Researchers at Stanford Medicine found that coaxing iPS cells in the laboratory to become more-specialized progeny cells before transplantation into mice allows them to be tolerated by the immune system. This process reduces the risk of rejection and eliminates the need for immunosuppression.
A Stanford study found that most physicians choose a do-not-resuscitate status for themselves when terminally ill, yet tend to pursue aggressive treatment for patients facing the same prognosis. The study suggests that the medical system's focus on high-intensity care at end-of-life contradicts Americans' preferences.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified the genetic mutations underlying ameloblastoma, a rare type of jaw tumor. They found that drugs already approved for other cancers can be effective in treating this disease, and are planning a pilot study to assess their efficacy.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a new cell-cycle phase in resting stem cells, dubbed an 'alert' state, which enables them to rapidly respond to tissue damage. This systemic response is distinct from fully resting or activated stem cells and has been observed in various types of injuries.
A recent study published in Human Reproduction found that men with male infertility are more likely to die sooner than those with normal semen quality, with a doubling of mortality risk. The study examined data from over 12,000 men aged 20-50 and found an inverse relationship between semen quality and mortality rate.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine found that inhibiting a protein family helps mice survive radiation exposure. The study suggests a possible treatment for people unintentionally exposed to large amounts of radiation. The technique protected intestinal cells from damage, reducing side effects like diarrhea and nausea.
Researchers developed a system that predicts and prevents dangerously low overnight blood sugars in patients with type-1 diabetes. The device, which couples a glucose sensor with an insulin pump, reduces cumulative time spent with low blood sugars during sleep by 81%.
Researchers have developed a technique to track fetal development by monitoring RNA levels in the blood, revealing insights into gene expression and cellular processes. This approach has potential applications in diagnosing pregnancy complications and detecting diseases like Alzheimer's.
The study found that older mice infused with young mouse plasma demonstrated improved learning and memory abilities, as well as increased production of substances essential for hippocampal function. This suggests that the brain may be able to recover from age-related impairments through the infusion of youth-given blood.
Researchers at Stanford University and Montana State University have successfully transplanted stem cells from infertile men into mice, resulting in the formation of primordial germ cells. The study provides a valuable model for understanding the earliest stages of human reproduction, which varies significantly from that of common labo...
A Stanford team has re-engineered light-sensitive proteins to switch cells off more efficiently, enabling researchers to better understand brain circuits involved in behavior and emotion. This breakthrough improves the precision of optogenetics, a technique used to study biological systems with electrical signals.
Researchers pinpoint normal cell type that can give rise to invasive bladder cancers, explaining recurrence after therapy and potential therapeutic targets. Most bladder cancers arise from a corrupted lining with high probability of progression.
A study by Stanford researchers found that dermatologists with access to free drug samples prescribe more expensive brand-name drugs, despite some benefits of the samples in helping uninsured patients. The study suggests that physicians may not be aware of cost differences between brand-name and generic drugs.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a technique to study the genetic activity of individual cells during embryonic development. By analyzing the genes active in lung cells at different stages, they revealed how specific cell types are formed and gained insights into the mechanisms of alveolar cell differentiation.
Researchers found that carrying the ApoE4 gene variant increases the likelihood of developing mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease in women, but not in men. The discovery holds implications for genetic counselors and clinicians, and could shed light on the underlying causes of Alzheimer's disease.
A Stanford-led study found that an empowerment program for adolescent girls in Kenyan slums sharply curtails rape and sexual harassment. Nearly 18% of participants had been raped before the program began, but after training, more than half fended off rape or stopped harassment, halting 817 assaults.
A study by researchers at Stanford University found that gene panels can help identify clinically actionable mutations in women with a personal or family history of breast or ovarian cancer. The technique, which focuses on a few select genes, is quicker, easier and cheaper than whole-genome sequencing.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine have developed a highly sensitive and specific blood test that can accurately identify stage-1 lung cancer patients and detect rare cancer mutations. The CAPP-Seq technique analyzes tumor DNA in the blood to provide non-invasive monitoring of cancer progression and treatment responses.
Researchers have identified a new genetic disease called NGLY1 deficiency, causing neurologic, muscle, eye, and liver problems in children. The disease was diagnosed through modern gene-sequencing techniques and social media collaboration between scientists and parents.
Researchers discovered a pattern of damage in the hippocampus — the brain's memory center — similar to humans with temporal lobe epilepsy. Sea lions exposed to domoic acid developed seizures and extensive brain damage due to toxin accumulation in anchovies and other small fish fed on by sea lions.
A new study found that estradiol hormone therapy prevented degeneration in key brain regions of postmenopausal women at heightened dementia risk. In contrast, Premarin was far less protective. The study suggests that early intervention with estradiol may help stave off dementia.
A Stanford study found that whole-genome sequencing requires improved sequencing accuracy in disease-associated genes and up to 100 hours of manual assessment by genetic counselors or specialists. The technique's cost and complexity are expected to be higher than initially thought, with estimated costs ranging from $17,000 per person.
A pilot study from Stanford Medicine found no significant difference in digestive issues between consuming raw milk and pasteurized milk among lactose-intolerant participants. The study tested 16 participants with the highest levels of lactose intolerance, but results showed no improvement in symptoms when switching to raw milk.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed two inexpensive adapters that allow smartphones to capture high-quality images of the front and back of the eye. The adapters make it easy for anyone with minimal training to take a picture of the eye and share it securely with other health practitioners or store it i...
A computerized safety checklist reduced rates of serious hospital-acquired infections by threefold, according to a Stanford/Packard study. The system automated data from patients' electronic medical records and alerted caregivers to follow national guidelines, improving compliance with best-care practices.
