The so-called "super flu," a longer-lasting, highly transmissible strain of influenza, is spreading in CA. To help protect against more severe illness, it's a good idea to get your flu shot if you haven't already, UCSF's Dr. Monica Gandhi tells @nbcbayarea.com. https://ucsfh.org/3YJQc0X

UCSF is honoring @uofcalifornia.bsky.social President Emeritus Dr. Michael V. Drake with a public plaza! Along 3rd Street on our Mission Bay campus, the Michael V. Drake Plaza is a warm and welcoming outdoor gathering space for both patients and staff. https://ucsfh.org/4aSayfL

When an NFL player suffers an Achilles injury, recovery time depends on early rehab, age, tissue quality and what position the athlete plays, @drniravpandya.bsky.social says in this discussion of 49ers injuries with @mattmaiocco.bsky.social. https://ucsfh.org/4jJ9RaY

Self-administered injectable contraception has been available in the U.S. for 2+ decades, but only about 1/4 of reproductive health experts prescribe it, a study finds. “It’s safe, effective and puts the control in patients’ own hands,” UCSF's Dr. Jennifer Karlin says. https://ucsfh.org/4qk1Jjx

Cancer immunotherapies have revolutionized treatment by using a patient’s own T-cells to target tumors. But in rare cases they can cause fatal cardiac inflammation. New UCSF research from Dr. Amir Munir helps explain why—and could lead to improved therapies. https://ucsfh.org/4qFamoD

Diagnosing deadly lung infections like pneumonia in critically ill patients can be difficult, but AI and genetic data can help, UCSF clinicians found. The new method could "lead to faster diagnosis and curtail the unnecessary use of antibiotics," Dr. Chaz Langelier says. https://ucsfh.org/3LyJPuj

Lee's multiple myeloma diagnosis came with a prognosis of just a few years, but 14 years on, he’s still hiking and cycling. “My survival relates directly to NIH research & funding,” he says. “If it hadn’t been for that, I wouldn’t be here.” https://ucsfh.org/3YQWFad

Older people, those who are immunocompromised or have allergies and asthma are at heightened risk for thirdhand smoke, a study from UCSF, @sandiegostate.bsky.social & @berkeleylab.lbl.gov finds. New changes to CA real estate disclosures could help address the issue. https://ucsfh.org/4b4Rzi1

A UCSF milestone: We had an all-woman team of surgeons & other physicians taking care of our liver transplant patients on Christmas! In 1988 Dr. Nancy Ascher, the first woman to perform a liver transplant, founded our Liver Transplant Program, which has given ~4,000 people a second chance at life.

UCSF and @broadinstitute.org researchers have linked common gene variants to aortic stenosis, a narrowing of the aortic valve. Risk is partly due to the same genes that cause differences in how heart valves work in healthy people, Dr. James Pirruccello explains. https://ucsfh.org/4qmfApa

When it comes to ACL injuries, "one thing that's important is that initial exam is really, really accurate," @brianfeeleymd.bsky.social says on the @6to8weekspodcast.bsky.social with @drniravpandya.bsky.social. They talk all things ACL, including diagnoses, MRIs & surgery. https://ucsfh.org/4qyUR1K

Welcome to the world, June! She was the first baby born at our hospital in 2026, arriving at 5:01 a.m. on Jan. 1, weighing 7 pounds, 8 ounces, and measuring 20.5 inches. Congratulations to proud parents, Lila and James, on their healthy New Year’s baby! 🥳

🎆 Happy New Year from everyone at our hospitals! 🥂

Happy holidays from everyone at our hospitals! ☃️❄️

Estrogen is to blame for disproportionate gut pain and food sensitivities in women, a study finds. The hormone activates previously unknown pathways in the colon, leading to discomfort and reactions to certain foods, researchers report. https://ucsfh.org/4qqsAKH

Wearable digital devices and a mobile phone app helped cardiac patients maintain an active lifestyle after surgery, a study led by UCSF’s Linda Park found. “The digital health opportunities we have right now can do so much good,” she says. https://ucsfh.org/4s21wTy

Adults 65+ w/ IBD now have a clinic designed just for them: our IBD Longevity Clinic! “I’m hoping that coming to a clinic like this will give them a bigger picture perspective of their health management & help them achieve their aging-related goals,” Dr. Anu Madhavan says. https://ucsfh.org/49gVozk

