Researchers followed patients with no initial back pain and found that those with poor coping skills, chronic pain, or disputed workers' compensation claims were nearly three times more likely to develop back pain. The study suggests that treating psychological factors may be a more effective approach than surgery for some patients.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine identified Langerhans cells as the principal culprit behind graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in transplanted mice. Eliminating these cells using ultraviolet light reduced GVHD symptoms, offering a potential prevention method for transplant patients.
A Stanford study examined 42 college-age bipolar patients, finding significant improvement in symptoms and function with treatment. The research suggests that early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for preventing disease progression and that these young adults can function well if properly diagnosed and treated.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine have found that fat-derived cells can effectively heal skull defects in mice, outperforming bone marrow cells. The discovery holds promise for developing new treatments for bone fractures, joint replacements, and other skeletal conditions.
A new gene-based screen developed by Stanford researchers can accurately predict a person's response to treatment and identify patients who may benefit from novel therapies. The screen uses a technique called RT-PCR to analyze genes associated with cancer survival, offering a more accessible alternative to existing microarray technology.
A Stanford study reveals a connection between archaea abundance and gum disease severity, affecting about one-third of Americans. The research found that more than one-third of patients with chronic periodontitis harbored archaea in their diseased subgingival spaces but not elsewhere.
A group of researchers has outlined the ethical issues raised by modern neuroscience, including the use of plastic surgery and neural enhancement. The panel argues that treating illnesses rather than healthy individuals is more acceptable, but raises questions about the long-term effects of brain-altering medications like Ritalin.
Researchers identified 24 genes that can be used to single out patients for alternate therapies or lower radiation doses. The test could make treatment decisions easier and allow for personalized treatment plans tailored to individual patients' needs.
A Stanford study on threespine stickleback fish found that a single gene, Pitx1, is responsible for the loss of hind fins in two distinct populations. The researchers discovered that mutations in this gene can alter limb development without killing the animal.
Researchers have identified two distinct patterns of gene activity that correlate with patient outcomes in intermediate-risk AML. The findings could lead to more personalized treatment approaches for patients with this type of cancer.
Researchers found that blood-forming stem cells lodge in damaged hearts but retain their blood-forming fate, contradicting earlier findings. The study suggests that these cells may not be able to transform into muscle cells, but could still offer some potential for treating heart attack patients
The study reveals that people from different regions carry distinct strains of the tuberculosis bacteria, indicating sociological interactions play a key role in transmission. This finding has significant implications for vaccine development, potentially leading to region-specific vaccines.
Stanford researchers found that patients who received clot-busting drug tPA within an hour of stroke arrival had better recovery outcomes. The study suggests that administering tPA even after the three-hour time period may be beneficial for some patients, albeit with reduced effectiveness.
Stanford researchers discovered a type of molecular motor that provides the proper amount of tension in inner ear sensors to respond to sound. The motor anchors itself and maintains tension, implying its role in cellular organization, such as chromosome separation during cell division.
A Stanford study found that students who engaged in anti-tobacco advocacy significantly reduced their cigarette use compared to traditional drug abuse prevention classes. The decrease continued six months later, a rare finding in similar studies.
A Stanford research team is studying how mouth microbes interact with their hosts to shape immune system development. They have identified new microorganisms in the oral pocket that were previously unknown and are working to understand complex interactions between oral flora.
A panel discussion at Stanford Medicine explores thorny issues posed by technology, including non-traditional families and reproductive cloning. The discussion aims to address concerns over the responsible use of new reproductive and genetic technologies.
Researchers suggest that a person's sleep/wake cycle, also called the circadian rhythm, may be linked to their cancer prognosis. Disrupted circadian rhythms can lead to reduced melatonin production, which can spur cancer-causing mutations in cells.
Researchers are testing a new flu vaccine that delivers the vaccine in the nose to observe differences in immune system reactions. The study aims to improve immunity in the respiratory tract for all pathogens, with implications for biodefense.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine have made groundbreaking discoveries about the structure of RNA polymerase, a crucial enzyme in gene expression. The team's findings reveal intricate details about the enzyme's interactions with helper molecules and DNA, providing a deeper understanding of transcription and protein production.
Researchers have discovered an imaging technique that monitors cancer cell proliferation by incorporating fluorescent proteins into cell nuclei. The technique allows for simultaneous observation of up to 100 cells and can be used to screen compound libraries for novel anti-cancer therapies.
A Stanford study found that Listeria bacteria can survive for long periods outside of its hosts and thrive in the gall bladder, posing a risk of food poisoning. The research suggests that the organ's unique environment makes it an ideal place for the bacteria to grow, highlighting the need for improved hygiene practices.
A team of researchers at Stanford University used a computer simulation to trace the origins of genetic mutations in human populations. By modeling population growth, migration, and mutation rates, they were able to estimate the location and time of origin for these genetic changes.
A Stanford team has developed a simplified method for generating siRNA molecules to disable genes, overcoming the technique's limitations in expense and labor. The new protocol allows researchers to create libraries of siRNA molecules for all known genes, enabling the identification of genes that play critical roles in stem cell function.
Researchers have identified wound-healing genes that are active in prostate and liver cancers, which are more aggressive and likely to spread. This discovery could lead to personalized treatment options by matching patients with specific drugs targeting these abnormal proteins.
