A Stanford scientist's study reveals that 21% of prescriptions dispensed in 2001 were for conditions with little or no FDA-approved evidence, and 73% had no scientific backing. This practice, known as off-label prescribing, carries unknown risks and lacks rigorous scrutiny.
Researchers discovered that tumors producing high levels of lysyl oxidase (LOX) are more likely to spread and cause death. Blocking LOX production has promise as a new therapy for hypoxic tumors, with trials potentially starting within three years.
A new study finds that estrogen-only therapy does not increase the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women, contradicting previous findings. In contrast, hormone therapy combining estrogen and progestin was linked to a 26% higher risk of breast cancer.
Research reveals a significant gap in publications between US and non-US groups, with the US trailing behind in human embryonic stem cell research. The study suggests that federal policies may be contributing to this disparity, which could impact competitiveness in the biotechnology industry.
Stanford scientist Sarnow discusses new approach to treating hepatitis C virus using microRNA, a small fragment of RNA found in the liver that is necessary for viral growth and reproduction. The approach aims to lower microRNA levels in the liver without affecting liver function, potentially leading to improved treatment outcomes.
A Packard/Stanford study found a correlation between increased screen time and subsequent requests for toys and junk food in children. Over a 20-month period, the study showed that kids who spent more time watching TV or playing video games made more requests for unhealthy treats.
A study of over 6 million births found Asian-Indian women were more than twice as likely to have low birth weight infants as white women. U.S.-born Mexican-American women also faced health challenges, despite higher completion rates and earlier prenatal care.
Two Stanford University neurologists warn that clinical trials can be disastrous when a drug with unknown side effects is tested on healthy patients. They advocate for stricter entry criteria to prevent similar mistakes in the future.
A Stanford scientist argues that persistent bacterial infections may provide beneficial effects on the host, such as protection against certain cancers. The researcher notes that many organisms cause disease but often remain asymptomatic, and that messing with microbes can lead to unforeseen consequences.
The study found that timely antibiotic treatment was key to patients' survival, with a mortality rate of nearly 80% when treatment was delayed beyond six days. Anthrax progression to its advanced stage often leads to certain death, even with modern care.
A Stanford-Kaiser study suggests that statins and beta-blockers can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack in patients with high blood pressure or high cholesterol. The study found that these medications were effective in reducing the risk of heart attack by more than half, even when other treatments for high cholesterol failed.
As neuroimaging technologies advance, researchers must consider how to handle sensitive data and balance individual privacy with the potential benefits of discovery. Neuroethicist Judy Illes emphasizes the need for informed consent protocols and clear guidelines for handling incidental findings in imaging studies.
The Stanford Center for Biomedical Ethics offers a pioneering 'benchside' consultation program to help basic-science researchers identify ethical and social impacts of their work. The program advises ways to minimize risks and maximize benefits, with seven Stanford researchers having sought consults since its inception.
Researchers found a 12% reduction in hip fractures among women taking supplements, but only those who adhered to the full dosage saw benefits. Women over 50 should prioritize dietary sources of calcium and Vitamin D for bone health.
A study of nearly 49,000 postmenopausal women found a modest reduction in breast cancer incidence among those with high fat intake, but this benefit was not seen in those who reduced their fat intake. Women should focus on reducing saturated and trans fats, increasing vegetable consumption, and maintaining regular exercise for overall ...
A Stanford study reveals that the brain's auditory system responds more strongly to sounds from the same spatial location as the animal's gaze direction. This finding suggests a common strategy for focus attention across different species and parts of the brain.
Researchers used gene therapy to introduce a healthy copy of the dystrophin gene into mice with muscular dystrophy, repairing the entire muscle cell. The technique, developed by Michele Calos, has potential for long-term fixes for various genetic diseases.
David Kingsley's work on stickleback populations shows major morphological changes are controlled by simple mechanisms. The study highlights the importance of evolutionary biology in understanding animal adaptation and aiding human health.
Researchers used real-time functional MRI to show healthy subjects and patients with chronic pain can control brain activity to modulate pain levels. The study suggests a potential new treatment approach for chronic pain patients without relying on expensive equipment.
A new Stanford tool helps identify subtypes of kidney tumors based on gene activity, potentially leading to more targeted and effective treatments. The approach minimizes setbacks in clinical relevance by identifying relevant genes across multiple studies.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that children who received cochlear implants before 30 months old fully integrated speech perception in their brains. In contrast, those who received implants later relied solely on lip movements to understand conflicting auditory and visual information.
A Stanford study reveals that the sea squirt Botryllus schlosseri uses a gene similar to the human immune system to distinguish between self and non-self. This finding may lead to new ways to control natural killer cells and treat diseases like leukemia and multiple sclerosis.
Researchers found a twofold increase in adolescent depression visits between 1995 and 2002, with medication use rising from 47% to 52% and psychotherapy dropping from 83% to 68%. SSRIs accounted for 76% of prescribed antidepressants during this period.
A Stanford study found that only 33% of high-risk patients received aspirin therapy in 2003, despite conclusive evidence of its benefits. Meanwhile, physicians are increasingly prioritizing pricey statins over aspirin due to heavy marketing.
A Stanford study finds that women with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are at higher risk for adverse outcomes during pregnancy, including hypertension, premature delivery, and cesarean sections. The research highlights the need for better understanding of these autoimmune conditions in pregnant women.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered the appetite-suppressing hormone obestatin, which could clear up confusion over how hormones regulate appetite. Obestatin's effects on laboratory animals suggest it may be a key to developing effective treatments for obesity.
