Researchers studied zebrafish brain activity to understand how the circadian clock and sleep affect synapse numbers, identifying a gene involved in regulating these changes. The study found that synaptic plasticity is recharged at night, benefiting memory and learning.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine found that family-based therapy is twice as effective as individual psychotherapy in producing full remission of anorexia nervosa. The study compared the two treatment approaches in 121 adolescents and found that family-based therapy led to a significantly higher rate of patients re...
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a method to predict embryo survival with 93% accuracy, allowing for improved selection of embryos for transfer during in vitro fertilization. This breakthrough could reduce the likelihood of miscarriage and improve pregnancy rates.
A new analysis by Stanford University School of Medicine found that using a popular test to identify patients who may benefit from statin therapy would be cost-effective, but only under certain scenarios. Assigning statin therapy based on risk alone was the most cost-effective strategy.
A Stanford study finds that 90% of emergency departments nationwide provide preventive-care services, despite being under pressure to prioritize acute care. The most common service is domestic violence screening, while HIV screening is the least offered. Many EDs struggle to balance quality and cost constraints.
A new Stanford study examining pine-bark extract's effects on blood pressure found no significant benefit in lowering blood pressure or reducing other risk factors for heart disease. The study, which recruited 130 overweight individuals, used a Japanese-produced pine-bark extract and confirmed its safety but found no health benefits.
Researchers at Stanford University successfully induced normal patterns of muscle contraction using light, reproducing the natural firing order of motor-nerve fibers. This technique could lead to practical applications for restoring movement in people with physical disabilities, such as stroke or spinal-cord injuries.
Researchers have identified three proteins that rise in the blood during acute rejection, enabling doctors to halt organ rejection before it impairs transplanted hearts and kidneys. The new blood test will let doctors skip directly to drug dosing before a transplant is damaged.
A new treatment has been found to significantly reduce mortality rates among patients with severe aortic stenosis, while also improving their quality of life. The bioprosthetic-tissue valve treatment was shown to save lives and enable patients to walk, exercise, and engage in daily activities.
A Stanford study found that repeated use of a benign antibiotic can alter the composition of beneficial microbes in the human gut. The research involved three healthy adult females who received two courses of ciprofloxacin, revealing persistent changes in their gut microbiomes.
A new PhysiScore system developed by Stanford researchers can accurately predict the health of premature infants with a high degree of accuracy, potentially reducing healthcare costs. The system uses real-time data and machine learning algorithms to identify subtle patterns in the complex data about these young patients.
A new technology developed by Stanford University allows scientists to experimentally capture the global snapshot of thousands of RNA molecules in a cell. This breakthrough advances understanding of RNA's complexity and function.
Researchers found that gene variants associated with type-1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis confer previously unknown benefits to their human carriers. This suggests that the human race may be evolving towards greater susceptibility to complex diseases.
Researchers have identified a small number of genetic regions responsible for dogs' physical traits, which may hold clues to understanding human biomedical traits. The study found that only six or seven locations in the dog genome determine about 80 percent of differences in height and weight among breeds.
A recent Stanford University School of Medicine study found that physicians are losing ground in prescribing recommended medications for treating congestive heart failure. The use of ACE-inhibitors and beta blockers has declined since the early 2000s, with only about one-third of patients receiving these life-saving treatments.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine successfully replicated the ability of newts to regenerate tissue in mouse cells by blocking the expression of two tumor-suppressing proteins. This breakthrough may lead to future regenerative therapies for humans, and could involve sending us back down the evolutionary tree.
Researchers found purified blood stem cells outperform those with T cells in forming new blood cells and regenerating lymphoid tissues. The study challenges decades-old assumptions about the need for T cells in bone marrow transplants.
Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a molecular pathway responsible for the death of key nerve cells whose loss causes Parkinson's disease. The study found that a genetic mutation linked to Parkinson's causes impaired activity of microRNAs, leading to premature cell death.
A new test developed at Stanford University School of Medicine predicts the outcomes of a subsequent round of IVF for women who have already gone through a cycle. The test is 1,000 times more accurate than current age-based guidelines and provides personalized predictions based on clinical data from prior failed treatments.
A Stanford University School of Medicine study finds that teens' exposure to cigarette advertising at retail outlets substantially increases the odds they will start smoking. Regular visits to stores with high cigarette ads were associated with a higher likelihood of smoking initiation.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine developed a technique to grow muscle stem cells on a synthetic matrix that mimics the elasticity of real muscle, allowing them to maintain their self-renewing properties. This breakthrough may revolutionize the production of adult stem cells for therapies.
A study found pronounced regional differences in treatment practices for older adults with kidney failure, including decisions on starting or stopping dialysis. Higher-spending regions tend to have more intensive care, but patients don't necessarily fare better.
A Stanford study found that arsenic trioxide can block the Hedgehog pathway, a signaling cascade involved in various cancers. The compound inhibits the expression of certain genes, making it harder for cancer cells to mutate and evade treatment.
Leading stem cell researcher Irving Weissman warns of unproven treatments being marketed on the internet, putting patients at risk of harm. His organization has launched a website to educate patients and provide guidance on how to spot fraudulent clinics.
Researchers identified a protein marker, CD271, on cancer cells in human melanomas that evade current treatments. The cancer-initiating cells were found to be self-renewing and differentiating into other tumor cell types, making them resistant to therapies.
Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified the key enzyme Brg1, which plays a vital role in both fetal heart development and causing cardiac hypertrophy in adults. The discovery could lead to the development of new treatments for heart disease.
