Sarah C.R. Elgin and Samuel I. Achilefu will receive Washington University in St. Louis’ 2018 faculty achievement awards, Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton announced. Also, William A. Frazier III, professor emeritus, will be honored for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Studying mice, School of Medicine researchers found that a drug can deliver itch relief by targeting particular opioid receptors on neurons in the spinal cord. The drug is being tested for its anti-itch effects in the U.S., but until now scientists haven’t understood how it works.

A new automated text messaging service may curb opioid abuse and reduce the likelihood of relapse while also decreasing treatment costs, according to researchers at Washington University School of Medicine and Epharmix, a St. Louis-based digital health company.

Neighbors can be feet away and worlds apart. For the class “Segregation by Design,” Sam Fox School students Cierra Higgins and Tianna Williams explore strategies for mitigating social segregation in two historic St. Louis neighborhoods.

The theme of this year’s Pow Wow at Washington University in St. Louis is “Balancing Two Worlds: Indigenous Teachings, Traditions and Truths.” The 28th annual event, a celebration of American Indian cultures, will be held Saturday, April 21, in the Washington University Field House on the Danforth Campus.

As scientists try to find therapy options to fight back and neck pain, considerable interest exists in harnessing stem cells to restore nucleus pulposus, the chief material in discs. Previous research shows human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can express markers for a wide variety of cells, including those that secrete NP. A collaborative team of scientists at Washington University has developed a new process to generate NP-like cells from hiPSCs.

Childhood poverty cost the U.S. $1.03 trillion in 2015, about 5.4 percent of the gross domestic product, according to a new study from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis.

The new Voter Access and Engagement initiative, part of Center for Social Development’s focus on Civic Engagement and Service, aims to strengthen democracy by increasing access and participation in the electoral process.

Over the last four decades, Island Press, part of the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, has earned a national reputation for publishing complex, large-scale prints and multiples that explore new materials and innovative techniques.

James Wertsch, vice chancellor for international relations, director of the McDonnell International Scholars Academy and the David R. Francis Distinguished Professor in Arts & Sciences, has announced his plan to conclude his tenure as vice chancellor July 1, 2018, and from his director role at the end of the calendar year.