UC Davis Health System News

Wilson to highlight racial and ethnic health disparities

Karen Finney — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT

November 23, 2009 - M. Roy Wilson, a leading ophthalmologist and chancellor of the University of Colorado Denver, will speak on “Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities: Historical, Institutional and Personal Views” on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009, at 5 p.m. in Sacramento.

Media advisory: African-American physicians unite to support African-American newcomers to medicine

Karen Finney — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT

November 20, 2009 - Sacramento region physicians welcome new doctors to the profession and provide encouragement to students and residents just beginning their medical careers at the African-American Physician Welcome Dinner. The event seeks to foster mentoring relationships between established doctors and newcomers to the field and promote volunteerism in community clinics that serve uninsured and underinsured patients.

UC Davis sues Sacramento County for more than $100 million in unpaid claims and to protect rights of indigent residents

Susan Mar-Schwab — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (November 19, 2009) - UC Davis Medical Center is suing the County of Sacramento and responsible public officials for their failure to process and pay more than $100 million in claims for medical care.

Excess folic acid may pose health risks for the elderly, UC Davis study suggests

Karen Finney — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (November 19, 2009) - A new UC Davis study found that elevated levels of folic acid may aggravate metabolic complications associated with vitamin B-12 deficiency — a serious health concern that can lead to anemia and neurological damage. The results, which are online now and will be published in the December issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, suggest that it is wise to avoid taking folic-acid supplements unless specifically advised by a physician.

Simon Baron-Cohen to discuss the androgen theory of autism

Phyllis Brown — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (November 18, 2009) - Simon Baron-Cohen, an internationally renowned autism researcher and author of several acclaimed books on autism, including "Mindblindness" and "The Essential Difference," will present a lecture on "The Androgen Theory of Autism," on Wednesday, Dec. 9, as part of the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute Distinguished Lecturer Series.

Text message reminders can encourage healthy action

Susan Mar-Schwab — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (November 16, 2009) - People who received daily text messages reminding them to apply sunscreen were nearly twice as likely to use it as those who did not receive such messages, a new study led by a UC Davis Health System dermatologist has found.

UC Davis to create community-based bike and car seat safety programs

Phyllis Brown — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (November 12, 2009) - Sacramento County communities with high rates of bicycle and motor vehicle deaths and injuries among children will be the beneficiaries of a new UC Davis program designed to save lives by promoting bike and car seat safety.

$4 million grant marks milestone for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Phyllis Brown — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (November 12, 2009) - With the renewal of a $4 million grant, the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation has reached an impressive milestone. The grant — renewed for more than 26 years — is the longest continuously funded grant within the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research of the U.S. Department of Education.

New Associate Dean Appointed to Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis

Jennette Carrick — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (November 10, 2009) - Deborah Ward, a nationally recognized expert in health policy and a nursing educator for more than 30 years, has been appointed associate dean at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis. Ward, who was appointed as the school’s first faculty in September 2008, began her appointment on Oct. 22, 2009.

Live auction and wine tasting event will benefit UC Davis School of Medicine's student-run clinics

David Ong — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (November 10, 2009) - Tickets are now on sale for the UC Davis School of Medicine’s 30th annual Wine Tasting and Auction Benefit, set for Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010, from 6 to 10 p.m. in the Education Building, 4610 X Street, Sacramento.

New UC Global Health Institute aims to prepare students to be world leaders

Susan Mar-Schwab — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (November 9, 2009) - The University of California today launched a new Global Health Institute with nearly $4 million in start-up funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

UC Davis researchers discover new source of brain cells

Susan Mar-Schwab — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (November 9, 2009) - Twenty-six years after scientists first suspected their existence, UC Davis researchers provide definitive evidence that certain neural progenitor cells, which can be identified by their expression of a myelin gene promoter, are present throughout the adult brain and spinal cord, and that these cells are capable of differentiating into neurons.

Villablanca and Howell receive grant to examine women's careers in medicine

Karen Finney — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (November 6, 2009) - UC Davis physician researchers Amparo Villablanca and Lydia Howell have received a $1.27 million, four-year grant from the National Institutes of Health for research on family-friendly policies for women with careers in medicine.

Hansen appointed to state Council on Developmental Disabilities

Phyllis Brown — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (November 4, 2009) - Robin Hansen, a professor of pediatrics at UC Davis and founding director of the Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities at the UC Davis MIND Institute, has been appointed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities.

Community forum on stem cell research and cancer

Susan Mar-Schwab — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (November 3, 2009) - Four UC Davis stem cell experts will give brief presentations on stem cell research followed by a question-and-answer session during a community forum on Wednesday, Nov. 4, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the UC Davis MIND Institute, 2825 50th Street, in Sacramento.

UC Davis MIND Institute to receive nearly $12 million in stimulus funds

Phyllis Brown — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (November 2, 2009) - Researchers with the UC Davis MIND Institute will receive nearly $12 million over two years to study causes and treatments for autism and other disorders, in funding provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, or the federal economic stimulus.

M.I.N.D. Institute lecture to address lupus, autoimmunity and autism

Phyllis Brown — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (October 29, 2009) - Betty A. Diamond, one of the nation’s leading lupus researchers, will discuss what is known about the autoimmune disease and how this knowledge can broaden understanding of the effects of autoimmunity found in some families of children with autism during the Nov. 9 UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute Distinguished Lecture Series address.

UC Davis study finds distinctions in physician satisfaction by medical specialty

Karen Finney — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (October 29, 2009) - Results of a UC Davis study of more than 6,500 physicians has found significant distinctions in job satisfaction based on medical specialty. Physicians who treat the elderly and children top the satisfaction list, while gynecologists and some surgeons had lower satisfaction levels.

$1 million study of inhaling carbon nanotubes funded by federal stimulus

Phyllis Brown — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (October 28, 2009) - Researchers at UC Davis have received a $1 million grant from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, or federal stimulus, to study the health effects of breathing a ubiquitous substance used in everything from sunblock to bicycles.

Undergrad biology student wows judges at cancer center research symposium

Dorsey Griffith — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (October 19, 2009) - When UC Davis undergraduate Tem Woldeyesus presented his scientific poster at the UC Davis Cancer Center research symposium recently, he didn't know his project was being scrutinized by a panel of three judges.

UC Davis study finds mercury levels in children with autism and those developing typically are the same

Phyllis Brown — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (October 19, 2009) - In a large population-based study published online today, researchers at the UC Davis MIND Institute report that after adjusting for a number of factors, typically developing children and children with autism have similar levels of mercury in their blood streams. Mercury is a heavy metal found in other studies to adversely affect the developing nervous system.

UC Davis scientists show how the brain changes minds

Phyllis Brown — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (October 15, 2009) - When you rationalize driving your SUV with the world growing ever warmer or smoking with the threat of lung cancer looming, a distinct area in the middle of the frontal lobes of your brain allows you to adjust your attitudes to justify your behavior, research conducted at UC Davis has found.

UC Davis researchers receive prestigious stimulus grant for stem-cell research on FXTAS

Phyllis Brown — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (October 13, 2009) - UC Davis researchers are among a handful of scientists nationwide to receive a highly coveted challenge grant from the National Institutes of Health, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The award is one of only 200 selected from among 22,000 challenge grant applications.

UC Davis seeks nursing education input from rural residents, health professionals

Jennette Carrick — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (October 13, 2009) - Residents and health-care professionals from around the Yuba-Sutter area are invited to provide input into the development of the <a title="Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis" href="http://nursing.ucdavis.edu/">Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis</a> at a town-hall style meeting from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, in the Conference Center at 989 Plumas St., across from the Fremont Medical Center.

UC Davis study profiles "bad-guy magnet" gun dealers

Carole Gan — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (October 13, 2009) - A new UC Davis study finds that licensed handgun retailers who sell crime guns more frequently than expected have distinguishing characteristics that can be identified using existing records collected at the federal level. The study, published in the October issue of the journal Injury Prevention, suggests that screening and focused law enforcement could help disrupt illegal gun commerce without unduly affecting the legitimate gun market.

Kohl's donates $208,378 to UC Davis Children's Hospital

Phyllis Brown — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (October 12, 2009) - Kohl’s Department Store, through its Kohl’s Cares for Kids program, has donated $208,378 to UC Davis Children’s Hospital, collected from Kohl’s stores located in the Sacramento area, bringing the store's total donations to the hospital to $822,069 since 2005.

