Study confirms benefit of back braces in treating scoliosis

While back braces have been used for decades to treat scoliosis, studies of their effectiveness have been inconclusive. But new results from a clinical trial provide the strongest evidence yet that braces work in a significant percentage of cases. Shown is one of the principal investigators, Matthew B. Dobbs, MD, examining an X-ray of a patient whose spine was fused to treat scoliosis.

Bringing Native American cuisine to WUSTL

Chef Nephi Craig, founder of the Native American Culinary Association, conducts a traditional Native American cooking demonstration in the Danforth University Center Nov. 3. Craig’s presentation, sponsored by the Buder Center for Native American Studies, was titled “Maatibi. Imokwayli. Ittanahli. Hunt. Fish. Gather.” He talked about Native American foods and their resurgence in American cooking culture.

NIH award funds research into tiny devices that shine light on brain disorders

To better understand and one day provide improved treatments for depression, addiction and anxiety, School of Medicine researchers are using tiny, electronic devices to identify and map neural circuits in the brain. The work has been awarded a rare grant called EUREKA (Exceptional, Unconventional Research Enabling Knowledge Acceleration), which provides funding for high-risk/high-reward projects.

Olin Cup finalists offer quality, diverse ideas

A mobile solution to the severity of epileptic seizures. Helmets designed to reduce concussions in high-impact sports. A locally sourced grain-to-glass spirits distillery. These are just a few ideas of the seven final teams, announced Nov. 7, vying this year for $70,000 in seed money to start a new company. The Olin Cup is sponsored by the Skandalaris Center for Entrepreneurial Studies.

School of Medicine students to host conference focused on public health Nov. 15-16

Health-care disparities will be among the topics discussed at the Midwest region’s Student National Medical Association (SNMA) annual conference this weekend on the Washington University Medical Campus. School of Medicine students Lawrence Benjamin and Lauren Martin, the university’s SNMA co-presidents, were leaders in organizing the conference for medical and premedical students.

Religion & Politics wins reporting award

Religion & Politics, the online news journal of the John C. Danforth Center on Religion & Politics at Washington University in St. Louis, won the Gerald A. Renner Enterprise Religion Report of the Year Award at the Religion Newswriters Association’s annual awards ceremony in Austin, Texas.

Recycle holiday lights at WUSTL

This holiday season, the Washington University in St. Louis community can bring burned-out or unwanted light strings to campus to be recycled. WUSTL’s Office of Sustainability and the Sustainability Action Team at the School of Medicine are partnering with StLouisGreen.com and Operation Food Search on the initiative, which runs Nov. 16-Jan. 12.