Studies reveal skull as source of brain immunity

School of Medicine scientists have discovered that the immune cells stationed in the protective tissue known as the meninges come primarily from the skull. The finding opens up the possibility of developing therapies to target such cells as a way to prevent or treat brain conditions.

A ‘jolt’ for ocean carbon sequestration

Global oceans absorb about 25% of the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere when fossil fuels are burned. Electricity-eating bacteria known as photoferrotrophs could provide a boost to this essential process, according to new research from biologist Arpita Bose in Arts & Sciences.

Judy and Jerry Kent to receive Harris Award

Judy and Jerry Kent have been selected as the 2021 recipients of the Jane and Whitney Harris St. Louis Community Service Award for their contributions to the St. Louis region.

Newly approved drug effective against certain lung cancer

The new drug sotorasib reduces tumor size and shows promise in improving survival among patients with lung tumors caused by a specific DNA mutation, according to results of a global phase 2 clinical trial. The study is led by scientists at the School of Medicine and elsewhere.

If I never knew you

A study with Australian reptiles establishes a new return-on-investment method of determining species that are a priority for taxonomic research: undescribed species that are likely already threatened.

Board grants faculty appointments, promotions

At the Washington University Board of Trustees meeting in May, numerous faculty members were appointed or promoted with tenure or granted tenure. Most new titles take effect July 1.

Notables

Maria Piarulli, assistant professor of physics in Arts & Sciences, was selected by the Department of Energy’s Early Career Research Program for her research program, “From Atomic Nuclei to Infinite Nucleonic Matter within Chiral Dynamics.”

Research Wire

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded Michael Vahey, at the McKelvey School of Engineering, a two-year $433,125 grant for research into virus vulnerability.

Notables

Six winners have been selected for the 2021-22 Big Ideas Competition award. The competition identifies and supports high-priority, novel projects from collaborative teams developing innovations in informatics and health-care delivery.