A new study found that transgender people who began hormone treatment in adolescence had fewer thoughts of suicide, lower rates of major mental health disorders, and reduced substance abuse compared to those who started hormones in adulthood. The study also showed better mental health outcomes for those who received hormone treatment a...
A new study shows that blood from young adult mice that are getting lots of exercise benefits the brains of same-aged, sedentary mice. Transfusions of blood from running mice reduced neuroinflammation and improved cognitive performance in sedentary mice.
Researchers have developed a new synthetic molecule that recruits immune cells to fight cancer. The treatment shows promising results in mouse models of breast and pancreatic cancer, with some animals cured after just a few injections.
A massive prospective spill from the deteriorating Red Sea oil tanker, FSO Safer, could lead to catastrophic public health effects in Yemen and neighboring countries. Simulations reveal increased risk of cardiovascular and respiratory hospitalizations due to air pollution and inhalation of fine particulate matter.
A Stanford study has linked insulin resistance to an increased risk of major depressive disorder. The research found that individuals with insulin resistance are twice as likely to develop the condition, even if they have never experienced depression before.
A Stanford study found that allergic reactions to the new mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines are rare, typically mild, and treatable. The researchers analyzed 22 potential allergic reactions among healthcare workers who received over 39,000 doses of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
Researchers found statins significantly decrease the rate of surgical treatment, anti-inflammatory medication use, and hospitalization for patients with ulcerative colitis. Patients taking statins had a 50% lower risk of colectomy and were less likely to be hospitalized.
Hospitalized COVID-19 patients have a higher risk of carrying autoantibodies that target their own tissues or substances secreted by immune cells. This could lead to full-blown autoimmune disease. Vaccination is seen as a way to boost the immune system without triggering the production of these harmful antibodies.
Researchers have discovered a marijuana-like brain substance that calms seizures by damping down seizure intensity. However, the rapid breakdown of this substance leads to blood-vessel constriction and disorientation, commonly experienced after epileptic seizures.
A new study reveals the second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine induces powerful immune system responses, including broad antiviral protection and enhanced innate immunity. The research strongly supports skipping the second dose, as it stimulates a manifold increase in antibody levels and a terrific T-cell response.
The study found that a single-number quantitative measure, the inflammatory-age score, tracks well with a person's immunological response and the likelihood of incurring aging-related diseases. Blood levels of CXCL9, a cytokine secreted by certain immune cells, contribute more powerfully than any other clock component to the inflammato...
A study published in Cell found that a 10-week fermented-food diet increased gut microbiome diversity and decreased molecular signs of inflammation in healthy adults. The diet, which included foods like yogurt and kimchi, also showed stronger effects on immune cells and inflammatory proteins.
At-risk children who participated in a mindfulness curriculum gained an average of 74 minutes of sleep per night, with rapid eye movement sleep also increasing. The study found that the curriculum was protective against sleep losses typically seen during this age period.
Researchers found that people with milder COVID-19 symptoms tend to have more killer T cells that recognize peptides shared with other coronaviruses, indicating a previous encounter. This may help explain why some individuals are more resilient to infection and potentially predict severe symptoms.
A new study from Stanford University School of Medicine found that hospitalizations to treat pediatric gun injuries are expensive, with a total of about $109 million spent each year. The cost of hospitalizations rose over time, with more than half paid by Medicaid and uninsured patients accounting for 11% of all hospitalizations.
A comprehensive study of COVID-19 brains found significant signs of inflammation and impaired brain circuits. The findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 may trigger inflammatory responses throughout the body, leading to neuroinflammation in the brain.
Researchers have created a software that can decode brain signals to translate mental handwriting into text on a computer screen. The technology, called 'mindwriting,' has been tested on a man with full-body paralysis and achieved speeds of over 18 words per minute, rivaling those of able-bodied peers.
A new study by Stanford researchers found that nearly two-thirds of California prison residents who were offered a COVID-19 vaccine accepted at least one dose. Acceptance rates varied across different racial and ethnic groups, with Hispanic and white inmates having the highest acceptance rates.
Researchers have identified novel blood markers that can predict when labor is approaching, shedding light on the biological process of labor initiation. The study's findings lay the groundwork for a clinical blood test that could provide more precise estimates of delivery time.
A four-year effort in California has lowered the state's C-section rate for low-risk, first-time mothers to below the national average, according to a Stanford-led study. The campaign, which included messaging, public reporting, and quality improvement initiatives, resulted in a reduction from 26% in 2014 to 22.8% in 2019.
A study published by Stanford Medicine has found no link between epidural use during childbirth and an increased risk of autism in children. The research controlled for various socioeconomic, medical, and family factors, including genetic influences, to reach this conclusion.
A Stanford study reveals that chronic inflammation driven by myeloid cells is the main driver of brain aging. The researchers found that blocking a specific hormone-receptor interaction in these cells can restore youthful metabolism and calm down inflammation, potentially reversing age-related cognitive decline.
A study by Stanford Medicine researchers found that COVID-19 severity correlates with the proportion of antibodies targeting the virus's inner shell, not just the spike protein. This discovery raises concerns about re-infection and the need for repeated vaccinations to maintain a protective immune response.
Researchers developed a method to reformulate gentamicin, reducing the risk of irreversible hearing loss. The new formulation, C2b, shows comparable effectiveness while minimizing toxicity.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine discovered that blocking a single protein restores mass and strength to withered muscles in old mice. The protein, 15-PGDH, is elevated in old muscle and its inhibition leads to improved prostaglandin E2 levels, resulting in muscle fiber growth and increased mitochondrial density.
