Stanford University

This study looked at whether two different behavioral weight-management programs can help adults with obesity lose weight and maintain that loss over three years. A total of 321 participants were randomly assigned to one of the programs. The goal was to see if more people could l…

This study tested whether very high doses of chemotherapy, followed by a stem cell rescue, could help people with breast cancer live longer. It included 203 patients with stage II, III, or IV breast cancer whose tumors responded to standard chemo. The goal was to see if this inte…

This study looked at 1,500 people with severe blockages in three heart arteries. It compared a less invasive procedure using a pressure wire to guide stent placement (FFR-guided PCI) with open-heart bypass surgery (CABG). The goal was to see if the stent approach could match the …

This early-phase study tested a combination of two drugs, bexarotene and Iressa, in 6 people with advanced non-small cell lung cancer who had already tried other treatments. The goal was to see if the combination was safe and could help control the disease. The study looked at ho…

This study tested whether a special blood-filtering treatment, called hemofiltration, could help children who develop severe lung failure after a bone marrow transplant. The treatment aims to remove harmful inflammatory molecules from the blood. The trial enrolled 6 children and …

This study tested a program called 4T (Teamwork, Targets, Technology, and Tight Control) in 316 children and teens newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The program aimed to help them manage blood sugar levels and improve their quality of life using continuous glucose monitors an…

This study tested the drug trametinib in 25 people aged 12 to 60 with complicated arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), which are abnormal tangles of blood vessels that can cause bleeding, pain, and heart problems. The goal was to see if the drug could shrink the malformations and …

This study tested whether adding a biologic drug to oral immunotherapy (OIT) helps people with allergies to peanut and one or two other foods tolerate larger amounts of those foods without severe reactions. 130 participants aged 4 to 55 with confirmed allergies to 2 or 3 foods (i…

This study looked at whether eating a whole-food, plant-based diet for 8 weeks could lower markers of cancer and inflammation in firefighters. 121 active firefighters participated. Researchers measured changes in blood markers like IL-6 and C-reactive protein to see if the diet m…

This study tested whether giving people a low-sodium salt substitute (where part of the sodium is replaced with potassium) can help lower blood pressure. Over 600 adults in rural Bangladesh received the salt substitute from community health workers. The goal was to see if this si…

This study tested whether adding high-dose, precisely targeted radiation to standard immunotherapy can help control stage IV non-small cell lung cancer. Forty-five adults who were already on immunotherapy received radiation to some tumors. The main goal was to see how many patien…

This early-phase study tested a combination of three treatments—tumor treating fields (a device that uses electric fields to disrupt cancer growth), focused radiation, and chemotherapy—in 12 people with newly diagnosed glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. The main goal was t…

This early-phase study tested an oral drug called idebenone in 53 adults with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and mild-to-moderate liver scarring. The main goal was to check safety and tolerability, while also looking for signs that the drug might reduce liver stiffness and …

This study tested an oral drug called acebilustat to see if it can reduce arm swelling in people with long-term lymphedema. Forty adults with stage 2 upper arm lymphedema took either the drug or a placebo for 9 months. The main goal was to measure changes in skin thickness in the…

This early-phase study tested whether specially grown immune cells (cytokine-induced killer cells) could safely treat blood cancers that return after a stem cell transplant. 21 adults with relapsed multiple myeloma or other blood cancers received these donor cells. The goal was t…

This study tested whether a live, video-supervised exercise program (a mix of aerobic and strength training) could improve fitness in children and teens aged 8-19 who have had Fontan surgery for a single ventricle (half a heart). 150 participants were randomly assigned to the exe…

This early-phase study tested a three-drug combination (carfilzomib, cyclophosphamide, and etoposide) in 4 children whose solid tumors or leukemias had come back or didn't respond to standard treatment. The main goal was to find the safest dose and identify side effects. The stud…

