university of california los angeles

(University of California - Los Angeles) A UCLA study shows for the first time how microscopic crystals form sound and gravity sensors inside the inner ear.

Located at the ends of cilia -- tiny cellular hairs in the ear that move and transmit signals -- the crystals play an important role in detecting sound, maintaining balance and regulating movement.

The findings suggest a potential gene target for the treatment of people suffering from vertigo and common hearing problems related to cilia disorders.

(University of California - Los Angeles) An intra-cellular pathway not previously linked to breast cancer is driving a sub-type of the disease that is highly lethal and disproportionately over-represented in African-American women.