School of Medicine

Mothers, here’s another reason to encourage your daughters to be physically active: Girls and young women who exercise regularly between the ages of 12 and 35 have a substantially lower risk of breast cancer before menopause compared to those who are less active, new research shows.

QuatranoRalph S. Quatrano, Ph.D., the Spencer T. Olin Professor and chair of the Washington University Department of Biology, has been named interim dean of the faculty of Arts & Sciences effective July 1, 2008, according to Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton. He succeeds Executive Vice Chancellor Edward S. Macias, Ph.D., dean of Arts & Sciences and the Barbara and David Thomas Distinguished Professor in Arts & Sciences.

Scientists at the School of Medicine working with diabetic mice have examined in unprecedented detail the immune cells long thought to be responsible for type 1 diabetes. Researchers were able to examine the immune cells from isolated insulin-making structures in the pancreas known as the islets of Langerhans.

Nicole Duplaix/Getty ImagesThe platypus genome explains the creature’s fascinating features, from mammals, reptiles and birds.The duck-billed platypus: part bird, part reptile, part mammal — and the genome to prove it. An international consortium of scientists, led by the School of Medicine, has decoded the genome of the platypus, showing that the animal’s peculiar mix of features is reflected in its DNA. An analysis of the genome, published today in the journal Nature, can help scientists piece together a more complete picture of the evolution of all mammals, including humans.

The realities of rural and international health care became clear to groups of first- and second-year School of Medicine students on their spring break trips.

Certain types of tantrums in preschoolers may be a sign of serious emotional or behavioral problems, according to School of Medicine researchers.

The eighth annual Friedman Conference on Aging will cover transportation and driving issues in an aging society.

An international consortium of scientists, led by the School of Medicine, has decoded the genome of the platypus, showing its peculiar features in its DNA.

Tumors have a unique vulnerability that can be exploited to make them more sensitive to heat and radiation, researchers at the School of Medicine report. The University radiation oncology researchers found that tumors have a built-in mechanism that protects them from heat (hyperthermia) damage and most likely decreases the benefit of hyperthermia and radiation as a combined therapy.

Six distinguished individuals, including a pioneer of women in medicine and a multimedia entrepreneur, will receive honorary degrees May 16 during Washington University’s 147th Commencement ceremony. The university also will bestow academic degrees on more than 2,500 students during the ceremony, which begins at 8:30 a.m. in Brookings Quadrangle.