Author: Ken Duenke

An important component of BioMed 21, the Genome Sequencing Center at Washington University in St. Louis is a gene-sequencing powerhouse and one of the four such centers in the world. It specializes in large-scale, high-throughput genome sequencing, supplying data that helps researchers at the School of Medicine identify the genetic factors that contribute to disease.

Groundbreaking to announce construction of the new BJC Institute of Health at Washington University, supported by a $30 million gift from BJC HealthCare. Scheduled for completion in December 2009, the building will be the largest ever constructed on the campus of Washington University School of Medicine. It will also be the home base for BioMed 21 — the university’s innovative research initiative designed to speed scientific discovery and rapidly apply breakthroughs to patient care.

Many of the principles guiding the modern food movements can be traced back to concepts first explored by Frances Moore Lappe in her pioneering 1971 book, Diet for a Small Planet. The book sold millions and influenced a generation about the social and personal significance of a new way of eating, and as a result, a new way of viewing the world. On Tuesday, November 6 at 4 p.m. in Graham Chapel, Lappe will present a talk for the Assembly Series based on her most recent book, “Getting a Grip: Clarity, Creativity, and Courage in a World Gone Mad.” The program, co-sponsored by the University Libraries and the student organizations Feed St. Louis and Assn. of Students Against Poverty, is free and open to the public. Graham Chapel is located on Washington University’s Danforth Campus.

Images of brain cells taken before (above) and after seizures in live mice reveal loss of spines, small bumps on the surfaces of brain cell branches.For some epilepsy patients, the side effects of epilepsy can be as troubling as the seizures. One pressing concern is the cognitive impairment seizures often inflict, which potentially includes memory loss, slowed reactions and reduced attention spans. Now scientists at the School of Medicine have directly observed seizure-induced structural changes in brain cells in laboratory animals. They report in The Journal of Neuroscience that the insights they gained allowed them to use a drug to block those changes in the brain.

Six faculty from the School of Medicine have been named fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the world’s largest general scientific society. The highest honor awarded by AAAS, the rank of fellow is bestowed upon members by their peers in recognition of scientifically or socially distinguished efforts to advance science or its applications.

• Lane closures are scheduled between the Highland Terrace bridge and Bellevue Avenue through Oct. 26. • Eager Road will be closed Oct. 27 at the I-170 intersection for the installation of a sewer line.

Six outstanding alumni will be honored for their service to and support of their alma mater at the University’s Founders Day celebration scheduled for Nov. 3 at America’s Center. Selected by the Alumni Board of Governors, the Distinguished Alumni Award recipients are: Nathan O. Hatch, president of Wake Forest University; Charlotte D. Jacobs, oncologist and professor of medicine at Stanford University; Steven F. Leer, chairman and chief executive officer of Arch Coal, Inc.; William B. Pollard III, a partner in Kornstein Veisz Wexler & Pollard, LLP law firm; Philip D. Shelton, former president and executive director of the Law School Admission Council; and J. J. Stupp, chief financial officer of Exegy Inc., a technology licensing company.

Social activist and Black Entertainment Television commentator Jeff Johnson will present the annual Black Arts & Sciences Festival lecture at 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 31 in Edison Theatre. His talk, sponsored by the University’s Assembly Series and the Association of Black Students, will suggest strategies for developing effective organizations for future leaders: “BECOME Activists: Building Effective Campus Organizations and Maintaining Excellence.”

Go to BearSports The No. 5 Bears defeated Division II University of Missouri-St. Louis, 3-0, Oct. 17. Senior Haleigh Spencer and junior Nikki Morrison, who each finished the match with 15 kills, led the Bears offensively. The two combined to hit .371 in the win. Spencer had five kills in each of the three games […]

Diane Damiano has been elected president of the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine. Damiano is research associate professor of neurology and adjunct associate professor of physical therapy at the School of Medicine. The American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine is a multidisciplinary scientific society devoted to the study of cerebral palsy and other childhood onset disabilities.