Semel Institute in the News

Window on the Mind: Will the Antidepressant Work?

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Tue, 06 May 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Dr. Andrew Leuchter, professor of psychiatry and director of the Laboratory of Brain, Behavior, and Pharmacology in the Semel Institute, and his research were featured in a May 6 Newsweek.com article about his use of EEG to monitor how well an antidepressant works. The study, called BRITE (Biomarkers for Rapid Identification of Treatment Effectiveness), showed that the EEG readings, which measure brain wave activity, had a 74 percent accuracy rate in predicting the effectiveness of an antidepressant medication.

Genetic Bipolar Test

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Mon, 05 May 2008 14:10:44 -0700

Carrie Bearden, an assistant professor of psychiatry in the Semel Institute, was quoted in an NBC News Channel segment that ran on 45 affiliates nationwide on May 5 - 6. Bearden commented on a new genetic test for bipolar disorder.

PEERS Autism Program: Child-To-Teen Transition

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Liz Laugeson, a postdoctoral fellow in the Semel Institute and director of The Help Group - UCLA Autism Research Alliance, appeared April 30 in a KNBC-Channel 4 segment about PEERS, a parent-assisted social skills intervention she co-developed for teens with developmental disabilities. She was interviewed and shown teaching social skills to a group of autistic teens.

Agency Receives Prize from UCLA

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Joan Asarnow, professor of psychiatry at the Semel Institute, and the nonprofit Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services, were cited in the April 26 Pasadena Star News. Each received the Ann C. Rosenfield Distinguished Community Partnership Prize from the UCLA Center for Community Partnerships for teen suicide-prevention.

Imagined Ugliness

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:00:00 -0700

A brain-imaging study by Dr. Jamie Feusner, assistant professor of psychiatry at the Semel Institute, finding the first biological basis for body dysmorphic disorder, was examined in a BBC Two program called "Am I Normal?" on April 21. His research was also featured in the April editions of Scientific American Mind and Allure magazines. Feusner was quoted. "Am I Normal?" - "Imagined Ugliness"

Brain Imaging Studies Show Fair Treatment Activates Portion of Brain Linked to Happiness

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:00:00 -0700

A study by Golnaz Tabibnia, a postdoctoral fellow at the Semel Institute, was featured in an April 18 story on WebMD. Tabibnia's research used brain-imaging techniques to explore how humans respond to perceived fair and unfair treatment.

When the Ex Blogs, the Dirtiest Laundry Is Aired

mwheeler@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 06:00:00 -0700

Irene Goldenberg, a professor emeritus of psychiatry, was quoted in the April 18 New York Times about the impact on children when parents blog about their divorce online.

Prozac Nation: Revisited

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Dr. Andrew Leuchter, professor of psychiatry and director of the Laboratory of Brain, Behavior, and Pharmacology in the Semel Institute, was featured March 26 on the National Public Radio program "The Infinite Mind." Leuchter spoke about how press coverage and public alarm about antidepressants affects the nation's health and willingness to be treated for illnesses.

Pregnancy Hormone Shows Promise for Treating Multiple Sclerosis

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Dr. Barbara Giesser, professor of neurology and clinic director of the Multiple Sclerosis Research and Treatment Program at the Semel Institute, was featured on six additional CBS TV affiliates between March 21 and March 26, including WMAZ-TV (Macon, GA), WWTV (Cadillac/Traverse City, MI), and WLKY-TV (Louisville, KY). Giesser was interviewed about a promising, ongoing clinical trial involving the use of the hormone estriol in combating Multiple Sclerosis.

Depiction of Prescription-Pill Abuse by Teens is Legit

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Rachel Gonzales, a researcher at the Integrated Substance Abuse Programs (ISAP) in the Semel Institute, and Richard Rawson, professor of psychiatry in the Semel Institute and associate director of the ISAP, were featured March 24 in a Los Angeles Times column about the depiction in a film of prescription drug abuse by teens.

When Bad Meth Trips Never End

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Dr. Karen Miotto, associate professor of psychiatry and director of the Alcoholism and Addiction Medicine Service in the Semel Institute, was featured in a March 21 article on ABCNews.com about the hallucinations, confusion and raging emotions that can come from drug addiction.

Pregnancy Hormone Shows Promise for Treating Multiple Sclerosis

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Dr. Barbara Giesser, professor of neurology and clinic director of the Multiple Sclerosis Research and Treatment Program in the Semel Institute, was featured in a March 19 report that aired on CBS affiliates in 22 markets. She discussed a UCLA clinical trial testing the use of the hormone estriol in combating multiple sclerosis.

Don't Forget: Practice Keeps Memory Sharp

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 09:53:40 -0700

Dr. Gary Small, Parlow-Solomon Professor on Aging and a professor with the Semel Institute, was quoted in the March 18 Chicago Tribune on ways to improve memory. The Arizona Republic also carried the story.

UCLA Hospital Bans Cell Phones, Laptop

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 12:00:00 -0700

The Los Angeles Times, Associated Press, San Francisco Chronicle and other news outlets ran March 18 reports on UCLA Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital's ban of patients' use of cell phones and laptop computers in its inpatient units after a patient posted photos of other patients on a social networking Web site. The decision was part of UCLA Health System's ongoing efforts to enhance patient privacy and confidentiality. Dr. Thomas Strouse, medical director of the Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital, was quoted.

