Ten years ago Thursday, the public learned that Scottish scientists had cloned a sheep. On NPR's All Things Considered, UCSF stem cell scientists Robert Blelloch, MD, PhD, and Susan Fisher, PhD, spoke with science reporter Joe Palca about their efforts to study the human embryo in a difficult political climate, and confirm that cloned human embryos will inevitably produce stem cell therapies.
The new HPV vaccine is the first one for girls only, and the first immunization recommended for children to protect against a sexually transmitted virus. But the vaccine also has global implications—cervical cancer is a leading cause of death among women in developing countries, and in some countries, young men are being vaccinated as well.
A study underway at the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center (SFVAMC) and UCSF is probing the connection between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sleep disturbances and stress hormones. Investigators hope the study will reveal a new potential method for treating PTSD, as well as shed light on the biology of sleep
KPIX-TV's HealthWatch reports that the CDC has collected more than 500 complaints about adverse reactions to Merck's HPV (human papilloma virus) vaccine Gardasil, including soreness at the injection site, fainting or dizziness, and fever or nausea.
Some say extended cycle birth control pills are revolutionizing contraception for many women because it provides fewer periods, which means less pain, PMS and inconvenience, but is it safe? UCSF neuropsychiatrist and female hormone specialist Louann Brizendine, MD, says various forms of extended cycle pills have been used for years.