The Record

New insight into role of amyloid beta in Alzheimer’s disease

A new Alzheimer’s disease study at the School of Medicine details a technique that speedily measures levels in the brain of a damaging protein fragment. A second study provides insight into why mutations in a specific gene increase the risk of developing the disease.

Vierstra installed as George and Charmaine Mallinckrodt Professor

Richard D. Vierstra (center) has been installed as the inaugural George and Charmaine Mallinckrodt Professor. The professorship in Arts & Sciences is designated for the field of plant biology, an area of great strength, and even greater potential, at the university.

Age, obesity, dopamine appear to influence liking for sweet foods

As young people reach adulthood, their preferences for sweet foods typically decline. But for people with obesity, new research suggests that the drop-off may not be as steep and that the brain’s reward system operates differently in obese people than in thinner people.

Board of Trustees grants faculty appointments, promotions, tenure

At the Board of Trustees meeting in May, several faculty members were appointed with tenure, granted tenure or promoted with tenure, with most changes taking effect Friday, July 1.

WashU Expert: SCOTUS decision on immigration is ‘deeply regrettable’

By a 4-4 vote, a short-handed U.S. Supreme Court last week let stand a lower court’s 2-1 decision to block President Barack Obama’s executive actions on immigration. The decision is “deeply regrettable,” said Stephen Legomsky, a noted immigration law expert.