1 in 8 Baby Boomers Will Get Alzheimers

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 12:00:00 -0700

MSNBC video article featuring Dr Gary Small from UCLA's Memory and Aging Research Center

UCLA Workers Snooped in Spears' Medical Records

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Claims that UCLA Medical Center was taking steps to fire at least 13 employees for improperly accessing a patient's medical records were reported March 14 and throughout the week by the Los Angeles Times, BBC News, Associated Press, Agence France-Presse, NBC News, Reuters and United Press International, among others. Carole Klove, chief compliance and privacy officer for UCLA Health System, and Jeri Simpson, director of human resources at Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center, were quoted.

Study Finds One in Four US Teen Girls has a STD

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Gail Wyatt, professor of psychiatry in the Semel Institute and director of the UCLA Sexual Health Program, was quoted March 11 on KTTV Channel 11 about a national study finding that 1 in 4 teenage girls are infected with a sexually transmitted disease.

Troubled Boys Will Abandon Pot When it's Deemed Uncoo'

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Steven Shoptaw, professor of family medicine and psychiatry in the Semel Institute, was quoted in a March 4 HealthDay story that appeared in the Washington Post on marijuana-smoking trends among teens.

A Matter of the Heart

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Dr. Michael Irwin, professor of psychiatry and director of the Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology in the Semel Institute, was quoted in the March issue of the journal Nature Medicine about how depression, stress and anxiety may contribute to heart disease.

Environmental Causes of Depression

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 12:00:00 -0700

The Semel Institute's Dr. Andrew Leuchter, professor of psychiatry and director of the Laboratory of Brain, Behavior and Pharmacology, and Dr. Gary Small, professor of psychiatry and director of the Center on Aging, addressed viewers' questions about mood disorders and treatments in ABC News "On Call" videos that began appearing online March 1.

Types of Talk Therapy for Depression

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 12:00:00 -0700

10 Tips to Quit Smoking

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Michael D. Rabinoff, an assistant research psychiatrist in the Semel Institute, was interviewed Feb.28 on the KATU-TV (Portland) morning program "AM Northwest" about how cigarettes have been chemically engineered to be more addictive, along with tips to quit smoking.

S.J. Resident Fights Stigma, Challenges of Mental Illness

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Dr. Stephen Marder, a professor of psychiatry in the Semel Institute, was quoted in the Feb. 25 Stockton Record about how the public generally views people with schizophrenia.

Drugs Double-Edged Sword

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Dr. Andrew Leuchter, professor of psychiatry and director of the Laboratory of Brain, Behavior, and Pharmacology in the Semel Institute, was quoted in the Feb. 25 Los Angeles Times about concerns over the possible effects when people abruptly stop taking their antidepressant medication.

Teen Depression

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Joan Asarnow, professor of psychiatry in the Semel Institute, was featured in a Feb. 26 segment on KABC-Channel 7 about teen depression. Asarnow was part of a multi-center research effort that found that teens with difficult-to-treat depression who do not respond to an initial antidepressant medication are more likely to get well if they switch to a different antidepressant but add psychotherapy.

UCLA Doctor Says Disorder may Cause Plastic Surgery Obsession

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 12:00:00 -0700

A report on research by Dr. Jamie Feusner, assistant professor of psychiatry at the Semel Institute, linking a glitch in how the brain processes visual input to body dysmorphic disorder, aired Feb. 22 on KNBC-Channel 4 and eight other ABC and NBC affiliated markets.

Plastic Surgery Disorder

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Two reports by NBC News Channel and Ivanhoe Medical Breakthroughs aired Feb. 15-21 in 83 markets on a UCLA study by Dr. Jamie Feusner, assistant professor of psychiatry at the Semel Institute, that linked body dysmorphic disorder to a glitch in how the brain processes visual information. People with BDD look normal but see themselves as disfigured or hideous. Feusner was featured in both reports.

Good News for the Forgetful: Aging Needn't Wipe Memory

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 12:00:00 -0700

A Feb. 20 Chicago Tribune article highlighted UCLA's Brain Boot Camp and other programs designed to help baby boomers maintain their mental fitness. Dr. Gary Small, Parlow-Solomon Professor of Aging and a professor with the Semel Institute, developed the programs.

A Leap Forward, but Hurdles Remain in Narcolepsy

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Jerome Siegel, professor of psychiatry in the Semel Institute, and chief of neurobiology research at the Sepulveda Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Mission Hills, CA, was quoted in the Feb. 19 New York Times about narcolepsy, and about his research of a hypocretin nasal spray that may help people afflicted with the disorder.

Making Buddies

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 12:00:00 -0700

The Feb. 16 Daily Breeze highlighted the Global Buddies program, part of the Global Center for Children and Families in the Semel Institute, which brings American families to underserved communities around the world for a week of education and service. Diane Flannery, co-director of the program, was quoted.

Prescription Drug Abuse

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Rick Rawson, professor of psychiatry in the Semel Institute and associate director of its Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, was interviewed Feb. 12 on the KPCC 89.3 FM show "AirTalk with Larry Mantle." Rawson spoke about the growing problem of prescription abuse.

Deadly Mix

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 09:39:05 -0700

Richard Rawson, professor of psychiatry in the Semel Institute and associate director of its Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, was quoted in the Feb. 12 Albany Times Union concerning the dangers of mixing prescription drugs. The story originally appeared in the Feb. 7 Los Angeles Times

Peeking inside Voters Minds

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Research conducted by Dr. Joshua Freedman, assistant clinical professor of psychiatry in the Semel Institute, examining what happens in voters' brains when they view scenes of various presidential candidates, was cited Feb. 10 in a Los Angeles Times article about how voters respond to candidates' images and choice of words.

