“N-acetylcysteine reduces brain injury after delayed hypoxemia following traumatic brain injury” (2021) Experimental Neurology N-acetylcysteine reduces brain injury after delayed hypoxemia following traumatic brain injury (2021) Experimental Neurology, 335, art. no. 113507, . Celorrio, M., Rhodes, J., Vadivelu, S., Davies, M., Friess, S.H. Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, One […]
Category: School of Medicine
New insight into how brain neurons influence choices
When you are faced with a choice — say, whether to have ice cream or chocolate cake for dessert — sets of brain cells just above your eyes fire as you weigh your options. Animal studies have shown that each option activates a distinct set of neurons in the brain. The more enticing the offer, […]
Fail Better: Celia McKee
(Video: Tom Malkowicz/Washington University) “My grant got rejected. I failed. So I’m saying it on Twitter. I don’t want sympathy. I just wish people would say stuff like this on Twitter.” Celia McKee, a doctoral student studying neuroscience at Washington University in St. Louis, had no idea those 140 characters would mean so much to […]
Sarafinovska honored for work to improve medical students’ mental health
Simona Sarafinovska, a Washington University Medical Scientist Training Program student, has been named the inaugural recipient of The brAvery Foundation Award. The foundation, dedicated to the prevention of youth suicide, created the award to recognize an exceptional medical student or resident who has demonstrated a commitment to a career in child and adolescent psychiatry. Sarafinovska […]
WashU weekly Neuroscience publications
“Relationships between accelerometry and general compensatory movements of the upper limb after stroke” (2020) Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation Relationships between accelerometry and general compensatory movements of the upper limb after stroke (2020) Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 17 (1), art. no. 138, . Barth, J.a , Klaesner, J.W.a d , Lang, C.E.a b c a Washington University School of Medicine, Program in Physical Therapy, St. Louis, […]
Alzheimer’s in adults with Down syndrome focus of multicenter NIH grant
Researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis are taking part in a multisite study to investigate the biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease in people with Down syndrome. By middle age, nearly all people with Down syndrome show signs of Alzheimer’s disease, and doctors have no way to prevent it or to stop the […]
The path to the National Academy of Medicine
In this Q&A, Deanna Barch, PhD discusses her path to a research career, the importance of interdisciplinary inquiry in health and medicine, and the big questions that drive her work. Barch was recently elected to the National Academy of Medicine. A few weeks ago, on a late Friday afternoon just as the work week was […]
Uncovering genetic roots of marijuana use disorder
A large study exploring possible genetic influences on cannabis use disorder has identified two regions in our DNA — one newly identified and a second that replicates a past finding — that appear to contribute to one’s risk of becoming dependent on marijuana. The findings — published Oct. 20 in Lancet Psychiatry — stem from […]
Barch, Bateman elected to National Academy of Medicine
Deanna M. Barch, PhD, an expert in cognitive and language deficits in psychological disorders, and Randall J. Bateman, MD, a leading Alzheimer’s disease researcher, have been elected to the National Academy of Medicine, a part of the National Academy of Sciences. Membership in the organization is extended to those who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and commitment […]
Startup company founded by Washington University scientists acquired by Eli Lilly
Pharmaceutical maker Eli Lilly and Company has purchased Disarm Therapeutics, a startup biotechnology firm founded by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Disarm Therapeutics was co-founded by Jeffrey Milbrandt, MD, PhD, and Aaron DiAntonio, MD, PhD, to speed the development of treatments for multiple neurodegenerative conditions. Based on research from the Milbrandt and […]
WashU weekly Neuroscience publications
“Toxic effects of endoplasmic reticulum stress transducer BBF2H7-derived small peptide fragments on neuronal cells” (2020) Brain Research Toxic effects of endoplasmic reticulum stress transducer BBF2H7-derived small peptide fragments on neuronal cells (2020) Brain Research, 1749, art. no. 147139, . Matsuhisa, K.a b , Cai, L.a , Saito, A.a b , Sakaue, F.b , Kamikawa, Y.b , Fujiwara, S.b , Asada, R.c , Kudo, Y.d , Imaizumi, K.a a Department of Biochemistry, […]
Neuroscientist Ponce named a 2020 Packard fellow
Carlos Ponce, MD, PhD, an assistant professor of neuroscience at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has received a 2020 Packard Fellowship for Science and Engineering. Each of the 20 Packard fellows — among the nation’s top early-career scientists — will receive a five-year, $875,000 grant to pursue research. Ponce studies how visual […]
Racial differences in Alzheimer’s research focus of $15 million grant
In efforts to identify who is at risk of developing Alzheimer’s dementia, researchers over the years have zeroed in on several signs — or biological markers — that indicate early stages of the disease. If individuals could be identified long before symptoms of dementia begin to appear, doctors could target those patients with future preventive […]
