MRI-guided focused ultrasound combined with microbubbles can open the blood-brain barrier and allow therapeutic drugs to reach the diseased brain location under the guidance of MRI. It is a promising technique that has been shown safe in patients with various brain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and glioblastoma. Chen While MRI […]
"Comparing stress prediction models using smartwatch physiological signals and participant self-reports" (2021) Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine Comparing stress prediction models using smartwatch physiological signals and participant self-reports(2021) Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine, 208, art. no. 106207, . Dai, R.a , Lu, C.a , Yun, L.b , Lenze, E.c , Avidan, M.b , Kannampallil, T.b d a Department of Computer Science, McKelvey School of Engineering, United […]
“Critical tests of the continuous dual-process model of recognition” (2021) Cognition Critical tests of the continuous dual-process model of recognition (2021) Cognition, 215, art. no. 104827, . Cha, J., Dobbins, I.G. Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in Saint Louis, United States Abstract Dual process recognition models assume recognition depends upon context recollection and/or item familiarity. While most […]
A research team at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has identified potential new treatment targets for Alzheimer’s disease, as well as existing drugs that have therapeutic potential against these targets. The potential targets are defective proteins that lead to the buildup of amyloid in the brain, contributing to the onset of problems […]
When Laura Hely’s psychiatrist told her about a Washington University-based study related to depression, Hely didn’t hesitate to sign on to participate. After trying many medications and other treatment methods over the years to no avail, she was “desperate for anything that might help” her own condition. And so several years ago, she agreed to […]
“Advanced cognitive impairment among older nursing home residents” (2021) BMC Geriatrics Advanced cognitive impairment among older nursing home residents (2021) BMC Geriatrics, 21 (1), art. no. 382, . Gracner, T.a , Stone, P.W.b , Agarwal, M.c , Sorbero, M.d , Mitchell, S.L.e f , Dick, A.W.g a RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States b Center for Health Policy, Columbia University School of Nursing, 560 […]
Kristen Kroll, PhD, professor of developmental biology at the School of Medicine, has received a four-year $2.09 million R01 research grant from National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for her project titled “The cis-regulatory grammar and epigenetic control of human interneuron progenitor specification.” Originally published at The […]
Over the past half century, artificial intelligence has gone from a concept to everyday life, with electronic payments, facial recognition and social media becoming the norm. But the dynamic mechanisms in the brain on which artificial intelligence is based, which are more efficient, reliable and flexible, remain unclear to scientists, leading to a disconnect between […]
“GPS driving: a digital biomarker for preclinical Alzheimer disease” (2021) Alzheimer’s Research and Therapy GPS driving: a digital biomarker for preclinical Alzheimer disease (2021) Alzheimer’s Research and Therapy, 13 (1), art. no. 115, . Bayat, S.a b , Babulal, G.M.c d e , Schindler, S.E.c d , Fagan, A.M.c d f , Morris, J.C.c d f g h i , Mihailidis, A.a b j , Roe, C.M.c d a Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 550 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, […]
Cyrus Raji, MD, PhD, assistant professor of radiology and of neurology at the School of Medicine, received a three-year $2.3 million grant from the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for his research titled “Neuroinflammation and Alzheimer’s Disease Imaging Biomarkers in Midlife Obesity.” Originally published on The Source.
Jin-Moo Lee, MD, PhD, recognized internationally for his research on the cellular and molecular pathophysiology of brain injury, has been named head of the Department of Neurology and the Andrew B. and Gretchen P. Jones Professor of Neurology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. He will begin in his new role Sept. 1. Currently […]
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified ingredients for snack food prototypes that have been formulated to deliberately change the gut microbiome in ways that can be linked to health. Translating results from animal models, the scientists have shown in two pilot human studies of overweight participants that snacks containing […]
“Epigenetic regulation in Huntington’s disease” (2021) Neurochemistry International Epigenetic regulation in Huntington’s disease (2021) Neurochemistry International, 148, art. no. 105074, . Hyeon, J.W.a , Kim, A.H.a b c d e , Yano, H.a b c e a Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States b Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States c Department of Genetics, Washington University […]
By the time people with Alzheimer’s disease start exhibiting difficulty remembering and thinking, the disease has been developing in their brains for two decades or more, and their brain tissue already has sustained damage. As the disease progresses, the damage accumulates, and their symptoms worsen. Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis […]
An investigational Alzheimer’s drug reduced molecular markers of disease and curbed neurodegeneration in the brain, without demonstrating evidence of cognitive benefit, in a phase 2/3 clinical trial led by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis through its Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network-Trials Unit (DIAN-TU). These results led the trial leaders to offer the drug, […]
“In-vivo design feedback and perceived utility of a genetically-informed smoking risk tool among current smokers in the community” (2021) BMC Medical Genomics In-vivo design feedback and perceived utility of a genetically-informed smoking risk tool among current smokers in the community (2021) BMC Medical Genomics, 14 (1), art. no. 139, . Bourdon, J.L.a , Dorsey, A.b , Zalik, M.b , Pietka, A.b , Salyer, P.b , Bray, […]
Kodi S. Ravichandran, PhD, a world leader in understanding innate immunity, has been named a BJC Investigator as well as director of the Division of Immunobiology in the Department of Pathology & Immunology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. His studies of how dead cells are cleared from the body have shed light on innate immunity […]
A tickle in the nose can help trigger a sneeze, expelling irritants and disease-causing pathogens. But the cellular pathways that control the sneeze reflex go far beyond the sinuses and have been poorly understood. Now, a team led by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has identified, in mice, specific cells […]