A Smoldering Controversy at UCLA

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 12:00:00 -0700

The Los Angeles Times and United Press International reported Feb. 9 on a nicotine-addiction study by Edythe London, a professor in the Semel Institute. Funded by Philip Morris, the animal research seeks to discover innovative treatments for nicotine and other addictions. A Feb. 14 article on animal-rights extremists in the San Francisco Chronicle also cited the fire-bombing and flooding of London's home by animal-rights activists. The Times article quoted London, Chancellor Gene Block; and Roberto Peccei, vice chancellor for research. London also commented in the UPI article.

Who Will Get Alzheimers Disease? UCLA Researcher Uses MRI to Predict Diagnosis

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 12:00:00 -0700

The American Federation of Aging Research website, InfoAging.com, spotlighted research led by Dr. Liana Apostolova, assistant professor of neurology, that uses innovative three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging to reveal how parts of Alzheimer's patients' brains show distinctive patterns of atrophy.

Autism Gets Even More Complex

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 12:00:00 -0700

New Jersey's Courier-Post reported Jan. 27 on a UCLA study that identified a new genetic link to autism. Co-authors Stanley Nelson, professor of human genetics, and Rita Cantor, professor of human genetics, were quoted.

Life Cycle of ADHD

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Dr. Susan Smalley, professor of psychiatry in the Semel Institute, was featured in a Jan. 28 Los Angeles Times article about a long-term study of adolescents with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. She found that only half of adolescents diagnosed with the disorder have the symptoms-hyperactivity, inattention-associated with ADHD, and that medication to treat the disorder is no more effective in the long run than not prescribing drugs. Smalley and Robert Bilder, professor of psychiatry, were quoted. Smalley was also interviewed Jan. 24 on KFWB 98.0 AM.

Do Abnormal Visual Processes Underlie Body Dysmorphic Disorder?

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Psychiatric News published a Jan. 18 article on a UCLA brain imaging study by Dr. Jamie Feusner, assistant professor of psychiatry at the Semel Institute, that pinpointed the first biological basis for body dysmorphic disorder, a mental illness in which normal-looking people see themselves as hideous or disfigured.

Predicting Psychotic Disorders in Teens

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Tyrone Cannon, professor of psychology and psychiatry and a member of the Semel Institute, appeared Jan. 11 on National Public Radio's "Science Friday" program. His research suggests that a teenager's specific risk factors make it possible for an expert to predict - with 65 to 80 percent accuracy - whether the youngster will be "at risk" for a disorder, or whether he or she will develop a full-blown psychotic condition. An article also appeared in the Jan. 10 China Daily.

Genetic Link to Autism may Explain Speaking Problems

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 12:00:00 -0700

A UCLA study that identified a new autism gene linked to delayed speech and language was reported Jan. 12 by the Los Angeles Times, Jan. 11 by the (London) Daily Telegraph, The Scotsman and Daily Mail (U.K.) and Jan. 10 by WedMD. The Times story also appeared Jan. 13 in Xinhua News (China) and the American Academy of Family Physicians' AAFP News Now reported Jan. 16 on the findings. Published Jan. 10 in the online edition of the American Journal of Human Genetics, the study was led by Dr. Daniel Geschwind, professor of neurology and psychiatry; and first author Maricela Alarcon, assistant professor of neurology. Geschwind, Alarcon and coauthor Brett Abrahams were quoted in the coverage. "Genetic Link to Autism may Explain Speaking Problems" http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/main.jhtml?xml=/earth/2008/01/11/sciaut111.xml "Studies Link Autism to Two Genetic Defects" http://www.latimes.com/features/health/medicine/la-sci-autism12jan12,1,5081058.story?coll=la-health-medicine "Autism Gene Glitch Traced to Moms" http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/news/20080110/autism-gene-glitch-traced-to-moms "Gene Link to Autism Raises Treatment Hopes" http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/latestnews/Gene-link-to-autism-raises.3662898.jp

My Nose, My Brain, My Faith

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Sam Harris, a doctoral student in the lab of Mark Cohen, professor of psychiatry in the Semel Institute, was featured Jan. 10 in a Time magazine article on his research. Harris used functional magnetic resonance imaging to uncover clear differences in the brain regions involved in belief, disbelief and uncertainty. Cohen was a coauthor

Three Studies Suggest Gene Raises Autism Risk

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:00:00 -0700

A UCLA study that identified a new autism gene linked to delayed speech and language attracted widespread coverage Jan. 10 by Reuters, ABC News.com, HealthDay News, The Australian, Chicago Tribune and MedPage Today. Two other research teams connected the same gene to autism in separate studies; all three papers were published today in the online edition of the American Journal of Human Genetics. Lead author Dr. Daniel Geschwind, professor of neurology and human genetics at the David Geffen School of Medicine, was quoted by ABC, HealthDay and the Tribune, and cited by The Australian. First author Maricela Alarcon, assistant professor of neurology, and Brett Abrahams, postdoctoral fellow, commented in the HealthDay story, which appeared on the online editions of U.S. News & World Report, Scientific American and many others. Abrahams was also quoted by Reuters.

A Global Buddy System

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 12:00:00 -0700

The Jan. 9 Orange County Register highlighted a program at the UCLA Semel Institute Global Center for Children and Families that facilitates a global exchange program that pairs American families with impoverished communities worldwide.

Rise Seen in Trafficking of Enhanced Ecstasy

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Steven Shoptaw, a professor of family medicine and psychiatry at the Geffen School of Medicine, was quoted Jan. 9 in a New York Times article about a new form of the illegal drug Ecstasy that is laced with methamphetamine.

