Medicine & Health

William A. Peck, MD, a former executive vice chancellor and dean of the School of Medicine, died peacefully, surrounded by family, Feb. 22 at his home in St. Louis County, Mo. He was 89.

A vast database of cancer genomics knowledge started by Washington University scientists has been named a Global Core Biodata Resource by the Global Biodata Coalition. It’s led by twin brothers Malachi Griffith and Obi Griffith, both associate professors of medicine.

Cells migrate to different tissues for a variety of reasons, including organ development, tissue repair and the spread of cancer. Researchers led by Amit Pathak at the McKelvey School of Engineering have found unexpected activity in the nucleus of healthy cells that provides new insight into cell mechanics.

Benjamin A. Garcia, the Raymond H. Wittcoff Distinguished Professor and head of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics at the School of Medicine, was named best Latinx department head as part of Vanderbilt’s recent recognition of Hispanic and Latinx heritage month.

Jeffrey I. Gordon, MD, explores the “vast, mysterious world” of the microbiome to find solutions to promote healthy growth in malnourished children. In recognition of his groundbreaking work, Gordon received the 2022 Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research.

Medicaid expansion may improve outcomes for children with cancer, finds a new analysis from the Brown School and the School of Medicine. Researchers found there was a 1.5% increase in overall survival after 2014 in states that expanded access to Medicaid compared with states that did not.

In the seminar “Cognitive Illusions,” students in psychological and brain sciences examine the causes and consequences of errors in thinking.

Results of a major clinical trial in Africa led by Mark Manary, MD, at Washington University School of Medicine, have prompted a change in global guidelines for therapeutic food.

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have discovered that the difference between cancer patients who do and do not respond to immunotherapy may have to do with a particular immune cell. The findings could extend the lifesaving benefits of immunotherapy to more patients.

Africans have made great strides fighting the legacy of colonialism while contending with the ongoing plunder of their natural resources and geopolitical battles for influence on the continent. Despite this progress, difficulties remain, including poverty, environmental challenges and public health issues.