AAMC awards UC Davis' Elizabeth Miller prestigious Nickens Fellowship

Phyllis Brown — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (October 8, 2009) - Elizabeth Miller, an assistant professor of pediatrics at the UC Davis School of Medicine, has been awarded the 2009 Herbert W. Nickens Faculty Fellowship by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the nation’s leading medical education organization. Miller will receive the award during the AAMC’s annual meeting Nov. 6 through 11 in Boston.

MIND Institute's Robin Hansen honored for her role in fostering inclusion for the disabled

Phyllis Brown — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (October 8, 2009) - Robin Hansen, director of clinical programs at the UC Davis MIND Institute, was honored at the 16th Annual Supported Life Institute’s (SLI) Inclusion Celebration on Wednesday, Oct. 7, as an outstanding role model in supporting community inclusion of all people, including people with developmental disabilities.

Leshner to discuss collaboration between scientists and the public on Oct. 22

Karen Finney — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 07:00:00 GMT

October 2, 2009 - Alan I. Leshner, chief executive officer of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and executive editor of the prestigious journal Science, will speak on "The Evolving Context for Science and Society: Creating Strong Dialogues and a Collaborative Approach Between Scientists and the Public."

Spaghetti Western raises $21,500 for UC Davis Cancer Center research

Susan Mar-Schwab — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (October 1, 2009) - The second annual — and wildly popular — Spaghetti Western event held recently netted $21,500 to benefit UC Davis Cancer Center research.

Revolutionary statewide UC collaboration targets breast cancer

Dorsey Griffith — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (September 30, 2009) - UC Davis Cancer Center will take part in an unprecedented statewide collaboration for breast cancer patients with the goal of revolutionizing the course of their care by designing and testing new approaches to research, technology and health-care delivery.

UC Davis investigators to receive NIH New Innovator funding

Karen Finney — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (September 28, 2009) - The National Institutes of Health has announced that two UC Davis Health System researchers will receive NIH Director's New Innovator Awards to support their work on pediatric brain cancer and tuberculosis.

UC Davis medical students honoring those who have donated their bodies to science

David Ong — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (September 25, 2009) - UC Davis School of Medicine students from the Class of 2011 have planned what will likely be the largest memorial service in the school’s history to honor individuals who have donated their bodies to support medical research and education.

Spanish-language "mini medical school" on aging set for Sept. 26

David Ong — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (September 23, 2009) - A Spanish-language Mini Medical School devoted to teaching about health conditions and improving health while aging will be held on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Education Building, Room 1222.

Subjects needed for study of drug for severe hand eczema

David Ong — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (September 23, 2009) - Researchers from the UC Davis Department of Dermatology are seeking subjects for a study of an oral experimental drug for treating severe hand eczema, a condition characterized by chronic dryness, itchiness and fissuring.

Teen homeless organizations, UC Davis Children's Hospital collaborate to create "HealthShack"

Phyllis Brown — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (September 22, 2009) - For homeless youth, finding a way to keep track of your health records can be as challenging as finding a place to lay your head. Whether your inoculations are up-to-date and what kind of birth control pill you’re taking can get lost in the shuffle.

Three postdoctoral fellows join Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis

Jennette Carrick — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (September 21, 2009) - Three postdoctoral fellows join the <a title="Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing" href="http://nursing.ucdavis.edu/">Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing</a> team this month. The scholars — along with fellow Tara Sharpp, who came to the school in fall 2008 — will develop as independent researchers and bring fresh ideas and energy as the school develops its interdisciplinary research environment.

David Kilmer, UC Davis chair of physical medicine and rehabilitation, dies at 52

David Ong — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (September 18, 2009) - David D. Kilmer, professor and chair of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) at UC Davis Health System, died at his home in Sacramento on Tuesday, Sept. 15, of lymphoma at the age of 52.

UC Davis research confirms need for new statewide tracking system to combat prescription drug abuse

David Ong — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (September 18, 2009) - At a news conference this week in Los Angeles, California Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. unveiled a Web-based prescription-drug database that tracks all controlled substances (Schedule II, III and IV) prescribed in the state and gives doctors and law enforcement a powerful tool to combat prescription-drug abuse. Brown was joined at the event by Scott Fishman, professor of anesthesiology and pain medicine and chief of the UC Davis Division of Pain Medicine, who led a UC Davis study that demonstrated the benefits of the new database.

Innovative, collaborative projects recognized with 2009 CTSC pilot grants

David Ong — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (September 17, 2009) - Seven UC Davis researchers received pilot grant awards from the UC Davis Clinical and Translational Science Center (CTSC) to conduct innovative and collaborative research. The awards support studies ranging from work on a more effective epilepsy drug to an improved computer interface for controlling a wheelchair, room lights and a computer mouse.

UC Davis and Sutter Amador Hospital partner to train rural physicians

Susan Mar-Schwab — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (September 17, 2009) - Rural-PRIME, an innovative UC Davis School of Medicine program designed to increase access to health care in rural areas of California, entered a new phase this month with the launch of a medical-training partnership in Amador County.

Difficulties with daily activities associated with progression to dementia

Phyllis Brown — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (September 15, 2009) - Among individuals with mild cognitive impairment — often considered a transitional state between normal cognitive function and Alzheimer’s dementia — those who have more difficulties performing routine activities appear more likely to progress quickly to dementia, according to a report published online in the September issue of Archives of Neurology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Study identifies which children do not need CT scans after head trauma

Susan Mar-Schwab — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (September 14, 2009) - A substantial percentage of children who get CT scans after apparently minor head trauma do not need them, and as a result are put at increased risk of cancer due to radiation exposure. After analyzing more than 42,000 children with head trauma, a national research team led by two UC Davis emergency department physicians has developed guidelines for doctors who care for children with head trauma aimed at reducing those risks.

Community forum focuses on stem cell research and brain disorders

Susan Mar-Schwab — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT

September 10, 2009 -

National Child Passenger Safety Week seeks to reduce child motor vehicle fatalities

Phyllis Brown — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (September 10, 2009) - Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children aged 3 to 6 and 8 to 14 years in the United States. In 2007, the most recent year for which statistics are available, 6,532 passenger vehicle occupants aged 14 and younger were involved in fatal crashes nationwide.

Residents receive Sarah C. Armstrong Award for Compassionate Care

David Ong — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (September 9, 2009) - Five residents at UC Davis Health System are the initial recipients of the Sarah C. Armstrong Award for Compassionate Care, intended to recognize residents and fellows who have demonstrated exemplary patience and compassion in the care of patients.

Painting for Miracles art auction slated

Phyllis Brown — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (September 9, 2009) - The fifth annual Painting for Miracles silent auction of art based on the touching stories of children who have been patients at UC Davis Children’s Hospital and at Children’s Miracle Network hospitals throughout the country will be held on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Creative Group, Inc., 304 N. 12th St., Sacramento. Admission to Painting for Miracles will be $5.

UC Davis physician, patient to be featured on Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Labor Day Telethon

Phyllis Brown — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (September 3, 2009) - Four-year-old UC Davis patient Kayla Vittek, and her physician, Craig McDonald, a professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation who specializes in the treatment of children and adults with muscular dystrophy, will be featured during a segment of the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association Labor Day Telethon.

Some Asian-American women affected differently by non-smoking rules and policies, new research shows

Susan Mar-Schwab — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (September 3, 2009) - Smoke-free policies and non-smoking rules are not always effective among Asian American women, a majority of which don’t smoke but may be at risk for second-hand smoke exposure, a recent study has found.

Szabo is president-elect of American Society for Surgery of the Hand

David Ong — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (September 3, 2009) - Robert Szabo, UC Davis professor of orthopaedic surgery and plastic surgery, is the president-elect of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.

Volunteer, eat barbecue, support UC Davis Children's Hospital

Phyllis Brown — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (September 3, 2009) - On Sunday, Sept. 6, Tex Wasabi’s Rock-N-Roll Sushi-BBQ restaurant will team up with the Children’s Miracle Network to raise funds for UC Davis Children’s Hospital at the 10th Annual Country in the Park concert at Gibson Ranch County Park in Elverta, Calif. The restaurant is seeking up to 40 volunteers to staff the festival’s beer garden, and will donate $75 per volunteer to the hospital, up to a total of $3,000.

