NPR Morning Edition
Younger adults With Alzheimer’s are key to drug search
7/23/15
Drs. Randall Bateman and John Morris explained the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer’s Network (DIAN) study and the DIAN-Trials Unit (DIAN-TU). Participants in both studies have a familial genetic mutation that predisposes mutation carriers to Alzheimer’s disease in their 30s, 40s and 50s. Children of an affected parent have a 50 percent chance of inheriting the mutation. Other outlets: Associated Press/New York Times, Yahoo News, Huffington Post
Related WUSM news release
Reuters
Glasses that make cancer glow
7/14/15
Dr. Sam Achilefu explained the technology behind his ‘cancer goggles’ that help surgeons identify cancer cells in real-time during an operation. “The primary goal of the technology is to make sure that the surgeon does not operate in the blind, it’s to make the cancer cells light up like Christmas trees,” he said.
Related WUSM news release
Associated Press/Fox News
Disrupted sleep may increase risk of Alzheimer’s, research suggests
7/23/15
In an article explaining the possible connection of disrupted sleep and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s, Dr. David Holtzman’s research is mentioned. Holtzman reported a series of mice experiments that found amyloid production is highest during waking hours and lowest during deep sleep. Depriving mice of sleep spurred toxic amyloid buildup. Once those deposits began, the mice stayed awake longer on their own. Holtzman also checked the protein tau that forms tangles in the brain and found the same effect on deep sleep. Other outlet: Globe and Mail (Canada)
Related WUSM news release
Reuters
Effect of poverty on brains may explain poor kids’ lower test scores
7/20/15
A recent JAMA study reported brain differences and achievement differences in poor children and middle-class children in the United States who – for the most part – differ only in terms of family income. Dr. Joan Luby wrote an editorial accompanying the paper explaining that the new research adds to what was already known. She said children need nurturing and other critical elements from their primary caregivers, but society doesn’t seem to emphasize the importance of those contributions. She added scientists have provided data on the problem, now it’s up to policy makers to make the changes.
Other outlets: United Press International, Health Day
Related WUSM news release
New York Times
Opinion: The real problem with medical internships
7/1/15
Dr. Kenneth Ludmerer’s book is referenced in this editorial about medial internships.
USA Today
Scientists fix rogue protein in mice that leads to Alzheimer’s, brain damage
7/15/15
New research in mice found it is possible to undo early damage to tau, a protein that leads to Alzheimer’s and the lasting effects of brain injuries. Dr. David Brody, who was not involved in the study, said even if the full potential of the research doesn’t pan out, this new understanding helps explain the basic biology of concussion
Forbes
Why heroin use is surging among women–and what to do about it
7/21/15
In an article highlighting the changing demographic of heroin users, WUSM epidemiologist Dr. Matthew Ellis provided a representative comment from one of his study participants. “It just became easy, and we weren’t really looked at as being addicts because everyone thinks heroin addicts are all homeless, shady looking, dirty junkies.”
Related WUSM news release
The Huffington Post
Why science doesn’t need mice
7/21/15
In an article highlighting problems with mouse studies not translating into human health benefits, Dr. Richard Hotchkiss said, “To understand sepsis, you have to go to the patients.”
Health Day
Antibiotic may lower effect of some blood thinners
7/21/15
New research suggests that the antibiotic dicloxacillin may lessen the effects of the blood thinner Coumadin. This is a problem, said Dr. Mike Lane, because “when [Coumadin] levels are too high, patients are at risk for life-threatening bleeding events. When too low, patients may be at risk for blood clots, stroke or pulmonary clots.”
Nature
Antibody drugs for Alzheimer’s show glimmers of promise
7/22/15
In an article highlighting Alzheimer’s drugs targeting amyloid, Dr. Randall Bateman’s research is referenced.
Other outlet: MedPage Today
KTVI Fox 2
Blood test could catch pancreatic cancer early
7/14/15
Pancreatic cancer, one of the most deadly forms of cancer, is very hard to detect. But a new blood test could change that. Dr. Andrea Wang-Gillam, a Washington University Medical oncologist from Siteman Cancer Center, explained how the new test could lead to early diagnosis.
St. Louis Business Journal
Barnes-Jewish ranked 10th on U.S. News & World Report Honor Roll
7/21/15
U.S. News & World Report ranks Barnes-Jewish Hospital No. 1 in St. Louis, No. 1 in Missouri and No. 10 on the national Honor Roll. It is the 23rd consecutive year Barnes-Jewish has been recognized on the newsmagazine’s “Honor Roll.” Other outlets: KSDK, Kansas City Star, KTRS, KMOX, Physicians Weekly
The Denver Post
Researchers develop fast new test to detect deadly enterovirus D68
7/22/15
Researchers at WUSM developed a new diagnostic test that will speed up detection of enterovirus D68. Previous techniques, which involved sequencing a section of the virus’ genome, required several days. Senior author Dr. Gregory Storch commented.
