Long Covid has impacted millions, and new clues could explain the disease and pave the way for targeted treatments. The first step is collecting the pieces, UCSF's Dr. Tim Henrich says. “We have the puzzle pieces basically strewn about the table. I think they’re all there.” https://ucsfh.org/4iMQTSk

For Many Americans, Covid Is Still a Chronic, Disabling Disease. These Scientists Are Working Tirelessly to Bring Them Relief

Long Covid saps the strength and vitality of patients, who have little recourse to fight it. A team of specialists—including an afflicted researcher working mostly from her bed—is looking for answers

smithsonianmag.com

For people w/ Parkinson’s, unsteady walking can be one of the hardest symptoms to treat. Now a brain stimulation system adapts w/ each step, improving stability & reducing falls. “This is an important step toward a new generation of brain therapies,” Dr. Doris Wang says. https://ucsfh.org/3UBGten

Brain Stimulation That Adapts to Parkinson’s Patients’ Every Step - UCSF MedConnection

UC San Francisco researchers have developed a new form of deep brain stimulation (DBS) that adjusts in real time as a person walks, helping improve gait and reduce falls in people with Parkinson’s dis...

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By 2024, nearly all men with low-risk prostate cancer were opting for "active surveillance," a study of 73,000 veterans finds. “Many experts are recommending that we not even call these ‘cancers,’” UCSF's @dr-coops.bsky.social says of the slow-growing types. https://ucsfh.org/46bhIbh

For Early Prostate Cancer ‘Active Surveillance’ Is Now #1 Choice

The number of low and intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients undergoing active surveillance in place of aggressive treatment has tripled to quadrupled over the last 20 years.

ucsfh.org

We’re proud to lead a $9 million effort to crack one of #myocarditis’ biggest mysteries: Why immune cells attack the heart. The long-term goal is "turning off the T cells attacking the heart while leaving the rest of the immune system intact," Dr. Josiah Gerdts explains. https://ucsfh.org/4qKxd3o

Earlier menopause, especially surgical menopause, is linked to higher Alzheimer’s risk—but hormone therapy may lower it, researchers find. “We detected a lasting trace of menopause on women’s brains even decades later," UCSF's Dr. Riley Bove says. https://ucsfh.org/3SIX3rW

There could be a ‘window of opportunity’ to prevent Alzheimer’s in women

A pair of new studies point to the role of early menopause and hormone treatment in cognitive decline, but more research is needed, experts say

scientificamerican.com

Parkinson’s cases are surging worldwide, and environmental toxicants may be to blame. Dr. Carlie Tanner discusses how pesticides, solvents and other exposures drive the disease and how preventatives like diet, regular exercise and banning substances could help combat it. https://ucsfh.org/4gnVM2F

Parkinson’s Rates Are Surging. Is Exposure to Poisons to Blame?

The upsurge in Parkinson's cases has been described as reaching pandemic levels. Caroline Tanner, MD, PhD, discusses her research, which explains why cases are rising, and what we can do to reduce our...

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Updated COVID vaccines for people 65+ and those at higher risk are now FDA-approved. Dr. Peter Chin-Hong recommends that high-risk people get vaccinated as soon as the new shots are available, while waiting until Oct. for a flu shot: "There's a summer wave happening now." https://ucsfh.org/4x0jKWC

F.D.A. Approves New Covid Vaccines, and They Should Be Available Soon

The shots have been approved for people 65 and older, and for younger people with underlying conditions. Others may be able to get them off label.

ucsfh.org

What if eating disorders could be recognized and treated years earlier? Our new Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders aims to make that a reality. “We’ve got a lot to do, and we’re excited to get started," Dr. Jennifer Carlson says. https://ucsfh.org/4cEWaYc

UCSF to Launch National Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders

UCSF is launching a national Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders that provides training and resources to providers, supported by a five-year grant from SAMHSA.

ucsfh.org

After a #melanoma diagnosis, Moraga tennis pro Mark Orwig joined a groundbreaking UCSF trial of a personalized mRNA cancer vaccine. Three years later, the results are promising and could reshape how doctors fight melanoma and other cancers. https://ucsfh.org/4gtmi9G

He joined a cancer vaccine trial at UCSF. The results could mark a turning point

UCSF was one of the first trial sites for a novel mRNA cancer vaccine that is reporting exciting outcomes for preventing skin cancer recurrences.

