Widening political rift may be threat to science, medicine

Public participation is critical to the success of medical research. Yet recruiting volunteers for trials is increasingly challenging. New Washington University research suggests the widening ideological gap in the U.S. may be to blame.

University Dining partners with Bridge Bread

Washington University has entered a partnership with Bridge Bread to provide bagels and other items to university eateries. The nonprofit bakery provides a paycheck and training to people who have experienced homelessness.

Foodborne fungus impairs healing in Crohn’s disease

A foodborne fungus that is harmless to most people exacerbates gastrointestinal symptoms in people with Crohn’s disease by preventing intestinal ulcers from healing, a School of Medicine study reports.

WashU Experts on nuances of anti-Asian racism

Arts & Sciences’ Ariela Schachter and Linling Gao-Miles shared their perspectives on the recent killing of eight people – including six women of Asian decent – in Atlanta and the history of anti-Asian racism and violence in the U.S.

Announcements

Apply to join Danforth Staff Council

The Danforth Staff Council, which works with the administration to address staff concerns, is accepting applications for new members. Apply by Friday, March 26; two-year terms begin July 1.

Notables

John Hendrix, professor and chair of the Master of Fine Arts in Illustration & Visual Culture program at the Sam Fox School, has been named Educator of the Year by 3×3, The Magazine of Contemporary Illustration.

Research Wire

Steven Frankel, assistant professor of mathematics and statistics in Arts & Sciences, received a CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation for his project “Universal Circles Between Dynamics and Geometry.”