Complex biological networks control a range of functions in the human body from metabolic processes to the sleep cycle. Though scientists have ever-increasing volumes of data about the effects these complex systems produce, fully describing them mathematically has proven difficult. Without a firm understanding, effective interventions continue to be elusive, leaving more than 50 million […]
When studying substance use disorders, scientists had thought some of the effects on the brain could stem from use of the substances themselves: People start drinking alcohol in early teens, that alcohol has a neurotoxic effect on the developing brain that begets more alcohol drinking, and a similar dynamic occurs with other substances. But research […]
Virtually every cell in the human body has an internal clock. These clocks take their cues from a central clock in the brain. In a normal, biological process called synchrony, the central clock coordinates daily rhythms around the body, so that every cell and tissue recognizes the same external time of day. Knowing local time […]
Andrew Yoo, PhD, a professor of developmental biology at WashU Medicine, has received the 2024 Transformative Research Award, a two-year $1 million grant from the Hereditary Disease Foundation. Yoo and his collaborator, Osama Al Dalahmah, MD, PhD, of Columbia University, will use this support to pursue potential therapeutics for Huntington’s disease, an inherited neurodegenerative disorder […]
Guoyan Zhao, PhD, an assistant professor of genetics and of neurology, and Erik Musiek, MD, PhD, the Charlotte & Paul Hagemann Professor of Neurology, both of WashU Medicine, have received a $433,000 grant from the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to study brain cells called astrocytes and their roles […]
When trying to understand how genetic influences factor into youth behavior, researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have taken the “big trawl” approach, casting their net wide to pull in all the measured traits, behaviors and environments that make up who we are and examine associations with the genetic building blocks comprising risk for […]
With new technique, patient-derived neurons accurately model late-onset Alzheimer’s, point to potential treatments
mans and other animals, signals from a central circadian clock in the brain generate the seasonal and daily rhythms of life. They help the body to prepare for expected changes in the environment and also optimize when to sleep, eat and do other daily activities. Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis are working out […]
Howard Hughes Medical Institute honors duo’s research
Scientists are trying to understand how cannabis may affect long-term neurodevelopment when people were exposed to it in the womb. Previous work by Washington University in St. Louis researchers Sarah Paul and David Baranger in the Behavioral Research and Imaging Neurogenetics (BRAIN) lab led by Ryan Bogdan, PhD, found associations between prenatal cannabis exposure and potential mental health conditions in childhood […]
Yao Chen, PhD, an assistant professor of neuroscience at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, is part of two teams that have been awarded grants to study the molecular processes that underlie memory and cognition. The grants are part of the “Research Corporation for Science Advancement’s Scialog: Molecular Basis of Cognition” initiative. The […]
The brain needs to flush out waste products to stay healthy and fend off conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists are beginning to understand how the the brain’s waste removal system works. [Transcript] A MARTÍNEZ, HOST: Turns out the brain needs regular cleaning. Otherwise, it gets clogged up with waste products, including some associated with diseases […]
Morby prize from Cure Alzheimer’s Fund honors discovery of T cells’ role in neurodegeneration
Study reveals mechanism for why treatment appears to work better in the morning
Popular alternative to CPAP machines may not be appropriate for all
Alzheimer’s disease starts with a sticky protein called amyloid beta that builds up into plaques in the brain, setting off a chain of events that results in brain atrophy and cognitive decline. The new generation of Alzheimer’s drugs — the first proven to change the course of the disease — work by tagging amyloid for […]
There lies a paradox in sleep. Its apparent tranquility juxtaposes with the brain’s bustling activity. The night is still, but the brain is far from dormant. During sleep, brain cells produce bursts of electrical pulses that cumulate into rhythmic waves — a sign of heightened brain cell function. But why is the brain active when we […]
Neurologist studies role of sleep in neurodegenerative diseases
High-tech imaging tool could be used in other medical fields
Brain cells communicate with fat tissue to produce cellular fuel, counteract effects of aging
Breaking link between early, late stages of disease may prevent dementia
Targeting cholesterol potentially could help treat Alzheimer’s, related dementias
Membership is one of highest U.S. honors in health and medicine
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 […]
The National Institutes of General Medical Sciences has awarded an Outstanding Investigator Award of nearly $2 million to Paul Taghert, PhD, Professor of Neuroscience at Washington University School of Medicine, to study how the circadian clock orchestrates multiple biological cycles that operate at different phases. Physiological and behavioral rhythms, such as sleep, hormone fluxes, and eating, […]
A new drug has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a rare, inherited form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a paralyzing neurological disease. Known as tofersen, the drug has been shown to slow progression of the deadly disease. International clinical trials of tofersen, developed by the global biotechnology company Biogen Inc., […]
More research needed to determine if sleep medications prevent, delay Alzheimer’s
Findings could lead to universal therapies for alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, opioid addictions
Findings, in mice, open up drug development possibilities for brain diseases linked to tau protein
Honored for work developing new kind of therapy for neurodegenerative diseases
The neurologist and physician scientist at Washington University in St. Louis provided insight on the general dieting strategies patients with multiple sclerosis should take as more information becomes available. [WATCH TIME: 6 minutes]
Findings suggest new approach to treating Alzheimer’s, other neurodegenerative diseases
“These trials don’t go without huge input and commitment from the participants and of course, their caregivers, and the clinical trial sites. I have the privilege of speaking to you about the trial as the lead author of this paper, but this is a team effort and includes a large group of people from multiple […]
Findings could help explain rare symptoms such as problems with language, vision
Installation talk, titled “For Whom the Bells Toll: Networked Circadian Clocks and Clock Watchers”
Findings in mice suggest new therapeutic approach to Alzheimer’s, other age-related diseases
Funding from NIH HEAL Initiative
Neurons made from Huntington’s disease patients’ skin cells shed light on cognitive decline
Extended use of tofersen may help stabilize muscle strength, control
Research finds kids with prenatal exposure show more signs of psychopathology
WashU was first to reveal the intricate link between fragmented sleep and dementia
Diagnosing, treating sleep apnea may make driving safer for older adults
Five-year $2 million grant from NIH
Too little and too much sleep linked to cognitive decline
Animal study could help ID new treatment targets for negative emotions linked to pain
Neuroscientist receives award from Brain & Behavior Research Foundation
International team seeks hidden signs of brain damage in REM behavior disorder
For humans and animals, many aspects of normal behavior and physiology rely on the proper functioning of the body’s circadian clocks.
Alzheimer’s dementia predicted by brain amyloid levels, age
Research indicates problematic marijuana use is correlated with poorer COVID-19 outcomes