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UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-SAN FRANCISCO INFORMATIONUniversity of California-San Francisco is located in San Francisco, California and is a public college. University of California-San Francisco is a four year college and offers Bachelor's Degrees, Master's Degrees, and a number of different programs and courses. University of California-San Francisco is in a relatively urban area (in or near a city), which may be something you prefer if you like a city lifestyle as a student. University of California-San Francisco has a rolling admissions policy, which means that you can apply throughout the year for the upcoming semester. University of California-San Francisco is relatively smaller in size with an enrollment of only 2,500 students. University of California-San Francisco accepts about 70% of its applicants on average, and 65% of the students receive some sort of financial aid for college at University of California-San Francisco. If you are looking for more information on financial aid at University of California-San Francisco, you can may want to contact Nancy J. Kull, who is the Director of Financial Aid at University of California-San Francisco. You may also qualify for free grants for college in California to attend University of California-San Francisco. QUICK FACTS ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-SAN FRANCISCO
Data provided by Data-lists.com Universities and Colleges Database. Data last updated on 2007-10-17. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-SAN FRANCISCO IN CALIFORNIA GRANTS, SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID INFORMATIONAcademic Competitiveness (AC) Grant Program Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Program Grants and Scholarships available in California UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-SAN FRANCISCO NEWSNew Hair Growth Mechanism DiscoveredIn experiments in mice, UC San Francisco researchers have discovered that regulatory T cells, directly trigger stem cells in the skin to promote healthy hair growth. Barbara Koenig: Expanding the Reach of the Bioethics Program at UCSF Barbara Koenig, the director of the UCSF Bioethics Program, brings years of professional experience as a national expert in medical ethics. Catherine Lucey Appointed as Executive Vice Dean for School of Medicine Catherine Lucey has been appointed as Executive Vice Dean for the School of Medicine. She will continue to serve in her important role as Vice Dean for Education. UC President Janet Napolitano Issues Statement on President Trump’s Proposed Fiscal 2018 Budget University of California President Janet Napolitano issued a statement about President Trumps' proposed budget for fiscal year 2018. Keith Yamamoto Honored for Work in Precision Medicine The Precision Medicine World Conference has named Keith Yamamoto a 2017 recipient of the Luminary Award, which recognizes outstanding individuals who have advanced precision medicine. Ron Vale Receives 2017 Shaw Prize for Motor Protein Discoveries Ronald Vale, professor and vice chair of cellular and molecular pharmacology at UCSF, is a winner of the 2017 Shaw Prize in Life Science and Medicine for his seminal research on motor proteins, molecular machines that perform functions crucial to life. UCSF Health Launches Campaign to Reinforce Inclusiveness, Safety for Patients UCSF Health is rolling out a campaign to underscore the health system’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. The campaign was initiated amid recent concerns about potential discrimination or immigration issues that have arisen among patients and their families, as well as staff. New Head Librarian Will Lead UCSF Library into the Future UCSF has hired Christopher Shaffer as university librarian and assistant vice chancellor. UCSF Police Seeks Public Comment in Reaccreditation Process The UCSF Police Department is undergoing re-accreditation, a voluntary process renewed every three years to demonstrate its compliance with national best practices. UCSF to Expand Child Care at New Location at Mission Bay UCSF is moving and expanding its current University Child Care Center at Mission Bay to welcome more families to participate in on-site child care near their workplace. UC Regents Approve Building Plans for 3 Projects in Mission Bay, Dogpatch The UC Board of Regents have approved plans for three new UCSF building projects, including a new neuroscience building on the Mission Bay campus as well as a new psychiatry building and student housing in the nearby Dogpatch neighborhood. Eating Right and Exercising Could Reduce the Risk of Colon Cancer Coming Back Colon cancer patients who have a healthy body weight, exercise regularly and eat a diet high in whole grains, fruits and vegetables have a significantly lower risk of cancer recurrence or death. When Women Are Fully Informed about Pelvic Exams, Desire for the Exam Plummets Providing healthy women with information about pelvic examinations, including a professional society’s strong recommendation against them, substantially decreases the patients’ desire for the exam. User-Friendly Decision-Making Tools Help Older Adults Make Choices for Future Medical Care A user-friendly website and advance directive form given directly to patients can be highly effective in empowering older adults to plan for their future medical care. New Generation Clinic to Co-Locate in Homeless Prenatal Program The New Generation Health Center will continue to provide reproductive health care for teens and young adults through a new partnership that will enable it to co-locate across the street from its current location. UC Regents to Consider UCSF’s New Child, Teen and Family Center The UC Board of Regents will consider approving UC San Francisco’s new Child, Teen and Family Center at its regular meeting Thursday. Time to Menopause May Impact Women’s Heart Disease Risk Postmenopausal women who reached menopause at an earlier age or who never gave birth may be at higher risk for heart disease, according to a new study by researchers at UCSF Health. UC Launches Drug Discovery Consortium Former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy Urges ‘Moral Leadership’ in 2017 UCSF Commencement Address Vivek Murthy, the 19th Surgeon General of the United States, urged UCSF’s graduating medical students to stand up for truth, science and the most vulnerable among us, in his commencement address. Novel Surgical Technique Paves Way to Restoring Failing Organs By piercing liver cells with rapid pulses of electricity, scientists at UC San Francisco have demonstrated an entirely new way to transplant cells into organs to treat disease. 2017 Founders Day Awards Recognize Extraordinary Public Service, University Management This year’s UCSF Founders Day Awards were given to 12 faculty, staff and students to recognize their contributions in the areas of public service, exceptional service to UC San Francisco and excellence in nursing. Scientists Identify Biomarkers to Guide Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer A test commonly used in breast cancer has been found to also identify which patients with aggressive prostate cancer will benefit from hormonal therapy. UCSF’s Chief Privacy Officer Balances Privacy and Progress In 2002, Deborah Yano-Fong became UCSF’s first chief privacy officer, overseeing all privacy-related policies and procedures for the medical center and the four UCSF graduate health sciences schools. Her team tackles the new challenges that have risen alongside new technologies that promise better care and better communication. Andrew Josephson Appointed as Chair of Department of Neurology School of Medicine Dean Talmadge E. King, Jr. announced the appointment of S. Andrew Josephson as the new chair of UCSF’s Department of Neurology, effective July 1. Diane Havlir on Nearing the End of HIV/AIDS Since her days as a physician trainee, Diane Havlir, now Chief of the HIV, Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine Division at UCSF, has continued the crusade to end AIDS. She spoke about global HIV elimination at Fortune’s Brainstorm Health Conference in San Diego on May 2. UCSF Medical Center Ranked as One of 2017 America’s Best Employers by Forbes The UCSF Medical Center has ranked No. 52 on the 2017 Forbes list of America’s Best Employers. Video Imaging Reveals How Immune Cells Sense Danger How T cells feel out intruders rapidly and reliably enough to nip infections and other threats in the bud has remained a mystery to researchers. UCSF’s Class of 2017 on Lessons Learned Inside, Outside of Classroom The UCSF class of 2017 answers questions about challenges, lessons learned and advice they would give their first-year selves. 12 Areas Around Campus Selected for Improvements After Competition A campus entrance is one of 12 areas around UCSF selected for improvements through the First Impression Areas Contest. UCSF Fresno Names Ivan Albert Gomez as Chief of Family and Community Medicine After a nationwide search, UCSF Fresno Medical Education Program recently announced the appointment of Ivan Albert Gomez as Chief of Family and Community Medicine and Vice-Chair of Family and Community Medicine at UCSF. UCSF Health Ranked as One of 2017 America’s Best Employers by Forbes UCSF Health has ranked No. 52 on the 2017 Forbes list of America’s Best Employers. Physician Moms Are Often Subject to Workplace Discrimination Of the nearly 6,000 physician mothers in the survey, nearly 78 percent reported discrimination of any type. First Clear-Cut Risk Genes for Tourette Disorder Revealed Researchers made a significant advance, identifying the first “high-confidence” risk gene for Tourette disorder as well as three other probable risk genes. MEDIA ADVISORY: UCSF PlaySafe Program Offers Free Cardiac Physicals for High School Athletes The PlaySafe program in the UC San Francisco Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is providing its free annual spring sports cardiac physicals on May 6. UC’s Response to State Audit Report on University of California Office of the President UC’s Office of the President and its governing Board of Regents has addressed issues and recommendations contained in the state audit report about the budget practices and administrative expenditures of the Office of the President, welcoming most as constructive while raising significant concerns about others. Research Funding, Health Care Reform Are Key Issues During Chancellor’s Trip to Washington Federal funding for biomedical research and ongoing support for affordable comprehensive health coverage were the top two issues on the list of topics that Chancellor Sam Hawgood discussed with policymakers and key Republican lawmakers in Washington, D.C., this week. Harm Reduction Programs May Prevent Hepatitis C in Injection Drug Users Researchers at UCSF and their colleagues have found that Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among people who inject drugs remains high and stable in some North American cities but incidence has dropped and remained low in some Australian and European cities. New UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals’ President Brings Passion for Advocacy, Integration Michael Anderson has became the first president of UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals. His role is a newly created position, with responsibility for UCSF Health’s children’s hospitals in San Francisco and Oakland, and the UCSF Benioff Children’s Physicians Foundation – in total, a $1 billion operation. UCSF Medical Student Honored with U.S. Public Health Service Award UCSF medical student Jirayut “New” Latthivongskorn has received a 2017 U.S. Public Health Service Excellence in Public Health Award in recognition of his dedication and efforts advocating for immigrants’ rights and health equity for under-resourced communities. UCSF is Expanding Electric Vehicle Charging Station Locations Drivers of electric vehicles will find more charging stations around campus with more being added through early 2018. Discrimination Contributes to Asthma Rates in African-American, Latino Children Children’s exposure to racial and ethnic discrimination has been linked to their likelihood of having asthma in a new study by UCSF researchers. Mouse Teeth Providing New Insights into Tissue Regeneration UCSF researchers are looking to the front teeth of mice to to help understand how stem cells know when it’s time for them to expand in numbers and transform into mature, adult cells in order to renew injured or aging tissue. New Political Challenges Focus of 10th Annual Chancellor’s Diversity Forum National political issues that impact the UCSF community were at the forefront during the 10th annual Chancellor’s Leadership Forum on Diversity and Inclusion. New Vice Chancellor to Nurture Inventions, Bring Products to Market at More Advanced Stage UCSF has hired Harold E. “Barry” Selick as its first vice chancellor for business development, innovation and partnerships. ‘Stand Up For Science’ Teach-In, Rally Highlight Importance of Public Support, Diversity in Science Hundreds of people eager to show their support for science turned out for UC San Francisco’s Stand Up For Science teach-in and rally on April 22, which highlighted diversity and the importance of federal funding for research. UCSF Hires Vice Chancellor to Nurture Inventions, Bring Products to Market at More Advanced Stage UCSF has hired Harold E. “Barry” Selick as its first vice chancellor for business development, innovation and partnerships. Howard Pinderhughes Inspires Community Healing in 2017 UCSF Last Lecture Howard Pinderhughes, associate professor and chair of social and behavioral sciences in the UCSF School of Nursing, delivered the 2017 Last Lecture, which has the prompt: “If you had but one lecture to give, what would you say?” New Funding Will Support Research into Biology of Malaria Parasite UCSF researcher Grant Dorsey received federal funding for the Program for Resistance, Immunology, Surveillance and Modeling of Malaria in Uganda. UCSF Student Receives Soros Fellowship to Pursue Public Health Degree Javier Galvan, a third-year medical student at UCSF and a veteran, was selected as a 2017 Paul & Daisy Soros Fellow in recognition of his dedication and efforts already demonstrated in social justice and improving health care equity. UCSF Medical Center Receives ‘A’ for Patient Safety in Spring 2017 Hospital Safety Grade UCSF Medical Center at Parnassus received an “A” in the Spring 2017 Hospital Safety Grade, released April 12, 2017, by the nonprofit The Leapfrog Group, which grades hospitals nationwide for their commitment to reducing errors, infections and accidents that can harm patients. Ancient Enzyme Protects Lungs from Common Irritant Produced by Bugs and Mold Research shows that the lungs secrete a specialized enzyme capable of destroying chitin, without which chitin particles inhaled from the environment can accumulate in the airways and trigger inflammatory lung disease. For Young Adults, Cigarettes More Pleasurable with Alcohol than with Pot Young adults get more pleasure from smoking cigarettes while they are drinking alcohol than they do while using marijuana, according to a new UC San Francisco study. Low Cervical Cancer Screening Rates Found Among Mentally Ill Women enrolled in California’s Medicaid program (Medi-Cal) who have been diagnosed with severe mental illness have been screened for cervical cancer at much lower rates than other women. New Program Offers UCSF Building Occupants a Single Contact for Facility-Related Needs To better serve the needs of customers, Facilities Services has launched a new Facilities Managers Program that provides occupants with a single point of contact for all of their building-related needs. UCSF Fresno Names Jim Comes as Chief of Emergency Medicine After a nationwide search, UCSF Fresno Medical Education Program appointed Jim Comes, MD, as Chief of Emergency Medicine at UCSF Fresno and Vice-Chair of Emergency Medicine at UCSF. Clinicians, Researchers Collaborate to Predict and Prevent Pediatric Falls in the Hospital A collaborative research project aimed at preventing falls among hospitalized children is teaming clinical and nursing administration staff at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital San Francisco with nurse researchers at the UCSF School of Nursing. The Hormone Oxytocin is Being Tested for Treatment of PTSD and Alcohol Abuse A new trial may hold new hope for military personnel with PTSD and alcohol abuse through treatment with oxytocin, sometimes referred to as the “love hormone.” Dean Sheppard, Charles Craik Elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences UCSF biochemist Charles Craik and pulmonologist Dean Sheppard have been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Quest for Balance in Radiation Leads to Lower Doses A new study led by UC San Francisco has found that radiation doses can be safely and effectively reduced – and more consistently administered – for common CT scans. Inspired by Work with Dalai Lama, Eve Ekman Creates App to Map Emotions Eve Ekman, a postdoctoral scholar at UCSF’s Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, has collaborated with her father, Paul Ekman, and the Dalai Lama to create an Atlas of Emotions. Now Eve Ekman is focusing on helping medical residents understand their emotions through an app. Reunions and Events Draw Thousands for 2017 UCSF Alumni Weekend More than 1,650 alumni, family and friends attended the events for UCSF’s 2017 Alumni Weekend. UCSF Recognized for Patient Safety as Part of the I-PASS Study Group UCSF is part of a patient safety research group that received the prestigious 2016 John M. Eisenberg Award for Innovation in Patient Safety and Quality. UCSF Neuropsychiatrist Tells Senate Committee NIH Funding is ‘Critical’ for Alzheimer’s Research UCSF neuropsychiatrist Kristine Yaffe joined former First Lady of California Maria Shriver and other geriatric care experts to testify about the importance of Alzheimer's disease research and prevention at a meeting of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging. How Computers are Searching for Drugs of the Future Researchers at UCSF and elsewhere are turning to virtual experiments for the initial steps of drug development. Video Game Promotes Better Attention Skills in Some Children with Sensory Processing Dysfunction A video game under development as a medical device boosts attention in some children with sensory processing dysfunction. Cognitive Decline After Surgery Tied to Brain's Own Immune Cells After undergoing surgery, elderly patients often experience cloudy thinking. Mounting evidence suggests that heightened inflammation in the brain following surgery is the more likely cause. New Tool Illuminates Cell Signaling Pathways Key to Disease In a major advance for fundamental biological research, UCSF scientists have developed a tool capable of illuminating previously inscrutable cellular signaling networks. Medical Ethics and History Take Center Stage in Talk About Henrietta Lacks The story of Henrietta Lacks, and the questions raised about medical ethics, will be the topic of discussion when UCSF’s Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo is in conversation with author Rebecca Skloot at City Arts and Lectures event on April 26. Race Ranks Higher than Pounds in Diabetes, Heart-Health Risks Americans of South Asian descent are twice as likely as whites to have risks for heart disease, stroke and diabetes, when their weight is in the normal range. Parental Smoking Linked to Genetic Changes Found in Childhood Cancer Smoking by either parent helps promote genetic deletions in children that are associated with the development and progression of the most common type of childhood cancer, according to research headed by UCSF. UCSF Health Named “Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality” UCSF Health has been named a 2017 “Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality,” receiving a perfect score on the national Healthcare Equality Index, which was released by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest LGBTQ civil rights organization. First Binational Health Forum Held as Part of the UC-Mexico Initiative Distinguished academic and health leaders from Mexico and California met on March 29 in Mexico City to discuss health issues relevant to Mexico and the United States, with special attention to California, at the first Binational Health Forum. Deworming Pill May Be Effective in Treating Liver Cancer UCSF researchers have used data-mining computational tools to identify a treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma, a cancer associated with underlying liver disease and cirrhosis that often only becomes symptomatic when it is very advanced. David Julius Honored with 2017 Gairdner Award for Groundbreaking Pain Research David Julius, professor and chair of the Department of Physiology at UCSF, was named on March 28 to receive the 2017 Canada Gairdner International Award, one of the most prestigious prizes in biomedicine. New Multiple Sclerosis Drug, Backed by 40 Years of Research, Could Halt Disease A newly approved drug that is the first to reflect the current scientific understanding of multiple sclerosis is holding new hope for the hundreds of thousands Americans living with the disease. It also highlights the importance of clinician scientists like UCSF’s Stephen Hauser who are working to transform research into cures for patients. 2016 NIH Funding: A Look at Top Recipients and Their Research Learn more about some of the UCSF researchers who received the top funding from the National Institutes of Health in 2016. UCSF Is Top Public Recipient of NIH Research Funding for 6th Consecutive Year UCSF was the top public recipient of biomedical research grants from the National Institutes of Health or the sixth consecutive year in 2016, and the second-highest recipient among all public and private institutions nationwide. As Health Policy Faces Change Under the New Administration, Drew Altman Gives an Outlook Health policies under the new presidential administration could bring widespread changes at the national and statewide level, according to Drew Altman, president and chief executive of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, who spoke about the topic at UCSF on March 21. New Polio Virus Evolution Insights Could Lead to Improved Vaccine UCSF researchers have helped to identify the three evolutionary steps the polio virus used to evolve from harmless vaccine into a regional menace. With the new knowledge, they have developed a new polio vaccine that should be unable to escape and cause outbreaks. Virtual System Works in Managing Diabetes for Hospital Patients An innovative virtual glucose management service for hospitalized patients with diabetes is highly effective at maintaining appropriate glucose levels. Marilyn Reed Lucia, Pioneer in California Child Care, Passes Away Marilyn Reed Lucia’s life is closely linked with UCSF. She graduated from medical school at UCSF in 1956 and was one of only three women in her class. Lucia later went on to complete her residency in psychiatry and child psychiatry. Match Day 2017 Affirms Medical Students’ Dedication to Activism For a cohort of this year’s graduating class, residency training will not only advance their careers as physicians, but also further their commitment to social activism and greater health care equity for all patients. Partnership Develops Ambitious Public Health Policies on Sugar, Alcohol and Children’s Dental Health UCSF has worked strategically with community partners in the SFHIP to enact high-impact policies, such as banning sugar-sweetened beverages from hospitals, to improve public health and reduce health inequities in the city. Arturo Alvarez-Buylla Delivers 2017 Faculty Research Lecture in Basic Science Arturo Alvarez-Buylla was selected by his peers as the recipient of the 60th annual Faculty Research Lectureship in Basic Science Cell Division Talk Takes Top Prize at 2017 UCSF Grad Slam Christina Hueschen took home the top prize at this year’s UCSF Grad Slam competition for her talk titled “How to Build an Elephant.” Surprising New Role for Lungs: Making Blood Using video microscopy in the living mouse lung, UC San Francisco scientists have revealed that the lungs play a previously unrecognized role in blood production. UCSF Supports Making All Scholarly Journals Freely Accessible Faculty, administration and library leaders from UCSF took a major step towards the goal of making all scholarly literature freely available to everyone by endorsing an international open access initiative called OA2020. 'Geofencing' Shows Promise in Tracking Chronic Care Location-tracking apps on smartphones could be used to help track and manage care for thousands of patients who suffer from chronic diseases, and possibly provide feedback to them on lifestyle changes. UC Regents Approve Precision Cancer Medicine Building at Mission Bay The Precision Cancer Medicine Building, which will provide outpatient cancer care to complement services at the UCSF Medical Center at Mission Bay, was approved this week by the University of California Board of Regents. Science in Focus: Creating Neurons from Skin Cells to Understand Autism Studying brain disorders is complicated for many reasons, not the least being the ethics of obtaining living neurons. To overcome that obstacle, UCSF postdoc Aditi Deshpande is starting with skin cells. Distinguishing Between Dementia and Depression with Neuroimaging Neuroimaging is helping to distinguish between depression and dementia – two diseases with overlapping symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose properly. UCSF Launches Web Resource for New and Expecting Parents To help individuals better navigate the complex world of family-leave benefits and family support services, UCSF has launched a “New and Expecting Parents page” website. Researching How Stress Among Sexual Minorities Affects Health on Genetic Level Researcher Annesa Flentje is looking at ways stress among sexual minorities – those whose sexual orientation, identity or practices differ from the majority – can affect physical and mental health, starting at the genetic level, with a particular focus of late on the effect of stress on HIV-positive men. Roly Gosling: Working Toward His Vision of a Malaria-Free World Two things brought Roly Gosling to his current work to eliminate malaria: a series of British children’s books he read as a boy and a conviction that he should put his vision and beliefs into practice. UC Health Issues Statement on the American Health Care Act The University of California Health system is reviewing the American Health Care Act that was introduced in Congress the week of March 6. UCSF Schools Rank Highly in 2018 US News Survey UC San Francisco’s School of Medicine ranked in the top five nationally in this year’s U.S. News & World Report survey of best graduate schools. MEDIA ADVISORY: UCSF Holds Free Mock Trial: Is Mammography a Good Value? UCSF physicians are holding a free mock trial to debate the health and financial value of mammography. Study Shows How Skates, Rays and Sharks Sense Electrical Fields Sharks, rays and skates can hunt for prey hidden in the sandy sea floor by “listening” for faint traces of bioelectricity – they can literally sense their prey’s heart beating. Leaders of UCSF’s Clinical Sites Present Unique Perspectives and a Shared Vision Leaders from UCSF’s three major clinical organizations joined on Feb. 27 at the Mission Bay Hospitals’ Oberndorf auditorium for an overview of the breadth of the institution’s clinical enterprise. UC Statement on President Trump’s New Travel, Immigration Executive Order The University of California has issued a statement expressing its deep concern about the Trump Administration’s new executive order banning citizens of six nations from entering the United States. UCSF to Lead Resource Team for Craniofacial, Oral and Dental Tissue Regeneration UCSF is the lead institution on a California-based, six-university consortium that was awarded $12 million by the NIDCR to develop strategies for treating craniofacial and dental defects. UCSF Researchers Find Key to ‘Tired’ Blood and Immune Systems A molecular key to aging of the blood and immune system has been discovered in new research conducted at UCSF. UCSF Physicians, Staff Honored by San Francisco General Hospital Foundation UCSF physicians and staff were among those honored by The San Francisco General Hospital Foundation in this year’s Heroes & Hearts Award, which recognizes individuals within the community who go above and beyond the call of duty to care for the people of San Francisco. Artificial Intelligence Aids Scientists in Uncovering Hallmarks of Mystery Concussion New research is paving the way to a precision medicine approach to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with traumatic brain injury. Zebrafish-to-Patient Approach Speeds Search for Childhood Epilepsy Treatments In an unprecedented leap from lab to patients, a potential treatment for childhood epilepsy identified in experiments with zebrafish. Medical Students Explore Health Care Delivery Improvement with Clinical Microsystems Clerkship The launch of the Bridges, which came 15 years after the last revamping of the School of Medicine’s curriculum, includes the striking and intriguing change of including the Clinical Microsystems Clerkship. Science in Focus: The Placenta’s Role in Protecting the Fetus from Infection The mammalian placenta is a sort of armored car protecting a developing fetus. All manner of infectious agents attempt to break in, but few of them can. Scientists are working to understand why some infections do break through and how to stop them. Joan Voris, Former Associate Dean at UCSF Fresno, Passes Away Longtime former associate dean in Fresno, Joan Voris, passed away on Feb. 11. UCSF Scientists, Leaders Highlight Latest Advances at 2017 Precision Medicine World Conference Scientists, clinicians and entrepreneurs shared the latest innovations and initiatives in the rapidly evolving movement to make health care more personal, predictive and preventive at the Precision Medicine World Conference in January. With New Imaging Technology, Scientists and Clinicians Can Visualize Biological Systems A picture may be worth a thousand words. But new imaging technology that harmonizes mighty and distinctive microscopes may tell a complex story about a disease or condition – how it develops and how it can be treated precisely UCSF School of Dentistry Dean John Featherstone Announces Plan to Retire John Featherstone has announced he will step down as dean of the UCSF School of Dentistry at the end of December 2017. He will also retire from his faculty position as professor of preventive and restorative dental sciences. Dorothy Rice, Pioneer in Medical Economics and Health Statistics, Passes Away Dorothy Pechman Rice, professor emerita of health economics at the UCSF School of Nursing, passed away on Feb. 25, 2017. Genetic ‘Balance’ May Influence Response to Cancer Treatment The chromosomal “balance” of normal and abnormal versions of the cancer-driving gene KRAS affects the response to targeted treatments. Common Virus Tied to Diabetes, Heart Disease in Women Under 50 A type of herpes virus that infects about half of the U.S. population has been associated with risk factors for type 2 diabetes and heart disease in normal-weight women aged 20 to 49. New Golden Compass Program Helps Older HIV Patients Navigate Health Services Ward 86 at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center has launched Golden Compass, a new program to meet the health needs of the increasing population of HIV patients who are growing older. Gene Therapy Offers Hope for Newborns with Severe Immune Disorder A novel gene therapy treatment may save infants from SCID, a devastating immune disorder commonly known as "bubble boy disease". Science In Focus: New Mysteries in the Genome of Stentor The genome of the single-celled organism Stentor, recently sequenced by researchers, may help lead to new insights about how to help our own cells and tissues recover from injury. New Web App Helps UCSF Community Reduce Waste As part of the UCSF effort to reach zero waste by 2020, Facilities Services has launched a new recycling and waste reduction app. AB 2664 Supports Innovation, Entrepreneurship at UC A $22 million investment via California State Assembly Bill 2664 is supporting innovation and entrepreneurship at UC San Francisco and across the University of California system. New Collaboration Launches to Advance Technology for Children’s Health UCSF has joined with UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute and UC Berkeley to form the Engineering for Children’s Health Initiative. UCSF Finds Most Drinking Water Sources Meet EPA Standards for Lead UCSF continues to sample cold drinking water for lead across its campus and medical center locations in a voluntary testing program that began last summer. UCSF’s CARE Program Honored by Citywide Gender Equality Initiative UCSF’s support and advocacy program for survivors of interpersonal violence has been selected as a model practice by the San Francisco Department on the Status of Women. UCSF Remains Top Public University in Fundraising for 2016 UCSF for the second year straight has raised the most in private contributions of any public U.S. university, with $595.9 million. Scalp Cooling Can Help Some Breast Cancer Patients Retain Hair Scalp cooling can lessen some chemotherapy-induced hair loss – one of the most devastating hallmarks of cancer – in certain breast cancer patients, according to a new multicenter study from UCSF, Weill Cornell Medicine and three other medical centers. Mayor Signs Legislation Allowing New UCSF Research Building at Zuckerberg San Francisco General San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee joined physicians, researchers and patients Monday for the signing of an ordinance that will allow UCSF to proceed with construction of a new research and academic building at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center. Human Brain ‘Organoids’ Offer New Insight into Rare Developmental Disease Research uses brain “organoids” — tiny 3D models of human organs that scientists grow in a dish to study disease — to identify root causes of MDS, a rare genetic disorder that causes fatal brain malformations. UCSF’s Resource Allocation Program (RAP) Accepting Applications for the Spring 2017 Cycle UCSF’s Resource Allocation Program, which offers a single online application process for a wide variety of intramural funding opportunities, is now inviting applications for the Spring 2017 cycle. Fujimori Delivers 2017 Byers Award Lecture on Tackling Antibiotic Resistance The problem of antibiotic resistance and how research may help keep drugs effective was the topic of this year’s Byers Award Lecture in Basic Science, given by Danica Galoni? Fujimori, PhD, on Jan. 31. UC Regents Approve Budget, Design for Block 33 Building at Mission Bay UCSF’s new building at Mission Bay to house desktop research, administrative space, and a new Center for Vision Neurosciences with ophthalmology clinics and academic space recently received approval from the UC Regents. UCSF Convenes Town Hall to Hear Concerns on Immigration Executive Order While President Donald Trump’s Executive Order on immigration faces legal challenges in the courts, UCSF is offering members of the University community support wherever it’s needed, officials said at a town hall meeting on Feb. 3. UCSF Wins 8 Regional CASE Awards for Communications and Program Excellence UCSF has won eight awards, including three Gold Awards, from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education in an annual regional competition. In Decade Since Founding, UCSF’s Center for Vulnerable Populations Has Innovated Research, Care UCSF’s Center for Vulnerable Populations is 10 years old, and over that time it has transformed understanding of how social vulnerabilities relate to health. 