Accuracy of diagnostic blood tests for Alzheimer’s varies

A head-to-head comparison of six blood tests for Alzheimer’s disease led by School of Medicine researchers reveals that two are accurate enough to replace brain scans and spinal taps in some patients.

How serotonin alters locust’s sense of smell

McKelvey School of Engineering researchers have studied the role of serotonin in altering odor-driven behavioral and neural responses in locusts. Understanding this biological system can inspire solutions for odor detection in dangerous environments.

WashU Expert on how gender bias influences elections

Diana Z. O’Brien, the Bela Kornitzer Distinguished Professor of Political Science in Arts & Sciences, discusses the unique challenges facing female politicians such as Kamala Harris, the importance of representation and more.

Notables

The Board of Trustees has elected four new trustees to four-year terms, which took effect July 1. The board also selected four new student representatives for the 2024-25 academic year.

Notables

Nathan O. Stitziel, MD, PhD, a professor of medicine and of genetics at the School of Medicine, has received the American Heart Association’s Mid-Career Award in Genomic and Precision Medicine.

Research Wire

A team of WashU chemists led by graduate student Alex Quillin in Arts & Sciences has developed a test that makes it possible to precisely track edits in cells, an advance that could lead to a new understanding of the origins of many illnesses.

Bob Hartzell, WashU staff member, 62

Robert “Bob” Hartzell, a staff member who served in a variety of roles at WashU, died July 6. He was 62.