This study tested a digital program for people with high blood pressure. Participants used a connected blood pressure cuff and received personalized health coaching through a smartphone or website. The goal was to see if this approach helps lower blood pressure better than usual …

This study tested the drug alirocumab in 114 heart transplant recipients to see if it could slow or prevent a common complication called cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), where the heart's blood vessels narrow. Participants received the drug soon after transplant, and researc…

This study tested whether having a support person, like a family member or friend, involved in a patient's buprenorphine treatment for opioid addiction helps them stay in treatment longer. 439 patients and their support persons took part. The support persons learned a counseling …

This study looked for new substances in the blood that could help diagnose liver cancer more accurately. Researchers tested blood samples from 573 people, including those with liver cancer, other liver diseases, and hepatitis infections. The goal was to find markers that work bet…

This study tested whether a Samsung Galaxy Watch can reliably detect moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults. Researchers enrolled 152 people who were either at high risk or already diagnosed with OSA. The watch's readings were compared to standard sleep tests …

This study tested whether using box fans with special filters and improving home ventilation can lower the chance of COVID-19 spreading from one sick person to others living in the same house. Over 200 people from households with at least 4 members took part. Researchers measured…

This study tested whether adjusting the dose of a tuberculosis (TB) prevention drug based on a person's genetic makeup could improve treatment. Researchers enrolled 73 people eligible for latent TB treatment. They measured drug levels in the blood to see if personalized dosing le…

This study tested whether a mobile health app could help women who had a preterm baby reduce the risk of another preterm birth. The app focused on improving patient engagement, care coordination, and following medical advice, especially around pregnancy spacing. 221 women with a …

This study tested a free online curriculum called Be Vape Free, designed to teach middle and high school students about the dangers of e-cigarettes. Nearly 2,800 students participated, and researchers measured changes in their attitudes, intentions, and actual use of e-cigarettes…

This study tested a single online session called webCHAT to see if it could reduce impaired driving among teens. 198 adolescents aged 15.5 to 17 who were in driver education took part. The program aimed to help them avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or cannabis and rid…

This study tested a new treatment for knee osteoarthritis using a person's own fat tissue. 40 adults received either a fat tissue injection or a standard steroid shot into the knee. The goal was to see if the fat tissue could better reduce pain and improve knee function.

This study tested whether parents of children with autism can learn a therapy called Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) through secure video calls. About 100 children aged 2 to 5 with language delays took part. The goal was to see if this remote training helps parents use PRT corre…

This study tested whether a faster schedule of brain stimulation (called accelerated theta burst) can help people with depression that hasn't improved with other treatments. 40 adults who had already tried this type of therapy received a retreatment. The goal was to see if it cou…

This study looked at whether a special knee brace (Tri-Compartment Unloader) helps reduce pain and improve function in people with anterior knee pain. Twenty adults with knee pain during weight-bearing activities wore the brace during physical therapy and daily life. Researchers …

This study compared two antidepressant medications, duloxetine and desipramine, to see which one reduces pain better in people with chronic pain. About 86 adults with pain lasting more than 3 months took one of the two drugs for six months. The main goal was to see how many peopl…

This study tested whether the drug Lemborexant helps people with delayed sleep phase syndrome (a condition where your internal clock makes it hard to fall asleep at a normal time) fall asleep faster. 71 adults took either the drug or a placebo nightly for up to 2 years. Researche…

This study tested whether a single dose of cabergoline can prevent breast pain, engorgement, and milk leakage in people who had an abortion or pregnancy loss between 16 and 20 weeks. 69 participants took either the drug or a placebo and reported their symptoms. The goal is to red…

This study tested whether using virtual reality (VR) during physical therapy helps children and young adults (ages 7-25) move more and enjoy therapy more. Sixty participants did both VR-assisted and traditional therapy sessions. Researchers measured activity levels with a watch-l…