15 UCSF Researchers Named to First Cohort of Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Investigators Fifteen UCSF faculty members have been named to the first cohort of Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Investigators. UCSF Wins 8 Regional CASE Awards for Writing, Advertising and Events UCSF has won eight awards, including three Gold Awards, from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education in an annual regional competition. UCSF Research Building at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital Gets City Approval The San Francisco Board of Supervisors have unanimously approved a lease agreement that will allow UCSF to move forward with constructing a new research and academic building at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center. Precision-Medicine Approach Could Revive Prostate Cancer Test A new study identified genetic predictors of normal prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in healthy men, which could be used to improve the accuracy of PSA-based prostate cancer screening tests. Poor Odor Identification May Be Early Warning for Dementia Poor performance on a simple odor identification test was associated with a significantly increased risk of developing dementia years later. ‘Dense Breasts’ Eclipse All Other Known Breast Cancer Risk Factors Women whose breasts are composed largely of glandular tissue, rather than fat, have an amplified risk of breast cancer, which exceeds the impact of other widely known risks on a population level. The Mysterious 98%: Scientists Look to Shine Light on Our Dark Genome A nationwide project that includes two UCSF researchers will use the latest technology, including gene editing, to gain insights into human biology that could one day lead to treatments for complex genetic diseases. UC Statement on President Trump's Executive Order UC President Janet Napolitano and the chancellors of the University of California have issued a statement expressing deep concern about the recent executive order that restricts the ability of students, faculty, staff and others from certain countries from being able to enter or return to the United States. Paintings by Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera Return to Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital After a seven-year hiatus, a pair of paintings by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera have returned to the ZSFG following construction of the new hospital building. John Clements, Whose Invention Helped Save Preemies’ Lives, Still Pushing His Field Forward at 93 John Clements has been an emeritus UCSF professor since 2004, but don’t expect him to be available to meet without his first checking his still busy calendar. Autism Researchers Discover Genetic ‘Rosetta Stone’ Distinct sets of genetic defects in a single neuronal protein can lead either to infantile epilepsy or to autism spectrum disorders. Student Debt in the Health Professions Limits School Choice, Career Paths The impact of the rising cost and mounting debt is two-fold: Universities struggle to compete for the best students, and costs become the overriding factor for many students in deciding where to get their education and what to practice after graduating. New MRI Method Aids Long-term Concussion Prognosis For concussion sufferers, physicians may now be able to predict early on who is more likely to continue experiencing symptoms months or years after the head-jarring event. UCSF-Hosted Film Screenings Aim to Raise Awareness of Hearing Loss, Autism Two days of film screenings that are being put on by UC San Francisco ReelAbilities Film Festival this month aim to help raise awareness of disabilities, including hearing loss and autism. Therapy for Abnormal Heartbeats May Cause Brain Injury A common treatment for irregular heartbeats known as catheter ablation may result in the formation of brain lesions when it is performed on the left side of the heart. Food is Medicine for HIV-Positive and Type 2 Diabetes Patients HIV-positive people and people with type 2 diabetes, who received healthy food and snacks for six months were more likely to adhere to their medication regimens, were less depressed and less likely to make trade-offs between food and healthcare. Genetic Risk Factors for Autism, MS and Other Diseases Differ Between the Sexes Study suggests, genetic variants that have distinct effects on physical traits in men versus women are also linked to men’s and women’s risk for a range of diseases – autism, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes. San Francisco’s Budget and Finance Committee to Vote on New UCSF Research Building at ZSFG At their Jan. 25 meeting, the Finance and Budget Committee of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors will vote whether to recommend approval of a Lease Disposition and Development Agreement (LDDA) that would allow UC San Francisco to construct a new research and academic building at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center. E-Cigarettes Are Expanding Tobacco Product Use Among Youth E-cigarettes – thought by some to be responsible for a decline in youth cigarette smoking – are actually attracting a new population of adolescents who might not otherwise have smoked tobacco products. Successful Immunotherapy Requires System-Wide Immune Response New research has found that successful cancer immunotherapy appears to depend on whether the treatment can trigger a system-wide immune response, rather than just a local response within the tumor itself. Shape-Shifting Nucleosomes Open New Avenues for Epigenetics Research UCSF study demonstrates that nucleosomes actively change their shape as part of the larger process of epigenetic regulation of gene expression. Binge Drinking May Quickly Lead to Liver Damage Alcohol consumed during just seven weeks of intermittent binge drinking harms the liver in ways that more moderate daily drinking does not. Federal Funding in the New Administration and What It Could Mean at UCSF Key members in the UCSF Science Policy and Strategy Group, as well as the Government Relations Office, discuss faculty concerns around decreased federal funding for biomedical research and advanced patient care, or the elimination of such funding altogether. New ‘Immunoprofiler’ Initiative will Advance Drug Discovery, Precision Immunotherapy for Cancer UC San Francisco scientists have formed an innovative research alliance with three global pharmaceutical companies. App to Find Services at UCSF Receives Updates The app the UCSF community uses to find everything from lunch specials to shuttle schedules has a new look. Shawn Douglas Receives Presidential Early Career Award Shawn Douglas is one of 102 researchers recently named by President Obama as a recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. Through the Looking Glass: The Quest by Parents and Scientists to End Pediatric Epilepsy Children with severe cases of epilepsy such as Dravet syndrome are finding new and unexpected cures thanks to determined pediatricians and translational research at UCSF. Largest-Ever Gift to UCSF Honors Philanthropist Helen Diller To honor and build on a lifetime of giving and charitable service by the late Helen Diller, the Helen Diller Foundation has granted $500 million to UCSF, the largest single donation in UCSF’s history and one of the largest ever to a U.S. university. Access to Free Drinking Water in SF Neighborhoods Driven by New Partnership Over the next year, 19 new public water stations will be installed across San Francisco, thanks to a collaboration involving the City and County of San Francisco, community groups, and UCSF Health. Science in Focus: Rebuilding the Salivary Gland After Radiation UCSF researchers are working to figure out how mouse stem cells divide and differentiate into acinar cells to rebuild the salivary gland after an injury. Such research could apply to patients who often lose the ability to produce saliva after undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancers. Cultural Differences May Leave Their Mark on DNA A UC San Francisco-led study has identified signatures of ethnicity in the genome that appear to reflect an ethnic group’s shared culture and environment, rather than its common genetic ancestry. Jeff Sheehy, of UCSF AIDS Research Institute, Appointed as San Francisco Supervisor Jeff Sheehy, the longtime director of communications at UC San Francisco’s Aids Research Institute, has been appointed by San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee to serve on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Former Senior Vice Chancellor Steve Barclay, Key Financial Architect of Mission Bay Campus, Dies Stephen J. Barclay, the former senior vice chancellor of Finance and Administration who guided UCSF through state budget cutbacks as well as the planning of the Mission Bay campus, has died. He was 70. UCSF Medical Student and Immigrant Rights Advocate Featured on Forbes’ ‘30 Under 30’ List The first undocumented immigrant to attend UC San Francisco’s School of Medicine, Jirayut “New” Latthivongskorn, has been named to the 2017 “30 Under 30” list by Forbes magazine. Science in Focus: Using Light to Make Single Cells Self-Destruct Researchers at UCSF have developed a new optogenetic tool that can be used to completely eliminate single cells from brain networks in animals. The researchers believe the new tool will enable exquisitely precise experiments to help researchers understand how each cell contributes to the whole. Search Engine: How Artificial Intelligence Techniques Are Aiding the Hunt for New Drugs Steven Altschuler and Lani Wu are using artificial intelligence to spot and label potential medical uses for biological compounds. Alcohol Abuse Increases Risk of Heart Attack, Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure Alcohol abuse may increase the risk for heart attack, atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure. Margot Kushel: Tailoring Medical Care for the Homeless Margot Kushel’s research, clinical and personal work with homeless patients stretches back to the 1990s when she was a medical resident at ZSFG. Off-Switch for CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing System Discovered UC San Francisco researchers have discovered a way to switch off the widely used CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing system using newly identified anti-CRISPR proteins that are produced by bacterial viruses. Latino Children with Kidney Failure Have Superior Survival Latino children with kidney failure have a surprising survival advantage over white children despite longer waits for transplants, according to a UCSF study that tracked more than 12,000 pediatric patients. UCSF Mourns Loss of William K. (Bill) Bowes Jr. (1926-2016) The UCSF community is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of William K. Bowes Jr., a Bay Area venture capitalist whose dedicated volunteer service and generous philanthropy supported medical research, access to college, higher education and the arts. Margot Kushel: Providing the Homeless with Better, More Appropriate Medical Care Margot Kushel’s research, clinical and personal work with homeless patients stretches back to the 1990s when she was a medical resident at ZSFG. UCSF Discovery May Lead to New Treatments to Protect Fetus from Deadly Effects of Food Poisoning A newly identified bacterial protein that is shown to jump-start infection may be the culprit in a foodborne disease that strikes pregnant women in disproportionately high numbers, leading to miscarriage and pre-term birth. UCSF Shuttle System Begins Holiday Schedule Dec. 19 The UCSF shuttle service will operate on a limited holiday schedule beginning Monday, Dec. 19. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy to Deliver 2017 UCSF School of Medicine Commencement Address The UCSF School of Medicine has announced that Surgeon General Vice Admiral Vivek H. Murthy will deliver the commencement address on May 15, 2017. Cutting Through the Clamor: How the Brain Helps Us Understand Spoken Words in Noisy Settings UCSF scientists have discovered an unexpected mechanism the brain uses to seamlessly compensate when speech sounds are obscured by noise. UCSF Joins Multi-University Collaboration Agreement with Facebook’s Building 8 UCSF is joining a unique collaboration agreement with Facebook that would allow its researchers to engage in joint technology projects without the usual red tape. Positive Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Trial Results Support New Treatment Approach In findings that show the effectiveness of a new strategy for treating multiple sclerosis, researchers are reporting positive results from three large, international, multicenter Phase III clinical trials of the investigational drug ocrelizumab in both relapsing multiple sclerosis and primary progressive multiple sclerosis. UCSF Experts to Share Latest Research at 2017 Precision Medicine World Conference For the second consecutive year, UCSF is co-hosting the Precision Medicine World Conference, which is being held in January 2017. CRISPR Study Reveals Unexpected Roles of Non-Coding RNAs UCSF researchers have taken a major step toward understanding the function of the tens of thousands of human genes that do not code for proteins, a phenomenon considered one of the key remaining mysteries of the human genome. MEDIA ADVISORY: Firefighters Pledge a Helping Hand to Save Santa’s UCSF Visit The media are invited to join Santa as he arrives at the hospital in a fire truck and meets with young patients in the art studio. CRISPR-Based Single-Cell Genetics Platform Enables Rapid Analysis of Critical Gene Networks Researchers from UC San Francisco and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard have developed a new method for performing high-throughput functional screening of complex genetic interactions. Most Popular Science Stories of 2016 Stories about sensory processing disorder, videos about “zombie” cancer cells, and news about the effects of caffeine and alcohol on the heart were among the topics that most engaged our readers in 2016. Scientists Visualize Embryo Implantation in the Mouse Uterus in Unprecedented 3D Detail UC San Francisco researchers have visualized the earliest stages of pregnancy in unprecedented detail in laboratory animals and human tissue using new laboratory imaging techniques. Timeline of UCSF Milestones in 2016 A timeline of UCSF's major milestones in 2016. Quiz: How Well Do You Know UCSF in 2016? UC San Francisco had many milestones in 2016 in research, education and patient care. Take this quiz to see what you remember about some of our major advances from the last year. Scientific Reasons for Keeping Your New Year’s Resolutions To give you a bit of scientific motivation, UCSF gathered some of the latest research behind the most popular health-related New Year’s resolutions that attest to why it really is good for your body to see them through. Percentage of Medical Students with Disabilities Higher than Thought, Study Finds The percentage of medical students with disabilities has always been much lower than the general population, but there may be more disabled students than previously thought. Lower-Cost Canadian Health Care as Good as U.S.’s for Low-Income Kids with Diabetes Low-income children with Type 1 diabetes in Canada, who are treated by family physicians fared at least as well as low-income children in California, who are likely to be treated by highly specialized pediatric endocrinologists. Telomere Growth Predicts Reduced Chance of Death from Heart Disease UC San Francisco and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in San Francisco has found that change in telomere length over time is important. San Francisco Health Department Passes Resolution in Support of UCSF Research Building at ZSFG At their Dec. 6 meeting, the San Francisco Health Commission passed a resolution in support of a 75-year ground lease, and related Lease Disposition and Development Agreement, for the construction of a new research and academic building on the campus of the Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center. Biotech Pioneer Bill Bowes Pledges $50M to Support Young Biomedical Investigators With a $50 million pledge, Bill Bowes has invested in UCSF’s core strength and innovative engine: young investigators. Alzheimer’s and Concussion-Related CTE May Spread in the Brain Via Common Mechanism A shared biological mechanism may drive the progression of both Alzheimer’s disease and chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a neurodegenerative condition associated with repeated concussions and brain trauma. U.S. Sees Significant Shortage in Minority Dentists Underrepresented minority dentists represent a smaller percentage of the dental workforce and are unevenly distributed in relation to minority populations in the United States. White Wash: Biomedical Research Doesn’t Reflect Diversity of the American Public UCSF is addressing racial disparities in clinical research, helping to advance precision medicine by providing tailored medical treatment to vulnerable populations. Dearth of Clinical Study Participants Leads UCSF to Launch New Trial Finder Tool To help address the issue of under-enrollment in clinical trials, UCSF has launched a tool that could make it easier for researchers and willing study participants to find each other. MEDIA ADVISORY: Meet Kimono, UCSF’s Most Popular New Clinician Kimono, a 2-year-old golden retriever/lab, is a new recruit at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital San Francisco. UCSF to Host 2017 Breakthrough Prize Symposium on Dec. 5 UCSF is hosting the 2017 Breakthrough Prize Symposium on Dec. 5, an event that will feature 14 TED Talk-style presentations about the latest advances in life sciences, physics and mathematics. Research Cracks Genetic Driver of Patient’s Rare Immune Disorder UCSF-led research team identified the rare genetic mutation responsible for a unique case of severe combined immunodeficiency, a deadly immune system disorder also known as “boy in the bubble” disease. Staff Appreciation Events Honor, Celebrate Contributions of Frontline Employees UCSF will continue its annual tradition of hosting the UCSF Chancellor’s Staff Appreciation events, starting Thursday, Dec. 1 at Mission Bay in the atrium at Genentech Hall. UCSF, Pfizer Renew Research Collaboration, Citing Progress in Drug Discovery Research UCSF and Pfizer Inc.’s Centers for Therapeutic Innovation have renewed an agreement to identify and develop biologic compounds against both known and novel targets. UCSF, UC Berkeley Launch Dental Public Health Joint Program The UCSF School of Dentistry and UC Berkeley’s School of Public Health have announced the launch of a joint program for dentists interested in dental public health. Project to Apply Artificial Intelligence to Imaging of Brain Emergencies Receives $1.2M UCSF researchers have received $1.2 million for their work to make imaging machines smarter, so they can detect neurological emergencies and triage patients for immediate treatment. Researchers Put Mouse Embryos in Suspended Animation UCSF researchers found a way to pause the development of early mouse embryos for up to a month in the lab, a finding with implications for assisted reproduction, regenerative medicine, aging and cancer. Ethics of Testing for Preterm Birth Risk Weighs Uncertain Harms and Benefits Ethical quandaries such as testing for a woman’s risk for preterm birth are still being worked out by the medical community. Ricardo Muñoz Named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science Ricardo F. Muñoz, professor emeritus of psychology at UCSF, has been named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Chancellor Clarifies Roles for UCSF Executive Leadership Groups, Forms New Advisory Committees Chancellor Sam Hawgood has established new charters for his executive leadership groups in an effort to streamline and strengthen decision-making related to the University’s mission, vision, and strategy. High Blood Pressure Linked to Kidney Disease in Type 1 Diabetes Strict blood pressure control is associated with a reduced chance of long-term kidney damage in patients with type 1 diabetes, according to a new long-term study led by UC San Francisco researchers. Mutant Protein Linked to Spread of Lung Cancer Within the Body According to a new study led by UCSF scientists, lung cancer’s ability to spread may often be due to the inactivation of a single protective protein within tumor cells. Sandra Weiss Outlines Priorities as Interim Dean of School of Nursing -nurSandra Weiss, who in September was named interim dean of the UCSF School of Nursing, talks about her priorities for the school as well as the strengths she brings to the position. Chancellor Issues Message Denouncing Actions of Prejudice and Intimidation Chancellor Sam Hawgood on Monday addressed the UCSF community regarding recent incidents of discrimination and intimidation. Science in Focus: How Do White Blood Cells Move So Fast? White blood cells called neutrophils race after bacteria at speeds up to a thousand times that of most human cells by moving in a special way. Lillian Fritz-Laylin and Megan Riel-Mehan want to know how that works. UCSF, GE Healthcare Launch Deep Learning Partnership to Advance Care Globally UCSF’s Center for Digital Health Innovation and GE Healthcare today announced a partnership to develop a library of deep learning algorithms. Broad New Partnership Launches Plan to Reduce Cancer in San Francisco A group that includes UCSF, the City and County of San Francisco, and health care and community organizations has launched the San Francisco Cancer Initiative, a major public health effort to reduce cancer in San Francisco. Global Push to Eradicate Malaria Boosted by $29M Grant to Malaria Elimination Initiative The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has awarded UCSF’s Global Health Group’s Malaria Elimination Initiative (MEI) a four-year grant of $29 million to accelerate malaria elimination. For Children With Brain Tumors, Next-Generation Sequencing May Lead to Different Diagnoses Next-generation sequencing for patients at UCSF Medical Center is prompting changes in brain tumor diagnoses for some children and a retooling of treatment plans in many cases. FDA Funds UCSF-Stanford Center on Regulatory Science The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has awarded the UCSF-Stanford Center of Excellence in Regulatory Science and Innovation (UCSF-Stanford CERSI) a five-year grant with up to $25 million in funding. UC San Francisco and GE Healthcare Launch Deep Learning Partnership to Advance Care Globally UC San Francisco’s Center for Digital Health Innovation and GE Healthcare today announced a partnership to develop a library of deep learning algorithms. UCSF, Governor Brown Announce New Precision Medicine Projects Continuing California’s groundbreaking effort to better treat and prevent diseases through advanced computing, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. and UC San Francisco (UCSF) today announced six new projects have been selected for the California Initiative to Advance Precision Medicine (CIAPM). “These grant winners will harness the power of advanced computing to better treat and prevent diseases,” said Governor Brown. UCSF Kicks Off 2016 Seasonal Employee Giving Program UCSF has kicked of its 2016 Annual Campaign of the Employee Giving Program that enables faculty and staff members to support the causes they find most personally meaningful. Stephen McLeod Appointed Editor-in-Chief of Ophthalmology Journal Stephen McLeod has been appointed editor-in-chief of Ophthalmology, the official journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. UCSF Holds Inaugural Veterans Job Fair and Open House UCSF held a veterans job fair and open house Nov. 7 to connect with veterans in our community seeking employment advice and opportunities. David Julius is Recipient of 2017 Human Frontier Science Program Nakasone Award UCSF's David Julius is the recipient of the 2017 Human Frontier Science Program Nakasone Award, which honors scientists who have made key breakthroughs in fields at the forefront of the life sciences. Four Receive UCSF Medal for Innovation, Inspiration, Impact UC San Francisco awarded the UCSF Medal – the University’s highest honor – to four visionary leaders for their innovation, inspiration and impact in advancing health research and care. Steve Morin Delivers 16th Annual Faculty Research Lecture in Clinical Science Steve Morin has been selected as the as recipient of the 16th annual Faculty Research Lectureship in Clinical Science, sponsored by the UCSF Academic Senate. Despite Passage of Prop. 64, Marijuana Use on UC Property Still Prohibited Recreational marijuana is now legal in California, but it’s still prohibited at the University of California. Science in Focus: Cracking Crystals to Fight Malaria UCSF researchers are learning more about what guides the formation of crystals that malaria parasites leave behind so they can work toward new treatments. As Smartphone Use Increases, So Does Lack of Sleep Smartphone use directly correlates with sleep, with greater use demonstrating a significant association with shorter sleep duration and worse sleep efficiency, according to researchers at UCSF. University of California Statement on Presidential Election Results University of California President Janet Napolitano and the UC chancellors issued a statement regarding the presidential election results. Stephen McLeod Appointed Editor-in-Chief of Ophthalmology Stephen McLeod has been appointed editor-in-chief of Ophthalmology, the official journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Sunny Discovery Day at AT&T Park Caps Off 6th Annual Bay Area Science Festival Children, teens and parents explored more than 150 hands-on science exhibits, games, experiments and shows at during the Bay Area Science Festival’s 6th annual Discovery Day at AT&T Park on Nov. 5. Science to Be a Big Hit at Discovery Day at AT&T Park More than 35,000 kids, teens and parents will unleash their inner scientist at the Bay Area Science Festival’s 6th annual Discovery Day at AT&T Park on Nov. 5. QMRI Sees Cartilage Damage Before It’s Too Late Researchers at UCSF are pioneering a new technique, known as quantitative magnetic resonance imaging, or qMRI, that can reveal the earliest signs of cartilage damage, a precursor to osteoarthritis. How to Break the Junk Food Habit Certain foods — particularly processed foods that are high in sugar, salt and fat — don’t just taste good, they also can be addictive, said scientists at a UCSF symposium on food and addiction. Mexico’s Soda Tax Could Reduce Diabetes, Heart Disease and Health Costs, New Study Finds The tax on sugar-sweetened beverages in Mexico could prevent hundreds of thousands of adults from developing Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease while saving approximately $1 billion in health care costs. UCSF Helps Develop Unified Classification Criteria for Sjogren’s Syndrome UCSF's schools of Dentistry and Medicine have helped to craft a unified and definitive set of classification criteria for Sjögren's syndrome. Science in Focus: Evolving Immune Fighters in the Gut Graduate student Lauren Rodda captured a microscopic mage of a mouse gut, which highlights her work to understand the germinal center, where immune cells compete to be the best at recognizing an invading pathogen. Study Finds Wide Exposure to Environmental Toxics in Cohort of Pregnant Women Low income and Latina pregnant women who seek care at ZSFG have widespread exposure to environmental pollutants, many of which show up in higher levels in newborns. Maureen Brodie Named Director of UCSF Office of the Ombuds Maureen Brodie has been named the new director of the UCSF Office of the Ombuds. 1-in-4 Older Adults Have Not Discussed Advance Care Planning More than one in four older adults have not engaged in planning for end-of-life care or directives, despite significant public efforts to encourage the practice. ???UCSF Lactation Accommodation Program Wins 2016 Healthy Mothers Workplace Award The San Francisco Healthy Mothers Workplace Coalition recently honored the UCSF Lactation Accommodation Program with the 2016 Healthy Mothers Workplace Award. UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences Announces Innovation, Scholar Awards The UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences has named the first recipients of the UCSF Weill Innovation and Scholar Awards as part of the institute’s goal to support high-risk, high-reward research. MEDIA ADVISORY: UCSF Holds Free Symposium on Food and Addiction UC San Francisco will host a free symposium Oct. 27 titled, “Food & Addiction: Policy, Environment and Individual Factors.” The event, which marks the 10th annual gathering of the Sugar, Stress, Environment and Weight Symposium, brings together leading medical professionals, researchers and policy makers across the University of California to present the latest science on food and addiction. Science in Focus: Regenerating Muscle from Stem Cells A microscopic image of a mouse leg that has been reconstructed with a stem cell transplant shows what may one day help patients regrow new muscle after a major surgery. John C. Greene, Former UCSF School of Dentistry Dean, Dies John C. Greene, dean emeritus of the UCSF School of Dentistry, died at age 90. Greene served as dean from 1981 to 1995. UCSF in Top 20 for US News’ 2017 Global Universities Rankings UCSF has ranked as one of the top 20 universities in the world, according to the 2017 Best Global Universities rankings released Tuesday by U.S. News & World Report. Researchers Use CRISPR to Accelerate Search for HIV Cure Researchers at UCSF and the academically affiliated Gladstone Institutes have used a newly developed gene-editing system to find gene mutations that make human immune cells resistant to HIV infection. Open Enrollment for 2017 Health Plans, Benefits Runs Through Nov. 22 Open Enrollment, the time of year when UC employees have the opportunity to review and make changes to their benefits, runs from Oct. 27 until Nov. 22. Drug Target for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Found in New Study A team of researchers led by UCSF scientists has identified a new drug target for triple-negative breast cancer. MEDIA ADVISORY: UCSF Experts to Address Several Health Topics During Pediatricians’ Conference The nation’s top pediatric specialists from UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital San Francisco will present new clinical findings and fresh perspectives at the annual conference of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Electronic Records Help Link Genes to Age-Related Hearing Loss A study of patient electronic medical records and genome sequences from adults with age-related hearing impairment, identified two genetic variations linked to the hearing disorder. Prevention-Oriented Approach to Dentistry Helps Patients Avoid the Drill Years after CAMBRA was developed at UCSF, it is starting to make inroads among dental professionals nationwide, and researchers are leading the first large study of the protocol in community dental practices. HIV Active in Tissues of Patients Who Received Antiretroviral Treatment, Study Shows UCSF researchers found in autopsy tissue samples of patients treated with antiretrovirals that the virus evolved and migrated among tissues similar to the way it did in patients who had never received antiretroviral treatment. Gene Links Risk of Psychiatric Disease to Reduced Synapse Numbers Research led by UCSF scientists has revealed that mutations in a gene linked with brain development may dispose people to multiple forms of psychiatric disease by changing the way brain cells communicate. NIMH Funds UCSF Center for AIDS Prevention The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has awarded $8.5 million over five years to UC San Francisco’s Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS) to continue conducting cutting-edge prevention research to help achieve local, national and global goals to end the AIDS epidemic. Polina Ilieva: UCSF Archivist Preserving University’s Storied Past for a Dynamic Future Polina Ilieva, who oversees UCSF Archives and Special Collections, is working to preserve the items in the collection, to make them accessible to internal and external audiences, and to move toward digitizing the entire collection of artifacts. UCSF Helps Launch NIH Precision Medicine Cohort Program UCSF is helping to launch a landmark effort by the NIH to engage 1 million U.S. participants in research aimed at preventing and treating disease based on individual differences in lifestyle, environment and genetics. Ophir Klein Awarded $8M NIDCR Grant for Dental Stem Cell Research Ophir Klein has been awarded one of two inaugural grants from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research that are meant to encourage long-term ambitious and innovative research. UCSF to Showcase Film Series to Raise Awareness of People with Disabilities UCSF is launching a new film series to raise awareness of disabilities as part of the University’s efforts to foster equity, inclusion and appreciation of diversity of all kinds. Robert Wachter Appointed as New Chair of Department of Medicine Dean Talmadge E. King Jr. announced the appointment of Robert Wachter as the new chair of the UCSF Department of Medicine. Melvin Malcolm Grumbach, Renowned Pediatric Endocrinologist, Dies at 90 Melvin Malcolm Grumbach, a leading figure in the field of pediatric endocrinology who is credited with making the UCSF Department of Pediatrics one of the top programs in the world, died Oct. 4 at the age of 90. Undoing the Harm of Childhood Trauma and Adversity Years of research have shown that trauma and adverse events in childhood can put a person at an elevated risk for a wide range of physical and mental health problems across their life span. But the scope and significance of that impact – and how to reverse it – is just beginning to come into focus. Replacing Myelin Protects Nerve Cells, Restores Function in Mouse Model of Multiple Sclerosis Using a mouse model of multiple sclerosis, UCSF scientists demonstrated that regenerating myelin can both protect neurons from damage and restore lost function. How a School of Dentistry Lab Joined Fight Against Zika Lenore Pereira, a virologist and professor in School of Dentistry’s Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, is in the middle of crucial research to understand how the mosquito-borne Zika virus harms the babies of women infected during pregnancy. Human Neurons Continue to Migrate After Birth, Research Finds Researchers at UC San Francisco have discovered a previously unknown mass migration of inhibitory neurons into the brain’s frontal cortex during the first few months after birth UCSF’s Health Sciences Enterprise is a $5.4 Billion Engine of Economic Growth UCSF is a driving force of the San Francisco Bay Area economy, with an $8.9 billion economic impact that sustains nearly 43,000 jobs throughout the region, according to a new analysis. Seven UCSF Scientists Receive NIH ‘Blue-Sky’ Research Awards The National Institutes of Health has awarded grants to seven UCSF scientists to pursue innovative approaches to major contemporary challenges in biomedical research. UCSF Joins Precision Medicine Study for Pancreatic Cancer The UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center is one of only 12 academic centers in the U.S. joining a large national precision medicine study that aims to improve survival for pancreatic cancer patients. Chancellor Highlights UCSF’s Economic, Community Impact in 2016 State of the University UCSF’s investment and involvement in the community has continued to grow, and Chancellor Sam Hawgood spoke Tuesday about the tangible impacts the University has made on San Francisco and the Bay Area. UCSF at Dreamforce 2016: Fighting Cancer, Battling Zika, Using Data to Stop Outbreaks Some of UCSF's foremost scientists will participate in the 2016 Dreamforce conference in San Francisco. If Legalizing Pot, Consider Health, Not Profits, Analysis Says A new analysis of marijuana legislation offers a framework for states that are considering legalizing the drug and want to protect public health, rather than corporate profits. Poverty May Be Risk Factor for Reduced Cognitive Function in Midlife, Study Shows Persistent poverty in young adulthood and midlife may elevate one’s risk for lower cognitive function by age 50. Lawrence Green Awarded Sedgwick Memorial Medal for Distinguished Service in Public Health Lawrence Green will receive the Sedgwick Memorial Medal for Distinguished Service in Public Health, the oldest and most prestigious award bestowed by the American Public Health Association. ‘Cellbots’ Chase Down Cancer, Deliver Drugs Directly to Tumors UCSF scientists have engineered human immune cells that can precisely locate diseased cells anywhere in the body and execute a wide range of customizable responses, including the delivery of drugs or other therapeutic payloads directly to tumors or other unhealthy tissues. Howard Hughes Medical Institute Names 4 UCSF Researchers as Faculty Scholars Four UCSF researchers are among the 84 Faculty Scholars named by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Simons Foundation, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in a new program to support promising early-career scientists. NSF Funds ‘Blue Sky’ Bioengineering Center To Be Based at UCSF The National Science Foundation has awarded $24 million over five years for a new ‘blue-sky’ bioengineering center based at UCSF. Chancellor to Discuss UCSF’s Economic Impact at 2016 State of the University UCSF Chancellor Sam Hawgood will share highlights of the University’s new economic and fiscal impact report during his third State of the University Address on Tuesday, Oct. 4. