Why go into neurosurgery? Aspiring physicians could easily select another, less time-consuming specialty. In this recent Stanford Health Care video, that's exactly what Lawrence Shuer, MD …
Author: Alex Giacomini
Angels and devils: A Stanford neuroscientist uncodes the brain’s role in decision-making
Stanford neuroscientist and psychiatrist Robert Malenka, MD, PhD, launched his address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland earlier this year with a big question: "Why do we …
Essentially erasing an essential tremor
When I think of tremors, I picture an older man struggling to write, his fingers quivering. But for Brad Ackerman, an industrial designer shown at …
Twin trials: How studying twins fuels research on allergies and asthma
It must be amazing to be a twin: You can have a friend for life and - if you so choose - help research (and people) everywhere. Research …
A focus on the growing athlete
Youth doesn’t mean invincibility, especially when it comes to athletics. In fact, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, young athletes account for …
Clutter that makes life difficult: A Q&A on hoarding
We've all heard of people who can't seem to throw away any of their possessions and let them pile up to extreme levels. But this type …
Stanford neurologist ponders her interest in the human brain
"Why are you so interested in the human brain?" My Alzheimers, a blog dedicated to raising awareness and money for an Alzheimer's cure, recently spoke …
Breaking down the most common cause of death globally
It's frightening to think that coronary artery disease is the most common cause of death globally. And it's scarier to think that few people likely know much about …
A look at hypertension in pregnancy
Most people know that hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition. What many might not know is that it's also one of the most …
The power of music: how music training in high school helps brain development
It was my second year of high school and I was talking to a childhood friend. When I asked if she was taking any music …
Nothing to snort over: Why snoring should be taken seriously
It’s the middle of the night—or maybe the middle of the day—and all seems well. Then, you hear it: a low, rumbling, animalistic sound. It …
The battle against big tobacco hits the classroom
In Malawi, children as young as five years old work in tobacco fields. Here, in the Silicon Valley, five-year-olds compete to attend top preschools. Stanford communications …
When dementia hits home: The global impact of dementia on women
A report released last week by Alzheimer's Disease International calls attention to the disproportionate effects of dementia on women worldwide. As noted in the report, women are more …
Free skin cancer screening offered on June 13
Skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers - and one of the most treatable, if it's detected early enough. Knowing the possible risk factors, such …
Not just for kids: A discussion of play and why we all need to do it
All work and no play makes everyone a dull boy. Recognizing this, the California-based National Institute for Play focuses on shining light on the importance of the practice of play …
A picture is worth a thousand words: Researchers use photos to see how Type 1 diabetes affects kids
The impact of Type 1 diabetes can be a trying and forceful one, especially for children. To better understand the disease's role in young patients' lives, Ashby Walker, …