A Stanford study has successfully enabled a patient to thrive for two years after stopping immunosuppressive drugs. The innovative technique, developed by Samuel Strober and his team, involves adjusting the patient's immune system and infusing blood cells from a compatible donor, boosting levels of regulatory T cells to prevent rejection.
A genetic mutation known to affect Ashkenazi Jewish breast cancer patients is also prevalent among Hispanic and young African-American women. Research found that 3.5% of Hispanic women had the BRCA1 mutation, while 16.7% of African-American women under 35 did so.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered that the immune system plays a role in sculpting away unwanted synapses in the developing brain. The finding could lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as glaucoma, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have isolated a human blood cell called the multipotent progenitor, which is thought to be the great-grandparent of all cells in the blood. This finding could lead to new treatments for blood cancers and other blood diseases.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have reversed the effects of aging on the skin of mice by blocking the action of a single critical protein, NF-kappa-B. The study's findings suggest that genetic changes contributing to aging can be reversed even late in life.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have successfully transplanted new blood-forming stem cells into the bone marrow of mice, effectively replacing their immune systems. This technique could potentially treat autoimmune and genetic blood diseases by introducing a healthy immune system.
A Stanford study found that using pedometers can increase daily physical activity by 2,000 steps, leading to significant weight loss and improved blood pressure. The study of over 2,700 participants suggests that pedometers are a simple yet effective tool for promoting health behaviors.
A study by Stanford Medicine found that rapid response teams significantly reduce death rates and cardiopulmonary arrest rates in pediatric settings. The teams, composed of existing staff members, assess a child's condition within five minutes after a summons and provide supportive care to prevent deterioration.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a protein called menin as a key regulator of gestational diabetes. The study suggests that understanding the mechanisms of regulating menin could lead to new ways of growing islets for transplantation and new treatments for diabetes in pregnant women and obese adults.
A team of Stanford University researchers has identified a gene responsible for giving dogs their black fur, revealing its potential connection to human stress adaptation and weight regulation. The discovery was made by analyzing DNA samples from hundreds of dog breeds, including boxers and Large Munsterlanders.
Researchers have determined the precise picture of cell target for drugs, giving them greater control over treatment. The high-resolution structure of a human G-protein-coupled receptor, such as beta 2-adrenergic receptor, can direct the future design of drugs that precisely bind to specific receptors.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital have discovered over a dozen new obesity-related genes by analyzing 49 independent experiments. The team used a comparison approach to identify reliable performers, gaining insights into fundamental importance.
Researchers found equivalent survival rates for angioplasty and bypass surgery, refuting previous reports on diabetic patients. Bypass surgery led to fewer repeat procedures and more effective angina relief.
Researchers have found a genetic mutation in zebrafish that causes insomnia, providing a new animal model for studying sleep disorders. The study reveals that zebrafish experience reduced overall sleep and shorter sleep duration compared to normal fish.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a blood test that can identify changes in proteins in blood plasma, indicating an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The test showed 90% accuracy in matching clinical diagnoses and predicting the onset of the disease two to six years in advance.
According to a study published in Fertility and Sterility, nearly 60% of IVF procedures performed on women over 35 result in successful pregnancies. The researchers found an excellent pregnancy rate for patients undergoing single blastocyst transfer, with 62.2% conceiving and 51.1% having pregnancies beyond the first trimester.
A team of researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine has identified the most cost-effective way to fight treacherous hepatitis B by screening chronically infected individuals. Screening is more effective than vaccination in reducing mortality from hepatitis B, and vaccinating close contacts also provides significant benefits.
Only 29% of women surveyed knew about the landmark hormone therapy study two years after its announcement, highlighting a flawed mechanism for communicating crucial health information to patients. The study found that discussions with physicians were key to retaining this knowledge, but many women reported never having such conversations.
The probe, which binds to active proteases in cancerous cells, beams out near-infrared light that passes through skin and is detectable with a special camera. The technique has the potential to provide a less harmful method of detecting cancer, especially in early stages.
A new study reveals that mast cells not only cause allergic reactions but also help reduce skin damage and inflammation from sun exposure or poison oak. The discovery opens up new possibilities for treating allergies and other conditions.
A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that a case-management approach helped lower heart disease risks by approximately 10 percent among a diverse group of patients, making it a cost-effective way to improve patient outcomes. The study also showed significant benefits for patients with chronic conditions.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine have identified a pattern of gene expression shared by patients who successfully stopped taking anti-rejection drugs. This discovery may allow some transplant patients to reduce or eliminate their lifelong dependence on immunosuppressive drugs, improving their quality of life.
Researchers found that Wnt protein impairs communication between stem cells and damaged muscles in older adults. This impairment leads to slower healing times and poorer tissue repair. The discovery opens doors to potential treatments for various tissues, including skin, gut, bone marrow, and even brain.
A study published in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine found that 3- to 5-year-old children preferred the taste of McDonald's-branded chicken nuggets over identical, unbranded versions. The degree of preference correlated with the number of TVs in their homes and frequency of eating at McDonald's.
A Stanford study using fMRI scans found that music engages brain areas involved with paying attention, making predictions, and updating memory. Peak brain activity occurred during silence between musical movements, a process called event segmentation.