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: 10 Years After the Breakthrough Ten years after Shinya Yamanaka published his Nobel Prize-winning discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells, there's been rapid progress in some areas and major challenges in others. Human Neuron Transplants Treat Spinal Cord Injury in Mice Chronic pain and loss of bladder control are among the most devastating consequences of spinal cord injury. 3 Leading Bay Area Research Universities to Partner in $600M Chan Zuckerberg Medical Science 'Biohub' UCSF, Stanford and UC Berkeley will join forces in a new biomedical science research center funded by a $600 million commitment from Facebook CEO and founder Mark Zuckerberg and pediatrician Priscilla Chan. Moderate Alcohol Use Linked to Heart Chamber Damage, Atrial Fibrillation in New Study A new study by UCSF researchers found that even moderate alcohol consumption may change the structure of the heart in ways that increase the risk of atrial fibrillation. Teaching Future Health Care Providers Lessons in Uncertainty UCSF schools either have implemented or are developing new curricula with the goal of equipping students with the tools and strategies to make wise, evidence-based decisions in real-world clinical situations – where answers are not always found in textbooks. UCSF Incoming Class 2016: By the Numbers This fall, UCSF welcomes nearly 1,000 new students. Check out an infographic highlighting some fun facts about this new crop of future clinicians and researchers. Howard Hughes Medical Institute Names Four UCSF Researchers as Faculty Scholars Four UCSF researchers are among the 84 Faculty Scholars named by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Simons Foundation, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in a new program to support promising early-career scientists. UCSF Plans Events for National Cyber Security Awareness Month In order to help UCSF faculty, staff, students and trainees protect their and UCSF’s digital information, the University is celebrating National Cyber Security Awareness Month with a series of events that run through October. Sudden Neurological Death Misclassified, Underestimated UCSF researchers have devised a new term, “sudden neurological death,” to describe apparent sudden cardiac deaths that actually were due to neurological causes. Endocrine Society Awards Walter L. Miller Its Lifetime Achievement Award Walter L. Miller, distinguished professor emeritus and former chief of Pediatric Endocrinology at UCSF, has been awarded the highest honor bestowed by the Endocrine Society. San Francisco, Oakland Join Forces to Support Children with Cancer UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals are bringing together the cities of San Francisco and Oakland this week, as well as each city’s baseball team, to raise awareness of pediatric cancer. Jennifer Rosko: Building an Environment for Students to Thrive Jennifer Rosko, the director of Student Involvement and Programs at UCSF, has worked to create the structure and atmosphere for students to foster interprofessional relationships, thrive and be successful. UCSF Responds to Concerns About Safety and Security After Series of Town Halls During National Campus Safety Awareness Month, UCSF reminds faculty, staff, students and trainees that it’s incumbent on everyone to be vigilant and to be informed about what’s happening during an emergency situation. MEDIA ADVISORY: Buster Posey to Visit UCSF Patients in Honor of Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month San Francisco Giants’ catcher Buster Posey will be meeting with patients at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital San Francisco this week, in honor of National Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. UCSF's Bruce Alberts Wins Lasker-Koshland Award for Lifetime of Research, Science Advocacy UCSF biochemist Bruce Alberts has received the 2016 Lasker~Koshland Special Achievement Award in Medical Science, one of the highest honors in biomedicine. Bruce Alberts on Why Biomedical Research Needs Rescuing Bruce Alberts and a group of prominent scientists have begun the Rescuing Biomedical Research initiative to fix what they see as systemic flaws in the current biomedical research enterprise. UCSF to Offer Free Flu Shots as Influenza Season Nears UCSF will be holding free drop-in flu shot clinics for its employees, students and volunteers starting Monday, Sept. 19. UCSF Fresno Launches Two New Training Programs UCSF Fresno recently launched two new training programs: the UCSF Fresno Hematology/Oncology Fellowship and the UCSF Fresno Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant (PA) Residency Program. UCSF Ranks as One of the Healthiest Employers in the Bay Area UCSF has ranked as one of the healthiest employers in the Bay Area, according to the San Francisco Business Times. Students Share Their 2016 Back-to-School Experiences As new students and returning ones start the 2016-17 school year at UCSF, several are sharing their back-to-school experiences (and a glimpse into their lives) on social media using the hashtag #UCSFBackToSchool. Long-Sought ‘Warm-Sensitive’ Brain Cells Identified in New Study A new UC San Francisco study challenges the most influential textbook explanation of how the mammalian brain detects when the body is becoming too warm, and how it then orchestrates the myriad responses that animals, including humans, use to lower their temperature. Cancer Moonshot Expert Panel, Including UCSF Researchers, Delivers 10 Recommendations Ten recommendations from a Blue Ribbon Panel of scientific experts, cancer leaders and patient advocates – including two UCSF researchers – have been approved to help guide the National Cancer Moonshot Initiative. Sutro Stewards Celebrate 10 Years of Caring for Mount Sutro Reserve After 10 years and a number of local awards, the nonprofit Sutro Stewards remains strong in its mission to enhance and provide public access to Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve. NASA's DNA Sequencing in Space is a Success, UCSF Researchers Confirm Two hundred miles above Earth, NASA has conducted the first genome sequencing in space, and researchers at UCSF helped analyze the data sent back from the International Space Station and confirm that the sequencing was a success. New One UCSF Campaign Highlights ‘Brilliant Convergence’ of People, Ideas UCSF has launched the second phase of its One UCSF campaign aimed at highlighting the diverse contributions by members of our community toward improving the future of health. UCSF Tops All Fundraising Teams for AIDS Walk San Francisco 2016 Craig Miller, founder and senior organizer of AIDS Walk San Francisco, joined UCSF Chancellor Sam Hawgood and others at a reception to congratulate the UCSF community for raising $170,000 to support HIV-related programs and services. Frequency of Breast Cancer Screening is Best Guided by Both Risk, Breast Density, Says Study The ideal interval for breast cancer screening depends on combined assessments of each woman’s breast cancer risk and her breast density, according to a new study led by UCSF and University of Wisconsin researchers. UCSF Plans Series of Events for National Campus Safety Awareness Month 2016 UCSF is marking National Campus Safety Awareness Month with a series of September events to educate and empower the UCSF community. The Race to Develop a Super Alarm to Combat Alarm Fatigue in ICUs An interdisciplinary team of UCSF researchers, led by Xiao Hu, Michele Pelter and Richard Fidler from the UCSF School of Nursing, is working furiously to create and test a “super alarm.” Some Breast Cancer Patients With Low Genetic Risk Could Skip Chemotherapy, Study Finds Early-stage breast cancer patients whose tumors carry genetic markers associated with a low risk of disease recurrence may not need to undergo chemotherapy, suggests a new study that employed a test devised by a UCSF researcher. Calorie-Burning ‘Good’ Fat Can Be Protected, Says Study UCSF researchers studying beige fat – a calorie-burning tissue that can help to ward off obesity and diabetes – have discovered a new strategy to cultivate this beneficial blubber. UCSF Proposes New Management Plan for Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve UCSF has released a draft management plan for the Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve aimed at restoring the health of its trees following years of drought and pest infestation in order to protect the safety of its community and neighbors. Researchers Develop Safer Opioid Painkiller From Scratch An international team of researchers has developed a new opioid drug candidate that blocks pain without triggering the dangerous side effects of current prescription painkillers. Concussion Rates Rising Significantly in Adolescents The number of Americans diagnosed with concussions is growing, most significantly in adolescents. UCSF researchers recommend that adolescents be prioritized for ongoing work in concussion education, diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Childhood Adversity Looms Large for Older Homeless Adults A new UCSF report on an understudied population – older homeless adults – reveals that adverse childhood experiences have long-lasting effects. Global Health Sciences Names Co-Associate Directors for Master’s Program UCSF's Global Health Sciences master’s program has named three new co-associate directors. Five Department Chairs in School of Medicine to Step Down Five department chairs in the School of Medicine have announced their intention of stepping down within the next year. Cost of New Cholesterol Drugs Unsustainable, Says Study A new UCSF-led study concludes that the price of a promising new class of cholesterol-lowering drugs would need to be reduced by up to 70 percent to be cost-effective. Package Delivery Program Expands to Parnassus Supply Chain Management will expand its “last-mile” package-delivery program to all Parnassus locations. Additional campus locations will roll out the program throughout the fall. The Hospitalist Turns 20: UCSF-Led Movement Has Revolutionized Inpatient Care In 1996, two UCSF physicians published an article in the New England Journal of Medicine that launched a new field of medicine focused on the inpatient experience. To mark the 20th anniversary of their seminal NEJM article, Robert Wachter and Lee Goldman reflect on the rapid rise of hospitalists. UCSF School of Nursing Dean David Vlahov to Step Down UCSF School of Nursing Dean David Vlahov has announced he will step down as dean at the end of August. He will continue as a member of the school’s faculty where he will focus on research and mentoring. Immune-Cell Population Predicts Immunotherapy Response in Melanoma The abundance of a subtype of white blood cells in melanoma tumors can predict whether or not patients will respond to a form of cancer immunotherapy known as checkpoint blockade, according to a new study led by UC San Francisco researchers and physicians. UCSF Alum Joshua Gordon Named Director of NIMH UCSF alumnus Joshua A. Gordon has been selected as the next director of the National Institute of Mental Health. Gene Variant Explains Differences in Diabetes Drug Response The first results from a large international study of patients taking metformin, the world’s most commonly used type 2 diabetes drug, reveal genetic differences among patients that may explain why some respond much better to the drug than others. Race Plays Role in Emergency Department Opioid Prescribing A new analysis of nationwide emergency department (ED) records led by UC San Francisco researchers has revealed that black patients seen for back or abdominal pain are roughly half as likely as white patients to be prescribed opioids in the ED or at discharge. UCSF Mourns Loss of Former Medical Center CMO Theodore R. Schrock (1939-2016) The UCSF community is deeply saddened by the passing of Theodore R. Schrock, the former chief medical officer of UCSF Medical Center and a renowned endoscopic surgeon who pioneered the use of colonoscopy as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. The Key to Effectively Treating Mental Illness: Eliminate the Stigma The stigma associated with mental illnesses is causing millions of Americans go untreated because of misconceptions and shame. UCSF researchers are among those who are pushing for changes that would help to eliminate the stigma and get people the treatments they need. $85 Million Grant Supports UCSF Clinical and Translational Science Institute UC San Francisco’s Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) has received $85 million over five years from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to continue to provide training, research support and other services, and to launch new programs aimed at diversifying the patients in research and advancing precision medicine. New Understanding of Thirst Emerges from Brain Study A new UCSF study shows that specialized brain cells in mice “predict” the hydrating effects of drinking, deactivating long before the liquids imbibed can actually change the composition of the bloodstream. Gut Bacteria Linked to Rare Autoimmune Disease A new study led by UCSF scientists shows that a bacterium commonly found in the human gut is overrepresented in patients with a rare, often disabling autoimmune disease known as neuromyelitis optica. UCSF Launches Medical School Curriculum for 21st Century UC San Francisco, one of the nation’s top three medical schools, is launching a new curriculum this month to train doctors in the skills needed to navigate and engineer the complex health care delivery and bioscience systems of the 21st Century. Canopy Health Receives License, Names New Leadership Canopy Health, the Bay Area-wide health care network being developed by UCSF Health, John Muir Health and three physician groups, has received its Knox-Keene license to operate in seven Bay Area counties. UCSF Launches Water Testing Program Across Campus In light of the recent national focus on lead in water, UCSF is taking voluntary, proactive steps to test the quality of its drinking water to ensure that lead levels are within the standards recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. UCSF Open Proposals, UC TrialQuest Win UC’s Highest Technology Award Two UCSF-affiliated projects received top honors in the 2016 University of California’s 2016 Larry L. Sautter Awards for information. Anticoagulants, Multiple Sclerosis Fatigue Studies Receive $5.5M in PCORI Funding Two researchers at UCSF have received funding awards from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) that total $5.5 million. Delegation from National Autonomous University of Mexico Visits UCSF, Other UCs A delegation from the National Autonomous University of Mexico visited UCSF on Thursday as part of a University of California trip to renew an agreement of collaboration between the two institutions. Bay Area Accountable Care Network Takes Shape The Bay Area Accountable Care Network, which was established last year by UCSF Health and John Muir Health, has changed its name to Canopy Health and brought on new hospitals and physicians groups as it builds its network throughout the Bay Area. One Minute of Second-Hand Marijuana Smoke Impairs Cardiovascular Function One minute of exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) from marijuana diminishes blood vessel function to the same extent as tobacco, but the harmful cardiovascular effects last three times longer, according to a new study in rats led by UC San Francisco researchers. Adam Boxer Awarded UC Cures for Alzheimer’s Disease Funding UCSF's Adam Boxer has been selected to receive $1 million in funding from the UC Cures for Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative awards, which were created to accelerate the development of promising Alzheimer’s disease research by UC scientists. California Initiative to Advance Precision Medicine Announces New Funding Opportunity With two projects already underway to find new therapies for children with difficult-to-treat cancer and to help doctors diagnose hospitalized patients with acute infections, the California Initiative to Advance Precision Medicine (CIAPM) is announcing a new round of funding open to a wider range of applicants. Chancellor Presents UCSF Financial Outlook, Campus Overview to UC Regents UCSF Chancellor Sam Hawgood and other campus leaders presented a campus overview to the UC Board of Regents on Wednesday, highlighting such topics as diversity, degree completion and UCSF’s financial outlook. Childhood Cancer Hijacks Cellular Quality Control System to Fuel Growth A serious childhood cancer takes advantage of a quality control mechanism that usually protects cells from stress-induced damage to propel tumor growth, according to a new study led by researchers at UC San Francisco and the University of Pittsburgh. Early Exclusive Breastfeeding Associated with Longer Telomeres in Latino Preschoolers Infants who are exclusively breastfed early in life are more likely by age 4 or 5 to have longer telomeres, the protective bits of DNA that cap the ends of chromosomes in cells. UCSF Shows Up Big for AIDS Walk’s 30th Anniversary Hundreds of staff, faculty, students and supporters of UCSF braved a blustery morning in Golden Gate Park to participate in AIDS Walk San Francisco’s 30th anniversary. Cutting Sugar Causes Drop in Heart Disease Risk Factors Among Obese Children Reducing sugar consumption in obese children, rather than cutting calories or starch, or losing weight, leads to a sharp decline in triglycerides and a key protein called ApoC-III – two features that are associated with heart disease in adulthood. Researchers Map Zika’s Routes to the Developing Fetus Zika virus can infect numerous cell types in the human placenta and amniotic sac, according to researchers at UC San Francisco and UC Berkeley who show in a new paper how the virus travels from a pregnant woman to her fetus. UCSF Develops Program to Help San Francisco Workers Deal with Stress on the Job A program that was developed through UCSF's School of Pharmacy has taught hundreds of San Francisco city workers stress management through workshops. Go-Between Immune Cell is Key to Priming the Body’s Fight Against Cancer Using advanced imaging technology that allowed them to spy on interactions among cells in the lymph nodes of living mice, a research team led by UCSF scientists has identified a cell that is a key player in mounting the immune system’s defense against cancer. Popular Mobile Health Apps Fail to Serve Vulnerable Populations A new UC San Francisco study of top-rated mobile health apps showed that they offer little help to vulnerable patients - those who might benefit the most from these tools. Zika Infection May Be Masked by Other Viral Infections Symptoms of infection with the Zika virus in Brazil may be masked by simultaneous infection with other mosquito-spread viruses common in the same region — such as dengue fever and chikungunya viruses — pointing to the need for comprehensive testing, according to a study led by a UCSF expert in DNA-based diagnostics in collaboration with Brazilian researchers. UCSF to Train Residents in Lean Management and Process Improvement UCSF will train medical residents and fellows in Lean management principles, as part of a broader institutional commitment to continuous quality improvement. ‘Early-Term’ Births Significantly Increase Risk of Preterm Births, Says Study A new study led by UCSF researchers found that women whose first child was born at 37 to 38 weeks – so-called “early-term” birth – are two to three times more likely to experience preterm birth, defined as birth at a gestational age less than 37 weeks, when giving birth to a second child. Countdown to a Cure: The Effort to Finally Defeat AIDS Spurred by three decades of momentum and fresh funding, UCSF scientists mount a major effort to finally defeat AIDS. Covert Inflammation May Trigger Many Forms of Cancer A previously unidentifiable type of low-grade inflammation may explain why common anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin have shown promise against some types of cancer – even when patients don’t display typical signs of inflammation. Water Dispensers, Cups, Encourage School Children to Drink More, Study Shows School children drink more water if the traditional water fountain is replaced by a dispenser with cups, according to findings of a study led by researchers at UCSF. Assessing Risk Helps Dentists Tailor Preventive Treatments for Young Children Taking patients’ risk of developing dental caries (“cavities”) into account can help dentists effectively tailor individual prevention and treatment efforts, according to a recent study led by researchers from the UCSF School of Dentistry. 3-D Virtual Reality Colonoscopy: Pursuing a Better Path to Colorectal Cancer Prevention Using advanced 3-D imaging technology, Judy Yee is reinventing the colonoscopy process. Genetic Risk for Obesity Grew Stronger in ‘Obesogenic’ Environment Lending support to the idea that high-calorie diets, sedentariness and other aspects of the contemporary American lifestyle may be driving the obesity epidemic, UCSF researchers have found that people who carry greater genetic risk for obesity were more likely to have a higher body mass index if they were born later in the 20th century. Board of UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals Showcases Strength of Enterprise The board of directors for UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals has recently expanded to reflect the growing reach and impact of the children’s enterprise. Claire Brindis Receives 2016 Lifetime Achievement in Mentoring Award Claire Brindis has been awarded the UCSF Faculty Mentoring Program's 2016 Lifetime Achievement in Mentoring Award. UCSF Proposes Breast Cancer Initiative for White House's Cancer Moonshot Three UCSF faculty members participated in the White House Cancer Moonshot Summit, at which the University of California committed to a new transformative model for health care delivery for breast cancer patients. Keeping the Heart’s Electrical System Running A drug commonly used to treat high blood pressure has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of blocked electrical impulses to the heart and could be an effective treatment for certain types of heart disease known as conduction disease, in which the progression of electrical impulses through the heart is impeded, according to researchers at UC San Francisco (UCSF) and Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). More Women are Grooming Their Pubic Hair, But Practice Poses Risks More women these days are grooming their pubic hair, especially younger women, but the practice poses some risks, most often related to shaving injuries. ‘UCSF United with Love’: Hundreds March in the 2016 San Francisco Pride Parade Donning UCSF T-shirts and Mardi Gras beads, a colorful contingent marched last weekend in the San Francisco Pride Parade to represent and support the LGBT community in the wake of the Orlando nightclub shooting. Proteins in Blood of Heart Disease Patients May Predict Adverse Events Measuring the levels of a small number of proteins in the blood of patients with coronary heart disease may eventually allow doctors to more reliably assess the risk of future heart attacks, heart failure, strokes, and death in these patients, according to new research led by a UCSF cardiologist. Darker Skin is Stronger Skin, Says New View of Human Skin Color Popular theories of why our human ancestors gained and then lost dark skin over the course of evolution may be incorrect, according to a new paper by UC San Francisco authors, who suggest that heavily pigmented skin evolved because it forms a stronger barrier against a host of environmental challenges. Because deeply pigmented skin requires more energy to produce, they propose, our ancestors shed some of these pigments through natural selection as they moved north and needed less protection against these threats. 2016 Sustainability Awards Recognize UCSF’s Green Champions UCSF faculty, staff and students who are working hard to make the University greener and more sustainable were honored during the sixth annual Sustainability Awards ceremony. UCSF Installs New Gender-Inclusive Restroom Signage UCSF has installed hundreds of new signs on existing single-occupancy restrooms to identify them as being gender inclusive. JoAnne Keatley: Championing Equity in Care for the Transgender Community JoAnne Keatley has spent her career at UCSF opening doors to ensure trans people seeking health services get the care they need that best suits their gender identity. UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals Excel in Pediatric Specialties UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals have placed among the nation’s premier children’s hospitals in all 10 pediatric specialties. With a Free Meal from Pharma, Doctors Are More Likely to Prescribe Brand-Name Drugs, Study Shows When doctors accept meals from pharmaceutical salespeople, they are much more likely to prescribe the drugs the representatives are promoting than cheaper generic alternatives, UCSF researchers found . Many At-Risk Stroke Patients Prescribed Aspirin Only Instead of Blood Thinners More than one in three atrial fibrillation (AF) patients at intermediate to high risk for stroke were treated with aspirin alone, despite previous data showing this therapy to be inferior to blood thinners, according to researchers at the UC San Diego and UCSF schools of medicine. Marquette, UCSF Study Shows Poor Reporting on Mental Health Interventions for LGBT Community A new study from Marquette University and UC San Francisco has found that researchers are not reporting sexual orientation and transgender identities in psychotherapy outcome studies for anxiety and depression, which the authors say poses significant challenges for determining whether or not these treatments work for LGBT people. Free To Be He, She, They: Helping Young People Navigate Gender Identity There is an increasing demand to address gender dysphoria early in childhood, prior to the onset of puberty. Under the guidance of Stephen Rosenthal, MD, UCSF's Gender Center is helping parents and their children navigate this difficult terrain. Free To Be He, She, They There is an increasing demand to address gender dysphoria early in childhood, prior to the onset of puberty. Under the guidance of Stephen Rosenthal, MD, UCSF's Gender Center is helping parents and their children navigate this difficult terrain. Greater Alcohol Use May Reduce Heart Attacks, Increase Atrial Fibrillation In a study of Texas counties either permitting or prohibiting the sale of alcohol, researchers at UCSF have found residents of permitting counties had fewer heart attacks, but increased atrial fibrillation, School of Nursing Holds Inaugural White Coat Ceremony The UCSF School of Nursing held the inaugural White Coat Ceremony for the Master’s Entry Program in Nursing students on Friday, June 3. School of Medicine Honored for Excellence in Faculty Development The UCSF School of Medicine has been recognized for its achievements in education by a leading international organization. St. Joseph Health and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals Sign Joint Venture Agreement St. Joseph Health, Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals announced a joint venture to enhance and expand neonatal and pediatric services. Tackling Diversity in Science by Diversifying Researchers in the Lab Esteban G. Burchard has become a leading national voice for increasing diversity in the biomedical research workforce, which he sees as deeply tied to racial inequalities in health care. White House, Gates Foundation Summit Explores Applying Precision Medicine to Public Health About 150 of the nation’s foremost thought leaders in academia, child and public health, policy, technology and data science gathered at UCSF to kick-start the conversation about what can be accomplished in precision public health. Chest Pain is Common but Actual Severity is Rare Chest pain is one of the most common reasons to visit the emergency room, but a new UCSF study shows that only a fraction of all cases actually lead to a diagnosis of a life-threatening condition. Neurologic Symptoms Common in Early HIV Infection A team led by researchers from UCSF and Yale has found that half of people newly infected with HIV experience neurologic issues. UCSF Names New Senior Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration UCSF has appointed Paul Jenny, a seasoned administrator with two decades of experience in academic finance and operations, including within the UC system, as its new Senior Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration. Two UCSF Researchers Named Pew Scholars in the Biomedical Sciences Two UCSF scientists have been named Pew scholars in the biomedical sciences. Parents-Only Therapy May Be Optimal in Treating Anorexia Family therapy for 12- to 18-year-olds with anorexia nervosa, in which all household members participate and a meal is held in the clinician’s office, may be less effective than a streamlined model involving only the parents and without the meal. UCSF Researcher Part of Consortium Awarded $7.5M to Evaluate Breast Imaging Strategies Karla Kerlikowske is part of the team awarded $7.5 million by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute board of governors to determine the effectiveness of two supplemental breast screening and diagnostic workup strategies. UCSF Faculty Awarded 2016 Honors for Distinction in Teaching, Mentoring Four UCSF faculty members were honored with the Academic Senate’s 2016 Distinction In Teaching and Distinction In Mentoring Awards. Study Indicates Benefits to Treating Young Adults with High Cholesterol Treating young adults with high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels may reduce risk of future heart attacks and heart disease, according to a study published recently in PLOS One. Cleaner Restrooms at UCSF are Just a Touch Away A pilot project from UCSF's Facilities Services aims to keep restrooms in high-traffic areas around campus clean and functioning with just a touch of a button. Looking For a Better Way to Die In California, terminally ill individuals can now choose to end their lives. In light of this, UCSF experts examine both the ethical responsibilities and implications for end-of-life and palliative care. Michael Merzenich Wins 2016 Kavli Prize in Neuroscience For his pioneering research on plasticity, the brain’s remarkable capacity to modify its structure and function, UCSF's Michael M. Merzenich, PhD, has been awarded the 2016 Kavli Prize in Neuroscience. Joseph DeRisi Elected to the National Academy of Sciences DeRisi, chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics at UCSF, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences, one of the highest honors accorded to an American scientist. Researchers Convert Cirrhosis-Causing Cells to Healthy Liver Cells in Mice A team of researchers led by UCSF scientists has demonstrated in mice that it is possible to generate healthy new liver cells within the organ itself, making engraftment unnecessary. White House and Gates Foundation to Convene Precision Public Health Summit at UCSF The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation are convening a precision public health summit at UCSF to explore how precision approaches can be successfully applied to improve population health and address health disparities. UCSF Neurosciences Gather to Celebrate Launch of Weill Institute UCSF’s neurosciences community on Wednesday gathered to celebrate the launch of the UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, made possible by the recent $185 million gift from Joan and Sanford I. “Sandy” Weill. UCSF PlaySafe Screening Could be Lifesaver for San Francisco Teen Since its inception in 2009, UCSF's PlaySafe program has screened more than 2,450 student-athletes from nearly 20 public and private high schools in San Francisco, the East Bay and the Peninsula. Sporadic Steroids May Be as Effective as Daily Dose for Some Preschoolers with Wheezing Children aged 6 and under with intermittent wheezing triggered by colds may not need to take inhaled steroids on a daily basis to limit the flare-ups that can result in emergency treatment. Study Provides Insight into Bacterial Resilience and Antibiotic Targets Researchers at UC San Francisco and Stanford University have performed the first comprehensive survey of the central genes and proteins essential to bacterial life. Henock Woldu: Pursuing the American Dream Through Education For Henock Woldu, an immigrant from Ethiopia, the UCSF School of Pharmacy commencement was another pioneeering step in his family pursuing the American Dream. Dean Sheppard Delivers Sixth Annual Faculty Research Lecture in Translational Science Dean Sheppard has been selected as the recipient of the sixth annual Faculty Research Lecture in Translational Science. A Slight Increase in Pediatric Cancer Risk Seen with Infant Phototherapy Phototherapy, increasingly used to treat jaundiced infants, could very slightly raise the risk of pediatric cancers, particularly myeloid leukemia, according to epidemiological research published, online Monday, May 23 in Pediatrics. 2016 Founders Day Awards Honor Exemplary Public Service, Staff Contributions Eleven faculty and staff members received this year’s UCSF Founders Day Awards for their contributions in the areas of public service, exceptional service to UCSF and excellence in nursing. Andre Campbell Highlights Social Justice, Diversity During Last Lecture Andre Campbell delivered the 2016 Last Lecture, which contained the underlying theme of the importance of social justice and diversity. Hybrid Cancer Drug Could Be Resistance-Resistant A team of cancer researchers led by scientists at UC San Francisco and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York have developed a first-of-its-kind hybrid drug with the power to outsmart drug-resistant cancers. Graduate Division Publishes Call to Action on Tracking Postdoc Career Outcomes The UCSF Graduate Division has published the first comprehensive study of career outcomes for UCSF’s postdoctoral scholars and possibly the largest single-institution study on the subject conducted to date. Better Survival for Colon Cancer Patients with Left-Sided Tumors A national study led by a UCSF oncologist has found that patients with metastatic colon cancer that develops on the left side of the colon survive significantly longer than those with cancer that develops on the right side. UCSF Researchers Reappraise Treatment for Belly Birth Defect UC San Francisco researchers have shed light on how the immune system of a fetus can run amok, triggering inflammation in the developing intestines that protrude outside of the body through a hole beside the belly button. 