Gene that directs fate of many embryonic stem cells identified
Scientists have identified the gene that prompts embryonic stem cells to generate precursors to most internal organs.
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Some women may have gene sequence that reduces breast cancer risk, SFVAMC study finds
Some postmenopausal women carry a gene sequence that may lower their risk of breast cancer, according to new research from San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
UCSF study shows short-term delay in AIDS progression is possible even when patients fail to take al
UCSF researchers have found that HIV-infected homeless and marginally housed people who have trouble sticking to their antiviral regimens may temporarily delay the onset of full blown AIDS if they manage to take at least half of their anti-HIV medications.
Local death, life-threatening reactions to "Ecstasy" recently
A recent increase in severe reactions to the street drug "Ecstasy" has prompted the San Francisco division of California Poison Control System (CPCS) to renew alerts about the drug's dangers.
HIV-positive women at high risk for pre-cancerous anal lesions, study shows
HIV-positive women are three times more likely than other women to develop lesions that can lead to anal cancer, new research shows. The greater risk is due at least in part to weakened immune defenses against the common sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV).
Age-based cancer screening guidelines not sophisticated enough for most elderly, SFVAMC paper argues
Cancer screening guidelines that recommend a test based on age are too simplistic, argues a new study from the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
Popular asthma drug inadequate when used alone
A single exposure to cocaine triggers a week-long surge of activity in a brain region central to the development of addiction, according to new research on mice published this week in Nature. The changes may prime the brain for addiction, the researchers say.
Virtual colonoscopy as effective at colon cancer screening as standard invasive colonoscopy, SFVAMC
Many older adults dread colon cancer screening, because the most effective screening tool, colonoscopy, is uncomfortable and invasive. A new study from San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center shows that a faster, safer, and potentially more pleasant technique works just as well.
Drug resistant HIV allows body to continue producing virus-fighting cells, Glastone finds
HIV that has become resistant to powerful drugs called protease inhibitors may not be a dire sign of decline after all, researchers from the Gladstone Institute of Virology and Immunology have shown.
Popular asthma drug inadequate when used alone, new study shows
A drug widely prescribed as the sole treatment for asthma has been found to be incapable by itself of preventing asthma attacks or controlling the airway inflammation thought to lead to deteriorated lung function and gradual worsening of asthma.
Dramatic births and a newborn's mended heart in "Maternity Ward", filmed at UCSF
The Center for Mothers and Newborns and UCSF Children's Medical Center will star in a new documentary that features high-risk deliveries and natural childbirth, a "miracle" baby born after five miscarriages...
Burdens of mammography often outweigh benefits for frail elderly women, says SFVAMC study
CHICAGO - Many frail elderly women who get routine mammography suffer significant burdens from the screening procedure with little chance to benefit from it, says a study from researchers at San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
Training for doctors improves screening for risk-taking in teens
Pediatricians know that most of the health damaging threats to children in their teenaged years can be prevented if teens avoid dangerous risks and habits. Training can increase the number of times that health providers will put that knowledge into practice.
UCSF study identifies sexual exposure as a major means of HIV transmission among injection drug user
HIV infection among injection drug users (IDUs) in San Francisco is strongly associated with sexual behavior, with men who have sex with men (MSM) and women who trade sex for money much more likely to become infected than other IDUs, according to a study by UCSF researchers.
Lack of prescription drug benefits seriously affects minority seniors, as well as those with low inc
African American and Hispanic senior citizens who lack prescription drug benefits are three times more likely than white seniors to cut back on taking their medications, according to a study from researchers at San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center.