UC Davis report exposes loopholes in gun-control laws

Carole Gan — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (September 2, 2009) - Gun shows and the lack of uniform gun-control laws provide easy access to guns that can be used for criminal purposes, according to a new report released today from the UC Davis Violence Prevention Research Program.

PET plus CT accurately visualizes suspected breast cancer tumors in 3-D, UC Davis researchers report

Susan Mar-Schwab — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (September 2, 2009) - An innovative collaboration among UC Davis engineers, physicists and radiologists has resulted in the first-ever fully 3-D breast imaging technique that uses both high-resolution PET and CT scanning.

Prenatal exposure to dioxin-like PCBs interferes with brain development

Phyllis Brown — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (September 1, 2009) - A study by researchers with the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute has found that prenatal exposure to a particular category of the persistent environmental pollutants PCBs is associated with the strongest detrimental effects on fetal neurodevelopment.

Girls and boys needed for study of wearable activity monitor

David Ong — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (September 1, 2009) - Volunteers are needed for a UC Davis study to assess how an activity monitor, a small device similar to a pedometer worn on the hip, can measure how hard the subjects land on the ground while walking and running.

UC Davis Health System presents public forum on stem cell treatment opportunities

Susan Mar-Schwab — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (September 1, 2009) - Four UC Davis stem cell experts will give brief presentations on stem cell research followed by question-and-answer sessions during a community forum on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the UC Davis Education Building, 4610 X Street, in Sacramento.

City of Sacramento Resolution honors life, philanthropic efforts of Joseph Sullivan

Carole Gan — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (August 28, 2009) - Mayor Kevin Johnson recognized the philanthropy of Joseph Sullivan, a grandson of a former slave who was born in Georgia and realized the American dream of home ownership in the Del Paso Heights neighborhood of Sacramento, at a gathering at City Hall on August 25. Twenty-one UC Davis faculty and friends of Mr. Sullivan attended to show their support.

Cancer patient's memory lives on in annual Fair Oaks fundraiser

Dorsey Griffith — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (August 27, 2009) - It has been almost 12 years since Sandra (Sandi) Schwedler lost her valiant fight against non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

Girls and boys needed for study of wearable activity monitor

Susan Mar-Schwab — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (August 26, 2009) - Volunteers are needed for a UC Davis study to assess how an activity monitor, a small device similar to a pedometer worn on the hip, can measure how hard the subjects land on the ground while walking and running.

UC Davis stem cell researcher awarded funding for novel approach to wound repair

Susan Mar-Schwab — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (August 21, 2009) - Min Zhao, professor of dermatology and an expert in cell migration, has been awarded a three-year, $1 million grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM).

Dixon girls make jewelry, raise funds for melanoma research

Susan Mar-Schwab — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (August 21, 2009) - Sometimes, as they say, the greatest gifts come in the smallest packages. That is certainly the case of Ireland and Maren McGuire, who have given deeply of themselves in an effort to combat the disease that has taken hold of their grandmother.

UC Davis Children's Hospital endocrinologists featured on Discovery Channel series

Phyllis Brown — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (August 19, 2009) - UC Davis Children’s Hospital endocrinologists Dennis Styne and Andrew Bremer will be featured on the Saturday, Aug. 22, episode of the Discovery Channel series “Extreme Bodies.”

UC Davis researcher receives funding for schizophrenia research

Karen Finney — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (August 11, 2009) - The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation has selected Michael Minzenberg of UC Davis as a recipient of a 2009 Clinical Scientist Development Award for his pioneering work in treating schizophrenia.

UC Davis to close primary-care practice in Colusa

Susan Mar-Schwab — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (August 10, 2009) - UC Davis Health System will close its primary-care physician office in Colusa, Calif. on Nov. 1, 2009.

Tahoe Forest Health System Named Rural Center of Excellence

Charles Casey — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (August 7, 2009) - UC Davis Health System has named Tahoe Forest Health System as its first Rural Center of Excellence, a special designation that recognizes the Truckee-based organization for becoming a training site for medical students and for its willingness to embrace new approaches to rural health-care services.

Health system awarded for educational efforts for 2008's Children's Hospital Bond Act

David Ong — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (August 4, 2009) -

Chronic disease self-management program is not more effective than typical care after one year

Karen Finney — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (August 4, 2009) - A peer-led health education and counseling program designed to help patients manage their chronic illnesses initially had some positive outcomes but did not improve patient health after one year, according to new research from UC Davis.

UC Davis Medical Center certified as advanced primary stroke center

David Ong — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (July 30, 2009) - UC Davis Medical Center has been certified as an advanced primary stroke center by the Joint Commission, signifying that the medical center’s services have the critical elements to achieve long-term success in improving outcomes for stroke patients.

Subjects needed for study of minimally invasive treatment for severe emphysema

David Ong — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (July 30, 2009) - UC Davis Medical Center is among several sites across the United States that is now recruiting patients with acute and chronic conditions of the lung for a study of a minimally invasive treatment for severe emphysema.

Alzheimer's-causing amyloid and bacteria trigger same immune response in the brain

Phyllis Brown — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (July 22, 2009) - In a new study published today in the July issue of the journal Cell Host & Microbe, UC Davis researchers report that amyloid plaques found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients and structures made by some gut bacteria both likely elicit the same response by human immune cells.

UC Davis study highlights work-life issues of female surgeons

Karen Finney — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (July 20, 2009) - Even with the demands of surgical careers, most surgeons would still choose their profession again. Women surgeons, however, are far more likely to postpone having children or to not have children at all and would prefer more flexibility in their work schedules, a national survey conducted by UC Davis researchers has found. The survey findings are reported today in the Archives of Surgery, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Poor health care access not to blame for high death rates among American Indian women with breast cancer

Dorsey Griffith — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (July 20, 2009) - Low breast cancer screening and survival rates for American Indian and Alaska native women have more to do with cultural beliefs than with barriers such as access to health care, a new UC Davis study has found.

New UC Davis sleep medicine physician counsels on getting a good night's sleep

Phyllis Brown — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (July 17, 2009) - We all need a good night’s sleep to be successful during the day. But millions of Americans — an estimated 70 million — have trouble sleeping.

Lane to help lead international conference on musculoskeletal disorders

Susan Mar-Schwab — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (July 14, 2009) - Nancy Lane, professor of internal medicine and rheumatology and director of the UC Davis Center for Healthy Aging, has been named co-chair of the 2009 Bone and Joint Decade World Network Conference, scheduled for October in Washington, D.C.

Cultural psychiatry expert joins UC Davis faculty, holds new endowed professorship

David Ong — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (July 10, 2009) - Francis Lu, a leading figure in cultural psychiatry, and the intersection of psychiatry and religion and spirituality, joined the faculty in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UC Davis on July 1. A former professor of clinical psychiatry at UC San Francisco, Lu holds the Luke and Grace Kim Professorship in Cultural Psychiatry and serves as Director of Cultural Psychiatry for the department.

Native of Maine wins Armour Scholarship at UC Davis School of Medicine

David Ong — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (July 8, 2009) - UC Davis medical student Heidi Corwin Collins has been selected to receive the 2009-10 Janet Gordon Armour, M.D. Scholarship, which benefits an outstanding first-year female student pursuing primary care medicine. The award, established in 1997, honors Janet Gordon Armour, a 1978 graduate of the UC Davis School of Medicine and one of only a few female graduates at the time.

UC Davis researchers launch study of second-hand smoke and infection in infants, young children

Phyllis Brown — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (July 2, 2009) - Each year during the winter and spring, pediatricians’ offices are inundated by visits from very young children suffering from a variety of upper respiratory infections, ranging from rhino virus, or the common cold, to seasonal flu viruses, respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, and pneumonia.

Nesbitt to lead technology advancement and partnership development for UC Davis Health System

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (July 1, 2009) - Thomas Nesbitt, executive associate dean for administration and clinical outreach and director of the Center for Health and Technology, has accepted a new position at UC Davis Health System as associate vice chancellor for strategic technologies and alliances.

"Vision" grants awarded to faculty by UC Davis Health System National Board of Advisors

David Ong — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (June 30, 2009) - Four UC Davis School of Medicine faculty members have been selected by UC Davis Health System’s National Board of Advisors to receive “Vision” grants, awarded for innovative, interdisciplinary and translational research projects that combine academic excellence with a commitment to social responsibility to transform health care and health.