2016 UCSF Alumni Weekend Draws Thousands for Reunions, Events There were toasts, research talks, tours, awards and reunions for the more than 1,500 UC San Francisco alumni who gathered at the annual Alumni Weekend festivities on April 8 and 9. Sharmila Majumdar Awarded Gold Medal by Magnetic Resonance in Medicine Group Sharmila Majumdar has been awarded the 2016 Gold Medal of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine for her innovative contributions to the development of quantitative imaging methods. First Elbow Transplant Between Same Patient's Arms Performed by UCSF Health Surgeons UCSF Health doctors have performed a first-of-its-kind elbow transplant between the same patient's arms. Experts say the surgery could transform treatment for trauma patients, injured veterans and others with elbow and joint conditions. New Family House Opens at Mission Bay The Nancy and Stephen Grand Family House at Mission Bay has opened its doors, bringing the families staying there closer to the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital San Francisco. Most Asthma Research May Not Apply to African-American Children Results from the largest single study of the genetic and environmental causes of asthma in African-American children suggest that only a tiny fraction of known genetic risk factors for the disease apply to this population, raising concerns for clinicians and scientists working to stem the asthma epidemic among African-Americans. NIH Grant to Support Study on Possible Fractures from Osteoporosis Drugs UCSF has received a four-year, $2.4 million National Institutes of Health grant for an international study on the potential of femoral fractures from osteoporosis drugs. Health Care Costs Drop Quickly After Smokers Quit A new national analysis by UCSF of health care expenditures associated with smoking estimates that a 10 percent decline in smoking in the U.S. would be followed a year later by an estimated $63 billion reduction in total national health care costs. Decade After QB3’s First Incubator, Lawmaker Wants to Fund More UC Innovation Ten years after the QB3 Garage incubator launched, the idea has grown an innovation ecosystem and become the catalyst for state legislation that could help turn ideas at UC campuses into job-providing companies. Three Medical Students Awarded HHMI Fellowships The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) has awarded three fellowships to UCSF medical students to allow them to conduct research for a full year in between their third and fourth years of medical school. UCSF Class of 2016 Reflects on Achievements, Challenges as They Turn to Future Before the Class of 2016 heads on to new endeavors and careers, we spoke to several of them about what they're taking from their experiences at UCSF. Women’s Health Center Celebrates 20 Years, Keeps Pushing Toward Health Equity The UCSF National Center for Excellence in Women’s Health is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a street fair to mark its accomplishments as well as to look forward to the work that remains for equality in health care. Barbara Koenig Named Head of New Bioethics Program UCSF is starting a campus-wide bioethics program led by the noted bioethics scholar Barbara Koenig to ensure that the rapid advances in biomedical technology are incorporated ethically into research and medicine. Osseointegration Surgery at UCSF is First of Its Kind in U.S. UCSF surgeons performed the first Osseoanchored Prosthesis for the Rehabilitation of Amputees surgery in the U.S. – a surgery that will allow an external prosthesis to be anchored directly to the patient’s remaining bone. ‘Inexpensive Old Drug’ May Prevent Brain Damage in High-Risk Newborns, Study Shows A 27-year-old drug for anemia may protect newborns at high risk for brain damage, according to the results of a multisite trial led by researchers at UCSF. Osseointegration Surgery at UCSF is First of Its Kind in US UCSF surgeons performed the first Osseoanchored Prosthesis for the Rehabilitation of Amputees surgery in the U.S. – a surgery that will allow an external prosthesis to be anchored directly to the patient’s remaining bone. UCSF to Offer Housing Supplement to Help Students Facing High Rents UCSF has created a new, need-based Cost of Living Supplement pilot program for students to help offset the high cost of housing in the city. ‘Inexpensive Old Drug’ May Prevent Birth Damage in High-Risk Newborns, Study Shows A 27-year-old drug for anemia may protect newborns at high risk for brain damage, according to the results of a multisite trial led by researchers at UCSF. UCSF Discovery Fellows Program Celebrates Dollar, Donor Milestones UCSF's Discovery Fellows Program once again exceeded its goals in a second round of fundraising, with a total of 1,042 donors building an endowment of $80 million to support basic science education and research for generations to come. Andrew Bindman Named Director of U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Andrew Bindman has been named director of the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Exposure to Poor Neighborhoods Raises Refugees’ Risk of Diabetes Refugees who fled to Europe a generation ago are significantly more likely to have developed type 2 diabetes if they initially settled in poor neighborhoods, according to a study of 60,000 refugees who came to Sweden between 1987 and 1991. Five UCSF Faculty Elected to American Society for Clinical Investigation Five UCSF faculty members have been elected to the American Society for Clinical Investigation after a highly competitive nomination process. Chancellor’s Diversity Forum Showcases Achievements, Highlights Future Improvements The ninth annual Chancellor’s Diversity Forum provided a chance for UCSF faculty, staff and students to engage in a conversation with campus leadership about diversity, equity and inclusion across the University. Math Points to 100-Times Faster Mapping of Gene Activity New research by UCSF scientists could accelerate – by 10 to 100-fold – the pace of many efforts to profile gene activity, ranging from basic research into how to build new tissues from stem cells to clinical efforts to detect cancer or auto-immune diseases by profiling single cells in a tiny drop of blood. Bold Innovation Program Fast-Tracks Precision Medicine Research Exciting advances in medicine and health are being researched in precision medicine projects recently funded by the George and Judy Marcus Program in Precision Medicine Innovation. Cytokine Triggers Immune Response at Expense of Blood Renewal Stem cell biologists at UCSF have demonstrated that IL-1 itself directly transforms the blood system by driving blood stem cells in the bone marrow to switch away from their restorative, rejuvenating role in blood renewal and towards emergency production of immune cells. $185M Gift Launches UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences In the largest-ever gift to UCSF, the Weill Family Foundation and Joan and Sanford I. “Sandy” Weill have donated $185 million to establish the UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences. Wrapping Up Multiple Sclerosis With one drug to shut down its progression and another to undo its damage, plus a worldwide effort stalking the origins of multiple sclerosis, MS doesn’t stand a chance. Weill Gift Gives UCSF Unprecedented Opportunity to Advance Neurosciences Research UCSF leaders are lauding the gift by Joan and Sanford I. Weill as transformational, giving the University an unprecedented opportunity to unite and expand its neurosciences community during a revolutionary period in brain discovery. Brain’s Immune System May Trigger Frontotemporal Dementia Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), the second most common cause of dementia in people under 65, may be triggered by a defect in immune cells called microglia that causes them to consume the brain’s synaptic connections, according to new research led by UCSF scientists. Malaria-Free World Possible Within a Generation, Study Says Global malaria eradication is possible within a generation, but only with renewed focus, new tools and sufficient financial support, according to a paper published in The Lancet by the Global Health Group’s (GHG) Malaria Elimination Initiative (MEI) at UC San Francisco (UCSF). Brainard, Rubenstein Elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences UCSF neuroscientists Michael Brainard and John L.R. Rubenstein have been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Two UCSF Graduate Students Named Soros Fellows Graduate students Nairi Hartooni and Lindsey Osimiri have been named as recipients of the Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans. Brain’s Immune System Triggers Frontotemporal Dementia Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), the second most common cause of dementia in people under 65, may be triggered by a defect in immune cells called microglia that causes them to consume the brain’s synaptic connections, according to new research led by UCSF scientists. Laura Esserman Named to TIME 100 List of Most Influential People in the World Time magazine has named internationally renowned breast cancer oncologist Laura Esserman to the 2016 TIME 100, the magazine’s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Gene Mutation Makes Tumors Tense, Worsens Patient Prognosis UCSF researchers have discovered that the chances of survival for patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) — the most common type of pancreatic cancer — may depend in part on how tense their tumors are. New UCSF Center for BRCA Research Expands Care for Increased Cancer Risk The new UCSF Center for BRCA Research – which spans basic and translational research, clinical care and education – provides a one-stop resource for patients and individuals who carry BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. One Patient’s Quest to End Ominous Ringing in Her Ear It started with a small but persistent noise in her right ear. After other doctors failing to identify the source of the noise, clinicians at UCSF were able to inform the patient that she had a dural arteriovenous fistula in her right sigmoid sinus. UCSF Mourns Loss of Renowned Lipoprotein Researcher Richard Havel (1925-2016) The UCSF community is deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Richard Havel, MD, a world-renowned researcher in the field of lipoproteins and the former director of the UCSF Cardiovascular Research Institute. Addressing Trauma as a Health Risk Clinicians at UCSF are taking on trauma as more than just a social issue. They are addressing how it has a staggering impact on a person’s health. New Cancer Immunotherapy Clinic Offers Unique Studies of Promising Treatments Oncologist Lawrence Fong is leading UCSF’s newly launched Cancer Immunotherapy Program, a clinic and laboratory dedicated to developing and studying cutting-edge immunotherapy treatments. UCSF Immunologist to Head New Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy Renowned UCSF immunologist Jeffrey Bluestone, PhD, has been named president and CEO of the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, a national initiative launched with a $250 million grant from The Parker Foundation, established by Silicon Valley entrepreneur Sean Parker. Scientists ID Gene Behind Rare Childhood Syndrome In a study of 10 children published online in the American Journal of Human Genetics on April 14, the researchers linked a constellation of birth defects affecting the brain, eye, ear, heart and kidney to mutations in a single gene, called RERE. UCSF, UC Hastings Launch Innovative Masters Program to Meld Health and Law UCSF and UC Hastings College of the Law have combined their expertise to offer a new degree program: the Masters of Science program in Health Policy and Law, which begins classes in August. Mark Ryder: Bringing Magic to the Classroom Periodontal disease is no fun, but that doesn’t mean learning about it can’t be. For more than 30 years, Mark Ryder, DMD, a professor in the School of Dentistry’s Department of Orofacial Sciences, has been devoted to engaging his students during long lectures. His trick: Performing magic routines to illustrate complex scientific concepts. Bruce Alberts Named American Association for Cancer Research Fellow Bruce Alberts has been named one of the 11 newly elected fellows of the American Association for Cancer Research. MASALA Study Examines South Asian Heart Disease Risks To keep a person's heart healthy, clinicians recommend avoiding risk factors such as smoking or excessive weight gain. But one risk factor, which cannot be changed, is being South Asian. Langley Porter Clinic Cornerstone Laid 75 Years Ago On April 5, 1941, a crowd all assembled to witness the laying of the cornerstone of California's first modern neuropsychiatric institute. Berger, Bluestone Named to White House Cancer Moonshot Expert Panel Mitchel Berger and Jeff Bluestone have been named to a Blue Ribbon Panel of scientific experts, cancer leaders and patient advocates that will help to guide the National Cancer Moonshot Initiative. Nurse Interactions with Medical Industry are Common but Need Regulation, Study Shows Nurse interactions with pharmaceutical and device companies are commonplace and beneficial, but they also can lead to conflicts of interest regarding drug treatment and purchasing decisions, according to researchers at UCSF. UCSF Mourns Loss of Andrew S. Grove (1936-2016) The UCSF community is deeply saddened by the passing of Andrew S. Grove, former CEO and chairman of Intel Corp., who applied his drive for innovation to advocacy for advancements in health care and the treatment of cancer and Parkinson’s disease. UCSF Diabetes Center Forms Precision Medicine Initiative with Prevention Program, Yes Health This week, the Diabetes Center at UCSF announced that it has embarked on a precision medicine initiative with Yes Health, an all-mobile program to prevent type 2 diabetes. David Morgan Delivers 59th Annual Faculty Research Lecture in Basic Science David O. Morgan, PhD, has been selected as the recipient of the 59th Annual Faculty Research Lectureship – Basic Science for his groundbreaking research on cell division. David Morgan Selected as Recipient of 59th Annual Faculty Research Lectureship – Basic Science David O. Morgan, PhD, has been selected as the recipient of the 59th Annual Faculty Research Lectureship – Basic Science for his groundbreaking research on cell division. UCSF Diabetes Center Forms Precision Medicine Initiative With All-Mobile Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Program, Yes Health This week, the Diabetes Center at UCSF announced that it has embarked on a precision medicine initiative with Yes Health, an all-mobile program to prevent type 2 diabetes. 2015 NIH Funding: A Look at the Researchers Behind the Numbers Learn more about some of the UCSF researchers who received the top funding from the National Institutes of Health in 2015. UCSF Schools Continue to Lead Nation in NIH Biomedical Research Funds for 2015 For the third year in a row, UCSF's four schools — of Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy — topped the nation in federal biomedical research funding in their fields, according to 2015 figures from the National Institutes of Health. Scientists Find Molecular Link Between Zika and Microcephaly Strengthening the link between Zika virus and microcephaly, scientists at UCSF have discovered that a protein the virus uses to infect skin cells and cause a rash is present also in stem cells of the developing human brain and retina. Researchers Learn How The Bat Got Its Wings An international team of scientists have for the first time identified genes and gene regulatory elements that are essential in wing development in the Natal long-fingered bat (Miniopterus natalensis), a species widely distributed in eastern and southern Africa. UC Regents Approve Preliminary Plans for New UCSF Neuroscience Building UCSF is moving forward with plans to construct a new building at its Mission Bay campus to support its world-class neuroscience enterprise at a time of great opportunity for advancement in the field, following approval by the UC Regents. UN Special Envoy Eric Goosby Answers 5 Questions about TB Eric P. Goosby, professor of medicine and director of Global Health Delivery and Diplomacy in Global Health Sciences at UCSF and the U.N. Special Envoy on Tuberculosis, talks about his role and how UCSF and Global Health Sciences support his work. UC Regents Approve New Retirement Program for Future Employees The UC Board of Regents have approved a new retirement program for future UC employees proposed by President Napolitano, as part of a broader effort to maintain the university’s excellence and sustain its long-term financial health. Study Suggests ‘Emotional Health’ Implicated in Dementia Serious and escalating depression in the elderly may almost double the likelihood of dementia, according to a study led by UC San Francisco, and could be an independent risk factor for cognitive decline, rather than just an early symptom of it. Cancer Center Awards First ‘Impact Grants’ for High-Risk, High-Reward Projects Eleni Linos and Stephen Francis have been awarded the first UCSF Cancer Center Impact Grants, to pursue high-risk, high-reward research projects that would’ve been unlikely to be funded through conventional mechanisms. PTSD in Veterans Tied to Worse Heart Health A UCSF study found that veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were more likely to have worse endothelial vascular function, which plays a key role in blood vessel dilation, blood pressure, clotting and inflammation. Match Day 2016 Brings Elation and Relief to Medical Students Fourth-year medical students gathered for the 2016 Match Day, an event to learn where they "matched," and the hospital or program where they will spend the next four or five years training as resident physicians. Chancellor Visits Washington to Discuss Cancer Moonshot, Research Funding UCSF Chancellor Sam Hawgood took the first official trip of his administration to Washington, D.C., this week, meeting with White House officials and key legislators to advance the University’s health science priorities. Alice Wong Wins National Disabilities Organization Award The American Association of People with Disabilities is honoring UC San Francisco Staff Research Associate Alice Wong with one of two AAPD Paul G. Hearne Leadership Awards. Black Patients More Likely to Suffer With ER Ambulance Diversion African American patients suffering heart conditions are more likely than white patients to have their ambulance diverted to another hospital due to overcrowding in their nearest emergency room, according to a new UC San Francisco study. Mindful Eating, Meditation May Lead to Better Metabolic Health A diet and exercise program that included mindfulness training resulted in participants having lower metabolic risk factors compared to those who underwent the same program without the training, according to a study led by researchers at UC San Francisco. UCSF Grad Slam 2016 Winner Driven by Research in Sobering Center Shannon Smith-Bernardin, a student in the Nursing Health Policy PhD Program, has won this year's UCSF Grad Slam contest. Ten finalists competed for the top prize of $3,000 and a chance to move on to the UC-wide competition. UCSF Schools Earn Top Rankings in 2017 US News Survey UCSF’s schools of medicine, nursing and pharmacy received top rankings nationally in this year’s U.S. News & World Report survey of best graduate schools. Patients at Highest Stroke Risk Not Prescribed Blood Thinners Nearly half of all atrial fibrillation (AF) patients at the highest risk for stroke are not being prescribed blood thinners by their cardiologists, according to a new study by researchers at the University of California (UC) San Diego and UC San Francisco schools of medicine. UCSF Establishes Quantitative Biosciences Institute UCSF announced the establishment of the Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), to drive forward the application of computation, mathematics, and statistics toward a deeper understanding of complex problems in biology. UCSF Research Suggests New Model for Cancer Metastasis Scientists at UC San Francisco have been able to directly observe, for the first time, how invasive cancer cells create a beachhead as they migrate to the lung in a mouse model of metastatic cancer. Better Malaria Prevention for Pregnant Women in Africa Pregnant women can be protected from malaria, a major cause of prematurity, low birth weight and death in infants in Africa, with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP), an artemisinin combination therapy that is already widely used to treat malaria in adults, according to a study by researchers at UC San Francisco and in Uganda. Saturated Fat ‘Short-Circuits’ Immune Cells To Trigger Inflammation Research by UCSF scientists has opened up a surprising new avenue for potential therapies to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders that are associated with chronic tissue inflammation in obesity. UCSF Zika Symposium Brings Together Bay Area Experts to Pool Latest Information UCSF hosted a Zika symposium to bring together Bay Area experts and health officials to to help focus the research agenda as scientists around the world scrambling for information the virus. Triple-Negative Breast Cancers Depend on Fat as Fuel, Research Shows The most intractable common form of breast cancer might in most cases be treatable by drugs that target fat metabolism, according to UCSF researchers. Poor Communications, Premature Discharges Linked to Patient Readmissions, Study Shows Hospitals face penalties for readmitting recently discharged Medicare patients, but in 27 percent of cases readmissions could be prevented, according to a UCSF-led study of 12 academic medical centers nationwide. Earlier Intervention for Type 1 Diabetes Sought with New Staging Classification Two decades of research by the international research network Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet has helped to produce recommendations for a new type 1 diabetes staging classification. Tool Enables Doctors to ID Babies at Risk of Obesity, Study Says Newborns who are heavier than average and gain weight rapidly in the first six months of life face a heightened chance of obesity by the time they are old enough for kindergarten, according to a study published on March 4, 2016, in The Journal of Pediatrics. 'Brain GPS' Component Allows Brain to Track Location When at Rest UCSF scientists have discovered a network of brain cells that allows animals to keep track of where they are when they are not moving through space, such as when they are eating, engaged in social interactions, or sleeping. School of Nursing's Martha Ryan Honored as Part of Mayoral Women's History Month The UCSF School of Nursing's Family Health Care Nursing volunteer faculty Martha Ryan will be honored by the San Francisco Department on the Status of Women and Mayor Edwin M. Lee. Trever Bivona: Finding the Pathways to Better Cancer Treatment Life-or-death verdicts in cancer often result from the ways microscopic kinks and folds in proteins fit together within a tumor cell. While in college, Trever Bivona was fascinated by the idea that a single protein’s twists could determine the trajectory of the disease. Stephen Hinshaw Named 2016 James McKeen Cattell Fellow Award Honoree by APS Co-Vice Chair for Psychology Stephen P. Hinshaw as been selected by the Association for Psychological Science as one of its 2016 James McKeen Cattell Fellow Award recipients. UCSF Teach-In Spurs Powerful Dialogue on Injustice and Health During only the second teach-in in more than two decades at UCSF, speakers engaged in a emotional discussion about injustice, intolerance and inequities and their profound impact on health in America. VP Joe Biden Visits UCSF to Advance National Cancer Moonshot Initiative Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden visited UCSF to meet with top cancer experts as part of the National Cancer Moonshot initiative to develop new approaches that fast-forward the development of novel therapies. UC Health Pledges Improved Data-Sharing with Patients at White House Precision Medicine Summit UC Health committed to enabling patients to access and share their own health data, joining more than 40 other organizations that made various commitments to advance precision medicine during a White House summit this week. UC Health Commits to Improved Data-Sharing with Patients at White House Precision Medicine Summit UC Health committed to enabling patients to access and share their own health data, joining more than 40 other organizations that made various commitments to advance precision medicine during a White House summit this week. Using Big Data to Chart Cancer’s Hidden Genetic Weaknesses UCSF researchers are using big data to find cancer treatments by mapping gene networks and screening existing cancer drugs to test their effectiveness against dozens of different cancer gene variants. Black History Month 2016: Reflecting on the Impact of Race This February, UCSF commemorates Black History Month by spotlighting some of the experiences of African American faculty, staff and students in our community. Economics Colloquium Tackles Societal Returns on Health Care Investments What is the best way to measure returns on investments in health care? What are the economic implications of the global rise in non-communicable diseases? These are just a few of the global challenges taken up by health economics experts at the third annual Global Health Economics Consortium Colloquium at UCSF. Adam Abate Honored by White House With Presidential Early Career Award UCSF School of Pharmacy faculty member Adam Abate has been named a recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. UCSF Wins 7 Regional CASE Awards for Advancing Education UCSF won seven awards from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education in a regional contest that honors the best in communications at higher education institutions. Gene Linking Sleep and Seasonal Affective Disorder Found A newly discovered human gene mutation appears to contribute both to unusual sleep patterns and to heightened rates of seasonal depression, according to new research from UCSF. ‘Unhealthy’ Microbiomes Could Promote Metabolic Disease Leading microbiome researchers recently came to UCSF to share the newest insights about how improving our relationship with our bodies’ microbial ecosystems could be the next big breakthrough in treating metabolic disease. Community Dental Clinic Provides Free Care to Low-Income, Homeless Patients Being out of work often means being out of food, out of a home, out of options. But thanks to the UCSF School of Dentistry’s Community Dental Clinic, dental care is available to those who can least afford it. Dean Schillinger Receives 2016 James Irvine Foundation Award Dean Schillinger is one of six Californians awarded this year’s James Irvine Leadership Award, for his clinical work focused on diabetes in vulnerable populations. Team-Based Health Care Model Reduces Need, Improves Quality of Life for Complex Patients, Study Shows A complex care model that is interdisciplinary and team-based and utilizes home visits reduces health care need and improves quality of life for medically complex patients, according to researchers at UCSF and the affiliated San Francisco VA Health Care System. Prominent East Bay Cardiologists To Join UCSF Pediatric Heart Center UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals’ Pediatric Heart Center welcomes nine highly regarded East Bay cardiologists to its pediatric cardiac program. UCSF Faculty Salary Equity Review Finds Few Gender-Based Inequities UCSF has identified several departments in which women and men are not paid the same salaries for comparable work and is correcting those inequities, according to a recently released report. UCSF to Incorporate Lessons Learned From Mission Hall to Future Buildings As UCSF looks to construct and renovate buildings over the next several years, leaders have committed to applying lessons learned from Mission Hall to future projects. Ebola, Zika and More: Designing One Test to Catch Them All With a tiny sequencing machine that plugs into a laptop’s USB port, UCSF’s Charles Chiu aims to diagnose infectious diseases quickly – and even catch the next wave before it strikes. Gene Signature Could Lead To A New Way Of Diagnosing Lyme Researchers at UCSF and Johns Hopkins may have found a new way to diagnose Lyme disease, based on a distinctive gene “signature” they discovered in white blood cells of patients infected with the tick-borne bacteria. Landmark Study Finds Dementia Risk Varies Significantly Among Racial And Ethnic Groups In the largest and longest study thus far of ethnic disparities in dementia risk, researchers compared six ethnic and racial groups within the same geographic population and found significant variation in dementia incidence among them. Years of Marijuana Use Linked to Some Memory Problems Decades Later A new study conducted at UCSF looked at “mid-level” marijuana users and found that this group had worse verbal memory but no deficiencies in other measures of cognitive function. $25 Million From Oberndorf Foundation To Advance UCSF Psychiatry, Neuroscience Research UCSF has received an unrestricted $25 million commitment from the Bill and Susan Oberndorf Foundation to advance basic research in psychiatry and the behavioral sciences. UCSF, British Medical Journal Launch Global eLearning Portal for Researchers UCSF has partnered with the British Medical Journal on a new e-learning platform designed to train physicians, healthcare workers and students around the world in conducting and publishing clinical research. Discovery May Lead To Better Egg Screening And IVF Outcomes Experts in IVF from UCSF have discovered a pattern of protein secretion during egg maturation that they say has the possibility of leading to a new, non-invasive test to evaluate the fitness of eggs before they are fertilized in the clinic. UCSF to Host Largest Academic Global Health Conference in U.S. In early April, UCSF will host more than 1,500 global health faculty, students, staff and researchers from around the world for the largest academic global health conference in the U.S. More Common and More Harmful Than Once Believed, Delirium Takes Center Stage Over the last couple of decades, a proliferating number of studies on the incidence and impact of delirium are causing the health care community to sit up and take notice. UCSF’s FY15 Sustainability Annual Report: Living Our Commitment to Health & Sustainability From earning a LEED Gold Certification for the new Mission Bay Hospitals to hosting a forum on the health benefits of green building to making it easy and affordable to purchase 100 percent post-consumer waste paper, UCSF continued to live its commitment to leadership in health and sustainability during FY15. Webinars to Outline New UC Retirement Benefit Recommendations UC President Janet Napolitano is inviting faculty, staff and other members of the UC community to provide feedback on task force recommendations for new retirement benefits that affect future UC employees. Two webinars are scheduled to field questions. UCSF’s Resource Allocation Program (RAP) Now Accepting Application for Spring 2016 Cycle UCSF's Resource Allocation Program (RAP), which offers a single online application process for a wide variety of intramural grant offerings, is now inviting applications for the Spring 2016 cycle. Mike Denson: Safeguarding the UCSF Community Mike Denson has spent decades in some of law enforcement’s most challenging positions – investigating homicides, negotiating hostage situations and leading a regional SWAT team. When he came to UCSF, he was excited by a different challenge: building a strong community that partners in its own safety. Walgreens Opens New Pharmacy at UCSF's Mission Hall The new Walgreens store on the UCSF Mission Bay campus will supply outpatient medications as well as medical devices for the UCSF Medical Center at Mission Bay, and even deliver medicine directly to patients at the hospital. The Evolution of Football: America’s Favorite Sport Celebrates What Makes Us Uniquely Human You don't have to be an NFL star to throw better than any of our closest primate relatives. Human evolution has given us both the brain and brawn we need to make precise throws, but it comes with a few trade-offs. New Clinical Skills Center Provides State-of-the-Art Training Space for Students UCSF has opened the Clinical Skills Center to provide state-of-the-art space for students to practice their skills and do patient simulations. Tricked-Out Immune Cells Could Attack Cancer, Spare Healthy Cells UCSF scientists have created a new class of highly customizable biological sensors that can be used to form “logic gates” inside cells of the immune system, giving these cells the capability to home in on and kill a wide range of cancer cells while preventing them from attacking normal tissue. Estrogens Reverse Abnormality In Zebrafish Carrying Gene Mutation Associated With Autism An international team of scientists has discovered that estrogens reverse a striking behavioral abnormality in zebrafish carrying mutations in a gene known to cause autism in humans. UCSF Tops Public Universities in Fundraising for 2015 UCSF raised more than $600 million in private contributions in 2015, the highest total of any public U.S. university and fourth-highest of all U.S. universities. Leslie Z. Benet Receives Highest Honor in Pharmacy Leslie Z. Benet, PhD, a professor in the UCSF School of Pharmacy, has received the highest accolade bestowed by the American Pharmacists Association. Regular Caffeine Consumption Does Not Result in Extra Heartbeats, Study Shows Contrary to current clinical belief, regular caffeine consumption does not lead to extra heartbeats, which, while common, can lead in rare cases to heart- or stroke-related morbidity and mortality, according to UCSF researchers. Women's Health Research Program Names 2 New Scholars at UCSF Corinne Rocca, PhD, MPH, and Catherine Koss, MD, have been appointed to a UCSF Bixby Center and Kaiser Division of Research program to develop new researchers focused on topics unique to women’s health. Brain’s Wiring Connected To Sensory Processing Disorder Researchers at UCSF have found that boys and girls with sensory processing disorder (SPD) have altered pathways for brain connectivity when compared to typically developing children, and the difference predicts challenges with auditory and tactile processing. Brain Structure Governing Emotion Is Passed Down From Mother To Daughter, Says UCSF Study A study of 35 families led by a UCSF psychiatric researcher showed for the first time that the structure of the brain circuitry known as the corticolimbic system is more likely to be passed down from mothers to daughters than from mothers to sons or from fathers to children of either gender. Drug Provides Better Kidney Transplant Survival Rates Than Current Standard Of Care For the first time, an immunosuppressive agent has shown better organ survival in kidney transplant recipients than a calcineurin inhibitor, the current standard of care, according to a worldwide study led by UC San Francisco and Emory University investigators. UCSF Commute Tips to Be Ready for Wet Winter UCSF Campus Life services has prepared commute tips for getting through heavy rains this winter. Myelin Cells Swing Along Blood Vessels To Traverse The Brain The cells that create myelin, a fatty material that insulates nerve fibers in the brain’s white matter, migrate into the developing brain by climbing and swinging on blood vessels, according to new research led by UCSF scientists. Klint Jaramillo Named Director of LGBT Center at UCSF Klint Jaramillo, MEd, MSW, has been named the new director of the LGBT Resource Center at UCSF, starting on Feb. 1. Are We Ready for a Blood Test for Cancer? What if screening for cancer was as easy as checking your cholesterol? That’s the promise of techniques currently in development that may one day make it possible to detect the earliest stages of cancer with an annual blood draw. The Right Dose: How Pharmacy Researchers Are Making Medicine More Precise Finding the right dose for