Physician response to hormone therapy and blood pressure medication changes is influenced by public awareness and media coverage. The studies found a significant drop in hormone therapy prescriptions following the announcement of risks associated with long-term use.
Researchers tracked the movement of transplanted stem cells, revealing that they drift throughout the body and settle in specific locations. The study's findings could lead to improved techniques for transplanting bone-marrow stem cells and new therapies for cancer and immunodeficiencies.
Research by Stanford researcher Thomas Rando and postdoctoral scholar Irina Conboy found that older muscles produce less Delta after injury, leading to slower regeneration. However, artificially activating Delta in older muscles restored regenerative ability comparable to younger muscle, suggesting a potential therapeutic target.
A new study found that ximelegatran, a novel oral thrombin inhibitor, is as effective as Coumadin in preventing strokes in people with atrial fibrillation but without the need for regular blood tests or dose adjustments. The drug has been shown to reduce major bleeding incidents and may be approved by the FDA within the next year.
Researchers found that anti-inflammatory drugs can help new neurons form in the hippocampus, a memory center damaged by radiation. The study suggests that these drugs could be used to prevent long-term brain damage after radiation therapy.
A new pathway has been discovered at Stanford that provides insight into heart disease, with apelin-APJ signaling potentially holding key to treatment for heart failure. The study used microarrays to scan thousands of genes and found a previously unnoticed connection between apelin and APJ receptors.
A recent Stanford Medicine study shows that an automatic CPR device, AutoPulse, can restore blood flow and pressure more effectively than manual compressions. The device restored blood flow and returned hearts to normal condition in 73% of treated animals.
A Stanford study found that 18% of Europeans with depressive disorder also had a breathing-related sleep disorder, which can increase the risk of feeling sleepy and irritable. The study suggests that treating sleep apnea may help control depression in patients.
A new anti-rejection drug, CP-690,550, has shown promise in controlling the immune system without severe side effects. The Stanford team discovered the drug by targeting a specific pathway in immune cells, which may lead to its use in treating autoimmune diseases.
A new combination treatment using arsenic trioxide and radiation has shown promising results in treating glioblastoma, a previously incurable form of brain cancer. The study found that exposing glioblastoma cells to radiation within two hours of receiving a dose of arsenic trioxide amplified the effects of radiation treatment on its own.
Stanford Medicine has been awarded a significant grant from the National Human Genome Research Institute. The funding will support research teams in analyzing small portions of the human genome using various techniques.
Researchers found that variations in genes related to serotonin receptors and liver enzyme CYP2D6 impact antidepressant efficacy and side effects. The study suggests personalized treatment approaches based on individual genetic profiles.
A Stanford study found that a skill-building program significantly reduced depression, anxiety, and frustration among female caregivers. The program, which focuses on increasing self-efficacy and problem-solving skills, was more effective than traditional support groups in improving caregiver outcomes.
A genetically engineered strain of lactobacillus could significantly inhibit HIV infection in humans, offering a safe and long-lasting way to protect women. The research uses naturally colonizing bacteria to block and inactivate viruses before they reach host cells.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that divalproex improved mood and behavioral disorders in over 78% of at-risk children. The medication may delay or prevent the onset of bipolar disorder, offering an alternative treatment option.
A genetic dictionary has been developed to understand the role of newly identified genes and their functions, which can aid in identifying unknown genes involved in cell division and cancer. The dictionary is based on gene activity data from four organisms and provides a context for understanding genetic words.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine developed a targeted DNA vaccine that can predict and treat autoimmune diseases like M.S. by analyzing antibody profiles. The vaccine uses tolerization to knock out harmful immune responses while leaving the rest of the system functional, offering new hope for personalized therapies.
Self-referred whole-body CT scanning has grown rapidly, with 88 imaging centers nationwide and prices ranging from $795 to $1,215. Researchers caution that the technology's effectiveness is uncertain and potential risks include radiation exposure and false-positive results.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that patients taking citalopram scored lower on a scale measuring compulsive shopping tendencies compared to those on a placebo. The majority of participants reported significant improvement in their symptoms, including reduced urges and interest in shopping.
Pilots who used nicotine gum or donepezil performed better in flight simulator tasks than control groups, while those who consumed alcohol showed impaired skills. The study suggests that nicotine and donepezil may help pilots cope with long flights without cigarettes.
A new study by Stanford Medicine researchers found that B cells play a significant role in acute kidney rejection, and targeting them may lead to more effective treatment. The study identified three distinct subgroups of acute rejection based on gene-expression profiles, which could help physicians tailor their treatment approaches.
A Stanford study found that nearly 18 months and 17% of the total research budget were spent on IRB activities, with no impact on human subject protection. The researchers hope to lead further examination of IRB procedures and weigh the cost and benefits of multi-center review for minimal-risk studies.
A recent study by Stanford researchers found that receiving traffic tickets reduces drivers' risk of dying in crashes by 35 percent. The study analyzed public records of Ontario drivers involved in fatal crashes between 1988 and 1998, revealing a significant protective effect of traffic enforcement.
A recent study by Stanford researchers found that four of the 10 studied atypicals were more effective than conventional medications in treating psychotic symptoms. The effectiveness of new antipsychotics varies from drug to drug, but they generally carry a smaller risk of severe side effects compared to older medications.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine found a potential new treatment for type-2 diabetes that also reduces the risk of heart disease. The study showed that rosiglitazone, a common diabetes medication, can decrease inflammation and lower cardiovascular risk factors.