Grand Challenges

Depression

UCLA researchers develop therapy to treat PTSD, depression

Veteran Ron Ramirez discusses the trigeminal nerve stimulation neuromodulation device with Andrew Leuchter, director of the Neuromodulation Division at UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior and a psychiatry professor.

CalFoto

Research conducted by Andrew Leuchter (Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Science) and David Geffen School of Medicine’s Ian Cook (department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences) and Christopher DeGiogio (department of Neurology) is currently underway to figure out the effectiveness of the NeuroSigma Inc. electric patch, a box about the size of a deck of cards. Patients can use it to self-administer trigeminal nerve stimulation, or TNS. The therapy has been proven to significantly reduce symptoms in veterans with PTSD and major depressive disorders.

Billions spent, but fewer people are using public transportation in Southern California

Metro plans to spend more than $12 billion over the next 10 years to build two new rail lines and three extensions, the largest capital investment of any transit agency in the country.

Al Seib / Los Angeles Times

In a recent LA Times article concerning LA Metro bus ridership, Brian Taylor of the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs’ department of Urban Planning underscores the importance of investing in the bus routes which carry the most riders.

Federal panel recommends general physicians screen all adults for depression

A federal task force recommends that physicians screen pregnant and postpartum women for depression — as well as all other adults.

Nelson Freimer, director of the Depression Grand Challenge, comments on the federal panel’s recommendation that general physicians screen all adults for depression and provide treatment and further recognizes the promise of the DGC.

29 UCLA Faculty on Thomson Reuters ‘most cited’ list for influential scholarship

29 UCLA faculty members are among the most influential scientists in their fields for 2015, as determined by Thomson Reuters.

Are Uber and Lyft helping or hurting the environment?

UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs transportation expert Juan Matute contributes to the conversation: “Are Uber and Lyft helping or hurting the environment?” Juan Matute is also affiliated with UCLA’s Institute of the Environment and Sustainability and the department of Urban Planning.

Happenings