Welcome to the Source
These are extraordinary times, and this year the Washington University community has come together like never before. Here in The Source, we share the many ways we’re responding to the questions before us, from the unprecedented challenge of COVID-19; to pressing social issues in the St. Louis community and beyond; to the research, scholarship and creativity that drive us on campus every day. These are our stories.
COVID-19 patients at higher risk of death, health problems than those with flu
A deep dive into federal medical data, conducted by researchers at the School of Medicine, found that COVID-19 is much deadlier and causes more health problem for patients than the seasonal flu does.
Bayly named inaugural Lee Hunter Distinguished Professor
Philip V. Bayly has been named the inaugural Lee Hunter Distinguished Professor in the McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis. Bayly is an innovative researcher at the forefront of understanding the mechanics of brain injury and brain development.
Protein involved in removing Alzheimer’s buildup linked to circadian rhythm
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have discovered a protein that links the amyloid-removal process to the circadian clock. The protein, YKL-40, could help explain why people with Alzheimer’s frequently suffer from sleep disturbances — and provide a new target for Alzheimer’s therapies.
Dancing for the camera
“Aperture,” the 2020 Washington University Dance Theatre concert, will begin streaming via the Performing Arts Department in Arts & Sciences at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18. Typically presented in Edison Theatre, the annual event has been reimagined for this year as a “Dance for the Camera” film festival.
Powerful electrical events quickly alter surface chemistry on Mars and other planetary bodies
Dust-related electrochemistry can reshape Martian surface materials with physical and chemical changes observable after only hundreds of years. Similar electrical effects may be instrumental on Venus and Europa, according to new work from Alian Wang in Arts & Sciences.
New computational method validates images without ‘ground truth’
A new computational method from the McKelvey School of Engineering helps scientists validate the accuracy of microscopic images.
Toxin provides clues to long-term effects of diarrhea caused by E. coli
A study from researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has found that a toxin produced by E. coli changes intestinal cells to benefit itself, an ability that could provide a clue to why the bacteria have been linked to nutritional problems such as malnutrition and stunted growth.
Examining schools’ lack of response to food insecurity during pandemic
As schools across the United States have moved to online learning or hybrid models due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a new study from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis investigates the responses of child nutrition administrative agencies.