Explore Stanford Medicine
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‘Cascade’ testing identifies relatives at risk
An online effort coupled with lower costs significantly increased the proportion of cancer patients’ relatives who chose to undergo genetic testing for cancer-associated mutations in Stanford study.
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‘Discovery Curriculum’ launched
A redesigned curriculum for Stanford medical students is now being fully implemented. It provides new courses, more flexibility and financial incentives for pursuing long-term research.
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Human skeletal stem cell identified
Identification of the human skeletal stem cell by Stanford scientists could pave the way for regenerative treatments for bone fractures, arthritis and joint injuries.
Precision Health
Stanford Medicine is leading the biomedical revolution to improve health, defining and developing care that is proactive, predictive and precise
Diversity across Stanford Medicine
Innovative programs ensure diversity is reflected in our programs, culture and leadership.
A Legacy of Innovation
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First synthesis of biologically active DNA in test tube
Nobel laureate Arthur Kornberg creates a strand of biologically active DNA, paving the way for studies of genetics.
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First adult human heart transplant in the United States
Norman Shumway successfully transplants a heart into 54-year-old steelworker Mike Kasperak, who survives for 14 days.
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First expression of a foreign gene implanted in bacteria by recombinant DNA methods
Geneticist Stanely Cohen transfers a foreign gene into bacterial cells, which then express the gene.
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First successful human combined heart/lung transplant in the world (fourth attempted worldwide)
Mary Gohlke receives the world's first combined heart and lung transplant in a landmark operation led by surgeon Bruce Reitz.
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Isolation of a gene coding for part of the T-cell receptor, a key to the immune system’s function
Immunologist Mark Davis characterizes the T-cell receptor, believed to regulate the body's response to infectious agents and cancerous diseases.
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Isolation of pure hematopoietic stem cells from mice
Pathologist Irving Weissman isolates a rare mouse cell, known as the hematopoetic stem cell, which gives rise to all the cells of the blood and immune systems.
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First use of gene expression profiling to predict cancer outcomes
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Application and expansion of optogenetics, a technique to control brain cell activity with light
Bioengineer Karl Deisseroth and his team develop a technique known as optogenetics that allows them to genetically alter brain cell activity in mice with light.