Research in twins defines shared features of the human gut microbial communities: variations linked to obesity

Trillions of microbes make their home in the gut, where they help to break down and extract energy and nutrients from the food we eat. Yet, scientists have understood little about how this distinctive mix of microbes varies from one individual to the next. Now, researchers at the School of Medicine have discovered that each individual carries a unique collection of bacteria, although the communities are more similar among family members.

Study on wildlife corridors shows how they work over time

Ellen Damschen & Forest ServiceA new paper on ecological corridors co-authored by Washington University biologists Ellen Damschen and John Orrock in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, was published online Dec. 1 as part of a special issue on movement ecology. This research reveals that by understanding how species move, you can predict if and how corridors work.

Research-based undergraduate course expands beyond WUSTL

ElginWashington University in St. Louis is in the spotlight for its pivotal role in the Genomics Education Partnership, a collaborative effort to provide research experience in genomics to undergraduate classrooms across the country. At the helm of this mission is Sarah C.R. Elgin, Ph.D., WUSTL professor of biology and professor of education in Arts & Sciences, as well as professor of biochemistry & molecular biophysics and professor of genetics in the School of Medicine.

Brain scans show link between education, Alzheimer’s disease

A test that reveals brain changes believed to be at the heart of Alzheimer’s disease has bolstered the theory that education can delay the onset of the dementia and cognitive decline that are characteristic of the disorder. School of Medicine scientists at the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center found that some study participants who appeared to […]

Comic relief

Photo by Robert BostonProgram in Physical Therapy students dress up in costumes based on a theme for the day — this year it was superheroes and villains — as part of the clinical education lottery, in which students choose the locations for their three clinical rotations.
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