University of California, San Francisco

Archives (2009)

New Research on CT Radiation Exposures, Risks, Fuels Growing Concern December 17
The use of computed tomography (CT) scans in medicine to diagnose disease, and in many cases save lives, has exploded in recent decades.
For the Most Painful Headaches, a Simple, Drug-Free Treatment Usually Works December 16
Treatment of excruciatingly painful cluster headaches with pure oxygen often relieves pain within 15 minutes, according to a study led by a UCSF headache expert.
New Guidelines on Pap Tests Draw from UCSF Expert’s Findings December 2
A new set of recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says cervical cancer screening can start later and occur less frequently for most women.
Chimp Subspecies Identified as Suspected Source of Human HIV Virus December 1
Scientist pinpoints chimpanzee origin of HIV during Merle Sande Memorial Lecture.
Stuffed on Thanksgiving? Dementia Research May Shed Light on Overeating November 23
UCSF studies of frontotemporal dementia may shed light on Thanksgiving and year-round overeating.
Community Forum Highlights Environmental Breast Cancer Risks November 20
Activists, scientists and administrators convene to discuss research on the role of environmental chemicals in breast cancer.
World of Chronic Pain Suddenly Looks Different to Researchers November 16
A nerve pathway responsible for a type of chronic pain has been identified by UCSF researchers.
Beyond Drugs, “Science of the Mind” Series Explores New Depression Treatments November 10
Psychiatrist Descartes Li discusses new techniques to treat depression as part of UCSF Mini Medical School’s “Science of the Mind” lecture series.
CAT Scan for Cells Permits Viewing of New Drugs’ Effects on Infectious Candida November 9
UCSF researchers use a new type of CAT scan to image cells that cause yeast infection and learn more about promising drug candidates.
UCSF Scientists Help Guide Cancer Research to a Melding of Physics & Biology November 4
UCSF Program Encourages Breakthrough Biomedical Research November 2
UCSF’s Program for Breakthrough Biomedical Research, which finances creative, risky projects that have the potential to transform their fields, has had an impressive track record.
Scientist’s Efforts to Transform NIH Funding Process Spurs Scientific Risk-Taking October 23
UCSF’s Keith Yamamoto played a key role in the creation of the National Institutes of Health’s High-Risk Research Awards, which foster greater innovation and scientific risk-taking. Read the Science Café story.
The Nobel Prize and Pond Scum as a “Model” Organism October 15
Many Breast Cancer Patients May Not Be Receiving Recommended Test October 14
A new report finds widespread variations and frequent errors in HER2 testing — a procedure recommended for all patients with invasive breast cancer.
Stem Cell Scientists Compare Findings, Think Ahead to Future Treatments October 8
A recent two-day symposium at UCSF offered leading stem cell experts a chance to talk shop and form new alliances in the fight against neurological disorders.
Trial-Matching Service for Breast Cancer Patients Takes Personalized Approach October 2
The newly expanded BreastCancerTrials.org provides a patient-controlled, custom-tailored experience that is earning rave reviews from users.
Estrogen Plays Key Role in Male Brain Development October 1
Not testosterone, but rather estrogen, the “female” hormone, is most directly responsible for the development of brain circuits in males that guide aggressive and territorial behaviors – at least in mice.
UCSF Stem Cell Investigator Awarded Funding for Brain Cancer Research September 24
A $600,000 grant from the Sontag Foundation will allow Daniel Lim to explore how brain tumor cells acquire and retain their malignant properties.
Researchers Probe Links Between Modern Humans and Neanderthals September 4
Scientists are using old bones to completely map the DNA of Neanderthals. Comparisons may shed light on what makes our own species unique.
Researchers Explore Role of Culture in Decision to Get a Mammogram September 2
A new study of mammogram use among Latina and Filipina women shows the powerful influence of culture in determining health behavior.
Pioneer Personalizes Breast Cancer Treatment August 21
Laura van ’t Veer, PhD, has changed the way physicians look at breast cancer.
