How do tired animals stay awake?

New School of Medicine research provides clues to falling fast asleep — or lying wide awake. Studying fruit flies, the researchers found that brain neurons adapt to help the flies stay awake despite tiredness in dangerous situations and help them fall asleep after an intense day.

Rethinking the complicated history of Holocaust literature

A landmark $1.3 million grant from the United Kingdom Arts and Humanities Research Council will enable an international team of researchers — co-led by Arts & Sciences’ Erin McGlothlin — to conduct the first study of Holocaust literature at scale.

Student-led group brings science beyond the bench

The nonprofit Biotechnology and Life Science Advising Group helps connect academia and industry. The consulting group supports the St. Louis entrepreneurial community and gives graduate students opportunities to gain skills outside of the lab.

Gonzalez, Martin launch local food blog

Just in time for Parent & Family Weekend, Anna Gonzalez, vice chancellor for student affairs, and Chancellor Andrew D. Martin have launched a blog exploring St. Louis’ food scene. “Good Eats with Chancellor Martin & Dr. G” will showcase great local restaurants.

Notables

David A. Fike, professor of earth and planetary sciences in Arts & Sciences and director of the Environmental Studies program and the International Center for Energy, Environment and Sustainability, has been installed as the Myron & Sonya Glassberg/Albert & Blanche Greensfelder Distinguished University Professor.

Notables

Carlos Cruchaga, at the School of Medicine, has received a 2022 Zenith Fellow Award from the Alzheimer’s Association. The annual award is given to scientists who have made significant contributions to Alzheimer’s disease research and are likely to continue to do so.

Research Wire

The McKelvey School of Engineering’s Abhinav Jha and a group of interdisciplinary collaborators have developed a method to measure dopamine transporter, a protein related to movement and Parkinson’s disease. Results of the work appeared in the journal Medical Physics.

Announcements

NameCoach tool is now available

NameCoach, a tool that allows you to record and share the pronunciation of your name with others on email and other places, is now available to WashU faculty, staff and students. It’s part of continued efforts to cultivate an equitable, diverse and inclusive campus culture.