Newsroom Stories

For the first time, researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have shown that brain plaques in apparently healthy individuals are associated with increased risk of diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease years later. In two studies published this month in Archives of Neurology, scientists report that volunteers with brain plaques were more likely to have declining scores on annual cognitive tests, to show signs of shrinkage in a key brain area affected by Alzheimer’s and to eventually be diagnosed with the disease.

Free 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccinations will be provided to faculty, staff and students from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15, in the lobby of the McDonnell Pediatrics Research Building on the School of Medicine campus.

Obese patients who lost a moderate amount of weight by eating less and exercising more improved their cardiovascular health, new research at the School of Medicine shows.

Photo by Ray MarklinSchool of Medicine students learn belly dancing from instructor Penny Moskus as part of a week’s worth of events emphasizing a healthy life.

Psychiatric disorders are underdiagnosed, poorly treated and highly stigmatized, according to Washington University psychiatrists Charles F. Zorumski, and Eugene H. Rubin, who have written a book to address those problems. The authors will sign copies of their book Friday, Dec. 11, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the School of Medicine Bookstore.

The holiday season, while fun, can be draining. When you add the pressure of New Year’s resolutions, stress levels can rise. Environmental health expert J. Aaron Hipp, Ph.D., says that simply getting out of the house and going to a local park has the potential to lower stress and increase focus.”Parks allow us to physically and psychologically get away from stressful environments,” says Hipp, assistant professor of social work at Washington University in St. Louis. “Spending time in a park is a restorative activity that can recharge your batteries. A resolution to take advantage of local parks can contribute to a healthy, green year. Plus, a walk in the park can help you relax and refocus on New Year’s resolutions that may already have been broken.”

An international gathering of business executives will don caps and gowns for their graduation ceremony at the Olin Business School. Strobe Talbott, president of the Brookings Institution will deliver the keynote speech.

The following incidents were reported to University Police Dec. 1-7. Readers who have information concerning these incidents are urged to call 935-5555. Dec. 1 10:21 a.m. — A person reported license plates had been stolen from a vehicle parked next to Goldfarb Plant Growth Facility Nov. 30 between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. Dec. 3 […]

Use the back sides of printer paper waste rather than fresh sheets for personal notes or doodling.

Washington University allows all members of the University community to store vehicles in approved locations on campus during winter break.