each patient is complex, and incorrect dosing can have major consequences. Researchers in the UCSF School of Pharmacy are finding new ways to harness the power of big data, building effective dosing models that allow for precisely individualized medicine. Democratic Leader Pelosi Touts Covered California Successes in Treating Patients Nearly 1.3 million people have received vital treatment at top hospitals through the health insurance program known as Covered California since it launched in January 2014, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi announced this week at press conference held at UCSF. Submit Feedback on Task Force Recommendations for New UC Retirement Benefits UC President Janet Napolitano is inviting feedback on task force recommendations for new retirement benefits over the coming weeks to help inform the proposal she is expected to bring to the UC Board of Regents in March. Study Shows Surge In Use of CTs In Patients With Minor Injuries Twice as many patients with non-serious injuries, such as fractures or neck strain, are undergoing CT scans in emergency departments at California hospitals, according to a UCSF-led study, which tracked the use of the imaging from 2005 to 2013. Diversity and Outreach Office Celebrates 5th Anniversary by Honoring Founders UCSF’s Office of Diversity and Outreach marked its fifth anniversary on Friday by honoring champions whose collective efforts focusing on diversity led to the creation of the office. E-Cigarettes, As Used, Aren’t Helping Smokers Quit, Study Shows Electronic cigarettes are widely promoted and used to help smokers quit traditional cigarettes, but a new analysis from UCSF found that adult smokers who use e-cigarettes are actually 28 percent less likely to stop smoking cigarettes. New USDA Dietary Guidelines Validated by UCSF Sugar Research Just in time for flailing New Year resolutions, the U.S. Department of Agriculture have served up new dietary guidelines, including one of the biggest changes in recent years: For the first time, they’ve placed a clear limit of no more than 10 percent of daily calories from added dietary sugars. UCSF Global Food Initiative Fellows Tackle Food Insecurity’s Impact on Infectious Diseases Three UCSF research fellows are exploring the role food insecurity plays in poor health related to infectious diseases, as part of the University of California Global Food Initiative. Forestry, Ecology Experts to Help Guide New Mount Sutro Management Plan UCSF is convening a panel of environmental, ecological and fire protection experts to help develop a sustainable management plan for the Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve. Robert Wachter Tapped to Lead UK Digital Health System Review Robert Wachter, MD, author of the book The Digital Doctor, has been tapped by the United Kingdom to help chart its future of digital health records. Health Tips to Make This Year’s Super Bowl Party Memorable To make your Super Bowl party a touchdown, here are some health tips from UCSF. Rhett Berg: Persevering Through Past Challenges First-year dentistry student Rhett Berg has just embarked on his health care career, but he already has years of experience as a caregiver – often in extremely challenging situations. UC Implements New Student Model to Address Sexual Violence, Sexual Harassment The University of California this month is implementing new systemwide procedures for investigating, adjudicating and imposing sanctions in student cases of sexual violence and sexual harassment, as part of its continuing strategy to more effectively prevent and respond to sexual violence and sexual harassment on campuses. Poor Health: When Poverty Becomes Disease Living in poverty can have a devastating effect on health. UCSF is actively developing programs and studies to help circumvent the toxic effects of economic disparity. Genetic Traffic Signal Orchestrates Early Embryonic Development New research by UCSF stem cell biologists has revealed that a DNA-binding protein called Foxd3 acts like a genetic traffic signal, holding that ball of undifferentiated cells in a state of readiness for its great transformation in the third week of development. Cannabis-Based Drug Reduces Seizures in Children With Treatment Resistant Epilepsy Children and young adults with severe forms of epilepsy that does not respond to standard antiepileptic drugs have fewer seizures when treated with purified cannabinoid, according to a multi-center study led by researchers from UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital San Francisco. Mind of Blue: Conveying Emotion Affects Brain’s Creativity Network The workings of neural circuits associated with creativity are significantly altered when artists are actively attempting to convey emotions, according to a new brain-scanning study of jazz pianists. Dentistry Alumni Profiles: Cynthia Brattesani and William Metzler UCSF Magazine profiles School of Dentistry alumni, Cynthia Brattesani, DDS '89, and William Metzler, BS '75. UCSF, Kaiser Permanente Study Identifies Genetic Susceptibility for Hernia Researchers at UCSF and Kaiser Permanente have identified variations at four locations in the genome that underlie the risk of inguinal hernia. Proto-Teeth Migrate Along The Developing Jaw Researchers have captured on video how teeth find their way to the right spot in the jaw to give you that winning grin. NSF Director Discusses Graduate Education, Partnerships on UCSF Visit Director of the National Science Foundation France A. Córdova visited UCSF on Dec. 16 to speak with leaders and students about how to improve graduate education to train the next generation of scientists. Karché Bass: Excelling in New Career at UCSF Karché Bass has found a home in UCSF's Human Resources department after graduating from a unique workforce development program here that teaches administrative skills. More Men With Mustaches Than Women In Top Spots At Medical Schools, Study Shows A man with a mustache is more likely than a woman to lead a medical school department, according to a study published on Wednesday Dec. 16, 2015, in the British Medical Journal. When Disaster Strikes Effective disaster response requires speed, stamina, flexibility and proper training. UCSF personnel are on the front lines both here and abroad in times of emergency, making sure outside aid is both sustainable and beneficial. Biochemist James Wells Among 12 UC Innovators Elected to National Academy of Inventors James Wells, PhD, chair of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, has been elected as a fellow to the prestigious National Academy of Inventors. Diversity in Medical Research Is a Long Way Off, Study Shows Despite Congressional mandates aimed at diversifying clinical research, little has changed in the last 30 years in both the numbers of studies that include minorities and the diversity of scientists being funded, according to a new analysis by researchers at UCSF. Researchers Create Cellular “ORACLs” to Aid Drug Discovery A team of researchers at UCSF has devised a new approach for early stage drug discovery that uses techniques from the world of computer vision in combination with a powerful new tool. 2015 Year in Pictures See a collection that highlights 30 moments and milestones of 2015 that represent our missions in research, patient care and education. ‘White Coats for Black Lives’ Marks Anniversary by Urging Actions, Not Just Words One year after UCSF students launched a national movement to highlight highlight racial disparities in education, health care and civic justice, they gathered again to meet a new challenge for the movement: turn words into actions. Big Ideas in Health and Science for 2016 We asked experts across UCSF to identify what's ahead in how we approach research, what disease areas will see major advances, and where basic science will be translating into real treatments. Most Popular Science Stories of 2015 These are the stories that engaged our visitors in 2015 – whether it was reading in-depth about brain rejuvenation, watching mesmerizing cells in motion on social media, or learning about the latest discoveries that could soon lead to new treatments. UCSF and UC Hastings to Collaborate on New Housing Plan UCSF and UC Hastings College of the Law have signed a Letter of Intent to jointly develop new campus housing in San Francisco’s Civic Center and Tenderloin neighborhoods, in an effort to serve the growing housing needs of their students and trainees. UCSF Tackles San Francisco Housing Crisis The city offers its residents and the UCSF community an abundance of benefits, from its thriving culture of innovation to its surrounding natural beauty. Those benefits, however, have come at a cost – especially in recent years, as housing costs have skyrocketed and competition for affordable units has grown fierce. Map of Current and Proposed UCSF Housing A map showing existing UCSF housing and proposed development projects. UCSF Speakers Announced for 2016 Personalized Medicine World Conference The lineup is finalized for the 2016 Personalized Medicine World Conference, with nine scheduled talks by UCSF leaders and faculty. Cancer Center Solicits High-Risk, High-Reward Ideas for $250K Award to Impact Cancer The Cancer Center will give $250,000 to one high-risk, high-reward research project to address a key problem in cancer. Deadline for applications is Dec.18. Early Study Links Mothers’ Education Level to Telomere Length in Newborns A small study of new mothers suggests that not having graduated from high school may impact the likelihood of babies being born with shortened telomeres. UCSF Among 10 Institutions to Receive Grants to Retain Clinical Scientists The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation has announced grants totaling $5.4 million to 10 medical schools, including UCSF, to provide stronger institutional support and supplemental funds for early-career physician scientists. ‘Purity’ Of Tumor Samples May Significantly Bias Genomic Analyses A new study by UCSF scientists shows that the proportion of normal cells, especially immune cells, intermixed with cancerous cells in a given tissue sample may significantly skew the results of genetic analyses and other tests performed both by researchers and by physicians selecting precision therapies. Mexico City Honors UCSF's Jaime Sepulveda for Pivotal Role in HIV/AIDS Prevention To mark World AIDS Day, the government of Mexico City held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new HIV/AIDS clinic and named it for Jaime Sepulveda, MD, DSc, MPH, executive director of UCSF Global Health Sciences. Affordable Care Act Will Spur California Health Care Workforce to Develop New Leadership, Flexibility and People Skills As health care shifts away from a fee-for-service model as a result of the ACA, health care workers in California will be called upon to develop new skills and fill new roles, according to a study led by UCSF researchers. Illuminating Depression’s Circuitry If depression is caused by flawed brain circuitry, it may be possible to shift that circuitry toward healthy neural processing instead. UCSF researchers hope to map and correct aberrant neural behavior to cure mood disorders. Immunotherapy For Type 1 Diabetes Deemed Safe In First U.S. Trial In the first U.S. safety trial of a new form of immunotherapy for type 1 diabetes, patients experienced no serious adverse reactions after receiving infusions of as many as 2.6 billion cells that had been specially selected to protect the body’s ability to produce insulin. Swaziland Likely To Be First To Eliminate Malaria In Southern Africa The Malaria Elimination Group, an independent international advisory group on malaria elimination convened by the Global Health Group at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), gathered in the Ezulwini Valley for its tenth meeting to celebrate Swaziland’s achievements. The meeting was opened on November 16, 2015 by Swaziland’s Minister of Health, Honorable Sibongile Ndlela-Simelane. $20M Grant from amfAR Funds Institute for HIV Cure Research In a bid to end the worst epidemic in modern times, the Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) is funding an ambitious effort based in San Francisco to eliminate the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from those who are infected. SPARQ Project To Improve Care For Women In India, Kenya UCSF's Global Health Sciences is launching a new project to improve care for women in India and Kenya, called the Strengthening People-centered Accessibility, Respect, and Quality (SPARQ) project, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and The David and Lucile Packard Foundation. How an Approach Called ‘Shock and Kill’ Could Cure HIV HIV can lurk for a lifetime in the body, so to truly cure patients, scientists are trying to find ways to target these HIV reservoirs in a strategy known as “shock and kill.” Warm Temperatures Worsen Cardiovascular Disease but not Diabetes Risk in Mice A new study led by UCSF researchers has found that mice who spend too much time in their thermal “comfort zone” while gorging on fatty foods more than double their risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to mice who stayed cool while eating the same diet. David Jablons: Mastering the Science of Cheese-Making David Jablons, the chief of thoracic surgery at UCSF Medical Center, balances his career in research and health care, with a growing business making award-winning artisan cheeses. Pioneering UCSF Clinic Helps Transgender Youth Be Themselves The UCSF Child and Adolescent Gender Center is a one-stop, interdisciplinary clinic offering the wide range of services necessary for mental and physical evaluation and care – and if deemed appropriate, a healthy transition – for children diagnosed with gender dysphoria. Keith Yamamoto Named UCSF’s First Vice Chancellor of Science Policy and Strategy In his new role as UCSF’s first vice chancellor for Science Policy and Strategy, Keith Yamamoto will lead efforts to position the University optimally by influencing and shaping science policy at the state and national levels. 2 UCSF Researchers Named 2015 Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science Louis Ptacek and William Seeley have been selected as fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the world’s largest general scientific society. Staff Appreciation Events Celebrate Contributions of Frontline Employees The annual staff appreciation events not only recognize the collective contributions of staff, but they also build on other UCSF initiatives designed to foster community. UCSF Health Leaders Describe Goals of New Health Care System at Town Hall At a town hall meeting on Nov. 16, UCSF leaders described the goals of UCSF Health, a new health care system that expands the delivery of care throughout the Bay Area. Thomas Vail Selected American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery Vice President Thomas Vail, James L. Young Professor and chair of orthopaedic surgery at UCSF, has been selected to a one-year term as vice president of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. Sensory Illusion Causes Cells to Self-Destruct UCSF researchers has discovered that single-celled yeast have sensory biases that can be hacked by a carefully engineered illusion, a finding that could be used to develop new approaches to fighting diseases such as cancer. Nobel Laureate Elizabeth Blackburn Named President of Salk Institute Nobel laureate Elizabeth Blackburn, professor of biochemistry and biophysics at UCSF, has been named the first woman president of the Salk Institute for Biological Sciences. Gunshot Survivors in High-Crime Community Face Elevated Risk of Early Death, Study Shows One in 20 survivors of gunshot violence in an urban area with high crime died within five years, mainly by homicide, according to the results of a study that tracked patients after hospital discharge. New Sean N. Parker Autoimmune Research Laboratory is Launched at UCSF A $10 million gift from The Parker Foundation, founded by Silicon Valley entrepreneur and philanthropist Sean Parker, will establish a new research laboratory within the UCSF Diabetes Center devoted to understanding autoimmunity. Skin Must Develop Tolerance to ‘Good’ Bacteria Early In Life, Says New Study A wave of specialized immune cells entering the skin in early life may induce tolerance to the hundreds of species of so-called friendly bacteria that live on the surface of the body. Human Gene Prevents Regeneration in Zebrafish UCSF researchers have found a human gene that could one day allow physicians to correct congenital deformities, regrow damaged fingers, or even mend a broken heart. Working Up A Sweat May Protect Men From Lethal Prostate Cancer A study that tracked tens of thousands of midlife and older men for more than 20 years has found that vigorous exercise and other healthy lifestyle habits may cut their chances of developing a lethal type of prostate cancer by up to 68 percent. 5 Years of Science Fun: 2015 Bay Area Science Festival Draws its Largest Crowd The Bay Area Science Festival has grown in just five years to become the region’s largest science education event, with two weeks of exhibitions, talks and parties all dedicated to celebrating the wonders of science. New Orthotics Center at SFGH to Provide Limb Braces, Prosthetic Care The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center last month celebrated the grand opening of the Orthotics and Prosthetics Center. Watch 3 UCSF Faculty Talks at TEDMED 2015 Three UCSF faculty will be featured speakers at TEDMED 2015, an annual gathering of 1,500 leaders and innovators from all sectors of society to explore the promise of technology and innovation in health and medicine. Melanoma’s Genetic Trajectories Are Charted in New Study An international team of scientists led by UCSF researchers has mapped out the genetic trajectories taken by melanoma as it evolves from early skin lesions, known as precursors, to malignant skin cancer. Researchers Shed Pharmacological Light On Formerly “Dark” Cellular Receptors Scientists at the UNC School of Medicine (UNC) and UCSF have created a general tool to probe the activity of orphan receptors, illuminating their roles in behavior and making them accessible for drug discovery. Patients With Severe Mental Illness Rarely Tested for Diabetes, Despite High Risk, Study Shows Although adults with serious psychiatric disorders are at high risk for diabetes, a large study led by UCSF reveals that low-income patients on Medicaid are rarely screened for it. Misun Moser: A Maternal Force to Heal Soldiers When Misun Serena Moser joined the U.S. Army Reserve in April 2002, she did so largely as an act of solidarity with her son, who was joining the Air Force at the time. The experience changed her career and her life. New Look at PrEP Study Points to Efficacy for Transgender Women In a new look at the groundbreaking iPrEx trial for people at high risk of HIV infection, UCSF researchers have identified strong evidence of efficacy for transgender women when PrEP is used consistently. Three Receive UCSF Medal for Outstanding Contributions to Health The UCSF Medal – the university’s highest honor – was awarded this year to philanthropist Helen Diller, School of Nursing dean emerita Kathleen Dracup, and Shirley M. Tilghman, president emerita at Princeton University. Mount Sutro Stewards Launches Public Trail Project More than 100 volunteers, crew leaders and staff are launching the year-long Clarendon Trail Restoration Project, in an effort that will create the first public access point by trail into the 61-acre Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve. Human Genetics Symposium Honors Y.W. Kan's Contributions Annual Institute for Human Genetic's symposium dedicated to recognition of Y.W.Kan's achievements. New Mood Disorders Program Aims to Advance Treatments, Erase Stigma A gift of $20 million from the Ray and Dagmar Dolby Family Fund to the Department of Psychiatry at UCSF will support research on mood disorders. Beth Wilson, Gurpreet Dhaliwal Receive National AAMC Awards The American Association of Medical Colleges annually honors individuals deemed to have made outstanding contributions to academic medicine. This year, of the nine total award recipients, two are from UC San Francisco. Eye Drops Could Clear Up Cataracts Using Newly Identified Chemical A chemical that could potentially be used in eye drops to reverse cataracts has been identified by a team of scientists from UCSF, the University of Michigan (U-M), and Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL). Open Enrollment for 2016 Health Plans Runs Through Nov. 24 Open Enrollment is that time of the year when UC employees have the opportunity to review and make changes to their benefits. It’s a good time to consider any potential changes to their personal situation and plan ahead for significant medical needs. Take the 2015 Library Survey and Win Prizes! Help us discover what’s possible at the UCSF Library. The 2015 Library Survey will launch and will be live from Nov. 2 through Nov. 22. Does Healthier Food Help Low-Income People Control Their Diabetes? To determine whether healthy food could help low-income people better control their diabetes, a pilot study by UCSF and Feeding America tracked nearly 700 people at food banks in California, Texas and Ohio over two years. Artificial Kidney Research Advances Through UCSF Collaboration Development of a surgically implantable, artificial kidney has received a $6 million boost, thanks to a new grant from the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB). Molecular Switch Generates Calorie-Burning Brown Fat A research team led by UCSF scientists has identified a molecular switch capable of converting unhealthy white fat into healthy, energy-burning brown fat in mice. Midwifery 40th Anniversary Celebrates Past, Present and Future To celebrate four decades of rich history, the School of Nursing takes a look at highlights of our Nurse-Midwifery program including its integral and deep connection with San Francisco General Hospital. Inaugural UCSF Science Image Contest Announces Winners The first of its kind at UCSF, the Sci-Resolution science image and video competition received more than 140 entries from approximately 50 labs across UCSF campuses. Obese Children’s Health Rapidly Improves With Sugar Reduction Unrelated to Calories Reducing consumption of added sugar has the power to reverse a cluster of chronic metabolic diseases, high cholesterol and blood pressure, in children in as little as 10 days, according to a study by researchers at UCSF and Touro University California. UCSF Kicks Off 2015 Seasonal Employee Giving Program UCSF announces its 2015 Annual Campaign of the Employee Giving Program that enables faculty and staff members to support the causes they find most personally meaningful. UCSF Health System to Expand Care Throughout Bay Area and Beyond Representing a new era in its patient care, the University is introducing UCSF Health, a health care system that expands the delivery of innovative, high-quality and high-value care to people throughout the Bay Area and beyond. Alicia Fernandez: Translating Her Immigrant Experience to Improve Community Health Alicia Fernandez’s passion for social justice began with escaping political persecution in her native Argentina. It strengthened when she became a physician to give underrepresented people a voice in determining their health. Erick Villalobos Named Director of Transportation Services at UCSF Following a national search, Erick Villalobos has been named director of Transportation Services at UC San Francisco. His appointment is effective immediately. UCSF Researcher Studies CRISPR in Its ‘Native Habitat’ UCSF Sandler Fellow Joseph Bondy-Denomy studies the native roles of CRISPR and anti-CRISPR proteins in bacteria and phages. UCSF Campus Store Opens in Millberry Union A new 900-square-foot UCSF Campus Store has opened in Millberry Union, selling university-branded merchandise as well as school supplies and other items requested by the campus community. UCSF and Cisco to Create Integrated Health Platform UCSF and Cisco have formed an initiative to jointly develop an interoperability platform for sharing health care information among multiple entities. Society for Neuroscience Awards UCSF Neurobiologist Posthumous Honor The late UCSF neuroscientist Allison Doupe, MD, PhD, will be honored by the Society for Neuroscience with the Patricia Goldman-Rakic Hall of Honor award at the society’s annual meeting in Chicago later this month. UCSF and GSK Launch New Collaborative Research Model UCSF has launched a collaboration with international pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK) to promote early-stage research with the potential to translate into new therapies for cancer, obesity and antibiotic resistant bacteria. Determining Accurate Life Expectancy of Older Adults Requires Provider, Patient Discussion Health care providers must have detailed discussions with their older adult patients to better determine their true life expectancy, according to researchers at UCSF and San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center. UCSF Acquires 3 New Properties for Potential Student Housing UCSF has closed escrow on the purchase of three properties from a single owner near its Mission Bay campus as a potential site to build critically needed, affordable housing for graduate students and trainees. Genomic Ancestry Linked to Mate Selection, Study Shows Genetic ancestry, as well as facial characteristics, may play an important part in who we select as mates, according to an analysis from UCSF, Microsoft Research, Harvard, UC Berkeley and Tel Aviv University. 5 UCSF Faculty Elected to the National Academy of Medicine for 2015 Five UCSF faculty members are among the 70 new members elected to the National Academy of Medicine, formerly known as the Institute of Medicine. Sharecase 2015 to Highlight Latest UCSF Tech Tools and Tips Sharecase is back! This free, peer-to-peer, educational expo will be held at Mission Bay Conference Center, on October 22. National Initiative in Mali Aims to Reduce Childhood Mortality In Mali, a new approach to patient care aims to decrease the nation's childhood mortality rate. Amputee Athletes Take the Field at Bay Area Science Festival On November 7, a unique cadre of athletes will showcase their skills at AT&T Park. Unlike the typical players on this field, however, this group will run for science, not sport: they’re amputees who have returned to athletics thanks to novel prosthetic technologies from UC San Francisco’s Amputee Comprehensive Training (ACT) program. Healing Through Mindfulness and Gratitude Actress Goldie Hawn's recent visit to UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital San Francisco highlighted the benefits of mindfulness in patients managing pain and stress. Doctors Call On Hospitals To Oppose The Overuse Of Antibiotics In Animal Agriculture To help stop the spread of antibiotic resistance, UCSF scientists are urging hospitals around the country to stop buying meat from animals that were given antibiotics for growth promotion. Gay and Bisexual Men Report Higher Rates of Both Indoor Tanning and Skin Cancer Than Heterosexual Men Gay and bisexual men were up to six times more likely than heterosexual men to take part in indoor tanning, and twice as likely to report a history of skin cancer, according to a study led by UCSF researchers. Online Advertising Can Deliver Targeted Cancer Prevention Messages, UCSF Study Finds Online advertising based on Google search terms is a potentially effective way to deliver targeted cancer prevention education, according to a study led by Eleni Linos, MD, DrPH, assistant professor of dermatology at UCSF. UCSF Among World’s Best in US News Global Universities Rankings for 2016 UCSF ranks among the top five schools in the world in seven subject areas, according to the 2015 U.S. News & World Report's 2016 Best Global Universities rankings. Chancellor Introduces 4 Priorities for UCSF in 2015 State of the University UCSF has long valued its spirit of innovation and collaboration, and that ethos will be key to strengthening its impact on the health, economy and intellectual vitality of our local and global community, Chancellor Sam Hawgood said Tuesday. Helen Hou: The Art of Compassionate Health Care First-year pharmacy student Helen Hou creates art that communicates patients' emotions to caregivers and community. UCs Compete in Cool Campus Challenge to be Carbon Neutral by 2025 The Cool Campus Challenge is a friendly competition to motivate and reward staff, faculty and students for reducing their carbon footprints and to help the UC system reach its Carbon Neutrality goals by 2025. Superheroes Swoop in to Wash Windows at Children's Hospital Window washers dressed as Batman, Superwoman and other fearless superheroes scaled the walls of UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital San Francisco on Sept. 28 to brighten our patients' day. UCSF Again Named a Healthy Mothers Workplace in 2015 For the second year in the row, UCSF has received a Silver from Healthy Mothers Workplace Award that recognizes San Francisco organizations that support parental leave, lactation accommodations and work-family balance. NIH Awards ‘High-Risk, High-Reward’ Grants to Seven UCSF Researchers The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded seven grants to UCSF scientists to pursue innovative approaches to major contemporary challenges in biomedical research. UCSF Chancellor to Outline Four Priorities at 2015 State of the University Address Chancellor Sam Hawgood, MBBS, will highlight four themes that have emerged as priorities during his State of the University Address on Tuesday, Oct. 6. New Research Institute Will Explore Brain’s Extraordinary Changeability A newly established neuroscience research institute based at UCSF will focus on gaining a deeper understanding of plasticity, the brain’s remarkable capacity to modify its own structure and function. UCSF Celebrates Diversity Month 2015 UCSF celebrates the diversity of its campus community during Diversity Month, with events held throughout the month of October. 3 Ways Viruses Have Changed Science for the Better A virus is nature’s efficient little killer. They’re really good at what they do, and we’ve been able to harness their skills to learn about – and potentially improve – human health in several ways. UCSF Awarded $9.75 Million to Create Platform Accelerating Mobile Health Research Building on the success of the Health eHeart Study at UCSF, the National Institutes of Health has awarded $9.75 million to UCSF over the next five years for creation of Health ePeople. Portable, Rapid DNA Test Can Detect Ebola and Other Pathogens UCSF-led scientists completed a proof-of-principle study on a real-time blood test based on DNA sequencing that can be used to rapidly diagnose Ebola and other acute infections. International Ob-Gyn Group Urges Greater Efforts to Prevent Toxic Chemical Exposure Dramatic increases in exposure to toxic chemicals in the last four decades are threatening human reproduction and health, according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO). Stem Cell Research Hints at Evolution of Human Brain Researchers at UCSF have succeeded in mapping the genetic signature of a unique group of stem cells in the human brain that seem to generate most of the neurons in our massive cerebral cortex. Rashon Lane: Understanding 'Why' in the Ebola Outbreak Before returning home to pursue her PhD in sociology at UCSF, Rashon Lane had one last mission across the globe: go to Africa to help understand the Ebola epidemic. ‘Remote Control’ of Immune Cells Opens Door to Safer, More Precise Cancer Therapies UCSF researchers have engineered a molecular “on switch” that allows tight control over the actions of T cells, immune system cells that have shown great potential as therapies for cancer. New Autism Genes Are Revealed in Largest-Ever Study An international research team led by UC San Francisco scientists has identified 65 genes that play a role in autism, 28 of which are reported with “very high confidence.” UCSF Incoming Class 2015: By the Numbers This fall, UCSF welcomes nearly 1,000 new students. Check out an infographic highlighting some fun facts about this new crop of future clinicians and researchers. Building Human Breast Tissue, Cell by Cell Zev Gartner is working to building a fully functioning 3-D human breast tissue that will allow him to test potential cancer therapies, an innovation that's earned him a spot among Popular Science's "Brilliant 10" this year. UCSF Fresno Marks 40 Years of Reaching Underserved Central Valley In 1975, UCSF started a medical training program in Fresno to provide medical training and care to the Central Valley. Now, in its 40th anniversary year, it is established as the region's largest provider of graduate medical education. Metastatic Breast Cancer Cells Turn On Stem Cell Genes UCSF scientists describe capturing and studying individual metastatic cells from human breast cancer tumors implanted into mice as the cells escaped into the blood stream and began to form tumors elsewhere in the body. UCSF Medical Center Opens New Location to Serve Downtown San Francisco UCSF Imaging Center and UCSF Women’s Health Primary Care launched a new Montgomery Street clinic on September 2. UCSF Awarded Nearly $21 Million to Reduce Children’s Oral Health Disparities The National Institutes of Health has awarded the UCSF School of Dentistry three research awards potentially totaling nearly $21 million. Around The World, Those Treated for Addiction Far More Likely to Smoke Review of studies from 20 countries indicates that tobacco use is not addressed in substance abuse treatment programs, says UCSF professor. Researchers Identify Possible Physiological Cause of Brain Deficits with Aging Circuits in the brain that grow noisier over time may be responsible for ways in which we slow mentally as we grow old, according to new studies from UCSF. Researchers Isolate Human Muscle Stem Cells UCSF researchers have successfully isolated human muscle stem cells and shown that the cells could robustly replicate and repair damaged muscles when grafted onto an injured site. UCSF and Community Medical Centers Sign Agreement To Expand Children’s Services in Fresno UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals and Community Medical Centers (CMC) today announced an agreement to significantly enhance the provision of specialty medical care for children in Fresno. Video Game Warnings Fall Far Short in Rating Tobacco Content Video games are not adequately rated for tobacco content, according to a new UCSF study that found video gamers are being widely exposed to tobacco imagery. Crunching Numbers to Combat Cancer UCSF has received a National Cancer Institute grant of $5 million over the next five years to lead a massive effort to integrate the data from all experimental models across all types of cancer. Best Candidates for Fetal Spina Bifida Surgery May Be Identified Through Brain Scans Fetuses with enlarged ventricles may be less likely than other fetuses to benefit from surgery in the womb to treat spina bifida, according to a study co-authored by researchers at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital San Francisco. School of Medicine Student Orientation Focuses on Inclusion, Diversity Issues The UCSF School of Medicine welcomed 153 new students to the class of 2019 with a very different kind of orientation, focused on communication and racial bias. Antibody Network Partners With Celgene for Cancer Therapies A new collaboration between Celgene Corp. and the Recombinant Antibody Network (RAN), a consortium comprising research groups from UCSF, the University of Chicago and the University of Toronto, will support the development of next-generation, antibody-based cancer therapies. UCSF Heart and Lung Transplant Patients Gather for Celebration Heart and lung transplant recipients are living longer than ever before, thanks to rapid advances in technology, medications and surgical procedures. That progress was cause for celebration last month at UCSF, where 400 patients and families gathered. 