SUMC in the News (12/01/06)

Print media coverage

Los Angeles Times, 12/01/06
Esther Lederberg, 83; helped unlock mysteries of bacteria, viruses
Esther Lederberg, who died on Nov. 11, played a critical role in developing laboratory techniques that helped a generation of researchers understand how genes function. Stanley Falkow, the Robert W. and Vivian K. Cahill Professor in Cancer Research; Lucy Tompkins, the Lucy Becker Professor in Medicine and chief of Division of Infectious Diseases; Dale Kaiser, the Jack, Lulu and Sam Willson Professor of Biochemistry, Emeritus, and researcher Jonathan Hardy are quoted in this obituary, which also appears in the Monterey County Herald and Philadelphia Inquirer. Lucy Tompkins and Jonathan Hardy are also quoted in an obit prepared by the Associated Press.

San Jose Mercury News, 12/01/06
Teenage parties and alcohol target of proposed law
This article discusses how Palo Alto's police chief will propose an ordinance cracking down on teen gatherings involving alcohol - a response to recent community concerns about underage drinking. David Gregg, a member of the adjunct clinical faculty, provides comment.

Stanford Daily, 12/01/06
Campus set to commemorate World AIDS day
This article discusses the university's observance of World AIDS Day today. Leonard Herzenberg, professor of genetics, emeritus, will lead a discussion confronting the issue of how to address HIV/AIDS globally in Wallenberg Hall this evening.

Palo Alto Daily News, 12/01/06
Letters/ Hospital expansion supported
This letter to the editor written by a Palo Alto resident expresses support for a plan to rebuild Stanford Hospital in order to meet state mandated seismic safety requirements, as well as create more private rooms for patients. Lucile Packard Children's Hospital is also part of the project.

Forbes.com, 11/30/06
Sleep problems can strike preschoolers, too
This HealthDay article discusses how preschoolers (kids ages 1-5) can have trouble sleeping. Rafael Pelayo, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides comment.

Sacramento Bee, 11/30/06
UCD to reject drug gifts
This article discusses how UC Davis Medical Center will adopt a new policy limiting the potential influence of pharmaceutical and other biomedical companies in its day-to-day clinical and educational activities. Stanford recently adopted a similar policy and is referenced here.

Los Angeles Times, 11/30/06
Financial ties found among clinical trials
This article discusses a recent survey that found more than one-third of experts overseeing clinical trials at medical schools and research hospitals have financial ties to companies that sell pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Although Stanford isn't mentioned, this article may be of interest to readers.

Broadcast media coverage

KNTV-TV, 11/30/06
This segment discussed how Vice President Dick Cheney met with this year's Nobel Prize winners at the White House yesterday. Roger Kornberg, the Mrs. George A. Winzer Professor in Medicine and winner of the 2006 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, and Andrew Fire, professor of pathology and of genetics and 2006 Nobel laureate in Medicine, were among the group who were in attendance.

KGO-TV, 11/30/06
This segment discussed how the Stanford Blood Center is holding a fundraiser to buy a new blood mobile. John Williams, with the blood center, was interviewed.

WINS-AM (New York), 11/30/06
This segment mentioned a recent Stanford study that showed that doctors and nurses who were allowed a short nap while working the night shift in an emergency room showed improved mood, a higher alertness level and the ability to complete a simulated I.V. insertion more quickly. A similar segment aired on KYW-AM (Philadelphia).