School of Medicine

Chronic kidney disease sufferers are more likely to die of heart disease than kidney problems. However, it hasn’t been clear how kidney disease causes heart disease or what could be done to stop it. But a new study at the School of Medicine led by Keith A. Hruska, MD, has pinpointed the cause of a kidney-related syndrome linked to heart disease and found how to neutralize a protein that spurs heart disease.

A study led by researchers at the School of Medicine suggests a procedure called hip resurfacing may be a better option than total hip replacement for some patients, particularly those who are young and active.

Treating stroke is a race against time. To prevent brain damage and save lives, physicians have to diagnose and treat strokes as quickly as possible. Now, a new study suggests doctors can reduce risks by delaying a commonly performed follow-up surgery that clears fatty deposits from an artery in the neck. Shown is senior author Greg Zipfel, MD.

A study led by M.B. Majella Doyle, MD, a Washington University lung transplant surgeon, shows that retrieving donor organs at a stand-alone facility is more efficient and less costly than in a hospital.

Broadly suppressing the immune system after lung transplantation inadvertently may encourage organ rejection, according to a new School of Medicine study in mice. Shown, from left, are study co-authors Daniel Kreisel, MD, PhD, Andrew Gelman, PhD, and Alexander Krupnick, MD.

Increased brain cell activity boosts brain fluid levels of a protein linked to Alzheimer’s disease, according to new research from scientists at the School of Medicine. Senior author David M. Holtzman, MD, said the findings should help advance efforts to treat Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative disorders associated with the tau protein.​

Using an inexpensive 3-D printer, biomedical engineers, including Igor Efimov, PhD (left), the Lucy & Stanley Lopata Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering have developed a custom-fitted, implantable device with embedded sensors that could transform treatment and prediction of cardiac disorders.

As part of St. Louis’ 250th birthday celebration, 250 cakes have been installed at local landmarks — including WUSTL’s own Francis Field and the School of Medicine.

Recipients of this year’s Jane and Whitney Harris St. Louis Community Service Award are Peggy and Jerry Ritter. The award is given annually to a husband-and-wife team for exemplary dedication in advancing the educational, cultural and social service institutions in the metropolitan area.

A panel of experts, including researchers from the School of Medicine, is recommending that depression be added to obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and smoking as a cardiac risk factor.​