24-Hour OBs, Midwives Lead to Less C-Sections Privately insured pregnant women are less likely to have C-sections when their regular care includes midwives and 24-hour obstetrician coverage, according to a study by researchers at UCSF and Marin General Hospital. Childhood Cancer Research at UCSF to Transcend Tissue Types With Innovative Grant Researchers at UC San Francisco are leading a five-year, $10 million research project dedicated to pediatric cancer, funded by the first grant of its kind to focus on a molecular pathway that underlies many cancers rather than on a cancer in a particular organ or tissue in the body. Lessons From History To Improve Drug Ads For Consumers In a perspective published by the New England Journal of Medicine, UCSF's Elizabeth Watkins shares a historical perspective of pharmaceutical advertising and proposes a new approach for educating consumers. UCSF at Dreamforce 2015: Big Data, Health Disparities and More UCSF is partnering with the Salesforce Foundation to support Dreamforce 2015, where experts will explore ways to improve healthcare and research. Final Tally Is In: UCSF Surpasses Goals to be Top Fundraiser in AIDS Walk SF 2015 UCSF teams raised nearly $130,000 at AIDS Walk San Francisco 2015, surpassing the University's records and making it the city’s top fundraiser. Ephraim Engleman, One of World’s Oldest Practicing Physicians, Dies at 104 Ephraim Engleman, a pioneering rheumatologist whose passion and dedication to his work at UCSF spanned a staggering seven decades, has died at 104. Rare Melanoma Carries Unprecedented Burden of Mutations A rare, deadly form of skin cancer known as desmoplasmic melanoma may possess the highest burden of gene mutations of any cancer, suggesting that immunotherapy may be a promising approach for treatment, according to an international team led by UCSF scientists. Shouldering the Burden of Evolution As early humans took an evolutionary step away from apes, what this last common ancestor with apes looked like has remained unclear. A new study led by researchers at UCSF shows that important clues lie in the shoulder. Smoke-Free Zones, Higher Taxes Deter Youth Smoking, Study Shows Banning smoking in the workplace and increasing taxes on cigarettes have discouraged teens and young adults from taking up smoking, according to a study by researchers at UCSF and UC Merced. DNA-Guided 3-D Printing of Human Tissue is Unveiled A UCSF-led team has developed a technique to build tiny models of human tissues, called organoids, more precisely than ever before using a process that turns human cells into a biological equivalent of LEGO bricks. Short Sleepers Are Four Times More Likely to Catch a Cold A new study led by a UCSF sleep researcher supports what parents have been saying for centuries: to avoid getting sick, be sure to get enough sleep. New Type of Prion May Cause, Transmit Neurodegeneration Multiple System Atrophy, a neurodegenerative disorder with similarities to Parkinson’s disease, is caused by a newly discovered type of prion, according to two new research papers led by scientists at UCSF. Surge in Bicycle Injuries to Riders Over 45 The incidence of bicycle accidents has increased significantly in the U.S. in recent years, with many serious injuries occurring among riders older than 45, according to a new study led by UCSF. Marylin J. Dodd Designated 'Living Legend' by American Academy of Nursing Marylin J. Dodd, emeritus professor in the Department of Physiological Nursing, has been designated a Living Legend by the American Academy of Nursing — the Academy’s highest honor. When Personal Identity Really Matters: Donor’s Reported Ancestry Depends on Question Format A UCSF study has found when self-identification matters most – in connecting bone marrow donors to patients – the format of the questions may determine how well the answers correspond to their genes. Who Are You? Depends On How You’re Asked A new UCSF study reveals that question format may determine how well personal identity corresponds with genetics. UCSF's Resource Allocation Program (RAP) Calls For Fall Cycle Applications UCSF's Resource Allocation Program (RAP), which offers a single online application process for a wide variety of intramural grant offerings, is now inviting applications for the Fall 2015 cycle. When Personal Identity Really Matters A UCSF study has found when self-identification matters most – in connecting bone marrow donors to patients – the format of the questions may determine how well the answers correspond to their genes. New Center Will Advance Life-Saving Genome-Based Diagnostic Tools Building on its research into the use of genomic technology to diagnose life-threatening diseases, UCSF has launched a research center to explore how this approach to critical care medicine could be integrated into healthcare settings. Theo Ndatimana: Thriving Through Education After Genocide After narrowly surviving a genocide in his native Rwanda, Theo Ndatimana has been determined to thrive personally and professionally to make his late parents proud. First U.S. Study of Transgender Youth Funded by NIH The National Institutes of Health has awarded $5.7 million for a five-year, multicenter study, which will be the first in the U.S. to evaluate the long-term outcomes of medical treatment for transgender youth. UCSF Ranks Among Top World Universities in 2015 Rankings UCSF ranks among the world’s leading research universities for the ninth year in a row, according to the 2015 Academic Ranking of World Universities. Tool Boosts Accuracy in Assessing Breast Cancer Risk A national risk model that gauges a woman’s chance of developing breast cancer has been refined to give a more accurate assessment. Agricultural Intervention Improves HIV Outcomes A multifaceted farming intervention can reduce food insecurity while improving HIV outcomes in patients in Kenya, according to a randomized, controlled trial led by researchers at UCSF. IT Urges UCSF Employees to Secure Assets and Data Recent cyberattacks have accelerated UCSF Information Technology to better secure the University's systems and strengthen network security across the enterprise. UCSF Remembers Longtime Community Advisor Jim Meko UCSF remembers longtime community advisor Jim Meko, who died on August 3. Matt Jacobson Named Chair of Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry Renowned researcher and educator Matthew Jacobson, PhD, has been named the new chair of the UCSF School of Pharmacy’s Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry. Michael Gropper Appointed Chair of Anesthesia Michael Gropper has been appointed chair of the Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, effective September 1, 2015. Bioengineering Lessons Aim to Inspire Girls to Become Surgeons, Engineers The Perry Initiative, a nonprofit founded in 2009 by Lisa Lattanza and Jenni Buckley, aims to tackle gender imbalance in engineering and orthopaedics by providing bioengineering workshops for high school students. UCSF Alerts Urology Patients to Equipment Issue UCSF Medical Center issues a statement regarding its notification to patients whose bladders were examined this year at its Outpatient Urology Practice that a step was inadvertently omitted in the cleaning of equipment used in their procedure. UCSF Students Win Human Rights Award for White Coats for Black Lives Movement UCSF medical students were recognized this week with a “Hero Award" from the San Francisco Human Rights Commission for their efforts to advance civil rights by launching the national White Coats for Black Lives movement. Task Force Named to Advise on 2016 Retirement Benefits A systemwide task force of UC faculty, staff and administrators will develop a new set of retirement benefits options for UC employees hired on or after July 1, 2016 to comply with a new budget agreement. Common Class of ‘Channel Blocking’ Drugs May Find a Role in Cancer Therapy Ion channel blockers, commonly used to treat cardiac, neurological and psychiatric disorders, might prove useful in cancer therapy, according to research findings in fruit flies and mice by UCSF scientists. Not-For-Profit Hospitals May Not Trump For-Profits in Providing Uncompensated Care According to a study of California medical centers, not-for-profit hospitals do not always provide as much subsidized care for patients living in poverty as their for-profit counterparts. California Initiative to Advance Precision Medicine Announces Funding for 2 Projects Two demonstration projects that aim to yield quick results for patients have been selected by the new California Initiative to Advance Precision Medicine, a public-private effort launched by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. Common Medications for Dementia Could Cause Harmful Weight Loss Medications commonly used to treat dementia could result in harmful weight loss, and clinicians need to account for this risk when prescribing these drugs to older adults, a new UCSF study says. How the Finch Changes Its Tune Researchers at UCSF have discovered a neurological mechanism that could explain how songbirds refine and alter their songs, a finding that could have long-term implications for treating neurological conditions. Cost of Physician Board Recertification Fuels Questions About Best Outcomes for Patients As physicians push back against new requirements for maintaining medical board certifications, a study by UCSF and Stanford University finds the costs of implementation will be an estimated $5.7 billion over the next 10 years. Judith Hellman Wins Anesthesia Award to Study Sepsis Judith Hellman has won the 2015 Frontiers in Anesthesia Research Award to explore novel ways of understanding and combating sepsis. Minority Training Program Aims to Eliminate Cancer Disparities UCSF has one of the nation's longest-running programs to encourage master’s level public health minority students to continue on to doctoral degrees and cancer disparities research careers. In CRISPR Advance, Scientists Successfully Edit Human T Cells In a project spearheaded by investigators at UCSF, scientists have devised a new strategy to precisely modify human T cells using the genome-editing system known as CRISPR/Cas9. UCSF Tops $100K in Fundraising for AIDS Walk 2015 Thanks to individuals like DK Haas and Robert Mansfield, UCSF teams have raised more than $100,000 in AIDS Walk 2015, holding position as one of the city’s top fundraisers. Mild Hypothermia in Deceased Organ Donors Improves Function in Kidney Transplant Recipients Mild hypothermia in deceased organ donors significantly reduces delayed graft function in kidney transplant recipients when compared to normal body temperature, according to UCSF researchers and collaborators. UCSF Leaders Present Capital Strategy to UC Regents UCSF Chancellor Sam Hawgood last week presented a plan to a UC Regents committee to invest in four projects that are critical to achieving the University’s overall capital strategy. UCSF Support for Warriors Arena Project Contingent on Securing Access to Mission Bay Hospitals Emphasizing the need to protect patient safety by ensuring access to UCSF Medical Center at Mission Bay, UCSF announced that its support for the Golden State Warriors arena project is contingent on a binding agreement to address traffic concerns for overlapping events occur at AT&T Park and the proposed arena. UCSF Encourages Community to Support Proposal to Ensure Patient Safety in Warriors Arena Plan UCSF supports the City’s plan to build a new arena for the Golden State Warriors, but only if traffic concerns are adequately addressed to ensure that patients, visitors and health care providers can safely and efficiently access UCSF Medical Center at Mission Bay. For Prostate Cancer Patients, Risk-Specific Therapies Now More the Norm After decades of overtreatment for low-risk prostate cancer and inadequate management of its more aggressive forms, patients are now more likely to receive medical care matched to level of risk, according to a UCSF study. UCSF's Gail Martin, Allan Balmain Admitted to Royal Society Researchers Gail Martin and Allan Balmain are UCSF's newest members of the Royal Society. Faculty Mentors Honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards Faculty members Eliseo Pérez-Stable and Zena Werb were honored with the Lifetime Achievement in Mentoring Award. UCSF Medical Center Ranked 8th Best Hospital in the Nation UCSF Medical Center is one of the nation’s premier hospitals for the 14th consecutive year, ranking as the eighth best hospital in the country in the 2015-2016 America’s Best Hospitals survey from U.S. News & World Report. Low-Nicotine Cigarettes Fail to Sway Smokers Smokers who successfully lowered their nicotine intake when they were switched to low-nicotine cigarettes were unable to curb their smoking habits in the long term, according to a study by UCSF and San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center. Chancellor Emeritus Julius Krevans, a Transformative Leader at UCSF, Dies at 91 Chancellor Emeritus Julius “Julie” R. Krevans, MD, a distinguished physician, educator and one of the transformative leaders who propelled UCSF into greatness during the past generation, has died. He was 91. Community-Living Older Adults with Dementia at High Risk of Having Pain Older adults with dementia who live at home are at high risk of having pain, according to UC San Francisco researchers, and creative interventions and programs such as home-based palliative care are needed to manage their pain adequately. UCSF Honors Faculty Mentors with Lifetime Achievement Awards Faculty members Eliseo Pérez-Stable and Zena Werb were honored with the Lifetime Achievement in Mentoring Award. Vaginal Douches May Expose Women to Harmful Phthalate Chemicals Women who use feminine care products called douches may increase their exposure to harmful chemicals called phthalates. Laurel Heights Volunteer Team Boost Staff Morale Through Events And Activities Activities organized by Campus Life Services' Arts & Events volunteers are the primary way to provide fun activities and boost staff morale in the workplace. UCSF Researchers Receive Allen Distinguished Investigator Grants to Study Alzheimer’s Disease Two groups of UC San Francisco researchers have been awarded Allen Distinguished Investigator (ADI) grants of more than $1 million each for Alzheimer’s disease research. IT Rolls Out New VPN for Remote Access Users Virtual Private Networks (VPN) users can now enjoy the benefits of a faster and more reliable tool with a new VPN, known as Junos Pulse, UCSF Medical Center Named One of 2015’s 'Most Wired' Hospitals UCSF Medical Center and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital San Francisco have been named one of HealthCare’s Most Wired™ for 2015, in recognition of the focus on security and patient engagement through information technology. Postmenopausal Women With Depression or Urinary Incontinence Experience Vaginal Symptoms Affecting Daily Life Special efforts should be made to identify and treat depression and urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women with vaginal symptoms, according to UC San Francisco researchers. Evidence-based Health Equity Research Receives $9 Million In Funding The Evidence for Action team, clockwise from top left: Erin Hagan, PhD, MBA; Stephanie Chernitskiy, Christine Phung, Jennifer Taggart, Maria Glymour, ScD, MS; David Vlahov, RN, PhD; Nancy Adler, PhD; and Laura Gottlieb, MD, MPH. Photo by Marco Sanchez Min Cho: Blood Cell Research Grows Personal Min Cho’s work in a UCSF lab that researches protein translational mechanisms in blood cancers was just an abstract, albeit important, concept to him – until he was diagnosed with a rare blood disease. Geri Ehle: Supporting the Next Generation of Physician Scientists In August 2014, Geri Ehle became the coordinator for UCSF’s medical scientist training program, where she supports some of the brightest students in the country as they train to become future medical leaders. Her charge is to ensure students in the program are well cared for socially, emotionally and academically during their long and arduous eight years of study. UCSF Warms Up for AIDS Walk San Francisco 2015 Teams rally for the annual AIDS Walk event on July 19. Study Finds Donor Funds Fall Short for Key Global Health Functions A new analysis estimates that $22 billion was spent on global health aid in 2013, yet only a fifth of this went toward such global imperatives as research on diseases that disproportionally affect the poor, outbreak preparedness and global health leadership. Lamorna Brown Swigart: Circling the Bay for Breast Cancer Lamorna Brown Swigart and Malinda Walker tackled fundraising for breast cancer at the personal level by riding around the San Francisco Bay and blogging at We Go for Good. Work Begins on Modernizing the UCSF Parnassus Campus Construction at the UCSF Parnassus campus will address structural issues and modernize buildings. Extra Heartbeats Could Be Modifiable Risk Factor for Congestive Heart Failure Common extra heartbeats known as premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) may be a modifiable risk factor for congestive heart failure and death. Age-Related Cognitive Decline Tied to Immune-System Molecule A blood-borne molecule that increases in abundance as we age blocks regeneration of brain cells and promotes cognitive decline, suggests a new study. Marcel Alavi: Promoting Diversity by Taking Pride to the Next Level Marcel Alavi and his fellow memoirs of the UCSF Pride Committee worked together with the UCSF LGBT Resource Center to create a visible presence for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, & transgender (LGBT) campus and medical center community by marching in the 2015 SF Pride Celebration. UCSF Neuroscientist Named 2015 Blavatnik Laureate in Life Sciences Edward F. Chang, a UCSF physician-scientist whose seminal research has provided deep insights into how speech and language are processed in the human brain, has been named the 2015 Blavatnik Laureate in the Life Sciences. David Robb: Researching treatment solutions for HIV/AIDS At the height of the AIDS epidemic, David Robb made a career change from being a film student and San Francisco restaurant employee to working in non-profit and research for HIV/AIDS. Acute Kidney Injury Linked to Increased Risk of High Blood Pressure Hospitalized patients with acute kidney injury were 22 percent more likely to develop high blood pressure within two years than patients who did not experience AKI, according to a study by UCSF and Kaiser Permanente. UCSF Reports Laptop Burglary in Faculty Office UCSF is alerting individuals about a burglary involving an unencrypted laptop belonging to a faculty member in the Cardiac Electrophysiology & Arrhythmia Service that contained some personal, research and health information. UCSF Green Champions Recognized at 2015 Sustainability Award Ceremony Annual awards recognize the many accomplishments of individuals and teams at UCSF around sustainability. Matthew Cooperberg Honored with AUA Gold Cystoscope Award Matthew R. Cooperberg, MD, MPH, is the 2015 recipient of the American Urological Association (AUA) “Gold Cystoscope” award Keith Yamamoto Named to National Advisory Group on Genome Editing Keith Yamamoto, PhD, vice chancellor for research at UC San Francisco, has been named to a national advisory group to guide research and clinical decisions about the use of genome editing technologies to treat human disease. As Smoking Declines, More Are Likely to Quit A UCSF study shows that as smoking has declined, continuing smokers have smoked less and are more likely to try to quit. UCSF Researchers Launch Landmark Study of LGBTQ Community Health UCSF researchers have launched the first longitudinal cohort study to better understand the health of LGBTQ adults in the United States. Three Simple Rules Govern Complex Brain Circuit in Fly Think the nest of cables under your desk is bad? Try keeping the trillions of connections crisscrossing your brain organized and free of tangles. A new UCSF study reveals this seemingly intractable job may be simpler than it appears. UCSF Medical Center, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals Honored for Environmental Stewardship UCSF Medical Center and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals have been awarded an environmental achievement award from Practice Greenhealth, a leading health care nonprofit organization focused on positive environmental stewardship. EXCEL Program Helps San Francisco Residents Chart a Better Life The EXCEL (Excellence through Community Engagement and Learning) program is a partnership of UCSF, the City and County of San Francisco and the Jewish Vocational Services (JVS). It is a work-based learning program that uses both classroom and on-the-job training to prepare participants for career path job in the health care sector. Tejal Desai Awarded Brown Engineering Alumni Medal Tejal A. Desai, PhD, professor and chair of the Department of Bioengineering & Therapeutic Sciences, was awarded the 2015 Brown Engineering Alumni Medal (BEAM) from Brown University’s School of Engineering. Science Interrupted These days, young investigators spend half their time applying for grants to keep their labs afloat. The competition is so fierce that the next generation of academic scientists is at risk and, by extension, so is science itself. Specific Roles of Adult Neural Stem Cells May Be Determined Before Birth Adult neural stem cells, which are commonly thought of as having the ability to develop into many type of brain cells, are in reality pre-programmed before birth to make very specific types of neurons. Cancer Blocked by Halving Levels of Protein Thought To Be ‘Untouchable’ A team of UC San Francisco and Stanford University scientists has discovered that a protein thought to be crucial for the body to develop and function correctly can be reduced by half in mice with no apparent ill effects. Scientists Identify Progenitor Cells for Blood and Immune System UC San Francisco scientists have identified characteristics of a family of daughter cells, called MPPs, which are the first to arise from stem cells within bone marrow that generate the entire blood system. Public Divided On Heart Benefits From Alcohol Consumption UCSF researchers have found that people are divided on the cardiovascular benefits of alcohol consumption. UCSF Alumni Travel Across the Globe for Award-Winning Reunion Weekend This year, with the culmination of the yearlong 150th Anniversary celebration, it was all the more reason for 2,000-some UCSF alumni and friends from 34 states and six countries to return to their alma mater for their annual reunion. Better Birth Control Counseling Reduces Unintended Pregnancies Among Young Women Training health care workers to educate young women about intrauterine devices and contraceptive implants dramatically cut the number of unintended pregnancies among young women seeking family planning services. Sean Parker Supports UCSF to Advance Research on Mosquito Control for Malaria Elimination Sean Parker, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur and philanthropist, has donated $4.5 million to UCSF to launch a research program on innovative and aggressive approaches against the mosquito that transmits malaria. Tests to Gauge Genetic Risks for Prostate Cancer Now Are Feasible Men with an elevated, genetically inherited risk for prostate cancer could be routinely identified with a simple blood or urine test, potentially paving the way to better or earlier diagnosis. Escaping Ethiopia's Poverty at the School of Pharmacy In the state of Tikray in northern Ethiopia, where poverty and unemployment are rampant, very few have the fortune to go to college. But Getahun Weldeselassie nevertheless banked on education as his best shot at a better life. UCSF Study Projects Need for 2.5M More Long-Term Care Workers by 2030 At least 2.5 million more workers will be needed to provide long-term care to older people in the United States between now and 2030. State, UC Agree on ‘Promise of Fiscal Security’ A new agreement between UC President Janet Napolitano and Calif. Gov. Jerry Brown provides UC with the promise of fiscal security over the next four years. Genetic Markers Provide Better Brain Cancer Classification A team of scientists has shown that using just three molecular markers will help clinicians classify gliomas – the most common type of malignant brain tumors – more accurately than current methods. UCSF Wins Two International CASE Awards, Including Organization’s Highest Honor UCSF won two international awards from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), including a “Grand Gold,” the organization’s highest honor. Kimberly Topp: A Life of Humility and Gratitude UCSF students chose Kimberly Topp, PhD, to deliver this year's "Last Lecture" to close out the academic season. UCSF Study Projects Need for 2.5 Million More Long-Term Care Workers by 2030 At least two and a half million more workers will be needed to provide long-term care to older people in the United States between now and 2030. UCSF Medical Center, CPMC Join Forces for 18-Patient Kidney Transplant Chain A unique collaboration resulted in one of the nation’s first nine-way kidney transplant chains occurring in one city over a 36-hour period. UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals Ranked Among Nation’s Premier Hospitals UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals is among the nation's premier children’s hospitals in nine pediatric specialties, according to the 2015-2016 U.S. Best Children’s Hospitals rankings conducted by the U.S. News Media Group. The Academic Senate Recognizes Leaders in Teaching, Mentoring Winners of the Academic Senate Distinction In Teaching and the Distinction In Mentoring Awards include, from left, David M. Naeger, MD; Katherine Julian, MD; Anita Sil, MD, PhD; and Stuart Gansky, MS, DrPH. Harvey Brody, UCSF Dentistry Alum and Professor, Named Alumni UC Regent The Alumni Association of UC San Francisco has appointed Harvey A. Brody, DDS '63, to serve as alumni regent-designate to the UC Board of Regents, effective July 1. Women with Dense Breasts May Not Need More Screening A new study led by UCSF has found that women with dense breasts may need only routine mammograms unless they are at high risk. Microclinics Help Keep Kenyan HIV Patients in Care A team led by researchers from UCSF, Organic Health Response and Microclinic International is reporting results of a study that showed significant benefits of microclinics – an innovative intervention that mobilized rural Kenyan HIV patients’ informal social networks to support their staying in care. New Coffee Bar Adds Flavor to a Modern UCSF Library The UCSF Library and Campus Life Services have teamed up to host a grand opening celebration for Caffé Central's coffee bar located at the library's main floor at noon on May 20. Cheng, Frank Among 26 New HHMI Investigators UCSF"s Loren Frank, PhD, and Yifan Cheng, PhD, have been named Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) investigators, joining 24 other top U.S. biomedical researchers, who will receive the flexible support necessary to move their research in creative new directions. UCSF Moves Forward with Plans for New General Hospital Research Facility Research is a key component of UCSF's work at San Francisco General Hospital, and a new proposed research facility will support breakthroughs there for decades to come. UCSF Milestones at Mission Bay UCSF Art & Architecture at Mission Bay Six Candidates Vie for Staff Positions on UC Pension Advisory Board Six University of California employees are running for two open staff seats on the UC Retirement System (UCRS) Advisory Board. The board meets three times each year to discuss issues pertaining to UC's retirement plans and shares ideas with UC Office of the President leaders. Napolitano, Harris Announce Collaboration on Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Efforts UC President Janet Napolitano and California Attorney General Kamala Harris May 13 unveiled a new toolkit for California law enforcement agencies and higher education institutions to improve collaboration and transparency on campus sexual assault prevention and response. School of Dentistry Appoints New Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion John D.B. Featherstone, PhD, dean of the UCSF School of Dentistry, is pleased to announce the appointment of George Taylor, DMD, MPH, DrPH, to the new position of Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion. His appointment is effective July 1. Every Drop Counts: UCSF Works to Conserve Water to Help Meet State Mandate UCSF is looking to further reduce its water use by reducing irrigation and washing of fleets and buildings. These actions build on earlier efforts including efficient water design into new facilities at Mission Bay and reductions across campus. UC Reaches Long-Term Agreement for More Funding, Tuition Predictability University of California President Janet Napolitano announced May 14 that she and Gov. Jerry Brown have reached a historic agreement that provides UC with significant new revenue while capping resident tuition at its current level for the next two years. New UC Video Explains Retirement Benefits A new video presentation on UCnet, UC’s website for faculty, staff and retirees, gives you the information you need to understand and begin the retirement process. UCSF Class of 2015 Share Laughs and Lessons as They Embark on Careers This year's graduating class has much to be proud of as they reflect on years of challenging work, training and study culminating in their graduation from UCSF. Scientists Identify Tissue-Degrading Enzyme in Bat-Killing Fungus Scientists at UCSF and Brown University have figured out the likely way that white-nose syndrome breaks down tissue in bats, opening the door to potential treatments for a disease that has killed more than six million bats since 2006 and poses a threat to the agricultural industry. Rowitch, Ullian Receive $1 Million for Neuroscience Research Two UCSF scientists -- Erik Ullian, PhD, and David Rowitch, MD, PhD -- are among six groups of researchers from leading academic institutions who have been awarded funding from the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation in the field of neuroscience. Increasing Awareness about Sexual Violence and Sexual Assault Resources UC San Francisco held several events at its Parnassus and Mission Bay campuses as part of the University of California-wide “Sexual Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness Month” in April. Team Proposes New Clinical Model to Improve Primary Care by Addressing Trauma Recognizing that patients’ experiences of childhood and adult trauma are common and have a direct impact on their health, UCSF clinical researchers and Positive Women’s Network-USA have developed and are reporting a new primary care model. UCSF Founder’s Descendants Visit Campus for the First Time Suzanne Carlisle Vick wanted to get a better sense of her family history. That’s why she made the 2,800-mile journey from South Carolina to California, to learn about Hugh Toland and UCSF. Biking Across California to Fight HIV/AIDS A team of UCSF cyclists will join thousands of others this June to participate and raise money for AIDS/LifeCycle—a seven-day, 545-mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Discovery Fellows Program Nears 1,000-Donor Goal Five Discovery Fellows presented their research during the first Discovery Fellows Symposium earlier this month, as UCSF neared the fundraising goal set for the program by benefactors Sir Michael Moritz and Harriet Heyman. French Among Bay Area’s ‘Most Influential Women in Business’ Her leadership qualities helped Vice Chancellor Barbara French advance in her career, and also caught the attention of the San Francisco Business Times, which named her to its list of “Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business” on May 1. Two Medical Students Named HHMI Fellows Two UCSF medical students have been awarded fellowships from the 2015 HHMI (Howard Hughes Medical Institute) Medical Research Fellows Program. UCSF Employee Awaits Word on Status of Nepal Schools He Helped Build In the aftermath of the devastating 7.8 earthquake that devastated Nepal and its surrounding areas, UCSF business analyst Wayne Cheung is anxiously awaiting word from his contacts in Nepal regarding the status of one of two schools he helped build. Higher Tech and Higher Touch Personalized digital media walls. Push-button, custom dinner orders. Robot deliveries. New technology at UCSF Medical Center is improving both patient comfort and care. The Art of Maintaining Cognitive Health as Our Brains Age Brains age, just like the rest of the body, even for those don't get neurological disease, according to an Institute of Medicine report released on April 14. While aging does more damage to some than others, most people can take steps to improve their health. Remembering Andy Parsa It is with tremendous sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Andrew Parsa MD, PhD. Dr. Parsa began his academic career as a faculty member in the Department of Neurological Surgery at UCSF. Entrepreneurship Program Prepares Inventors to Launch Start-Ups UCSF restarted its Entrepreneurship Center in March 2012. The program helps start companies from UCSF inventions and has built an entrepreneurial ecosystem at the University. 