Newsroom Stories

When patches of red, flaky and itchy skin on newborn mice led rapidly to their deaths, researchers at the School of Medicine looked for the reason why. What they found was a molecular alarm system that serves as a sentinel to monitor the integrity of skin — the body’s essential protective barrier. The fatal effects of raising this alarm in the lab mice suggests generally that certain kinds of impairments to the skin’s structure can potentially trigger harmful effects in other areas of the body, according to the researchers.

StamilioDavid M. Stamilio, M.D., has been named director of the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at the School of Medicine, effective July 1. Stamilio is replacing Yoel Sadovsky, M.D., who became director of the Magee-Womens Research Institute at the University of Pittsburgh. Stamilio’s appointment was announced by George Macones, M.D., chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Courtesy photo*Masked Marvels & Wondertales*Since 1973 the Edison Theatre OVATIONS! series has presented both new works and innovative interpretations of classical material by nationally and internationally renowned artists. The 2008-09 season, the Edison’s 36th, will feature more than a dozen dance, music and theatrical events — including several St. Louis and world premieres — designed to challenge, educate and inspire.

Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis recognizes achievements of five alumni and graduate school dean on May 16 in the Jerzewiak Family Auditorium in the Arts & Sciences Laboratory Sciences Building.

Washington University in St. Louis celebrated the 147th Commencement on Friday, May 16, 2008, in Brookings Quadrangle on the Danforth Campus. Highlights from the 147th Commencement at Washington University in St. Louis A day to be remembered by all, 2,655 candidates took part in commencement, receiving 2,790 degrees, of which 1,507 were undergraduate and 1,283 […]

A memorial service for Merle Kling, Ph.D., former provost, executive vice chancellor, dean of the Faculty of Arts & Sciences and professor of political science in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 1, in Whitaker Hall Auditorium on the university’s Danforth Campus. A reception will follow in the Whitaker Hall Atrium.

September 27 Sweet Honey in the Rock This Grammy Award-winning a cappella ensemble celebrates the rich legacy of African-American musical traditions, capturing the sounds of spirituals, gospel, Blues, African chants and ancient lullabies. Founded in 1973, the all-female group takes its name from Psalm 81:16 — which describes a land so rich that honey flows […]

The School of Medicine’s commencement recognized the achievements of 117 students who were awarded degrees: 88 students earned the doctor of medicine degree; 27 earned a dual doctor of medicine/doctor of philosophy degree (M.D./Ph.D.); and two earned the doctor of medicine/master of arts degree (M.D./M.A). Julie Gerberding, MD, MPH, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was the commencement speaker.

A unique genetic signature can alert physicians to high-risk breast tumors that are masquerading as low-risk tumors, according to research at the School of Medicine and collaborating institutions. Although these tumors are apparently estrogen-receptor positive — meaning they should depend on estrogen to grow — they don’t respond well to anti-estrogen therapy.

Raymond E. Arvidson, Ph.D., the James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor and chair of the earth and planetary sciences department in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, and a number of his student and personnel have major roles in the Phoenix mission to Mars. The space craft lands in the northern plains on May 25, 2008, and Arvidson is a key operations manager during the critical first week of operations. (Video available)