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UCSF is proud to have earned another Gold Status from the @americanheart.bsky.social's Well-being Works Better™ Scorecard! 🎊 This national assessment recognizes organizations with comprehensive strategies to support employee health, well-being and engagement. https://ucsfh.org/4xn5mIY

Building a Culture of Well-Being: UCSF Earns Gold Recognition

UCSF is celebrating continued recognition for its commitment to supporting the health and well-being of its workforce.

ucsfh.org

🎉 For eight years, @usnews.com has ranked @neurosurgucsf.bsky.social among the top three neurosurgery programs in the nation! "We’re not following trends,” Dr. Edward Chang says. “We’re leading ideas.” https://ucsfh.org/4wLM1jV

A deadly fungus called Candida auris lives quietly on human skin by hiding in hair follicles & manipulating the immune system. “Understanding how it survives on the skin may help explain how it eventually causes serious infections," Dr. Ari Molofsky says. https://ucsfh.org/3SIBHuU

🎉🥇Congratulations to UCSF dermatologist Dr. Garrett Patrick for winning the 2026 SF Marathon! “Running is a great way to learn,” he says. “There is an aspect of exploration in it that’s also present in research and treating patients.” https://ucsfh.org/4xdnzZJ

🐾 Should you worry about germs from your furry BFF? Usually not, UCSF's Dr. Peter Chin-Hong says. He helps separate real pet health risks from the ones you can shrug off, emphasizing that “the benefits of pets outweigh the disadvantages.” https://ucsfh.org/4xPg7DT

Should You Let Your Dog Lick Your Face? 9 Animal Hygiene Questions, Answered

From dog kisses to cat scratches, here’s what’s harmless—and what warrants a call to the doctor.

ucsfh.org

Stepping out of your comfort zone could be the key to healthier aging, UCSF's Dr. Stephanie Rogers says. To help, she suggests trying new activities and changing routines: "If we’re always slightly switching things up a little bit, our body has to stay on its toes.” https://ucsfh.org/4xLS9Jw

Geriatrician Says Her Healthiest Patients in Their 70s and Older All Avoid This 1 Thing

In TODAY.com’s Expert Tip of the Day, a doctor who treats older people shares the No. 1 thing her healthiest patients all have in common.

ucsfh.org

🎉Congratulations to Dr. Adam Blaisdell on receiving a new Cancer Research Institute award! The five-year grant will support his work to develop more potent, better-tolerated cellular therapies, including with a CAR T approach. https://ucsfh.org/4xpUr10

CA has largely dodged the #cyclospora outbreak tied to contaminated produce, as experts credit homegrown food supplies & some "good luck." “We’re sort of walled off from these other outbreaks,” Dr. George Rutherford tells @sfexaminer.bsky.social. https://ucsfh.org/45r6L5e

San Franciscans shouldn’t fear their lettuce or Taco Bell

Local public health experts say Cyclospora outbreak unlikely to impact California

ucsfh.org

Lab-grown “mini tumors” can predict how individual breast cancers respond to treatment, a UCSF study in @cp-cellrepmed.bsky.social finds. The approach could help researchers pinpoint more personalized therapies for patients with aggressive, treatment-resistant tumors. https://ucsfh.org/4wMlyn7

A healthier Mount Sutro is emerging! 🌸🌳🌼 UCSF's community collaboration is restoring native habitat, boosting biodiversity and building a more resilient forest. “It’s inspiring to see both the landscape and the community grow stronger together,” Ellie Rossiter says. https://ucsfh.org/4fGjx5R

