SUMC in the News (11/08/06)

Print media coverage

ABCNews.com, 11/08/06
Sleep deprivation creating nation of walking zombies
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, according to a new Stanford study. Steven Howard, associate professor of anesthesia, is quoted in this article.

Newsday (New York), 11/08/06
HIV gene therapy tested
A novel gene therapy that uses a genetic version of a Trojan horse has shown promise in fighting the AIDS virus. Mark Kay, the Dennis Farrey Family Professor in Pediatrics, provides comment in this article, which also appears in the Baltimore Sun.

Columbus Ledger-Enquirer (Columbus, Ga.), 11/08/06
Medical center gearing up for push toward electronic record-keeping
This article discusses the Columbus Medical Center's transition away from paper health records towards electronic record keeping. Stanford is mentioned as an example of an institution that has made this transition.

ScientificAmerican.com, 11/08/06
Younger women survive ovarian cancer better
This Reuters article discusses a recent study that showed that 59 percent of ovarian cancer patients ages 30-60 were still alive five years after diagnosis, compared to only 35 percent of older women with the illness. Study author John Chan, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology, is quoted. The article also appears the Scotsman (U.K.).

Contra Costa Times, 11/08/06
The wrinkle in over-the-counter skin creams
Sunil Dhawan, an adjunct clinical assistant professor, provides comment on whether or not various skin care products live up to their claims.

Menlo Park Almanac, 11/08/06
Stanford seeks volunteers for depression study
Douglas Levinson, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is leading a multicenter study to identify which genes play a role in depression and is seeking volunteers with the illness.

Stanford Daily, 11/08/06
Parental notice measure fails
Proposition 85, a state ballot initiative that would require parents to be notified if a girl younger than 18 seeks an abortion, was defeated at the polls yesterday. Medical student Matt Goldstein is quoted in this article.

Associated Press, 11/08/06
Missouri voters narrowly approve stem cell ballot measure
A state constitutional amendment protecting stem cell research appears to have narrowly passed in Missouri. In other election news, Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle won re-election yesterday, and U.S. Sen. Jim Talent was defeated by challenger Claire McCaskill in Missouri. Both Doyle and McCaskill won, in part, due to their views on stem cell research. Although Stanford is not referenced in these articles, they may be of interest to readers.
http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/news/politics/15953707.htm
http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/vote2006/MO/MO.htm

The Australian (Australia), 11/08/06
Sweating on a hard sell
This article discusses the possible ramifications of the recent vote by the Australian Senate to permit therapeutic cloning. Some scientists hope that this will allow them to build stronger ties to some American institutions involved in stem cell research, such as the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine. Stanford is not mentioned in this story, but it may be of interest to readers.

Stanford Daily, 11/07/06
Run targets "silent killer"
On Nov. 11, Stanford's Asian Liver Center will host the second annual LIVERight run to raise money and awareness for Hepatitis B, the leading cause of liver cancer. Medical student Steven Lin and outreach coordinator Kimberly Sue are quoted in this article.