Related WUSM news release
Nature
US tailored-medicine project aims for ethnic balance
7/21/15
The clock is ticking for experts charged with designing a U.S. government program to collect genetic, physiological and other health data from one million volunteers over the next two decades. The plan for the $215-million Precision Medicine Initiative (PMI), announced in January, is due in the next few weeks — a daunting deadline, in part because the effort’s priorities include filling racial and socio-economic gaps left by other long-term studies. Dr. Sarah Gehlert, who researches health disparities at WUSM, hopes that the PMI will focus not only on ethnic minorities but also on other under-represented groups, such as poor people and those in rural areas.
KTVI Fox 2
What happens when you stop eating bread?
7/9/15
Cutting carbs is a diet technique that is alive and well. Barnes-Jewish Hospital clinical dietitian Katie Lambert, RD, LD, breaks down five things that happen when you pass on the bread.
KMOX
Mold concerns rise as more rain falls
7/13/15
Mold spores are having a field day with this summer’s wet weather in St. Louis. H. James Wedner, MD, a Washington University physician and director of the Asthma and Allergy Center, explained the health concerns as mold that is usually outside begins to grow inside.
KTVI Fox 2
Participate in a local ovarian reserve study
7/21/15
Dr. Emily Jungheim explained a study she is leading that explores the link between lifestyle factors and ovarian reserve.
WAAY-TV (Huntsville, Ala.)
Laughing away depression?
7/14/15
WUSM psychiatrist Charles Conway and anesthesiologist Peter Nagele explained the use of nitrous oxide to treat severe medication-resistant depression. Other outlets: WNDU-TV (South Bend, Ind.)
Related WUSM news release
KTVI Fox 2
Eat your way to hydration
7/23/15
Staying hydrated is important in the hot summer months, but you don’t have to rely on water alone. BJH clinical dietitian Katie Lambert shows how you can get a good bit of the water you need from the food you eat.
KWMU/St. Louis Public Radio
Wash U researchers find potential new strategy in fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria
7/15/15
Researchers at WUSM have found that some multidrug-resistant bacteria intentionally get rid of the genes that protect them from antibiotics. That discovery could eventually provide a new way to treat deadly infections. Dr. Mario Feldman, who led the study, and graduate student Brent Weber, explained the research.
Related WUSM news release
KTVI Fox 2
Aerobic exercise helpful for asthma patients
7/22/15
Asthma patients may shy away from strenuous activity, but a recent study shows some may benefit from aerobics. Barnes-Jewish exercise physiologist Jeremy Koerber explains how aerobic exercise can help those who suffer from asthma.
KMOX
Wash U physician to head national transplant network
7/23/15
The nation’s organ transplant system will be headed by a local pulmonologist in 2016. WUSM’s Dr. Stuart Sweet takes over the reigns of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network and United Network for Organ Sharing next July. Sweet currently is lung transplant director at SLCH. Two years ago, he was instrumental in changing the transplant rules to allow children to receive expanded access to organs in short supply.
Mid-Rivers News Magazine
Transplant recipients get new lease on life
7/22/15
After receiving heart transplants at BJH, two men join the Heart Transplant Association of St. Louis as ambassadors of the support group that meets with heart and transplant patients and caregivers.
Health Central
Spinal fluid may help predict Alzheimer’s
7/16/15
WUSM researchers are closer to identifying biomarkers that may help identify people who are at risk of developing Alzheimer’s when they are older, and that increases the opportunity for early treatment. This study is the first to use a large data set to show the change of biomarkers over time in middle-aged people, which may prove vital to targeting people for therapeutic trials to study cognitive decline.
Related WUSM news release
Nanowerk News
Futuristic brain probe allows for wireless control of neurons
7/16/15
A team of researchers from WUSM and the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign developed a wireless device the width of a human hair that can be implanted in the brain and activated by remote control to deliver drugs. “It unplugs a world of possibilities for scientists to learn how brain circuits work in a more natural setting.” said Dr. Michael R. Bruchas.
Other outlets: Medical XPress
Related WUSM news release
Medical News Today
Study sheds light on why the elderly are most vulnerable to West Nile virus
7/24/15
West Nile virus is most deadly among individuals 60 and older, though the reasons behind this have been unclear. Now, a new study published in PLOS Pathogens claims to have found an explanation. Study author Michael Diamond found that many important components of the early immune response to the West Nile virus (WNV) were impaired in elderly mice, which may explain why elderly people are more vulnerable to the virus.
Other outlet: Medical Xpress
Healio.com
Barnes-Jewish in top 10 for pulmonary care
7/21/15
The 25th annual U.S. News & World Report’s Best Pulmonology Hospital rankings are intended to help patients with life-threatening or rare conditions find hospitals that excel in treating the most difficult cases. BJH ranked No. 8 in the country for pulmonary care.