A study found that Black and Hispanic patients made up 53% of inpatient deaths from COVID-19, despite being underrepresented in the general population. The researchers attributed this disparity to a higher rate of hospitalization among these groups, rather than racial or ethnic differences in mortality rates.
Researchers found that people with a genetic deletion syndrome are more excitable and experience abnormalities in calcium signaling, leading to an increased risk of developing schizophrenia. The study identified a single gene, DGCR8, as the main player in these cellular defects.
Researchers pinpoint a specific protein and brain region responsible for dissociation, a phenomenon affecting up to 10% of the population. This discovery could lead to targeted therapies for conditions like PTSD and borderline personality disorder.
A Stanford-led study found that vaping is linked to a substantially increased risk of COVID-19 among teenagers and young adults. Those who vaped were five to seven times more likely to be infected with the virus, highlighting the importance of warning teenagers and young adults about the dangers of vaping.
A Stanford study reveals that severely ill COVID-19 patients experience immune system paralysis, leading to enhanced inflammation and lung damage. The research identified three molecular suspects associated with lung inflammation and bacterial debris in the blood, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for combating COVID-19.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and Stanford experts recommend a three-pronged testing approach, including symptomatic testing, pooled testing, and frequent testing in high-risk households. Schools should also implement strict COVID-19 prevention measures, such as enhanced disinfection, hand sanitizers, and protective equipment.
A new study by researchers at Stanford Medicine found that plant-based meat alternatives can improve some cardiovascular risk factors compared to red meat. The study, which used products from Beyond Meat, found lower levels of TMAO in participants who ate plant-based diets.
Scientists have found conclusive evidence of contact between ancient Polynesians and Native Americans from Colombia using genetic analysis. The research traced common genetic signatures of DNA back hundreds of years, resolving a long-standing debate about the two groups' interaction.
According to a new Stanford-led study, California's most vulnerable premature babies are now healthier when they go home from the hospital. The proportion of infants who survived without major complications increased from 62% to 67%, while those with major complications had fewer of them.
A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that self-collected nasal swab samples yielded results as accurate as those collected by healthcare workers, paving the way for widespread at-home testing. The study also explored how long infected individuals remain contagious and provided insights into viral shedding patterns.
A new Stanford Medicine study provides a comprehensive analysis of the molecular effects of exercise, shedding light on how physical fitness is determined at a molecular level. The research reveals a strong correlation between specific molecules and an individual's aerobic fitness, paving the way for the development of a blood test tha...
A new type of vaccination has been shown to substantially enhance and sustain protection from HIV in monkeys, with a two-armed approach stimulating both serum and cellular immunity. The findings have broad implications for immunologists pursuing vaccines for other diseases, particularly those caused by coronaviruses.
A study led by Stanford researchers found that low levels of the hormone vasopressin in infants' cerebrospinal fluid may predict an autism diagnosis. The findings suggest that early intervention could be beneficial for affected children.
Researchers found that a specific gene variant, klotho, can protect against Alzheimer's disease in people with the ApoE4 high-risk gene variant. This finding could help identify individuals at lower risk and inform clinical trial participants and treatments.
A Stanford study found that exercise restores youthful properties to muscle stem cells of old mice, improving their repair capabilities. The researchers identified a molecular pathway involved in this process and suggest that drugs targeting this pathway could be an effective substitute for exercise.
A new form of magnetic brain stimulation, SAINT, rapidly relieved symptoms of severe depression in 90% of participants. The treatment targets the brain's neurocircuitry and has shown promising results in treating people with treatment-resistant depression.
A Stanford study reports a new smart toilet that monitors for signs of disease using motion sensing, video analysis, and molecular testing. The device can detect various biomarkers, including those for colorectal or urologic cancers, and is designed to provide precise, individualized health feedback.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have successfully rejuvenated old human cells using stem cell technology, rewinding molecular hallmarks of aging and rendering treated cells nearly indistinguishable from their younger counterparts. The study found that exposure to specific proteins, known as Yamanaka factors, can i...
A Stanford study finds that young adults are unaware of the nicotine content in vaping products like Juul, raising concerns about their use and regulation. The study's findings also suggest that teens hide vaping products to avoid detection and choose them for stealth use and less noticeable smell.
A comprehensive analysis of 35 studies found AA to be nearly always more effective than psychotherapy in achieving abstinence and lowering health care costs. The fellowship's social interaction model provides emotional support and practical tips, facilitating behavior change.
A recent study of over 4,500 postmenopausal women diagnosed with breast cancer found that about 1 in 40 have BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations. These mutations increase the risk of other cancers, including ovarian cancer, and may benefit from genetic testing.
Researchers found that women chairs of clinical departments earned an average of $70,000 to $80,000 less per year than their male counterparts. Despite controlling for factors such as productivity, specialization, and years on the job, the disparity remained.
A study by Stanford University School of Medicine investigators found that patients with ulcerative colitis have depleted levels of secondary bile acids and Ruminococcaceae bacteria in their intestines. These findings suggest that supplementing or restoring these missing metabolites may effectively treat intestinal inflammation.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine have developed a brain-wave signature that can predict which individuals with depression are most likely to respond to sertraline, an antidepressant. The study used electroencephalography and AI to identify the pattern in participants before treatment, allowing clinicians to make informed decisions abou...
Studies funded by the tanning industry are more likely to downplay risks and highlight perceived benefits of indoor tanning. Researchers analyzed 691 articles on indoor tanning and found that studies with financial ties to the industry were significantly more favorable, highlighting the need for independent scientific data.