Molecules of life
Understanding the world within us
This issue of Stanford Medicine magazine explores the molecules within us and how understanding them can lead to medical discoveries and innovations.


Human biology at its most basic
Molecular insights boom

Imaging blows up
Cryogenic electron microscopy is driving a burst of discoveries about how molecules work in health and disease

My favorite molecule
A dozen Stanford Medicine researchers explain what piques their interest when it comes to molecules

Vicious circles
Cancer’s deadly weapon – rings of DNA – have been hiding in plain sight

Reforming pain
Goodbye to one-size-fits-all solutions to rein in pain

A gift of hope
Following her daughter’s death, a mother’s donation helps open the door for cancer immunotherapy

The mind-mucus connection
When phlegm runs amok, it can be life-threatening. Neuroscience know-how offers a way to put a cork in it.
Letter from the Dean
Unraveling molecular mysteries
A steadfast commitment to fundamental science has pushed Stanford Medicine research beyond what we could have imagined
Plus

A guide through the cancer labyrinth
Toward a peer navigation program for Black women helping Black women survive breast cancer

Here come the assembloids
A new type of brain model reveals the organ’s workings in unparalleled detail, providing insights into development and disease

Putting patients first in prescription opioid regulation
Chief of commission on North America’s opioid crisis reflects on the importance of consensus

Try this at home
Student researchers turned to everyday items to isolate antibodies from chicken eggs

Ready, set, genome
Record-setting DNA sequencing finds answers for patients fast
Upfront

Brain cells gone bad
An explanation for how normally benevolent brain cells called astrocytes turn ruthless and destroy injured neurons
Upfront is a quick look at the latest developments from Stanford Medicine
Improving colitis treatment
Cholesterol-reducing statin drugs could relieve ulcerative colitis
Growing heart parts
Engineering heart tissue to improve the lives of infants with severe heart abnormalities
Of mice and men and women
Researchers spot brain cells that help drive gender-specific sexual behavior
Depression relief
A new type of magnetic brain stimulation eliminates symptoms in more than three-quarters of patients
ADHD treatment gap
Recommended behavior management training isn’t usually the first option doctors give parents
COVID-19 in overdrive
One-fifth of hospitalized patients develop coronavirus antibodies that attack their tissue
Say, what?
Teen brains are conditioned to shut down mom’s voice
Explore issues

Reimagining cancer
Innovation-driven exploration and care

The majestic cell
How the smallest units of life determine our health

Psychiatry’s new frontiers
Hope amid crisis

AI explodes
Taking the pulse of artificial intelligence in medicine