Opportunities abound for UC Davis Health System volunteers

Charles Casey — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (June 29, 2009) - The downturn in the nation's economy may be the reason for an uptick in the numbers of people volunteering at UC Davis Health System.

College students take giant step toward cancer science careers

Phyllis Brown — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (June 29, 2009) - Nine area college students are taking a giant step toward cancer science careers this summer — and helping to address a shortage of under-represented groups in cancer research — by working as interns in one of four UC Davis cancer research laboratories.

Meyers appointed executive associate dean at UC Davis School of Medicine

David Ong — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (June 26, 2009) - Frederick J. Meyers, a national leader in the hospice movement and the delivery of compassionate, end-of-life care, has been appointed Executive Associate Dean at the School of Medicine. Meyers, who has served as chair of the Department of Internal Medicine since 1997, began his appointment on May 1, 2009.

UC Davis researchers develop new test for fragile X syndrome

Phyllis Brown — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (June 25, 2009) - Researchers at UC Davis have developed a new test that will measure the protein deficit responsible for fragile X syndrome — the single-most common cause of intellectual impairment and the most-commonly inherited cause of autism.

Brain functions that can prevent relapse improve after a year of methamphetamine abstinence

Susan Mar-Schwab — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (June 25, 2009) - In a study published online by the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, UC Davis researchers report that it takes at least a year for former methamphetamine users to regain impulse control. The results tell recovering substance abusers, their families and drug-treatment specialists that it can take an extended period of time for the brain functions critical to recovery to improve.

UC Davis students receive scholarships from biotech industry leader Genentech

Karen Finney — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (June 23, 2009) - Two UC Davis students Mary Saunders, a Ph.D. candidate in comparative pathology with designated emphases in biotechnology and translational research, and Wenhui Zhou, an undergraduate studying biochemistry and molecular biology received scholarships at a luncheon held yesterday at Genentech headquarters in South San Francisco.

Electronic records project wins UC Davis Health System top UC tech award

Charles Casey — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (June 19, 2009) - UC Davis Health System has been honored with the Larry L. Sautter Golden Award for its efforts to develop a new system for physicians and pharmacists to use when ordering everything from medications and diagnostic tests to medical procedures and hospital discharges.

UC Davis researchers visualize formation of a new synapse

Phyllis Brown — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (June 17, 2009) - A protein called neuroligin that is implicated in some forms of autism is critical to the construction of a working synapse, locking neurons together like "molecular Velcro," a study lead by a team of UC Davis researchers has found.

Smartphone adds expertise to emergency room

Susan Mar-Schwab — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (June 16, 2009) - Lester Mundel's leg infection came on with such pain and suddenness that a short trip to pick up his daughter from the airport in San Francisco ended up becoming a two-week stay in the hospital. If it hadn't been for the quick thinking of a pair of physicians using their smartphones, the 64-year-old Roseville resident might have lost more than just time. He could have lost his leg or perhaps even his life.

Sacramento Working Professional MBA Program to relocate, celebrate

Susan Mar-Schwab — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (June 12, 2009) - The UC Davis Graduate School of Management announced today that it is moving its nationally ranked Sacramento Working Professional MBA Program from leased office space near the Tower Bridge in downtown Sacramento to the UC Davis Sacramento campus. The first classes will be held in the new facility in March 2010.

Health system severs ties with KRXQ

David Ong — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (June 10, 2009) - Due to recent comments made by announcers on KRXQ about transgender children, and the lack of a public response from KRXQ management about those comments, UC Davis Health System has canceled its advertising on the radio station and ended its partnership with the station for Children's Miracle Network fundraising.

UC Davis to collaborate on nation's most comprehensive study of autism early risk factors

Phyllis Brown — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (June 9, 2009) - A network of leading autism researchers from three regions across the country today launched one of the largest research studies of its kind to investigate early risk factors for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

Hypertension among employees with lower-status jobs lingers well into retirement

Karen Finney — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (June 9, 2009) - Retirement from some occupations may not provide relief from the potentially devastating health effects of work-related hypertension, according to a new study from UC Davis. Published in the June issue of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, the study is the first to show that retirement-aged Americans who held higher-status jobs — such as chief executives, financial managers and management analysts — tend to have the lowest rates of hypertension, while those who had lower-status jobs tend to have the highest rates.

UC Davis researcher to participate in media teleconference on launch of nation's most comprehensive study of autism

Phyllis Brown — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

June 9, 2009 - Leading autism researchers nationwide will hold a media teleconference to launch one of the largest research studies of its kind to investigate early risk factors for autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The research network, called the Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation (EARLI), will follow a cohort of up to 1,200 pregnant women who already have a child with autism. The study is considered one of the best-equipped to discover biological markers and environmental risk factors for autism. The researchers will be joined on the call by the study's funders, the National Institutes of Health and Autism Speaks.

UC Davis graduate, cancer survivor inspired to study medicine

Susan Mar-Schwab — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

DAVIS, CALIF. (June 8, 2009) - For many people who have endured a cancer diagnosis, then arduous and sometimes devastating treatments, the best way forward is to put the entire experience behind them.

UC Davis medical student named AMA Foundation minority scholar

Karen Finney — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (June 8, 2009) - Manuel Tapia, a second-year student in the <a title="UC Davis School of Medicine" href="http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/medschool">UC Davis School of Medicine</a>, has been selected by the American Medical Association (AMA) Foundation as one of only a handful of national 2009 <a title="Minority Scholars Award" href="http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/about-ama/our-people/member-groups-sectio ns/medical-student-section/our-leaders/standing-committees/minority-issues-commi ttee/scholarshipsawards-minorities.shtml" target="_blank">Minority Scholars Award</a> recipients. The awards promote diversity in the medical profession and commitment to improving minority health.

UC Davis Trauma Center receives level I verification for both adults and pediatrics

David Ong — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (June 5, 2009) - UC Davis Medical Center has been verified as a level I trauma center and a level I pediatric trauma center by the American College of Surgeons. This achievement recognizes the trauma centers' dedication to providing optimal care for injured patients.

UC Davis Children's Hospital institutes hypothermia therapy for infants at risk of neurological damage

Phyllis Brown — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (June 5, 2009) - UC Davis Children's Hospital has instituted an innovative new treatment for infants born at risk of neurological damage that utilizes induced whole-body hypothermia  — or cooling  — in an effort to reduce the incidence of birth-related brain injury and  including cerebral palsy and cognitive delays.

Scherer is new chief of UC Davis Trauma Program

David Ong — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (June 3, 2009) - UC Davis trauma surgeon Lynette Scherer has been named as the new chief of the UC Davis Trauma Program for UC Davis Medical Center.

Study shows link between depression and cognitive decline in older Latino couples

David Ong — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (June 3, 2009) - Researchers studying older Latino married couples found that a husband’s level of depression negatively impacts not only his cognitive abilities but can also negatively affect his wife’s depression and mental faculties over time. The reverse situation, however, does not hold true. These are some of the findings from an eight-year National Institute of Aging-funded study published online in Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders.

Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities to host Act Early Summit

Phyllis Brown — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (June 2, 2009) - Leaders in early identification of autism from the western United States and beyond will hold a summit in Sacramento to strategize how to better identify children at risk of the disorder for the earliest possible interventions. The timing of the summit is especially significant given looming state and federal budget cuts that threaten health and education programs for young children.

UC Davis Health Informatics Program, nursing school offer June seminar on nursing informatics

Jennette Carrick — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (June 1, 2009) - The UC Davis Health Informatics Program and the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing will feature a nursing informatics theme at the June 2009 Seminar Series Lecture “Knowledge Translation at the Point of Care: Nursing Informatics” by Suzanne Bakken, a nursing professor for Columbia University’s School of Nursing. The lecture will be from noon to 1:15 in Room 1222 of the Education Building at the UC Davis Health System.

Cancer survivors celebrate at Annual Survivorship Picnic

Susan Mar-Schwab — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (June 1, 2009) - If there was a theme at Saturday’s annual Cancer Center Survivorship Picnic, it must have been hope.

