Dear School of Medicine Community, It is a pleasure for me to announce that Paul Taghert, PhD, has accepted the position of interim head of the Department of Neuroscience and will start in the role on July 1, 2019. Paul is professor of neurobiology and an exceptionally well-respected member of our faculty since establishing his […]
Category: School of Medicine
Lisa Tabor Connor to be next executive director of the Program in Occupational Therapy
Dear Faculty, Staff and Students: I am pleased to announce that Lisa Tabor Connor, PhD, has accepted our offer to become the next executive director of the Program in Occupational Therapy, beginning July 1, 2019. Dr. Connor is currently professor and chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy and associate director of research programs at […]
Cannabis during pregnancy bumps psychosis risk in offspring
Pregnant women who use cannabis may slightly increase the risk their unborn child will develop psychosis later in life, suggests new research from Washington University in St. Louis. Fine “Our research shows that prenatal marijuana exposure after maternal knowledge of pregnancy is associated with a small increase in psychosis proneness during middle childhood or about […]
WashU weekly Neuroscience publications
“Conditional knockout of UBC13 produces disturbances in gait and spontaneous locomotion and exploration in mice” (2019) Scientific Reports Conditional knockout of UBC13 produces disturbances in gait and spontaneous locomotion and exploration in mice (2019) Scientific Reports, 9 (1), art. no. 4379, . Wozniak, D.F., Valnegri, P., Dearborn, J.T., Fowler, S.C., Bonni, A. Document Type: Article Publication Stage: Final Source: Scopus Access Type: Open Access “A […]
Children with rare gene mutation gather in St. Louis as doctors, researchers try to build treatment guide
ST. LOUIS • When only 100 people in the world share your child’s specific gene mutation, it is hard to find anyone who understands, including doctors. Three dozen families came here from Argentina, Italy and all over the U.S. this week to help doctors understand the medical challenges caused by a mutation of the GNAO1 gene. […]
Bateman receives Potamkin Award for Alzheimer’s research
Randall J. Bateman, MD, the Charles F. and Joanne Knight Distinguished Professor of Neurology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has been awarded the Potamkin Prize for Research in Pick’s, Alzheimer’s, and Related Diseases. He will receive the award May 6 at the American Academy of Neurology’s annual meeting in Philadelphia. Sometimes […]
WashU weekly Neuroscience publications
“The immediate benefits and long-term consequences of briefly presented masked primes on episodic recollection” (2019) Journal of Memory and Language The immediate benefits and long-term consequences of briefly presented masked primes on episodic recollection (2019) Journal of Memory and Language, 106, pp. 77-94. Maddox, G.B.a , Balota, D.A.b , Kumar, A.A.b , Millar, P.R.b , Churchill, L.b a Department of […]
Kefalov receives Bressler Prize for vision research
Vladimir Kefalov, PhD, a professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences, has beenawarded the 2019 Bressler Prize by the Lighthouse Guild, an organization dedicated to reducing the burden of living with vision loss. Established in 2001, the Bressler Prize recognizes mid-career vision scientists whose leadership, research and service have led to substantive advancements in the understanding […]
Blunting pain’s emotional component
Chronic pain involves more than just hurting. People suffering from pain often experience sadness, depression and lethargy. That’s one reason opioids can be so addictive — they not only dampen the pain but also make people feel euphoric. What if it were possible to develop a pain killer that could curb the negative emotions associated […]
Mobile phone technology to screen, help treat college students
A research team led by Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has received a five-year, $3.8 million grant to evaluate the use of smartphones in treating psychiatric problems that are common among college students. “Not enough services are available to meet the mental health needs of students on college campuses,” said principal investigator Denise […]
Doctors address mental health crisis among Rohingya refugees
COX’S BAZAR DISTRICT, Bangladesh — A 12-year-old Rohingya boy flatly, stoically tells of how, within three hours one day in August 2017, the Myanmar military murdered 56 members of his family in their village in western Myanmar. Of his immediate family, his parents and three sisters were slain; only he and his brothers — ages […]
Wash U Researchers Discuss Latest Findings About Suicidal Ideation Among Children, Young People
A study released this week by the National Institutes of Health indicates that nearly one-third of Americans between the ages of 10 and 12 “screened positive for suicide risk in emergency department settings.” Meanwhile, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have been studying even younger children who think and talk about suicide – and their […]
$10 million to help study noise-induced hearing loss
