The American College of Physicians recommends that mammography screening decisions be made on a case-by-case basis, considering each woman's individual cancer risk and preference. The new guidelines acknowledge the benefits and harms of screening, recommending periodic assessment of breast cancer risk to inform decision-making.
A one-visit screening technique for cervical cancer shows safety, acceptability, and feasibility in Ghana. The single-visit procedure involves applying acetic acid to detect precancerous areas, followed by cryotherapy to eliminate abnormalities.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine found a new syndrome occurring in the Chinese population that may not lead to severe vision loss or blindness. The condition affects young and middle-aged individuals with normal eye pressure and nearsightedness.
A small clinical trial of escitalopram, an antidepressant medication, found no conclusive benefit in treating kleptomania. However, the results suggest that some medications may still be effective for certain patients.
A study found no difference in the relapse rate of people with compulsive-buying disorder when taking escitalopram compared to those on a placebo, contradicting previous research findings. The results may be due to differences in biological roots among individuals with the disorder.
Researchers found that flies' primitive immune systems can adapt and retain memory of an earlier infection, contradicting the long-held dogma. This discovery raises possibilities for developing human vaccines, especially for people with compromised immune systems.
The Stanford University School of Medicine study found that the Atkins diet was the most effective for weight loss among four popular diets. The women on the Atkins diet lost more weight and experienced greater improvements in cholesterol and blood pressure compared to those on other diets. The simplicity and high protein content of th...
A Stanford/Packard study found that severe PTSD damages children's brains by reducing the size of the hippocampus, a crucial structure for memory processing and emotion. Children with PTSD were more likely to experience a decrease in hippocampal volume, which can lead to prolonged symptoms and impaired brain development.
The Stanford University School of Medicine conducted a six-month study on the effects of garlic on cholesterol levels. Despite decades of conflicting studies, the researchers found that consuming raw garlic or two popular supplements did not lower LDL cholesterol levels among adults with moderately high cholesterol levels.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital found a once-a-day treatment with PTZ improved learning and memory in mice with Down syndrome symptoms. The gains lasted for months after the treatment was discontinued.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs with RNAi gene therapy, showing its effectiveness in shutting down viruses that cause diseases such as hepatitis and HIV in mice. With three human trials underway, the technique may be on the verge of widespread use for treating various human diseases.
A massive international study identifies potential genetic links for autism, shedding light on the disorder's neurological basis. The research, involving over 1,400 families, suggests that certain genes increase the risk of developing autism, while environmental factors also play a role.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine are exploring stem cell transplants as a potential treatment for hearing loss. The goal is to develop a cure for deafness, with a focus on drug therapy and stem cell transplantation into the inner ear.
Developing an H5 vaccine faces hurdles in current egg production methods and the molecule's ability to stimulate an immune reaction, requiring two shots for full immunization. The ideal adjuvant must still be found to boost vaccine effectiveness.
A new study from Stanford University School of Medicine found that living in poor neighborhoods significantly raises the risk of heart disease and stroke. Researchers analyzed data from over 1.9 million people and found that those living in high-deprivation neighborhoods were 1.9 times more likely to experience a heart attack or stroke.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a technique to prevent cleft palates in fetal mice by injecting pregnant mothers with a small molecule. This breakthrough raises hopes that similar vaccination-type techniques may one day be used to prevent many types of human birth defects.
Researchers found that never-smokers get lung cancer more often than thought, with women even more at risk. The study tracked over 1 million people and found significant differences in lung cancer incidence rates between males and females, shedding new light on the disease.
A Stanford University study suggests that boosting endocannabinoid levels in the brain may be a new treatment approach for Parkinson's disease. Researchers combined a drug with an experimental compound to trigger improved movement in mice with a condition similar to Parkinson's, showing promising results.
A Stanford-led study has identified a specific region on chromosome 15 that may be linked to severe depression. The research, which analyzed 650 families with a history of repeated bouts of severe depression, found highly significant evidence for genetic linkage to the condition.
A study by Stanford researchers found that while 41% of autism research deals with brain and behavior, only 11% of media coverage addresses these topics. Instead, 48% focus on environmental causes, such as the childhood MMR vaccine, highlighting a stark disconnect between scientific research and public perception.
A Stanford study systematically reviewed medical literature on growth hormone therapy for the elderly, concluding that it has minimal to no benefit and potential adverse side effects. The research found modest effects on body composition but no impact on clinically important outcomes such as bone density or cholesterol levels.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have used the antiviral drug valganciclovir to treat patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, with significant improvement in 21 out of 25 cases. The therapy has shown promise in reducing inflammation and improving symptoms.
Researchers discovered a single Toxoplasma protein, ROP16, that travels to the host cell nucleus and blocks normal responses to invasion. This finding has wide-ranging implications for diseases caused by other parasites, including malaria.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified two proteins, ROP16 and ROP18, that are critical to Toxoplasma's ability to infect and reproduce inside human cells. The study found that changes in these proteins can ramp up damage to the host by 10,000-fold.
Two Stanford/Packard studies confirm pro-eating disorder websites promote dangerous behaviors among adolescents, while also finding pre-teens with eating disorders tend to lose weight more quickly. Pediatricians and parents should be vigilant about internet use and recognize early signs of weight loss in pre-teen children.
