Pet, pest allergens linked to reduced asthma risk (Links to an external site)

A new study of children living in inner-city areas and at high risk of developing asthma suggests that exposure to certain pet and pest allergens in infancy lowers the risk of developing asthma by age 7. The research also provides evidence that the type of bacteria hitching a ride on the allergen particles is an […]

Potential new therapy relieves chronic itch (Links to an external site)

The roots of chronic itching have long remained a mystery. Meanwhile, those with the condition suffer from an unrelenting and sometimes debilitating urge to scratch. Now, new research at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has identified immune signaling molecules that are essential for activating neurons in the skin to cause chronic itching.

Type of sugar may treat atherosclerosis, mouse study shows

A new study shows that a type of natural sugar called trehalose triggers an important cellular housekeeping process in immune cells that helps treat atherosclerotic plaque.Read the full story on the School of Medicine’s site »

Rare gene mutations inspire new heart drugs

What if you carried a genetic mutation that left you nearly impervious to heart disease? What if scientists could bottle that and use it to treat everyone else?  Read full story »

Cancer drug may help patients with severe asthma

A new study co-authored by Mario Castro, MD, suggests a targeted cancer drug called imatinib (Gleevec) may help some patients with severe asthma who do not respond to standard therapy. Read the full story on the School of Medicine’s site »

New imaging technique aims to ensure surgeons completely remove cancer

A new imaging technique based on light and sound produces images doctors can use to distinguish cancerous breast tissue (below the dotted blue line) from normal tissue more quickly than is currently possible. Read the full story on the School of Medicine’s site »