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Unlocking the Secrets of Aging
Aging is an inevitable part of life. As the years pass, our bodies and minds undergo a series of changes, leading to various age-related diseases and frailty. But what if I told you that there’s a fascinating field of science dedicated to understanding aging and how we can potentially modify this natural process? S. Jay…
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Exploring Psychedelics in Mental Health
In recent years, the intersection of psychedelics and mental health has become a topic of growing interest in the medical community. Dr. Josh Woolley, Director of the Translational Psychedelic Research Program at UC San Francisco, recently shared his insights on the risks and benefits of psychedelic use, especially among younger populations. Dr. Woolley discussed the…
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Heartbeats and Hormones: The Story of Beta Adrenergic Receptors
Have you ever wondered about the meticulous operations that go on inside our cells? Each cell, the fundamental unit of life, is like a bustling city, full of constant chatter and communication. A recent program shed light on one such form of communication—cellular signaling—and how it affects our body’s responses, especially under stressful conditions. Researchers…
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Understanding Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a complex condition marked by recurring seizures due to abnormal brain activity. Jenny Hsieh’s research tackles this puzzling condition, which affects over 65 million people globally. Hseih aims to unravel its mysteries by using stem cell-based models, including patient-derived neurons, to understand the underlying causes and mechanisms. Hsieh’s method allows her to recreate…
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Demystifying Cholesterol
Take a deep dive into the multifaceted topic of cholesterol in this UC San Francisco Mini Medical School for the Public presentation. Dr. Robert B. Baron begins by explaining the fundamental role of cholesterol in our bodies and how it is transported systemically. He specifically addresses LDL (low-density lipoprotein), commonly referred to as “bad cholesterol,”…
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The Mind-Body Connection
Embracing an active lifestyle not only benefits our physical health but also nurtures our mental acuity, leading to a higher quality of life as we age. Dr. Zvinka Z. Zlatar highlights the potential benefits of physical activity in reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive issues. In her insightful presentation, she sheds light…
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Breastfeeding: Common Questions
Breastfeeding is a natural and beautiful way to nourish your baby. It can also be challenging and overwhelming for new mothers. Join Nancy White, RN, IBCLC, a board-certified lactation consultant, and Julia Cormano, MD, FACOG as they discuss the basics of breastfeeding, and provide helpful tips for your breastfeeding journey. Some of the questions they…
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Low Back Pain: What You and Your Doctor Should Know
It is estimated that more than 80% of adults in the U.S. will have low back pain at some time in their lives. It is a significant cause of disability, resulting in an immeasurable toll on function, happiness, and quality of life. This new series from UC San Francisco looks at what causes back pain…
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The Impact of Group Prenatal Care
“It instilled a lot of confidence in us going into labor and allowed us to be advocates for ourselves because we knew so much information going in – whether it was the doula program or where your baby was or just being familiar with the people around you. I felt very empowered going into my…
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Looking to a Future Without Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease is a major health crisis that is projected to become an even larger threat in the coming decades. According to the National Institute on Aging, the number of Americans 65 and older with Alzheimer’s could rise from 5.8 million in 2020 to 13.8 million by 2050. Given the severity of this health crisis…