Light-activated compound silences nerves, may one day help epileptics
A compound that halts nerve cell activity when exposed to light glows in this image of two nerve cells.Brain activity has been compared to a light bulb turning on in the head. Scientists at the School of Medicine have reversed this notion, creating a drug that stops brain activity when a light shines on it. The new compound activates the same receptor used by many anesthetics and tranquilizers, making it harder for a brain cell to respond to stimulation. The drug may some day be used to treat epilepsy.
Peipert named Terry Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Jeffrey F. Peipert, M.D., has been named the Robert J. Terry Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Area autism prevalence higher in boys than girls, study finds
A School of Medicine group used birth data to analyze autism prevalence among children in the St. Louis metropolitan area.
Older men needed for study to improve health
A School of Medicine study will look at the effects of combining exercise training with hormone therapy to improve physical function in older men.
On the right foot
Photo by Ray MarklinPhysical therapy students offered foot and posture screenings to undergraduates at a health fair Feb. 13 in Friedman Lounge.
Di Cera named Vagelos Professor
Enrico Di Cera, M.D., has been named the Roy and Diana Vagelos Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics.
Cancer risk reduced in four steps
Losing excess weight, getting more exercise, eating a healthy diet and quitting smoking are four steps to take to reduce the risk of cancer.
Genes and genius: Researchers confirm association between gene and intelligence
If you’re particularly good with puzzles or chess, the reason may be in your genes. A team of scientists, led by psychiatric geneticists at the School of Medicine, has gathered the most extensive evidence to date that a gene that activates signaling pathways in the brain influences one kind of intelligence. They have confirmed a link between the gene, CHRM2, and performance IQ, which involves a person’s ability to organize things logically.
Holtzman given MetLife Award for Alzheimer’s research
HoltzmanDavid Holtzman, the Andrew B. and Gretchen P. Jones Professor and head of Neurology, is co-recipient of the MetLife Foundation Award for Medical Research in Alzheimer’s Disease. Holtzman is also associate director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) and a member of the Hope Center for Neurological Disorders at the School of Medicine.
Cephalogics receives funding for brain imaging
Washington University received an initial $500,000 from Allied Minds to launch a new brain imaging technology firm.
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