A Stanford study analyzing over 4,500 trauma cases found that insured patients are more likely to be admitted to non-trauma centers and receive worse care. This is because hospitals may admit insured patients to generate revenue, despite the risk of sub-optimal care.
A new MRI-based method detects tumors in young cancer patients without exposing them to radiation, reducing the risk of secondary cancers. The technique uses a novel contrast agent and is as effective as PET-CT scans in detecting tumors.
Researchers have found that aging muscle stem cells become less able to regenerate new fibers and self-renew. However, they discovered a process to rejuvenate old muscle stem cells using a drug and soft hydrogel substrate, enabling them to repair muscle damage in mice.
Researchers found that treating a peanut allergy with oral immunotherapy changes the DNA of immune cells, which could serve as a basis for a simple blood test to monitor long-term effectiveness. The study involved 20 peanut-allergic children and adults who completed two years of immunotherapy.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine found a new way to boost survival of pediatric patients whose hearts stop while hospitalized. The new training approach, which includes everyone who responds to a pediatric code event, resulted in a 60% increase in survival rates compared to the national average.
Researchers found that younger, less experienced runners are more prone to injuries, while stress fractures are relatively rare. Ultrarunners also showed a high incidence of asthma and allergies, which may be linked to increased outdoor exposure.
A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that men with high testosterone levels have a weakened immune response to the flu vaccine, whereas women and men with lower testosterone levels have a stronger response. The study also discovered that testosterone interacts with genes in a way that dampens immune response.
A new study suggests that H1N1 infection can trigger autoimmune destruction of brain cells producing wakefulness protein hypocretin, leading to narcolepsy. Researchers believe that molecular mimicry between the virus and human protein may play a key role in the disease's development.
The American Academy of Pediatrics urges consumption of only pasteurized dairy products, citing bacterial infections risks. Studies show equivalent nutrient levels in raw and pasteurized milk, but pasteurization prevents severe illnesses.
Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine have found that the nose is a reservoir for Staphylococcus aureus, a major cause of disease. The study suggests that targeting these hidden sites may be more effective in preventing infections.
Researchers found that males secrete signaling molecules that shorten the lifespan of hermaphroditic females by more than 20%. The effect persists even when genders are separated or females are sterile, indicating it's not due to physical stress or energy demands. Pheromone production is also linked to male-induced demise.
A Stanford study reveals that astrocytes, a mysterious class of brain cells, actively refine nerve-cell circuits by selectively eliminating synapses, much like a sculptor chisels away excess rock to create an artwork. This process is triggered by activity in neurons and persists into adulthood.
A new Stanford University School of Medicine study found that decreased estrogen levels after menopause are largely unrelated to changes in cognitive ability and mood. However, the researchers discovered a possible link between levels of another hormone — progesterone — and cognition among younger postmenopausal women.
A new Stanford study overturns the long-held theory on how humans perceive sound, challenging the 30-year-old model of adaptation. The research found that calcium is not necessary for adaptation in mammalian auditory hair cells, opening up new avenues for understanding and potentially treating hearing loss.
Researchers at Stanford University found that a larger amygdala and stronger connections with other brain regions are linked to higher anxiety levels in young children. The study provides new insights into the developmental origins of anxiety and could aid in early identification and treatment.
A Stanford study found that dilute bleach baths can impede skin damage caused by aging, excess sun exposure, or radiation therapy. The inexpensive chemical may provide a new way to treat radiation dermatitis, a common side effect of cancer treatment.
A new study by Stanford researchers reveals the genetic roots of Caribbean populations, shedding light on historical events such as European colonization and African immigration. The research uses a novel DNA analysis method to infer genetic ancestry at a fine geographic scale.
A Stanford-led study of pesticide exposure and hypospadias in male infants found only weak evidence of an association. The researchers analyzed thousands of birth records and commercial pesticide application records for eight counties in California's Central Valley, identifying 15 chemicals with possible associations with the condition.
Researchers show that mice injected with small dose of bee venom developed immunity to lethal dose, surviving three times longer than control mice. Protection depends on IgE signaling and mast cell activation, suggesting a positive evolutionary pressure for this type of defense.
Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a fast and efficient way to turn fat cells extracted from routine liposuction into liver cells. This method, which uses spherical culture, produces human liver-like cells that flourish inside mice bodies without signs of being tumorogenic.
Researchers collect first solid evidence of brain activity pattern similarity between experimental conditions and everyday conversation. The study's novel method allows for real-life brain monitoring, potentially enabling applications like communication devices for patients with strokes.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a technique that induces egg growth in some infertile women, allowing five of them to produce viable eggs for in vitro fertilization. The successful pregnancy and birth represent a breakthrough for women with primary ovarian insufficiency, who often rely on egg donation.
A new study from Stanford researchers suggests that FDA-approved antidepressants may be effective in combating small-cell lung cancer, a particularly deadly form of the disease. The drugs activated a cellular self-destruct pathway that killed cancer cells, and further investigation showed they work through G-protein-coupled receptors.
Researchers discovered that beta-amyloid destroys synapses by binding to a receptor called PirB, leading to a cascade of biochemical activities. The study suggests that Alzheimer's disease starts to manifest long before plaque formation becomes evident, offering new hope for earlier treatments.
Stanford researchers have identified a molecular pathway involved in diabetes development and found an approved cancer drug that can regulate it. The drug, aflibercept, works by blocking the growth of blood vessels into tumors and starving them of oxygen, which has beneficial effects on blood glucose levels.