School of Medicine

The body’s ability to perform simple tasks like flex muscles or feel heat, cold and pain depends, in large part, on myelin, an insulating layer of fats and proteins that speeds the propagation of nerve cell signals. Now, scientists have identified a gene in mice that controls whether certain cells in the peripheral nervous system can make myelin. Called Gpr126, the gene encodes a cellular receptor that could play a role in diseases affecting peripheral nerves.

The Young Scientist Program (YSP) will mark its 20th anniversary with a day-long symposium at 8:30 a.m. Monday, June 6, at Washington University School of Medicine.

David Mutch, MD, says the importance and joy of the School of Medicine’s tripartite mission is why he is at Washington University today. “In my mind, Dave Mutch is a glowing example of everything good about being an academic physician,” says George Macones, MD, the Mitchell and Elaine Yanow Professor and head of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

An advanced imaging technique has revealed that some U.S. military personnel with mild blast-related traumatic brain injuries have abnormalities in the brain that have not been seen with other types of imaging. The abnormalities were found in the brain’s white matter, the wiring system that nerve cells in the brain use to communicate with each other.

Tiny tropical fish are helping scientists understand human development and disease, from birth defects and cancer to muscle and nerve disorders. Contributing to this effort, Washington University is now home to one of the largest zebrafish facilities in the world. And with robotic feeding and cleaning systems, it is the world’s most modern.

Gustav Schonfeld, MD, has died in New York City while on vacation visiting his children. The pioneering lipid researcher and former head of the Department of Medicine passed away due to complications from myelofibrosis.

Two new studies showcase the dynamic relationship between components of the diet and the intestinal microbiome. The research provides a foundation for improving human health by designing diets and foods that enhance microbes’ ability to capture specific food ingredients or that enrich the presence of beneficial microbes.

Bolstering its emphasis on interdisciplinary efforts, Washington University will offer five new courses rooted in a partnership between two or more schools. In tandem with the growing trend of cross-collaboration in research and the professional arena, the Office of the Provost created its Cross-School Interdisciplinary Teaching Grants Program in 2010. The first of those grants was announced last month.

The Friedman Conference on Aging will be held from 8:30-11 a.m. Tuesday, May 24, 2011, in the Connor Auditorium in the Farrell Learning and Teaching Center. It is sponsored by the Harvey A. Friedman Center for Aging. No registration is required.

Washington University School of Medicine faculty and staff are invited to Hudlin Park for the School of Medicine’s Employee Appreciation Lunch June 3 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  This year’s event also will include information about the health aspects of walking.