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have received $10.5 million from the Department of the Army to investigate whether an anti-seizure drug can prevent noise-induced hearing loss when given several hours before exposure to extremely loud noise. Loud noise that can permanently damage hearing is a common hazard, whether that noise […]
WashU weekly Neuroscience publications
“Repeated neonatal isoflurane exposures in the mouse induce apoptotic degenerative changes in the brain and relatively mild long-term behavioral deficits” (2019) Scientific Reports Repeated neonatal isoflurane exposures in the mouse induce apoptotic degenerative changes in the brain and relatively mild long-term behavioral deficits (2019) Scientific Reports, 9 (1), art. no. 2779, . Maloney, S.E.a d f , Yuede, C.M.a b , […]
Grad students Essuman, Mitra awarded 2019 O’Leary Prize
Congratulations to the 2019 winners of the James L. O’Leary Prize for Excellence in Neuroscience Research! Kow Essuman MD/PhD candidate Milbrandt Lab Anish Mitra MD/PhD candidate Raichle Lab Winners were selected based on presentations by graduate student and post doc finalists at the March 5, 2019 competition. Each winner receives a $1000 prize. For more […]
Young kids with suicidal thoughts understand concept of death
Depressed children ages 4 to 6 who think and talk about committing suicide understand what it means to die better than other kids, according to new research at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Such children with suicidal thoughts and words — what psychiatrists call suicidal ideation — were more than three times […]
WashU weekly Neuroscience publications
“Correction to: CHD3 helicase domain mutations cause a neurodevelopmental syndrome with macrocephaly and impaired speech and language (Nature Communications, (2018), 9, 1, (4619), 10.1038/s41467-018-06014-6)” (2019) Nature Communications Correction to: CHD3 helicase domain mutations cause a neurodevelopmental syndrome with macrocephaly and impaired speech and language (Nature Communications, (2018), 9, 1, (4619), 10.1038/s41467-018-06014-6) (2019) Nature Communications, 10 (1), art. no. 883, . Blok, […]
A new method for precision drug delivery: painting
If traditional drug delivery were a type of painting, it might be akin to paintball. With good aim, a majority of the paint ends on the bullseye, but it also drips and splashes, carrying streams of paint across the target. If the drug needs to enter the bloodstream and circulate throughout your body for treating […]
Computational biology project aims to better understand protein folding
When Greg Bowman presents a slideshow about the proteins he studies, their 3D shapes and folding patterns play out as animations on a big screen. As he describes these molecules, it might be easy to miss the fact that he can’t really see his own presentation, at least not the way the audience does. Bowman, […]
WashU weekly Neuroscience publications
“Predicting Alzheimer’s disease progression using multi-modal deep learning approach” (2019) Scientific Reports Predicting Alzheimer’s disease progression using multi-modal deep learning approach (2019) Scientific Reports, 9 (1), art. no. 1952, . Lee, G.a b , Nho, K.c d , Kang, B.a , Sohn, K.-A.a , Kim, D.b e , Weiner, M.W.f , Aisen, P.g , Petersen, R.h , Jack, C.R., Jr.h , […]
Wang named Loewentheil Distinguished Professor
Ting Wang, PhD, whose work sits at the intersection of biology and computer science, has been named the inaugural Sanford C. and Karen P. Loewentheil Distinguished Professor of Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Wang was installed by Washington University Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton and David H. Perlmutter, MD, executive vice […]
Hong Chen receives $1.6 million grant from the NIH’s National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering
Hong Chen, assistant professor of biomedical engineering at the McKelvey School of Engineering and of radiation oncology at the School of Medicine, received a $1.6 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH)’s National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering. The research will fund a broader understanding of Chen’s earlier work combining intranasal drug delivery […]
Needlemans commit $15 million aimed at therapies for chronic diseases
Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has received a $15 million commitment from longtime benefactors Philip and Sima Needleman to support two cutting-edge research centers aimed at developing new treatments for diseases that collectively affect millions. The Needlemans have a long relationship with the university; Philip served as head of the former Department […]
Yi awarded Sloan Research Fellowship
Jason Yi, PhD, an assistant professor of neuroscience at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has received a prestigious 2019 Sloan Research Fellowship, which supports promising early-career scientists. Yi studies how genetic variations perturb key developmental programs in neuronal development, leading to neurological disorders such as intellectual disability and autism. Yi is one […]
WashU weekly Neuroscience publications
“Regional differences in the expression of tetrodotoxin-sensitive inward Ca2+ and outward Cs+/K+ currents in mouse and human ventricles” (2019) Channels (Austin, Tex.) Regional differences in the expression of tetrodotoxin-sensitive inward Ca2+ and outward Cs+/K+ currents in mouse and human ventricles (2019) Channels (Austin, Tex.), 13 (1), pp. 72-87. Wang, W.a , Mellor, R.L.a , Nerbonne, J.M.a b , Balke, C.W.a […]
