WUSM to hold commencement ceremonies May 20

Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis will hold its commencement address at 3 p.m. May 20 at the America’s Center. Michael E. DeBakey, M.D., chancellor emeritus of Baylor College of Medicine, is the keynote speaker. DeBakey, a Louisiana native, is internationally recognized as a medical innovator and inventor. He is a respected surgeon, […]

Researchers close in on genetic structure of autism

Drawing by an autistic childA research team at the School of Medicine has identified regions of DNA that may be related to risk for autism. The researchers are learning how autism is inherited, and to identify genetic factors, they’re studying families and looking for traits that normally aren’t considered autistic but have connections to autism risk. Several studies have demonstrated that autism has a strong genetic component.

Disabling gene defuses rheumatoid arthritis in mice

Scientists studying mice have identified a gene that allows immune cells known as neutrophils to protect themselves from the inflammatory chemicals they secrete. Researchers at the School of Medicine showed that knocking the gene out in mice prevented the development of an arthritis-like disorder by making the neutrophils victims of their own damaging secretions.

Bowen named Carnegie Scholar

One of 16 scholars selected in this highly competitive fellowship program, he’ll study themes focusing on Islam & the modern world.

Sports

Softball team heads to NCAAs again The top-ranked softball team (45-1) will make its fourth straight at-large appearance in the NCAA Division III Tournament, as announced May 9 by the NCAA Softball Committee. The Bears will play in a six-team Midwest Regional today through May 16 at Coe College. Other teams are St. Mary’s University […]