Patient in the Spotlight

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Dr. Andrew Leuchter, professor of psychiatry and director of the Laboratory of Brain, Behavior, and Pharmacology in the Semel Institute, was interviewed in a Jan. 8 Q&A on Newsweek.com about families who struggle with adult mental illness.

Study Finds Vaccine Preservative Is Not Linked to Risks of Autism

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Dr. Daniel Geschwind, Gordon and Virginia MacDonald Distinguished Professor of Human Genetics and professor of neurology and psychiatry, commented Jan. 7 in an Associated Press article on the significance of a California study disputing the link between a mercury derivative found in childhood vaccinations and the rise in autism. Versions of the report appeared Jan. 8 in the online New York Times and San Jose Mercury News, among others.

A New Tool for Predicting Schizophrenia

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 12:00:00 -0700

The Wall Street Journal and United Press International reported Jan. 8 on a study by Tyrone Cannon, UCLA's Staglin Family Professor of Psychology, Psychiatry and Human Genetics and a research scientist at the Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, that demonstrated the ability to accurately predict schizophrenia and psychosis in teenagers and young adults before the illnesses become full-blown. Cannon was quoted in the articles.

What Does It Take to Win Votes?

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Marco Iacoboni, associate professor of psychiatry in the Semel Institute, and director of the Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Lab in the Ahmanson Lovelace Brain Mapping Center, was featured Jan.7 on National Public Radio's "Talk of the Nation." Iacoboni discussed his fMRI imaging of swing voters' brain activity while viewing scenes of leading presidential candidates

Snorting a Brain Chemical Could Replace Sleep

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Research by Jerome Siegel, professor of psychiatry in the Semel Institute and chief of neurobiology research at the Sepulveda Veterans Affairs Medical Center, was featured Dec. 28 by ABC News, Dec. 31 by the Daily Record (U.K) and Jan. 2 by the Regina Leader-Post (Canada). Siegel's research suggests that a nasal spray containing the brain hormone orexin A may reverse the effects of sleep deprivation.

Animal Extremists Get Personal

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Science magazine featured UCLA in a Dec. 21 story about how universities are responding to increased activity by animal rights extremists. UCLA health sciences faculty quoted include Dr. Arthur Rosenbaum, chief of pediatric ophthalmology at the Jules Stein Eye Institute; Dario Ringach, associate professor of neurobiology and of psychiatry; and Edythe London, professor of psychiatry and of molecular and medical pharmacology. The story also cites the work of Lynn Fairbanks, professor-in-residence of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences.

Doctors Study Body Image Disorder

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 12:00:00 -0700

CBS Newspath distributed a television report to its affiliates nationwide on a brain imaging study by Dr. Jamie Feusner, assistant professor at UCLA's Semel Institute, which uncovered the first biological basis for body dysmorphic disorder, a mental illness in which normal-looking people obsess over their appearance and perceive themselves as ugly or disfigured. The story Dec. 19 aired in 76 markets, including Los Angeles

What Your Brain Looks Like on Faith"

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Sam Harris, a doctoral student in the lab of Mark Cohen, professor of psychiatry in the Semel Institute, was featured Dec. 14 by TIME magazine on his research using functional magnetic resonance imaging to uncover differences in the brain regions involved in belief, disbelief, and uncertainty. Cohen was a coauthor. United Press International also featured their research in a Dec. 17 article.

Brain Scans, the New Snake Oil

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Robert Rubin, vice chair of psychiatry contributed an op-ed piece in the Dec. 11 Los Angeles Times that questioned some doctors' use of brain pathology theories to explain public figures' behavior and character traits.

Personal Convictions may Control Both Behavior and Emotions

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Research by Sam Harris, a graduate student in the lab of co-author Mark Cohen, a professor of psychiatry in the Semel Institute, was featured in a Dec. 11 HealthDay article that appeared on WashingtonPost.com and Forbes.com. Using brain imaging, the researchers found that belief, disbelief and uncertainty activate distinct areas of the brain.

Biological Link to Distorted Body Image Attracts Broad Coverage

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0700

A UCLA brain-imaging study that uncovered the first biological reason explaining why people suffering from body dysmorphic disorder possess a severely distorted body image was reported Dec. 6 by Newsweek.com, Dec. 4 by CNN American Morning, and Dec. 3 by Science, Reuters, KCBS-Channel 2, KABC-Channel 7, KCAL-Channel 9, MedPage Today, KNX 1070AM and City News Service. Lead author Dr. Jamie Feusner, assistant professor of psychiatry at the Semel Institute, and one of his patients were interviewed live Dec. 4 on KPCC 89.3 FMs AirTalk with Larry Mantle. The Reuters report also appeared on MSNBC, Scientific American, Times of India, New Zealand Herald, Independent Online (South Africa), National Post (Canada), and most major Australian news outlets. Feusner was quoted. Mind Warp http://www.newsweek.com/id/73907Brain Glitch behind Distortion of Self-image http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22087390/ Scans Reveal Some Truly Think Differently http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/health&id=5811965 New Discovery in Body Dysmorphic Disorder Treatment http://www.scpr.org/programs/airtalk/

Politics and the Brain

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Dr. Joshua Freedman, assistant clinical professor of psychiatry in the Semel Institute, was interviewed Nov. 16 on National Public Radio's "Science Friday" about what happens in your brain when you think about politics. He and his colleagues used fMRI to scan brain activity in 20 'likely voters' as they looked at candidate photos and watched clips from speeches in order to reveal their feelings about the candidates.

