Interfering with vagal nerve activity in mice prevents diabetes and hypertension
SemenkovichInterrupting nerve signals to the liver can prevent diabetes and hypertension in mice, according to scientists at the School of Medicine. The finding is reported in the February issue of the journal Cell Metabolism. A research team led by Clay Semenkovich surgically removed the vagus nerve in mice and found the procedure prevented or reversed the development of insulin resistance and high blood pressure in mice primed to develop these disorders through treatment with glucocorticoids.
Bone-health monitoring necessary during chemotherapy, researchers say
Researchers found that a medication used to reduce toxic side effects of chemotherapy induced bone loss and helped tumors grow in bone.
All smiles
Photo by Robert BostonWashington University physicians celebrate with Kaidence Oliver (center), who was the 1,000th liver transplant patient in Washington University’s liver transplant program.
Lung disease research aided by grant
School of Medicine researchers receive nearly $15 million to study how genes, viruses and cigarettes contribute to chronic lung diseases such as emphysema.
New AIDS treatments research supported by $10 million grant
The School of Medicine received $10 million to study new therapies for patients recently diagnosed with HIV and its related complications.
Genetic fingerprints identify brain tumors’ origins
GutmannGenetic fingerprints that reveal where a brain cell came from remain distinct even after the cell becomes a brain tumor, an international coalition of scientists will report in the February 1 issue of Cancer Research. The finding adds a new layer of complexity to the quest to understand the causes of childhood brain cancers, according to senior author David Gutmann.
Peipert named Robert Terry Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology
PeipertJeffrey Peipert has been named the Robert J. Terry Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the School of Medicine. The appointment was announced by Larry J. Shapiro, executive vice chancellor for medical affairs and dean of the School of Medicine. Peipert is the first person to hold the professorship, which was established in honor of Robert J. Terry, professor and head of the School of Medicine’s Department of Anatomy from 1900 to 1941.
Kharasch named Shelden Professor of Anesthesiology
Evan Kharasch has been named the Russell D. and Mary B. Shelden Professor of Anesthesiology at the School of Medicine. This is the second anesthesiology professorship established through gifts from the Sheldens. Russell Shelden is an anesthesiologist and graduate of the School of Medicine who earned his medical degree in 1949.
Potential bioterror threat slowed without key protein
Bacterium that could be used in bioterrorism is significantly slowed when it can’t make use of a key protein, School of Medicine researchers found.
Michael Marrah and Bradley Castanho named co-directors of technology management office
Michael Marrah and Bradley Castanho have been named assistant vice chancellors for research and co-directors of the Office of Technology Management (OTM) at Washington University. Together, they bring expertise in business, science and law to the OTM, which is charged with identifying University discoveries that have commercial potential and licensing them to private companies, where the technology can be developed for the benefit of the public.
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