Each year in the U.S., nearly 800,000 people have a stroke, which leads to more than $46 billion spent annually in health care and related costs. A powerhouse team of researchers at Washington University in St. Louis is collaborating to understand how the brain remodels after stroke with the goal of finding new therapeutic targets […]
“Basal ganglia shape features differentiate schizoaffective disorder from schizophrenia” (2021) Psychiatry Research – Neuroimaging Basal ganglia shape features differentiate schizoaffective disorder from schizophrenia (2021) Psychiatry Research – Neuroimaging, 317, art. no. 111352, . Cobia, D.a e , Rich, C.b , Smith, M.J.c , Mamah, D.d , Csernansky, J.G.e , Wang, L.e f g a Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Center, Brigham Young University, 1036 KMBL, Provo, UT 84602, United […]
Alphaviruses — mosquito-borne viruses that can trigger brain infections and arthritis — may have met their match. Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified two antibodies that protect animals from disease caused by alphaviruses. The antibodies worked for every alphavirus tested, meaning they potentially could form the basis of treatments […]
The average person will undergo nine surgical procedures in his or her lifetime, and the periods before, during and after surgery are considered high risk regarding mental health, particularly among older adults. Depression and anxiety are especially common in older surgery patients; past research has demonstrated that about 40% of older surgical patients have mental […]
The WUSTL ENDURE program, which hosts the annual symposium, partners with groups across WashU and local institutions to attract top talent, provide training and mentorship opportunities, and improve the diversity of the neuroscience field. “What would happen if you lost your heart?” Ephraim Oyetunji, a rising junior studying neuroscience in the Department of Biology and […]
Should doctors take particular care to talk to patients about the potential dangers of COVID-19 if those patients have a problematic relationship with pot? New research from Washington University in St. Louis suggests perhaps they should. Diabetes, obesity and a history of smoking cigarettes are all considered risk factors for poorer COVID-19 outcomes. Warnings and […]
“Long range synchronization within the enteric nervous system underlies propulsion along the large intestine in mice” (2021) Communications Biology Long range synchronization within the enteric nervous system underlies propulsion along the large intestine in mice (2021) Communications Biology, 4 (1), art. no. 955, . Spencer, N.J.a , Travis, L.a , Wiklendt, L.b , Costa, M.a , Hibberd, T.J.a , Brookes, S.J.a , Dinning, P.b , Hu, H.c , Wattchow, […]
Precision medicine considers each person’s unique genetic makeup, lifestyle and environment when considering treatments for illness and disease. A team of Washington University in St. Louis researchers is taking steps toward developing precision medicine for patients with irregular heartbeats by studying how two anti-arrhythmic drugs affect different parts of the heart. Jeanne Nerbonne, PhD, professor […]
Children in poverty are more likely to have cognitive and behavioral difficulties than their better-off peers. Plenty of past research has looked into the physical effects of childhood poverty, or documented mental health disparities between socioeconomic classes. But Deanna Barch, chair and professor in the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences in Arts & Sciences at […]
More than 50,000 surgical patients undergo general anesthesia every day in the United States, but clinicians and scientists lack evidence indicating which types of anesthesia drugs result in the best outcomes for patients. A new study led by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and the University of Michigan will compare […]
More than half of the survivors of West Nile virus brain infections are left with memory disorders that make everyday tasks such as remembering the route from home to work challenging. Similar issues can arise in the aftermath of other viral infections, such as the “brain fog” that plagues some people after a diagnosis of […]
Yong Wang, PhD, an associate professor of obstetrics & gynecology and of radiology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has received a 2021 Next Gen Pregnancy Research Grant from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to biomedical science through research and education. Wang, also an associate professor of electrical […]
"Chronic neuroleptic treatment combined with a high fat diet elevated (3H) flunitrazepam binding in the cerebellum (2022) Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry Chronic neuroleptic treatment combined with a high fat diet elevated [3H] flunitrazepam binding in the cerebellum(2022) Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, 112, art. no. 110407, . Richardson, B.a b , Swenson, S.a , Hamilton, J.a b , Leonard, K.c , Delis, F.d , […]
Robert Schmidt, MD, PhD, a professor of pathology & immunology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has received the Meritorious Contributions to Neuropathology Award from the American Association of Neuropathologists. The award recognizes Schmidt’s contributions to the advancement of knowledge of diseases that affect the nervous system. For more than 30 years, […]
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (BBRF) has announced the winners of its 2021 Klerman and Freedman Prizes, which recognize exceptional clinical and basic research in mental illness. The prizes are awarded annually to honor the work of outstanding scientists who have been supported by the Foundation’s Young Investigator Grants Program. “The Klerman and Freedman prizes […]
“Gene therapy for aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency by MR-guided direct delivery of AAV2-AADC to midbrain dopaminergic neurons” (2021) Nature Communications Gene therapy for aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency by MR-guided direct delivery of AAV2-AADC to midbrain dopaminergic neurons (2021) Nature Communications, 12 (1), art. no. 4251, . Pearson, T.S.a b , Gupta, N.a , San Sebastian, W.a , Imamura-Ching, J.a , Viehoever, A.c , Grijalvo-Perez, A.c , […]
When a patient is informed of a brain tumor, the experience is frightening. “When anyone finds out they have a brain tumor. It is super scary,” described neurosurgeon and scientist Dr. Albert Kim, MD, PhD, the inaugural director of the new Brain Tumor Center at Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes Jewish Hospital and Washington University […]
“A single-cell guide to retinal development: Cell fate decisions of multipotent retinal progenitors in scRNA-seq” (2021) Developmental Biology A single-cell guide to retinal development: Cell fate decisions of multipotent retinal progenitors in scRNA-seq (2021) Developmental Biology, 478, pp. 41-58. Shiau, F.a , Ruzycki, P.A.a , Clark, B.S.a b a John F Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of […]
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 […]