| UCSF Magazine

UCSF Maintains Services During Two-Day Strike

UCSF will continue operations during a two-day, UC-wide strike by the AFSCME union, November 17–18. The university has contingency plans in place to maintain services and expects the labor action to have a limited impact on patient care.

From Undruggable to Unstoppable: A New Cancer Cure Target Emerges

The KRAS gene mutation, responsible for a quarter of all cancerous tumors, has met its match. Thanks to UCSF research, a tiny “pocket” on a protein that signals the cells to grow and divide was discovered, leading to the world's first FDA-approved drugs that can now target and destroy these cancer cells.

UCSF Cardiologists Share Research, Receive Recognition at Heart Meeting

Late-breaking results from clinical trials, debates about lifestyle choices and cardiovascular risk, and improving clinical care with generative AI are among the topics being presented by UC San Francisco clinicians and researchers at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2025. The meeting, taking place from Nov. 7 to 10 in New Orleans, Louisiana, is the premier global event in cardiovascular health and science.

How to Thwart Cancer: Drug the Cells It Uses to Grow and Shapeshift

Senescent fibroblasts are aging cells in connective tissue that no longer divide and protect against tumor development. Yet, these same cells can promote cancer growth in a laboratory setting.

Until now, it was not clear whether the cells promote cancer inside the body. Now we know they do, and how.

How Can AI Sentiment Analysis Apply to Complex Medical Diagnoses?

UCSF researchers are studying whether large language models, a type of artificial intelligence (AI), can analyze the clinical notes of multiple physicians and other care providers to improve the diagnosis of complex liver conditions like hepatorenal syndrome (HRS).

New Healthy, Hopeful, Care Guidelines for Pregnant Women with IBD

Women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) face increased pregnancy risks, often leading to confusion and fear. UCSF’s PIANO study and global guidelines highlight safe medication use, debunk myths, and improve care.

Some Children’s Tantrums Can Be Seen in the Brain, New Study Finds

New research shows how brain networks differ in neurodiverse children who are and aren't resilient in the face of sensory overload.

Drink Up: Coffee Is Safe for People with A-Fib

A study found that drinking at least a cup of caffeinated coffee daily significantly lowered the risk of atrial fibrillation, a common heart condition.

UCSF Urology Clinicians Present Research Findings at SurgeWest 2025

Development of a novel RNA biomarker for prostate cancer detection using seminal fluid and mismatched opioid prescriptions following urologic surgery are among the topics being presented by UCSF clinicians and researchers at the Western Section of the American Urological Association’s SurgeWest 2025. The 101st SurgeWest meeting, taking place from Nov. 2-6, in Napa, California, is the largest regional gathering of urology professionals in the Western U.S.

UCSF Chancellor Addresses How the Institution Can Ensure Its Continuum

UCSF's Chancellor Hawgood urged transition to a "Second Curve" of innovation, leveraging philanthropy, new infrastructure, and AI to overcome funding challenges and ensure sustained excellence.