Medical researchers unravel omicron’s secrets

In two recent studies, researchers at the 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.

Moon develops targeted, reliable, long-lasting kill switch

Tae Seok Moon at the McKelvey School of Engineering has taken a big step forward in his quest to design a modular, genetically engineered kill switch that integrates into any genetically engineered microbe, causing it to self-destruct under defined conditions.

Brainy birds may fare better under climate change

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 body size, did not shrink as much, according to biologists in Arts & Sciences. The study appears in Ecology Letters.

Notables

Caitlyn Collins, assistant professor of sociology in Arts & Sciences, will join a panel of experts 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.

Notables

The Missouri Foundation for Health has honored Sarah Garwood, MD, with the 2021 Dr. Corinne Walentik Leadership in Health award. Garwood, at the School of Medicine, is medical director of The SPOT at Jennings High School, a school-based health center.

Notables

Rachel Sachs, the Treiman Professor of Law at the School of Law, has been selected as a nonresident fellow at the USC-Brookings Schaeffer Initiative for Health Policy. Sachs is a renowned expert on health law and drug regulation.

Announcements

Staff invited to chat with Danforth Staff Council

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.