New nursing school seeks visionary founding faculty

Jennette Carrick — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (June 1, 2009) - The Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis seeks visionary nurse educators and researchers to join the founding faculty and help establish the new nursing school at UC Davis Sacramento campus.

Fourth Annual Cops for Kids Fly-in Charity Event to be held June 3

Phyllis Brown — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

June 1, 2009 - On Wednesday, June 3, dozens of representatives of law enforcement agencies from throughout the Sacramento region, organized by representatives of the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department Air Operations Bureau, will arrive in a convoy to deliver toys to children who are sick or injured and are inpatients at UC Davis Children’s Hospital, in the Fourth Annual Cops for Kids Fly-In Charity Event.

UC Davis medical students shine in national testing

Charles Casey — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (June 1, 2009) - In their first big test toward becoming physicians, second-year medical students at UC Davis outpaced students from other schools in the United States and Canada in their initial medical licensing examination.

UC Davis School of Medicine honors three alumni for contributions to the field of medicine

Karen Finney — Fri, 29 May 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (May 29, 2009) - Terrence E. Smith has dedicated thousands of hours to refugees of Burma who enter Thailand's Mae Tao Clinic with burns, missing limbs, AIDS, malaria and other injuries and diseases. Saul Schaefer is committed to finding ways to limit damage to heart muscle during heart attacks and major surgery. And Thomas S. Nesbitt has worked tirelessly to improve health by using technology to link rural physicians with medical specialists. These three distinguished alumni of the UC Davis School of Medicine were honored for their contributions to medicine and service to UC Davis and the community at the school's 23rd Alumni Day Reunion Dinner in Sacramento on May 16.

UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute to hold day-long conference on autism, neurodevelopmental disorders

Phyllis Brown — Thu, 28 May 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (May 28, 2009) - State-of-the-art research and best practices for interventions to support children and adults with autism, Asperger syndrome, fragile X syndrome and other neurodevelopmental disorders will be presented by leaders in the field during a one-day conference for families, educators and other professionals on Friday, August 7, 2009.

Villablanca receives prestigious women's health award

David Ong — Wed, 27 May 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (May 27, 2009) - Amparo Villablanca, director of the UC Davis Women’s Cardiovascular Medicine Program, has been chosen to receive the annual Helen Rodriguez-Trias Award for Excellence in Community-Based Women’s Health Leadership.

Poor attention in kindergarten predicts lower high school test scores, UC Davis researchers find

Phyllis Brown — Tue, 26 May 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (May 26, 2009) - As thousands of students nationwide prepare to leave high school, a UC Davis study appearing online today in the June issue of the medical journal Pediatrics shows a clear link between attention problems early in school — as early as kindergarten — and lower high school test scores.

Researchers induce formation of new blood vessels using stem cells from bone marrow

Susan Mar-Schwab — Fri, 22 May 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (May 22, 2009) - Researchers have successfully induced the formation of new blood vessels in mice with reduced blood flow (ischemia) to their limbs using adult human stem cells. The breakthrough treatment resulted in fully functioning limbs that showed both increased blood flow to previously damaged areas and an increase in the number of blood vessels.

Robert Hales named acting director of UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute

Phyllis Brown — Thu, 21 May 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (May 21, 2009) - Robert E. Hales, chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the UC Davis School of Medicine, will assume the role of acting director of the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute while a search is conducted for a permanent director. His appointment is effective on July 1.

UC Davis Cancer Center welcomes the community to National Cancer Survivors Week, May 25 through 30

Susan Mar-Schwab — Wed, 20 May 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (May 20, 2009) - Special events open to the public and honoring cancer survivors highlight the 2009 National Cancer Survivors Week celebration at UC Davis Cancer Center. Survivors along with their families, friends, caregivers and health-care providers are welcome to participate and experience a few of the many programs and resources the cancer center and community offer.

Second annual Literature and Pathology Conference set for May 22-24

David Ong — Tue, 19 May 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (May 19, 2009) - Images of illness in literature and drama will be the focus of the second annual Literature and Pathology Conference, set for May 22 through May 24 at the Education Building on UC Davis' Sacramento campus, 4610 X St.

Projected surge in liver cancer among Asian American and Pacific Islanders

Susan Mar-Schwab — Tue, 19 May 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (May 19, 2009) - Liver cancer among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders is expected to soar in coming years, in part as a result of chronic hepatitis B, a leading cause of the disease.

UC Davis biochemist Jue is editor of new book, "Fundamental Concepts in Biophysics"

David Ong — Fri, 15 May 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (May 15, 2009) - Thomas Jue, a professor in the UC Davis Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, is the editor of a newly published book, “Fundamental Concepts in Biophysics.”

UC Davis Children's Hospital "survivors" to celebrate their triumph over childhood illnesses, injuries on "Miracle Island"

Phyllis Brown — Thu, 14 May 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (May 14, 2009) - Nearly 1,000 former UC Davis Childrens Hospital patients, who outwitted and outlasted serious childhood illnesses to become survivors as well as the doctors, nurses, therapists and other caregivers who treated them will come together to "outplay" during a celebratory reunion on children's hospital “Miracle Island."

UC Davis research highlighted on "Faculty of 1000 Biology" Web site

Phyllis Brown — Thu, 14 May 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (May 14, 2009) - A study by UC Davis researchers has been highlighted as one of  "the most interesting papers published in the biological sciences,” based on the recommendations of some of the world’s top researchers in the field.

Pediatrician Lau receives 2009 Dr. Eli Gold Award

David Ong — Wed, 13 May 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (May 13, 2009) - Keith Lau, a UC Davis assistant professor of pediatric nephrology, has received the 2009 Dr. Eli Gold Award, which honors the memory of the second chair of the UC Davis Department of Pediatrics.

Women previously diagnosed with abnormal cervical cell growth at higher risk for recurrence and invasive cancer

Susan Mar-Schwab — Tue, 12 May 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (May 12, 2009) - New research from the UC Davis Center for Healthcare Policy and Research has found that women who have been treated for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (abnormal cervical cell growth), are at higher risk for a recurrence of the disease or invasive cervical cancer.

UC Davis dietitians to teach students about healthy eating, nutrition-related careers

David Ong — Mon, 11 May 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (May 11, 2009) - About 100 ninth-grade biology students at Sacramento High School will learn about healthy eating, local produce and nutrition-related careers from UC Davis Health System’s Food and Nutrition Services on Thursday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to noon at the school, located at 2315 34th St., Sacramento.

Making cancer doable

Karen Finney — Tue, 05 May 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (May 5, 2009) - UC Davis Cancer Center is offering a free orientation and training session for breast-cancer survivors who want to help those recently diagnosed with the disease. Offered as part of the WeCARE Peer Navigator Program, the training begins the process of becoming a "cancer coach," which involves supporting breast-cancer patients with problem-solving skills, psychosocial needs, community resources and appointments with physicians.

UC Davis Health System researchers awarded new stem cell grants

Charles Casey — Fri, 01 May 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (May 1, 2009) - The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), the state stem cell agency, has approved two multimillion dollar, multi-year grants to UC Davis Health System researchers to develop a novel stem cell therapy for neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington's disease and to support the development of treatments for young patients suffering from sickle cell anemia, thalassemia and other inherited blood and metabolic disorders.

U.S. News & World Report magazine ranks UC Davis School of Medicine among nation's best

Phyllis Brown — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (April 23, 2009) - In its annual ranking of the nation's best graduate schools, U.S. News & World Report magazine has again ranked the UC Davis School of Medicine among America's best medical schools.

Burns selected for award from Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology

David Ong — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (April 23, 2009) - Marie Burns, associate professor in the UC Davis Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science and a member of the UC Davis Center for Neuroscience, is the 2009 recipient of the Cogan Award. The award, bestowed by the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, recognizes a researcher 40 years or younger who has made important contributions to research in ophthalmology or visual science that are directly related to disorders of the human eye or visual system, and who shows substantial promise for future research.

UC Davis physician wins prestigious award from the national Academic Pediatric Association

Phyllis Brown — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (April 17, 2009) - Nathan Kuppermann, a professor of emergency medicine and pediatrics and chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at the UC Davis School of Medicine, has been awarded the Miller-Sarkin Mentoring Award by the national Academic Pediatric Association (APA).

