School of Medicine

Researchers attempting to reproduce a controversial 2003 mouse experiment suggestive of a cure for type 1 diabetes have found evidence that the experimental procedure does eliminate diabetic symptoms in a small fraction of the mice exposed to it. However, scientists from the School of Medicine found no signs that the procedure was working in the manner reported by the group of scientists at Harvard University who originated it.

The AIDS Clinical Trials Unit at the School of Medicine is among those testing a new set of experimental treatments that may helps patients with AIDS clear the virus.

Center for Advanced Medicine, home of Siteman Cancer CenterThe Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and the School of Medicine has been accepted into The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), an alliance of the world’s leading cancer centers. The designation will allow Siteman Cancer Center access to and the ability to further improve cancer care guidelines.

How unhealthy is fat?The consequences of a fatty diet may vary depending on whom you ask. A recent study concluded that reducing fat intake doesn’t necessarily reduce a woman’s risk for certain types of cancer, but WUSM lipid researcher Anne Goldberg contends that only a lengthier study could produce reliable results regarding fat’s effects on cancer risk.

“Our study shows that it’s not just who you are or what you do, but where you live that affects your well-being,” says lead author Mario Schootman. More medical news

A study found no new cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy & confirmed the 3 previously identified cases of PML associated with use of the drug.

Photo by Robert BostonThese pieces of art are part of the Student, Faculty and Staff Art Show at the Farrell Learning and Teaching Center through March 15.An exhibit on the Medical Campus features paintings, photographs, sculptures and 3-D pieces done by students, faculty, staff and alumni.

PeipertJeffrey F. Peipert, M.D., has become vice chair of clinical research in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the School of Medicine. The appointment was announced by George A. Macones, M.D., the Mitchell and Elaine Yanow Professor and head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Listed below are this month’s featured news stories. • Risks of MS drug found to be low (week of Mar. 1) • Plant sterols lower cholesterol (week of Mar. 8) • PET scans help test lung drugs (week of Mar. 15) • Arts as Healing program (week of Mar. 22) • Genetic basis of ADHD (week of Mar. 29)

Robert Cohen, Post-DispatchIbrahim Al Hoqail (right), dean of the medical college at King Fahad Medical City, asks a statistics question of instructor Stuart Boxerman.Sweeping changes in the Saudi health care system recently filled a WUSM classroom with a group of medical executives and physicians from King Fahad Medical City, a four-hospital complex based in Riyadh. As health care in Saudi Arabia moves toward privatization, many doctors and health care officials are finding themselves in new, unfamiliar roles. Some have turned to the WUSM health administration program to gain the skills they’ll need to manage their new environment.