A Stanford study found that social forces can override genetically programmed behavior in male mice, triggering territorial rage in various situations. The researchers identified a specific nerve cell cluster that activates when a male mouse is left alone, leading to aggressive displays.
A 5% drop in MMR vaccinations among children ages 2-11 could triple annual measles cases and increase public health expenditures by $2.1 million per case. The study predicts sharp rises in measles cases if vaccination rates further decline, with potential outbreaks in previously well-vaccinated communities.
A new Stanford study found that oxytocin improves social behavior in children with autism who have low oxytocin levels, but not those with high levels. The study suggests that baseline oxytocin levels can predict which children will benefit from oxytocin treatment.
A single genetic change linked to reduced human height is also associated with an increased risk of osteoarthritis. The variant has been positively selected in many human populations, suggesting it may have provided a survival advantage in colder climates.
A Stanford study found that sleep disturbances in young adults can warn of worsening suicidal thoughts, even when controlling for depression severity. Participants with varying sleep patterns reported more insomnia and nightmares, which independently predicted increased suicidal behaviors.
Researchers developed a scoring system using electronic medical records to predict patients at high risk for atrial fibrillation after stroke. The system identifies seven risk factors and assigns patients to one of three risk groups, enabling personalized treatment.
A study analyzing genetic test results, family histories, and disease status of nearly 95,600 women found that eight mutations are positively associated with breast cancer, while eleven are linked to ovarian cancer. The research provides clarity on the relative risk of developing cancer for women carrying these mutations.
A new study found that patients newly diagnosed with atrial fibrillation who received early cardiology care had a 9% lower risk of stroke and an 11% lower risk of death. Early prescription of anticoagulants also appeared to lower the risk of stroke.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine used long-read genome sequencing to secure a diagnosis for patient Ricky Ramon, who had undiagnosed Carney complex. The technique identified a deletion of about 2,200 base-pairs and confirmed the diagnosis.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a way to retrofit OCT machines with off-the-shelf components, increasing resolution by several-fold. This improvement enables physicians to perform virtual biopsies and detect retinal and corneal damage, incipient tumors, and more with enhanced accuracy.
A new study published in Cell suggests that virtually any gene can influence disease, with peripheral genes having tiny but significant effects. The 'omnigenic model' proposes a more nuanced understanding of genetic variation and its role in disease.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified an unexpected layer of gene regulation in ribosomes, challenging scientists' understanding of how cells control their genes. The discovery reveals that ribosomal proteins tune the translation process to specialize in specific cellular pathways.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine discovered a lipid metabolite called prostaglandin E2 that activates muscle stem cells responsible for repairing damage after injury or exercise. Treating mice with PGE2 accelerates muscle repair and strength regain, while nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit this process.
Research reveals a defective immune cell's sweet tooth predisposes people to shingles, exacerbating heart disease. The connection shows how the same mechanism disabling immune response to viral infections also affects heart conditions.
Researchers have identified the mouse lemur as an ideal model for studying primate biology and human diseases such as cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's. The study, which involved analyzing hundreds of lemurs in Madagascar, has already revealed unique genetic traits including obesity and progressive eye disease.
Researchers at Stanford University have created a computer algorithm called MiSL that identifies pairs of cancer-associated genes, known as synthetic lethals, which could be targeted with drugs. This approach aims to develop less-toxic treatments for various cancers by pinpointing the genetic partners of well-known cancer mutations.
A study by Stanford Medicine researchers identifies cost-effective ways to combat HIV risk among intravenous drug users, with opioid agonist therapy and needle-syringe exchange programs showing high value. The study also found that combining these methods could avert up to 40,000 HIV infections over 20 years.
A recent Stanford University School of Medicine study found that fitness trackers generally accurately measure heart rate but struggle with calculating energy expenditure, which is often used to track calories burned. The study evaluated seven devices and found that six were accurate in measuring heart rate within 5% error, while none ...
A new biologic drug, ixekizumab, has shown significant symptom reduction in patients with refractory psoriatic arthritis, including joint tenderness and swelling. The study's results suggest that the drug may offer a more effective treatment option for patients who have not responded to standard pharmaceutical treatments.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have shown that antibodies to PD-1 and PD-L1 can also prompt immune cells called macrophages to engulf and devour cancer cells, expanding the use of this cancer treatment.
A growing threat to health equity, dementia care disproportionately falls on women due to lack of affordable in-home care options. Working women face higher risk of career trajectory disruption and stress-related disability claims if not addressed.
After two high-profile mass shootings, California's handgun sales spiked by 53% and 85% in the following weeks. The study found that these spikes were driven by increased concern over personal security, with many individuals motivated to acquire firearms for self-protection.
Researchers successfully assembled and monitored functioning human forebrain circuits, enabling the study of normal brain development. The method also enables the personalized study of psychiatric disorders by attributing defects to conditions like Timothy syndrome.
Researchers identified a protein, TIMP2, that had the same effect when injected into older mice. The findings could lead to new treatments for age-associated declines in mental ability.
A Stanford study has identified a protein called hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) that can prime mouse stem cells to quickly respond to injury. The researchers found that HGF helps activate a critical signaling pathway in the cells, stimulating the production of proteins important for alerting stem cells and promoting tissue repair.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine identified a pathway that drives fibrosis in many organs, including scleroderma and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Blocking the CD-47 signal reverses lung fibrosis in mice.
