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In almost every scientific paper that describes proteins you’ll find Duke biochemist Jane Richardson’s handiwork. The images, commonly referred to as “ribbon diagrams,” are basic to the language of protein science. Ranging in likeness from a flapping kite tail to a tight coil of crimped gift ribbon, these carefully etched diagrams invented by Richardson have served for many years as a primary way that scientists can describe what they see in their data.

 First-year students from the Duke School of Medicine pored over nearly two millennia of anatomical illustrations at an annual event dubbed “Anatomy Day.” Among them were the only known copies of "The Four Seasons of Human Life.” Photo by Jared Lazarus  

Youngsters learn many important behaviors by imitating adults. But young learners are selective in who they copy, and scientists don't understand how they choose the right teacher. Young male zebra finches must learn to copy the song of an adult tutor in order to ultimately attract a mate. Researchers already knew that juveniles don't copy songs played through a loudspeaker or sung by other species of birds. Now, findings from Duke University scientists show how the juvenile birds identify the right teacher.

The intersections of tradition and change that define Durham in 2018 are easy to see in a trip downtown. After being vacant for nearly 20 years, the old brick Chesterfield cigarette building reopened this year thanks to a $128 million renovation. The family-owned Gurley’s pharmacy, with its old-fashioned entrance and red awning, sits in the shadow of glass-and-steel high-rise condominiums that are selling for more than $500,000 each.

Introduction

    October 8, 2018 In Memoriam  

For adults over age 65, surgical complications can dampen not only their physical health but also their mental sharpness, with more than half of high-risk cases declining into delirium. In research published this week in the journal Brain Stimulation, Duke University scientists show in a mouse model that a current treatment for seizures can also reverse brain inflammation, such as inflammation after surgery, and the subsequent confusion or cognitive decline that results.

H. pylori infection is associated with colorectal cancer risk, especially in African-Americans  A bacterium known for causing stomach cancer might also increase the risk of certain colorectal cancers, particularly among African Americans, according to a study led by Duke Cancer Institute researchers.

The Duke University School of Medicine today announced it has created a new Office for Physician-Scientist Development and named Sallie Permar, MD, PhD, associate dean for physician-scientist development. She will lead the new office. The announcement was made by Mary E. Klotman, MD, dean of the Duke University School of Medicine, and Colin S. Duckett, PhD, vice dean for basic science for the school.

On Thursday, October 11, Doug Marchuk will host an all-day meeting with seven other project leaders from the Leducq Foundation Network, ATTRACT: Arterial flow as an attractor for endothelial cell migration. Marchuk is serving as the North American coordinator on this grant. During the meeting, each project leader will present their current research for the project.