Young people who use tanning beds have more skin mutations than people twice their age, a UCSF study finds. For the first time, researchers have found that "the skin of tanning bed users appeared decades older at the genetic level," UCSF's Bishal Tandukar says. https://ucsfh.org/3MD2q8Y

We’re proud to receive @facs.org's National Surgical Quality Improvement Program recognition for achieving meritorious outcomes for surgical patient care! The prestigious award reflects "UCSF Health’s legacy of excellence in surgical care," Dr. Julie Ann Sosa says. https://ucsfh.org/3KMylDg

Whether you're dealing with a sprained ankle, a sinus infection or just cold and flu season, our urgent care providers are here to help with medical concerns that aren't life-threatening but require quick treatment. Here's where to get UCSF urgent care: https://ucsfh.org/4a5GzAF

We're among the nation's best hospitals for maternity care, according to US News & World Report! “This special recognition reflects the leadership, high standards, commitment and expertise of our clinical teams on a daily basis," UCSF's Dr. Roxanna A. Irani says. https://ucsfh.org/4a6lfed

UCSF Health hematologists and oncologists will share research & clinical guidance at the world’s premier meeting for malignant and non-malignant hematology, @ash.hematology.org's 67th Annual Meeting & Exposition. The conference takes place this week in Florida: ucsfh.org/4pPYboB

A "prescribing cascade"—when drugs' side effects lead to more meds & side effects—can be risky, particularly for older patients on certain pain meds. UCSF's Dr. Michael Steinman recommends regularly checking in w/ your doctor "to assess whether this is the best treatment." https://ucsfh.org/48Gilur

Did you know that muscle dysmorphia, also known as “bigorexia,” can go unnoticed when symptoms resemble behaviors society praises? “When exercise starts to take over your life rather than support it, that’s a warning sign,” UCSF's Dr. @jasonmnagata.bsky.social tells @cnn.com. ucsfh.org/4pqFpV5

We are excited to introduce the outstanding cohort of eight cardiology fellows joining @ucsfhealth.bsky.social in 2026! We look forward to working with these talented individuals. #FutureCardiologists #Match2025 #MatchDay

Work created in our Art for Recovery program is now on display at SF MOMA! The program helps people cope with serious illness through art. By putting complex emotions on paper, "the thing that you feel inside feels a little less scary," patient Susana says. https://ucsfh.org/4peB5rZ

Typically, flu cases pick up between Christmas and New Year's, but that trend could start earlier this year, Dr. Peter Chin-Hong says. Low vaccination rates and a "souped-up" new variant mean “more people might get infected earlier on," he says. https://ucsfh.org/44IT8y2

Thanks to a complex regimen of experimental immunotherapies, a person with HIV was able to keep symptoms in check for 1.5+ years w/o daily medication, a study published in @nature.com finds. UCSF’s Dr. Steven Deeks describes the breakthrough as “unexpected & unparalleled.” ucsfh.org/3XvbDSM

Thanks to a complex regimen of experimental immunotherapies, a person with HIV was able to keep symptoms in check for 1.5 years without daily medication, a study published in @nature.com finds. UCSF’s Dr. Steven Deeks describes the breakthrough as “unexpected and unparalleled.” ucsfh.org/3XvbDSM

Why is it easy to hear individual words in your native tongue, but in a foreign language they run together in a long stream of sound? Two new studies on a brain region called STG—until now thought only to handle simple sound processing—could help explain why. https://ucsfh.org/48pBm4b

Combining genetic and cardiovascular disease risk factors may predict who is at highest risk for developing dementia, a UCSF-led study finds. Lifestyle change and improved vascular illness control could help delay or prevent symptoms, UCSF’s Shea Andrews says. https://ucsfh.org/49Boom9

Once a patient is discharged, our nursing, social work and pharmacy departments reach out to ensure continued access to meds, home health care & immediate social support. Our team “steps in to make sure nothing falls through the cracks,” nurse coordinator Lena Compton says. https://ucsfh.org/48hDdI6

A 2021 study from Dr. Uma Mahadevan found that pregnant women can take the most common IBD medications without any complications. She recently helped draft the world’s first guidelines on IBD and pregnancy. Read her advice on pregnancy with IBD: https://ucsfh.org/47ULqmQ

It's been 10 years since clinical guidelines for differentiated thyroid cancer received an update. Now new guidance, co-developed by @jasosamd.bsky.social, highlights the importance of patient-centered care, shared patient & clinical decision making & more personalized management. ucsfh.org/3KfONvq