A new study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that children of bipolar parents scored higher than healthy controls on a creativity test. The research suggests a possible link between creativity and bipolar disorder, with some experts attributing creative activity to mobilizing energy from negative emotions.
A recent Stanford brain study found that women's brains activate more regions involved in language processing and working memory when viewing funny cartoons. Women also showed a stronger response to the rewarding feelings associated with humor, indicating they may experience greater pleasure from unexpected jokes.
A Stanford study finds that certain tryptophan metabolites can alleviate symptoms of multiple sclerosis, a condition affecting over 2.5 million people worldwide. The research suggests that diet and immunity are linked, with tryptophan playing a pivotal role in immune system regulation.
A Stanford study reveals that a single copy of the low-activity COMT protein may be a major risk factor for the development of schizophrenia or related psychotic disorders in children with a chromosome 22 deletion. This genetic variation can lead to an increased drop in verbal IQ, expressive language skills, and prefrontal cortex volume.
Researchers found menin promotes acute leukemia by working with mutated MLL proteins, leading to the formation of cancer cells. Removing menin stops cell proliferation and allows cells to mature into healthy blood cells.
A new blood transplant method has shown significant promise in reducing the risk of fatal side effects associated with cancer treatment. The Stanford study found that the therapy successfully boosted regulatory T cells, minimizing graft-versus-host disease without compromising its ability to kill cancerous cells.
Researchers found abatacept to be effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis, improving at least 20% of patients' condition compared to placebo. The drug reduces immune system attack on joints, providing significant pain relief and improving functionality.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine identified unique patterns of immune cells in breast cancer patients' lymph nodes that predict clinical outcome and can identify tumor spread. The study found that immune changes within these lymph nodes predicted clinical outcome even better than their tumor invasion status.
A Stanford study found that combining vitamin D and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) suppresses prostate cancer growth more effectively than using either drug alone. The researchers discovered a 25-70% reduction in cell growth when calcitriol was used with NSAIDs, with potential implications for new treatment options.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that pediatric brain tumor survivors experience significant long-term effects from radiation and treatment. The study, led by Paul Fisher, MD, surveyed 134 former patients and discovered that those who received radiation had a poorer quality of life than those who only ...
A new robotic technique in weight-loss surgery, developed by Stanford Medicine, offers several advantages over traditional methods. The da Vinci robotic surgical system provides improved visualization and precise maneuvers, reducing surgical time by approximately 30 minutes compared to conventional laparoscopic procedures.
A Stanford study found that surgically closing a woman's peritoneum after a C-section significantly reduces the risk of abdominal adhesions. The research suggests that this long-held practice may not be necessary and could even offer benefits in terms of reducing post-operative pain.
Research involving human stem cells in nonhuman primate brains may be necessary and effective, but oversight boards must consider six key factors to ensure ethics are maintained. The number of human cells used and animal brain size are among the factors considered.
A new study by Stanford/Packard researchers found that nitric oxide has varying effects on premature infants. Infants weighing over 1,000 grams benefited from the treatment, with a decreased likelihood of death or long-term lung damage. In contrast, those under 2 pounds experienced higher brain hemorrhage and mortality rates.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that parked cars can heat up by an average of 40 degrees F within an hour, regardless of ambient temperature. This rapid heating can be fatal if left unattended, highlighting the importance of taking children with you when parking.
A new study suggests that antidepressants can help reduce the risk of heart attacks and death among patients who have had a heart attack and are experiencing depression. The ENRICHD study found that patients taking antidepressants had a 43% lower risk of death or recurrent non-fatal heart attack, compared to those not taking them.
A new study by Stanford University and Johns Hopkins University found that third-graders with televisions in their bedrooms score lower on standardized tests. In contrast, those with access to home computers earn higher scores, regardless of homework time.
A new study by Stanford researchers found that gastric bypass surgery significantly improves cardiovascular risk factors, including triglycerides and C-reactive protein levels. The procedure lowers these risks by up to 50%, even beyond what would be expected from weight loss alone.
A Stanford study reveals that once patients have accessed healthcare, racial and ethnic disparities in care become negligible. Despite this, the researchers emphasize that disparities in access and utilization may still be significant contributing factors to health inequities.
Researchers at Stanford University have found a connection between aging, infection, and leukemia in blood-forming stem cells. These cells were found to produce fewer immune cells and turn on cancer-causing genes, contributing to the development of certain types of leukemia.
A novel technique developed by Stanford researchers allows scientists to distinguish between possible cancer-causing genes and those that are harmless. Mutations in the PI3K gene were found to be a primary driver of melanoma, while a mutation in the B-Raf gene did not cause cancer despite being commonly associated with the disease.
Researchers found a significant gap in statin use among patients with high and moderate risk of heart disease. Statin therapy was underused in these groups, with fewer than half of patient visits associated with use, despite being recommended for them.
Women donating eggs for stem cell research face unique risks and lack adequate protections. Stanford bioethicists advocate for a new category of research subjects and set of guidelines to ensure informed consent. The proposed changes aim to promote ethical egg donation practices.
A Stanford study found that early treatment of asymptomatic HIV-infected infants can delay disease progression and enhance survival. The research, which followed nearly 200 children over 17 years, showed that treatment made a significant difference in preventing or delaying the progression of the disease.