Author: Chris Amelung

New research from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has found substantial reductions in binge drinking since the national drinking age was set at 21 two decades ago, with one exception: college students. The rates of binge drinking in male collegians remain unchanged, but the rates in female collegians have increased dramatically.

Three School of Medicine employees were recognized this spring by Larry J. Shapiro, M.D., executive vice chancellor and dean of the School of Medicine, for their outstanding contributions and exceptional commitment and dedication to the school.

Summertime is beach time, swimming pool time and gardening time. Most of us spend a lot more time in the sun during the summer months than during the rest of the year, and Washington University dermatologists say it’s very important to protect ourselves from the sun’s damaging rays.

U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Wesley FarnsworthAirmen load the MRI machine onto a C-17 Globemaster.Members of the 375th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Scott Air Force Base recently loaded the 26,000-pound heart of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging machine onto a C-17 ultimately bound for Argentina. The MRI equipment was donated to a hospital in Salta, Argentina, by the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

For years, scientists have known that red wine can provide certain health benefits. Regular red wine drinkers often have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as other disorders associated with aging. Now researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis are studying the active ingredient in red wine to see whether it might enhance longevity in some people.

Genetically speaking, what distinguishes a man from a mouse? U.S. and European scientists provide the answer in this week’s PLoS Biology. They have described the finished genome sequence of the mouse, which, after the human, is only the second mammal to have its complete genome decoded.

The School of Medicine Commencement Recognition Ceremony May 15 at the Ferrara Theater at America’s Center recognized the academic achievements of 109 students: 80 students earned the doctor of medicine degree; 16 earned a dual doctor of medicine/doctor of philosophy degree (M.D./Ph.D.); and 13 earned the doctor of medicine/master of arts degree (M.D./M.A). Michael V. Drake, M.D., chancellor of University of California-Irvine, spoke at the ceremony about “The Privilege of Practice.”

Researchers at the School of Medicine are collecting blood samples, mammograms and other medical data to populate a unique new women’s health repository. This wealth of information will be used to support future research projects focused on breast cancer and breast cancer treatments.

Top: normal lungs. Bottom: asthmatic lungs.Many young children who get a severe skin rash develop asthma months or years later. Doctors call the progression from eczema, or atopic dermatitis, to breathing problems the atopic march. Now scientists at the School of Medicine have uncovered what might be the key to atopic march. They’ve shown that a substance secreted by damaged skin circulates through the body and triggers asthmatic symptoms in allergen-exposed laboratory mice.

If you’ve regularly been coughing, wheezing or short of breath, you may want to get tested for asthma at the Saint Louis Science Center on Saturday, May 16, 2009. As part of a nationwide program, Washington University School of Medicine physicians will be at the Science Center to test lung function and answer questions about asthma. The screenings are free.