This study tested whether adding virtual reality (VR) to standard physical therapy helps teenagers with long-term muscle or bone pain. 34 teens aged 10-17 used VR while doing exercises to see if it was easy, fun, and helpful. The goal was to reduce fear of movement and improve ph…

This study tested a new type of deep brain stimulation (DBS) that adjusts its settings in real time to help people with Parkinson's disease who experience freezing of gait—a sudden inability to move their feet. Unlike standard DBS, which delivers constant stimulation, this adapti…

This study tested whether a device that uses sound and audio feedback (called NOICE) can help people feel less pain from cold. 42 healthy adults took part, and each tried both the device and no device at different times. The goal was to see if the device could lower pain scores a…

This study looked at whether adding buprenorphine to ketamine treatment can reduce suicidal thoughts faster and longer than ketamine alone in people with major depression. About 50 adults participated. The main goal was to measure changes in suicidal thinking over one month. Resu…

This study tested a one-time pain management class for young people aged 10 to 18 with chronic pain. The class taught about pain science and simple skills to help manage pain. Researchers checked if the class was easy to use and liked by participants, and if it helped reduce pain…

This study looked at whether family therapy helps children aged 6 to 12 with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) gain weight and improve eating. About 98 children took part, comparing family therapy to usual care. The goal was to see if family therapy works better a…

This study looked at a voluntary program to help people with chronic pain slowly lower their opioid medications. 51 adults who wanted to reduce their opioid dose worked with their doctor over 4 months using a personalized tapering plan and a self-help book. The main goal was to s…

This small pilot study tested an accelerated version of theta-burst stimulation, a type of magnetic brain stimulation, in 7 adults with bipolar depression that did not respond to standard treatments. All participants received the active treatment. The goal was to see if this fast…

This study tested whether a sleep improvement program (CBT-I) could reduce depression and anxiety symptoms in 51 adults with poor sleep and mood issues. Participants received six sessions of CBT-I over eight weeks, and researchers used brain scans to see if sleep changes affected…

This study tested whether a nerve block (suprazygomatic maxillary nerve block) can reduce pain and the need for strong painkillers in children after tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Researchers also added dexmedetomidine to see if it makes pain relief last longer. 114 children ag…

This study tested whether a short program that encourages doctors to see daily food choices as acts of self-kindness can improve their self-compassion and reduce burnout. 177 US physicians took part over 6 weeks. The goal was to find a practical way to help doctors care for thems…

This study tested a new, fast brain stimulation method called aiTBS to help people with treatment-resistant depression who feel little pleasure or interest. 79 adults received personalized stimulation. The goal was to see if it could improve their mood and ability to enjoy life.

This study looked at 113 adults with carpal tunnel syndrome to see if there is a difference in pain and hand function shortly after surgery. Some patients had an endoscopic (smaller incision) release, while others had the traditional open surgery. The goal was to find out which a…

This study tested whether using a virtual reality (VR) headset could help reduce anxiety in parents whose children are in the hospital. About 485 parents took part, with some using VR and others receiving standard care. Researchers measured anxiety levels using a simple scale and…

This study tested whether using a virtual reality headset to do behavioral activation therapy (a type of therapy that encourages positive activities) could help people with major depressive disorder. 26 adults with depression tried either VR-assisted therapy or standard therapy. …

This study tested whether a computer-based training program that changes how people process emotions can reduce obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors in adults with OCD. Five participants completed the training, and the researchers measured symptom changes using standard OC…

This study tested whether a digital symptom-tracking app (Noona) helps people with advanced lung or gastrointestinal cancer manage their symptoms and improve quality of life. 190 participants either used the app to log symptoms weekly for 24 weeks or received usual care. The app …

This study tested a procedure called cryoneurolysis, which uses a special device to freeze the nerves around broken ribs. The goal was to see if it could provide better pain relief and reduce the need for strong painkillers like opioids. The study included 43 adults aged 18 to 64…