School of Medicine expands mission of McDonnell Genome Institute
The McDonnell Genome Institute at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis is entering a new era of genomic medicine, expanding its capacities beyond genome sequencing and adding a new and vital focus on understanding how genetics influences health and disease. Jeffrey Milbrandt, MD, PhD, recently appointed executive director of the McDonnell Genome Institute, says the […]
WashU weekly Neuroscience publications
“Advances in Understanding Ischemic Stroke Physiology and the Impact of Vasculopathy in Children With Sickle Cell Disease” (2019) Stroke Advances in Understanding Ischemic Stroke Physiology and the Impact of Vasculopathy in Children With Sickle Cell Disease (2019) Stroke, 50 (2), pp. 266-273. Guilliams, K.P.a b , Fields, M.E.b , Dowling, M.M.c a From the Department of Neurology (K.P.G.), Washington University School […]
Nerve transfer surgery gives hope to children with rare paralyzing illness
At Brandon Noblitt’s first appointment with Washington University surgeon Amy Moore, MD, a year ago, he was barely able to walk, mostly using a wheelchair to get around. Only 6 years old at the time, Brandon had come down with a cold. A week later, he was unable to move his right arm and leg. “One […]
Bauer awarded $2.1 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH)’s NINDS
Adam Q. Bauer, assistant professor of radiology at the School of Medicine, received a $2.1 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH)’s National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke for a research project titled “Optogenetic Mapping of Cell Specific Connections in the Mouse Brain After Stroke.” Stroke is the leading cause of adult […]
Soranno receives grant from the Alzheimer’s Association
Andrea Soranno, assistant professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics at the School of Medicine, received a three-year, $150,000 research grant from the Alzheimer’s Association for his work titled “Conformational analysis of ApoE isoforms and their role in AD mechanism.” Read more.
Less anesthesia during surgery doesn’t prevent post-op delirium
Many older adults who have major surgery experience postoperative delirium in the days after their operations. Previous research has suggested that closely monitoring the brain during surgery and making adjustments to protect the brain from too much anesthesia could reduce risk of postoperative delirium. But in a new study of more than 1,200 older surgical […]
Scans Show Women’s Brains Remain Youthful As Male Brains Wind Down
From NPR’s All Things Considered… Women tend to have more youthful brains than their male counterparts — at least when it comes to metabolism. While age reduces the metabolism of all brains, women retain a higher rate throughout the lifespan, researchers reported Monday in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. “Females had a younger brain […]
Women’s brains appear three years younger than men’s
Time wears differently on women’s and men’s brains. While the brain tends to shrink with age, men’s diminish faster than women’s. The brain’s metabolism slows as people grow older, and this, too, may differ between men and women. A new study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis finds that women’s brains appear […]
WashU weekly Neuroscience publications
“Neuronal evidence for good-based economic decisions under variable action costs” (2019) Nature Communications Neuronal evidence for good-based economic decisions under variable action costs (2019) Nature Communications, 10 (1), art. no. 393, . Cai, X.a b c d , Padoa-Schioppa, C.a e f a Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO 63110, United States b NYU Shanghai, 1555 Century Avenue, […]
Why it’s key to identify preschoolers with anxiety and depression
New research shows these kids have mental and physical problems as they grow older From Science News… …Maybe, says Joan Luby, a psychiatrist at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Luby’s research has shown that treating preschoolers with depression helps the youngsters feel joy again, at least in the short term. “When […]
Silva, Ramani chosen as Inaugural WashU Faculty Fellows in Entrepreneurship
From the WashU Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research… Jennifer Silva, MD, associate professor of Pediatrics and Vijay Ramani, PhD, the Roma B. & Raymond H. Wittcoff Professor of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering have been selected as the inaugural entrepreneurial faculty fellows. These individuals advise WashU faculty and small companies founded by WashU personnel […]
WashU weekly Neuroscience publications
“Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Combined Dual Motor Nerve Transfers versus Alternative Surgical and Nonsurgical Management Strategies to Restore Shoulder Function Following Upper Brachial Plexus Injury” (2019) Neurosurgery Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Combined Dual Motor Nerve Transfers versus Alternative Surgical and Nonsurgical Management Strategies to Restore Shoulder Function Following Upper Brachial Plexus Injury (2019) Neurosurgery, 84 (2), pp. 362-377. Khalifeh, J.M.a , Dibble, […]