Brazilian immunologist José Luís Fachi, PhD, will join the laboratory of Marco Colonna, MD, the Robert Rock Belliveau, MD, Professor of Pathology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, as a Pew Latin American Fellow in Biomedical Sciences. The program is designed to promote exchange and collaboration between investigators in the United States and […]
The Division of Physician-Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has selected four physicians for its second class of Dean’s Scholars. The program provides up to two years of financial support and mentorship to aspiring, early-career physician-scientists, along with dedicated time for conducting laboratory research. The newly named class includes: Mary “Maggie” Mullen, MD; Matthew […]
The term “doomscrolling” describes the act of endlessly scrolling through bad news on social media and reading every worrisome tidbit that pops up, a habit that unfortunately seems to have become common during the COVID-19 pandemic. The biology of our brains may play a role in that. Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in […]
“Common DNA methylation dynamics in endometriod adenocarcinoma and glioblastoma suggest universal epigenomic alterations in tumorigenesis” (2021) Communications Biology Common DNA methylation dynamics in endometriod adenocarcinoma and glioblastoma suggest universal epigenomic alterations in tumorigenesis (2021) Communications Biology, 4 (1), art. no. 607, . Karlow, J.A.a , Miao, B.a b , Xing, X.a , Wang, T.a c , Zhang, B.a b a The Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems […]
A single, one-hour treatment that involves breathing in a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide — otherwise known as laughing gas — significantly improved symptoms in people with treatment-resistant depression, according to new data from researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and the University of Chicago. In a phase 2 clinical […]
Medulloblastoma is a rare but devastating childhood brain cancer. This cancer can spread through the spinal fluid and be deposited elsewhere in the brain or spine. Radiation therapy to the whole brain and spine followed by an extra radiation dose to the back of the brain prevents this spread and has been the standard of […]
At the Washington University in St. Louis Board of Trustees meeting May 7, numerous faculty members were appointed or promoted with tenure or granted tenure, effective July 1 unless otherwise indicated. Promotion with tenure Megan Tierney Baldridge, MD, PhD, to associate professor of medicine at the School of Medicine; Trevor G. Gardner II to professor of […]
The immune system is the brain’s best frenemy. It protects the brain from infection and helps injured tissues heal, but it also causes autoimmune diseases and creates inflammation that drives neurodegeneration. Two new studies in mice suggest that the double-edged nature of the relationship between the immune system and the brain may come down to […]
Neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy have had some treatment success with deep brain stimulation, but those require surgical device implantation. A multidisciplinary team at Washington University in St. Louis has developed a new brain stimulation technique using focused ultrasound that is able to turn specific types of neurons in the brain on […]
A team of researchers led by diabetes specialists and biomedical engineers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and Cornell University has demonstrated that, using a miniscule device, they can implant insulin-secreting cells into diabetic mice. Once implanted, the cells secrete insulin in response to blood sugar, reversing diabetes without requiring drugs to […]
“Interhemispheric Parietal-Frontal Connectivity Predicts the Ability to Acquire a Nondominant Hand Skill” (2021) Brain Connectivity Interhemispheric Parietal-Frontal Connectivity Predicts the Ability to Acquire a Nondominant Hand Skill (2021) Brain Connectivity, 11 (4), pp. 308-318. Philip, B.A.a b , McAvoy, M.P.c , Frey, S.H.b a Program in Occupational Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States b Department of Psychological Sciences, University of […]
Many Americans are facing mental health challenges as they deal with the tumult of the last year and the uncertainties ahead. The pandemic has caused waves of isolation and grief. Police violence and systemic racism have elevated fears and frustrations — triggering important conversations as well as powerful stressors. For many, the return to some […]
Catherine Lang, PhD, a professor of physical therapy and associate director of the Movement Science Program in the Program in Physical Therapy at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has been appointed to serve on the National Advisory Child Health and Human Development Council for the Eunice Kennedy Schriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) […]
Stroke patients who are struggling to regain the use of a hand will soon have access to a new FDA-cleared device that uses signals from the undamaged part of the brain to retrain the injured limb. RACHEL MARTIN, HOST: The Food and Drug Administration has authorized a device that can help stroke patients regain the […]
Seeing, hearing, thinking, daydreaming — doing anything at all, in fact — activates neurons in the brain. But for people predisposed to developing brain tumors, the ordinary buzzing of their brains could be a problem. A study by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and Stanford University School of Medicine shows […]
ARI SHAPIRO, HOST: Loss of smell has become a hallmark of COVID-19. Up to 80% of infected people experience it. While most people get their sense of smell back as they recover, some do not. And, as Will Stone reports, this phenomenon has triggered new interest and research studies in the field of smell. WILL […]
Throughout the pandemic, doctors have seen evidence that men with COVID-19 fare worse, on average, than women with the infection. One theory is that hormonal differences between men and women may make men more susceptible to severe disease. And since men have much more testosterone than women, some scientists have speculated that high levels of […]
“Impact of intrauterine fetal resuscitation with oxygen on oxidative stress in the developing rat brain” (2021) Scientific Reports Impact of intrauterine fetal resuscitation with oxygen on oxidative stress in the developing rat brain (2021) Scientific Reports, 11 (1), art. no. 9798, . Jiang, J.a d , Giri, T.a , Raghuraman, N.b , Cahill, A.G.c , Palanisamy, A.a b a Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. […]
Wayland Cheng, MD, PhD, an assistant professor of anesthesiology, has received the 2021 Frontiers in Anesthesia Research Award from the International Anesthesia Research Society (IARS). The prestigious $750,000 award, which is given only once every three years to a single awardee, funds projects with an eye toward developing future leaders in the field of anesthesiology. Read more.
