Reuters
Women satisfied with IUDs as long-acting contraceptive, study suggests
8/17/15
A new WUSM study found that women who chose long-acting contraceptives, like an intrauterine device or an implant placed under the skin, were more likely to be using it three years later than women who opted for shorter-acting methods like the pill, patch or vaginal ring. Dr. Justin Diedrich commented.
Related WUSM news release
IFL Science
Scientists discover brain network that distinguishes novelty from familiarity
8/14/15
Researchers at WUSM and WUSTL recently published research that pulled together evidence from multiple neuroimaging studies and methods to demonstrate the existence of a previously unknown and distinct functional brain network, one that appears to have broad involvement in human memory processing. Called the Parietal Memory Network, the system processes data differently based on whether it’s novel or something experienced previously. Dr. Kathleen B. McDermott is among the study authors. The research appeared in the journal Trends in Cognitive Sciences.
Other outlets: PsychCentral, Neuroscience News, Global News Connect
Related WUSTL news release
Health Day
Aging brains and vulnerability to Alzheimer’s
8/20/15
A recent WUSM study found that the brain’s ability to clear the main ingredient of Alzheimer’s plaques slows with age. The findings could help explain why the risk of the disease increases with age. Senior author Dr. Randall Bateman commented. Other outlets: WebMD, Medscape (free registration required), Chicago Tribune (subscription only)
Related WUSM news release
PBS News Hour
Is diet soda any healthier than regular soda?
8/13/15
In an article highlighting artificial sweeteners and whether they can be considered healthy, Dr. Yanina Pepino’s research was referenced.
Related WUSM news release
Health Day
Are vaginal germs linked to preemie birth?
8/17/15
A recent study suggested a link between premature birth and a specific kind of bacterial blend in the mother’s vagina. Researchers found that women who gave birth prematurely were more likely to have had greater bacterial diversity in the vagina. Dr. Molly Stout, who was not involved in the study, commented. Other outlet: Philadelphia Inquirer
Huffington Post
Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about UTIs . . . but were too doubled over in pain to ask.
8/13/15
In an article highlighting urinary tract infections (UTIs), Dr. Michael Hibbing explained that treatment-resistant UTIs can lead to long-term chronic pain, pyelonephritis (when the infection spreads to the kidneys) and bacteremia (when bacteria spreads to the blood). If these infections become endemic in the United States, he predicted that combinations of anti-virulent therapy and preventive measures are going to be essential.
Associated Press/Washington Post
Scientists find how obesity gene works, a clue to treatment
8/19/15
Recent research has found that a faulty copy of a gene called FTO causes energy from food to be stored as fat rather than burned. Dr. Samuel Klein, who wasn’t involved in the research, said the gene is a potential target for drug development and called the work “a scientific tour de force.”
Other outlets: Latino’s Health, WBUR-FM (Boston)
Fox News Network
FDA approves Oxycontin for children as young as 11
8/19/15
Dr. Kathleen Berchelmann discussed FDA approval of Oxycontin for use in children as young as 11.
International Business Times
Researchers find compound used in crime scenes could kill malaria parasite
8/12/15
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Luminol is a compound that glows blue when sprayed onto blood and encounters the haemoglobin. It is typically used by detectives to trace blood at crime scenes, but WUSM researchers say it could be used to kill malaria parasites. Senior author Dr. Daniel Goldberg explained how.
Related WUSM news release
Yahoo!
Chemicals not thought to be carcinogenic may still cause cancer when combined
8/13/15
In an article highlighting how combined effects of non-carcinogenic may cause cancer, Dr. Graham Colditz’s ‘Eight ways to reduce cancer risk’ was referenced.
Related WUSM news release
Daily Telegraph (Sydney, Australia)
Go with your gut: the secret to weight loss lies in our stomach’s bacteria
8/18/15
Scientists first discovered that an unbalanced microbiome could lead to obesity in animals. In 2006, researchers from WUSM looked at genetically engineered obese mice and identified that a class of gut microbes called firmicutes were consistently over-represented. These particular microbes were found to be too efficient at extracting energy from food and breaking down fibre, and also increased the absorption of fat.
Related WUSM news release
KTVI-TV Fox 2
Local cancer doctor discusses next steps in President Carter’s fight
8/20/15
Siteman Cancer Center dermatology chief Dr. Lynn Cornelius explained current treatment guidelines for melanoma. She said in President Carter’s case, remission, stable disease, or no growth of disease would be considered a decent end point. Other outlet: KMOX-AM
St. Louis Magazine
Ticked Off: 8 Things St. Louisans should know about tick-borne illnesses
8/22/15
Dr. Matt Kuhlmann offered advice about tick-borne illnesses.
KTVI-TV FOX 2
Debunking myths surrounding organ donation
8/18/15
Dr. William Chapman addressed common misperceptions surrounding organ donation and transplantation.
KMOV-TV
Fall Allergy Season
8/19/15
Dr. H. James Wedner explained what to expect this fall when it comes to allergies.
KTVI-TV Fox 2
New solution for heart failure
8/5/15
Dr. Justin Vader explained how a new sensor may improve the quality of life and lessen the worry that comes along with congestive heart failure.