Just One Night Of Sleep Loss Can Affect Body And Mind, Studies Find
From Forbes… Brains do a lot of work while we sleep—far from being a passive behavior, sleep is actually critical to brain health, and as a result, mental and cognitive health. A few new studies in recent weeks underline how important sleep is, and how detrimental lack of sleep can be. And not just chronic […]
Sleep deprivation accelerates Alzheimer’s brain damage
Study in mice, people explains why poor sleep linked to Alzheimer’s From the WashU Newsroom… Poor sleep has long been linked with Alzheimer’s disease, but researchers have understood little about how sleep disruptions drive the disease. Now, studying mice and people, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have found that sleep […]
Study: Sleep Deprivation Speeds Up Alzheimer’s Disease
From US News & World Report… EXPERTS HAVE LONG warned about the negative effects of sleep deprivation, and new research suggests that people with Alzheimer’s disease may be particularly affected. In a study of mice and humans, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis found that sleep deprivation increases levels of the […]
WashU weekly Neuroscience publications
“Neuroimaging of individual differences: A latent variable modeling perspective” (2019) Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Neuroimaging of individual differences: A latent variable modeling perspective (2019) Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 98, pp. 29-46. Cooper, S.R., Jackson, J.J., Barch, D.M., Braver, T.S. Washington University in St. Louis, Psychological and Brain Sciences, St. Louis, MO, United States Abstract Neuroimaging data is being increasingly […]
Blood test detects Alzheimer’s damage before symptoms
Test also may identify neurodegeneration in other brain diseases, injuries From the WashU School of Medicine News… A simple blood test reliably detects signs of brain damage in people on the path to developing Alzheimer’s disease – even before they show signs of confusion and memory loss, according to a new study from Washington University […]
New hope for stem cell approach to treating diabetes
Insulin-producing cells more responsive to fluctuating glucose levels From the WashU Newsroom… Scientists working to develop more effective treatments for diabetes are turning to stem cells. Such cells can be transformed into cells that produce insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar. But there’s a major challenge: the amount of insulin produced by theses cells […]
Emerging areas
New centers address personalized medicine and aging From the WashU Outlook Magazine… Three newly established research centers will strengthen the School of Medicine’s commitment to advancing two of the institution’s major research priorities: personalized medicine and aging. Investigators in these centers will undertake multidisciplinary work with implications for addressing a broad range of major health […]
Gene therapy blocks peripheral nerve damage in mice
From the WashU Newsroom… Nerve axons serve as the wiring of the nervous system, sending electrical signals that control movement and sense of touch. When axons are damaged, whether by injury or as a side effect of certain drugs, a program is triggered that leads axons to self-destruct. This destruction likely plays an important role […]
Probing the microbiome
Studies of people and their companion microbes shed light on health and disease From the WashU Outlook Magazine… ven in our most solitary moments, we humans are never alone. On us and within us, tens of trillions of microbes live and thrive — not as passive hitchhikers, but as interactive, symbiotic shapers of our biology. […]
On the frontiers of psychiatry
Physician-scientists aim to reduce the impact of mental illness on society From the WashU Outlook Magazine… Up to one-third of the 16 million Americans with clinical depression don’t get relief from antidepressant drugs. As a result, they endure continuing sadness, problems with sleep, and often, difficulty concentrating, so that reading a book or functioning at […]
New hope for old disease
Doctors may soon be able to predict, prevent Alzheimer’s disease From the WashU Outlook Magazine… Caring for an aging relative with Alzheimer’s disease, watching memories slowly slip away, is an exhausting and heartbreaking ordeal. For those with the condition, modern medicine can offer little in the way of treatment as the disease inexorably strips away […]
WashU weekly Neuroscience publications
“Seizures as an early symptom of autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease” (2019) Neurobiology of Aging Seizures as an early symptom of autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease (2019) Neurobiology of Aging, 76, pp. 18-23. Vöglein, J.a b , Noachtar, S.b , McDade, E.c , Quaid, K.A.d , Salloway, S.e , Ghetti, B.f , Noble, J.g , Berman, S.h , Chhatwal, J.i , […]
Decreased deep sleep linked to early signs of Alzheimer’s disease
Toxic brain protein tau elevated in older people who sleep poorly From the WashU School of Medicine News… Poor sleep is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. People with the disease tend to wake up tired, and their nights become even less refreshing as memory loss and other symptoms worsen. But how and why restless nights […]