Prescribing Loneliness

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 08:00:00 +0100

The Nov. 14 edition of the BBCs science magazine Focus reports on research by Dr. Steven Cole, associate professor of hematology and a member of the Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology in the Semel Institute, that found that loneliness and social isolation may be linked to alterations in the activity of genes that drive immune system responses.

Politics and the Brain

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Dr. Joshua Freedman, UCLA assistant clinical professor of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences, was interviewed Nov. 16 on National Public Radio's "Talk of the Nation" about research that used brain-imaging techniques to examine what happens in the brain when individuals think about politics. Additionally, Russell Poldrack, associate professor of psychology and a member of the Semel Institute, was among the signatories of a Nov. 14 New York Times letter to the editor commenting on an earlier op-ed on the same subject. Study Maps Activity of Swing Voters' Brains http://216.35.221.77/templates/story/story.php?storyId=16343694 Politics and the Brain http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/14/opinion/lweb14brain.html

Source of Human Empathy Found in Brain

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100

The Nov. 12 edition of New Scientist magazine cited research by Dr. Marco Iacoboni, professor of psychiatry and director of the Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Lab at UCLA's Ahmanson Lovelace Brain Mapping Center, on the brain's "mirror neurons," the neural mechanism by which individuals understand the actions, intentions and emotions of others.

This Is Your Brain on Politics

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100

An op-ed piece by Dr. Marco Iacoboni, professor of psychiatry at the Semel Institute and director of the Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Lab in the Ahmanson Lovelace Brain Mapping Center, was featured in the Nov.11 New York Times. He wrote about his research on swing voters' brain activity while viewing scenes of leading presidential candidates. Iacoboni's co-authors included Dr. Joshua Freedman, assistant clinical professor, and Jonas Kaplan, a postdoctoral scholar in Iacobonis lab. Iacobonis swing voter research was also featured Nov.13 on KPCC 89.3 FM's AirTalk with Larry Mantle. Articles commenting on the op-ed appeared Nov. 12 on Wired.com and Nov. 11 on Slate.com. This Is Your Brain on Politics http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/11/opinion/11freedman.html UCLA Imaging Study Shows What Swing Voters Really Think About 2008 Candidates http://www.scpr.org/programs/airtalk/

I Feel Your Pain

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Marco Iacoboni, associate professor of psychiatry in the Semel Institute and director of the Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Lab in the Ahmanson Lovelace Brain Mapping Center, was featured in a Nov. 5 article in Salon.com about the brain's mirror neurons that allow humans to feel empathy toward others.

Fine-Tuning Diagnostic Labels for Kids

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Dr. Robert Bilder, professor of psychiatry in the Semel Institute, was quoted Nov. 4 in the Los Angeles Times regarding a $22.5 million award from the NIH to UCLA to identify and map the biological processes that may link various mental disorders biologically.

Comedy Helps Children Laugh off Pain

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 14:28:00 -0700

A Jonsson Cancer Center study that found humorous distraction helped children better tolerate pain was covered by United Press International, FOX News, Seven Network Australia and the Times of India. Those reports also appeared in many online press outlets. The study was led by Dr. Margaret Stuber, a Jonsson Cancer Center researcher and the Jane and Marc Nathanson Professor in the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior.

The Next Big Things in Medicine

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Press Office) — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 12:00:00 -0700

CBS Morning News reported Oct. 14 on research led by Dr. Gary Small, Parlow-Solomon Professor on Aging and director of the UCLA Center on Aging, whose team used a new imaging molecule invented at UCLA to detect Alzheimer disease early

Like a StairMaster for the Brain

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu (UCLA Health & Medicine Press Office) — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 09:33:47 -0700

The Los Angeles Times reported Oct. 15 on a Memory Boot Camp program organized by Dr. Gary Small, Parlow-Solomon Professor on Aging and director of the UCLA Center on Aging. The program aims to help baby boomers maintain their mental fitness.

Therapy's Over. You Okay With That?

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Emanuel Maidenberg, associate clinical professor and clinical coordinator for the UCLA Anxiety Disorders Program in the Semel Institute, was quoted in an Oct. 8 Los Angeles Times article about ending psychotherapy.

At Therapies End

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Dr. Andrew Leuchter, professor of psychiatry and director of the Laboratory of Brain, Behavior and Pharmacology in the Semel Institute, was quoted in an Oct. 8 Los Angeles Times article about patients who want to halt their depression treatment.

LA Times Highlights New Advances in Alzheimers Research

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 12:00:00 -0700

The Los Angeles Times reported Oct. 8 on UCLA research by Dr. Gary Small, Parlow-Solomon Professor on Aging, and his colleagues that used a new imaging molecule invented at UCLA to detect Alzheimer disease early. A second article cited a study by researcher Dr. Milan Fiala, who discovered that a chemical found in curry may help protect the immune system against Alzheimers disease.

A Mother's Flu Could Hold Key to Child's Health

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Dr. Dan Geschwind, Gordon and Virginia MacDonald Distinguished Professor of Human Genetics, commented Oct. 2 in a San Bernardino County Sun article about new research showing a link between immune responses to the flu during pregnancy and children born with schizophrenia and autism.

Kenya: Living Rich Is No Guarantee for Many Years on Planet Earth"

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 12:00:00 -0700

The research of Steven Cole, associate professor of medicine and a member of the Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, was featured in an Oct. 2 article on allAfrica.com. Cole's research found that being lonely can negatively impact the immune system.

