Damage mechanism for fetal alcohol explored

For years, physicians and scientists have known that alcohol has detrimental effects on the human fetus. A new study from investigators in Berlin, Tokyo and St. Louis suggests how the damage associated with fetal alcohol syndrome might occur.

A paper in the Feb. 11 issue of Science reports that a single exposure to high levels of ethanol (the alcohol in beer, wine and spirits) can kill nerve cells in the developing brain. The researchers found that the rat brain is sensitive to this toxic effect during a brain development stage that corresponds to the brain growth spurt in humans. The brain growth spurt lasts from about the sixth month of pregnancy to a child's second birthday.

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Medical Center links change during construction

As construction progresses at Washington University Medical Center, some temporary but significant changes to links connecting buildings will take place. Three separate areas of the link system will be affected. Steps are being taken to minimize inconveniences for employees, patients and visitors.

The Campus Integration Plan team spent several months conducting an exhaustive analysis of alternatives to find an affordable and less disruptive path. Unfortunately, it is not possible to complete the Ambulatory Care Center/Siteman Cancer Center and the McDonnell Pediatric Research Building without affecting routine use of the links. To minimize this inconvenience, a special shuttle service will transport patients between the north and south sides of campus.

Representatives from the School of Medicine and BJC Health System have been working together for several months to schedule these changes during warmer months. All detours will be marked clearly with signs, and maps will be available in future weeks.

First, on March 15, the link between the Clinical Sciences Research Building and the Eric P. Newman Education Center will close. This section of the link will be demolished and a new link constructed through the McDonnell Pediatric Research Building. The new link is expected to open by August.

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Schoening is interim library director

Paul A. Schoening has been named interim director of the Bernard Becker Medical Library and interim associate dean for academic information management.

Mark E. Frisse, M.D., previously was the library director and associate dean. He now is vice president of Express Scripts Inc.'s clinical services, which interprets pharmacy and medical claims data. Schoening has been the library's director of information and communication systems for the past six years.

"Paul Schoening helped make the library an information and communication powerhouse," said William A. Peck, M.D., executive vice chancellor and dean of the School of Medicine. "His expertise in applying innovative information technologies will assist in expanding the medical school's reach and its place as an invaluable resource for the Medical Center and the St. Louis region."

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