Month: February 2022

Washington University School of Medicine is participating in a nationwide phase 2 clinical trial to evaluate whether an investigational omicron-specific booster of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is safe and capable of eliciting a strong immune response.

Chemist Jay Ponder, in Arts & Sciences, received a $152,775 supplemental award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for protein-ion binding research.

Many North American migratory birds are shrinking in size as temperatures have warmed over the past 40 years. But those with very big brains, relative to their body size, did not shrink as much as smaller-brained birds, according to biologists in Arts & Sciences. The study in Ecology Letters is the first to identify a direct link between cognition and animal response to human-made climate change.

In two recent studies, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found evidence that the omicron variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 causes less severe disease than previous variants — at least in rodents — but that many antibody-based therapies may not be effective against it.

Washington University’s Adrienne Davis and Raven Maragh-Lloyd will take part in a panel discussion, co-sponsored by the Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity & Equity, about the historic legacy of Ebony and Jet magazines Feb. 17 at the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis.

Caitlyn Collins, assistant professor of sociology in Arts & Sciences, will join a panel of experts on Wednesday, Feb. 16, to discuss why millions of people quit their jobs last year and how the “Great Resignation” may shape work in the U.S. for years to come.

Courtney Reichhardt in Arts & Sciences received a $110,000 postdoc-to-faculty transition award from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to continue researching the disease.

The Danforth Staff Council invites staff members to take part in one of four chat sessions, starting next week. The council wants to ensure that it can accurately represent staff needs and experiences to university administrators.

The Office of Human Resources is offering Spring into Motion, a wellness challenge running from March 7-May 1. Registration begins Feb. 18.

The Missouri Foundation for Health has honored Sarah Garwood, MD, with the 2021 Dr. Corinne Walentik Leadership in Health award.