Author: Brittney Wheeler

A study from researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has found that a toxin produced by E. coli changes intestinal cells to benefit itself, an ability that could provide a clue to why the bacteria have been linked to nutritional problems such as malnutrition and stunted growth.

Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis faculty members Randall J. Bateman, MD, Michael S. Diamond, MD and Scott Hultgren have been elected fellows of the National Academy of Inventors, the highest professional distinction accorded solely to academic inventors.

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have found a novel form of the Alzheimer’s protein tau in the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This form of tau — known as MTBR tau — indicates what stage of Alzheimer’s a person is in and tracks with tangles of tau protein in the brain.

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine, working in mice, have found that a molecule previously linked to diabetes, cancer and muscle atrophy also seems to be involved in the development of osteoarthritis. It may offer a useful treatment target.

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have received a five-year $3.2 million grant to study the genetic basis of the musculoskeletal disorder scoliosis, and particularly how it affects African Americans and other underrepresented minorities.

School of Medicine researchers have received a grant allowing them to offer 50,000 saliva tests for the SARS-CoV-2 virus to students, teachers and staff in the six special education schools operated by the Special School District of St. Louis County.

School of Medicine scientists have identified a molecule that protects mice from brain infections caused by Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, a mosquito-borne virus notorious for causing fast-spreading, deadly outbreaks in Mexico, Central America and northern South America.

A study led by School of Medicine researchers showed that, contrary to expectations, most people with severe COVID-19 do not suffer from unbridled inflammation. The findings suggest that anti-inflammatory therapies may not be helpful for most COVID-19 patients.

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have found that the drug fluvoxamine may help prevent deterioration in COVID-19 patients, making hospitalization less likely.

Cancer cells can survive even after being hit with high doses of chemotherapy or radiation, but a School of Medicine team working to make treatment more effective is focusing on ways to tweak the inner machinery of cancer cells to make them more susceptible to dying.