“A Casz1–NuRD complex regulates temporal identity transitions in neural progenitors” (2021) Scientific Reports A Casz1–NuRD complex regulates temporal identity transitions in neural progenitors (2021) Scientific Reports, 11 (1), art. no. 3858, . Mattar, P.a f g , Jolicoeur, C.a , Dang, T.f g , Shah, S.f g , Clark, B.S.b c , Cayouette, M.a d e a Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montreal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada b John […]
Category: School of Medicine
Electrical signaling in cells focus of $8.8 million grant
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have received an eight-year, $8.8 million grant to study cells’ ion channels as potential targets for new drugs to treat disorders affecting the brain, heart and muscles. Ion channels are found in a variety of cells, where they are involved in the conversion of chemical […]
Holtzman, Karch honored for research into neurodegenerative diseases
Alzheimer’s researchers David M. Holtzman, MD, and Celeste Karch, PhD, of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, have been recognized by the Rainwater Charitable Foundation for scientific achievements that could lead to new, effective treatments for neurodegenerative diseases associated with the accumulation of tau protein in the brain. Alzheimer’s is the best known such disease. […]
Rainwater Charitable Foundation Announces Second-Annual Rainwater Prize Winners for Brain Research
The Rainwater Charitable Foundation, one of the largest independent funders of neurodegenerative disease research, today announced Dr. David M. Holtzman (the Andrew B. and Gretchen P. Jones Professor and Chair of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis) and Dr. Celeste Karch (Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis) as this year’s recipients of the Rainwater Annual Prize for […]
WashU weekly Neuroscience publications
“Domain-general cognitive motivation: evidence from economic decision-making” (2021) Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications Domain-general cognitive motivation: evidence from economic decision-making (2021) Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications, 6 (1), art. no. 4, . Crawford, J.L.a , Eisenstein, S.A.b c , Peelle, J.E.d , Braver, T.S.a a Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Dr, Box 1125, St. Louis, MO 63130, United […]
Protein linked to Alzheimer’s, strokes cleared from brain blood vessels
As people age, a normal brain protein known as amyloid beta often starts to collect into harmful amyloid plaques in the brain. Such plaques can be the first step on the path to Alzheimer’s dementia. When they form around blood vessels in the brain, a condition known as cerebral amyloid angiopathy, the plaques also raise […]
Podcast: Avoiding burnout and tending to mental health as the pandemic runs into a second year
It’s been a year since the first COVID-19 cases started appearing in the United States, and during this span, many people have been living with the stress of trying to work from home while simultaneously trying to help their kids attend online school. Essential workers haven’t had the safety of home, having to continue working […]
WashU weekly Neuroscience publications
“Improving hindlimb locomotor function by Non-invasive AAV-mediated manipulations of propriospinal neurons in mice with complete spinal cord injury” (2021) Nature Communications Improving hindlimb locomotor function by Non-invasive AAV-mediated manipulations of propriospinal neurons in mice with complete spinal cord injury (2021) Nature Communications, 12 (1), art. no. 781, . Brommer, B.a , He, M.a , Zhang, Z.a , Yang, Z.a , Page, J.C.a , Su, J.a , Zhang, Y.a , […]
Aggressive brain tumor mapped in genetic, molecular detail
Glioblastoma is among the most aggressive and devastating of cancers. While rare compared with other cancers, it’s the most common type of brain cancer. Even with intensive therapy, relatively few patients survive longer than two years after diagnosis, and fewer than 10% of patients survive beyond five years. Despite extensive studies focused on genomic features […]
Obituary: Lawrence Coben, emeritus associate professor of neurology, 94
Lawrence Coben, MD, who with his colleagues at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis developed a widely used scale that characterizes and tracks impairment in dementia patients, died of cancer Oct. 7, 2020, in Dedham, Mass. He was 94. Coben was an emeritus associate professor of neurology at the university. He retired in […]
WashU weekly Neuroscience publications
"A 2020 view of tension-based cortical morphogenesis" (2021) Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America A 2020 view of tension-based cortical morphogenesis(2021) Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 117 (52), pp. 32868-32879. van Essen, D.C. Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, […]
WashU weekly Neuroscience publications
“‘It’s way more than just writing a prescription’: A qualitative study of preferences for integrated versus non-integrated treatment models among individuals with opioid use disorder” (2021) Addiction Science and Clinical Practice “It’s way more than just writing a prescription”: A qualitative study of preferences for integrated versus non-integrated treatment models among individuals with opioid use […]
Millions of COVID-19 survivors have lost senses of smell and taste. Researchers don’t know if they’ll come back
Edelmira Rivera was lying on her bed with her husband and 16-month-old son, selecting a movie when she heard a loud bang outside their home in Waco, Texas. Her sister screamed, “Fire!” “I dropped everything and just grabbed my son and his blanket,” said Rivera, 22. “I could not smell anything. I was so shocked […]
Brain signals decoded to determine what a person sees
Some people are trapped within their own minds, able to think and feel but unable to express themselves because brain injury or disease has damaged their lines of communication with the outside world. As a step toward helping people in such situations communicate, scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have demonstrated […]
How does the immune system keep tabs on the brain?
Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, autism, schizophrenia and many other neurological and psychiatric conditions have been linked to inflammation in the brain. There’s growing evidence that immune cells and molecules play a key role in normal brain development and function as well. But at the core of the burgeoning field of neuroimmunology lies a mystery: How […]
Acute itching in eczema patients linked to environmental allergens
In addition to a skin rash, many eczema sufferers also experience chronic itching, but sometimes that itching can become torturous. Worse, antihistamines — the standard treatment for itching and allergy — often don’t help. New research from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis indicates that allergens in the environment often are to blame for episodes […]
WashU weekly Neuroscience publications
“Exercise routine change is associated with prenatal depression scores during the COVID-19 pandemic among pregnant women across the United States” (2021) PLoS ONE Exercise routine change is associated with prenatal depression scores during the COVID-19 pandemic among pregnant women across the United States (2021) PLoS ONE, 15 (12 December), art. no. e0243188, . Gildner, T.E.a b , Laugier, E.J.a c , Thayer, Z.M.a c a Department of […]
WashU weekly Neuroscience publications
“A pilot investigation of emotional regulation difficulties and mindfulness-based strategies in manic and remitted bipolar I disorder and major depressive disorder” (2021) International Journal of Bipolar Disorders A pilot investigation of emotional regulation difficulties and mindfulness-based strategies in manic and remitted bipolar I disorder and major depressive disorder (2021) International Journal of Bipolar Disorders Musket, C.W.a , […]
Doctors test popular anti-depressant to see if it fights off Covid-19
Doctors are running a clinical trial to see if a popular anti-depressant might keep someone from becoming severely ill with Covid-19. The researchers at Washington University of St. Louis are recruiting 1,100 people in the beginning stages of Covid-19 to test out the drug fluvoxamine, also known as Luvox. While an anti-depressant may seem like […]
WashU weekly Neuroscience publications
"Destigmatizing Naloxone: Associations of Perceived Availability on Opioid Use Patterns" (2021) Annals of Emergency Medicine Destigmatizing Naloxone: Associations of Perceived Availability on Opioid Use Patterns(2021) Annals of Emergency Medicine, 77 (1), pp. 134-135. Ellis, M.S., Kasper, Z.A., Cicero, T.J. Washington University in St. Louis, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States Document Type: LetterPublication Stage: FinalSource: Scopus "Prevalence, […]
Podcast: Vaccines have arrived but COVID-19 treatments progressing much more slowly
A new episode of our podcast, “Show Me the Science,” has been posted. At present, these podcast episodes are highlighting research and patient care on the Washington University Medical Campus as our scientists and clinicians confront the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 vaccine development has been rapid and successful. Two vaccines that report more than 90% efficacy […]
Common brain malformation traced to its genetic roots
About one in 100 children has a common brain disorder called Chiari 1 malformation, but most of the time such children grow up normally and no one suspects a problem. But in about one in 10 of those children, the condition causes headaches, neck pain, hearing, vision and balance disturbances, or other neurological symptoms. In […]
WashU weekly Neuroscience publications
"Oral and maxillofacial surgeons’ assessment of the role of Pernkopf's atlas in surgical practice" (2021) Annals of Anatomy Oral and maxillofacial surgeons’ assessment of the role of Pernkopf’s atlas in surgical practice(2021) Annals of Anatomy, 234, art. no. 151614, . Yee, A.a , Li, J.b , Lilly, J.b , Hildebrandt, S.c , Seidelman, W.E.d , Brown, D.e , Kopar, P.e , Coert, J.H.f , Mackinnon, S.E.a , Israel, H.A.b a Division of […]
WashU weekly Neuroscience publications
“Midfoot and ankle motion during heel rise and gait are related in people with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy” (2021) Gait and Posture Midfoot and ankle motion during heel rise and gait are related in people with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy (2021) Gait and Posture, 84, pp. 38-44. Jeong, H.-J., Mueller, M.J., Zellers, J.A., Hastings, M.K. Program in Physical Therapy, […]
Garcia to head Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics
Benjamin A. Garcia, PhD, a noted leader in the field of biochemistry, especially for his work advancing mass spectrometry techniques, has been named head of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Garcia, whose appointment tentatively is set to begin July 1, also will become the Raymond H. […]
Protein involved in removing Alzheimer’s buildup linked to circadian rhythm
Fractured sleep, daytime sleepiness and other signs of disturbance in one’s circadian rhythm are common complaints of people with Alzheimer’s disease, and the problems only get worse as the disease progresses. But the reason for the link between Alzheimer’s and circadian dysfunction is not well understood. Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. […]
WashU weekly Neuroscience publications
