Researchers found that most hospital-acquired bloodstream infections come from patients' own gut, with 15 of 30 patients having the same strain in both stool and blood samples. The study used bioinformatics software to rapidly identify the source of infections, which could help address risk factors and prevent recurrence.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new technique called CRISPR-GO, which allows them to manipulate the genome in three-dimensional space. By reorganizing genetic elements in different locations within the nucleus, scientists can alter their function and study the impact on cell behavior.
A study by Stanford Medicine and the Undiagnosed Disease Network has diagnosed over 100 patients with previously unknown ailments, providing actionable information for treatment. The network, created in 2014, uses a combination of traditional medicine and cutting-edge genomic technologies to solve mysterious cases.
A recent study identified three genetic mutations that improve cholesterol profiles and reduce the risk of heart disease, abdominal aortic aneurysms, or diabetes. The PDE3B mutation has shown significant benefits, with a lower risk of heart disease and improved triglyceride levels.
A Stanford-led study found a link between height and varicose veins, identifying 30 genes linked to the condition and suggesting that genetic markers of height may predict disease. The researchers used machine learning combined with epidemiological methods to examine genomic data on over 400,000 people.
A Stanford study has mapped the human exposome, a dynamic cloud of microbes, chemicals, and particulates that surround us. The research provides unprecedented detail on the variety of biological and chemical exposures at an individual level, offering new insights into human health and environmental influences.
The discovery of the human skeletal stem cell could lead to treatments for regenerating bone and cartilage in people. The researchers created a family tree of stem cells important to the development and maintenance of the human skeleton.
A new study found that nearly half of a patient's first-degree relatives chose to undergo low-cost genetic testing after being contacted by a genetic testing laboratory. This 'cascade' testing helped identify healthy people at risk of cancer, with about 12% of those tested then inviting additional relatives to be tested.
A study found that common mutations drive the spread of cancer in individual patients, suggesting a key understanding of how cancers metastasize. The research also identified passenger mutations that are less likely to play a critical role in cancer development.
A new study from Stanford University School of Medicine identifies patterns in genetic data that can predict a person's risk for abdominal aortic aneurysm, a common and often fatal cardiovascular disease. The method uses machine learning to analyze genomic data and identify complex mutational patterns associated with the condition.
Researchers found a decline in snakebites during droughts and an increase after rainy periods. Climate change exacerbates extreme weather events, leading to more snakebites.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine have successfully developed a method to induce tolerance to gene therapy in mice, eliminating the autoimmune reaction that often occurs. This breakthrough could lead to effective treatments for single-gene disorders such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Children are dying from the indirect impact of armed conflicts in Africa, which is three to five times greater than direct casualties. This burden remains elevated over years and even after a conflict has ended, raising the risk of death for infants by over 30 percent.
Stanford researchers found that ketamine works as an antidepressant by activating the brain's opioid system. The study overturns previous beliefs about the drug's mechanism and presents new treatment opportunities for depression, pain, and opioid addiction.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine discovered that people with cardiomyopathy have abnormally short telomeres in their heart muscle cells. This finding opens the door to new research and drug discovery, potentially allowing for the identification of individuals at risk for heart failure due to genetic defects.
The Stanford model analyzes opioid use and addiction among Americans, projecting a decline in deaths if doctors reduce prescriptions by 25% over 10 years while expanding treatment programs. The researchers aimed to provide policymakers with 'what-if' scenarios to address the crisis.
A blood test can predict which patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma are likely to respond positively to initial therapy. Researchers tracked circulating tumor DNA levels in 217 patients and found a correlation between rapid decline and improved outcome.
A Stanford study discovered that apoptosis, a well-known form of cell death, spreads through perpetuating waves triggered by positive feedback loops and thresholds. This phenomenon, known as trigger waves, governs the progression of cell death in intact cells, as observed in Xenopus frog eggs.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine found that individuals with six or more basal cell carcinomas over a 10-year period are three times more likely to develop other, unrelated cancers. The study suggests that mutations in DNA-damage-repair proteins may be linked to increased cancer susceptibility.
Researchers found that releasing serotonin in a specific part of the brain enhanced social behavior in mice, providing insights into autism spectrum disorder and potentially leading to new treatments. The study suggests that targeting this brain circuit could ameliorate social deficits in individuals with these disorders.
A new therapy using Google Glass and a smartphone app has been shown to improve social skills in children with autism by helping them recognize facial expressions. The treatment, called 'Superpower Glass,' uses machine learning to identify eight core emotions and provides instant rewards for correct identifications.
A study found people with depression have lower blood levels of acetyl-L-carnitine than healthy individuals. The findings suggest a potential new class of antidepressants could be developed to treat severe or treatment-resistant depression.
Patients with advanced cancer who discussed personal care goals with a trained nonclinical worker were more likely to talk with doctors, report higher satisfaction, and incur lower health costs in their final month of life. The study suggests that these conversations can improve the quality of end-of-life cancer care while lowering costs.
Researchers identified a molecule, propionate, produced by Bacteroides bacteria, that inhibits Salmonella growth in the intestinal tract of mice. This finding may lead to better treatment strategies and understanding why some people are more resistant to infection.
A new genetic screen developed at Stanford University School of Medicine can predict a person's future risk of osteoporosis and bone fracture. The screen identified 899 regions in the human genome associated with low bone-mineral density, with those deemed high-risk being nearly 17 times more likely to develop osteoporosis.
