Author: Chris Amelung

When Ammanda Sanches arrived in St. Louis with her husband, Daniel, two years ago, he plunged into his studies toward a doctorate degree in economics, while Ammanda toured the city with her camera in hand. Ammanda, who worked as a photographer’s assistant in their native Brazil, now finds new inspiration in the sights of St. Louis.

Listed below are this month’s featured news stories. • Age-related macular degeneration (week of Nov. 7) • An eye on curing diabetes (week of Nov. 14) • Obesity and heart disease in kids (week of Nov. 21) • Depression and diabetes (week of Nov. 28)

The anthropological works of Glenn Conroy, Ph.D., professor of anatomy and neurobiology and of anthropology, are on display through January 2008 in the Farrell Learning and Teaching Center.

Glenn Conroy and Jane Phillips-Conroy with their awards for outstanding teachingHis modest demeanor provides little hint of neither his brilliant career nor the ivy-paved path that serendipitously led him to Washington University in St. Louis more than 20 years ago. A renowned anthropologist, Glenn Conroy, Ph.D., has been gathering valuable fossil remains of humans and non-human primates for more than 30 years. Some of his best work is on display through January in the Farrell Learning and Teaching Center (See it now).

An estimated one million smokers will attempt to kick the habit this month as part of the annual Great American Smokeout. The Siteman Cancer Center at Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital will offer its annual “Siteman Smokeout for Life,” Thursday, November 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Center for Advanced Medicine at the corner of Euclid and Forest Park.

Office for Technology Management co-directors Michael Marrah and Bradley CastanhoBreaking down the barriers describes the efforts of the Office of Technology Management (OTM), the group dedicated to realizing the commercial potential of research. OTM evaluates discoveries, then licenses and patents technology developed by Washington University faculty. Michael T. Marrah, JD, and Bradley J. Castanho, PhD, were appointed co-directors of the office in January 2007, after serving as interim directors for nearly a year.

HammermanIn a new study with an eye on curing diabetes, senior investigator Marc Hammerman and a group of WUSM scientists successfully transplanted embryonic pig pancreatic cells destined to produce insulin into diabetic macaque monkeys – all without the need for risky immune suppression drugs that prevent rejection. The transplanted cells, known as primordia, are in the earliest stages of developing into pancreatic tissues. Within several weeks of the transplants, the cells became engrafted, or established, within the three rhesus macaque monkeys that received them. The cells also released pig insulin in response to rising blood glucose levels, as would be expected in healthy animals and humans.

Come hear the latest research accomplishments of some of the School of Medicine’s most talented female faculty and fellows. Spotlighting Women in Medicine and Science (SWIMS) will highlight the work of doctors and scientists in diverse fields, including obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, oncology, cardiology and cell biology. Speakers also will discuss some of the unique challenges they have faced in their careers in academic medicine.

Listed below are this month’s featured news stories. • Bright tumors, dim prospects (week of Oct. 3) • New drugs for Parkinson’s (week of Oct. 10) • Heart disease in the mentally ill (week of Oct. 17) • Preventing plaque buildup (week of Oct. 24) • Helping children lose weight (week of Oct. 31)

(From L-R) Richard Gelberman, Chairman for the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, looks over floor plans for the new orthopedic surgery center with Larry Shapiro, Dean for the School of Medicine, and Chancellor Mark Wrighton.The recently completed outpatient orthopedic center in west St. Louis County demonstrates Washington University Orthopedics’ commitment to a new model of medical practice. Taking lessons from various industries and leading efficiency experts, faculty members deconstructed old processes to incorporate the latest solutions for reducing waste, improving quality and adding value and convenience to the patient experience.