Every so often, new scientific discoveries can challenge established principles and change the way we think about the world.

[Originally published in Synapse on Sept. 23, 1999.] “Disgusting, isn’t it?” said one of the directors of the national office...

First place winner of the Synapse Storytelling Contest for poetry.

[Originally published in Synapse on Sept. 16, 1996.] Summer is supposed to be relaxing and free from stress. Quite the...

Clinton is a small town with around 25,000 people. It is around 53% White and 40% Black, a pretty good...

[Originally published on Sept. 13, 2007.] Student life is hard. Long hours and stressful exams can take a toll on...

[Originally published on June 5, 1980.] Speaking before faculty, jubilant graduates and proud families, Melanie Daumont criticized medical education for...

if & when I am no longer mortal

[ Originally published on May 22, 1997.] A report by UCSF researchers released last week says there are too many...

you should know birth is not quiet. i want you to feel it.

[Written by Dr. Toan Truong while interning in medicine at UCSF and published in Synapse on May 17, 1990.] The...

Our first visit nearly brings you to tears. I hand you a diabetes diagnosis. One full point too high on...

soft summer air skies tinted pastel orange the breeze tickles my face

[Originally published on May 9, 2009.] Lyme tick disease is a cruel illness, brought on by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi...

When am I alive? The ink line separating me from my mother Smudged by nature’s thumb