Tau-based biomarker tracks Alzheimer’s progression

Researchers at the School of Medicine and Lund University in Sweden have identified a form of tau that could serve as a marker to track Alzheimer’s progression. The marker also could speed drug development.

Rural Scholars Academy gives introduction to campus life

Talented high school students from rural communities in Missouri and southern Illinois recently lived and learned on campus, where they discovered more about life at WashU and in St. Louis.

Study looks at ultrasound, genetics to treat disorders

With support from a $3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a multidisciplinary team led by Hong Chen at the McKelvey School of Engineering seeks to integrate ultrasound with genetics to precisely modify neurons in the brain.

Teaching about health risks of climate change

Very few U.S. medical schools offer training on the health risks of climate change. One student is working with School of Medicine leaders to adapt the curriculum.

Notables

Derek E. Byers, MD, PhD, has been named executive chair of the university’s Institutional Review Board, which reviews and approves protocols for research studies that involve humans. He begins the new role Tuesday, Aug. 1.

Notables

Isabel Huesa, a rising senior in Arts & Sciences, is participating in the U.S. Department of State’s prestigious Critical Language Scholarship Program.

Notables

Quing Zhu, an engineer who has developed advanced imaging techniques to diagnose cancers of the reproductive system and in other areas, has been named the Edwin H. Murty Professor of Engineering at the McKelvey School of Engineering.

Announcements

Applications open for med school’s executive fellowship

Applications open Wednesday, Aug. 2, for the School of Medicine’s two-year Executive Management Fellowship. Participants learn about operation and governance of a nationally ranked, research-based medical school and academic medical center.