School of Medicine

Metabolism researchers at the School of Medicine have found that although it does not extend maximum lifespan in mice, activating a protein in muscle tissue increases average lifespan and prevents some age-related diseases. The researchers believe a similar approach may someday help people avoid age-related problems such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, hypertension and even some cancers.

Pratim Biswas has a method that controls the size of the nanoparticles he makes, opening up possibilities for new nanotechnology applications and different techniques.In a world that constantly strives for bigger and bigger things, WUSTL’s Pratim Biswas, Ph.D., the Stifel and Quinette Jens Professor and chair of the Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, is working to make things smaller and smaller. Biswas conducts research on nanoparticles, which are the building blocks for nanotechnology. For the first time, Biswas has shown that he can independently control the size of the nanoparticles that he makes, keeping their other properties the same. He’s also shown with his technique that the nanoparticles can be made in large quantities in scalable systems, opening up the possibility for more applications and different techniques.

Psychiatry researchers at the School of Medicine have found that a clinical diagnosis of alcohol dependence in young adults is associated with having a high number of sex partners. Their study, published in the December issue of the journal Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, also found links between a conduct disorder diagnosis and high numbers of sexual partners as well as between problem drinking and more partners.

The Washington University Molecular Imaging Center has received a five-year, $10 million grant from the National Cancer Institute. The grant will fund a second cycle of research at the innovative center, where scientists from different specialties collaborate on advanced imaging projects.

James S. Kemp, M.D., professor of pediatrics, will co-lead a campaign to prevent infant death due to unsafe sleep practices with funding from an $11 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The grant, awarded to Baltimore-based First Candle, a nonprofit organization promoting infant health, will support a national campaign called “Bedtime Basics for Babies.”

Photo by Robert BostonDenise Wilfley tackles one of the country’s biggest health problems

New School of Medicine research could lead to new methods to improve glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetic or insulin-resistant people.

School of Medicine researchers have uncovered new information that leads them closer to making tumors more sensitive to the killing power of radiation.

The Washington University Molecular Imaging Center has received a five-year, $10 million grant from the National Cancer Institute.

Photo by Robert BostonSchool of Medicine students honored their teachers Nov. 8 at the annual Distinguished Service Teaching Awards.