About The Source
The Source is a place for information, inspiration and for sharing stories about exciting discoveries and accomplishments at Washington University. Here, you’ll experience the research, scholarship and creativity that drive us every day. You’ll also get a glimpse of campus life and meet the people who inspire us: scientists, leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, artists and authors. If you’re looking to explore a remarkable place where people matter and serious work is done, this is The Source.
Scientists find way to convert bad body fat into good fat
Research at the School of Medicine has identified a way to convert bad, white fat into good, brown fat, at least in mice. The findings raise the prospect of developing more effective treatments, in people, for obesity and diabetes related to weight gain.
Time to step it up, America
The United States earns failing grades when it comes to the number of people walking to work and school and the number of walkable communities, finds a new national report. Amy Eyler, associate professor at the Brown School, serves on the advisory panel for the National Walking and Walkable Communities Report Card, released Sept. 14.
Chemo-loaded nanoparticles target breast cancer that has spread to bone
Scientists at the School of Medicine in St. Louis have developed a nanoparticle that can deliver chemotherapy directly to tumor cells that have spread to bone. Research in mice showed the treatment kills tumor cells and reduces bone destruction while sparing healthy cells from side effects.
Which came first: big brains or demanding environments?
Researchers in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis are challenging the notion that environment drives the evolution of brain size. A new study was released Sept. 25 in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution.
Antibody protects against both Zika and dengue, mouse study shows
A new study led by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis shows that an antibody that protects against dengue virus is also effective against Zika in mice.
Breathing dirty air may harm kidneys
Outdoor air pollution has long been linked to major health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A new study now adds kidney disease to the list, according to researchers at the School of Medicine and the Veterans Affairs (VA) St. Louis Health Care System.
Inside the Hotchner Festival: Scott Greenberg
In “Raindropped,” playwright Scott Greenberg, a senior in Arts & Sciences, explores the idea of falling from grace, both figuratively and literally. This weekend, “Raindropped” and two other student plays will receive their world premiere staged readings as part of Washington University in St. Louis’ annual A.E. Hotchner New Play Festival.
Newly ID’d role of major Alzheimer’s gene suggests possible therapeutic target
A study led by researchers at the School of Medicine shows that the presence of ApoE4 exacerbates the brain damage caused by toxic tangles of a different Alzheimer’s-associated protein: tau. In the absence of ApoE, tau tangles did very little harm to brain cells.