WashU weekly Neuroscience publications
“Depression and Buprenorphine Treatment in Patients with Non-cancer Pain and Prescription Opioid Dependence without Comorbid Substance Use Disorders” (2021) Journal of Affective Disorders Depression and Buprenorphine Treatment in Patients with Non-cancer Pain and Prescription Opioid Dependence without Comorbid Substance Use Disorders (2021) Journal of Affective Disorders, 278, pp. 563-569. Scherrer, J.F.a , Salas, J.a , Grucza, R.a , Sullivan, M.D.b , Lustman, P.J.c d , […]
Brain inflammation in Parkinson’s disease focus of $3.2 million grant
Parkinson’s disease usually is thought of as a movement disorder. People with Parkinson’s typically first develop a tremor in one hand, followed by slowed movement, stiffness and loss of balance. But within 10 years of diagnosis, more than three-quarters of Parkinson’s patients also develop cognitive problems such as difficulty with memory and with performing sequential […]
Brain & Behavior Research Foundation awards grants to three researchers
Three Washington University in St. Louis researchers have received Young Investigator Grants from the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation. The foundation is committed to alleviating the suffering caused by mental illness by supporting research that will lead to advances and breakthroughs in scientific research. The $70,000 grants help junior investigators launch innovative basic, translational and clinical research […]
Basis of developmental disabilities focus of $11.3 million in grants
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have received a pair of grants totaling $11.3 million to study genetic and environmental factors that contribute to developmental disabilities and to find new ways to improve the lives of children and adults affected by such disabilities. The grants — a five-year award from the […]
Podcast: The making of a fast, accurate saliva test for COVID-19
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, health officials have talked about the need for better, faster and more frequent testing. Recently, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis developed a saliva test that can detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus without inserting a nasopharyngeal swab into the nose or throat. The saliva test […]
Kerschensteiner honored for work with neural circuits, visual system
Daniel Kerschensteiner, MD, a professor of ophthalmology in the John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, has received the Cogan Award from the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO). The annual award recognizes a researcher age 45 or younger who has made important research contributions in ophthalmology and visual science […]
WashU weekly Neuroscience publications
“Incidence of uveitis and macular edema among patients taking fingolimod 0.5 mg for multiple sclerosis” (2020) Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation and Infection Incidence of uveitis and macular edema among patients taking fingolimod 0.5 mg for multiple sclerosis (2020) Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation and Infection, 10 (1), art. no. 24, . Sonne, S.J.a , Smith, B.T.b c a St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. […]
Cerebral palsy also has genetic underpinnings
The causes of cerebral palsy have long been debated and often are attributed to in utero infections, premature birth, or brain injury to the baby near or during delivery, usually from a lack of oxygen. But many young children diagnosed with cerebral palsy have not experienced such events. Now, scientists have identified mutations in single […]
Prenatal cannabis exposure associated with adverse outcomes during middle childhood
While cannabis use during pregnancy is on the rise, researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have found evidence that the resulting children are more likely to have psychopathology in middle childhood. The team’s analysis are the first steps in studying the effects of cannabis on children as attitudes surrounding its use change rapidly — […]
WashU weekly Neuroscience publications
“Characterization of focused ultrasound-mediated brainstem delivery of intranasally administered agents” (2020) Journal of Controlled Release Characterization of focused ultrasound-mediated brainstem delivery of intranasally administered agents (2020) Journal of Controlled Release, 328, pp. 276-285. Ye, D.a , Luan, J.a , Pang, H.b , Yang, Y.b , Nazeri, A.c , Rubin, J.B.d e , Chen, H.b f a Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, […]
William H. Danforth, chancellor emeritus, trustee emeritus of Washington University, dies at 94
Chancellor Emeritus William H. Danforth, MD, who served as chancellor for 24 of his more than 65 years of service to Washington University in St. Louis, died Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020, at his home in Ladue, Mo. He was 94. Dr. Danforth, who was also an emeritus trustee, led the university into an era of […]
Gutmann receives award from neurological association
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, has received the George W. Jacoby Award from the American Neurological Association for his discoveries on the role of the immune system in brain […]