In Type 2 Diabetes, Insight into Cell Death Leads to New Treatment Idea August 6
In the fight against type 2 diabetes, researchers come up with a new approach that aims to keep insulin-secreting cells alive.
Good Cells Going Bad May Lead to Diabetes July 27
Regulatory T cells prevent our immune systems from attacking our own tissues. However, these cells can turn against us if they lose a molecule called FoxP3.
UCSF Leads Consortium to Radically Change Cancer Drug Development July 21
Short inhibitory RNAs, or siRNAs, can be made to inactivate almost any gene. This may allow even modest-sized university labs to develop new drugs.
Parasite DNA Decoding Points Way to New Drug Development July 15
The decoding of a parasite genome is helping researchers identify the molecular targets for new drugs in the battle against schistosomiasis.
Telomeres as a Measure of Health and Aging: A Conversation with Elissa Epel July 10
Changes in the length of DNA on the tips of chromosomes from immune cells might be a good gauge of health and aging.
Brain Cancer Linked to Inherited Genetic Risk July 5
UCSF researchers have discovered inherited DNA that increases risk for the most deadly brain cancers.
Even in Weak Economy, Business Is Booming at UCSF Biotech Incubator July 2
The QB3 Garage continues to see strong demand from local biotech startups, including Omniox Inc., a company whose innovative oxygen-delivery technology may someday help fight cancer and assist in trauma care.
UCSF Clinical Pharmacy Study Is Part of FDA Acetaminophen Deliberations July 1
Acetaminophen overdoses are still climbing. Overdoses may lead to liver failure and death. A new UCSF study informs FDA panel deliberations.
Sugar Is a Poison, Says UCSF Obesity Expert June 25
Sugar is a poison, says Robert Lustig, MD, UCSF obesity expert and pediatric endocrinologist.
Depression Gene Risk Doubted June 16
A new JAMA study questions a link between a common gene variant and depression risk among people who have experienced stressful life events. Sorting out disease risk due to genes and environment remains challenging.
New Breast Cancer Treatments May Stem from $16.5 Million Award June 9
A UCSF research pioneer in breast cancer – a disease that still kills about 40,000 US women each year – will co-lead a new, $16.5 million effort to develop more effective, targeted therapies to vanquish various types of breast tumors, including cancers that are particularly unresponsive to current treatments.
Goal of Personalized Medicine for Cancer Goes Mainstream June 3
Four experts discussed progress, hopes and challenges related to personalized cancer treatment Tuesday at UCSF’s new Helen Diller Family Cancer Research Building on the Mission Bay campus.
Human Genome Pioneer Talks Personalized Medicine at UCSF Mission Bay June 3
Four visionary leaders from science, industry and venture capital discussed the future of cancer research at the opening of the Helen Diller Family Cancer Research Building at Mission Bay.
New Initiative at UCSF Targets Multiple Myeloma May 28
The Multiple Myeloma Translational Initiative (MMTI) aims to promote collaborative research efforts and accelerate the transition of promising cancer therapies from the lab to the hospital.
Initial Test of Bionic Leg Brace Yields Rapid Results in Patients After Stroke May 22
After just one month of training with a new, high-tech mobility assistance device, a group of UCSF patients showed significant improvements in walking speed, balance, stride length and endurance.
Gene Found in Sudden Sleep Disorder Implicates the Immune System May 18
Narcolepsy, a sleep disorder that can cause sufferers to suddenly lose muscle tone and start dreaming, is an autoimmune disease, a team led by UCSF and Stanford scientists finds.
UCSF Scientists Welcome Sea Change in Stem Cell Development May 15
Using stem cells in the treatment of type 1 diabetes may begin to be tested in human trials within two to three years, a UCSF researcher noted in a recent forum on stem cell research.
