Researchers found a retrovirus in the DNA of a gray mouse lemur, suggesting lentiviruses may have coevolved with primates for millions of years. This discovery could lead to new insights into why non-human primates don't get AIDS and potential treatments for humans.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have shown that distinct groups of proteins each control one of four simple activities involved in the cells' collective migration. The study overturns an assumption common in genomics and provides a powerful tool for developing new therapeutics.
A new study by Stanford University researchers found that nifedipine, a muscle relaxant, has no effect on prolonging pregnancy after preterm labor is halted. The study suggests that prolonged treatment with nifedipine does not appear to be an answer in preventing premature birth.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have devised a new way to track the location and survival of specially modified cancer-killing cells in living patients for months and years. The technique uses a reporter gene that is expressed throughout a cell's lifetime, providing repeated snapshots of the cells' status.
A new study from Stanford University School of Medicine found at least 5,600 separate species or strains of bacteria in the human colon, surpassing previous estimates. The research uses pyrosequencing technology to assess bacterial ecosystems and reveals the critical functions performed by intestinal microbes.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine discovered that Wnt-responsive cells in embryoid bodies spontaneously form a primitive streak, which is a hallmark of gastrulation. The study suggests that understanding this process can help direct the differentiation of embryonic stem cells for therapy.
A Stanford study found that gene expression patterns in mice with type-1 diabetes were similar to those in humans before symptoms appeared. The researchers identified clusters of genes that participated in coordinated changes over time, which may provide an early warning for pre-diabetics.
A new study by Stanford researchers found that newer, more expensive diabetes medications do not automatically translate to improved patient outcomes. The study suggests that the higher cost of these medications may be due in part to increased use and diagnosis rates, rather than actual clinical benefits.
Researchers have uncovered an extensive network of regulatory interactions influencing protein production and placement in cells. A pervasive system of biological regulation, similar to transcription factors, guides the fates of most protein-coding RNA molecules by recognizing specific sequences.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have shown that the nervous system of the minuscule worm Caenorhabditis elegans induces a change in its susceptibility to bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. By manipulating the secretion patterns of nerve cells, they identified a particular molecule that binds to receptors i...
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have pinpointed the crucial role of Rb proteins in regulating blood stem cell division, finding that blocking their function leads to abnormal proliferation and immune system disruption.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new prenatal test for Down syndrome that requires only a maternal blood sample, significantly reducing the risk of miscarriage. The test uses fragments of fetal DNA in the woman's blood to detect chromosomal disorders and could provide an earlier diagnosis than current methods.
A new study published in Pediatrics shows that implementing simple changes to hospital procedures can significantly reduce the harm caused by opiate use in children's hospitals. The study found that reducing prescription overrides and ensuring caregivers have up-to-date drug lists led to a 67% decrease in adverse events.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a new diagnostic test that can identify rare leukemias in hours instead of weeks. The test uses cell-signaling pathways to decipher potentially dangerous molecular conversations, offering a more reliable assessment of risk and potential treatment options.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine discovered ultraconserved DNA regions that have been highly conserved throughout evolution. Despite being deleted in laboratory animals, these regions are less likely to be lost in primates and rodents, suggesting a possible role in fundamental biological processes.
A new study from Stanford Medicine found that Asian-White couples face increased risks of gestational diabetes and caesarean delivery compared to same-race couples. The researchers also discovered that the average Asian woman's pelvis may be smaller than the average white woman's, contributing to these disparities.
Researchers have found a new technique to quickly and reversibly fine-tune protein activity in cells and living mammals, providing a powerful tool for identifying protein functions. The technique involves pairing specially engineered proteins with the drug Shield-1, which prevents their degradation.
Researchers discovered financial contracts between tobacco companies and Hollywood stars, revealing a commercial link between the two industries. The study found that studios controlled their stars' agreements and timed ads to promote specific cigarette brands.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine confirmed that satellite cells harbor an elusive muscle stem cell, which can self-renew and give rise to specialized progeny. This discovery has profound therapeutic implications for disorders like muscular dystrophy and muscle wasting due to aging.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered a novel 'double agent' role for glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) in regulating cell growth. Inhibiting GSK3 combats leukemias caused by mutated MLL genes, which account for five to 10 percent of child and adult leukemias.
Researchers identify aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) as a crucial enzyme in reducing cellular damage from free radicals. Activation of ALDH2 increases its activity during heart attacks, leading to a significant drop in associated damage and potential applications for treating various diseases.
A Stanford study found that computer models used to identify breast cancer mutations in white women were less accurate for Asian women. The researchers sequenced the genes of 200 Asian-American women and compared them to the models' predictions, finding that both programs performed poorly in predicting the presence of mutations. This u...
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine discovered that lager beers originated from an unlikely pairing between two species of yeast, including the long-used ale yeast. The study found that the hybridization event occurred twice, with each partner bringing unique advantages to the match.
Researchers at Stanford University have discovered a vulnerable step in the hepatitis C virus' reproduction process that can be effectively targeted with an obsolete antihistamine. The novel technique used microfluidic chips to screen over 1,200 drug candidates and identified clemizole as a promising lead.
Researchers found that interferon-alpha plays a key role in the onset of type 1 diabetes by triggering an immune response that destroys pancreatic beta cells. This discovery could provide new insights into the disease and potentially lead to new treatments.
