A new implantable cardiac pump could revolutionize heart transplant care for children, allowing them to wait at home instead of in the hospital. The device performed well in a feasibility trial, with six out of seven children ultimately undergoing transplants and one child's heart recovering on its own.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine have developed brain organoids and assembloids to study neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia. These three-dimensional models can survive for several years in culture, enabling scientists to view the developing human brain up close and in real time.
A new AI-based model at Stanford Hospital predicts patient decline and flags physicians and nurses, enhancing communication and intervention. The study saw a significant improvement in clinical outcomes, with a 10.4% decrease in deterioration events among high-risk patients.
Researchers found two key brain systems malfunctioning in people with psychosis, leading to hallucinations and delusions. The study used brain scan data from children, teens, and young adults with psychosis, confirming an existing theory of how breaks with reality occur.
Researchers found that interstitial macrophages in the lungs are most susceptible to infection by SARS-CoV-2, leading to pneumonia and organ damage. Blocking this step could prove a major therapeutic advance, but the virus's unusual entry mechanism presents a new challenge.
Stanford researchers develop non-invasive 'virtual biopsy' using lasers and AI to create cell-by-cell reconstructions of skin or other tissue. The method mimics standard biopsies but provides rapid results and more information.
A pilot study found that a ketogenic diet can help stabilize the brain and improve psychiatric conditions in patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. The diet was shown to restore metabolic health, reduce weight and waist circumference, and lower blood pressure and triglycerides.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine and McMaster University developed a generative AI model called SyntheMol that creates recipes for chemists to synthesize novel antibiotics. The model generated six compounds with high potential to kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including Acinetobacter baumannii, E. coli, and MRSA.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine have discovered a way to revitalize the immune system in geriatric animals, significantly improving their ability to fight off new viruses and respond to vaccination. This breakthrough could lead to lifesaving treatments for older adults who struggle with weakened immunity.
Researchers used machine learning tools to map distinct cellular configurations in soft tissue sarcomas, identifying correlations between cell types and clinical outcomes. The analysis uncovered three multicellular communities that correlated with patients' prognoses, potentially informing treatment decisions.
A genetic study of over 1,000 Bengal cats reveals that their leopard-like patterns and iridescent sheen are primarily the result of domesticated cat genes. The researchers found no evidence of Asian leopard cat genes being present in all Bengal cats, contradicting the breed's wild origins.
A Stanford Medicine study found that metformin stimulates production of lac-phe, an anti-hunger molecule abundant after exercise, leading to moderate weight loss in mice and humans. Understanding how metformin works through this pathway may lead to new strategies for lowering body mass and improving health.
A Stanford Medicine-led study tracked the gut, mouth, nose and skin bacteria of 86 people for up to six years, revealing a unique microbiome in each individual. The researchers found that bacteria most particular to an individual were the most stable, contradicting previous assumptions.
A simulation model predicts that frequent booster vaccination is highest effective for those over 65 years old and the immunocompromised to prevent severe disease. The model suggests that annual or twice-yearly boosters reduce severe infections in these high-risk populations by half.
A Stanford Medicine-led study found that the drug omalizumab can prevent dangerous allergic responses in children with food allergies. The research showed that two-thirds of participants who received the drug safely ate small amounts of their allergy-triggering foods, including peanuts and other common allergens.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine unveiled a new AI model that accurately identified sex differences in brain activity with over 90% accuracy. The study suggests that understanding these differences is crucial for addressing neuropsychiatric conditions that affect women and men differently.
Researchers found that people with Type 2 diabetes have higher levels of AGEs, leading to more viscoelastic liver tissue, which increases the risk of liver cancer. The study suggests new screening guidelines for this population, potentially improving early detection and treatment.
Researchers found that X-chromosome inactivation can lead to autoimmune disorders, but other factors also cause them. The study suggests that the unique combination of proteins generated during this process may trigger a strong immune response, increasing the risk of autoimmunity in women.
A Stanford Medicine-led study found that advances in treating metastatic breast cancer are responsible for nearly one-third of the decrease in annual deaths from breast cancer between 1975 and 2019. This decline is attributed to improved treatments, which have enabled women with metastatic disease to live longer than ever.
Stanford researchers found that ibogaine safely improves depression, anxiety and functioning among veterans with TBI. The study included 30 veterans who experienced significant improvements in PTSD symptoms, depression and anxiety after treatment.
Researchers found that less than two minutes of electrical stimulation targeting a precise area of the brain could increase participants' hypnotizability for about one hour. Highly hypnotizable individuals have stronger functional connectivity between the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex.,
Researchers have developed a stem cell-derived model of heart tissue that provides insight into tachycardia, a condition where the heart beats out of control. The engineered tissues were used to study how fast heart rates affect the heart and uncover the inner workings of the body's engine.
A new Stanford Medicine study found that smartwatches can help physicians detect and diagnose irregular heart rhythms in children. Over a four-year period, patients' medical records mentioned Apple Watch 145 times, with 41 patients having abnormal heart rhythms confirmed by traditional diagnostic methods.
A Stanford Medicine-led study identified circulating tumor DNA as a predictor of disease recurrence and grouped Hodgkin lymphoma into two subgroups with distinct genetic changes. This discovery may lead to more effective treatments with reduced toxicity.
A new Stanford Medicine-led study reveals that organs age at different rates, and when an organ's age is advanced, individuals are at heightened risk for diseases. The study found that nearly 1 in 5 healthy adults over 50 have at least one organ aging rapidly, guiding therapeutic interventions before clinical symptoms manifest.