Jenny McCarthy: A Mother's Story, Part III

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Sarah Clifford Scheflen, a speech therapist with the Semel Institute's Early Childhood Partial Hospitalization Program was quoted in an Oct. 1 People magazine article about actress Jenny McCarthy and her autistic son. The Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital was cited in a Sept. 28 segment about McCarthy on the NBC program Access Hollywood.

Recovery from Meth Use a Long Road

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Rick Rawson, professor of psychiatry and associate director of the Integrated Substance Abuse Programs in the Semel Institute, was quoted in the Sept. 27 Hanford Sentinel on recovery rates of persons addicted to methamphetamine.

Depressed? The Company may Just Want to Help

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Dr. Kenneth Wells, professor of psychiatry in the Semel Institute, was quoted in a Sept. 26 Reuter's story on workplace intervention programs for depression, and how these programs can benefit both employees and employers

Hooked in the Shadow of Casinos

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Dr. Timothy Fong, assistant clinical professor of psychiatry and co-director of the Gambling Studies Program in the UCLA Semel Institute, was quoted in the Sept. 25 Boston Globe about gambling addiction.

Why Loneliness may Damage Health

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0700

The research of Steven Cole, associate professor of medicine and a member of the Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, was featured Sept. 13 in several media outlets, including Reuters, Dow Jones Health Blog, Bloomberg news, BBC News (London) and BBC 5 radio, FoxNews.com, DailyIndia.com and US-PharmaTechnologist.com. His research found that lonely people appear to have a higher level of inflammation in their bodies and a diminished ability to fight off infections compared with people who aren't chronically lonely, and is the first to trace the emotion to the genetic level using new tools that detect small variations in DNA.

Study Finds Left-Wing Brain, Right-Wing Brain

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 10:30:17 -0700

Dr. Marco Iacoboni, associate professor of psychiatry in the Semel Institute, was quoted in the Sept. 10 Los Angeles Times about the differences in politically conservative brains and liberal brains. The article also ran in the Kansas City Star.

'Death at a Funeral': a Bad Trip Done the Right Way

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Dr. Timothy Fong, assistant clinical professor of psychiatry in the Semel Institute, commented Sept. 10 in a Los Angeles Times article about a current film's portrayal of the effects of LSD and other hallucinogens.

Hidden Persuasion or Junk Science

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Dr. Joshua Freedman, assistant clinical professor in the Semel Institute, was quoted Sept. 10 in Advertising Age about the use of fMRI machines for use in marketing.

Addicts Quitting Meth Face Severe Withdrawals, Few Treatment Options

Sun, 09 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Richard Rawson, professor of psychiatry at the Semel Institute, and associate director of its Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, was quoted Sept. 9 in The Telegraph (Macon, GA) about the difficulties of overcoming an addiction to methamphetamine

Rushed Back to the Front

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Dr. Andrew Leuchter, professor of psychiatry in the Semel Institute, was quoted Sept. 6 in a Las Vegas Sun article about the widespread use of antidepressants by American soldiers in Iraq.

Mutation Gives Mice Autistic Symptoms

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Dr. Dan Geschwind, Gordon and Virginia MacDonald Distinguished Professor of Human Genetics, commented in a Sept. 6 article in ScienceNOW about a new study in which University of Texas researchers found that mice with a gene mutation linked to rare human cases of autism showed a hallmark symptom of the disorder: impaired social interactions.

The Toll of Meth

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Dr. Richard Rawson, professor of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences and associate director of the Integrated Substance Abuse Programs at UCLA, was quoted Aug. 28 in a North County Times (San Diego) article about the scientific explanation of the effects of methamphetamine.

The Pressure to Look Thin in Hollywood

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 18:00:00 -0700

Michael Strober, director of the Eating Disorders Program at the Semel Institute, appeared Aug. 23 on NBC's "Today" show in a segment about the pressure upon Hollywood actresses to be extremely thin. The Aug. 19 Los Angeles Times also quoted him on the same topic.

Questions and Answers on Risperdal

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Dr. James McGough, professor of clinical psychiatry at the Semel Institute, was featured Aug. 23 in the Wall Street Journal about what impact the FDA's approval of the drug Risperdal for treatment of ADHD and bipolar disorder in children will have.

Alzheimer's Myths

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Dr. Jeffrey Cummings, professor of neurology and director of the Alzheimer Disease Center, and Dr. Gary Small, professor of psychiatry and director of the Center on Aging, were featured Aug. 20 in an Ivanhoe Broadcast news segment that appeared on TV News 14 (Charlotte). The report discussed six myths concerning Alzheimer's.

How Your Brain Allows You to Walk in Another's Shoes

Fri, 17 Aug 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Marco Iacoboni, associate professor of psychiatry in the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, and Istvan Molnar-Szakacs, a researcher in the Tennenbaum Center for the Biology of Creativity, were featured in the Aug. 17 Wall Street Journal. The article discussed their research on mirror neurons, brain cells that allow us to feel empathy for others, and how these neurons are attuned to cultural experience and ethnic identity.

Trauma Shapes Katrina's Kids

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Dr. Robert Pynoos, professor of psychiatry at the Semel Institute and co-director of the UCLA-Duke University National Center for Child Traumatic Stress, was quoted in an August 16 USA Today article about the sharp jump in panic attacks and other mental health problems among children in Louisiana who experienced Hurricane Katrina.