This study tested a digital program called 'Empowered Relief: On-Demand' to help people with chronic pain who misuse prescription opioids. 234 adults were randomly assigned to either the pain skills app or a health education app. Researchers measured pain levels, opioid cravings,…

This study tested whether pregnenolone, a natural hormone in the brain, can help reduce irritability and improve social communication in people with autism. Forty participants aged 14 to 25 took the hormone or a placebo for several weeks. Researchers measured changes in behavior …

This study tested whether virtual reality (VR) experiences are practical and helpful for older adults with serious illnesses living in nursing homes. 52 participants tried computer-generated or film-based VR. Researchers measured symptoms like pain and anxiety, and how relaxed th…

This study tested a therapy called Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) in a preschool setting to help children with autism improve their social communication. 75 children aged 2 to 4 took part. The goal was to see if this play-based approach could make a real difference in how they …

This study tested whether watching short, animated storytelling videos could make people more aware of their smartphone overuse and help them cut back. Researchers enrolled 6,000 adults in the US who own a smartphone. Participants watched the videos and reported their phone addic…

This study tested whether adding in-home decluttering practice to a group workshop (Buried in Treasures) helps people with hoarding disorder. 41 adults aged 18-70 took part. The goal was to reduce clutter, difficulty discarding, and excessive acquiring. Results were measured usin…

This study tested a portable device that creates a temporary, nanofiber skin dressing (Spincare matrix) to help heal wounds in people with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), a rare genetic condition causing fragile, blistering skin. Six participants aged 6 and old…

This study tested whether adding a palliative care team to standard surgical care improves quality of life for patients with gastrointestinal cancers and their families. 379 patients preparing for major cancer surgery were randomly assigned to either surgeon-only care or co-manag…

This study tested two cooling methods to help outdoor workers lower their body temperature and avoid heat-related illness. Forty workers participated, and researchers measured how fast their core temperature dropped using a special pill. The goal was to find a practical way to pr…

This study tested a procedure called cryoablation, which uses cold to numb nerves around broken ribs, to help elderly patients manage pain. The goal was to reduce complications and help them get back to normal activities faster. 127 patients over age 65 with rib fractures took pa…

This study tested whether taking the antiviral drug Paxlovid for 15 days can reduce severe Long COVID symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and shortness of breath. 168 adults with persistent symptoms after a confirmed COVID-19 infection took either Paxlovid or a placebo. Researchers…

This study tested whether a nasal spray containing vasopressin, a natural hormone, can improve social skills in children with autism. 157 children aged 6 to 17 took part. The main goal was to see if the spray reduces social difficulties, as measured by parent questionnaires and d…

This study looked at 159 adults who had nose surgery (rhinoplasty) to see which pain medicine worked better for the first 5 days after surgery. One group took a combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone, while the other took acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Participants rated thei…

This study tested an accelerated schedule of theta-burst stimulation, a type of brain stimulation, in 48 adults with treatment-resistant depression. Half received the real treatment and half received a sham (fake) treatment. The goal was to see if the treatment changes brain conn…

This study tested whether a short, animated storytelling video can reduce stigma towards people with addiction. Over 13,000 adults from multiple countries watched the video online. Researchers measured changes in stigma, optimism, and empathy. The goal was to find a scalable way …

This study tested whether electronic alerts can help anesthesia providers reduce the amount of fresh gas they use during surgery. Over 300 anesthesia providers participated. The goal was to see if these alerts lead to lower gas flow rates, which can save money and reduce environm…

This study tested whether playing recordings of a mother's voice to preterm babies in the NICU helps their brain and language development. Researchers enrolled 57 preterm infants born between 24 and 31 weeks. The goal was to see if this simple, non-invasive intervention could imp…

This study looked at whether notifying patients and their doctors about calcium buildup in the heart arteries (found by chance on a chest CT scan) leads to better heart health. About 200 adults were randomly assigned to receive this notification or usual care. The main goal was t…