Prostate cancer expert to lead UC Davis Radiation Oncology

Susan Mar-Schwab — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (April 17, 2009) - Richard K. Valicenti has joined UC Davis Health System as professor and chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology, where he will lead the department’s clinical, research, education and administrative operations.

New nursing school seeks visionary postdoctoral fellows

Jennette Carrick — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (April 15, 2009) - The Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis seeks two visionary postdoctoral fellows to join the founding faculty and staff in launching a new nursing school and building its research base.

Expert available: Gun dealers, gun shows, crime guns and public health

Susan Mar-Schwab — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (April 15, 2009) - News about the escalating and deadly violence among the drug cartels based in Mexico has highlighted the flow of firearms easily obtained in the United States and used in killings across the border.

Researchers identify how PCBs may alter in utero, neonatal brain development

Phyllis Brown — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (April 13, 2009) - In three new studies — including one appearing online today in the Public Library of Science - Biology (PLoS - Biology) — UC Davis researchers provide compelling evidence of how low levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) alter the way brain cells develop.

UC Davis Cancer Center operations return to normal

Susan Mar-Schwab — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (April 13, 2009) - UC Davis Police issued an all clear today at UC Davis Cancer Center after a search of facilities did not uncover an alleged bomb.

New funding allows UC Davis researchers to develop simple diagnostic test for kidney cancer

Susan Mar-Schwab — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (April 9, 2009) - UC Davis researchers have received a $1.25 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to identify the biomarkers of kidney cancer. The funding makes possible a five-year project that will find early indicators and a diagnostic test for the disease.

UC Davis researcher receives $2.6 million grant to study most common human genetic deletion

Phyllis Brown — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (April 2, 2009) - The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded Tony J. Simon, pediatric cognitive neuroscientist with the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute, a five-year, $2.6 million grant to study the syndrome associated with the single most common genetic deletion in humans — chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.

UC Davis, Tahoe Forest health systems establish medical education partnership

Susan Mar-Schwab — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (April 1, 2009) - An innovative UC Davis program, designed to help increase health-care access in rural areas of the state, enters a new phase this week with the formal announcement of its first clerkship training site.

UC Davis researchers identify a protein that may help breast cancer spread, beat cancer drugs

Karen Finney — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (April 1, 2009) - New research from UC Davis Cancer Center shows that a protein called Muc4 may be the essential ingredient that allows breast cancer to spread to other organs and resist therapeutic treatment. The study, which appears in the April 1 issue of Cancer Research, is one of the first to characterize the role of Muc4 in this disease.

Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis offers nursing practice lecture

Jennette Carrick — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (March 31, 2009) - Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis visiting professor Eileen Sullivan-Marx will present a lecture entitled “Collaborative Circles: The Case for Academic-Owned Nursing Practice,” from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, at the UC Davis Health System Education Building in Sacramento. The lecture will be free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

Reducing traffic deaths from impaired driving via increased DUI convictions is aim of UC Davis project

David Ong — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (March 30, 2009) - Hospital emergency rooms have long been a place where lives are saved on the spot. A new program being developed by the UC Davis Trauma Prevention Program will extend that lifesaving work by making sure law enforcement agencies know the blood-alcohol content of patients admitted after alcohol-related vehicle crashes.

First-ever video reveals how HIV spreads between immune cells

Susan Mar-Schwab — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (March 26, 2009) - For the first time, scientists at UC Davis and Mount Sinai School of Medicine have captured video footage showing the transfer of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from an infected T-cell to an uninfected one through an adhesive structure called a virological synapse.

UC Davis researchers find personality test can predict whether medical study participants will stay or go

Phyllis Brown — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (March 26, 2009) - A study by researchers at UC Davis has found that giving clinical trial participants a simple personality test can predict which ones are more likely to drop out of a study or miss data collection appointments and potentially "wreak havoc" with study outcomes.

"The fever effect" in autism subject of April 2009 M.I.N.D. Institute Distinguished Lecture

Phyllis Brown — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (March 24, 2009) - More often than children with other neurodevelopmental disorders, children with autism are observed to experience periods of improved behavior and language use during fevers and illness. Studies of this behavioral anomaly, known as “the fever effect,” will be the topic of the April 2009 UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute Distinguished Lecturer Series.

Inconsistent performance speed among children with ADHD may underlie how well they use memory

Phyllis Brown — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (March 24, 2009) - Children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) show more variable or inconsistent responses during ‘working’ or short-term memory tasks when compared with typically developing peers, a study by UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute researcher Julie Schweitzer has found.

Statewide sickle cell disease symposium to explore the diverse faces of sickle cell

Phyllis Brown — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (March 20, 2009) - The image that comes to mind for most people when they think of sickle cell disease is that of an African American. But, due to immigration and a variety of other factors, in California the face of sickle cell disease has become decidedly more diverse.

UC Regents approve Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis

Jennette Carrick — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (March 19, 2009) - The University of California Board of Regents today approved establishment of the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at the University of California, Davis. The school is so named in honor of the historic $100 million philanthropic grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.

UC Davis Medical School graduates accepted into residency programs on "Match Day"

Susan Mar-Schwab — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (March 19, 2009) - Eighty-three <a title="UC Davis School of Medicine" href="http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/medschool">UC Davis School of Medicine</a> students learned today where in the United States they will be continuing their medical education over the next several years as they train to become licensed physicians.

UC Davis researcher receives funding to develop diagnostic test for ovarian cancer

Susan Mar-Schwab — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (March 19, 2009) - UC Davis researcher Gary Leiserowitz has received $900,000 from the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund to support his efforts in finding an early diagnostic marker for ovarian cancer.

UC Davis physician honored for cross-cultural communication effort

Charles Casey — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (March 17, 2009) - Tonya Fancher, an assistant professor of internal medicine and associate program director for the department's residency training program, has been selected as the first recipient of the Putnam Scholars Program, sponsored by the American Academy on Communication in Healthcare.

Sacramento State and UC Davis awarded stem cell grant for graduate student research training

Susan Mar-Schwab — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (March 13, 2009) - Sacramento State graduate students will soon be working in UC Davis stem cell laboratories thanks to a grant approved Thursday, March 12 by the governing board of the state’s stem cell agency, the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM).

New MRI scanner at UC Davis Medical Center provides greater ease, comfort

David Ong — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (March 12, 2009) - A routine medical test that is uncomfortable for many people now promises to be much easier for Sacramento-area patients, thanks to new MRI technology now in use at UC Davis Medical Center.

Second-year student wins Habbas Scholarship

David Ong — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (March 11, 2009) - Jamal Rahimi, a second-year medical student, has won the $1,750 Amin and Nancy Habbas Scholarship, established to help high-achieving students of Arab origin enrolled at the UC Davis School of Medicine.

Media advisory: Going bald for the seventh time

Karen Finney — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (March 10, 2009) - The Luigi boys  Tino, 13, and Jake, 15  have something to celebrate: They are going bald for the seventh year in a row. As part of the St. Baldrick's Foundation head-shaving event hosted by the Keaton Raphael Memorial at UC Davis Cancer Center, they will go hair-free to honor Tino being cancer-free for seven years.

UC Davis researchers coax brain cells to mimic inner ear sensory cells

Susan Mar-Schwab — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (March 9, 2009) - Deafness caused by the death of the thousands of minute hair cells that line the inner ear and vibrate to create the sense of hearing may be reversible using stem cells from another part of the brain that can be coaxed into replicating the sound-sensing functions needed for hearing, according to research now being done by UC Davis Health System scientists.

Second-year student wins Julita A. Fong Scholarship

David Ong — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (March 3, 2009) - A second-year student has been named as the winner of an annual scholarship provided to women medical students at the UC Davis School of Medicine.

UC Davis researchers find no differences in survival or neonatal outcomes in pregnancy-associated colorectal cancer

Karen Finney — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (February 26, 2009) - In one of the first studies to examine maternal and newborn health risks and colorectal cancer, UC Davis researchers have found that women diagnosed with the disease during or shortly after their pregnancies have the same survival as women who have the disease and are not pregnant. The study also found that, while there is an increased chance of preterm labor, the outcomes for the babies is the same for women with colorectal cancer as for those without the disease.

UC Davis study to prevent osteoporosis with dietary supplement begins recruitment

David Ong — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (February 26, 2009) - Osteoporosis affects many women and can cause painful, disabling and even life-threatening fractures. Researchers from the UC Davis Department of Internal Medicine are seeking a simple, inexpensive way to prevent the disease.