Podcast: COVID-19, social media and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities
The pandemic is affecting everyone, but the stresses it causes are particularly rough for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Providing effective education to such children and getting services to those who need help in their homes is typically complex, but those issues are even more difficult in the face of COVID-19. […]
Buchman elected president of neurotology society
Craig A. Buchman, MD, the Lindburg Professor and head of the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has been elected president of the American Neurotology Society, an organization of specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the inner ear and skull base. He first will serve […]
Immune system affects mind and body, study indicates
New research at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis helps illuminate a surprising mind-body connection. In mice, the researchers found that immune cells surrounding the brain produce a molecule that is then absorbed by neurons in the brain, where it appears to be necessary for normal behavior. The findings, published Sept. 14 in […]
WashU weekly Neuroscience publications
“Analysis of Modulation of the ρ1 GABAA Receptor by Combinations of Inhibitory and Potentiating Neurosteroids Reveals Shared and Distinct Binding Sites” (2020) Molecular Pharmacology Analysis of Modulation of the ρ1 GABAA Receptor by Combinations of Inhibitory and Potentiating Neurosteroids Reveals Shared and Distinct Binding Sites (2020) Molecular Pharmacology, 98 (4), pp. 280-291. Germann, A.L., Reichert, D.E., Burbridge, A.B., Pierce, S.R., […]
Older people with early, asymptomatic Alzheimer’s at risk of falls
Falls are the leading cause of fatal injuries in older adults, causing more than 800,000 hospitalizations and about 30,000 deaths in the U.S. every year. Some risk factors are well-known — advanced age, problems with vision or balance, muscle weakness — but an under-recognized factor is early Alzheimer’s disease. Older people in the earliest stages […]
Imaging agent developed at Washington University spotlights inflammation
Many of the most common diseases — cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular and lung disease, and even COVID-19 — have been linked to chronic or excessive inflammation. Blood tests can indicate that some part of a person’s body is inflamed, but doctors don’t have a good way to zero in on the site of inflammation and visualize the […]
WashU weekly Neuroscience publications
“Experience-dependent resonance in amygdalo-cortical circuits supports fear memory retrieval following extinction” (2020) Nature Communications Experience-dependent resonance in amygdalo-cortical circuits supports fear memory retrieval following extinction (2020) Nature Communications, 11 (1), art. no. 4358, . Ozawa, M.a b , Davis, P.a b c e , Ni, J.a , Maguire, J.a , Papouin, T.a d , Reijmers, L.a a Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States b Graduate Program in […]
Evan Gordon joins MIR
We are happy to share that Evan Gordon, PhD, joins our faculty as an assistant professor in the Neuroimaging Lab (NIL) effective September 1. Evan completed his BA in Psychology from Duke University and went on to earn his PhD from Georgetown University. After his doctorate, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the neurology department […]
College students access eating disorders therapy via phone app
More than 13% of women and 3.6% of men on college campuses have an eating disorder of some kind, but fewer than 20% of those affected ever receive treatment due to lack of available clinicians and the stigma associated with seeking help. New research led by eating disorders experts at Washington University School of Medicine […]
COVID-19 disproportionately affects developmentally disabled
As the nation’s children, teens and college students attempt to start a new school year amidst debate regarding how best to resume education during the COVID-19 pandemic, a segment of the population in desperate need of in-person supports often is overlooked in the decision-making process, according to a group of experts on the topic. “In […]
WashU weekly Neuroscience publications
“Polygenic risk for anxiety influences anxiety comorbidity and suicidal behavior in bipolar disorder” (2020) Translational Psychiatry Polygenic risk for anxiety influences anxiety comorbidity and suicidal behavior in bipolar disorder (2020) Translational Psychiatry, 10 (1), art. no. 298, . Lopes, F.L.a , Zhu, K.a , Purves, K.L.b , Song, C.a , Ahn, K.a , Hou, L.a , Akula, N.a , Kassem, L.a , Bergen, S.E.c , Landen, M.c d , Veras, A.B.e , Nardi, […]
Cochlear implants should be recommended for adults more often
An international group of hearing specialists has released a new set of recommendations emphasizing that cochlear implants should be offered to adults who have moderate to severe or worse hearing loss much more often than is the current practice. The group hopes the recommendations help increase usage of such devices, potentially improving hearing and quality […]
Washington University develops COVID-19 saliva test
A new saliva test to detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been developed by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Results from the COVID-19 diagnostic test are available in a few hours and, ideally, able to be communicated to people tested within a day. Highly sensitive to detecting even tiny levels of […]