Researchers have identified a molecule, osteopontin, that plays a central role in relapses of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteopontin promotes the survival of T cells that carry out the damaging attack on myelin, increasing their destructive potential.
A multi-center study with Stanford University found that regular exercise can improve a person's score on a standardized test of physical mobility, balance, walking speed, and ability to rise from a chair. The study showed that seniors who exercised regularly performed better on the fitness test than those who received health education.
A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that napping improved mood, alertness and performance in doctors and nurses who worked night shifts. The study's results showed that a short nap break reduced fatigue, sleepiness and performance lapses.
A new study uses MRI techniques to discriminate between patients who will benefit from clot-dissolving drugs and those who may be harmed. The technique helps doctors make informed decisions about treatment timing, potentially improving patient outcomes.
A new study by Stanford University School of Medicine researchers found that poor people living in well-to-do neighborhoods have a higher risk of death. The study, which analyzed data from 8,200 men and women over 17 years, suggests that economic strain and limited access to healthcare may be contributing factors.
A new Stanford University School Medicine study finds that nearly as many men as women experience compulsive buying disorder, which is marked by binge buying and financial hardship. The study's findings contradict the widespread belief that most compulsive buyers are women.
A Stanford study finds that the cancer drug Gleevec, used to combat leukemia and gastrointestinal cancers, may also be effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis. The researchers tested Gleevec on mice with a condition similar to human rheumatoid arthritis and found it almost completely prevented disease development.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the connection between calcineurin and diabetes. By inhibiting calcineurin, they were able to prevent beta cells from increasing their numbers and producing insulin, offering new hope for treating type-2 diabetes. The findings al...
Three Stanford University School of Medicine researchers, Kwabena Boahen, Karla Kirkegaard, and David Relman, have won the NIH Director's Pioneer Award. They will receive $2.5 million over five years to pursue new research directions that are not already funded.
Researchers found a brain region that also responds to objects like cars, animals, and sculptures, challenging current face perception theories. The discovery suggests the need for a new model of how the brain recognizes faces and objects.
A new study finds that a community-driven approach to distributing anti-AIDS medications is more equitable and effective than traditional top-down methods. Patients treated through this model showed significant increases in CD4 counts, indicating improved immune system function.
A Stanford study found that boosting neuropeptide Y levels in the thalamus and hippocampus can reduce seizures. Researchers discovered that valproic acid increases neuropeptide Y production by 50% in these areas, offering a potential new approach to treating epilepsy with fewer side effects.
Researchers discovered that specialized skin cells direct embryonic patterning and wound healing by sending vital location cues to their neighbors. This finding has implications for regenerating certain parts of the body and understanding metastatic cancer.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine found that mast cells in the immune system can break down and neutralize certain types of snake venom, enhancing resistance to its toxicity. This counterintuitive discovery challenges the long-held assumption that the immune system exacerbates snakebite symptoms.
A Stanford cardiologist studied the effects of extreme exercise on the hearts of endurance athletes after a four-day ultra-endurance race. He found that even highly fit athletes experience cardiac fatigue under such conditions, with the heart pumping less blood at the end of the race compared to the beginning.
A new study by Stanford researchers identifies a group of genes consistently less active in older animals across various species, providing a universal indicator of cellular aging. The findings suggest that cell aging is genetically determined and provide insight into the mechanisms driving this process.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a system using RFID tags to track surgical sponges during procedures. This technology has shown promise in accurately locating inserted sponges in under three seconds, reducing the risk of foreign objects being left in patients' bodies.
A Stanford scientist who has lived as both male and female argues that women's underrepresentation in science is due to bias, not innate differences. He cites studies showing bias in grant applications and research evaluations, highlighting the need for a more inclusive approach.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital have identified a gene that overexpressed causes neurons responsible for attention and memory to shrivel in people with Down syndrome. Deleting or reducing the expression of this gene may provide therapeutic options for cognitive decline.
A recent study by Lauren Gerson, MD, found no evidence that typical dietary restrictions for heartburn make a difference. However, losing weight and raising the head of your bed can help reduce symptoms. The study's results challenge long-standing recommendations from professional organizations.
A new policy paper from Stanford Medicine suggests that the earliest years of life forever shape an adult's ability to learn. The research emphasizes the importance of positive interactions with nurturing adults in shaping brain architecture and future productivity.
Researchers found a significant association between hot flashes and insomnia in midlife women, with severe hot flashes increasing the risk of chronic insomnia. The study suggests that treating hot flashes may be an effective way to improve sleep quality in these patients.
A Stanford survey of 781 US women aged 40-60 found that nearly all reported experiencing menopausal symptoms, with many turning to herbal products and soy supplements instead of hormone therapy. Despite risks associated with hormone therapy, the study highlights the need for physicians to learn more about alternative therapies.
A new study by Stanford Medicine researchers found that the first osteoporosis medication, teriparatide, is not cost-effective compared to alendronate. The researchers suggest that teriparatide should be given only to high-risk patients who don't tolerate standard treatments.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have made significant progress in developing RNAi gene therapy, a promising approach to treating organ-wide diseases. However, they also encountered unexpected side effects, including liver toxicity in mice, which hindered their progress. Despite this setback, the team was able to o...