Autism in the U.S. and around the world the topic of March M.I.N.D. Institute distinguished lecture

Phyllis Brown — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (February 23, 2009) - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) researcher and developmental pediatrician Marshalyn Yeargin-Allsopp will provide a global perspective on autism and discuss surveillance and early identification efforts in the United States on Wednesday, March 11, as part of the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute Distinguished Lecturer Series.

Gaps in colorectal cancer screening persist between whites and non-whites

Karen Finney — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (February 18, 2009) - Colorectal cancer screening among patients with Medicare coverage is increasing, but a persistent gap remains between whites  who are screened most frequently  and all other racial and ethnic groups, according to a new study by researchers at UC Davis and the University of Washington. They study also showed that the biggest gap is between whites and Hispanics.

Web portal project for drug research information gets data boost

Susan Mar-Schwab — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (February 10, 2009) - Scientists know there are drugs that have been developed, tested and found lacking for one disease that might help patients with a completely different condition.

Study shows that primary care doctors miss opportunities to recommend colon cancer screening

Karen Finney — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (February 3, 2009) - While it is known that patients with few primary care doctor's office visits are less likely to receive colorectal cancer screening, new research indicates that even patients who see their physicians regularly also do not receive screening. The study, which appears in the February issue of Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention, was conducted by a team of researchers at UC Davis, the University of Washington and Group Health Cooperative in Seattle.

UC Davis study finds vitamin use is highest in kids who don't need them

Phyllis Brown — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (February 2, 2009) - A study by UC Davis Children's Hospital researchers published in the February 2009 issue of the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals, has found that most of the healthy children and teenagers in the United States who are taking daily vitamin and mineral supplements probably don't need them.

Free writing and gentle movement courses from UC Davis Cancer Center begin in February

Karen Finney — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (February 2, 2009) - UC Davis Cancer Center offers two free courses beginning in February for cancer patients and their friends, family members, caregivers and health-care providers.

"Insights into the Developmental Mechanisms That Contribute to Neuropsychiatric Disorders" is February Distinguished Lecturer Address

Phyllis Brown — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (January 30, 2009) - John L.R. Rubenstein, a professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco, will discuss “Insights into the Developmental Mechanisms That Contribute to Neuropsychiatric Disorders” during the Feb. 11 UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute Distinguished lecture.

Eight faculty at UC Davis School of Medicine selected for Dean's Awards

Susan Mar-Schwab — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (January 30, 2009) - Eight faculty members have been selected to receive two awards from the Office of Faculty Development: the Dean’s Award for Excellence and the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Mentoring.

UC Davis Health System part of national information project to aid researchers

Susan Mar-Schwab — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (January 26, 2009) - UC Davis has been named part of a pilot project supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which is designed to improve informatics support for researchers conducting small- to medium-sized clinical studies.

Telemedicine can dramatically improve child sexual assault examinations in rural areas, UC Davis study finds

Phyllis Brown — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (January 23, 2009) - The use of telemedicine can dramatically improve the quality of child sexual assault examinations in rural communities where rates of abuse and neglect are highest — sometimes more than double the statewide rate  — a study published in the January issue of the medical journal Pediatrics has found.

$1.35 million grant provides residents with expanded psychiatry, internal/family medicine training

David Ong — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (January 22, 2009) - UC Davis medical school residents will benefit from a recently awarded grant providing increased opportunities to combine psychiatry with family medicine or internal medicine training, with an emphasis on care of underserved populations.

UC Davis physician named co-editor of national medical journal

Susan Mar-Schwab — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (January 21, 2009) - Richard L. Kravitz, professor of internal medicine and a long-time researcher in the area of health-care services, has been appointed co-editor-in-chief of the Journal of General Internal Medicine.

UC Davis study links smoking with most male cancer deaths

Karen Finney — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (January 21, 2009) - The association between tobacco smoke and cancer deaths  beyond lung cancer deaths  has been strengthened by a recent study from a UC Davis researcher, suggesting that increased tobacco control efforts could save more lives than previously estimated.

UC Davis researchers seek to map the brain patterns of Alzheimer's disease

Phyllis Brown — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (January 16, 2009) - Researchers at UC Davis have launched an innovative study to determine whether closer examination of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans can detect the onset of Alzheimer's disease even before patients begin to show the symptoms of cognitive decline that are the hallmarks of the condition.

"What we learn about autism from studying fragile X syndrome" the topic of January "Minds Behind the M.I.N.D." lecture

Phyllis Brown — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (January 16, 2009) - Individuals with autism and fragile X syndrome share many symptoms, and there may be common neurobiological abnormalities underlying these symptoms. David Hessl, an associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and a researcher at the MIND Institute, will share recent findings from his laboratory and others focusing on this topic in the Jan. 22, 2009, Minds Behind the MIND lecture.

UC Davis researcher sheds light on soft-tissue sarcoma survival

Karen Finney — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (January 12, 2009) - New studies led by a UC Davis Cancer Center researcher have found what makes a relatively uncommon form of cancer  soft-tissue sarcoma  deadly for some patients. The outcomes support the idea that detailed knowledge of tumor factors such as size, site, grade and depth can help physicians recommend treatments that improve survival.

UC Davis researchers to study novel treatment for emphysema

David Ong — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (January 12, 2009) - Pulmonary and critical care specialists at UC Davis Health System are participating in a clinical trial of a minimally invasive device for the treatment of severe emphysema.

Mix Downtown and deVere's Irish Pub present "A Grand Opening for a Grand Cause" benefiting UC Davis Cancer Center

Karen Finney — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (January 12, 2009) - On January 21 from 6 until 9 p.m., the newly renovated Firestone Building at 16th and L streets comes alive for cancer patients throughout Northern and Central California. The Sacramento landmark and historic structure is the new home of Mix Downtown and deVere's Irish Pub, and both establishments will open their doors for "A Grand Opening for a Grand Cause" to benefit UC Davis Cancer Center.

UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute study shows California's autism increase not due to better counting, diagnosis

Phyllis Brown — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (January 7, 2009) - A study by researchers at the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute has found that the seven- to eight-fold increase in the number children born with autism in California  since 1990 cannot be explained by either changes in how the condition is diagnosed or counted — and the trend shows no sign of abating.

New drug shows promise for treatment of adults with fragile X syndrome

Phyllis Brown — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (January 6, 2009) - A study by researchers at Rush University Medical Center, Chicago and the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute has found that an oral drug therapy, called fenobam, shows promising results and could be an effective new treatment for adults with fragile X syndrome.

"Update on Genetics and Neurosciences Advances" January M.I.N.D. Institute Distinguished Lecturer address

Phyllis Brown — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (January 6, 2009) - On Jan. 14 Pat Levitt, the new director of the Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, and previous director of the Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, will be the fourth presenter of the 2008-2009 UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute Distinguished Lecturer Series.

Werner receives prestigious Pisart Vision Award

David Ong — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (January 5, 2009) - John S. Werner, professor in the UC Davis Health System Eye Center, has received the Lighthouse International Pisart Vision Award, a major U.S. prize honoring people who have made an extraordinary contribution to the prevention, cure or treatment of severe vision impairment or blindness.

AANCART receives national recognition for health disparities leadership

Karen Finney — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (December 30, 2008) - The Asian American Network for Cancer Awareness Research and Training (AANCART) has been honored by the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities with its Health Disparities Leadership Award. The recognition was announced during an awards banquet in National Harbor, Md., on Dec. 17, held in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health Summit on the Science of Eliminating Health Disparities.

Free January courses from UC Davis Cancer Center

Susan Mar-Schwab — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (December 30, 2008) - UC Davis Cancer Center is offering two free courses in January: an art course for children dealing with cancer and a fitness course for adults seeking to recover physical strength following cancer treatment.

UC Davis Children's Hospital image to be included in national children's hospital photo exhibit

Phyllis Brown — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (December 30, 2008) - A photograph taken at UC Davis Children's Hospital has been selected for the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institution's (NACHRI) 2009 Children's Hospital Photo Exhibit, which will debut at the organization's "Creating Connections" conference in Nashville, TN.

