Tongue sensors seem to taste fat
Structure of the fatty acid receptor CD36French researchers recently reported that mice have a receptor in their tongues that can sense fat, and the presence of that receptor seems to drive the mice to crave fat in their diets. The research was based on work from scientists at the School of Medicine, where investigators previously had identified a protein receptor for fat and documented its function in recognizing and using fatty food.
Washington University names Clifford Will its McDonnell Professor of Physics
WillClifford M. Will, Ph.D., has been named the James S. McDonnell Professor of Physics in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, announced Edward S. Macias, Ph.D., executive vice chancellor, dean of Arts & Sciences and the Barbara and David Thomas Distinguished Professor in Arts & Sciences. Will is known worldwide as one of the leading experts in using experimental and observational data to explain Einstein’s general theory of relativity.
Role of DNA-repair protein suggests strategy to knock out cancer
Repair proteins (bright green areas) are inhibited from gathering at sites of DNA damage.To remain healthy, all cells must quickly mend any breaks that arise in their DNA strands. But cancer cells are particularly dependent on a process called homologous recombination to repair DNA and stay alive. Now researchers at the School of Medicine have identified a protein with a role in homologous recombination, and the discovery could be exploited as part of a two-pronged treatment strategy to kill cancer cells by eliminating their ability to repair DNA.
Encouraging interdisciplinary study
Photo by Kevin LowderGraduate students interested in pursuing a joint degree were able to collect information on the University’s graduate programs at a Nov. 29 event.
That’s a wrap
Photo by Mary ButkusThe WUSTL community “adopted” 133 families in need this holiday season, donating numerous items through the Give Thanks Give Back campaign.
Genetic diversity in jocote trees is saved by growing them locally
They’ve done this by taking the plants out of the forest, their wild habitat, and growing them close to home for family and local consumption.
Of note
Chenyang Lu, Ph.D.,
Weixong Zhang, Ph.D.,
Ervin Y. Rodin, Ph.D.,
R. Martin Arthur, Ph.D.,
Da-Ren Chen, Ph.D.,
and more…
Grant helps Center for Social Development invest in poor
The recent $2.5 million grant will support the creation of a permanent endowment for the center directed by Michael W. Sherraden.
ITeach symposium to open the doors of technology
ITeach is a collection of resources around the topic of teaching with technology; the symposium is Jan. 12 in Eads Hall, with a workshop and support day to follow.
Community connection
Photo by Mary ButkusWashUCity, a University mentoring program, raised about $30,000 to fund a dozen new computer stations at U. City High School.
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