Medical imaging scans that create detailed images of the body’s internal structures are widely used in medicine. Doctors need them to detect and manage certain types of cancer, assess the extent of traumatic injuries, and diagnose and treat many other medical conditions. But the scans, known as computerized tomography (CT) scans, use x-rays that expose patents to cancer-causing radiation. And there is concern that a diagnostic tool that has become deeply embedded in American medicine is sometimes overused. A recent study predicted that up to 5% of all cancers would be caused by CT scans
An off-the-shelf drug developed for smallpox, a cousin of mpox, proved safe for mpox patients but ineffective at curing the disease. But the clinical trial itself, launched rapidly as cases spread in 2022, could be a model for similar current and future epidemics.
In pancreatic cancer, metastasis is often the first sign that a patient even has cancer, and by then, the cancer has spread out of control. Researchers discovered how pancreatic cancer cells migrate to other organs, where they become dangerous enough to kill.
The Alumni Association of UCSF(AAUCSF) announced the recipients of the 2025 UCSF Alumni Achievement Awards, recognizing outstanding alumni from UCSF’s Schools of Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy, as well as the Graduate Division, for their exceptional impact in clinical care, scientific discovery, innovation, mentorship, philanthropy, service, and early-career achievement.
Researchers at UCSF have shown it is possible to make new proteins that move and change shape like those in nature. This ability will help scientists engineer proteins in powerful new ways to treat disease, clean up pollution, and increase crop yields.
A new study led by UC San Francisco researchers finds that chronic cannabis use — whether it’s smoked or consumed in edible form — is associated with significant cardiovascular risks.
Researchers found that as preteens used more social media, their depressive symptoms increased. Yet the reverse wasn’t true — a rise in depressive symptoms didn’t predict a later increase in social media use.
Researchers have discovered that some gut bacteria can reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, and that one family of cancer drugs may actually boost protective bacteria in the gut.
After more than 50 years, the assessment of traumatic brain injuries gets an overhaul. Clinicians say the proposed framework will lead to more accurate diagnoses and treatment, providing more rigorous care for some patients and preventing premature discussions about halting life support in others.
Evidence is mounting that clinicians can treat serious genetic disorders prenatally by injecting medicine into the amniotic fluid and prevent damage that begins in utero.