Some 16 million Americans are believed to have alcohol use disorder, and an estimated 93,000 people in the U.S. die from alcohol-related causes each year. Both of those numbers are expected to grow as a result of heavier drinking during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, in a new study involving data from more than 200,000 people […]
As the COVID-19 pandemic has progressed, it has become clear that many survivors — even those who had mild cases — continue to manage a variety of health problems long after the initial infection should have resolved. In what is believed to be the largest comprehensive study of long COVID-19 to date, researchers at Washington […]
“Lack of observed tolerance to diazepam nasal spray (Valtoco®) after long-term rescue therapy in patients with epilepsy: Interim results from a phase 3, open-label, repeat-dose safety study” (2021) Epilepsy and Behavior Lack of observed tolerance to diazepam nasal spray (Valtoco®) after long-term rescue therapy in patients with epilepsy: Interim results from a phase 3, open-label, […]
Infections with the virus that causes COVID-19 are not the only cause of pandemic-related hospitalizations. Although children tend to be at lower risk of COVID-19, the number of kids with mental health and behavioral problems has exploded during the pandemic, driving an increase in pediatric hospital admissions nationwide. Stressors associated with remote schooling, fear of […]
Despite decades of research and investment, the genetic underpinnings of Alzheimer’s disease are still largely unknown, stymieing efforts at drug development and early diagnosis. To change that, a new grant will support the first comprehensive study to use whole genome sequencing to address critical gaps in knowledge about the disease. The $10.7 million, five-year project […]
“New guidance to seekers of autism biomarkers: an update from studies of identical twins” (2021) Molecular Autism New guidance to seekers of autism biomarkers: an update from studies of identical twins (2021) Molecular Autism, 12 (1), art. no. 28, . Constantino, J.N. Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, 660 S Euclid Ave, Campus Box 8504, St. Louis, MO 63110, […]
Michael Evan Hughes, PhD, a neuroscientist and chronobiologist highly respected for his research at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, died Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at his home in St. Louis after a six-year battle with brain cancer. He was 41. An assistant professor in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, […]
“White matter microstructure associations with episodic memory in adults with Down syndrome: a tract-based spatial statistics study” (2021) Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders White matter microstructure associations with episodic memory in adults with Down syndrome: a tract-based spatial statistics study (2021) Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, 13 (1), art. no. 17, . Bazydlo, A.a , Zammit, M.a , Wu, M.b , Dean, D.a c , Johnson, S.a c d , Tudorascu, […]
Light-sheet fluorescence microscopy, an imaging tool that can rapidly produce 3D images of complex cellular structures, gives scientists the power to visualize the myriad miniature dramas unfolding inside living cells and tissues. Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis are using the technique to watch, in astonishing detail, tiny organelles rearrange themselves […]
Experimental Alzheimer’s drugs have shown little success in slowing declines in memory and thinking, leaving scientists searching for explanations. But new research in mice has shown that some investigational Alzheimer’s therapies are more effective when paired with a treatment geared toward improving drainage of fluid — and debris — from the brain, according to a […]
A first-of-its kind device that helps people disabled by stroke regain significant control over their arm and hand function by using their minds has received market authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The IpsiHand Upper Extremity Rehabilitation System, developed by Neurolutions Inc. – a Washington University in St. Louis startup company – leverages brain-computer interface […]
“Blood flow response to orthostatic challenge identifies signatures of the failure of static cerebral autoregulation in patients with cerebrovascular disease” (2021) BMC Neurology Blood flow response to orthostatic challenge identifies signatures of the failure of static cerebral autoregulation in patients with cerebrovascular disease (2021) BMC Neurology, 21 (1), art. no. 154, . Gregori-Pla, C.a , Mesquita, R.C.b , Favilla, C.G.c , Busch, D.R.d , Blanco, […]
A natural compound previously demonstrated to counteract aspects of aging and improve metabolic health in mice has clinically relevant effects in people, according to new research at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. A small clinical trial of postmenopausal women with prediabetes shows that the compound NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) improved the ability of […]