Scientists decipher "Fail-Safe" system that limits gene copying cells
Our cells constantly flirt with disaster: Before each division, they duplicate hundreds -- often thousands -- of DNA snippets from each chromosome...
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Long-term study sorts out the risks for HPV infection and cervical lesions
More than half of sexually active young women will be infected with human papilloma virus (HPV) if they remain sexually active over three years, a UCSF study shows. That risk is boosted 10-fold with each new partner.
From flies to humans - ancient gene may be involved in male infertility
UCSF researchers have discovered a human gene that can be traced back through the mouse to the fly, illuminating a molecular nugget from ancient times that may play a crucial role in male fertility - and infertility.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.