Antigravity Training Lifts UCSF Patients to New Heights of Health May 6
Sonja Conta laced up her running shoes, adjusted her “tutu” and prepared to defy gravity.
Imaging Lab Draws from Impressive Arsenal to Fight Major Health Threats April 30
Researchers at UCSF’s Margaret Hart Surbeck Laboratory are using highly advanced, noninvasive imaging tools to better understand and treat conditions such as cancer, osteoporosis and neurological disorders.
UCSF Oncologist Led Early Clinical Trials of Provenge April 28
New data on immunotherapy to boost cancer fighting immune cells shows promise. A UCSF oncologist played a key role in testing the Dendreon drug Provenge in prostrate cancer.
UCSF Infectious Disease Expert Answers Questions About Swine Flu April 27
Lawrence Drew, MD, PhD, director of the clinical virology laboratory at UCSF, answered some questions related to an unusual swine flu that has infected and killed people in Mexico.
Study Reveals How to Make Gasoline from Yeast and Bacterium April 23
A chemical precursor molecule of gasoline can be produced from biomass and salt, according to research by UCSF School of Pharmacy's Christopher Voigt, PhD, and UCSF colleagues.
UCSF Study Looks to Yoga as Possible Health Boon for Heart Failure Patients April 23
An ongoing pilot study by researchers from the UCSF School of Nursing is the first to examine the effects of yoga on heart rate variability in patients with heart failure.
Moles, Melanomas and Mouse Models April 22
A melanoma may start out looking just a little different from a normal mole. But it may end up being every bit as deadly as cancers that first arise in vital organs. When melanoma is diagnosed late, the prognosis is bad. Better treatment is a must.
Pelosi Sees “Evidence of Greatness” at UCSF, Heralds New Era of Support for Science April 17
During a visit to the Mission Bay campus, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said UCSF represents the future of scientific advancement, and praised recent federal actions supporting the NIH and stem cell research.
Update: Antipsychotic Drugs for Depression April 10
Big Pharma continues to seek approval to market schizophrenia drugs for depression.
Update: Brown Fat Metabolism in Humans and Mice April 10
Last week, we reported that Robert Farese Jr.’s mutant mice lack an enzyme and burn up more food calories as a result. Farese wonders whether brown fat is involved. This week, researchers report that humans have the stuff too.
Testosterone in Prostate Cancer – New Way to Block Hormones April 10
An idea for treating drug-resistant prostate cancer emerges from a UCSF lab.
Pap Smear or HPV Testing for Cervical Cancer? April 9
A new study finds that one-time cervical cancer screening for women with limited health care access is worthwhile. A DNA test to detect HPV could be used for mobile van delivery of same-day screening and follow-up in the rural US.
Stopping Food Fat from Becoming Body Fat – A New Drug Target April 1
Fat-filled calories – how would you like to eat as many as the next guy, while he balloons out and you don’t? That idea might not be as far-fetched as it sounds.
DCIS Is Not Invasive Breast Cancer, and Might Not Require Surgery March 30
Tens of thousands of women are having surgery – sometimes even having both breasts removed – to treat a condition that is unlikely to ever become life-threatening.
Antipsychotic Drug Approved for Depression Treatment March 25
If you were not responding to antidepressants, would you be willing to try antipsychotic medication?
Mammograms Bad for Young Women with Breast Cancer Genes? March 17
Mammography is widely used to screen for tumors in young women – even women in their 20s – who inherit a genetic mutation that confers a very high risk for breast cancer. But new research now suggests that exposing the youngest of these women to even small doses of radiation via screening mammograms might do more harm than good.
UCSF Works to Speed Discoveries from Lab Bench to Patient’s Bedside March 13
In its effort to advance translational medicine – the application of scientific discoveries to patient care – UCSF is undergoing a physical transformation to create a campus where science, medicine and industry blend harmoniously.
UCSF Medical Center CEO Discusses Translational Medicine March 12
UCSF Medical Center CEO Mark Laret discusses the importance of translational medicine, and how UCSF is working to accelerate the transition of scientific breakthroughs from the lab to the patient’s bedside.
