More oxygen in eyes of African-Americans may help explain glaucoma risk

Measuring oxygen during eye surgery, investigators at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have discovered a potential reason that African-Americans are at higher risk of getting glaucoma than Caucasians. They found that oxygen levels are significantly higher in the eyes of African-Americans with glaucoma than in Caucasians.

Washington People: Robert E. Hegel

For Robert E. Hegel, PhD, the Liselotte Dieckmann Professor of Comparative Literature in Arts & Sciences, Chinese language and literature offers ongoing opportunities to explore a fascination he has held since childhood — the universal love of storytelling.

The biology behind alcohol-induced blackouts

Neuroscientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified the brain cells involved in alcohol-related blackouts and the molecular mechanism that appears to underlie them. Alcohol interferes with key receptors in the brain, which in turn manufacture steroids that inhibit long-term potentiation, a process that strengthens the connections between neurons and is crucial to learning and memory. 

Project aims to reduce breast cancer deaths in North St. Louis

Health-care specialists, including Sarah J. Gehlert, PhD, at the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, are working to improve breast cancer care for African-American women living in North St. Louis City, where death rates from breast cancer are disproportionately high.

Get to know Olin Library July 13 and Aug. 4

Olin Library will host a “Sundaes (and Other Treats) in the Library” event Wednesday, July 13, and Thursday, Aug. 4, to help WUSTL faculty and staff members discover or rediscover the services and resources available to them at University Libraries.

Brookings star on St. Louis Walk of Fame dedicated

Chancellor Emeritus William H. Danforth, MD, spoke about the contributions of Robert S. Brookings to Washington University, St. Louis and the United States during the June 23 dedication of the Brookings star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame. Brookings served as president of WUSTL’s Board of Trustees from 1895-1928. Brookings’ star is located on the corner of Delmar and Skinker boulevards, just outside WUSTL’s Corner Building.

Surprising culprits behind cell death from fat and sugar overload

Excess nutrients, such as fat and sugar, don’t just pack on the pounds but can push some cells in the body over the brink. Unable to tolerate this “toxic” environment, these cells commit suicide. Now, scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have discovered three unexpected players that help a cell overloaded with fat initiate its own demise.