Longevity and the City

Wed, 15 Aug 2007 23:00:00 -0700

Dr. Gary Small, Parlow-Solomon Professor on Aging and director of the Center on Aging in the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, was interviewed August 15 on NPR's "On Point" which aired locally on KCLU - 88.3FM. Small discussed the claim that urban dwellers are living longer than people in the country or suburbs.

500 Turn Up to Protest Casino

Wed, 15 Aug 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Dr. Timothy Fong, assistant clinical professor of psychiatry and co-director of the Gambling Studies Program at the Semel Institute, was quoted in the Aug. 15 Orange County Register about community opposition by Vietnamese Americans to a proposed casino in Garden Grove.

Growing Meth Use Leaves Trail of Disaster"

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Richard Rawson, professor of psychiatry and associate director of the Integrated Substance Abuse Programs at the Semel Institute, was quoted in the August 7 Sacramento Bee about the increased risk of violent behavior among methamphetamine users

When Worry Hijacks the Brain"

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 12:00:00 -0700

John Piacentini, professor of psychiatry and director of the Child OCD, Anxiety and Tic Disorders Program, was quoted in an August 7 Time.com article on obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Condition Distorts Self-Image, Destroys Lives

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Dr. Jamie Feusner, assistant professor of psychiatry in the Semel Institute, was quoted Aug. 7 by MSNBC.com about body dysmorphic disorder, a condition in which a person critically judges his or her appearance compulsively. He was also interviewed August 7 on KNX 1070FM about a study that found women with breast implants are three times as likely to die by suicide, drug use or alcoholism.

Hunting New Option in Balance between Painkiller's Help, and Abuse"

Sat, 04 Aug 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Christopher Evans, the Stefan Hatos Professor of Psychiatry and director of the Brain Research Institute, was quoted in an August 4 Associated Press story that appeared in the North County Times (San Diego) about new ways to help people suffering from chronic pain.

2 Men Mixed Drugs, Parole

Fri, 03 Aug 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Dr. Walter Ling, professor of psychiatry and director of the Integrated Substance Abuse Programs at the Semel Institute, commented August 3 in the Hartford Courant on the connection between methamphetamine and violence in the murder of a Connecticut family during a home-invasion robbery.

Overcoming Bridge Phobia

Fri, 03 Aug 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Suzette Glasner-Edwards, a clinical psychologist and researcher with the Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, was quoted in an August 3 segment on KABC-Ch. 7 about overcoming a fear of crossing bridges.

Cigarette Additives May Make It Tougher to Quit

Fri, 03 Aug 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Michael Rabinoff, assistant research psychiatrist in the Semel Institute, was featured in an Aug. 3 HealthDay News story, which also appeared on the U.S. News & World Report website, Forbes.com and Dr. Koop.com. Rabinoff described his research finding that at least 100 of the 599 additives in cigarettes enhance or maintain the delivery of nicotine.

Cigarette Additives May Make it Harder to Quit

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Michael Rabinoff, assistant research psychiatrist in the Semel Institute, appeared August 1 on KPCC 89.3FM's "AirTalk" about his research showing that at least 100 of the 599 additives in cigarettes enhance or maintain the delivery of nicotine. He was also interviewed in a July 31 segment on KFWB 980AM, and in an August 1 story by United Press International. "Cigarette Additives May Make it Harder to Quit"

When Comedians Attack

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Dr. Andrew Leuchter, professor of psychiatry at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA, was quoted July 26 in a TIME.com article about mood disorders and depression among stand-up comedians.

I'm Addicted and Can't Stop

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 17:30:00 -0700

The nationally syndicated radio program, Health Talk Live, aired an interview with Dr. Karen Miotto, associate clinical professor of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences, at the UCLA Semel Institute, on drugs, alcohol and other addictions that can wreak havoc on a person's life and the lives of those around them. She discussed how to recognize and address signs of addiction.

Mirror Neurons and Culture

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Dr. Marco Iacoboni, professor of psychiatry in the Semel Institute, was featured in a July 25 segment of Larry Mantle's "AirTalk" on KPCC-89.3FM. He described his recent research on how mirror neurons --brain cells that allow us to empathize with others -- react more strongly when people interact with persons of the same culture.

The Business Brain in Close-up

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Jeffrey Schwartz, a research psychiatrist at the Semel Institute, was quoted in the July 23 Business Week about "neuro-leadership," a new practice that uses neuroscience to glean insights into managerial behavior.

New Treatments for Depression - A Remote Broadcast from the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Dr. Ian Cook, Dr. Andrew Leuchter and Dr. James McGough, professors of psychiatry at the Semel Institute, participated in a July 20 remote broadcast of Larry Mantle's "AirTalk" on KPCC-89.3FM. Recorded at UCLA, the program focused on the latest developments in treating depression in children, adolescents and adults. Two patients also gave interviews.

What Makes People Happy? Try Aging

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Dr. Andrew Leuchter, professor of psychiatry in the Semel Institute, was quoted July 17 in the Los Angeles Times and the Dallas Morning News in a syndicated column about older people and emotions.

Letting Your Family in on Your Therapy

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Joan Asarnow, UCLA professor-in-residence of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences, was quoted in a July 17 Wall Street Journal article about family-based therapy, a psychiatric treatment that seeks to involve family members in the counseling of a patient.