4 UCSF Faculty Elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences' 2015 Class Four renowned UCSF pioneers in cancer, biochemistry, medical genetics and pharmaceutical sciences have been elected as members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Evolution of Stem Cells Traced in Study of Fossilized Rodent Teeth By studying fossilized teeth from thousands of extinct rodent species, UCSF and University of Helsinki scientists have shown how fundamental evolutionary mechanisms drive the emergence of novel mammalian stem cells. Mayor Lee Celebrates Chancellor Hawgood San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee held a reception April 13 honoring the appointment of Sam Hawgood, MBBS, as UC San Francisco’s 10th Chancellor. Unnecessary Preoperative Testing Still Done on Cataract Patients Although routine preoperative testing is not indicated for patients undergoing cataract surgery, researchers at UCSF have found that it is still a common occurrence and is driven primarily by provider practice patterns rather than patient characteristics. Angiogenesis Inhibitors Undermined by Immune Cells, Says Study A team led by UCSF scientists has discovered a possible reason why angiogenesis inhibitors often work in the short term but usually become ineffective within months, one that could lead to a way to prevent cancer relapse. Some Atrial Fibrillation Patients Receive Unnecessary Blood Thinners About a quarter of all atrial fibrillation patients at the lowest risk for stroke receive unnecessary blood thinners from cardiology specialists, according to UCSF researchers. How Deep-Brain Stimulation Reshapes Neural Circuits in Parkinson’s Disease UCSF scientists have discovered a possible mechanism for how deep-brain stimulation, a widely used treatment for movement disorders, exerts its therapeutic effects. Bonz Otsuki: Support Staff Making It Happen Bonz Otsuki, a 20-year UCSF veteran, moved from Campus Life Services to University Relations / Community and Government Relations where she smooths the path for UCSF professionals and staff to get their work done. California Launches Initiative to Advance Precision Medicine Gov. Jerry Brown is launching a statewide initiative with the University of California to build the infrastructure and assemble the resources necessary to further develop precision medicine. Vlahov, Wintroub Join Nationwide Push for Climate Change Training Two UC San Francisco academic deans are among a coalition of deans from 30 medical, nursing and public health schools nationwide committed to ensuring the next generation of health professionals are trained to effectively address all of the health risks their patients and communities face from climate change. UC Streamlines Retirement Savings Program Investment Fund Menu University of California (UC) is streamlining the menu of investment funds available through the UC Retirement Savings Program (RSP) — your 403(b), 457(b), and Defined Contribution Plans. Patients With Heart Stents Have Similar Increased Risk of Death from Bleeding and Heart Attacks In patients who received a stent to treat coronary artery blockage, those who experienced bleeding requiring hospitalization in the years after the procedure faced an increased risk of death that was similar to the risk faced by those who subsequently had heart attacks, according to a study by UCSF and Kaiser Permanente. Student Projects Get Creative to Encourage Healthy Eating Two UCSF students have each won a $2,500 University of California Global Food Initiative Grant to pursue their inventive projects to help people eat healthier. First Look at ‘Wasabi Receptor’ Brings Insights for Pain Drug Development Researchers at UCSF have pulled aside the curtain on a protein informally known as the “wasabi receptor,” revealing at near-atomic resolution structures that could be targeted with anti-inflammatory pain drugs. Wachter Named Nation’s ‘Most Influential’ Physician Executive UC San Francisco’s Robert Wachter, MD, a leading national expert on patient safety who helped pioneer hospital medicine, has landed at number one on Modern Healthcare magazine’s annual list of the most influential physician executives. Hawgood, Leadership Team Outline Diversity Vision for UCSF A crowd of almost 250 people gathered at Cole Hall on April 7 to listen to UC San Francisco Chancellor Sam Hawgood, MBBS, outline his vision for a more inclusive campus environment. Lower Extremity Revascularization Not Effective in Majority of Nursing Home Residents Only a few U.S. nursing home residents who undergo lower extremity revascularization procedures are alive and ambulatory a year after surgery, according to UCSF researchers, and most patients still alive gained little, if any, function. Emergency Rooms Seeing Rising Rate of Patients with Chronic Conditions, Lower Rate of Injuries The rate of emergency department visits in California for non-injuries has risen while the rate of visits for injuries has dropped, according to a new study led by UCSF. Blood Test Trumps Accuracy of Standard Screening in Detecting Down Syndrome in Early Pregnancy A blood test undertaken between 10 to 14 weeks of pregnancy may be more effective in diagnosing Down syndrome and two other less common chromosomal abnormalities than standard non-invasive screening techniques. UMass Dartmouth, UCSF Research Demonstrates Shared Rules of Development Can Predict Patterns of Evolution in Different Species The evolution and development of structures as diverse as limbs, fingers, teeth, somites and vertebrae may have more in common than once believed, according to a new study. Dual Therapy’s One-Two Punch Knocks Out Drug-Resistant Lung Cancer UCSF scientists have identified a biological escape hatch that explains the resistance to targeted drug treatment in some lung cancer patients. UCSF Medical Center Rewarded $800K for Sustainability Efforts from PG&E When leaders at UC San Francisco were planning to build UCSF Medical Center at Mission Bay, they made sure that state-of-the-art energy efficiency systems were integrated in the design of their new buildings, which led to a check from PG&E for $804,000 in incentives that came via that focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. Researchers Identify Calorie-Burning ‘Beige’ Fat in Humans For the first time, scientists have isolated beige fat in adult humans that's able to convert energy-storing white fat cells into the energy-burning kind. Esteban Burchard Named to Expert Panel for Obama’s Precision Medicine Plan UCSF’s Esteban Burchard has been appointed to an expert panel advising the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on how to develop President Barack Obama’s Precision Medicine Initiative. Researchers Identify “Beige” Fat-Burning Cells in Humans A research team, led by a UCSF biologist, has isolated energy-burning “beige” fat from adult humans, which is known to be able to convert unhealthy white fat into healthy brown fat. Calico Licenses Technology from Acclaimed UCSF Laboratory Calico, a company whose mission is to harness advanced technologies to increase understanding of the biology that controls human lifespan, and UC San Francisco have partnered on an innovative project to develop potential therapies for cognitive decline. Male Registered Nurses Make Thousands More in Salary Than Female Counterparts Male registered nurses make more than $5,000 per year than their female counterparts across most settings, specialty areas and positions, according to a UCSF-led study. UCSF Medical Center, John Muir Health Affiliate to Develop Regional Health Care Network, New Company UCSF Medical Center and John Muir Health have finalized an agreement that will serve as the foundation for a Bay Area health care network intended to provide patients with high quality care at an affordable price. Hollywood and Tobacco: New Spotlight on Smoking At The Movies UCSF is launching a revamped Smokefree Movies website that offers the public unusual insight into Hollywood’s role in the global tobacco epidemic, projected to kill one billion people this century. New Reality of California ‘DREAMers’ Takes Shape at UCSF José Carrasco Sandoval, Laura Aguilar and Angie Celis typify the caliber of talent UC San Francisco attracts. All three have been chosen to join the School of Dentistry’s Class of 2019. Unlike most of their peers, all three are “DREAMers.” Scientists Link Unexplained Childhood Paralysis to Enterovirus D68 A research team led by UCSF scientists has found the genetic signature of enterovirus D68 in half of the California and Colorado children diagnosed with acute flaccid myelitis – sudden, unexplained muscle weakness and paralysis – between 2012 and 2014. UCSF Team Finds Key to Making Neurons From Stem Cells A research team at UC San Francisco has discovered an RNA molecule called Pnky that can be manipulated to increase the production of neurons from neural stem cells. New Campaign Showcases UCSF Pride We have launched a One UCSF web page to serve as a platform to magnify our pride in the work we do every day. We’re sharing the stories of people who exemplify UCSF's ideals – whose individual contributions demonstrate the drive, passion and intensity of UCSF. Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo: Seeing Health as Social Justice Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, MD, PhD, MAS, is a cardiovascular epidemiologist whose research focuses on the interaction between social, behavioral, and biological factors that place vulnerable groups at risk for health disparities such as cardiovascular disease. Her goal is to help improve health and prevent some of these diseases in these groups. Carla Perissinotto: Keeping Seniors Healthy at Home Mozziyar Etemadi: Turning Simple Gadgets into Life-Saving Devices Mozzi Etemadi, PhD, is a medical student and bioengineer who works on repurposing existing technology to improve health. Mozzi worked with Larry Rand, MD, to develop the Smart Diaphragm, a device to detect early signs of preterm birth, which received a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2014. The device is similar in size and shape to a diaphragm used for birth control, and can identify early labor signs days or even weeks before contractions. This would allow doctors to treat dangers such as infection that might trigger labor. Dean Schillinger: Helping Kids Slam Diabetes – with Poetry The Path to Eradicating Ebola Though the headlines have subsided, UCSF volunteers and experts are still hard at work fighting Ebola in West Africa and helping build better infrastructure that could stop another outbreak. Childhood Leukemia Study Reveals Disease Subtypes, New Treatment Option A new study of acute lymphoblastic leukemia has revealed that the disease has two distinct subtypes, and provides preliminary evidence that about 13 percent of cases may be successfully treated with targeted drugs. Mood, Anxiety Disorders Common in Tourette Patients A new study finds that the majority of those who seek treatment for Tourette syndrome will also be diagnosed with a second psychiatric disorder during their lifetimes, and often these disorders emerge earlier than in the general population UCSF Medical and Nursing Schools Top US News Rankings Both UCSF’s School of Medicine and its School of Nursing received top rankings nationally in the 2016 U.S. News & World Report survey of best graduate schools. “Sugar Papers” Reveal Industry Role in 1970s Dental Program A newly discovered cache of industry documents reveals that the sugar industry worked closely with the National Institutes of Health in the 1960s and ‘70s to develop a federal research program focused on approaches other than sugar reduction to prevent tooth decay in American children. Abnormal Brain Rhythms Tied to Problems with Thinking in Schizophrenia UCSF researchers have provided new evidence that abnormal rhythmic activity in particular brain cells contributes to problems with learning, attention, and decision-making in individuals with schizophrenia. Louisiana Law Would Drastically Limit Abortion Access A Louisiana law that could close all of the state’s abortion facilities by requiring providers to have hospital admitting privileges would force three-quarters of the state’s women to travel 150 miles or more each way for services, an analysis by UCSF researchers has found. Gladstone Scientist Awarded International Prize in Epilepsy Research Jeanne Paz, PhD, an assistant investigator at the UC San Francisco-affiliated Gladstone Institutes, has been awarded the prestigious Michael Prize, honoring her significant contributions to the field of epilepsy. Protein May Be Key to Cancer’s Deadly Resurgences New research finds a special protein may control the survival of deep, near-dormant cancer cells that allow tumors to regrow even after other cells have been eradicated. High School Students Help Grow ‘Genetically Engineered Machines’ A team of UCSF and high school students won "Best Presentation" at the most recent international "Genetically Engineered Machine" competition, where engineering meets biology. Cystic Fibrosis Discovery May Lead to New Treatment Strategy to Help Patients Breathe Easier A team led by UCSF's John Fahy, MD, has discovered why mucus in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis is thick, sticky and difficult to cough up, leaving these patients more vulnerable to lung infection. 2014 NIH Funding: A Look at Top Recipients A few highlights of how the National Institutes of Health funds support UCSF researchers in changing the way we approach health and health care. UCSF Schools Lead Nation Again In NIH Biomedical Research Funds For the second year in a row, UCSF’s schools each received the most National Institutes of Health funding in their fields in 2014. See how the numbers break down. High School Students Help Grow ‘Genetically Engineered Machine’ A team of UCSF and high school students won "Best Presentation" at the most recent international "Genetically Engineered Machine" competition, where engineering meets biology. UCSF Researchers Redefine Role of Brain’s ‘Hunger Circuit’ Using techniques developed only over the past few years, UCSF researchers have completed experiments that overturn the scientific consensus on how the brain’s “hunger circuit” governs eating. Hook-Barnard Appointed Director of Research Strategy India Hook-Barnard, PhD, has been appointed Director of Research Strategy in the School of Medicine, where she will work with Executive Vice Dean Keith Yamamoto, PhD, developing and supporting research and research training programs. UCSF Physicians, SFGH Nurse Honored by San Francisco General Hospital Foundation Two longtime UC San Francisco physician-researchers and a SFGH nurse have received the 2015 Heroes & Hearts Award bestowed by the San Francisco General Hospital Foundation. Diane Havlir, MD, Edgar Pierluissi, MD, and Maya Vasquez, RN, were honored at the Foundation’s annual awards luncheon on Feb. 12 for their “impact on the community through their work at The General.” Lai Among Bay Area’s ‘Top 40 Under 40’ UC San Francisco’s Jennifer Lai, MD, MBA, was recently selected as a “Top 40 under 40” in the Class of 2015 by the San Francisco Business Times. She is the only UCSF faculty member honored by the publication. UCSF Ebola Responders to Share Their Stories at Town Hall UCSF will convene a town hall on Thursday, Feb. 26 to update the community on its global and local response to the Ebola outbreak. UCSF Receives $100M Gift to Advance Health Sciences Mission UCSF has received a $100 million gift from visionary philanthropist Charles F. “Chuck” Feeney to support its new Mission Bay hospitals, world-class faculty and students, and research programs focused on the neurosciences and aging. Office of Diversity and Outreach Hires a CARE Advocate UC San Francisco’s Office of Diversity and Outreach has hired Denise Caramagno as the University’s care advocate. Effective Feb. 19, she will provide crisis intervention and ongoing support at UCSF to survivors of sexual assault and sexual violence. Beloved Cancer Researcher Passes After a Brief Illness Retired UC San Francisco cancer researcher Lois Barth Epstein, MD, DSc, died on Feb. 6, after a brief illness. She was 81. Epstein was a leading contributor in the field of cancer research, a skilled artist, and an active member of the San Francisco Bay Area community. Nominations for Chancellor Award for Public Service Due Feb. 24 It is awards season at UCSF and time to celebrate our colleagues who have gone above and beyond in serving others. Nominations are now being accepted and they are due by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 24. ‘Most Comprehensive Map’ of Human Epigenomes Is Unveiled Two dozen scientific papers published online simultaneously present the first comprehensive maps and analyses of the epigenomes of a wide array of human cell and tissue types. President Bill Clinton Tours New UCSF Hospitals U.S. President Bill Clinton visited UCSF Medical Center at Mission Bay on Feb. 5, where a teen patient showed him the new hospitals for children, women and cancer patients. Ptá?ek Receives Prestigious Stanley J. Korsmeyer Award UC San Francisco’s Louis J. Ptá?ek, M.D., a pioneer in the field of neurogenetics, is the 2015 recipient of the American Society for Clinical Investigation’s prestigious Stanley J. Korsmeyer Award. Ptá?ek is being honored for his research leading to the development of the field of ion channel defects, known commonly as channelopathies.?? UCSF Medical Center at Parnassus and Mount Zion to Expand Care As UCSF celebrates the successful opening of UCSF Medical Center at Mission Bay, there's excitement also brewing at its other clinical care campuses. UCSF-Led Study Shows Why Some Targeted Cancer Drugs Lose Effectiveness A protein called YAP, which drives the growth of organs during development and regulates their size in adulthood, plays a key role in the emergence of resistance to targeted cancer therapies, according to a new study. Inaugural Byers Family Distinguished Professorship Goes to QB3 Leader The inaugural Byers Family Distinguished Professorship has been awarded to Regis Kelly, PhD, in recognition of his visionary leadership at QB3, a thriving center of early-stage entrepreneurship and innovation that has capitalized on the premier health sciences research coming out of UCSF. UCSF’s Bruce Miller Urges Congress to Fund Brain Research UCSF's Bruce Miller said the number of Alzheimer’s cases may double in the coming years. Miller spoke to Congress to spur the National Institutes of Health to increase support for neurodegenerative disease research. Apply for Intramural Funds through UCSF's Resource Allocation Program UCSF's Resource Allocation Program (RAP), which offers a single online application process for a wide variety of intramural grant offerings, is now inviting applications for the Spring 2015 cycle. After 60 Years, UCSF Student Newspaper Finds Science Writing Vital as Ever As UCSF's student newspaper Synapse approaches it 60th anniversary, its editors look back at its successes in fostering science and health communication and building a sense of community on campus. Driven by Science, Humanism and Service, Dan Lowenstein Joins UCSF Leadership Team Dan Lowenstein's distinguished career encompasses teaching, research and patient care – from his arrival to UCSF in 1987 as a pediatrics intern to his latest appointment as executive vice chancellor and provost. UCSF’s Eric Goosby Appointed UN Special Envoy for Tuberculosis UC San Francisco’s Eric Goosby, MD, who led the Obama administration’s efforts on HIV/AIDS, has been appointed to a new position as United Nations Special Envoy on Tuberculosis. UCSF Medical Center at Mission Bay Opens, Welcomes 131 Patients More than 130 patients arrived safely at the new UCSF Medical Center at Mission Bay on Feb. 1, thanks to months of planning by our dedicated staff. Nearly 60 Years Later, UCSF Student Newspaper Finds Science Writing as Vital as Ever As UCSF's student newspaper Synapse approaches it 60th anniversary, its editors look back at its successes in fostering science and health communication and building a sense of community on campus. Brain Region Vulnerable to Aging is Larger in Those with Longevity Gene Variant People who carry a variant of a gene that is associated with longevity also have larger volumes in a front part of the brain involved in planning and decision-making. Peter Walter Wins the Vilcek Prize in Biomedical Sciences Peter Walter, PhD, professor of biochemistry and biophysics, has received the 2015 Vilcek Prize in Biomedical Sciences, which recognizes major contributions to science made by immigrants to America. UCSF Medical Center, Community Medical Centers Sign Letter of Intent to Increase Pediatric, Women’s Health Services in Fresno, Central Valley UCSF Medical Center and Community Medical Centers have signed a letter of intent to expand women’s and children’s services to the Central Valley, which has an undersupply of specialists for a growing population. Caring for the Child’s Brain At UCSF's newly-formed Pediatric Brain Center, children are treated by a specialized team formed specifically to treat their unique brain needs. Estrogen-Producing Neurons Influence Aggression in Both Sexes A miniscule cluster of estrogen-producing nerve cells in the mouse brain exerts highly specific effects on aggressive behavior in both males and females. Q&A with the New Director of the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center Alan Ashworth, one of the world's preeminent cancer scientists, recently began his new role as the director of the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. New Report Identifies Transparency as a Means to Improve Patient Safety Open communication and a free flow of information represent the “magic pill” needed to improve many of the issues in health care related to safety, according to a new report released by the National Patient Safety Foundation’s Lucian Leape Institute. Weissman Wins NAS Award for Scientific Discovery The National Academy of Sciences has bestowed UC San Francisco’s Jonathan Weissman, PhD, its the inaugural NAS Award for Scientific Discovery – presented in the field of chemistry, biochemistry, or biophysics. O’Brien Becomes Associate Chancellor Only a few weeks had passed since Theresa O’Brien, PhD, returned from maternity leave when she was tapped to become associate chancellor by then-UCSF School of Medicine Dean Sam Hawgood, MBBS. Life After the 'Die-In' - Diversity in Education and Research Addressing Race in Education Each of UCSF's four professional schools – dentistry, medicine, nursing and pharmacy – and the Graduate Division have diversity as a priority. Life After the ‘Die-In’ UCSF medical students sparked a national movement when they launched #whitecoats4blacklives to bring attention to racial health care disparities. The dialogue didn't end there. New Type of Cell Found to Repair Lung Injury in Mice A previously unknown type of cell regenerates mouse lung tissue killed by the flu virus, according to a new study led by UCSF scientists. UCSF Mourns Loss of Helen Diller (1929-2015) The UCSF community is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Helen Diller, who was a longtime champion of UCSF, in particular through her family foundation’s support of the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. UCSF Taps Atul Butte to Lead Big Data Center UCSF has recruited an expert in medical informatics and medicine, Atul Butte, MD, PhD, to lead the newfound Institute for Computational Health Sciences. UCSF Receives $40M Gift For Medical Center At Mission Bay UCSF receives a landmark gift from angel investor Ron Conway and his family to help fund the new Mission Bay outpatient medical building. Alberts Receives AAAS Philip Hauge Abelson Prize Distinguished UC San Francisco research scientist and faculty member Bruce Alberts, PhD has been chosen by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) to receive the 2014 Philip Hauge Abelson Prize. UCSF’s Merzenich Wins Russ Prize, Bioengineering’s Highest Honor UCSF neuroscientist Michael M. Merzenich, PhD, is a winner of the 2015 Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ Prize, the bioengineering profession’s highest honor. Risk of Brain Disorder Rare in Healthy Newborns with Jaundice A study tracking more than 100,000 infants has shown that newborns with jaundice that are otherwise healthy are highly unlikely to develop a severe and potentially deadly form of cerebral palsy. Blood Work: Scientists Uncover Surprising New Tools to Rejuvenate the Brain UCSF Magazine explores how scientists are uncovering surprising new tools – young blood and video games – to rejuvenate the brain. Mark Di Suvero's Dreamcatcher Sculpture Coming to UCSF Mission Bay Jeanne Robertson was walking at Crissy Field this past spring, marveling at the massive sculptures set upon this stretch of land hugging the San Francisco shoreline north of the Presidio, and wondering about their fate. The temporary sculpture garden featured creations by renowned artist Mark di Suvero. His works, found throughout the world, are distinctive for their huge, yet gracefully balanced pieces of steel, which while anchored to the ground seem to reach for the sky. A San Francisco Jobs Program Gives People a ‘Reason to Live,’ Find Career Path Eighteen interns graduate from the EXCEL (Excellence through Community Engagement and Learning) program, a partnership of UC San Francisco, the City and County of San Francisco and the Jewish Vocational Services (JVS). It is a work-based learning program that uses both classroom and on-the-job training to prepare participants for career path job in the health care sector. UCSF Students Lead National Movement Bringing Attention to Impact of Racial Disparities in Health Care More than 150 UC San Francisco professional students participated in a “white coat die-in” where they lay down in their white coats to protest recent grand jury decisions not to indict white police officers who killed Michael Brown and Eric Garner, unarmed African American men in Ferguson, Missouri, and New York City, respectively. Top Trends in Health and Science for 2015 With advances in technology and better understanding of people, the health sciences are constantly pushing toward more effective treatments and cures. The question is, where will we see the next breakthroughs in 2015? Mix of Bacteria in Gut May Depend More on Diet than Genes Genes are important, but diet may be even more important in determining the relative abundance of the hundreds of health-shaping bacterial species comprising an individual’s gut microbiota, according to UCSF scientists. Kelly Appointed Special Advisor to Napolitano The University of California has announced that UC San Francisco’s Regis Kelly, PhD, began his tenure on Dec. 1 as special advisor on innovation and entrepreneurship to UC President Janet Napolitano. Road Warriors: Innovative Training Program Tackles Orthopaedic Trauma Abroad UCSF's Institute for Global Orthopaedics and Traumatology allows residents to do an international rotation to train doctors in the developing world, where traffic accidents are one of the most common causes of hospitalization. 2 UCSF-Led Programs Receive Major Funding to Tackle San Francisco Health Issues Two UCSF-sponsored programs beat out more than 80 others to win major funding to help advance meaningful solutions to local health issues in San Francisco. UCSF Receives National Designation as Ebola Treatment Center UCSF has been designated by federal officials as an Ebola treatment center - the only medical center in San Francisco to earn the designation. Two UCSF-Led Local Programs Receive Major Funding Two UCSF-sponsored programs beat out more than 80 others to win major funding to help advance meaningful solutions to local health issues in San Francisco. Then and Now: How Nurses Shaped Care for HIV/AIDS Patients Nurses have played a critical role in shaping HIV/AIDS care, from the earliest when the illness was a death sentence to today where it's a manageable chronic condition. Study Shows Some Newborns Lose Weight Much Faster than Previously Recognized Using weights obtained from over 100,000 Northern California babies, a new study is the first to detail the weight loss patterns of exclusively breastfed newborns. Two UCSF Researchers Awarded Funding for Work on Pediatric Oncology Two UCSF faculty members are among three promising young researchers nationally recognized for their work in pediatric oncology. UCSF’s Adam de Smith, PhD, and Kyle Walsh, PhD, will share a $1.35 million award with Duke University’s Lisa Crose, PhD. As Palliative Care’s Importance Grows, UCSF Nursing Expands Training A new minor for nursing students is helping to fill hospitals and clinics' growing need for more providers specifically trained in palliative care. Scourge of the City: Looking Back at UCSF's Battle with Tuberculosis In honor of UCSF’s 150th anniversary, UCSF Magazine traces the battle with tuberculosis, a disease that’s woven into San Francisco’s and the University's history. Media Advisory: UCSF Hosts Chef Corey Lee in Science of Cooking Program A UCSF program titled, "Science & Cooking," will feature a discussion on the increasingly parallel technologies behind modern cooking and bioscience, with guest speakers David Weitz, a physics professor at Harvard University, and Corey Lee, award-winning chef and owner of San Francisco's Benu restaurant. UCSF Leaders to Discuss Roadmap to Creating an Inclusive Campus UCSF Chancellor Susan Desmond-Hellmann and leaders at UCSF will participate in a live webcast discussion about how the University is working to create an inclusive campus community on April 10. Gladstone Scientists Identify Key Mechanism Involved in Type 2 Diabetes Scientists at the Gladstone Institutes have discovered a key protein that regulates insulin resistance — a breakthrough that points to a potentially new way to treat or forestall type 2 diabetes, a rapidly growing global health problem. UC Regents Discuss Tentative Multi-Year Funding Plan The University of California Board of Regents heard a report today (March 29) on UC's efforts to secure a framework for a multi-year funding plan with the state, including administrators' efforts to avoid a tuition increase in the coming year. UCSF Issues Statement After Police Arrest Three at UC Regents Meeting Three UCLA students were arrested on March 29 after a scuffled ensued outside the UC Regents meeting at UCSF Mission Bay. Greater Traumatic Stress Linked with Elevated Inflammation in Heart Patients Greater lifetime exposure to the stress of traumatic events was linked to higher levels of inflammation in a study of almost 1,000 patients with cardiovascular disease led by researchers at the San Francisco VA Medical Center and the University of California, San Francisco. LGBT Forum Attracts 200 Interprofessional Health Students The UCSF Center for LGBT Health & Equity convened a health forum for the fourth consecutive year, attracting 200 interprofessional health students for two days of education about the long-overlooked health concerns of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex people. Integrative Medicine Classes Help Breast Cancer Survivors Recover Long considered a New Age way of meditating and exercising, yoga, qigong and tai chi have increasingly become popular among cancer patients who regain strength and balance after chemotherapy and surgery. Expert to Talk About Neurological Basis of Pain and Its Control The UCSF community is invited to hear Allan Basbaum's lecture, “The Neurological Basis of Pain and Its Control,” on April 17 as part of the Second Annual Faculty Research Lecture in Translational Science. Intel Fellow to Talk About Health Innovation The UCSF community is invited to hear Eric Dishman, director of Health Innovation and Policy for Intel’s Digital Health Group, talk about Intel's approach to health care at UCSF on April 5. Family Medicine Residency Anniversary Addresses Changing Climate of Health Care If the U.S Supreme Court allows for the ongoing expansion and adoption of national health care reform, it will mean a greater role for family medicine practitioners as the previously uninsured seek primary care physicians to gain access to the health care system. Confronting HIV in Oakland To effectively confront the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Oakland, the medical community needs to connect with African-American young men, who are a particularly vulnerable group of individuals who may not know they are at high risk and may not be receiving the information they need to protect themselves. Trauma Drives HIV Epidemic in Women Physical violence, sexual abuse and other forms of childhood and adult trauma are major factors fueling the epidemic of HIV/AIDS among American women, who account for at least 27 percent of new U.S. cases. Video Depicts Women With HIV A recent theatrical performance in San Francisco titled, "Dancing with the Clown of Love," explores the subjects of HIV/AIDS, drug abuse, prisons, trauma and how they affect the lives of women. Family Medicine Residency at SFGH: Past, Present and Future The UCSF Family and Community Medicine Residency Program at San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center (SFGH) celebrates its 40th anniversary. It has trained more than 400 family doctors who have cared for tens of thousands of underserved patients and advocated for millions more. UC to Verify Family Member Eligibility for Health Coverage The University of California is requiring that all faculty, staff and retirees who have one or more family members enrolled for coverage to provide documentation verifying their family members’ eligibility. Radiation Risks from Fukushima Are Likely to Be Less than for Chernobyl Radiation exposures to the people in Japan from meltdowns at three Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant reactors in the wake of last year’s devastating earthquake and 45-foot tsunami have been less than what people were exposed to in the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster a quarter century ago, according to two experts who spoke at UCSF. Media Advisory: UCSF Health Reform Experts Available for Media Comment Friday, March 23, marks the second anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, which set in motion a series of reforms that will roll out over the course of four years and grant 32 million more Americans insurance coverage. Next week the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear three days of arguments related to the legal challenges to the health care reform law. Medical Students Mark 'Match Day' at UCSF UCSF medical students participated with their peers around the country in the annual rite of passage known as Match Day, when they found out which residency program they have been assigned and where they will work. Japan Earthquake and Tsunami One Year Later -- Lingering Impacts and Lessons A year later, the Japanese public continues to be concerned about radiation contamination, cleanup, public health and the struggles of those in communities affected by the catastrophic earthquake, tsunami and Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactor meltdowns. UCSF Medical Center Volunteer Marks 47 Years of Service to Patients Nearly 93, Emma Kahn, who has been volunteering at UCSF since 1965, recently marked her 47th anniversary serving the UCSF Medical Center, where she has logged more than 7,600 hours helping patients. No Evidence that Higher Regional Health Care Costs Indicate Inappropriate Care, Study Shows Evidence does not support the widely held belief that regions of the United States that spend more on health care and have higher rates of health care use deliver more unnecessary care to patients, or that low-cost areas deliver higher quality and more efficient care, according to a new study. QB3, Pfizer Expand Support for Translational Research The California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3) has renewed and expanded a three-year agreement with Pfizer Inc. to collaborate on research projects at the University of California with the potential to transform world-class science into better medicine. Art at UCSF Mission Bay Is Featured as the Third Episode on UCTV Prime Art at UCSF Mission Bay is featured as the third episode on UCTV Prime, a new YouTube original channel from the University of California. The series, “Naked Art,” began with a tour of the public art collection at UC San Diego and continued with a piece about UCLA’s Murphy Sculpture Garden. Lloyd M. Kozloff, Pioneer of Molecular Biology, Dies Lloyd Kozloff, an influential microbiologist and dean emeritus of the UCSF Graduate Division, died of heart failure on March 10, 2012, at his sea-side home in Fort Bragg, California. He was 88. National Health Policy Expert to Talk Politics of Universal Health Care Stuart H. Altman, PhD, professor of national health policy at Brandeis University, will talk about "Power, Politics and Universal Health Care," at a seminar at UCSF on March 22. Deprived of Sex, Jilted Flies Drink More Alcohol Now a group of scientists at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) has discovered that a tiny molecule in the fly’s brain called neuropeptide F governs this behavior—as the levels of the molecule change in their brains, the flies’ behavior changes as well. Tobacco Smoke Affects Early Human Embryonic Development Scientists have gained insight into how second-hand tobacco smoke damages the earliest stages of human embryonic development. UCSF to Launch New Data Security Campaign UCSF is launching a campuswide IT Security Awareness Campaign that will include prizes, tips and training on protecting the University’s data assets, including patients’ personal and health information. UCSF Patients Part of Nation's Longest Living Kidney Transplant Chain Gabriel Baty and Olivo Cienfuegos each needed a kidney to survive. Neither man had a donor who was a match. But each had a family member willing to donate a kidney to a stranger, allowing them all to be part of chain which would, in turn, give Baty and Cienfuegos kidneys from other strangers. UCSF Hosts Symposium on Japan Earthquake and Disasters - One Year Later The UCSF departments of psychiatry and pediatrics and UCSF Global Health Sciences hosting a multidisciplinary symposium about Japan one year after the catastrophe, featuring first-hand details from many who responded to the disaster last year. Blood Vessel Disease of Retina May be Marker of Cognitive Decline Women 65 or older who have even mild retinopathy, a disease of blood vessels in the retina, are more likely to have cognitive decline and related vascular changes in the brain, according to a multi-institutional study led by scientists at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). White House Names San Francisco HIV/AIDS Leader to National Post President Barack Obama appointed UCSF AIDS expert Grant Colfax, MD, as the director of the Office of National AIDS Policy today. Ob-Gyns Can Prevent Negative Health Impacts of Environmental Chemicals Ob-gyns are uniquely positioned to play a major role in reducing the effects of toxic chemicals on women and babies, according to an analysis led by UCSF researchers. UCSF Translational Science Institute Expands Board of Directors UCSF's Clinical and