Strategy suggests treatment for neurodegenerative diseases

Researchers at the School of Medicine are working toward a treatment for neurodegenerative diseases, such as peripheral neuropathies and Parkinson’s, that targets SARM1, a key molecule in the death of axons, the wiring of the nervous system.

Henriksen, Murch named Moore physics investigators

Physicists Erik Henriksen (left) and Kater Murch, both in Arts & Sciences, each will receive $1.25 million from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation for their projects over the next five years. Both are founding members of the university’s Center for Quantum Leaps.

WashU Expert on gun violence in schools and children’s rights

The School of Law’s Leila Sadat, founder of the university’s Initiative on Gun Violence & Human Rights, equates the U.S. government’s failure to prevent and reduce gun violence with violating children’s human rights. She shared thoughts after the shooting at a St. Louis high school this week that left three dead.

Research Wire

Kun Wang, in Arts & Sciences, was selected for NASA’s OSIRIS-REx Sample Analysis Participating Scientist Program. NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission will bring material from a near-Earth asteroid, Bennu, back to Earth in 2023.

Announcements

Open enrollment for 2023 benefits begins Tuesday

Open enrollment to change or re-enroll for 2023 benefits, including health insurance, for Washington University faculty, staff and trainees will take place Nov. 1-16.