“Cerebrospinal fluid Aβ42 moderates the relationship between brain functional network dynamics and cognitive intraindividual variability” (2021) Neurobiology of Aging Cerebrospinal fluid Aβ42 moderates the relationship between brain functional network dynamics and cognitive intraindividual variability (2021) Neurobiology of Aging, 98, pp. 116-123. Meeker, K.L.a b , Ances, B.M.b , Gordon, B.A.c , Rudolph, C.W.a , Luckett, P.b , Balota, D.A.d , Morris, J.C.b , Fagan, A.M.b , Benzinger, T.L.c , Waring, J.D.a […]
Bateman, Diamond, Hultgren named to National Academy of Inventors
Neurologist Randall J. Bateman, MD, virologist and immunologist Michael S. Diamond, MD, PhD, and microbiologist Scott Hultgren — all faculty members at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis — have been named fellows of the National Academy of Inventors, the highest professional distinction accorded solely to academic inventors. They are among 175 new fellows elected this year […]
WashU weekly Neuroscience publications
“Fronto-cerebellar connectivity mediating cognitive processing speed” (2021) NeuroImage Fronto-cerebellar connectivity mediating cognitive processing speed (2021) NeuroImage, 226, art. no. 117556, . Wong, C.H.Y.a b c , Liu, J.d e f l , Lee, T.M.C.b c j k , Tao, J.d e l , Wong, A.W.K.g h , Chau, B.K.H.a i , Chen, L.d e l , Chan, C.C.H.a i a Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong b Laboratory of Neuropsychology and Human Neuroscience, Department of […]
Novel form of Alzheimer’s protein found in spinal fluid indicates stage of the disease
A novel form of an Alzheimer’s protein found in the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord indicates what stage of the disease a person is in, and tracks with tangles of tau protein in the brain, according to a study from researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Tau tangles […]
Construction progresses on neuroscience research building
Washington University School of Medicine’s eastern border began noticeably changing in April and will look strikingly different in 2023, when the neuroscience research building — 11 stories tall and 609,000 square feet — is complete. The building project, the largest in the medical school’s history, will span almost a block in the 200-acre Cortex Innovation […]
Washington University to offer genetic counseling master’s program
Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis is offering a new master’s program in genetic counseling, a field that has been growing in importance as genetic testing becomes more common. Patients are gaining access to more and more information about their genes and genetic risk of disease, and consequently, the demand for trained genetic counselors […]
Chan Zuckerberg Initiative names two WashU groups Frontiers of Imaging grantees
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) on Dec. 2 announced two research groups led by Washington University in St. Louis faculty were named Frontiers of Imaging grantees. Both groups will focus on the brain — where current imaging techniques can penetrate just about the depth of a couple of human hairs — with $1 million each […]
Fitzpatrick named a Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Imaging Scientist
James Fitzpatrick, PhD, a professor of neuroscience and of cell biology & physiology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and director of the Washington University Center for Cellular Imaging (WUCCI), is one of 22 researchers worldwide named a Chan Zuckerberg Imaging Scientist by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. Modern microscopy techniques can show how molecules fit together […]
WashU weekly Neuroscience publications
“Prenatal stress exposure and multimodal assessment of amygdala–medial prefrontal cortex connectivity in infants” (2020) Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Prenatal stress exposure and multimodal assessment of amygdala–medial prefrontal cortex connectivity in infants (2020) Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, 46, art. no. 100877, . Humphreys, K.L.a , Camacho, M.C.b , Roth, M.C.a , Estes, E.C.a a Vanderbilt University, Department of Psychology and Human Development, 230 Appleton Place, #552, Nashville, […]
AAAS names 7 Washington University faculty as 2020 fellows
Seven faculty members at Washington University in St. Louis are among 489 new fellows selected by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the world’s largest general scientific society. And four of those seven are School of Medicine faculty. The newly selected fellows from the medical school are: Aaron DiAntonio, MD, PhD; David H. Gutmann, […]
WashU weekly Neuroscience publications
"Long-term follow-up from the ORATORIO trial of ocrelizumab for primary progressive multiple sclerosis: a post-hoc analysis from the ongoing open-label extension of the randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial" (2020) The Lancet Neurology Long-term follow-up from the ORATORIO trial of ocrelizumab for primary progressive multiple sclerosis: a post-hoc analysis from the ongoing open-label extension of the […]
Young people with disabilities focus of COVID-19 testing grant
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have received a two-year $5 million grant to offer 50,000 saliva tests for the SARS-CoV-2 virus to students, teachers and staff in the six special education schools operated by the Special School District of St. Louis County (SSD). The pandemic has disproportionately impacted students with […]
