New technique aids search for genetic roots of disease
Researchers at the School of Medicine have developed a new technique to cheaply and rapidly create myriad sets of DNA fragments that detail all possible genetic variants in a particular stretch of DNA. By studying such DNA fragments, scientists can more easily distinguish between genetic variants linked to disease and those that are innocuous.
Antibody protects developing fetus from Zika virus in mouse study
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and Vanderbilt University School of Medicine have identified a human antibody that prevents — in pregnant mice — the fetus from becoming infected with the Zika virus. The antibody also protects adult mice from Zika disease.
$34 million effort aims to image brain from childhood through old age
Throughout our lives, our brains are always changing. To capture that transformation, scientists will scan the brains of people from kindergarten through their later years to build maps of the brain as it develops and changes over the decades. The endeavor, led by researchers at Washington University, is funded by two grants totaling $34 million from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Cause of inflammation in diabetes identified
Inflammation is one of the main reasons why people with diabetes experience heart attacks, strokes, kidney problems and other, related complications. Now, in a surprise finding, researchers at the School of Medicine have identified a possible trigger of chronic inflammation.
Earlier Alzheimer’s diagnosis may be possible with new imaging compound
Researchers at the School of Medicine have developed a chemical compound, named Fluselenamyl, that detects amyloid clumps in Alzheimer’s patients better than current FDA-approved compounds.
Zika infection reduces fertility, lowers testosterone in male mice
A new study in mice co-authored by School of Medicine scientists suggests that Zika infection may have consequences for men that interfere with their ability to have children. Studies in people are needed to determine if men are similarly affected.
Mental illness genetically linked to drug use and misuse, study finds
If mental illness runs in your family, your genetic makeup may also make you more likely to use drugs and alcohol, suggests new research from Washington University in St. Louis.
Natural compound reduces signs of aging in healthy mice
Scientists at the School of Medicine have shown that supplementing healthy mice with a natural compound called NMN can compensate for a loss of energy production in aging cells, reducing typical signs of aging such as gradual weight gain, loss of insulin sensitivity and declines in physical activity.
For some COPD patients, portable oxygen treatment provides no benefit
Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often receive portable oxygen therapy to help raise oxygen levels and allow them to breathe easier. But a major study published Oct. 26 in The New England Journal of Medicine indicates that supplemental oxygen does not benefit a large group of patients with COPD: those with moderately low levels of oxygen in the blood.
Examining the effects of regulating tobacco sales
State actions to regulate retail sales of tobacco nearly doubled between 2012 and 2014, according to new research from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis, but much of the activity was directed at e-cigarettes, perhaps the least harmful tobacco product.
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