A study in mice shows that switching off a single malfunctioning gene can halt the growth of tumor cells and turn them back to their normal life cycle. The researchers found that cancer cells retained the ability to undergo senescence, a natural mechanism that causes cells to die when they become old or dysfunctional.
Researchers found that children with PTSD exhibit unique patterns of brain activation, particularly in the insula region. The study provides valuable insights into the biological underpinnings of PTSD and may lead to the development of more effective therapies.
A Stanford University School of Medicine researcher led by David Spiegel showed that support groups improved quality of life for participants with metastatic breast cancer, but didn't extend overall survival. However, a subgroup of patients with an aggressive form of breast cancer did experience a survival benefit from the therapy.
A large randomized clinical trial found that eating double the recommended daily amount of fruits and vegetables does not reduce the likelihood of breast cancer recurrence in women who have completed treatment for early-stage breast cancer. The study involved nearly 3,100 women and followed them for an average of 7.3 years.
A new study found that electronic health records made no difference in 14 measures of quality care, while improving only two areas. The researcher emphasizes that electronic systems can provide valuable tools for physicians, but it's not enough to improve quality on their own.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a unifying principle explaining how different causes and treatments for depression converge. Changes in electrical signal flow through the brain circuit appear to be the cause of depression-related behavior.
A new study from Stanford Medicine found that magnesium sulfate, commonly used to arrest preterm labor, has more mild to serious side effects than the alternative treatment nifedipine. The research suggests that physicians should consider side effects when choosing which drug to prescribe.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered that large, seemingly useless pieces of RNA play a crucial role in regulating gene activity across vast portions of the human genome. This finding suggests that ancient RNA molecules can influence cancer development and stem cell maintenance.
Researchers mapped gut microbes in 14 healthy babies over their first year of life, finding unique microbial communities that persist throughout life. The study highlights the dynamic nature of gut ecosystems and potential factors underlying fluctuations in bacterial abundance.
A follow-up study shows that estrogen use is associated with lower levels of calcified plaque in coronary arteries, a potential indicator of heart disease. However, other health risks, such as increased risk of blood clots and stroke, must still be considered before starting estrogen therapy.
A study led by Stanford surgeon John Morton found that patients who undergo gastric bypass surgery are more sensitive to alcohol, reaching higher breath-alcohol levels and taking longer to sober. This altered metabolism may contribute to an increased risk of addiction.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified alphaB-crystallin as a protective protein that plays a critical role in multiple sclerosis. The protein, normally found in the lens of the eye, can reverse paralysis and suppress inflammation in mice, suggesting a potential therapeutic application.
Researchers found that blood-forming stem cells in mice accumulate DNA damage with age, leading to reduced ability to produce new blood and immune system cells. This finding may explain the origin of blood cancer and immune dysfunctions that occur as people age.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have successfully tracked human neural stem cells transplanted into the brains of rats, which migrated towards damaged areas and matured into functional neurons. The study used iron particles to track the cells in real-time, paving the way for potential human clinical trials.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified cancer stem cells in colorectal tumors, which can propagate and maintain the growth of the tumor. These stem cells have been found to be responsible for the spread of cancer to distant sites and are likely to be responsible when tumors resurface or spread.
Researchers found that prompt diagnosis and rapid drug therapy improve survival rates of people with urea cycle disorders. The study revealed overall survival rates of 73% for newborns and 98% for older patients who received the therapy.
A Stanford University School of Medicine and VA Palo Alto Health Care System study found that tiny newborns who died in California between 1991-2000 might have lived if born at highly experienced regional medical centers. Consolidating risky deliveries at these centers could improve survival rates for very-low-birth-weight infants.
Researchers have developed a method to discern most genetic activity of a tumor from radiology scans, enabling personalized medicine and non-invasive diagnosis. This approach could revolutionize cancer treatment by providing unique characteristics of each patient's disease.
A Stanford study found that macrophages, known as troublemakers in obesity, can also play a beneficial role in metabolism. The researchers identified a molecular switch that can shift the cells into the more desirable mode, which could help block insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes.
Researchers found that sick flies lose their circadian rhythm patterns when infected with bacteria, leading to shorter periods of continuous sleep. This disruption affects the immune system, making infected flies more susceptible to infection and increasing their mortality rate.
Researchers found that immune cells in most people with melanoma fail to respond properly to interferon, leading to impaired immune function. This discovery could pave the way for more effective treatment options, including vaccine therapies.
Researchers found that boys are less likely to use purging behaviors and more likely to be diagnosed with Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. Ethnic differences also played a role, with American Indians and Alaskan Natives being more likely to use laxatives and experience longer duration of disease.
Researchers have developed a genetic test that can predict which hepatitis C patients are at high risk of developing cirrhosis. The test uses a 'Cirrhosis Risk Score' based on seven genes and has been validated in independent studies, offering hope for more targeted treatment.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine and the University of California-Santa Cruz found nearly 10,000 identical genetic snippets that play a role in controlling when genes turn on and off. These 'regulatory jungles' are abundant near genes involved in cell migration and organ development.
A simple questionnaire identified bullying behaviors in most elementary students, highlighting the need for early intervention and education. The study suggests that promoting positive peer pressure and attitude change can be effective in reducing bullying.