Stanford stem cell researcher Irving Weissman, MD, published an article (.pdf) in Cell Stem Cell today discussing barriers to stem cell research: While I am …
Month: June 2012
Doc McStuffins: A pint-sized inspiration for girls of all colors
During the "moving on" ceremony at her preschool a few weeks ago, my daughter was asked what she wanted to be when she grew up. …
Advice for parents whose kids need surgery
I recently discovered that the American College of Surgeons produces a fantastic free eBook to help parents whose children need surgery. The book, called Who …
A plan to expand educational offerings to "anyone, anywhere"
On today's CBS This Morning, Sal Khan, founder and executive director of Khan Academy, discussed his non-profit organization's mission to provide free world-class education to …
Researchers challenge proposed testosterone testing in select female Olympic athletes
In a critique published online today in The American Journal of Bioethics, a Stanford bioethicist and colleagues warn that proposed policies by the International Olympic …
Stanford neurologist discusses advances in research on movement disorders
In this new video, Helen Bronte-Stewart, MD, co-director of the Stanford Balance Center, discusses the brain networks involved in human action, the way in which …
PeerJ open access publishing platform launches today
There's a nice profile of PeerJ, a new open access platform for the life sciences that launched today, on Reciprocal Space: It is a fascinating …
Medical experts question the safety of spray-on tanning products
Medical experts have advised wearing sunscreen outdoors and staying out of tanning beds altogether to reduce preventable skin damage and other health risks. But those …
Common genetic Alzheimer's risk factor disrupts healthy older women's brain function, but not men's
For every two men diagnosed with Alzheimer's there are three women who have it. The primary risk factor for Alzheimer's is, of course, old age …
Harnessing evolutionary forces to develop more effective methods for treating superbugs
Bacteria don't just develop a resistance to drugs; rather the process of natural selection combined with the microbes' ability to rapidly multiply result in the …
Pediatrician offers advice for dads-to-be
When I was pregnant, I always got grumpy when other expecting moms used the term "we" to describe their condition - as in, "We're pregnant." …
Researchers develop biochip with potential to track influenza outbreaks in real-time
While the most recent influenza season was especially mild, the unpredictable nature of the virus means that more serious strains could circulate in the future and …
Study suggests emotions may trump mind in matters of self-control while meditating
A new study examining two hallmarks of meditation found that openness to one's emotional experiences may play a larger role than mindfulness of the present in …
Study shows mindfulness may reduce cancer patients' anxiety and depression
Previous research has shown that depression can increase mortality among cancer patients and, among breast cancer patients, that stress-reducing psychological interventions can improve quality of …
Well blog: Minnesota man denied insurance for donating kidney
I know only what is reported in this single Well entry, but, if it's accurate, this is shocking: When Erika Royer’s lupus led to kidney …
Examining ways to reduce health risks from cookstove pollution in developing countries
In much of the developing world, health hazards involving food extend beyond the edible substances being consumed. Makeshift stoves fueled by crop scraps and animal …