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Drosophila melanoFor years, two schools of thought have dominated neurobiologists’ theories about how early nerve cells develop specialties that allow the assembly of a mature brain. One theory suggests master regulators trigger the development, while the other attributes the development to interactions between local factors. In a new study of developing fruit fly brain cells, scientists at Washington University School of Medicine and Harvard University showed that both models are valid.

Yellowing of the eye due to age-related cataractResearchers at the School of Medicine may be a step closer to understanding what causes cataracts and what may help to prevent them. In a new study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology, the researchers report oxygen may be the culprit.

Downloadable, high-resolution promo photos for the Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts’ “76th Annaul Fashion Design Show” at Saint Louis Galleria May 1.

Magnified nanoparticlesSpecially designed nanoparticles can reveal tiny cancerous tumors that are invisible to ordinary means of detection, according to a study by researchers at the School of Medicine. Researchers demonstrated that very small human melanoma tumors growing in mice — indiscernible from the surrounding tissue by direct MRI scan — could be “lit up” and easily located. Because the nanoparticles can be engineered to carry a variety of substances, they also may be able to deliver cancer-fighting drugs to malignant tumors.

Photo by Joe AngelesThe “YES Clinic” at the Athletic Complex was an opportunity for approximately 250 area youngsters to learn from WUSTL coaches and student-athletes.

Ben Sandler’s nearly 37-year relationship with the University started innocently enough, in 1966, when he arrived from his role as an English teacher in Maine to do graduate work in English literature. The choice of WUSTL was an easy one for him. “The English department had a great reputation,” he says, before adding, “and Washington […]

He’s the author of Einstein’s Dreams, which has been translated into 30 languages and was a finalist for a National Book Award.

Baseball team ties best-ever start The baseball team went 8-0 last week to improve to 24-4 overall, tying the best 28-game start in school history. The Red and Green opened the week March 28 with a 6-1 win against Division II foe University of Missouri-Rolla. WUSTL then swept Maryville University, 4-3 and 14-0, on March […]

Photo by Rose BrowerChemical engineering’s John Gleaves had an April Fool’s joke — an office full of balloons — played on him by his graduate students.

“This research opens up the possibility of getting detailed protein information from past human populations,” says WUSTL anthropologist Erik Trinkaus.