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 […]
As the COVID-19 pandemic surged last summer and contact tracers struggled to identify sources of infections, John Cirrito, PhD, an associate professor of neurology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and Carla Yuede, PhD, an associate professor of psychiatry, began to kick around an idea. Could a biosensor they’d developed years ago for Alzheimer’s disease […]
"Molecular classification of a complex structural rearrangement of the RB1 locus in an infant with sporadic, isolated, intracranial, sellar region retinoblastoma" (2021) Acta Neuropathologica Communications Molecular classification of a complex structural rearrangement of the RB1 locus in an infant with sporadic, isolated, intracranial, sellar region retinoblastoma(2021) Acta Neuropathologica Communications, 9 (1), art. no. 61, . Schieffer, K.M.a , Feldman, A.Z.b , Kautto, E.A.a , […]
The Clinical Research Forum, a nonprofit association of top clinical research experts from the nation’s leading academic health centers, has awarded an international interdisciplinary team led by Jeffrey I. Gordon, MD, a Distinguished Clinical Research Achievement Award for his study “Integrating Global Health with the Microbiome.” The honor recognizes studies’ creativity, innovation and novel approaches that demonstrate immediate […]
Dolores B. Njoku, MD, a noted clinician, researcher and mentor, has been named the director of pediatric anesthesiology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and anesthesiologist-in-chief at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. With the post, she will become the new Rudolph L. and Mary Frances Wise Endowed Chair in Pediatric Anesthesiology. She also has been […]
More than 20 years after the launch of a landmark clinical trial, follow-up examinations and analyses found that not all patients with elevated eye pressure need pressure-lowering treatment to prevent vision loss from glaucoma. When the study was launched, it was universally accepted that all patients with elevated eye pressure should be given medication to […]
At the Washington University in St. Louis Board of Trustees meeting March 5, numerous faculty members were appointed or promoted with tenure or granted tenure, effective July 1 unless otherwise indicated. Promotion with tenure Ruopeng An to associate professor at the Brown School; Arpita Bose to associate professor of biology in Arts & Sciences; Hong […]
His phone rang all day. Same unknown number. It had to be a telemarketer. Engrossed in an NIH workshop about the obstacles of research, Damien Fair, PhD ’08, ignored the call. At the end of the day, he answered to say, in his polite Minnesota-bred way, “Please take me off your list!” A weighted pause. […]
Clinical scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and University College London are collaborating with pharmaceutical companies AbbVie, Biogen, Bristol Myers Squibb and Roche to investigate the role of neurofilament light (NfL) chain in neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. NfL is a protein […]
"TDP-43 and PINK1 mediate CHCHD10 S59L mutation–induced defects in Drosophila and in vitro" (2021) Nature Communications TDP-43 and PINK1 mediate CHCHD10 S59L mutation–induced defects in Drosophila and in vitro(2021) Nature Communications, 12 (1), art. no. 1924, . Baek, M.a , Choe, Y.-J.a , Bannwarth, S.b , Kim, J.H.a , Maitra, S.a , Dorn, G.W., IIc , Taylor, J.P.d , Paquis-Flucklinger, V.b , Kim, N.C.a a Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmaceutical […]
David D. Limbrick, MD, PhD, the T. S. Park, MD, Professor of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has been appointed to the St. Louis Regional Health Commission as the representative from the School of Medicine. The commission is dedicated to ensuring the financial sustainability of the health-care safety net […]
Jeffrey I. Gordon, MD, has been awarded the George M. Kober Medal from the Association of American Physicians in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of gut microbiome research. Gordon, director of the Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences & Systems Biology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, is considered to […]
A new type of therapeutic food specifically designed to repair the gut microbiomes of malnourished children is superior to standard therapy in promoting growth, according to the results of a proof-of-concept clinical trial conducted in Bangladesh. The study, conducted by an interdisciplinary team of researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and […]
“Shared developmental gait disruptions across two mouse models of neurodevelopmental disorders” (2021) Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders Shared developmental gait disruptions across two mouse models of neurodevelopmental disorders (2021) Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, 13 (1), art. no. 10, . Rahn, R.M.a b c , Weichselbaum, C.T.a b d , Gutmann, D.H.d e , Dougherty, J.D.a b d , Maloney, S.E.b d a Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO […]
The humble lab mouse has provided invaluable clues to understanding diseases ranging from cancer to diabetes to COVID-19. But when it comes to psychiatric conditions, the lab mouse has been sidelined, its rodent mind considered too different from that of humans to provide much insight into mental illness. A new study, however, shows there are […]
Maria F. Bandres, a doctoral student in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, has received the 2021 American Society of Neurorehabilitation (ASNR) Diversity Fellowship. The fellowship, awarded annually to up to three individuals from groups underrepresented in the biomedical, clinical, behavioral and social sciences, provides travel funds and registration expenses for conferences for the three years. […]
An aggressive type of brain cancer, glioblastoma has no cure. Patients survive an average of 15 months after diagnosis, with fewer than 10% of patients surviving longer than five years. While researchers are investigating potential new therapies via ongoing clinical trials, a new study from Washington University in St. Louis suggests that a minor adjustment […]
Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and Barnes-Jewish Hospital have established the Brain Tumor Center, a multidisciplinary practice of physicians and scientists whose mission is to provide leading-edge, patient-centric care for brain tumor patients while also developing transformative basic, translational and clinical research to develop new therapies and improve patient outcomes. Neurosurgeon and scientist Albert H. Kim, […]
“The transcriptional landscape of Shh medulloblastoma” (2021) Nature Communications The transcriptional landscape of Shh medulloblastoma (2021) Nature Communications, 12 (1), art. no. 1749, . Skowron, P.a b c , Farooq, H.a b c , Cavalli, F.M.G.a c , Morrissy, A.S.d e f , Ly, M.a b c , Hendrikse, L.D.a c g , Wang, E.Y.a c g , Djambazian, H.h i , Zhu, H.g j , Mungall, K.L.k , Trinh, Q.M.j , Zheng, T.l , Dai, S.m , Stucklin, A.S.G.a c , Vladoiu, M.C.a b c , Fong, V.a c , Holgado, B.L.a c , Nor, C.a c , Wu, […]
The Zika virus that ravaged the Americas, leaving many babies with permanent brain damage, may have a silver lining. The virus can activate immune cells to destroy an aggressive brain cancer in mice, giving a powerful boost to an immunotherapy drug and sparking long-lasting immunological memory that can ward off tumor recurrence for at least […]
The lightning speed with which scientists developed and tested the COVID-19 vaccine is a true scientific triumph — one that would not have been possible without the more than 70,000 volunteers who participated in clinical trials of the vaccine. Public participation is critical to the success of any medical research. Yet recruiting volunteers for trials […]
“Gut microbial dysbiosis after traumatic brain injury modulates the immune response and impairs neurogenesis” (2021) Acta Neuropathologica Communications Gut microbial dysbiosis after traumatic brain injury modulates the immune response and impairs neurogenesis (2021) Acta Neuropathologica Communications, 9 (1), art. no. 40, . Celorrio, M.a , Abellanas, M.A.a c d , Rhodes, J.a , Goodwin, V.a , Moritz, J.a , Vadivelu, S.a , Wang, L.b , Rodgers, R.b , Xiao, S.a , Anabayan, […]
Older adults with severe disability due to multiple sclerosis are 25 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than those with more mild forms of the neurological disorder, a study published Friday by JAMA Neurology found. These same patients with multiple sclerosis are up to four times as likely to develop severe COVID-19 symptoms and require hospital care after […]
“Driving is an integral part of the American identity,” said Ganesh Babulal, assistant professor of neurology. Babulal is the principal investigator on two of the grants and a co-principal investigator on the third. “For the next three decades, there’s going to be massive growth of the aging population, and driving — not autonomous vehicles or ride-sharing, but […]
Five physician-scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have been elected members of the American Society for Clinical Investigation in recognition of original, creative and independent investigations in the clinical or allied sciences of medicine. The new members will be inducted April 8. Patricia Dickson, MD, is the Centennial Professor of Pediatrics, […]
For 13 years, Daniel Carr had no idea he was missing part of his brain. One of the first clues occurred on the baseball field. The coach of his seventh-grade boys’ competitive team in suburban St. Louis noticed Daniel’s unusual, albeit effective, fielding tactic in the outfield. Daniel wore his glove on his right hand. […]
A worldwide clinical trial aimed at finding treatments for Alzheimer’s disease has expanded to include investigational drugs targeting a harmful form of the brain protein tau. The trial, known as the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network Trials Unit (DIAN-TU) and led by Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, launched in 2012 as the first […]
"Cardiac glycosides target barrier inflammation of the vasculature, meninges and choroid plexus" (2021) Communications Biology Cardiac glycosides target barrier inflammation of the vasculature, meninges and choroid plexus(2021) Communications Biology, 4 (1), art. no. 260, . Jansson, D.a b c , Dieriks, V.B.b d , Rustenhoven, J.e f , Smyth, L.C.D.g h , Scotter, E.a b , Aalderink, M.a b , Feng, S.a b , Johnson, R.a b , Schweder, P.i , Mee, E.i , Heppner, P.j , Turner, C.k , Curtis, M.b d , […]
In the year since COVID-19 infections first appeared in the United States, a few things have become clear. One is that many who get sick don’t recover quickly. Even those who don’t have to be hospitalized can experience symptoms that linger. Called long-haulers, these individuals suffer from a variety of issues such as shortness of […]
Elizabeth Tesson remembers the exact moment she lost her sense of smell, the day after she tested positive for COVID-19. “I got a very odd feeling in my nose, like a burning sensation in my sinuses and along my cheeks,” said Tesson, who lives in St. Louis County. “About an hour and a half later, […]
“Anti-inflammatory dopamine- and serotonin-based endocannabinoid epoxides reciprocally regulate cannabinoid receptors and the TRPV1 channel” (2021) Nature Communications Anti-inflammatory dopamine- and serotonin-based endocannabinoid epoxides reciprocally regulate cannabinoid receptors and the TRPV1 channel (2021) Nature Communications, 12 (1), art. no. 926, . Arnold, W.R.a , Carnevale, L.N.a , Xie, Z.b , Baylon, J.L.c , Tajkhorshid, E.c , Hu, H.b , Das, A.d e a Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, […]
The race to find vaccines for COVID-19 has dominated the headlines, but there’s been less news about how to keep people with COVID out of the hospital. Tonight, we’re going to tell you a story about one possible treatment. It’s called fluvoxamine. The generic drug was developed 40 years ago as an antidepressant and has […]
Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, opioid misuse has continued unabated in the United States, with an estimated 2.5 million or more Americans suffering from opioid use disorder. Most people treated for the disorder are given medications, such as buprenorphine, that activate opioid receptors. But there is disagreement about whether it’s safe to prescribe buprenorphine for […]