Sonobiopsies generate genetic, molecular data to inform treatment decisions for brain diseases
Noninvasive, ultrasound-based brain biopsy is feasible, safe in people

Sonobiopsies generate genetic, molecular data to inform treatment decisions for brain diseases
When the human head experiences any kind of movement — from nodding yes or no to heading a soccer ball or being jolted in a car crash — the brain moves inside the skull, leading to deformation of the tissue. Such deformations are key to understanding traumatic brain injury but are challenging to study since […]
Researchers have developed methods to study and manipulate areas of the brain, though many of those methods are restricted by the limited depth that light can reach within the brain. A multidisciplinary team at Washington University in St. Louis plans to overcome that limitation by integrating ultrasound with genetics to precisely modify neurons in the […]
Now that the emergency phase of the COVID-19 pandemic has ended, scientists are looking at ways to surveil indoor environments in real time for viruses. By combining recent advances in aerosol sampling technology and an ultrasensitive biosensing technique, researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have created a real-time monitor that can detect any of […]
Some mammals and birds have a clever way to preserve energy and heat by going into torpor, during which their body temperature and metabolic rate drop to allow them to survive potentially fatal conditions in the environment, such as extreme cold or lack of food. While a similar condition was proposed for scientists making flights […]
Like the lymphatic system in the body, the glymphatic system in the brain clears metabolic waste and distributes nutrients and other important compounds. Impairments in this system may contribute to brain diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases and stroke. A team of researchers in the McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis has […]
Research could facilitate diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease
Symposium brings together key leaders in the field
Research finds kids with prenatal exposure show more signs of psychopathology
Research uncovers how unfolded proteins are discarded, and how a perfectly good protein can wind up in the trash
Every cell contains millions of protein molecules. Some of them have the ability to phase-separate to form non-membrane-bound compartments, called biomolecular condensates, inside a cell. It has long been assumed that there was no further structure underlying these condensates, only solution-soluble proteins. A research group led by Rohit Pappu, PhD, the Gene K. Beare Distinguished Professor […]
Longstanding collaboration leads to new findings about processes associated with neurodegenerative diseases
These vesicles are critical for proper cell function
Faculty members honored for ‘highly prolific spirit of innovation’
The two-step denoising technique was developed in Song Hu’s lab
Hong Chen and Eric Leuthardt’s sonobiopsy method uses blood test instead of surgery
NIH awards $3.1 million grant for Washington University, St. Jude ALS research