Researchers discovered that different cells respond differently to stimuli, contradicting previous uniformity assumptions. The study used microfluidics to monitor individual cells' reactions and found nuanced variations in responses.
A Stanford study uses high-powered genomic analytical techniques to establish the coexistence of 1,000 single-celled species in every healthy human gut. By manipulating microbial populations through dietary interventions, scientists aim to remedify diseases and enhance health.
Research at Stanford University School of Medicine has pinpointed the molecular cause of Bardet-Biedl syndrome, a genetic disorder associated with obesity, retinal degeneration, and kidney cysts. The primary cilium acts as a communication hub where signaling pathways take place, influencing weight gain and fat storage.
New research from Hopkins/Stanford researchers analyzes 180 pro-eating disorder websites, finding interactive communities encouraging unhealthy behaviors but also recognizing eating disorders as a disease. The study highlights the complexity of online support for patients with disordered eating behaviors.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a group of proteins that regulate the life span of laboratory roundworms. By inhibiting one protein, Ash-2, they found that it extends the worm's life span by up to 30%. The study suggests an intriguing link between longevity and fertility, highlighting the importanc...
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered that antibodies are critical to the repair of nerve damage in the peripheral nervous system. In a new study, scientists show that certain antibodies can facilitate myelin clearance and nerve regeneration, while others do not.
Researchers deciphered a key pathway used by Myc oncogene, finding that disabling it can restore cellular senescence and prevent cancer growth. This discovery offers new potential for treating various types of cancer by targeting the oncogene's dependence on Miz1.
A new Stanford/Packard study finds that chronically ill children with private insurance are less likely to be admitted to specialized pediatric care centers than those with public insurance. The study highlights a significant disparity in healthcare access across California, with certain regions offering more comprehensive services.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine discovered a previously unknown association between type-2 diabetes and high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls and gamma-tocopherol, a form of vitamin E. The novel analytic technique, called environment wide association studies (EWAS), identified these relationships surpassing tho...
A Stanford-led team has solved the mystery of how functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) signals are produced, confirming earlier assumptions about their relationship to neural excitation. The breakthrough enables researchers to study brain-wide impact of changes in neural circuitry using blood-flow fMRI combined with optogenetics.
Researchers have successfully generated mouse cells that resemble human inner-ear hair cells in a petri dish. This breakthrough could lead to significant scientific and clinical advances along the path to curing deafness. The study provides a protocol for generating millions of functional hair cells from renewable sources.
A study published in PLoS Pathogens reveals that Listeria exploits transiently exposed molecules on intestinal cells to gain access. The pathogen uses a two-step mechanism involving internalin A and internalin B, which activate cell-surface molecules, allowing it to evade the body's defenses.
A new study by Stanford researchers highlights the need for standardized criteria in diagnosing food allergies due to differing definitions and inconsistent treatment approaches. This could lead to misdiagnosis and unnecessary anxiety for patients with food intolerance, while also potentially overdiagnosing food allergies.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine found a significant correlation between implementing a computerized physician order entry system and a 20% decrease in hospital-wide mortality rates. The study, published in Pediatrics, suggests that CPOE can be a lifesaving tool by improving efficiency and guiding clinical decisions.
A longitudinal study found that brains of young boys with fragile X syndrome differ from those without the condition, showing an overabundance of gray matter in certain regions and diminished presence in others. This knowledge can be used to monitor new therapies' effectiveness in restoring brain structure and function.
The GREAT algorithm allows scientists to analyze vast amounts of DNA sequencing data to reveal control regions for nearly any gene. Researchers can input a list of binding sites and receive an analysis of which genes are likely to be moderated by the transcription factor, including those far away from the coding sequence.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine have used a healthy person's complete genome sequence to predict their risk for dozens of diseases and how they will respond to common medications. The study provides a cumulative risk report that can help physicians make concrete clinical recommendations, improving the efficiency of medicine.
Stanford researchers have developed a new technique that reinforces immune cells to seek and destroy cancer, potentially improving the efficacy of adoptive immunotherapy. The approach uses synthetic biology to engineer T cells to produce cytokines for themselves, while introducing switches to control their growth.
A Stanford study suggests that a 'stealth' strategy of raising students' awareness of environmental and social issues related to food can persuade them to eat more veggies and less ice cream. The study found improvements in veggie consumption and attitudes towards healthy eating among students taking a 'Food and Society' course.
A new blood test has reduced the number of biopsies performed on heart transplant patients by 50% in a landmark Stanford study. The test uses genomics technology to identify patients at low risk for rejection, allowing doctors to safely reduce biopsy frequency and improve patient quality of life.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified several small molecules that mimic the key protein BDNF, which plays a crucial role in memory and learning. The discovery could lead to new therapies for various brain disorders such as Alzheimer's, Huntington's, and depression.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a new genetic marker, called HOTAIR, that is significantly more prevalent in aggressive breast cancer cases. High levels of HOTAIR expression are associated with increased risk of metastasis and poorer survival rates for women with breast cancer.
A Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital study found that many patients with severe eating disorders are misdiagnosed due to restrictive diagnostic criteria. The study indicates that patients who barely meet the full diagnostic criteria for anorexia or bulimia may be just as sick, highlighting the...
Researchers have identified the source of cells that form the coronary arteries, a breakthrough that could lead to improved bypass surgeries. By studying mouse embryos, scientists found that these cells originate from the sinus venosus and undergo natural reprogramming as they migrate across the heart.