Researchers found 15% of amniotic fluid samples harbored bacteria or fungi, contributing to premature birth. The heavier the burden, the more likely a baby was born younger and sicker.
Researchers found that human embryonic stem cells can trigger an immune response in mice, which could limit their effectiveness for human therapy. The immune system recognizes and rejects the cells, but common antirejection medications may help mitigate this response.
A new study from Stanford University School of Medicine tracked 500 older runners for over 20 years, finding that regular running delays disability and reduces the risk of early death. The study's findings support the theory that 'comparing morbidity' - compressing the period of declining health - can extend high-quality life.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine found that the HIV drug nevirapine persists in the breast milk and blood of infected mothers for at least two weeks, putting them and their babies at risk for developing drug-resistant strains. The study suggests that better combination antiretroviral treatment could prevent this risk.
Researchers used a genetic technique pioneered at Stanford to analyze Y chromosomes from men in Tanzania and southern Africa. They discovered a novel mutation shared by some men in both locations, implying a common ancestor, and found that pastoralists first tended sheep and cattle in southern Africa around 2,000 years ago. This new ge...
Researchers at Stanford University have discovered that mature fruit-fly cells can regress and serve as a type of de facto stem cell during the fly's life cycle. This finding counters previous assumptions about cell specialization and differentiation, suggesting the possibility of multiple types of adult stem cells in mammalian tissue.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine discovered that specific genetic instructions drive aging in worms, shifting the focus away from tissue damage accumulation. The study found age-related changes in transcription factors that regulate genes, triggering pathways that transform young worms into older ones.
Researchers developed an injectable vaccine grown in genetically engineered plants to treat follicular B-cell lymphoma, a chronic and incurable disease. The plant-grown vaccines lack side effects and could allow earlier, more aggressive management of the cancer.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered a protein called p53 that responds to disruptions in the cell's protein factories, leading to changes in skin color and causing anemia in mice. The findings may lead to new treatments for bone marrow failure in humans by modulating the levels of p53.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a molecule that selectively kills kidney cancer cells without harming healthy ones. This breakthrough finding could lead to the development of a life-saving treatment that preserves patients' kidneys.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a method to predict IVF success with 70 percent accuracy. The new method uses four critical factors, including total number of embryos, eight-cell embryo percentage, and follicle-stimulating hormone level, to determine a woman's chance of becoming pregnant.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine found that lowering levels of signaling molecule Myc to a specific threshold reverses cancer cell growth and returns tumor cells to their normal state. This breakthrough could lead to more effective cancer chemotherapy with fewer side effects for healthy cells.
Researchers analyzed brain activity using fMRI to identify differences in connectivity between Alzheimer's patients and healthy individuals. They found that patients had fewer functional hubs, compromising regional connections and contributing to memory loss.
Researchers found that a single dose of antibiotics can prevent most infections and wound-healing complications two weeks after surgical repair of severe vaginal tears. This study is the first to show that antibiotic treatment can aid healing of these tears, which are common during childbirth.
Despite widespread awareness of high blood pressure's dangers, a Stanford study found major shortfalls in screening, treatment, and control of the disease even with doctor care. Only 39% of treated patients achieved recommended blood pressure levels, highlighting the need for increased routine screenings and personalized treatment plans.
Chronic inflammation in mice triggers cell fusions between blood cells and Purkinje neurons up to 100 times more frequently than previously believed. These fused cells, called heterokaryons, may play a role in protecting neurons against damage and offer new avenues for gene therapy.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered the first clues about the ancient origins of the placenta, a vital organ exchanging gas and nutrients between mother and fetus. The study suggests that the placenta evolved from simpler tissue in eggshells of birds and reptiles.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have successfully created cancer stem cells in a laboratory setting, shedding new light on the origins of these rare and difficult-to-study cells. The breakthrough could lead to new ways of understanding how cancer cells form and developing more effective treatments.
The FDA's proposed guidelines would reduce oversight of off-label drug use, allowing companies to market more drugs for unapproved uses. Stanford researcher Randall Stafford criticizes this move, arguing that physician judgment is critical and that evidence-based practice should be prioritized.
A new surgical technique, osteoprogenitor cellular grafting, has been used to treat steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the knee in three young patients. The procedure involves transplanting cellular material from the pelvic area into the knee, resulting in nearly normal activity and knee function with no complications.
A team of Stanford University School of Medicine researchers has developed a new type of imaging system using Raman spectroscopy to illuminate tumors in living subjects. The technique allows for the detection of multiple molecular targets simultaneously, enabling finer biochemical details and more precise imaging.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified two new proteins that make up the telomerase complex, providing new targets for cancer treatments. The discovery could lead to the development of drugs that block telomerase and slow or stop cancer cell growth.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine developed a new medical imaging technology that can detect early stages of colon cancer without a biopsy. The technique uses a short protein attached to fluorescent beacon to identify cancerous cells, allowing doctors to pick up the earliest possible cancers.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine used hypnosis to help doctors diagnose the cause of seizure-like events in children. Eight out of nine cases were found to be non-epileptic, caused by psychological stress, which require a different treatment approach than true epileptic seizures.
A Stanford study found that specially programmed PDAs can prod middle-aged and older Americans into increasing their physical activity levels by approximately five hours each week. The devices provided reminders and feedback to help participants set goals and track progress, leading to a significant increase in exercise frequency.