A pediatrician smiles at a young boy in a clinical setting.

Health care

Healthy communities, powered by UC science 

There’s a good chance that you or someone you care about has benefited from a health care innovation that got its start at the University of California. 

Across UC’s 10 campuses, 6 academic health centers and 21 hospitals, scientists and researchers are working relentlessly to develop new treatments and cures — and training the next generation of medical professionals to help everyday people access revolutionary care.

From saving stroke patients to combating cancer, UC medical breakthroughs reach far beyond our state, enabling lifesaving treatments for millions of people across the country and around the world. 

Leading the world in Alzheimer’s treatment

The outlook for dementia is rapidly improving. UC researchers are at the forefront of the change, contributing some of the most important discoveries and innovations in Alzheimer’s science and care.  

Explore the latest discoveries

A man with outstretched arms is examined by a smiling healthcare professional.

Discover UC medical breakthroughs

From curing rare diseases to developing new treatments for conditions that affect large swaths of Americans, UC medical innovations have a life-changing impact for millions of people. 

A researcher in a lab coat stands in a laboratory, smiling confidently. Lab equipment are arranged on the counter.

3 ways UC science is healing broken hearts

More than 800,000 Americans will have a heart attack this year. UC scientists are developing new treatments that not only prevent damage after a heart attack, but actually help the heart heal. 

Illustration of three cells with textured surfaces and nodules against a blue gradient background.

New hope for pancreatic cancer

It’s not every day a clinical trial earns a standing ovation, but scientists are heralding a new era in the treatment of one of the deadliest cancers thanks to foundational science from the University of California.

Three people smiling in a lab with a robotic arm in the foreground.

Thrilling advances in brain-computer interfaces

UC researchers are helping restore speech and movement functions for patients with paralysis and neurological disorders using technology that connects computers with the human mind. 

Campuses & Locations
A scan of a mouse brain shows blood vessels (red), brain cells (green), and amyloid plaques (blue). A new gene therapy treatment developed by UC San Diego works by reprogramming the behavior of diseased brain cells.
UC San Diego |

Alzheimer’s gene therapy shows promise in preserving cognitive function

Unlike existing treatments for Alzheimer’s that target unhealthy protein deposits, the new approach developed at UC San Diego could help address the root cause of the disease by influencing behavior of brain cells themselves.
A bowl of gummies with a marijuana leaf draped over it
UC San Francisco |

Whether it’s smoking or edibles, marijuana is bad for your heart

A new study led by UC San Francisco researchers finds that chronic cannabis use — whether it’s smoked or consumed in edible form — is associated with significant cardiovascular risks.
Six surgeons huddle around someone while operating
UCLA |

World’s first human bladder transplant performed at UCLA

The historic surgery, resulting from years of research, opens the door to improved treatment of non-functioning bladders.
Chris Hall wearing a white medical provider's coat speaks with a patient in a lobby
UC Newsroom |

Meet 4 UC-trained nurses who are solving California’s biggest health care challenges

Nurses graduating from UC take on one of the biggest challenges facing our state: A shortage of clinicians that makes it too hard for too many people to get the medical care they need.