This study followed nearly 10,000 college students over several years to understand how friendships, daily moods, and brain activity relate to anxiety, depression, loneliness, and stress. Participants completed surveys and some underwent brain scans. The goal was to learn more ab…

This study looked at whether a virtual therapy platform called Teleo helps children with anxiety or mood disorders engage better in online therapy compared to regular video calls. 41 children already in therapy took part. Researchers measured engagement through video recordings a…

This study tested a low-cost, low-intensity egg freezing protocol (the Cardinal protocol) to see if it works as well as standard high-intensity methods. 168 women aged 18-40 who wanted to freeze their eggs chose either the low-cost or standard protocol. Researchers compared the n…

This study looked at gene activity in prostate tissue from 867 men to better understand how prostate cancer develops and grows. Researchers compared genetic information with patient health records to find links between genes and cancer outcomes. The goal was to learn more about t…

This study looked at how a diabetes medicine called ertugliflozin affects fat tissue around the heart. Researchers took fat samples from 61 adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease during heart surgery. They tested the fat in a lab to see if the drug improved how the fat cel…

This study looked at whether video recordings of people's faces and speech can help measure mood changes in real time. Eleven adults with depression and epilepsy took part. Researchers compared these video-based signals to brain activity and mood ratings to see if they could crea…

This study looked at 233 people with heart disease who were not taking cholesterol-lowering drugs. Researchers told both the patients and their doctors about calcium found in the heart arteries on a CT scan. The goal was to see if this information would lead to starting cholester…

This study looked at why some people develop prediabetes and diabetes differently. Researchers tested whether personalized diet recommendations based on each person's unique metabolism could better prevent diabetes. 115 adults with prediabetes or insulin resistance took part. The…

This study tested a new way to treat depression that doesn't respond to medication. Researchers used a brain stimulation technique called rTMS, but with a twist: they monitored brain activity in real time to adjust the stimulation for each person. 44 adults with medication-resist…

This study tested whether teaching people about alcohol flushing (red face after drinking) and its link to cancer could help them drink less. 70 English-speaking adults took part. Researchers measured awareness and drinking habits before and after the education.

This study looked at how ketamine changes brain activity in areas that control reward and emotion. Researchers used MRI scans to measure blood flow and connections in the brain while participants did tasks. The goal was to understand ketamine's effects on healthy adults who have …

This study tested whether a vibrating device can distract from the pain of a needle prick. Two hundred healthy adults received light pinpricks with and without the device. Researchers measured pain levels and anxiety to see if vibration helps.

This study looked at 319 adults having an ERCP, a procedure to treat bile duct or pancreas problems. Doctors compared a standard reusable endoscope with one that has a single-use plastic cover on the tip. The goal was to see if the disposable cover reduces side effects like bleed…

This small pilot study looked at whether children and teens who had a stem cell transplant for leukemia could use an iPad-based program to help their thinking and memory. Only 17 participants enrolled, and the main goal was to see if the program was practical and if kids would st…

This study looked at whether a genetic marker called COMT can predict how well a person responds to hypnosis for pain after surgery. Researchers tested a new, faster method to read this gene from saliva or blood samples. The goal is to one day use a simple genetic test to persona…

This study collected DNA and health information from over 1,000 adults aged 40+ with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) to find genetic differences that explain why some people develop more skin tumors. Researchers used a genome-wide analysis to identify common genetic variants linke…

This study tested whether heart failure patients learn more from watching videos or reading text about their condition. 130 patients with heart failure took part. They were randomly assigned to video or text modules, then tested on their knowledge. The goal is to find the best wa…

This study tested a new way to target brain stimulation (TMS) for depression by tailoring it to each person's brain network. Fifty adults with major depression received different types of TMS to see which approach best changes brain activity. The goal is to make TMS more effectiv…

This study looked at the different types of cells inside breast tumors to better understand how they affect treatment response. Researchers used advanced molecular tools to analyze samples from 145 people with breast cancer. The goal was to gather knowledge that could lead to bet…

This study looked at how the drug MDMA changes brain activity related to risk and reward. Researchers used brain scans on 22 healthy adults who had used MDMA before. The goal was to understand how the drug alters brain circuits, not to treat any disease.

