fertility breakthrough | Dr. Sherman Silber, an infertility specialist at The Infertility Center of St. Louis, has performed the world’s first ovary transplant between non-related patients. Silber is known for his pioneering work in fertility preservation, including previous achievements like the first ovary transplant between twins and advances in ovarian tissue freezing. He and his team were able to overcome the challenge of organ rejection by using immunosuppressive protocols. “This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for women who previously had limited options for preserving or restoring their fertility,” Silber says. “We’re excited about the potential impact this could have on the field of reproductive medicine and the lives of countless patients.”
care for older adults
Saint Louis University has received a $5 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration for the Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP). The program aims to educate and train health and supportive care professionals to care for a range of issues that impact the health and wellness of older adults, including dementia, social isolation and caregiver well-being. “Over the last decade, we have educated not only professionals who specialize in geriatrics, but all professionals who work with older adults,” says Marla Berg-Weger, Ph.D., professor emerita in social work and GWEP director. “Whether it is taking more time during an exam or ensuring patients have reliable transportation once they no longer drive, there are many ways we can support older adults.”
cancer stats
The American Cancer Society has released its annual report on cancer facts and trends. Highlights include an overall decline in cancer mortality of 34% between 1991 and 2022 in the U.S., averting an estimated 4.5 million deaths. However, it was also found that there was an increased incidence of many cancer types, especially among women and younger adults. This includes rates in women aged 50 to 64 years surpassing those in men, and rates in women under 50 now being 82% higher than their male counterparts. Women under 65 years of age also have surpassed men in incidence of lung cancer. It’s estimated there will be more than 2 million new cancer diagnoses in 2025, and and 618,120 cancer deaths.
the human virome
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine will be taking a closer look at the viruses that call the human body home thanks to two grants from the National Institutes of Health. Known as the human virome, the body is home to a variety of viruses that are not associated with disease. The funding, which totals more than $10 million, will go toward two different studies. The first is on bacteriophages, or viruses that infect bacteria, and their impact on the gut microbiome, especially during intestinal disturbances. The second research project is centered on studying viral communities and immune responses during pregnancy and postpartum.