Luby honored for advancing understanding of brain, behavior disorders
Joan L. Luby, MD, the Samuel and Mae S. Ludwig Professor of Psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has received the Ruane Prize for Child & Adolescent Psychiatry from the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation. The prize honors important advances in the understanding and treatment of early-onset brain and behavior disorders. […]
Lethal brain infections in mice thwarted by decoy molecule
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified a molecule that protects mice from brain infections caused by Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), a mosquito-borne virus notorious for causing fast-spreading, deadly outbreaks in Mexico, Central America and northern South America. As the climate changes, the virus is likely to expand its […]
Obituary: Karen Seibert, executive director of pharmacology center, 61
Karen Seibert, a deeply respected leader in pharmacology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, died Monday, Nov. 9, 2020, at her home in Chesterfield, Mo., after a battle with a cancer. She was 61. Seibert wore many hats in her long, successful career. She was the founding executive director of the Center for […]
WashU weekly Neuroscience publications
“Neuronal insulin signaling and brain structure in nondemented older adults: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study” (2021) Neurobiology of Aging Neuronal insulin signaling and brain structure in nondemented older adults: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study (2021) Neurobiology of Aging, 97, pp. 65-72. Walker, K.A.a , Chawla, S.b , Nogueras-Ortiz, C.b , Coresh, J.c , Sharrett, A.R.c , Wong, D.F.d , Jack, C.R., Jr.e , Spychalla, […]
Scientists Discover A Link Between Lack Of Deep Sleep And Alzheimer’s Disease
There’s growing evidence that a lack of deep sleep increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists say that’s because during deep sleep, the brain removes toxins associated with Alzheimer’s. Transcript ARI SHAPIRO, HOST: We continue to learn about the connection between sleep and Alzheimer’s disease. NPR’s Jon Hamilton brings us this report done with the NPR […]
Fluvoxamine may prevent serious illness in COVID-19 patients
In a preliminary study of COVID-19 patients with mild-to-moderate disease who were attempting to recover in their homes, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have found that the drug fluvoxamine seems to prevent some of the most serious complications of the illness and make hospitalization and the need for supplemental oxygen […]
WashU weekly Neuroscience publications
"Anesthetic and subanesthetic doses of isoflurane conditioning provides strong protection against delayed cerebral ischemia in a mouse model of subarachnoid hemorrhage" (2021) Brain Research Anesthetic and subanesthetic doses of isoflurane conditioning provides strong protection against delayed cerebral ischemia in a mouse model of subarachnoid hemorrhage(2021) Brain Research, 1750, art. no. 147169, . Athiraman, U.a , Liu, M.a , Jayaraman, K.b , Yuan, J.a , […]
Gutmann receives Neuro-oncology Scientific Award
David H. Gutmann, MD, PhD, the Donald O. Schnuck Family Professor and vice chair for research affairs in the Department of Neurology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, is a recipient of the 2020 Neuro-oncology Scientific Award from the American Academy of Neurology. The award recognizes singular scientific achievement that has advanced […]
Board of Trustees grants faculty appointments, promotions
At the Washington University in St. Louis Board of Trustees meeting Oct. 2, several faculty members were appointed or promoted with tenure or granted tenure, effective that day unless otherwise indicated… …Promotion with tenure Luis F.Z. Batista to associate professor of medicine and of developmental biology at the School of Medicine (tenure effective Jan. 1); Nico […]
Lewis receives national award for volunteerism
Collins E. Lewis, MD, an associate professor emeritus of psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has received the 2020 National Citizen Scientist Cornerstone Award from the Global Alzheimer’s Platform Foundation. He was honored in recognition of his extraordinary efforts to support Alzheimer’s research by participating in and promoting diversity in clinical trials. Lewis […]
Improving emergency care for people with dementia is focus of new grant
Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis is one of four institutions awarded a total of $7.5 million from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to study and improve care in emergency departments for people with dementia. The school’s Division of Emergency Medicine, which will become the Department of Emergency Medicine in February, is one of […]
Cornea appears to resist infection from novel coronavirus
New findings from researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis suggest the eye’s cornea can resist infection from the novel coronavirus. Although the herpes simplex virus can infect the cornea and spread to other parts of the body in patients with compromised immune systems, and Zika virus has been found in tears […]