeats, known as premature atrial contractions (PACs) and premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). Researchers monitored 156 sets of identical and fraternal twins using portab…

This study aimed to understand if inflammation in a newborn's body after seizures is linked to developing epilepsy later in childhood. Researchers followed 72 newborns who had seizures shortly after birth, measuring substances in their blood related to inflammation. The goal was …

This study aimed to understand if the types of bacteria living in the anus are linked to HPV infection and pre-cancerous changes in Hispanic adults living with HIV. Researchers collected swab samples and medical data from 217 participants in California, Mexico, and Puerto Rico to…

This study aimed to understand how the approved eczema medication dupilumab changes the immune environment and gene activity in the skin over time. Seventeen adults with moderate-to-severe eczema received dupilumab injections for a year. Researchers took small skin samples to ana…

This study aimed to understand if a person's blood type makes them more likely to have severe asthma attacks triggered by viruses like the common cold. Researchers compared 126 people with asthma, some who had been hospitalized for attacks and others who had not. They collected s…

This small pilot study tested whether a smartphone app could measure thinking and memory skills in older adults before major spine surgery. The goal was to see if these remote tests could help identify patients who might be at higher risk for developing confusion (delirium) after…

This study aimed to understand why people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have a higher risk of developing diabetes. Researchers compared 48 people with OSA, some who had low oxygen levels (hypoxia) and some who did not, to see if low oxygen caused more severe insulin resistan…

This study tested different ways of sharing a short video about flu and COVID-19 vaccines to see how trust in the message changes. Over 500 adults in California saw the video either through social media ads, from a community organization, or from someone they know. The goal was t…

This study aimed to understand how negative social experiences, specifically race-based rejection, affect sleep and heart function. Researchers compared sleep and heart measurements in African American and Caucasian American adults after a social rejection task versus a calm cont…

This study explored whether taking music improvisation classes could help improve self-regulation and thinking skills in older adults. Researchers enrolled 53 adults aged 60 and over, some with mild memory concerns and some without, to test the new training program. The goal was …

This study aimed to find out if giving people different amounts of money for fruits and vegetables changes how much they actually buy and eat. Researchers gave 242 participants in Stockton, California, either $40, $80, or $110 per month for six months to spend on produce. They tr…

This study tested whether a special video game that combines physical movement with mental challenges could improve attention and memory in healthy adults. Researchers at UCSF enrolled 49 participants who trained for eight weeks using different versions of the game. The goal was …

This study investigated how one night of total sleep loss affects blood pressure and emotional responses during social interactions. Researchers compared 77 healthy African American adults who either had normal sleep or were kept awake all night. Participants then completed socia…

This small pilot study tested an educational program designed to help Korean American caregivers of people with dementia. The program aimed to increase their knowledge about dementia and improve their caregiving skills. It involved 17 participants and focused on providing cultura…

This study aimed to understand how depression and antidepressant treatment affect natural brain chemicals and gut bacteria. Researchers compared 228 adults with depression to healthy adults, measuring blood chemicals, memory, mood, and stool samples over 8 weeks of antidepressant…

This study aimed to find new ways to thin the thick, sticky mucus in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis (CF). Researchers collected mucus samples from 114 people, including healthy volunteers and those with CF, to test in the lab. They tested if special sugar-like compounds…

This study investigated whether sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a common non-drug ingredient added to medications, affects how the body absorbs the allergy drug fexofenadine. Researchers compared absorption when healthy volunteers took the drug alone versus with two different amount…

This study aimed to understand how the body absorbs nicotine from JUUL e-cigarettes compared to regular cigarettes. Researchers measured nicotine levels, heart rate, blood pressure, and cravings in 17 adults who both smoke and vape. The goal was to gather data on the differences …