UCSF Science Cafe

Brain Cancer Linked to Inherited Genetic Risk

webdev@pubaff.ucsf.edu (UCSF Public Affairs) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 10:03:27 -0800

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

webdev@pubaff.ucsf.edu (UCSF Public Affairs) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:55:41 -0800

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

webdev@pubaff.ucsf.edu (UCSF Public Affairs) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:09:03 -0800

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

webdev@pubaff.ucsf.edu (UCSF Public Affairs) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:15:20 -0800

Sugar is a poison, says Robert Lustig, MD, UCSF obesity expert and pediatric endocrinologist.

Depression Gene Risk Doubted

webdev@pubaff.ucsf.edu (UCSF Public Affairs) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:54:58 -0800

A new 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

webdev@pubaff.ucsf.edu (UCSF Public Affairs) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 08:27:20 -0800

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

webdev@pubaff.ucsf.edu (UCSF Public Affairs) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:05:35 -0800

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

webdev@pubaff.ucsf.edu (UCSF Public Affairs) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 10:17:14 -0800

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

webdev@pubaff.ucsf.edu (UCSF Public Affairs) — Thu, 28 May 2009 13:54:06 -0800

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

webdev@pubaff.ucsf.edu (UCSF Public Affairs) — Fri, 22 May 2009 08:27:26 -0800

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

webdev@pubaff.ucsf.edu (UCSF Public Affairs) — Mon, 18 May 2009 10:26:19 -0800

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

webdev@pubaff.ucsf.edu (UCSF Public Affairs) — Fri, 15 May 2009 08:19:19 -0800

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

webdev@pubaff.ucsf.edu (UCSF Public Affairs) — Wed, 06 May 2009 08:16:55 -0800

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

webdev@pubaff.ucsf.edu (UCSF Public Affairs) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 08:11:37 -0800

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

webdev@pubaff.ucsf.edu (UCSF Public Affairs) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:27:02 -0800

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

webdev@pubaff.ucsf.edu (UCSF Public Affairs) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:47:09 -0800

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

webdev@pubaff.ucsf.edu (UCSF Public Affairs) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:47:25 -0800

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

webdev@pubaff.ucsf.edu (UCSF Public Affairs) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 10:48:49 -0800

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

webdev@pubaff.ucsf.edu (UCSF Public Affairs) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:32:08 -0800

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

webdev@pubaff.ucsf.edu (UCSF Public Affairs) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 17:19:43 -0800

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

webdev@pubaff.ucsf.edu (UCSF Public Affairs) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 16:14:34 -0800

Big Pharma continues to seek approval to market schizophrenia drugs for depression.

Update: Brown Fat Metabolism in Humans and Mice

webdev@pubaff.ucsf.edu (UCSF Public Affairs) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 15:35:24 -0800

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

webdev@pubaff.ucsf.edu (UCSF Public Affairs) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 14:35:39 -0800

An idea for treating drug-resistant prostate cancer emerges from a UCSF lab.

Pap Smear or HPV Testing for Cervical Cancer?

webdev@pubaff.ucsf.edu (UCSF Public Affairs) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 13:28:55 -0800

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

webdev@pubaff.ucsf.edu (UCSF Public Affairs) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 17:16:28 -0800

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.