School of Medicine

Severe calorie restriction prevents certain aging-related changes in the brain, including the accumulation of free radicals and impairments in coordination and strength, according to a WUSM mouse study. However, the dietary changes did not seem to prevent mice from developing some cognitive deficits associated with age, such as declines in memory.

High levels of a protein called LRP6 can make cancer cells more aggressive, according to Washington University researchers affiliated with the Siteman Cancer Center. The protein’s ability to enhance tumor development suggests that the gene that codes for LRP6 is an oncogene — a gene that contributes to tumor development when overactivated.

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine and the University of Pennsylvania have found an immune system cell can “remember” a parasite’s attack and help the body mount a more effective defense against subsequent invasions by the same parasite.

Investigators are launching several projects aimed at preventing the global spread of HIV infection by reducing high-risk behaviors. More medical articles

A panel of experts spoke at the “Health-Care Challenges Facing the Nation” conference Oct. 7 on the Medical Campus.

The Dean’s Distinguished Service Award recognizes an employee whose outstanding contributions exemplify an exceptional commitment and dedication.

The Dean’s Distinguished Service Award continues to be the highest honor awarded to a medical staff member while the other awards — research support, operations staff and clinical care — highlight commendable efforts within defined job classifications. All awards include cash prizes and recognition at the Senior Administrators Lunch. For detailed information and nomination forms, […]

Photo by Mary ButkusNurse Marilyn Bennett won the Guiding Star Award, which is given annually to honor a clinical staff member at the medical school.

National experts addressed the most pressing political issues in health care at the Oct. 7 “Health Care Challenges Facing the Nation” conference at the Washington University Medical Center. Prominent among the bevy of hot topics were discussions about limiting access to health care to help alleviate rapidly escalating health care costs. Read more in the following St. Louis Post-Dispatch article by Rachel Melcer.

Researchers at the School of Medicine and colleagues in the International Human Genome Sequencing Project have published their scientific description of the finished human genome, reducing the estimated number of human genes from 35,000 to only 20,000-25,000, a surprisingly low number for our species.