E. Coli (yellow) attaches to a host cell using sticky fibersNew insights into the bacteria responsible for urinary tract infections appear to open up an opportunity for disabling a wide range of infectious bacteria. Researchers at the School of Medicine recently revealed how a protein known as PapD helps E. coli assemble sticky fibers called pili that allow the bacterium to latch onto and infect host cells. Scientists are using what they’ve learned to begin designing pilicides, new treatments that stop pili formation and disrupt the infection process.
Diagram and image from an experiment that proved SARS makes a protein in infected cellsAs public health officials in China brace for a potential resurgence in SARS (Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome) in connection with Chinese New Year on February 9, researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have published insights into a new protein that could be an important contributor to the SARS virus’ ability to cause disease and death.
Sen. Jim Talent, Michael DeBaun and Isaac Singleton Jr. help raise awareness about sickle cell disease at a recent stamp dedication ceremony.In sickle cell disease, red blood cells change from their normal round shape to a curved, or sickle-shape. Sickle-shaped cells become stuck in blood vessels, causing damage to tissues and organs. WUSM pediatric hematologist Michael DeBaun says that ongoing blood transfusion therapy is vitally important for children with sickle cell disease, and treatment requires a sufficient supply of blood from African-American donors. “Black History Month is an ideal time to encourage African-Americans to come out and donate blood,” he says.
Heather Parrott and Jay Webb measure accelerations on a frozen field.This month, more than 130 million people will tune their televisions to football’s biggest event, the Super Bowl. It’s not certain which team will win, but it’s a good bet that someone may be injured. In fact, injuries are common to football at every level. In recent years, the sport has focused on playing fields as a significant source of injury, and new surfaces have been developed. But are the new surfaces safer? Emergency medicine researchers at the School of Medicine have found that in terms of concussion risk, the new fields are no safer, and they may get worse over time.
Union of Concerned Scientists co-founder Kurt Gottfried will present evidence in support of their claim that the Bush administration has systematically distorted scientific fact in the service of policy goals on the environment, biomedical research, nuclear weapons and other issues. His talk is at 11 a.m. on Feb. 9 in Graham Chapel.
Students from Washington University in St. Louis Olin School of Business will have a shot at being Donald Trump’s next “Apprentice.” Recruiters for the popular NBC reality series, “The Apprentice,” will be on campus Feb. 10 to interview MBA students from the Olin School of Business.
OlsonTheodore B. Olson, former United States Solicitor General and partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, will deliver the School of Law’s 2005 Tyrrell Williams Lecture. “A Conversation With Theodore B. Olson” will begin at 4 p.m. Feb. 8 in the Bryan Cave Moot Courtroom in Anheuser-Busch Hall. Olson is expected to discuss his experience as one of the nation’s premier advocates before the Supreme Court of the United States. He has argued 41 cases before the Court including Bush v. Gore and Bush v. Palm Beach County Canvassing Board. Olson will also answer questions from the audience throughout his lecture.
Super Ad Bowl 2005: Super Bowl advertising will be critiqued and ranked by Olin School of Business MBA students, faculty and local advertising professionals during the game on Sunday, Feb. 6 at 5:00 p.m.
Artist’s renderingBarnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital, the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center and Washington University School of Medicine are pleased to announce a partnership that will bring a new cancer center to the campus of Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital.
Lili Almog, courtesy Bernstein ArtistsBeiserLong recognized as a leading performer of cutting-edge music, Maya Beiser has helped to redefine the cello as a solo instrument, both through her commitment to contemporary composers and her multicultural approach. On Feb. 12, the Israeli-born cellist will present a special, one-night-only performance as part of the Edison Theatre OVATIONS! Series at Washington University.