SUMC in the News (11/21/05)

Print media coverage

CNN.com, 11/21/05
Stem cell scientists headed to Singapore to continue research
Two government biologists recruited by the Stanford Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine have decided to work in Singapore, saying they will face fewer restrictions on stem cell research overseas. Irving Weissman, the Virginia and DK Ludwig Professor for Clinical Investigation and director of the institute, provides comment in this Associated Press article, which also appears in the Boston Globe, CBSNews.com, Contra Costa Times, Forbes.com, Indianapolis Star, Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Sacramento Bee, San Diego Union-Tribune and the Washington Post. Weissman is also quoted in an article prepared by the San Jose Mercury News.

San Francisco Chronicle, 11/21/05
So these scientists go into a lab to see what's funny..../ They find gender differences in how humor affects the brain
This article discusses a new Stanford study that found gender affects the way a person's brain responds to humor. The study was led by Allan Reiss, the Howard C. Robbins Professor, who is quoted and pictured here.

Los Angeles Times, 11/21/05
A helping of turkey (registration required)
A new Stanford study shows that a by-product of tryptophan - an amino acid found in turkey and other foods - can alleviate multiple sclerosis symptoms in animal models. The findings add to the growing body of evidence indicating that tryptophan plays a pivotal role in the immune system. Lawrence Steinman, professor of neurology and neurological sciences and of pediatrics, is quoted in this article.

A jolt to decaf drinkers (registration required)
A study analyzed the effects of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee consumption on cardiovascular risk factors. An Atlanta researcher conducted the research while at Stanford.

San Francisco Chronicle, 11/20/05
Continuity of care
This article focuses on the Stanford Adult Congenital Heart Disease Clinic and the work of Stanford and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital cardiologists. Daniel Murphy, clinic director and associate professor of pediatrics with Packard, is quoted and featured in a photo; and pediatric cardiologist Paul Pitlick and Norman Shumway, the Frances and Charles Field Professor of Cardiovascular Surgery, Emeritus, are referenced.

Myrtle Beach Sun-News (Myrtle Beach, S.C.), 11/20/05
Program offers dermatology advice
This article discusses the booming business of cosmeceuticals - cosmetic products claiming to have medicinal or drug-like benefits. Hayes Gladstone, assistant professor of dermatology, is quoted here.

HealthDay, 11/19/05
Regular screenings protect against glaucoma
This article discusses the importance of glaucoma screenings. Kuldev Singh, professor of ophthalmology, is quoted..

New Scientist, 11/19/05
The gene that can make you feast or starve (No online version available)
Stanford researchers have discovered obestatin, a hormone that suppresses appetite. The finding offers a key to researchers developing treatments for obesity. Aaron Hsueh, professor of obstetrics and gynecology and lead author, is quoted here. Hsueh is also referenced in an article prepared by the Hamilton Spectator (Canada).

China Daily, 11/18/05
New drug gives patients hope
Samuel So, the Lui Hac Minh Professor and director of Asian Liver Center, is quoted in this article on new treatments for Hepatitis B.

Broadcast media coverage

KTVU-TV, 11/20/05
This segment discussed the two stem cell scientists moving to Singapore. Similar segments aired on KNTV-TV, KGTV-TV (San Diego), KRXI-TV (Reno) and WBZ-TV (Boston).

KYW-TV (Philadelphia), 11/19/05
This segment discussed the coffee study.

WNEW-FM (New York), 11/18/05
This segment mentioned the Stanford study on gender and humor.

WGGB-TV (Holyoke, Mass.), 11/18/05
This segment discussed the FDA's approval of the first transplant of fetal stem cells into human brains. Stanford doctors helped develop the protocol for the trial in children with Batten's disease, and the protocol is now being reviewed by Stanford's Institutional Review Board.