This study tested whether a special micro-ultrasound machine can more accurately find and outline prostate cancer compared to standard imaging. Researchers took ultrasound images of the prostate before biopsy or surgery in 95 men and compared them to lab results from removed tiss…

This study looked at how different types of virtual reality (VR) games affect pain perception in 265 healthy adults. Participants played both passive and active VR games while researchers measured their heat and pressure pain thresholds. The goal was to understand if the type of …

This study looked at whether warning labels on social media can discourage teens and young adults (ages 13-29) from using it. Over 1,000 participants rated how effective different warning messages were. The study also tested if warnings improved by artificial intelligence worked …

This study looked at how the brain works in people with anxiety or depression. Researchers used brain scans and tests to understand which brain circuits are involved. Some participants also tried a 12-week treatment with medication or brain stimulation. The goal was to learn more…

This completed study surveyed over 500 breast cancer patients from low-income and minority groups in Northern California to find out what stops them from getting genomic testing. Researchers used an online survey and phone interviews to gather information. The goal was to identif…

This study looked at how reading education changes the brains of 90 children with dyslexia. Using advanced brain scans, researchers measured changes in brain connections and reading skills before and after the program. The goal is to understand why some children improve more than…

This study tested whether a mixed reality simulation could increase empathy in anesthesiology trainees. 81 participants completed empathy surveys before and after the immersive experience. The goal was to see if this type of training could help future doctors better understand th…

This study tested whether showing health or climate labels (or both) and suggesting healthier or more eco-friendly food swaps in an online grocery store helps people make better choices. Over 1,200 adults in the U.S. shopped in a simulated online store, and researchers measured t…

This study looked at whether having heart failure patients regularly fill out a short questionnaire about their health and quality of life during clinic visits helps improve their care. Over 1,200 adults from a heart failure clinic took part. Some started the surveys right away, …

This study tested a digital health program called Bladder Basics for children aged 5-10 with bladder issues. Researchers measured how many families joined, watched the videos, and completed follow-up surveys. The goal was to see if this approach could work in schools to improve b…

This study from Stanford University looked at how the immune system responds to exercise and whether it plays a role in delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Twenty-two healthy adults did arm exercises and gave blood samples over several days. Researchers measured immune markers …

This early-phase study at Stanford looked at how a nutritional supplement called alpha-ketoglutarate is absorbed into the eyes when taken orally. Seventeen adults with age-related eye diseases participated. The main goal was to measure changes in the supplement's level in eye flu…

This study tested whether having spine surgery patients wear an Apple Watch could help doctors track their recovery. 255 adults wore the watch before and after surgery to measure steps and distance. The goal was to see if this data matched how patients felt and if it could improv…

This study looked at 22 children with a common form of epilepsy (BECTS) who often have language and learning difficulties. Researchers used a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called TMS to temporarily quiet abnormal brain activity and measured changes in brain connections…

This study tested whether a dye called fluorescein sodium, given through an IV, can help surgeons identify nerves during head and neck surgery. Eight adults having open head and neck surgery took part. The goal was to see if the dye makes nerves glow, potentially reducing nerve d…

This study looked at whether offering rewards—like money for yourself or donations to others—can help people walk more. Researchers tested this in 450 adults of different ages to see which incentives work best for each group. The goal was to learn how to encourage more physical a…

This study looked at how reliably a new imaging tracer called [18F]-FTC-146 shows brain activity in healthy volunteers. Five healthy adults aged 18-65 had brain scans twice to see if the results were consistent. No treatment was given; the goal was simply to understand the tracer…