Potential treatment target identified for rare form of diabetes

Scientists working to find treatments for a severe form of diabetes called Wolfram syndrome have identified a gatekeeper in cells that prevents harmful molecules from spilling into places where they don’t belong and triggering cell death. The researchers, at Washington University School of Medicine, also found that the gatekeeper may be a good treatment target for other disorders caused by cellular stress.

Functioning brain follows famous sand pile model

In 1999, Danish scientist Per Bak made the startling proposal that the brain remained stable for much the same reason a sand pile does; many small avalanches hold it at a balance point, where — in the brain’s case — information processing is optimized. Now scientists have shown for the first time that a brain receiving and processing sensory input follows these dynamics.

Parking rates to increase

Annual Washington University in St. Louis parking permits expire June 30. ​Permits can be renewed online or at the Parking and Transportation Services office on the North Campus. Prices for red, yellow, blue, brown, green, North Campus, Bearly Drivers, official business and evening permits have increased for the 2015-16 school year. The price for all other permits remains unchanged.

Obesity, excess weight in U.S. continue upswing

Obesity and excess weight, and their negative impact on health, have become a significant focus for health-care experts in recent years. But new research at Washington University School of Medicine shows that an escalation in the number of those considered obese or overweight in the U.S. continues, signaling an ongoing upward swing in chronic health conditions as well.

WashU computer scientists part of $8M data research grant​​​

​Two computer scientists from Washington University in St. Louis, Robert Pless and Roman Garnett, are part of a research team that will use big data to accelerate breeding and the commercial release of sorghum crops that can be used as a renewable energy source.​

Duncan entrance to SLCH garage to reopen June 22, Newstead entrance to close for 6 weeks

The St. Louis Children’s Hospital (SLCH) staff garage entrance and exit along Duncan Avenue is scheduled to reopen June 22, and the garage entrance and exit along Newstead Avenue is scheduled to close. The Newstead entrance will be reconfigured as part of a new road to provide additional access to the parking garages on Duncan and is expected to remain closed for six weeks. Newstead Avenue, however, will remain open.