A blood-based biomarker could help measure longterm progress of bone fracture recovery earlier than ever before, UCSF-led research finds—potentially leading to "better tools... to monitor & support bone healing in real time & personalize patient care,” Dr. Benjamin Ma says. https://ucsfh.org/3Kagm9q

KRAS gene mutations cause ~1/4 of cancerous tumors, and experts believed they were "undruggable." New discoveries from UCSF's Kevan Shokat have led to the first KRAS-targeting drugs, ushering in a new era in cancer treatment and inspiring new research on other diseases. https://ucsfh.org/4recbdy

Should you detox after the holidays? What are the benefits of intermittent fasting? What about an anti-inflammatory diet? Some answers might surprise you. UCSF's Lindsay Orbeta debunks nutrition's top myths with Dr. Nirav Pandya & Dr. Brian Feeley on the 6-8 Weeks podcast. https://ucsfh.org/3LKhFwe

☕ Good news for coffee lovers: A daily cup of joe reduces atrial fibrillation (A-Fib) by almost 40%, a UCSF study finds. Doctors usually recommend people with heart issues avoid caffeine, but the findings suggest coffee is not only safe but likely even helps. https://ucsfh.org/49kLQUA

Targeting aging cells in the body can reverse changes that drive aggressive lung cancer, a study finds—marking the first time scientists have proven the decades-old theory outside of a lab setting. https://ucsfh.org/4pfiqfe

When Lee was diagnosed w/ an aggressive blood cancer, experts gave him at most 4 years to live. 14 years later, he's still here thanks to various treatments at UCSF. “I feel very lucky," he says. "I never thought I’d live to see my kids get married or see my grandchildren." https://ucsfh.org/4975zai

Making a hot cup of coffee with pods or single-serve cups could expose you to microplastics—but switching to stainless steel when possible could help, experts say. "Broader change depends on government and industry action. Do what you can do,” UCSF's Tracey Woodruff says. https://ucsfh.org/4hWcN3d

UCSF researchers used AI to fine-tune deep brain stimulation in patients w/ Parkinson’s disease, improving their ability to walk. “The personalized settings for each patient led to meaningful improvements in walking... without worsening other symptoms,” Dr. Doris Wang says. https://ucsfh.org/4otDMWf

When choosing sugars and sweet substitutes, "natural" options like honey can still be harmful when consumed in excess. Excess sugars can prompt the liver to convert some sugar into fat, potentially increasing the risk of liver cancer and failure, Dr. Robert Lustig says. https://ucsfh.org/43bRswv

To address the specific challenges adults 65+ with IBD face, our IBD Longevity Clinic provides comprehensive and specialized care for patients with the chronic condition. “It’s an exciting step forward for UCSF and for older adults living with IBD,” Dr. Anu Madhavan says. https://ucsfh.org/3Jy8e2h

If you want to reduce how often you wake up to pee at night, simple lifestyle changes could help improve sleep hygiene. While there’s no “single magic bullet,” UCSF's Dr. Alison Huang recommends avoiding tea, coffee and alcohol in the evenings. https://ucsfh.org/3LtlYfn

ChatGPT can pass medical licensing exams and solve some clinical cases, but the technology is also notorious for making things up. Experts, including UCSF's Dr. Michael Turken, share tips on how to navigate chatbots more safely when asking healthcare questions. https://ucsfh.org/3JJblV4

Doctors are prescribing fewer opioids to nursing home residents who may need the drugs to manage chronic pain, a study finds. "These residents are not the ones most at risk for misusing these medications," UCSF’s Ulrike Muench says. https://ucsfh.org/4nCxP80

Debbie Menzies grappled with debilitating seizures & depression, & UCSF doctors used a procedure known as LITT to remove a growth on her brain that was causing the symptoms. "I wonder, sometimes, what my life would be like if I’d received this treatment earlier," she says. https://ucsfh.org/3Lc8vIH

UCSF specialists performed a transplant using pancreatic islets made in a lab from stem cells. The new procedure aims to help diabetes patients become insulin independent, and early evidence shows it's already helping our first patient, Dr. Andrew Posselt says. https://ucsfh.org/4nAcjkg

Daylight saving time ended early Sunday morning. As we “fall back,” the time change can cause many people to feel disoriented for days or even weeks. Dr. Louis Ptáček on why the disruption to our internal clock throws us for a loop—& his tips to make adjusting easier. https://ucsfh.org/48XeUBs