The Lesbian Health & Research Center will commemorate the release of the first-ever comprehensive lesbian health textbook during an afternoon symposium at UCSF on February 8.

Donna Ferriero, MD, UCSF chief of pediatric neurology, has been appointed to the National Neurological Disorders and Stroke Advisory Council. The 18 member council, composed of physicians, scientists and representatives of the public, serves as the principal advisory body to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) regarding the Institute’s research program planning and priorities.

A landmark textbook focusing on lesbian health, based on extensive research and the clinical experience of its 46 chapter authors, is now available.

The UCSF School of Dentistry will offer free cleanings, dental sealants and fluoride treatments as part of the citywide “Give Kids a Smile Day.” Each child will receive a free toothbrush, toothpaste and floss. UCSF faculty, volunteer dentists and dental students will provide free dental screenings to satisfy the Kindergarten/1st Grade Oral Health Assessment Bill requirements. Services will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Members of the media are invited to attend from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Douglas Bettcher, director of the World Health Organization’s Tobacco Free Initiative, will talk about reining in Big Tobacco during a symposium at UCSF on February 12.

UCSF Chancellor Susan Desmond-Hellmann outlines a vision for faster development of better, cheaper drugs to fight cancer.

UCSF researchers have identified an elusive molecular regulator that controls the ability of human sperm to reach and fertilize the egg, a finding that has implications on both treating male infertility and preventing pregnancy.

The UCSF Resource Allocation Program (RAP) is accepting applications for the spring 2010 funding cycle.

Shinya Yamanaka, a scientist who reprogrammed adult cells into embryonic-like stem cells, has been chosen to receive the 2010 March of Dimes Prize in Developmental Biology.