$5 million grant extends research partnership to image the living eye at UC Davis

David Ong — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (December 29, 2008) - The National Eye Institute has awarded a $5 million research grant to UC Davis ophthalmologist John S. Werner and researchers at three other universities to continue the development of technology for three-dimensional imaging of cells in the living eye.

UC Davis researchers find molecule that targets brain tumors

Karen Finney — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (December 26, 2008) - UC Davis Cancer Center researchers report today the discovery of a molecule that targets glioblastoma, a highly deadly form of cancer. The finding, which is published in the January 2009 issue of the European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, provides hope for effectively treating an incurable cancer.

UC Davis discovery offers hope for treating kidney cancer

Karen Finney — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (December 23, 2008) - In one of the first discoveries of its kind, UC Davis Cancer Center researchers have identified ways to block a cancer gene's own repair mechanism and, in so doing, help make chemotherapy for kidney cancer more effective and better tolerated. The outcome is published in the current issue of Cancer Biology and Therapy.

Area nursing groups team up to host health-care community forum

Jennette Carrick — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (December 16, 2008) - UC Davis Health System along with two nursing schools and a statewide nursing organization are teaming up to host a Health Care Community Discussion from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18, at the UC Davis Health System Education Building, 4610 X St. The discussion is one of several similar community forums under way nationwide in response to President-elect Barack Obama’s continuing efforts to reach out and involve the American people in government.

Statewide center for telehealth established

Susan Mar-Schwab — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (December 15, 2008) - The California HealthCare Foundation (CHCF) announced today (Dec. 15) the establishment of the California Center for Connected Health (CCCH), a strategy and planning body to lead and coordinate telehealth adoption throughout the state.

A diet high in vegetables, fruit and fiber may cut risk of breast cancer recurrence in women without hot flashes

Susan Mar-Schwab — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (December 15, 2008) - A secondary analysis of a large, multicenter clinical trial has shown that a diet loaded with fruits, vegetables and fiber and somewhat lower in fat compared to standard federal dietary recommendations cuts the risk of recurrence in a subgroup of early-stage breast cancer survivors – women who didn’t have hot flashes – by approximately 31 percent.

New method of scoring IQ tests benefits children with intellectual disabilities

Phyllis Brown — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (December 15, 2008) - Parents of children with intellectual disabilities have long been frustrated by intelligence quotient (IQ) testing that tells them little to nothing about the long-term learning potential of their children.

UC Davis team refines cancer treatments to reduce potential nerve damage

Karen Finney — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (December 15, 2008) - Radiation treatments are effective in stopping cancer cells from spreading or shrinking tumors, however oncologists have become increasingly concerned about inadvertent exposures during head and neck cancer treatments to nerves responsible for upper body mobility. To reduce the possibility of permanent nerve damage, UC Davis Cancer Center researchers have established new guidelines for physicians nationwide.

Two UC Davis scientists receive state funding for innovative stem cell research

Charles Casey — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (December 12, 2008) - Two UC Davis School of Medicine stem cell researchers were among the nearly two dozen scientists who received research funding this week from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), the state's stem cell agency.

UC Davis Liver Transplant Program to close

Susan Mar-Schwab — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (December 12, 2008) - UC Davis Medical Center leaders announced today plans to close the UC Davis Liver Transplant Program.

UC Davis researchers discover new mechanism for attentional control in the human brain

Phyllis Brown — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (December 12, 2008) - A study by UC Davis researchers appearing today in the journal Science reports the discovery of a new mechanism of attention in the human brain. Previous studies in animals implicated changes in the state of a portion of the brainstem, called the locus ceruleus (LC), in shifts from distractible to attentive states.

State continues longstanding support of FNP/PA program with $107,000 grant

David Ong — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (December 12, 2008) -  The Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development's (OSHPD) Song-Brown program has awarded a $107,000 grant to UC Davis' Family Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant Program.

Safeway Foundation funds new peer navigator program for breast-cancer patients

Karen Finney — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (December 12, 2008) - The first few months after diagnosis can be one of the most traumatic periods in a cancer survivor's life. To help breast-cancer patients during this difficult time, UC Davis Cancer Center is pleased to announce it has received $128,000 from the Safeway Foundation to create the WeCARE Community-Based Breast Cancer Peer Navigator Project.

UC Davis Children's Hospital CAARE Center cautions economy, holiday stress can lead to abuse

Phyllis Brown — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (December 11, 2008) - For many families this year there is an unwelcome gift in their holiday stocking — the lump of coal that is the recession, joblessness, home foreclosures and the looming fear that the economy will get worse before it gets better.

New UC Davis Telemedicine Program advances community-based health care

Charles Casey — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (December 11, 2008) - Community hospitals and primary care clinics that want to establish telemedicine programs or improve existing infrastructure are invited to apply for videoconferencing and related telehealth equipment through a new program just launched by UC Davis Health System in Sacramento.

Holiday celebration planned for children with sickle-cell disease and thalassemia

Phyllis Brown — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 08:00:00 GMT

December 10, 2008 - Dozens of children who suffer from two incurable blood disorders, sickle-cell disease and thalassemia, will celebrate the holidays in a special party sponsored by the UC Davis Children's Hospital Department of Pediatric Hematology in cooperation with the Children's Miracle Network (CMN). The event will include a special visit from Santa.

CAARE Center video wins best educational video for health-care professionals of 2008

Phyllis Brown — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (December 9, 2008) - After garnering the top prize for patient-care video at the FREDDIE International Health Care Media Awards, the UC Davis Children's Hospital CAARE (Child and Adolescent Abuse Resources and Evaluation Diagnostic and Treatment) Center was also honored with a prestigious Surgeon General's Award as 2008's Best Educational Video for Health-Care Professionals. Both awards were presented at the FREDDIE ceremonies in November.

UC Davis Children's Hospital offers holiday gift-giving drive-through event

Phyllis Brown — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (December 8, 2008) - UC Davis Children's Hospital is holding a holiday gift giving drive-through event on Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 22 and 23, to make donations a little easier for the many generous businesses, charities and individuals who would like to help make the season brighter for infants, children and teens at UC Davis Children's Hospital.

UC Davis researchers exploring gene therapy to fight AIDS

Susan Mar-Schwab — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (December 5, 2008) -  The apparent success of a case in which German doctors cured a man of AIDS using a bone marrow transplant comes as no surprise to Gerhard Bauer, a UC Davis stem cell researcher. Bauer has been working for more than 10 years on a similar cure for AIDS based on replacing the devastated immune system of an HIV-infected patient with stem cells that have been engineered to resist human immunodeficiency syndrome.

Liven up your Christmas tree and support breast-cancer research

Karen Finney — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 08:00:00 GMT

December 3, 2008 - The beautiful "Giboney Tree of Hope" and its hundreds of holiday ornaments have been brightening the lobby and bringing smiles to the faces of patients and staff of UC Davis Cancer Center. The tree will soon provide hope to all breast-cancer patients, when it is "untrimmed" and its ornaments are sold to benefit breast-cancer research.

Leaders of the proposed Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis host town-hall meeting

Jennette Carrick — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (December 3, 2008) - Nurses from around the Sacramento region are invited to participate in a town-hall meeting regarding the proposed Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8 at the M.I.N.D. Institute Auditorium on the UC Davis Health System campus at 2825 50th St.

How do you get reindeer antlers on a kayak?

Phyllis Brown — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (December 1, 2008) - How do you get reindeer antlers on a kayak?
We'll find out on Saturday, Dec. 13, when kayaks regaled in antlers, angel wings and Christmas lights will participate in the First Annual Kayakers 4 Kids Decorated Christmas Parade, a benefit for UC Davis Children's Hospital.

UC Davis Cancer Center to study breast-cancer vaccine

Carole Gan — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (December 1, 2008) - UC Davis Cancer Center researchers are launching a study of a new, experimental vaccine to determine if it can arrest or prevent breast cancer when used in conjunction with standard hormonal therapies.

M.I.N.D. Institute researchers call for fragile X testing throughout the lifespan

Susan Mar-Schwab — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 08:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (November 25, 2008) - Writing in this week's Journal of the American Medical Association, UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute researchers urge physicians to test for mutations of the fragile X gene in patients of all ages. That's because, after decades of research, it is clear that mutations in this gene cause a range of diseases, including neurodevelopmental delays and autism in children, infertility in women and neurodegenerative disease in older adults.