School of Medicine

E. Coli (yellow) attaches to a host cell using sticky fibersNew insights into the bacteria responsible for urinary tract infections appear to open up an opportunity for disabling a wide range of infectious bacteria. Researchers at the School of Medicine recently revealed how a protein known as PapD helps E. coli assemble sticky fibers called pili that allow the bacterium to latch onto and infect host cells. Scientists are using what they’ve learned to begin designing pilicides, new treatments that stop pili formation and disrupt the infection process.

Artist’s renderingBarnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital, the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center and Washington University School of Medicine are pleased to announce a partnership that will bring a new cancer center to the campus of Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital.

Photo by Robert BostonRuth Guzman receives the 2004 Dean’s Distinguished Service Award — the highest honor given to a medical staff member.

Analysis includes the identification of genes that affirm the chicken’s value as a model for study of certain developmental disorders.

Even so, School of Medicine researchers caution that infants should always be placed on their backs to sleep.

“There is very little data about treatment of cervical cancer in the elderly,” says Jason Wright, author of an article in the journal Cancer.

Courtesy PhotoSarah C.R. Elgin receives a 2004 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching Dec. 1.”No faculty member could better represent Washington University as recipient of this award,” says Executive Vice Chancellor Edward S. Macias.

When exposed to drugs used to treat epilepsy in humans, roundworms lived longer and retained youthful functions longer than normal.More medical news

It’s not uncommon for a child with Down Syndrome to receive regular care from as many as six or seven specialists. The new Down Syndrome Center at St. Louis Children’s Hospital allows families to coordinate all these doctor visits into one trip.

On the heels of President Bush’s call for medical liability reform during a recent visit to Collinsville, Ill., Washington University hosted a conference on the same topic, “Medical Malpractice and Tort Reform: Finding Truth and Common Ground.” Medical and legal experts gathered to discuss the hard road that must be paved toward a solution for this growing national concern. The consensus of the conference seemed to be that cooperation is the key.