A Stanford-led study has developed a wearable sweat sensor that can diagnose cystic fibrosis and monitor diabetes, offering a non-invasive and real-time solution. The device collects sweat, measures its molecular constituents, and transmits the results electronically for analysis and diagnostics.
A study at Stanford University revealed that suppressing a specific protein in a mouse model of ALS extends the animal's lifespan. Researchers found that mice treated with a drug designed to block the production of this protein lived over 400 days, while untreated mice died within 29 days.
A recent survey found that half of women with breast cancer who undergo genetic testing do not have high-risk mutations. This highlights the need for genetic counselors to help patients and physicians understand genetic test results. Many physicians surveyed in the study stated they manage patients with uncertain significance in the sa...
A study by Stanford researchers identifies a near-global repressor protein, Myt1l, that works to block many cell fates but one. This discovery suggests the possibility of a network of master regulators specific to each cell type.
Stanford researchers discovered that accumulating monounsaturated fatty acids can extend the life span of roundworms. The finding suggests that this type of fat may be beneficial for life span, contrary to previous studies on caloric restriction which often show thinner animals to live longer.
Researchers have developed a new method to diagnose cancer using ultrasound and microbubbles that can identify malignant tumors with high accuracy. The technique has shown promise in distinguishing between benign and malignant breast and ovarian tumors, potentially reducing unnecessary surgeries.
A Stanford Medicine study found that gun violence resulted in significant national medical costs, with the government bearing a large share of the burden. The study estimated total hospital costs for firearm-related injuries over a nine-year period and highlighted the need for fact-based research to inform health policy decisions.
A Stanford-led study analyzed over 3,000 meta analyses to identify the most common sources of scientific bias across 22 disciplines. Small studies consistently overestimate effect size, while factors like early career status and isolation from other researchers increase bias risk.
A new study found that an antibody targeting CD47 can effectively treat five types of pediatric brain cancer in mice, with no harm to healthy brain cells. The treatment, developed at Stanford, has shown promising results in preclinical trials and is expected to reach clinical trials in children with brain cancer in one to two years.
A Florida clinic's unproven stem cell treatment blinded three women with macular degeneration, causing vision loss and other complications. The treatment, which involved injecting fat cells into the eyes, lacked proper scientific design and oversight.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine found that a time-honored mnemonic method can be taught to people with no prior hint of prodigious memorization skills. The method, known as the 'method of loci,' induces patterns of activity within new trainees' brains that closely resemble those of memory athletes.
A combination of two cancer drugs has been found to inhibit both dengue and Ebola virus infections in mice, with efficacy also shown against West Nile and Zika viruses. The study identified a molecular mechanism by which the drugs disrupt RNA viruses' genetic material.
Scientists have successfully converted mouse alpha cells into insulin-producing beta cells by blocking the expression of two specific genes. The research suggests that this natural flexibility in cell fate may be exploited to develop a new therapeutic approach for Type 1 diabetes.
A simple blood test commonly used to screen adults for tuberculosis can predict which children infected with the TB bacteria are likely to progress to active disease. The test, known as QuantiFERON-TB assay, is a valuable predictor of severe TB in high-risk countries like South Africa.
Researchers developed a cardiac safety index to rank commonly used chemotherapy drugs based on their likelihood of causing lasting heart damage in patients. They found that some drugs known to be particularly dangerous had the lowest safety indices, while better-tolerated ones ranked higher.
A study found that many high-risk breast cancer patients are not recommended for genetic testing, despite being interested in it. The lack of testing puts doctors at risk of missing opportunities to prevent cancers in mutation carriers and their family members.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a cheap and reusable diagnostic 'lab on a chip' with the help of an ordinary inkjet printer. The technology has the potential to enhance diagnostic capabilities around the world, especially in developing countries where access to early diagnostics is limited.
Researchers at Stanford University and the University of Tokyo successfully transplanted functional mouse islets into diabetic mice, reversing their condition with minimal immunosuppression. The study suggests a potential approach to generate genetically matched human organs in large animals.
A study by Stanford researchers found that a systemic, whole-body immune response is essential for effectively attacking and eradicating tumors. The researchers used mass cytometry to monitor the physical attributes of individual cells in samples of millions or billions, revealing an increase in immune cells and regulatory T cells in s...
A new imaging technique allows researchers to visualize and monitor the behavior of immune cells used to treat cancer patients. The technique reveals whether T cells have found a tumor, how many T cells have arrived, and whether they are alive. This breakthrough could improve our understanding of why immunotherapy doesn't always work.
A Stanford-led study found that astrocytes, once thought to be supporting cells, can become toxic and destroy nerve cells, driving many neurodegenerative diseases. The discovery has profound implications for treating these diseases by blocking or countering the toxin secreted by harmful astrocytes.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine used wearable sensors to monitor health data from 60 participants, revealing patterns of deviation that correlate with specific health problems. The study demonstrated the potential for wearable devices to monitor illness before symptoms appear, making them a valuable tool in precision health.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered that diabetes impairs the activity of bone stem cells, leading to impaired fracture healing. A newly identified protein stimulates the activity of skeletal stem cells, counteracting this decrease and promoting efficient fracture repair.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine found that a subgroup of glioblastoma patients with highly vascularized tumors benefited from anti-angiogenic therapies, living an average of one year longer than those without. The study highlights the importance of properly categorizing tumors to personalize treatment.