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Poet Susan Wheeler will read from her work at 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, for The Writing Program Reading Series. Wheeler is the author of four acclaimed collections: Bag ‘o’ Diamonds (1993), Smokes (1998), Source Codes (2001) and Ledger (2005). Her work has appeared in appeared in eight editions of Best American Poetry.

A simple points system may soon help guide treatment of elderly heart failure patients. Researchers at the School of Medicine found that by counting how many of seven easy-to-obtain health factors a patient has, physicians can estimate the patient’s risk of dying.

Listed below are this month’s featured news stories. • Breaking down Alzheimer’s (week of Nov. 1) • Preventing transplant rejection (week of Nov. 8) • Predicting glaucoma (week of Nov. 15) • No-incision stomach stapling (week of Nov. 22) • Organ donor health (week of Nov. 29)

The large globules in the liver cells on the left are characteristic of alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. The image on the right shows normal liver cells.Research performed at the School of Medicine sheds light on the mechanisms that contribute to liver disease in alpha-1-AT deficiency patients. People with alpha-1-deficiency have a genetic mutation that can lead to emphysema at an early age and to liver damage. Using an experimental mouse model of the disorder, the researchers investigated the effects of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) on liver injury.

School of Medicine researchers found that a malaria drug eased many symptoms of metabolic syndrome in mice. Study findings were published in the November issue of Cell Metabolism, and senior author Clay F. Semenkovich, M.D., professor of medicine and of cell biology and physiology, says funding for a clinical trial has been received.

The No. 2 volleyball team picked up three 3-0 wins Nov. 9-11 at the NCAA Central Region Championship at the Field House.

Results from School of Medicine research suggest that a drug could save millions in health-care costs by preventing immune attacks following kidney transplants.

Photo by Mary ButkusThe campus Knit-In brings together knitting enthusiasts from across campus and the community.

Photo by Tim ParkerThe Corpus Delicti: Just Desserts play analyzes the ethics of dissection using a life-sized cadaver from gelatin with fruits and vegetables for organs.