A new Stanford study finds that healthy individuals often experience significant fluctuations in blood sugar levels, similar to those seen in people with diabetes. The researchers used continuous glucose monitoring devices to track participants' glucose levels over two weeks and identified distinct 'glucotypes' based on spike intensity.
A Stanford University School of Medicine study found structural and functional abnormalities in the brain's mesolimbic reward pathway in children with autism. The research supports the social motivation theory of autism, suggesting that social interaction is inherently less appealing to those with the disorder.
A magnetic wire used to snag scarce tumor cells could prove swift and effective for early cancer detection. The technique attracts up to 80 times more tumor cells than current methods, making it a potent tool to catch the disease earlier.
A study by Stanford researchers found that physician burnout is equally, if not more, responsible for medical errors as unsafe work environments. The study suggests that addressing burnout among healthcare providers is crucial to reducing medical errors and improving patient safety.
Researchers have developed a technique to determine the significance of gene variants of uncertain significance in patients with suspected heart conditions. By using advanced genetic-editing tools and stem cell technology, they were able to confirm that a patient had a mild case of long QT syndrome and rule out another condition.
A study found that genetic variations in the progesterone receptor gene are linked to prematurity risk, with different versions affecting various populations. The research suggests that genes play a role in determining risk, but also highlights the importance of environmental factors.
Researchers have found a blood-based genetic biomarker, KLRD1, which determines an individual's susceptibility to the flu. Those with higher levels of this gene have better immune defenses and are less likely to fall ill.
Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a molecular code that unleashes necroptosis, a violent form of cell death. The discovery opens the door to potential new treatments for diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and multiple sclerosis.
A Stanford-led study developed a blood test detecting premature birth with 75-80% accuracy. The test also estimates gestational age, reducing infant mortality risk and improving prenatal care in low-resource settings.
A recent study found that most clinical trial participants are willing to share their personal data with pharmaceutical companies, believing the benefits of data sharing outweigh the risks. Despite concerns about privacy and potential harm, nearly 80% of respondents felt the benefits of data sharing were more important.
A study led by Stanford researchers found that over 11 million Americans may be prescribed incorrect statins, aspirin, or blood pressure medications due to outdated data. The updated equations improve the accuracy of cardiovascular disease risk estimates.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a breakthrough technique to convert human immune cells directly into functional neurons. The transformation occurs through transdifferentiation and achieves high efficiency, generating up to 50,000 neurons from 1 milliliter of blood.
Researchers found that d-limonene, a compound in citrus oils, protected cells producing saliva in mice exposed to radiation therapy. The study shows promising results for alleviating dry mouth in head and neck cancer patients.
Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine have invented a litmus test for the effectiveness of a newly devised cancer therapy using a radioactive tracer that tracks activated immune cells. The tracer's capabilities also make it a powerful tool to detect autoimmune diseases.
A study found that multigene testing is more likely to identify disease-associated genetic variants than BRCA-only testing, but may reveal mutations of uncertain clinical significance. The shift reflects a growing acceptance of multigene panel tests as a more clinically useful option for patients and their relatives.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have shown that manipulating a mouse's diet can favor the engraftment of specific bacterial strains. By adding a carbohydrate-rich compound, they were able to control how much a bacterium grows in the intestine and even introduce new strains into the gut microbiome.
A new study links low vasopressin levels in cerebrospinal fluid to impaired social abilities in monkeys and children with autism, suggesting a potential biomarker for the condition. The researchers hope to further explore the hormone's role in autism diagnosis.
Researchers identify two brain nuclei that send signals to opposite areas of the brain, sparking timid or bold responses. Stimulating these nuclei can shift a mouse's behavior from freezing to standing its ground, offering insights into treating anxiety disorders.
A new study by Stanford University researcher Annelise Barron has developed a protein mimic that restored breathing capacity to injured rats' lungs, outperforming animal-derived counterparts. The synthetic product could lead to better and cheaper treatments for acute lung injury in humans.
A study by Stanford University School of Medicine investigators found that older people's immune cells receive a fuzzier set of instructions, leading to reduced effectiveness. The researchers analyzed hundreds of millions of immune cells using a new method to determine the impact of environmental factors on aging and disease.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine successfully used CRISPR-Cas9 to genetically edit coral, demonstrating its potential as a resource for coral biologists. The technique allowed them to identify critical genes in coral biology and alter multiple gene copies, offering hope for conserving coral reefs.
A Stanford study found a link between early-life obesity and depression in children's brains, revealing abnormalities in reward-processing areas. Young people with both conditions had lower volumes in the hippocampus and anterior cingulate cortex.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine have developed a CAR-T therapy that eradicates diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) tumors in mice, leaving few residual cancer cells. The treatment targets the GD2 sugar molecule on DIPG tumors and has shown promising results, but side effects such as brain swelling must be carefully managed.
A Stanford-led study of nearly half a million people in the UK Biobank database found that higher levels of physical activity and fitness are associated with lower risks of heart attacks and stroke. Even those with a high genetic risk for heart disease can benefit from regular exercise.
Stanford researchers discover that telomerase-expressing liver cells can rapidly regenerate the liver during normal turnover or tissue damage. These rare cells are evenly distributed throughout the liver's lobules and play a crucial role in enabling the organ to replace damaged cells, potentially leading to cancer.