Page 4 – The Source | Washington University in St. Louis

Space

WashU to manage data for instrument on Artemis moon mission

Washington University in St. Louis will manage data processing and dissemination for the Lunar Environment Monitoring Station, one of the first three potential payloads selected for Artemis III, NASA’s mission which will return astronauts to the moon for the first time in more than 50 years.

Climate & Environment

Masteller wins NSF CAREER award

Geoscientist Claire Masteller in Arts & Sciences will look at the erosive power of ocean waves on rocky coastlines with a CAREER award from the National Science Foundation.

Alzheimer's

Alzheimer’s disease progresses faster in people with Down syndrome

A new study by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis shows that Alzheimer’s disease both starts earlier and moves faster in people with Down syndrome. The finding may have important implications for the treatment and care of this vulnerable group of patients.

Biology

Scientists track red-tailed hawks nesting near WashU campus

Researchers with the Forest Park Living Lab have been tracking these two hawks’ movement data since December. Through work tracking a variety of animals, the project is providing a map of health and movement that can guide conservation steps.

Awards & Notables

Buder Center grant to bolster training, support

The Kathryn M. Buder Center for American Indian Studies at the Brown School will co-lead an $880,840 three-year grant project from the U.S. Department of Justice to bolster training and support systems for Native American communities.

Cancer Research

Epilepsy drug prevents brain tumors in mice with NF1

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have discovered that an FDA-approved epilepsy drug can prevent or slow the growth of NF1-linked optic gliomas in mice, laying the groundwork for a clinical trial.

Awards & Notables

Apte honored with macular degeneration award

Rajendra Apte (left) with Andrea Santeford

Rajendra S. Apte, MD, PhD, the Paul A. Cibis Distinguished Professor and vice chair of innovation and translation in the John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has received the 2024 Roger H. Johnson Award.

Climate & Environment

Evidence isn’t enough

On climate, portraying people working together to solve problems is more effective than showing a lone polar bear adrift on a small patch of ice, says Eleanor Pardini. Pardini teaches an undergraduate course on science communication. (Illustration: Monica Duwel)

In the undergraduate course “Beyond the Evidence,” students learn how science communication and moral worldviews intersect.

Performing Arts

Molly Smith Metzler’s ‘Cry It Out’ in Hotchner Theatre April 18-21

The Performing Arts Department in Arts & Sciences will present “Cry It Out,” Molly Smith Metzler’s darkly comic exploration of class, friendship and motherhood, April 18-21 in the A.E. Hotchner Studio Theatre.

Appointments & Promotions

Thompson named director of pediatric neurosurgery

Eric Thompson, MD, a pediatric neurosurgeon noted for his expertise in caring for children with complex neurological conditions, particularly brain and spinal tumors, has been named director of the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and neurosurgeon-in-chief at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.