Science & Technology

Biologist Himadri Pakrasi in Arts & Sciences, who studies how cyanobacteria contribute to the chemistry of life, will lead a $5 million effort to develop technology to convert atmospheric nitrogen into fertilizer. Yinjie Tang and Yixin Chen at the McKelvey School of Engineering are co-investigators on the project.

Kara Andres, a Living Earth Collaborative postdoctoral researcher, used eDNA to follow invisible trails of genetic information from fish. While her original study probed the Great Lakes, her recent work is focused on microbial communities in local waterways.

A National Science Foundation research traineeship led by William Yeoh at the McKelvey School of Engineering will prepare investigators at the convergence of computational, environmental and social sciences.

The Weidenbaum Center on the Economy, Government and Public Policy at Washington University in St. Louis will host Aryn Baker, Time magazine’s senior international climate and environment correspondent, for a public forum and reception Sept. 26.

Researchers working with Randall Martin at the McKelvey School of Engineering quantified changes in global air pollution from fine particulate matter. They found that global PM2.5 exposure decreased steadily from 2011 to 2019, largely driven by rigorous air quality management in China and slower growth in other regions.

Atmospheric scientists led by Jian Wang, at the McKelvey School of Engineering, analyzed data from an Arctic expedition and found that blowing snow is a source of sea salt aerosols, impacting Arctic climate models.

Washington University’s new Center for the Environment begins its work, another step forward in the “Here and Next” strategic plan.

Volcanic eruptions can cause the Pacific Walker Circulation to temporarily weaken, inducing El Niño-like conditions. Human activity is affecting this system, too.

Research from Rajan Chakrabarty and Rohan Mishra at the McKelvey School of Engineering reveals an unexpected impact of wildfires on climate change.

For decades, Forest Park has enticed generations of WashU community members to step outside the university’s campuses and explore. Today, students and faculty are venturing deeper into the woods to learn about the biodiversity that teems there.