The Record

$12M grant funds studies of genes’ role in autism, similar diagnoses

Researchers at WashU Medicine received a $12 million National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant to deepen understanding of autism and other neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders that are caused by a single gene mutation.

Why the moon shimmers with shiny glass beads

Using a variety of microscopic analysis techniques not available when the Apollo astronauts first returned samples from the moon, physicist Ryan Ogliore in Arts & Sciences helped unlock the secrets of tiny lunar beads.

WashU Expert on staying safe from ticks, mosquitoes in Midwest

Before venturing out into the woods, a park or your backyard, keep an eye out for mosquitoes and ticks, which can be carriers for pathogens that cause disease. Scientists at WashU’s Tyson Research Center explain the risks and how to stay safe.

Notables

Kevin Cox, an assistant professor of biology in Arts & Sciences, received the 2025 Eric E. Conn Yi Young Investigator Award from the American Society of Plant Biologists.

Notables

Charlie Fioriglio, a rising senior in Arts & Sciences, has been named an Astronaut Scholar, a competitive fellowship for exceptional undergraduate students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and math.

Research Wire

WashU Medicine neurosurgeon Dimitrios Mathios, MD, has developed a liquid biopsy that is aided by machine-learning tools to improve the detection of brain cancers.

Announcements

Volunteers invited to join Data Rescue Project

This summer, WashU Libraries is piloting an asynchronous version of the Data Rescue workflows that is open to all. Volunteers of all levels are invited to contribute to advocacy, web archiving and data preservation efforts.