Researchers developed a new technique using deep brain stimulation that restored cognitive abilities in patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries. The study, published in Nature Medicine, exceeded expectations and showed promise against long-lasting impairments from brain injuries.
A vegan diet has been shown to improve cardiovascular health in just eight weeks, according to a study led by Stanford Medicine. The researchers found that participants who followed a vegan diet had lower LDL-C levels, insulin, and body weight compared to those on an omnivore diet.
Researchers found that dopamine release in striatum is influenced by effort to gain reward, linking sunk costs to brain chemistry, affecting behavior and decision-making.
Researchers have discovered that tumors can hijack and exploit the nervous system's electrical signals to drive their growth and form working connections with healthy cells. This new field of medicine, cancer neuroscience, offers opportunities to target deadly forms of cancer, including brain tumors.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine found that nurse practitioners are no more likely than primary care physicians to inappropriately prescribe drugs to older patients. The study analyzed over 73,000 providers and found a similar rate of inappropriate prescribing among both groups.
A recent study led by Stanford Medicine researchers found that national lung cancer screening guidelines are less effective for African Americans than whites. An alternative risk-based method showed better results in eliminating disparities among races. The disparities persist despite guideline revisions implemented in 2021.
Researchers identified simple food swaps that can make a big difference in an individual's carbon footprint without drastic dietary overhaul. The suggested changes include replacing beef with chicken or plant-based milk, which could reduce the nation's food-related carbon footprint by more than 35% and improve overall dietary quality.
Small cell lung cancers metastasize to the brain by convincing astrocytes they are baby neurons in need of protection. Blocking this signal may slow or stop brain metastasis growth, according to a Stanford Medicine study.
A study at Stanford Medicine found that patients who believed they had received ketamine experienced significant improvements in depression symptoms, even if they hadn't. The researchers suggest that positive expectations and hope may play a key role in ketamine's effectiveness.
Stanford Medicine researchers developed a technique to measure ocular aging using artificial intelligence, predicting disease triggers and revealing new targets for therapies. The study found that certain proteins accelerate aging in each disease, potentially leading to personalized treatments.
A pilot study suggests that virtual reality therapy can help individuals with hoarding disorder practice decluttering by rehearsing organizational and decision-making skills in a simulated environment. Seven of nine participants showed significant improvements in self-reported hoarding symptoms, with an average decrease of 25%, and eig...
Researchers discovered that young children's immune systems produce fewer and more stable antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, which may explain why they rarely develop severe cases of the virus. This unique response is characterized by narrow-spectrum antibodies effective against the original variant but less protective against other variants.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine have discovered a small molecule that restores lost connections between nerves and muscle fibers in aging mice, leading to improved strength and function. The study suggests that the drug may one day be used to prevent or treat muscle loss due to aging or disease.
A study using wearable device data found that reduced sleep and physical activity during pregnancy are linked to an increased risk of preterm birth. The research, led by Stanford Medicine, collected data from over 1,000 women throughout pregnancy and identified patterns that can help prevent early deliveries.
Researchers identified dozens of genes implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders, which have similar effects on brain function. The study uses a new method to sort defective genes by their function, accelerating drug development for these disorders.
Researchers analyzed over 800 lipids in participants' blood samples for up to 9 years, finding associations with insulin resistance, viral infections, and aging. Certain lipids, like omega-3 fatty acids, showed age-related changes, while others linked to better health.
A study of medical and genetic data reveals that carrying a particular gene version reduces the risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's by over 10% on average. The protective allele, DR4, also correlates with a later onset of symptoms in both diseases.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine have developed a brain-computer interface that can decode the intended words of a speech-disabled person and display them on a computer screen. The technology has shown promise in restoring communication for individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) who are unable to speak.
A study in mice found that white matter, a type of nervous system tissue, shows the most pronounced changes as the animals age. The researchers identified 82 genes frequently expressed in different brain regions and developed an aging score to assess gene activity changes with age.
Researchers have created an ultra-high-resolution map of the intestine's cellular neighborhoods, revealing their function and organization. The study provides new insights into digestion, disease risk, and the relationship between body mass index and hypertension.
The placenta forms an unusual organ that requires unique cooperation between genetically mismatched maternal and fetal cells. Researchers have mapped the intricate dance between trophoblasts and the mother's immune system, shedding light on how to develop new treatments for pregnancy complications like preeclampsia and miscarriages.
A new study by Stanford Medicine researchers found that many Tinder users are not swiping for dates, but rather for social connectedness, entertainment, or to cope with negative emotions. The study suggests that online dating is an ineffective coping mechanism for mental health challenges and recommends addressing underlying issues ins...
A Stanford Medicine-led study found that children with autism have impaired memory beyond poor facial recognition, affecting other types of information. The research also revealed distinct brain wiring patterns reflecting these memory challenges.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine found that cancer cells accumulate a series of specific genetic changes in a predictable and sequential way, years before they are identifiable as pre-malignancies. These changes affect pathways controlling cell division, structure, and internal messaging, leaving the cells poised to go bad long before ...
Researchers have identified a subtype of depression, labeled the cognitive biotype, which accounts for 27% of depressed patients. This group has difficulty with planning, self-control, and focus, and shows reduced activity in brain regions responsible for these tasks. Targeting cognitive dysfunctions with less commonly used antidepress...