HIV is only part of the story for many patients like Wanda—that's why treating the virus alone often isn’t enough, a study finds. Dr. Edward Machtinger points to provider/patient relationships as key: People need consistent, supportive, safe, stable relationships, he says. https://ucsfh.org/4fxC3xd

That toothbrush you've been side-eyeing after a cold? It's usually fine, Dr. @jasonmnagata.bsky.social says. He recommends replacing it after infections like strep throat & every 3-4 months, "or sooner if there are visible signs of wear.” https://ucsfh.org/4vSd9wV

How often to change your toothbrush

People are claiming online that toothbrushes may harbor germs capable of making you sick. Are such fears valid or overstated? Here's what to know.

usatoday.com

.@usnews.com rankings are in! We rank among the #BestHospitals in the nation, and we’re the No. 1 hospital in California (tied) and San Francisco! 🎉 And big news: Our Geriatrics and Pulmonology & Lung Surgery programs ranked No. 1 in the U.S.! Learn more ➡️ https://ucsfh.org/3RupWYB

UCSF Health Ranks #1 in California and Among the Nation's Best

No. 1 Adult Hospital in California (tied) and Among Top 10 Nationwide in 10 Specialty Areas, According to U.S. News & World Report

ucsfh.org

Repeated weight loss & regain may weaken more than motivation. Weight cycling is associated w/ substantially greater muscle loss over four years, a study finds. Understanding how to protect muscle while losing weight is important for overall health, Dr. Adrian Marth says. https://ucsfh.org/4wTFfJ3

Are your sleep tracker stats helping you rest—or keeping you up at night? 😴 It depends on the individual, Dr. Katherine Malcolm says. She discusses trackers and the art of catching much-needed zz’s with @kcbsradio.bsky.social's Steve Scott. https://ucsfh.org/4wVdUXc

We’re proud to officially be designated a Clean California Community!🏅The designation recognizes organizations that demonstrate leadership in sustainability, waste reduction, education, beautification, community partnerships, and long-term planning. https://ucsfh.org/4fw1Q7J

UCSF Earns Prestigious Clean California Community Designation

UCSF receives a special designation from Clean California.

ucsfh.org

🎉 Congratulations to @ucsfradonc.bsky.social’s Dr. Ke Sheng for being named a 2026 fellow for the American Society of Radiation Oncology (@astro-org.bsky.social)! 🎉 Sheng will be honored at ASTRO’s 68th Annual Meeting in Boston on 9/29. https://ucsfh.org/4hulSln @ucsfcancer.bsky.social

As cyclospora cases spread, what should you do if you have symptoms? For diarrhea lasting more than a few days, Dr. Peter Chin-Hong recommends getting tested, as well as sticking to a bland diet and avoiding fatty or fried foods to help prevent further stomach irritation. https://ucsfh.org/4gQFkIY

So you think you caught cyclospora, the diarrhea-causing parasite. Here’s what to do next | CNN

The symptoms of cyclospora resemble other, more common stomach bugs, and many people will try to wait it out at home rather than seeking care.

ucsfh.org

Frogs may be the secret to stopping one of nature’s deadliest neurotoxins. 🐸 Scientists found a protein that neutralizes saxitoxin in mice, paving the way for a potential antidote to paralytic shellfish poisoning. https://ucsfh.org/4bsflUw

🎉 Exciting news: We're teaming up with Foothill College to launch a 2-year neurodiagnostic technologist degree program, the first of its kind in Northern CA. Starting in 2027, the program will prepare students for careers in brain & nervous system diagnostics & monitoring. https://ucsfh.org/4puytau

If sunscreen makes your skin sting, the fix could be as simple as switching to a different formulation. “Not all sunscreens are formulated the same,” Dr. Sungat Grewal says. “Two products with the same SPF can feel very different on the skin." https://ucsfh.org/44t7PVC