Page 1109 – The Source | Washington University in St. Louis

Major pathway identified in nerve cell death offers hope for therapies

New research highlights how nerves – whether harmed by disease or traumatic injury – start to die, a discovery that unveils novel targets for developing drugs to slow or halt devastating neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and amyolateral sclerosis as well as peripheral nerve damage.

Medicine & Health

Extra sleep fixes memory problems in flies with Alzheimer’s-like condition

Many studies have linked more sleep to better memory, but new research in fruit flies at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis demonstrates that extra sleep helps the brain overcome catastrophic neurological defects that otherwise would block memory formation.

Business & Entrepreneurship

First U.S.-India joint EMBA program begins

International executives are ready to hit the ground running as the inaugural class of the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) and Washington University in St. Louis joint Executive MBA program. An intensive residency focusing on leadership and management began April 22 in Mumbai for the inaugural first cohort.

Aging

Fat signals control energy levels in the brain

An enzyme secreted by the body’s fat tissue controls energy levels in the brain, according to new research led by Shin-ichiro Imai, MD, PhD, of the School of Medicine. The findings, in mice, underscore a role for the body’s fat tissue in controlling the brain’s response to food scarcity, and suggest there is an optimal amount of body fat for maximizing health and longevity.

Schefkind receives Stalker Award

Adam Schefkind has been selected to receive the 2015 Harrison D. Stalker Award from the Department of Biology in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis.

Pierson wins Spector Prize

This year, the Spector Prize, given by the Department of Biology in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, has been awarded to Will Pierson. Pierson worked in the lab of Hani Zaher, PhD, assistant professor of biology.

Medicine & Health

Alzheimer’s research, need for funding highlighted during Blunt visit

U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., visited the Medical Campus this week to meet with physicians who treat patients with Alzheimer’s disease, and patients and caregivers who live with the debilitating disease every day. Blunt, pictured with physician-scientist Randall J. Bateman, chairs a subcommittee that oversees funding for medical research.

School of Engineering honors eight accomplished alumni

Eight alumni from a variety of backgrounds will receive Alumni Achievement Awards from the School of Engineering & Applied Science of Washington University in St. Louis on Thursday, April 23.

Arts & Culture

Washington People: Ron Himes

In 1976, as a business major at Washington University in St. Louis, Ron Himes began staging theatrical performances. Thirty-eight seasons later, Himes remains founder and producing director for The Black Rep, one of the nation’s largest and most respected African-American theater companies.

Campus & Community

Marathon winner Andrea Karl says running makes her a better scientist

Washington University in St. Louis graduate student Andrea Karl found herself thrust into the national spotlight this month at the St. Louis GO! Marathon when an imposter at the finish line denied Karl her first-place accolades. She got to recreate the finish at Busch Stadium. Karl is working towards a PhD in molecular genetics and genomics in the Division of Biology & Biomedical Sciences (DBBS) at the School of Medicine. DBBS is in the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.