SUMC in the News (12/13/07)
Press releases
In skin, scales, pigment shows the path of evolution, Stanford study shows
When waves of people left Africa roughly 50,000 years ago and spread across Europe and Asia, they developed lighter skin color to adapt to lower levels of sunlight. Stanford researchers have found the gene responsible for that change, adding that it also explains how groups of light-colored fish evolved from darker fish.
Immune system may target some brain synapses, Stanford researchers find
Researchers here have discovered that the immune system helps pare the number of synapses in the brain as the body grows into adulthood.
Stanford scientists awarded $10.7 million in latest state stem cell grants
The School of Medicine received $10.7 million from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine yesterday in awards designed to help jump-start the careers of young scientists in the field of stem cell research.
Stanford researchers identify granddaddy of human blood cells
Stanford researchers have isolated a human blood cell that represents the great-grandparent of all the cells of the blood, a finding that could lead to new treatments for blood cancers and other blood diseases.
Print media coverage
Forbes.com, 12/13/07
Researchers find great granddaddy of all blood cells
In this HealthDay News article, Irving Weissman provides comment on his recent study on the "great-grandparent" of human blood cells. Weissman is the Virginia and D.K. Ludwig Professor for Clinical Investigation and director of the Stanford Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine.
San Jose Mercury News, 12/13/07
Stanford hauls in stem cell money
Stanford researchers have been awarded $10.7 million from the state's stem cell agency. This story on the grants also appears in the Contra Costa Times and on SiliconValley.com.
Oshkosh Northwestern (Oshkosh, Wis.), 12/13/07
Computerized reminder for exercise works
Computer-generated phone calls may be an effective, low-cost way to encourage sedentary adults to exercise, according to a recent study by Stanford researchers. Abby King, professor of health research and policy and a senior investigator at the Stanford Prevention Research Center, is quoted in this Associated Press article. King also provides comment in a HealthDay News piece that appears on USNews.com.
American Chronicle (Beverly Hills, Calif.), 12/13/07
Laugh your way to pain relief
The work of William Fry, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, emeritus, is referenced in this article on the health benefits of laughter.
CBSNews.com, 12/12/07
As expected, Bush vetoes SCHIP again
For the second time, President Bush has vetoed a major expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Although Stanford isn't referenced, this article may be of interest to readers. A rally in support of SCHIP was held at the medical school in October.
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