Culture Shapes How Brain Interprets Signals

CBC — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 12:00:00 -0700

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and United Press International reported July 18 on a new study by Istvan Molnar-Szakacs, a researcher in the Tennenbaum Center for the Biology of Creativity; and Marco Iacoboni, a professor of neurology in the Semel Institute. The study described how "mirror neurons" in the brain are influenced by one's ethnicity and culture. "Culture Shapes How Brain Interprets Signals"

Self-Monitoring to Reduce HIV, Risky Sex Draws Interest

Sat, 07 Jul 2007 12:00:00 -0700

New research by Marguerita Lightfoot, an associate research psychologist at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior and a member of the UCLA AIDS Institute, finding that self-monitoring reduces risky sex among HIV-positive people, was reported July 7 by The Advocate.com. A Reuters Health piece was carried July 17 on ScientificAmerican.com and an EFE News report appeared July 17 in La Opinion.

Finally, a Study Older Folks can be Happy about

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Dr. Andrew Leuchter, professor of psychiatry in the Semel Institute, was quoted July 6 in a Boston Globe article about older people and emotional stability.

Treatment Sought Over Jail for Gambling Addicts

onell.soto@uniontrib.com — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Dr. Timothy Fong, assistant clinical professor of psychiatry and co-director of the Gambling Studies Program in the Semel Institute, was quoted in the July 5 San Diego Union about a gambling addict convicted of grand theft.

How to Wage War against Age

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Dr. Gary Small, Parlow-Solomon Professor on Aging and a professor with the Semel Institute, commented June 25 in the Arizona Republic on how to improve memory through games and puzzles, such as crosswords.

Birth Defect-Antidepressant Link Found

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Dr. Victoria Hendrick, associate professor of psychiatry and director of the pregnancy and postpartum program in the Semel Institute, was quoted in the June 28 Los Angeles Times on the effects of antidepressants on fetuses.

New York Times Delves into Mindfulness Training

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 09:00:00 -0700

The Mindfulness Awareness Research Center at UCLA was highlighted in a June 18 New York Times article about the implementation of stress-reducing techniques in grade-school classrooms. Susan L. Smalley, director of UCLA's Mindful Awareness Research Center and professor of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences, and Diana Winston, the director of mindfulness education at the Mindful Awareness Research Center in the Semel Institute, were quoted about the effectiveness of mindfulness training for children. Mindfulness is the moment-by-moment process of actively and openly observing one's physical, mental, and emotional experiences.

Touching Me, Touching You

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 09:00:00 -0700

Marco Iacoboni, associate professor of psychiatry in the Semel Institute, was quoted June 18 on ABCNews.com about a rare condition known as mirror synesthesia, the ability to feel a touch when watching another person being touched.

Possible Key to Huntington's Disease Found

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 09:00:00 -0700

Dr. George Bartzokis, clinical professor of neurology and director of the Memory Disorders and Alzheimer's Disease Clinic in the Semel Institute, was featured in a June 13 United Press International article about Huntington's disease. Bartzokis has found that a breakdown early-on of the myelin sheaths that insulate the brain's neurons may ultimately cause of the disease.

A Shortcut to the Right Antidepressant

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 09:00:00 -0700

Dr. Andrew Leuchter, professor of psychiatry in the Semel Institute, was interviewed June 13 on KCET's Life & Times news program on his use of electroencephalography to indicate whether an antidepressant is likely to work for a patient after just one week of treatment. Normally, there is no way to know if a particular medication will be effective except to wait as long as eight weeks.

BeliefWatch: Buddhists

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 09:00:00 -0700

Diana Winston, director of mindfulness education in the Semel Institute, was quoted in the June 11 Newsweek on the growing number of teens who are attracted to Buddhism.

Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center Dedication

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 09:00:00 -0700

A June 4 dedication ceremony for the new Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, which featured such guests as former First Lady Nancy Reagan, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, former Gov. Gray Davis and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, was covered June 5 by the Los Angeles Times and Associated Press. June 4 reports included KCBS-Channel 2, KNBC-Channel 4, KTLA-Channel 5, KABC-Channel 7, KCAL-Channel 9, KTTV-Channel 11, KCOP-Channel 13 and KCRW-89.9 FM, among others. Dr. Gerald Levey, vice chancellor for medical sciences and dean of the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA; Dr. David Feinberg, CEO of the UCLA Hospital System; Dr. James Atkinson, senior medical director, clinical operations of UCLA Medical Center; Dr. Edward McCabe, physician-in-chief at Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA; Albert Carnesale, chancellor emeritus; and Norman Abrams, acting chancellor, were quoted or interviewed. Tony Padilla, director of patient relations, was interviewed in June 4 stories by KMEX-Channel 34 and KWHY-Channel 22. A June 5 article by La Opinion quoted Abrams, Padilla and Levey. KSCI-Channel 18 aired a June 4 interview with hospital architect C.C. Pei.

Breakthrough Could Stop Alzheimer's Before It Starts

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu — Wed, 30 May 2007 09:00:00 -0700

Dr. Jeffrey Cummings, professor of neurology and director of the Alzheimer's Disease Center, was quoted May 30 in a segment on News 14 Carolina (Charlotte, NC) about the possible causes of Alzheimer's

War Wives at Greater Risk of Postpartum Depression

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu — Wed, 30 May 2007 09:00:00 -0700

Dr. Vivian Burt, emeritus professor of clinical psychiatry and director of the Women's Life Center at the Semel Institute, was quoted in a May 26 Los Angeles Times article about the increased risk for postpartum depression in pregnant women with spouses on military deployment.

Mill Valley Author Investigates Mid-Life Brain

rmoster@mednet.ucla.edu — Mon, 28 May 2007 09:00:00 -0700

A May 28 article in the Marin Independent Newspaper cited Dr. Gary Small, director of the UCLA Center on Aging, and his expertise in memory research.