Medical Health

‘Sleep gene’ offers clues about why we need our zzzs

By Eric Sorensen, WSU science writer SPOKANE, Wash. – Washington State University researchers have seen how a particular gene is involved in the quality of sleep experienced by three different animals, including humans. The gene and its function open a new avenue for scientists exploring how sleep works and why animals need it so badly.

Community hosts sought for WSU medical students

By Terren Roloff, WSU Spokane SPOKANE, Wash. – Hosts in Everett, Vancouver, the Tri-Cities and Spokane are sought to welcome, support and orient Washington State University medical students to their communities during six weeks over a two-year period beginning in September.

Rewards treat alcohol abuse in those with mental illness

By Judith Van Dongen, WSU Spokane SPOKANE, Wash. – Researchers at Washington State University have shown that offering prizes – from simple shampoo to DVD players – can be an effective, low-cost treatment for alcohol abuse, the nation’s third leading preventable cause of death.

Through Nov. 22: Feminist author subject of medical exhibit

SPOKANE, Wash. – The life of a writer whose physician discouraged her from having a career is the subject of “The Literature of Prescription,” a traveling exhibit from the National Library of Medicine on display through noon Nov. 22 at the academic library at Washington State University Spokane.

Grant to study cognitive health in elderly American Indians

SPOKANE, Wash. – Researchers at Washington State University Health Sciences Spokane recently were awarded a $3.655 million four-year grant from the National Institute on Aging to study cognitive health among elderly American Indians.