HIV and Organ Transplants Can Coexist, UCSF Research Shows February 25
Ongoing research by UCSF doctors refutes conventional wisdom and offers good news to many HIV-infected patients at risk of organ failure.
A Key to New Neuron Birth in the Young Brain February 13
Different cell types in the brain are vulnerable in different degenerative brain diseases – Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis, for instance.
New Gene Therapy Technique for Alzheimer’s and Other Brain Disorders February 13
To treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, UCSF researchers have developed a new strategy for delivering gene therapy to the brain cells that stand to benefit most.
Cancer Drug Cost May Be Unbearable, Even for Insured February 10
Cancer doctors may be writing the prescriptions for new generations of drugs, but some financially hard-pressed patients are not having those prescriptions filled.
Lung Cancer Now Is the Focus of Powerful Genetics Research February 4
Lung cancer research at UCSF is poised to leap forward, thanks to a big bank. No, not some teetering financial institution down the street. What UCSF has is an invaluable tissue bank.
Painkiller May Be Banished After Half a Century February 3
In recent years, there has been an increasing number of drugs pulled from the market, and many observers have been blaming the drug approval process of an understaffed, underfunded, industry-dependent US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But even old drugs, predating today’s FDA environment, also are subject to recall.
Brain Cells Growing Bad: A Conversation with David Rowitch February 2
Brain development disorders are the primary interest of UCSF neonatologist David Rowitch, MD, but his research also has led to new insight into gliomas, the deadliest brain cancers. Rowitch and colleagues have identified specific molecules that help control where and when brain cells arise, and what kinds of brain cells they become.
Hypertension Lowers Survival in African American Women with Breast Cancer January 27
In African American women with breast cancer, high blood pressure lessens the chances of survival compared with white women, a new UCSF study finds.
Behavior and Side Effects: A Conversation with Laurence Tecott January 21
Drug side effects have been sidelining already-approved drugs. New inventions by Laurence Tecott, MD, PhD, and Evan Goulding, MD, PhD, allow monitoring of complex mouse behaviors and may yield early warnings of possible pharmaceutical side effects. Big Pharma and biotech drug development should benefit as a result.
In a Human Virus, New Method to ID MicroRNA Targets Proves Its Value January 21
MicroRNA inhibitors of genes reveal their targets in a UCSF Kaposi’s sarcoma study. Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator Don Ganem leads efforts to find guiding principles that will point to the targets of microRNA in health and disease.
Looking Far Afield for Pancreas Cancer Clues January 12
Consider the lab mouse. The rodent is used to model tumor growth in countless studies of genes and cancer. About 99 percent of mouse genes also appear in humans. Mouse and human also are similar when one compares the DNA code within these genes. Mice get cancer, and they get more cancer when genetically engineered with human cancer-causing genes.
The Immune System and Natural Killer Cells: A Conversation with Lewis Lanier January 11
New research published in the scientific journal Nature this week strongly suggests that underappreciated cells of the immune system, called natural killers, play a more important role than previously thought when it comes to fighting viruses that cause chronic disease – including a common herpesvirus called CMV, and perhaps HIV, hepatitis C and many others.
Colon Cancer and Heredity: A Conversation with Amie Blanco January 7
Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is the nation’s fourth most common cancer in both men and women. Like other forms of cancer, colon cancer has a hereditary component, and individuals who are genetically predisposed to colon cancer have a lifetime risk of at least 80 percent.
Drug Design Caution for Biotech and Pharma Firms That Target Kinases January 5
Drug design is never easy, and few drug candidates make it through the development pipeline and into the medicine cabinet. Side effects loom large among potential bugaboos. In the Dec. 14 online edition of the leading scientific journal Nature, a UCSF laboratory research team now reports another unintended consequence of drugs targeted against enzymes, known as kinases, within the body.

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