Algorithm finds the network – for genes or the Internet

Human diseases and social networks seem to have little in common. However, at the crux of these two lies a network, communities within the network, and farther even, substructures of the communities. Weixiong Zhang, Ph.D., Washington University associate professor of computer science and engineering and of genetics, along with his Ph.D. student, Jianhua Ruan, has published an algorithm (a recipe of computer instructions) to automatically discover communities and their subtle structures in various networks.

Fugitive cancer cells can be blocked by stopping blood cells that aid them

When platelet activity was blocked (right), bones had much smaller tumors.Cancer cells get a helping hand from platelets, specialized blood cells involved in clotting. Platelets shelter and feed tumor cells that stray into the bloodstream, making it easier for cancer to spread, or metastasize. Research at the School of Medicine suggests that inactivating platelets could slow down or prevent metastasis.

Brain network linked to contemplation in adults is less complex in children

Diagrams map connections between brain regions linked to contemplative thought.A brain network linked to introspective tasks — such as forming the self-image or understanding the motivations of others — is less intricate and well-connected in children, scientists at the School of Medicine have learned. They also showed that the network establishes firmer connections between various brain regions as an individual matures.

Art & science of brain function is focus of WUSTL researchers’ dialogue with artist Deborah Aschheim, March 20

Mike Venso/Laumeier Sculpture ParkAschheim’s “Earworm (Node),” contains LEDs, plastic, speakers, music and copper.Artist Deborah Aschheim, known for her focus on interactive multi-sensory responses to neuroscience, memory and cognition, joins Washington University faculty from art, medicine, psychology and neuroscience for a free public panel discussion examining the relationship between Aschheim’s art and brain science at 6 p.m. March 20 in Room 110, January Hall. The “Deborah Aschheim: Reconsider,” exhibition, on display at Laumeier Sculpture Park, explores why we remember what we see and hear and why we forget, while offering a solution to curb the “forgetting curve.”

Clinical depression raises risk of death for heart attack patients years after attack

Depressed heart attack patients have a higher risk for sudden death in the months following a heart attack. Now a team led by researchers from the School of Medicine has found that the risk continues for many years. “There’s a two- to four-fold increase in a person’s risk of dying following a heart attack if they also happen to be depressed,” says Robert. M. Carney, lead author of the new study.

Mouse model tightly matches pediatric tumor syndrome, will speed drug hunt

Frustrated by the slow pace of new drug development for a condition that causes pediatric brain tumors, a neurologist at the School of Medicine decided to try to fine-tune the animal models used to test new drugs. Instead of studying one mouse model of the disease causing the brain tumors, the laboratory of David Gutmann, M.D., Ph.D., the Donald O. Schnuck Family Professor of Neurology, evaluated three and found that one of most closely mimicked what is seen in children who develop brain tumors.

World Glaucoma Day set for March 6

Physicians and glaucoma researchers in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the School of Medicine will join eye-care professionals around the world on March 6, 2008, to observe the first World Glaucoma Day. The global initiative is aimed at raising awareness of glaucoma, a disease of the optic nerve that affects 65 million people worldwide.

Schaffer named Minnich professor

Jean Schaffer has been named the Virginia Minnich Distinguished Professor in Medicine at the School of Medicine. Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton made the announcement with Larry Shapiro, executive vice chancellor for medical affairs and dean of the School of Medicine.
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