A study by Stanford University researchers found that surgery remains the best treatment option for appendicitis, despite being more expensive upfront. Patients treated with antibiotics alone had higher rates of hospital readmissions and abdominal abscesses, highlighting the risks of this alternative approach.
Researchers developed a method to release drugs from nanoparticle cages in small areas of the brain, reducing neural activity. The technique uses focused ultrasound to jiggle drug molecules loose and has potential for treating various conditions, including cancer.
A Stanford study found that lax state gun laws are associated with higher rates of firearm-related fatalities among children and teenagers. States with stricter gun control legislation have lower rates of firearm-related suicides among youth.
The study aims to determine the accuracy of irregular-pulse detection by the watch and compare it with simultaneous ECG patch recordings. Researchers hope this study will help better understand how wearable technologies can inform precision health.
Babies born to fathers over 35 have higher risks of adverse birth outcomes, such as low birth weight and seizures. The study used data from 40 million births to show that every year a man ages increases the risk by two new DNA mutations in his sperm.
A novel immunotherapy combining Hu5F9-G4 and rituximab has shown safety and promise in a phase-1 clinical trial for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Half of the 22 patients enrolled experienced a positive response, with eight going into complete remission.
A Stanford-led study identifies uhrf1 and s100a10 as key genes driving rapid deer antler growth, a process that could inform new approaches for treating human bone conditions like osteoporosis. The researchers hope to apply the underlying biology of deer antlers to develop more efficient therapies.
Researchers identified a link between chromatin, transcription factors, and gene activation patterns in cancer. They found that specific mutations in chromatin can lead to changes in gene activity, driving cancer growth and development. The study provides new insights into cancer biology and potential treatments.
Researchers at Stanford University discovered that adult mouse skeletal stem cells revert to an earlier developmental stage when tasked with regenerating large portions of bone and tissue. This process, called de-differentiation, allows the cells to become more primitive and express genes typically found in early embryonic development.
A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that teens and young adults who use Juul e-cigarettes fail to recognize the product's addictive potential, with some reporting addiction despite infrequent smoking. The study emphasizes the need for clear public-health messages about the risks of new types of e-cigarettes.
A new treatment for lymphedema symptoms has been found to be effective in restoring skin health and reducing swelling. Ketoprofen, an anti-inflammatory drug, has shown promising results in two clinical trials, with participants experiencing significant improvements in skin thickness and appearance.
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.