|
|
November 2006
University News
NIH TO SUPPORT STUDIES OF NERVOUS SYSTEM DISORDERS: Washington University School of Medicine, a research leader in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke, and schizophrenia, will be among the first recipients of a major new National Institutes of Health grant to facilitate study of nervous system disorders. The NIH Blueprint for the Neurosciences Grant will provide $8 million to the University over five years.
UNIVERSITY WILL OFFER FREE M.A.s TO AREA SCIENCE TEACHERS: Washington University has received a $3.88 million grant from the National Science Foundation to fund an institute leading to a master's degree — at no cost — for St. Louis area high school biology teachers.
 WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY DEDICATES MONEY MUSEUM: On October 25, Washington University dedicated two new buildings for the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, and a numismatics facility in honor of Eric P. Newman, one of the foremost American numismatists. The Newman Money Museum features items drawn from Newman's collection as well as a numismatics library and workspace for scholars.
Click here to see photos from the dedication of the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum and Earl E. and Myrtle E. Walker Hall.  LOOK MOM, NO HANDS!: A St. Louis-area teenager played a video game using only the signals from his brain during an experiment conducted by a team of neurosurgeons, neurologists, and engineers at Washington University.
IMPROVED GRAFTS: Biomedical engineers at Washington University have developed new biomaterials to protect against blood clotting in vascular grafts. Blood clotting on artificial materials is currently so severe that the use of vascular grafts is limited to large diameter vessels.
RAPID WEIGHT LOSS PRECURSOR TO ALZHEIMER’S: A long-term study of the elderly has revealed that their average rate of weight loss doubles in the year before symptoms of Alzheimer's-type dementia first become detectable.
 BACTERIA TO WARM OUR HOMES, RUN OUR CARS: The United States Department of Energy has devoted $1.6 million to sequencing the DNA of six bacteria that University biologists will examine for their potential as sources of biofuel to run our cars and warm our homes.
WASTE NOT WANT NOT: Professors at the John M. Olin School of Business and Georgetown University found that the pharmaceutical industry could be wasting more than $50 billion each year in manufacturing costs alone, costs that could translate to lower prices or greater research and development.
WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY MAKES STRIDES IN ENERGY CONSERVATION AND COSTS: Nearly 15 years ago, energy usage at both the Medical and Danforth campuses were operating at near maximum capacity. Today it’s a whole new story. Efforts throughout the entire University keep environmentally friendly energy reduction in mind.
“We all cry for the same reasons ... But we don’t all laugh for the same reasons. For me, humor is the height of understanding the other... Talking, we can talk all alone, but we laugh with other people. It’s the highest point of communication.”
—Marjane Strapani Iranian born artist whose comics recount her childhood during the Islamic Cultural Revolution and other family stories, during her talk at the Assembly Series October 25.
Linda B. Cottler, Ph.D., professor of epidemiology in psychiatry and director of the Epidemiology and Prevention Research Group, is one of 48 women nationwide chosen for the Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine Program for Women, dedicated to preparing senior women faculty for leadership at academic health centers.
Gerald L. Early, Ph.D., the Merle Kling Professor of Modern Letters and director of The Center for the Humanities in Arts & Sciences, received the Phi Beta Kappa Award for Distinguished Service to the Humanities.
James G. Miller, Ph.D., the Albert Gordon Hill Professor of Physics and director of physics' Laboratory for Ultrasonics in Arts & Sciences, received the 2006 Achievement Award from the Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics, and Frequency Control Society of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
Leila Nadya Sadat, J.D., the Henry H. Oberschelp Professor of Law, received the 2006 Article of the Year Award from the International Association of Penal Law (American Branch) for her paper, titled "Exile, Amnesty and International Law."
Kenneth S. Polonsky, M.D., has been elected to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences.
About @ Washington University in St. Louis
This newsletter is prepared by Special Development Communications Projects staff in Alumni and Development Programs. It is intended to provide a brief summary of what is happening at the University. Alumni, parents, and friends of the University for whom we have valid e-mail addresses automatically receive @ Washington University in St. Louis.
Copyright 2006, Washington University in St. Louis
One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130
(314) 935-5200 |