A daily sampling of WUSTL in the news distributed by University News Service

Outlet: chinapost.com.tw Title/Program: Taiwanese consume too much sodium Media Type: Online Print Version Publication Date: 07/08/2010 Extract: Taiwanese male and female adults are consuming 1.9 times and 1.5 times, respectively, the upper limit (UL) of daily sodium intake as recommended by the Department of Health (DOH), according to a survey result released by the DOH […]

Inhibiting fatty acids in immune cells decreases atherosclerosis risk

Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have found a way to significantly reduce atherosclerosis in mice that does not involve lowering cholesterol levels or eliminating other obesity-related problems. Atherosclerosis is the process through which fatty substances, such as cholesterol and cellular waste products accumulate in the lining of arteries. The research team inhibited atherosclerosis in the mice by interfering with production of a substance called fatty acid synthase, an enzyme that converts dietary sugars into fatty acids in the liver.  

Stretch departmental funds — hire a work-study student

Student Financial Services can help departments locate and hire part-time student workers for the 2010-11 academic year — and, at the same time, help departments stretch their budgets a bit further. For 2010-11, approximately 1,000 students are eligible for work-study. 

Beware the smell of bitter almonds

Many food plants contain cyanogenic glycosides that can release cyanide when the food is eaten. What’s more, a greater proportion of food plants than plants in general are cyanogenic. WUSTL researcher Kenneth M. Olsen, PhD, offers an explanation of this toxic puzzle.

Gabel awarded Guggenheim Fellowship

Matthew J. Gabel, PhD, professor of political science in Arts & Sciences, has been awarded a fellowship from the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation. The award will support his work on judicial decision-making in the European Union.