Lack of sleep boosts levels of Alzheimer’s proteins
Chronic poor sleep has been linked to cognitive decline. A new study from the School of Medicine shows that a sleepless night causes levels of the Alzheimer’s protein amyloid beta to rise faster than the brain’s waste-disposal system can remove it. Persistently high levels of the protein can set off a cascade of brain changes leading to dementia.
Study prompts new ideas on cancers’ origins
A new study from the School of Medicine reveals that although many cancer therapies target rapidly dividing stem cells, mature cells also seem to play a key role in initiating cancer, at least in forming precancerous lesions.
Deadly heart rhythm halted by noninvasive radiation therapy
Radiation therapy often is used to treat cancer patients. Now, School of Medicine doctors have shown that radiation therapy — aimed directly at the heart — can be used to treat patients with a life-threatening heart rhythm.
A key to tackling childhood obesity: Involve families and follow up
When trying to help children lose weight, involving a parent in the treatment makes the entire family healthier, researchers at the School of Medicine have shown.
$3.9 million supports research to turn bacteria into biofuel producers
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have received a $3.9 million grant from the Department of Energy (DOE) to develop bacteria that manufacture renewable biofuels — energy sources made from plants or microbes.
Washington University research spurs new WHO guidelines for disabling tropical disease
Research led by the School of Medicine has prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to issue new treatment guidelines aimed at accelerating global elimination of lymphatic filariasis – a devastating tropical disease.
Kidney disease increases risk of diabetes, study shows
School of Medicine researchers have linked kidney disease to a higher risk of diabetes. They found that the likely cause is elevated urea levels.
Brain networks that help babies learn to walk ID’d
School of Medicine scientists have identified brain networks involved in a baby’s learning to walk — a discovery that eventually may help predict whether some infants are at risk for autism.
Alzheimer’s damage in mice reduced with compound that targets APOE gene
School of Medicine researchers have identified a compound that targets the APOE protein in the brains of mice and protects against damage induced by the Alzheimer’s protein amyloid beta.
Clot-busting drugs not recommended for most patients with blood clots
About half of people with blood clots in the deep veins of their legs develop a complication that involves chronic limb pain and swelling, making it difficult for some to walk and perform daily activities. A large-scale clinical trial has shown that a risky, costly procedure to remove such clots fails to reduce the likelihood that patients will develop the debilitating complication.
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