Gene Found in Sudden Sleep Disorder Implicates the Immune System
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.
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Glutamate identified as predictor of disease progression in multiple sclerosis
UCSF researchers have identified a correlation between higher levels of glutamate, which occurs naturally in the brain as a byproduct of metabolism, and greater disease burden in multiple sclerosis patients. The study is the first to measure glutamate toxicity in the brain over time and suggests an improved method for tracking the disease and predicting its course.
Scientists identify key gene that protects against leukemia
Researchers have identified a gene that controls the rapid production and differentiation of the stem cells that produce all blood cell types -- a discovery that could eventually open the door to more streamlined treatments for leukemia and other blood cancers, in which blood cells proliferate out of control.
Colon cancer screening targets wrong elders, study finds
Healthy patients age 70 and older who could benefit from colon cancer screening are not being adequately screened, while ill patients are being screened unnecessarily, according to a study of more than 27,000 veteran patients led by researchers at the San Francisco VA Medical Center.
Nationwide Alzheimer's Study Completes Genomic Analysis Phase
Researchers with the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, a five-year, nationwide, longitudinal study of possible markers of Alzheimer’s disease, announced that a genomic analysis of the 800 participants in the study is more than 95 percent complete, and that the data will be shared with scientists around the world for further analysis.
Lung Cancer Now Is the Focus of Powerful Genetics Research
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.
UCSF Study Aims to Protect Joints, on Earth and Off
Starting in January, a UCSF postdoctoral researcher will launch the first-ever study of the effects of prolonged nonuse on human cartilage.
Overweight women at increased risk of advanced breast cancer
A nationwide study of over 280,000 women showed that postmenopausal women who are overweight or obese have advanced breast cancer at significantly higher rates than women of normal weight or less than normal weight.
Virtual colonoscopy as good as other colon cancer screening methods, study says
CT colonography (CTC), known as virtual colonoscopy, is as accurate at screening for colorectal cancers and pre-cancerous polyps as conventional colonoscopy, the current screening standard, according to the National CT Colonography Trial, a nationwide multi-center study that included the San Francisco VA Medical Center.
High risk of conversion to multiple sclerosis predicted by gene activity
Scientists have identified a pattern of gene activity that predicts which patients who experience the first clinical symptoms of multiple sclerosis – known as clinically isolated syndrome – are at high risk of converting to the full blown disease.
Obesity to Blame for Climate Change?
With the obesity epidemic now firmly established as the health crisis du jour, I don’t want to be accused of piling on. But I could not let pass this BBC News health story posted in mid-May, which seems to transform an interesting point into mean-spiritedness, not to mention point the finger in the wrong direction.
The Eyes Have It: A Conversation with Neuroscientist Michael Stryker
We learn to see with our eyes still closed...