Epilepsy drug prevents brain tumors in mice with NF1 (Links to an external site)

A brain scan of a neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patient reveals a tumor on the optic nerve connecting the left eye to the brain (right side of the image). Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have discovered that an FDA-approved epilepsy drug can prevent or slow the growth of NF1-linked optic gliomas in mice, laying the groundwork for a clinical trial.

A drug used to treat children with epilepsy prevents brain tumor formation and growth in two mouse models of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), according to a study by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. NF1 is a genetic condition that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body, including the […]

High BMI lowers odds for nerve stimulation treatment response in OSA (Links to an external site)

Hypoglossal nerve stimulation reduced obstructive sleep apnea severity; however, this outcome was less likely among those with higher BMIs and those who slept in supine position, according to study results. “Physicians can take both this new information about BMI and sleeping on your back vs. your side into consideration when counseling patients with OSA,” Eric C. Landsness, […]

Steady as she goes! Daily fluctuations in cognitive ability are associated with risk of Alzheimer’s disease (Links to an external site)

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that results in progressive loss of cognitive function. It is critical to identify individuals who are at the highest risk of developing AD as early as possible so that appropriate treatment plans can be developed. Neuropsychological tests of psychomotor speed, attention, and memory are frequently used to assess […]

Geisler, McPherson awarded grants as part of ICTS’s Clinical and Translational Research Funding Program

Stefanie Geisler and Laura McPherson

Washington University Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences (ICTS) and The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital have awarded Stefanie Geisler, MD, and Laura McPherson, PT, DPT, PhD, grants as part of the 17th annual Clinical and Translational Research Funding Program (CTRFP). This program is the largest internal grant funding program in the ICTS, requiring applicants to […]

WashU Medicine rises to No. 2 in nation in NIH research funding (Links to an external site)

Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis received in 2023 the second highest amount of funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) of all medical schools nationwide. This ranking reflects the school’s commitment to cutting-edge research and positions it as a key player in shaping the future of medicine. (Photo: Matt Miller/School of Medicine)

In the realm of biomedical research, securing funding is a testament to an institution’s record of scientific accomplishments and potential for further advances to improve human health. In 2023, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis received the second-highest amount of funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) of all medical schools nationwide. […]

Washington University Neurofibromatosis Center Celebrates 30 Years of NF

Angie Hirbe adult NF care

One of the largest and most comprehensive centers in the world specializing in the care of people with Neurofibromatosis (NF) and related disorders — the Washington University NF Center — is celebrating 30 years of NF. Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a set of four rare genetic medical conditions with which children and adults are prone to […]