KSDK-TV NewsChannel 5
Group of 19 Barnes-Jewish employees share $1M Powerball jackpot
8/21/15
A group of 19 employees at BJH won a $1 million Powerball prize in the August 12 drawing. Other outlets: St. Louis Post-Dispatch, KMOV-TV, KTVI-TV Fox 2, KMOX-AM, Belleville News Democrat, Kansas City Star
KTVI-TV FOX 2
Families head to med school at the Saint Louis Science Center
8/13/15
The Young Scientist Program at WUSM is hosting Family Med School at the Saint Louis Science Center. Students in the fifth grade and older can join their parents in learning how the human body works by seeing human organs and hearing from instructors like neuroscience graduate student David Baranger.
St. Louis Public Radio
Emergency room visits for asthma more frequent for Missouri’s poorest children
8/6/15
One in five children in north St. Louis city and north St. Louis County is diagnosed with asthma; pediatricians say it’s their top issue of focus. Dr. Bob Strunk commented.
KTVI-TV Fox 2
StLMoms: Combating the problem of your smelly teens
8/19/15
Dr. Kathleen Berchelmann addressed causes and treatment for hyperhidrosis and osmidrosis.
KSDK – ShowMe St. Louis
Should you give your kid melatonin?
8/18/15
Dr. Kathleen Berchelmann explained how to best get your children on a back-to-school sleep schedule.
KTVI–TV Fox 2
StLMoms: What do you post on social media about your children?
8/20/15
Dr. Dehra Glueck offered tips on what parents should and should not post on social media about their children.
King 5-TV (Seattle, Wa.)
A vitamin deficiency that can cause memory loss
8/17/15
Dr. Gregory Day explained Wernicke encephalopathy – a syndrome caused by the lack of vitamin B1.
WSET-TV (Roanoke, Va.)
Six secret causes to back pain
8/20/15
Dr. Linda Van Dillen explained there are stressors that can set off back pain that have little to do with the back. For example, slouching puts an extra 100 pounds of stress on the lower back, resulting in muscle fatigue and the onset of back pain. For every inch your head drops forward as you’re slouching, the stress on your spine increases by 10 pounds.
WNDU-TV (South Bend, In.)
Asthma coaches help parents learn condition’s triggers, signs and symptoms
8/14/15
Dr. Jane Garbutt explained a study that provided asthma coaches to parents of children with asthma. The coaches were parents of children with asthma specially trained to help other parents learn the triggers, signs and symptoms of the disorder. Other outlets: KSAT-TV (San Antonio, Tx.)
WFMZ-TV (Allentown PA)
Fragile X treatment: Medicine’s next big thing?
8/18/15
Fragile X is a developmental disorder that can be diagnosed before birth and is an inherited cause of autism and intellectual disability. Dr. Azad Bonni has identified a potential target for treatments for Fragile X carriers.
Related WUSM news release
San Angelo Standard Times (San Angelo, Tx.)
What’s red, fat-free, and eaten all over? Salsa
8/18/15
In an article listing health and wellness tips, Dr. Susan Racette’s research on weekend overeating is referenced.
Related WUSM news release
St. Louis Business Journal
Wash U gets $7 million Gates grant to fight tropical diseases
8/14/15
Dr. Gary Weil received $7 million from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to continue his work to eliminate river blindness and elephantiasis, both tropical diseases. Other outlet: Infection Control Today
Related WUSM news release
MedPage Today
Last hopes for the amyloid hypothesis in Alzheimer’s?
8/17/15
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In an article highlighting amyloid beta as a treatment target for Alzheimer’s disease, WUSM’s DIAN research, led by Dr. John Morris and Dr. Randall Bateman, is referenced.
Related WUSM news release
Biotechin.Asia
Using light instead of drugs for pain relief
8/12/15
Researchers at WUSM recently discovered a way to activate opioid receptors with light, and their research was published in the journal Neuron. Principal investigator Michael R. Bruchas and first author Dr. Edward R. Siuda commented. Other outlet: Munich Eye
Related WUSM news release
St. Louis Medical News
Getting to know Wash U Medical School’s new dean
8/12/15
This article features an interview with Dr. David H. Perlmutter who will take over as WUSM Executive Vice Chancellor for Medical Affairs and Dean Dec. 1, 2015. Other outlet: East Tennessee Medical News
KTVI-TV FOX 2
Student to receive robotic 3D printed arm from Shriners, Wash U. School of Medicine
8/19/15
Teenager Sydney Kendall received her second prosthetic arm created on a 3D printer. Doctors at WUSM and Shriner’s Hospital said the new arm will have the ability to have fine motor motion in the fingers and wrist. Conventional prosthetics cost about $15,000, but this one, complete with Syndney’s monogram, cost about $100.
Her first prosthetic arm was pink and was created by WUSTL engineering students. Other outlets: KMOX-AM,
KSDK-TV NewsChannel 5
Related WUSM news release
MedCity News
Six precision medicine partnerships reflective of the new Intel Collaborative Cancer Cloud
8/20/15
Intel recently announced it has created a “Collaborative Cancer Cloud,” a precision medicine analytics platform built in partnership with several academic centers. The McDonnell Genome Institute at Washington University is among the collaborating centers.
Walsall Advertiser (UK)
Walsall youngster with dream of walking unaided rides tricycle for the first time
8/8/15
A young girl from Pelsall, England, traveled to America to undergo selective dorsal rhizotomy with Dr. T.S. Park to relieve spasticity caused by cerebral palsy. The procedure has drawn hundreds of families from multiple countries to SLCH. Other outlets: Daily Mail, the Daily Record, the Sun Sentinel (free registration required), Simcoe.com