African American children with autism experience long delays in diagnosis
Diagnosing autism in children as early as possible is essential to improving their language, social and cognitive skills. But often the diagnosis is made relatively late — even after some children begin elementary school. In the United States, diagnostic delays and barriers in access to developmental therapy for those with autism are particularly pronounced among […]
WashU weekly Neuroscience publications
“Testing the impact of a single nucleotide polymorphism in a Plasmodium berghei ApiAP2 transcription factor on experimental cerebral malaria in mice” (2020) Scientific Reports Testing the impact of a single nucleotide polymorphism in a Plasmodium berghei ApiAP2 transcription factor on experimental cerebral malaria in mice (2020) Scientific Reports, 10 (1), art. no. 13630, . Akkaya, M.a , Bansal, A.b e , Sheehan, P.W.a f , Pena, […]
New center to explore brain, immune system connections
As the brain reigns supreme over the human body, the immune system works 24/7 to defend the body from foreign invaders. For decades, however, the brain and the immune system were thought to operate independently of one another. But a growing body of evidence suggests the two are intimately connected in keeping the body healthy. […]
WashU weekly Neuroscience publications
“Orbitofrontal-striatal potentiation underlies cocaine-induced hyperactivity” (2020) Nature Communications Orbitofrontal-striatal potentiation underlies cocaine-induced hyperactivity (2020) Nature Communications, 11 (1), art. no. 3996, . Bariselli, S.a d , Miyazaki, N.L.a , Creed, M.C.b c , Kravitz, A.V.a c a National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States b Washington University Pain Center, St Louis, MO 63110, United States c Departments of Psychiatry, […]
Gereau honored for mentorship and training in neuroscience research
Robert W. Gereau IV, PhD, the Dr. Seymour and Rose T. Brown Professor and vice chair for research in the Department of Anesthesiology, has received the Landis Award for Outstanding Mentorship from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The award, one of six presented this year, is […]
Babulal receives five-year $4M grant from National Institute on Aging
Ganesh M. Babulal, assistant professor of neurology at the School of Medicine, received a five-year $3,984,843 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH)’s National Institute On Aging for research titled “The Impact of Depression and Preclinical Alzheimer Disease on Driving Among Older Adults.” This study will investigate how depression, preclinical Alzheimer’s disease and antidepressant […]
Immunotherapy-resistant cancers eliminated in mouse study
Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment by stimulating the patient’s own immune system to attack cancer cells, yielding remarkably quick and complete remission in some cases. But such drugs work for less than a quarter of patients because tumors are notoriously adept at evading immune assault. A new study in mice by researchers at Washington University […]
WashU weekly Neuroscience publications
“Blood plasma phosphorylated-tau isoforms track CNS change in Alzheimer’s disease” (2020) The Journal of Experimental Medicine Blood plasma phosphorylated-tau isoforms track CNS change in Alzheimer’s disease (2020) The Journal of Experimental Medicine, 217 (11), . Barthélemy, N.R.a , Horie, K.a , Sato, C.a , Bateman, R.J.a b c a Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO b Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, […]
Targeting ultrasound at the brain for noninvasive diagnosis of brain cancer
Brain tumors are typically diagnosed using MRI imaging, as taking a sample for a tissue biopsy is risky and may not be possible due to tumor location or a patient’s poor health conditions. Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis are developing a method to diagnose brain tumors without any incisions. The method is developed […]
History is made restoring hearing in patients with acoustic neuromas
Surgeons at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis made history on July 15 when they completed the first case in a clinical trial to restore hearing in patients with vestibular schwannomas, also known as acoustic neuromas. The July operation at Barnes-Jewish Hospital marked the first use of the MED-EL Auditory Nerve Test System […]
Boosting immune system a potential treatment strategy for COVID-19
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to claim lives around the world, much research has focused on the immune system’s role in patients who become seriously ill. A popular theory has it that the immune system gets so revved up fighting the virus that, after several days, it produces a so-called cytokine storm that results in […]
WashU weekly Neuroscience publications
"Gait asymmetry, and bilateral coordination of gait during a six-minute walk test in persons with multiple sclerosis" (2020) Scientific Reports Gait asymmetry, and bilateral coordination of gait during a six-minute walk test in persons with multiple sclerosis(2020) Scientific Reports, 10 (1), art. no. 12382, . Plotnik, M.a b c , Wagner, J.M.d , Adusumilli, G.e , Gottlieb, A.a , Naismith, R.T.e a Center of Advanced Technologies in Rehabilitation, […]