Translational Science Instiute has expanded its board of directors to focus on accountability and to reflect the interests of the broader University community. Nursing School Dean: A Life of Listening and Caring UCSF's first male dean of the School of Nursing, David Vlahov, PhD, RN, an epidemiologist who specializes in partnering with community organizations to improve urban health, was profiled recently in a front page story in the San Francisco Chronicle. TEDMED Talks to Stream Live at UCSF An offshoot of the popular TED conference series that addresses innovations in health and medicine will be streamed live to UCSF campuses from April 10 to 13. UCSF Ranks Among Nation's Best Medical, Pharmacy Schools in U.S. News Survey UCSF’s School of Pharmacy ranked first in its field this year, while its School of Medicine tied for third place nationwide, according to a new survey conducted by U.S. News & World Report. UC President Pens Open Letter to UC Community UC President Mark Yudof today wrote an open letter to the community asking all of University of California students, faculty and staff members to foster a climate of tolerance, civility and open-mindedness. UCSF University Relations Wins Two Western Regional Awards for Advancing Education The news team at UCSF’s University Relations and Strategic Communications has won two awards for its communications from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), District VII. Teaching Fat Cells to Burn Calories In the war against obesity, one’s own fat cells may seem an unlikely ally, but new research from UCSF suggests ordinary fat cells can be reengineered to burn calories. Questions About Clinical Research? UCSF's New HUB Website Has Answers UCSF has launched a new web portal that offers researchers, study coordinators and study participants an easy-on-the-eyes, logically arranged and comprehensive tool that will guide them to a wealth of much-needed information about clinical trials. Link Between Abortion and Mental Health Problems Debunked A study purporting to show a cause-and-effect link between abortion and subsequent mental health problems has fundamental analytical errors that render its conclusions invalid, according to researchers at UCSF and the Guttmacher Institute. QB3 Bioscience Startups Going Strong at Six-Year Mark The California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences or QB3 and its partners have helped launch 60 new bioscience companies, created more than 280 jobs and attracted $226 million in funding in a growing network of five incubators at UCSF Mission Bay and at UC Berkeley. Chancellor to Present 2012 Award for Advancement of Women to Three UCSF Chancellor Susan Desmond-Hellmann will award three members of the campus community for their efforts to advance women at UCSF and beyond at ceremony on March 28 in the Kalmanovitz Library on the Parnassus campus. Top Medical Educator Molly Cooke to Direct Global Health Sciences Education Molly Cooke, a professor of medicine and founding director of the Haile T. Debas Academy of Medical Educators at UCSF, has been appointed the first director of education for Global Health Sciences. Nominations Sought for UCSF's 2012 Sustainability Awards Members of the UCSF community are encouraged to nominate a green champion — staff, student, faculty, or a team who deserves recognition for their sustainability efforts. Graduate Student to Receive Award from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Feng-Yen Li, a PhD candidate in biomedical sciences at UCSF, is among 13 graduate students from throughout North America chosen to receive the 2012 Harold M. Weintraub Graduate Student Award. Comprehensive Guidelines Needed for Young Adult Preventive Care With no specific clinical preventive care guidelines targeting young adults, health care providers are missing key opportunities to improve the health of this population through preventive screening and intervention. Neurologist Bruce Miller Discusses Alzheimer's, FTD on Charlie Rose Show Neurologist Bruce Miller, MD, director of the UCSF Memory and Aging Center, participated in a roundtable discussion on Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia on the "Charlie Rose Show." Fighting Infections: Old Drug Reveals New Tricks A drug once taken by people with HIV/AIDS, but long ago shelved after newer, modern antiretroviral therapies became available, has now shed light on how the human body uses its natural immunity to fight the virus — work that could help uncover new targets for drugs. Treating Neurological Disorders With Music Therapy UCSF’s efforts to harness and understand the impact of music therapy on the brain was featured in a recent PBS NewsHour story on “The Healing Power of Music.” Multitasking Is Subject of PBS Program to Air March 4 Adam Gazzaley, a neurologist and director of the UCSF Neuroscience Imaging Center, will be featured in a PBS-sponsored program, “The Distracted Mind with [UCSF’s] Dr. Adam Gazzaley,” that airs on KQED PLUS (channel 10 on Comcast) on Sunday, March 4 at 10 a.m. Schizophrenia Patients' Ability to Monitor Reality May Be Helped by Computerized Training People with schizophrenia who completed 80 hours of intensive, computerized cognitive training exercises were better able to perform complex tasks that required them to distinguish their internal thoughts from reality. Bruce Miller, MD, Discusses Alzheimer's, FTD on Charlie Rose Show Bruce Miller, MD, director of the UCSF Memory and Aging Center, participated in a roundtable discussion on Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia on the Charlie Rose Show. Media Advisory: UCSF Students Offer Health Screenings at Bayview Health Fair Graduate students in the UCSF schools of Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy will offer a range of complimentary health screenings during the Bayview YMCA Health & Wellness Fair this weekend. Cancer Therapy More Potent When It Hits Two Targets Simultaneous targeting of two different molecules in cancer is an effective way to shrink tumors, block invasion, and stop metastasis, scientists at UCSF have found — work that may improve the effectiveness of combination treatments that include drugs like Avastin. Statins Linked with Lower Depression Risk in Heart Disease Patients Patients with heart disease who took cholesterol-lowering statins were significantly less likely to develop depression than those who did not, in a study by Mary Whooley, MD, a physician at the San Francisco VA Medical Center and a professor of medicine at UCSF. Hepatitis C, a Leading Killer, Is Frequently Undiagnosed But Often Curable Hepatitis C virus has overtaken the AIDS virus, HIV, as a cause of death in the United States. About 3 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with hepatitis C, but more than half with the disesae are undiagnosed, according to new research. Some advocate screeening all baby boomers for the virus. UCSF Police Arrest Burglary Suspect at Mission Bay In the early morning hours on February 20, UCSF Police Department officers arrested a suspect who allegedly burglarized the Mission Bay Housing Office. Cancer Research Shows Promise of New Drugs Uncovering the network of genes regulated by a crucial molecule involved in cancer called mTOR, which controls protein production inside cells, researchers at UCSF have discovered how a protein “master regulator” goes awry, leading to metastasis, the fatal step of cancer. Babies' Colic Linked to Mothers' Migraines A study of mothers and their young babies by neurologists at UCSF has shown that mothers who suffer migraine headaches are more than twice as likely to have babies with colic than mothers without a history of migraines. Anticipation of Stressful Situations Accelerates Cellular Aging The ability to anticipate future events allows us to plan and exert control over our lives, but it may also contribute to stress-related increased risk for the diseases of aging, according to a study by UCSF researchers. Specialized Twin Center to Open at Mission Bay Medical Center With advances in infertility treatments and more women who choose to wait a few years before having children, today’s new parents are much more likely to welcome two bundles of joy than ever before. UCSF School of Dentistry to Offer Free Dental Care for Children Dental students and clinical faculty members from the UCSF School of Dentistry Clinic will give free dental care and education during the annual "Give Kids A Smile" program this Saturday, Feb. 17. Elizabeth Boyd Named UCSF Research Integrity Officer Elizabeth Boyd, UCSF’s associate vice chancellor, Ethics and Compliance, has been named the UCSF Research Integrity Officer (RIO). UCSF to Host Alumni Weekend and Reunions in April UCSF will welcome alumni back to San Francisco April 20 and 21 for a series of events, including an exclusive breakfast with Chancellor Susan Desmond-Hellmann, an evening at the San Francisco Symphony and lectures and panel discussions about the latest in research and health care. Improved Emergency Treatment for Prolonged Seizures When a person is experiencing a prolonged convulsive seizure, quick medical intervention is critical. Stem Cell Study in Mice Offers Hope for Treating Heart Attack Patients A UCSF stem cell study conducted in mice suggests a novel strategy for treating damaged cardiac tissue in patients following a heart attack, which an estimated 785,000 Americans will experience this year. UCSF to Establish Chancellor's First-Year Graduate Fellowship Program UCSF will offer new funding this fall to provide innovative and cutting-edge training for the next generation of graduate academic students. Parnassus Avenue Construction to Run Through July The City of San Francisco plans to repave and make other modifications on Parnassus Avenue between 5th Ave and Clayton Street, a project that will take about six months to complete. Paul Volberding Takes Leading Roles with UCSF's ARI, Global Health Sciences Paul Volberding, MD, one of the world's leading experts on treatment for patients infected with HIV, the AIDS virus, became the new director of the AIDS Research Institute (ARI) at UCSF on Feb. 13. Future Looks Bright for Congenital Heart Disease Patients Peter Barnett may be the most physically active man in Mill Valley, California, thanks to UCSF's specialized cardiac care which is essential to the growing number of adults who need ongoing treatment for heart defects they've had since birth. Great Manager Profile: Kevin Souza UCSF's occasional series profiling great managers continues with a focus on Kevin Souza, who began 25 years ago as a manager of a basic science research lab in endocrinology. Glide Health Services Recognized as National Model UCSF’s Patricia Dennehy, director of the nurse-managed Glide Health Services center, is among five Californians to receive the 2012 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awards today for applying proven, innovative approaches to some of the state’s most difficult problems. Ombuds Works as a Neutral Party to Keep the Peace Across UCSF Randy Daron, recently appointed UCSF Ombuds, finds himself frequently explaining the meaning of the word “Ombuds” to members of the UCSF community. Tenofovir, Leading HIV Medication, Linked with Risk of Kidney Damage Tenofovir, one of the most effective and commonly prescribed antiretroviral medications for HIV/AIDS, is associated with a significant risk of kidney damage and chronic kidney disease that increases over time, according to a study of more than 10,000 patients led by researchers at the San Francisco VA Medical Center and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Tenofovir: Q&A for Patients and Providers Scientists at the San Francisco VA Medical Center and the University of California, San Francisco have published a study showing that one of the most effective and commonly prescribed antiretroviral medications for HIV/AIDS, tenofovir, is associated with a significant risk of kidney damage and chronic kidney disease that increases over time. See accompanying news release, Tenofovir, Leading HIV Medication, Linked with Risk of Kidney Damage. Chancellor Names "Future of UCSF" Working Group Members UCSF Chancellor Susan Desmond-Hellmann today named members of the “Future of UCSF" working group, charged with exploring changes to UCSF’s current governance structure and financial relationship with the UC system. Who's Who in the "Future of UCSF" Working Group UCSF Chancellor Susan Desmond-Hellmann named a working group consisting of 13 leaders from UC, UCSF and business who have agreed to take on the critically important assignment of exploring a new business model for the health sciences university. UCSF Issues Joint Statement From Kidney Transplant Candidate, Chief Medical Officer UCSF is committed to helping kidney transplant candidate Jesus Navarro, who remains on the waiting list, according to a joint statement released by him and Chief Medical Officer Joshua Adler, MD. Media Advisory: Black History Month Conference The Second Annual Florence Stroud Black History Month Conference Series presents a special symposium, "Joining Forces: Answering the Call to Serve Military Families.'' The event will focus on the myriad challenges facing members of the military and their families, including post-traumatic stress disorder, suicide, and other psychological issues. Pediatric Dentist Applies Science to Prevent Cavities Pediatric dentist Ling Zhan is working to better understand the risk factors for cavities, and balance these with proven prevention measures, which has proven to be successful by adults. State Economy to Get Big Jolt with Proposed New Tax on Cigarettes, Study Finds A new UCSF analysis has found that a state ballot initiative to increase the cigarette tax would create about 12,000 jobs and nearly $2 billion in new economic activity in California. In Autism, Gene Findings May Help Explain Biology and Guide Drug Discovery UCSF gene hunter Lauren Weiss is homing in on a network of genes – linked to a protein suspect identified earlier – that may hold clues to autism and lead to new ways to identify those at risk and new ideas about prevention and treatment. What Patients Talk About When They Talk About Doctors An analysis of hundreds of reviews posted to physician-rating sites on the Internet revealed that patients generally give their doctors favorable reviews in this forum. If they complain, it is generally about the experience of going to the doctor—finding parking, long waits in the office, and unfriendly office staff. Combined Approach to Global Health Can Save Lives at Lower Cost A new analysis published this week demonstrates that confronting several diseases at once is a viable way to make the most of limited donor dollars and national health care budgets, and save more lives. UCSF Spinal Surgery Saves Former Gymnast's Life In a triumph of the human spirit and life-saving health care, Angelica Galang, 23, is now attending law school after UCSF neurosurgeon Philip Weinstein removed a five-inch tumor in one of the most complex spinal surgeries of its kind. Media Advisory: UCSF to Host Symposium on Tobacco Research A UCSF symposium, “It’s About a Billion Lives,’’ will feature new research on tobacco. A wide range of topics will be presented including discussions about the harmful effects of cigarette smoke exposure, the public health consequences of “electronic’’ cigarettes, and how discount pricing of cigarettes has raised smoking rates among poor people in China. Male and Female Behavior Deconstructed Hormones shape our bodies, make us fertile, excite our most basic urges, and as scientists have known for years, they govern the behaviors that separate men from women. But how? UCSF's New Dean Wants to Raise Profile of Graduate Education UCSF has named Elizabeth Watkins, director of graduate studies for the History of Health Sciences program and a professor in the Department of Anthropology, History and Social Medicine, dean of the Graduate Division. Goals for Blood Pressure in Kidney Disease Patients May Be Unrealistic, Suggests Study An upward revision of the blood pressure numbers used to identify risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) might actually help doctors provide better care for their patients, said the authors of a study in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Vigorous Exercise Linked to Gene Activity in Prostate Scientists at UCSF have identified nearly 200 genes in the healthy prostate tissue of men with low-grade prostate cancer that may help explain how physical activity improves survival from the disease. Societal Control of Sugar Essential to Ease Public Health Burden Sugar should be controlled like alcohol and tobacco to protect public health, according to a team of UCSF researchers, who maintain in a new report that sugar is fueling a global obesity pandemic, contributing to 35 million deaths annually worldwide. UCSF School of Medicine Leaders Explore Bioinformatics Bioinformatics was the focus of this year’s daylong UCSF School of Medicine leadership retreat on January 20. Campus leaders examined the question of how to optimally develop, organize and integrate clinical-outcome data, research data, business intelligence, and population data so that information is accessible and usable to empower research and improve medical practice. UC to Host Forum on Breast Cancer Risks and Prevention The Athena Breast Health Forum will host the first of an ongoing series of live discussions between breast cancer experts, health care providers, patients and community members about critical issues and advances in breast health on February 7. New Lung Cancer Test Predicts Survival In the two largest clinical studies ever conducted on the molecular genetics of lung cancer, an international team led by scientists at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) has demonstrated that an available molecular test can predict the likelihood of death from early-stage lung cancer more accurately than conventional methods. Celebrating UCSF's Diversity on Lunar New Year UCSF Alumnus E. Leong Way, 95, was among members of the UCSF community to celebrate the Lunar New Year during an event at UCSF on Jan. 24. Prominent Speakers to Discuss Population Growth at Global Health Forum More than 300 people — many of them University of California faculty, students and staff — will gather at UC Berkeley on February 4, for the second UC Global Health Day, sponsored by the UC Global Health Institute. In Memoriam: John Corrin Hutchinson, MD John Corrin Hutchinson, MD, or “Hutch” to many, professor emeritus and Distinguished Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, passed away peacefully on Jan. 14, 2012. He was 84. Survival Rates for Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplants Top in Nation UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital and UCSF Medical Center are rated as over performers with the best overall survival rates for children and adults who undergo brone marrow transplants, according a review by the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research. UCSF Releases Second Version of Mobile App for Information to Go UCSF is offering a new version of its mobile app to keep news and information about the University handy for people on the go. Gladstone Scientists Identify Protein that Contributes to Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease Scientists at the UCSF-affiliated Gladstone Institutes have identified a protein that exacerbates symptoms of Parkinson’s disease — a discovery that could one day lead to new treatments for people who suffer from this devastating neurodegenerative illness. Colleagues React to Koda-Kimble's Legacy at UCSF Colleagues of UCSF School of Pharmacy Dean Mary Anne Koda-Kimble reflect on her leadership and on their experiences working with her as she plans to step down from the post at the end of June. Team Finds New Way to Image Brain Tumors and Predict Recurrence A UCSF team has developed methods to reveal a molecular marker in tissue samples from brain tumors that has been linked to better survival odds. UCSF Shares $25-Million Grant To Find Epilepsy Genes More than 4,000 people with various forms of epilepsy will have their DNA decoded over the next five years in a study led by researchers at UCSF and several collaborating institutions. Gladstone Scientists Identify Genetic Mechanism Linked to Congenital Heart Disease Scientists at the Gladstone Institutes have identified a finely tuned mechanism by which fetal heart muscle develops into a healthy and fully formed beating heart—offering new insight into the genetic causes of congenital heart disease and opening the door to one day developing therapies to fight this chronic and potentially fatal disorder. Physicians Emphasize Importance of Story Telling to Advance Patient Care Two doctors who have learned the art of telling stories are convinced that it has become indispensable to top-notch medical care. Chancellor Proposes New Approach to Secure UCSF's Financial Future UCSF Chancellor Susan Desmond-Hellmann proposed to the UC Regents on Jan. 19 that a working group be formed to help UCSF explore options to secure its financial future so it can realize its vision to become the world’s preeminent health sciences innovator. UCSF Team Uncovers How Immune Cells Move Against Invaders UCSF scientists have discovered the unexpected way in which a key cell of the immune system prepares for battle. The finding, they said, offers insight into the processes that take place within these cells and could lead to strategies for treating conditions from spinal cord injury to cancer. UCSF Tops Public Institutions in NIH Biomedical Research Funds The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) received more research funds from the National Institutes of Health than any other public institution in 2011 and ranked second among all institutions nationwide, according to new figures released by the NIH. The funding helps UCSF continue to perform world-renowned health sciences research amid state budget cutbacks. UCSF Taps 17-Year Interprofessional Expert to Lead New Center Scott Reeves, a world-renowned British social scientist, is the new director of UCSF’s Center for Innovation in Interprofessional Healthcare Education, which will work to develop curricula and robust assessment tools that focus on quality and safety. All UC Campuses to Become Smoke Free UC President Mark Yudof has requested that chancellors at all 10 campuses form committees to implement a smoke-free policy that also bans the use, sale and promotion of tobacco products on University property. Saving Dogs with Spinal Cord Injuries Dogs with spinal cord injuries may soon benefit from an experimental drug being tested by researchers at UCSF and Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences — work that they hope will one day help people with similar injuries. Some Breast Cancer Spread May Be Triggered By Targetable Protein, Study Shows Scientists from the University of Helsinki, Finland, and UCSF have identified a cleaver-wielding protein that frees some tumor cells, allowing them to further misbehave. The discovery points to a new target for therapy. Women Soldiers See More Combat Than In Prior Eras, Have Same PTSD Rate as Men, Study Says Women who served in the U.S. Army in Iraq and Afghanistan were involved in combat at significantly higher rates than in previous conflicts, and screened positive for post-traumatic stress disorder at the same rate as men, according to a study led by researchers at the San Francisco VA Medical Center and the University of California, San Francisco. Stem Cell Odyssey Leads from Tusks and Teeth to Gut Medical geneticist Ophir Klein's studies of stem cells in tooth development and of stem cell changes in the gut may lead to new strategies for regenerating teeth and for treating craniofacial abnormalities. UCSF to Celebrate Multiculturalism with Photo Exhibit The UCSF community is invited to view the "100% You Photo Exhbit," on display beginning January 11, and hear from pioneering artist Kip Fulbeck at UCSF on January 17. College Athlete with Prosthetic Leg Pursues Paralympics A Bay Area athlete is chasing his dreams of competing in the 2012 Paralympics with the help of experts at UCSF. And while he has yet to qualify for the global competition, he’s already beating his disability. New Website Helps Doctors Assess Life Expectancy of Older Patients A team led by researchers from the San Francisco VA Medical Center and UCSF has completed the first systematic review of prognostic indices used to calculate a patient’s life expectancy, and created a website that puts these indices in one central location. Study Offers Clue As to Why Alcohol is Addicting Drinking alcohol leads to the release of endorphins in areas of the brain that produce feelings of pleasure and reward, according to a study led by researchers at the Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center at UCSF. How Many Lives Could a Soda Tax Save? A group of scientists at UCSF and Columbia University estimates that slapping a penny-per-ounce tax on sweetened beverages would prevent nearly 100,000 cases of heart disease, 8,000 strokes and 26,000 deaths every year. "ER" Producer and Physician to Address Future of Emergency Care in America John Maa, MD, an assistant professor in the UCSF Department of Surgery, and Neal Baer, MD, executive producer of TV's "ER" and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," will address "The Futre of Emergency Care in America - Doctors as Storytellers" on January 11 in Cole Hall on the Parnassus campus. Three to Receive MLK Award for Exceptional Leadership in Advancing Diversity at UCSF Three outstanding members of the UCSF community will receive 2012 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Awards for their exceptional leadership in advancing the goal of achieving greater ethnic and cultural diversity at UCSF. Tobacco Company Misrepresented Danger from Cigarettes, Study Finds A new UCSF analysis of tobacco industry documents shows that Philip Morris USA manipulated data on the effects of additives in cigarettes, including menthol, obscuring actual toxicity levels and increasing the risk of heart, cancer and other diseases for smokers. UCSF to Host Wellness Expo on January 18 The UCSF community is invited to attend "Living Well at UCSF" at the Second Annual Wellness Expo on Wednesday, Jan. 18 in the Millberry Union on the Parnassus campus. Flatworm Flouts Fundamental Rule of Biology A tiny, freshwater flatworm found in ponds and rivers around the world that has long intrigued scientists for its remarkable ability to regenerate has now added a new wrinkle to biology. First Baby Born at UCSF in 2012 Weighing in at 7 pounds, 15 ounces, Joey Santino Gutierrez was the first baby born at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital in 2012. Maternal Liver Grafts More Tolerable for Children with Rare Disease Children with a rare, life-threatening disease that is the most common cause of neonatal liver failure – biliary atresia – better tolerate liver transplants from their mothers than from their fathers, according to a UCSF-led study. Technology Becoming Key to Personalized Patient Care at UCSF UCSF is implementing ever-more-advanced technologies designed to make life easier for patients and care providers. Some of the changes will coincide with the opening in 2015 of the new UCSF Medical Center at Mission Bay. Media Advisory: Coverage Opportunities for First Baby Born In 2012 The first San Francisco baby born in 2012 is always an exciting story to kick off the new year. If that baby is born at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, we will be coordinating with media in an effort to offer access to the family for interviews and photography. Open Source Licensing Defuses Copyright Law's Threat to Medicine Enforcing copyright law could potentially interfere with patient care, stifle innovation and discourage research, but using open source licensing instead can prevent the problem, according to a physician – who practices both at the University of California, San Francisco and the San Francisco VA Medical Center – and a legal scholar at the UC Hastings College of Law. UCSF Experts Highlight Need for Innovation in Recruiting Participants for Clinical Trials In a commentary published in the November issue of Academic Medicine, top recruitment experts at UCSF urge academic medical researchers to embrace new methods for recruiting participants into clinical trials. UCSF Biochemist Wins Prestigious Prize Peter Walter, PhD, a professor in the Biochemistry and Biophysics Department within the School of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco has been awarded the 2012 Paul Ehrlich and Ludwig Darmstaedter Prize for his “outstanding research achievements in the field of cell biology.” UCSF Cancer-Drug Spinoff Acquired for $190M A cancer drug company founded by UCSF Professor Kevan Shokat, PhD, has been acquired by Japan-based Takeda Pharmaceuticals in an effort to add two novel drug projects to Takeda’s pipeline of potential oncology therapies. UCSF Medical Center at Mission Bay Incorporates Best Practices in Seismic Safety Exactly 22 years after a 6.9 earthquake caused widespread structural damage in the San Francisco Bay Area, members of the UCSF community gathered on a picture-perfect morning to celebrate a construction milestone at an emerging medical center that incorporates the best practices in seismic safety. Media Advisory: Three UCSF Researchers Honored by Top Science Association Three UCSF researchers will be awarded the distinction of fellows by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in February 2012 for their scientific research in reproductive medicine, statistics and stem cells. Pathogenic Landscape of HIV In perhaps the most comprehensive survey of the inner workings of HIV, an international team of scientists led by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco has mapped every apparent physical interaction the virus makes with components of the human cells it infects—work that may reveal new ways to design future HIV/AIDS drugs. President Obama Honors UCSF Internship Program The UCSF Science & Health Education Partnership (SEP) High School Internship Program was honored with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Mentoring on Dec. 12 at an awards ceremony at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C. Breakthrough in Treatment to Prevent Blindness A UCSF study shows a popular treatment for a potentially blinding eye infection is just as effective if given every six months versus annually. Heart Attacks, Other Emergencies Spike During Holidays During his 23-year career, Steven Polevoi, MD, the medical director of the UCSF Emergency Department, has done everything from treat traumatic injuries to deliver babies. While medical emergencies occur throughout the year, Polevoi sees the winter season and its related overindulgence as a pivotal time for preventing emergencies by listening to our bodies. Breast Cancers at Lower-Risk Detected with Widespread Use of Mammograms As a woman ages, her chances of being diagnosed with a lower-risk breast tumor increase, according to a novel study led by UCSF which found that for women over 50, a substantial number of cancers detected by mammograms have good prognoses. New Book Describes UCSF's Metamorphosis into Major Biomedical Center The UC Medical Humanities Consortium, a multi-campus collaborative, recently hosted a celebration of the publication of four new books, including one by professor emeritus Henry Bourne, who chronicles the rise of UCSF as biomedical powerhouse. UCSF-Led Team Discovers Cause of Rare Disease A large, international team of researchers led by scientists at UCSF has identified the gene that causes a rare childhood neurological disorder called PKD/IC, or “paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia with infantile convulsions,” a cause of epilepsy in babies and movement disorders in older children. Many Disabled Seniors Want to Discuss Long-Term Prognosis with Their Doctors A majority of disabled seniors in a long-term care program wanted their doctors to talk with them about their life expectancy, but only one reported having had such a discussion, in a study by researchers at the San Francisco VA Medical Center and the University of California, San Francisco. UCSF Receives Grant to Improve Safety of Blood Transfusions UCSF and its affiliate Blood Systems Research Institute have been awarded nearly $33 million in research contracts for four projects as part of a major new research initiative designed to improve the safety and effectiveness of blood transfusions in the United States and abroad. Gladstone Scientists Identify Human Proteins that May Fuel HIV/AIDS Transmission Scientists at the Gladstone Institutes have discovered new protein fragments in semen that enhance the ability of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, to infect new cells—a discovery that one day could help curb the global spread of this deadly pathogen. UCSF to Receive Tobacco Papers, Funding to Improve Public Access to the Documents The U.S. Department of Justice filed a proposed consent order today with a federal district court that tobacco companies provide $6.25 million to improve free public access to tobacco documents via the Internet. The court will provide this money to the UCSF Legacy Library for this purpose. UCSF Chancellor Susan Desmond-Hellmann Featured on BioCentury This Week UCSF Chancellor Susan Desmond-Hellmann, MD, former president for product development at Genentech, is featured in a video interview for BioCentury Publications Inc., a major biopharmaceutical news media source, which first aired online on Dec. 11. UCSF Senior Vice Chancellor Gives Update on Shuttle Safety UCSF Senior Vice Chancellor Plotts updated the UCSF community on improvements made to enhance safety of the campus shuttle service since the death of professor Kevin Mack in an accident on July 14. UCSF's Blackburn Inducted into the California Hall of Fame UCSF Nobel laureate Elizabeth Blackburn, PhD, whose co-discovery of an enzyme involved in cell aging and cancers opened a whole new field of scientific inquiry, was inducted into the California Hall of Fame on Dec. 8, 2011. Immunity Against the Cold Throughout the interior spaces of humans and other warm-blooded creatures is a special type of tissue known as brown fat, which may hold the secret to diets and weight-loss programs of the future. Stem Cell and Gene Therapy for Sickle Cell and other Genetic Diseases A cure for sickle cell anemia and other life-threatening genetic disorders that arise in the blood is the goal of a new $6.7-million, five-year research project headed by UCSF scientist Y. W. Kan, a pioneer of modern genetics and the diagnosis of genetic diseases before birth. Comfort Food May Be "Self-Medication" for Stress, Dialing Down Stress Response A new study indicates that humans may “self-medicate” when faced with chronic stress, by eating more comfort foods containing sugar and fat. Study Aims to Understand Adolescent Risky Behavior A new study has found that providing information about ways to prevent injury and illness to adolescents in a primary care setting can lessen certain kinds of risky behavior. Study Challenges Decades-Old Treatment Guidelines for Anorexia Adolescents hospitalized with anorexia nervosa who receive treatment based on current recommendations for refeeding fail to gain significant weight during their first week in the hospital, according to a new study by UCSF researchers. Stress Response Predictor in Police Officers May Be Relevant for Military Police academy recruits who showed the greatest rise in the stress hormone cortisol after waking up in the morning were more likely to show acute stress symptoms in response to trauma years later as police officers, according to a study by researchers at the San Francisco VA Medical Center, the University of California, San Francisco and New York University Langone Medical Center. Chancellor Welcomes Ideas on How UCSF Can Achieve its Vision UCSF leaders are taking the final step in developing a three-year plan to guide the University through 2015 and they welcome feedback from the campus community on achieving the vision and goals. |
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