Newsroom Stories

Traumatic brain injury, or TBI, can be devastating and debilitating. Researchers know that the membranes separating the skull from the brain play a key role in absorbing shock and preventing damage caused during a head impact, but the details remain largely mysterious. New research from a team of engineers at Washington University in St. Louis takes a closer at this “suspension system” and the insight it could provide to prevent TBI.

New research led by the School of Medicine shows that an influential 2003 study about the interaction of genes, environment and depression may have missed the mark.

We tend to assume that domestication is a one-way street and that, once domesticated, crop plants stay domesticated. A new study of rice shows, however, that different methods of farming change the evolutionary pressures on crop plants, and the plants easily “de-domesticate,” evolving to take advantage of these opportunities.

Laser-cut skirts. 3D-printed shoes. A glittering top of sewn confetti. On Sunday, April 23, the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts will present its 88th Annual Fashion Design Show at Third Degree Glass Factory. The event will feature dozens of models wearing scores of outfits by six junior and eight senior fashion design students.

Geologist Phil Skemer, of Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, is assembling a database of three-dimensional models of crystal structures, rock outcrops and landforms that will allow students to study geology in three dimensions.

Washington University will begin implementing its new parking and transportation strategy July 1 to help ensure campus parking resources are aligned with current and future needs. A new West Campus shuttle begins operations today. Employees are encouraged to try the shuttle and other commuting alternatives during April.

The Association of Latin American Students presents Carnaval March 31 and April 1 in Edison Theatre. Carnaval co-chair Anabel Medrano said this year’s performance showcases Latino dances and addresses America’s ongoing immigration debate.

About half of all women will experience urinary tract infections in their lifetimes, and despite treatment, about a quarter will develop recurrent infections within six months of initial infection. A new study at the School of Medicine has uncovered a trigger of recurrent UTI infections: a type of vaginal bacteria that moves into the urinary tract.

As the EPA takes next steps to replace the Clean Power Plan, an engineer at Washington University in St. Louis who studies fossil fuel combustion says this week’s move will make it difficult for power providers to plan for the future.

Motivational prompts to save tax refunds and suggested savings amounts for the tax refund can increase saving among low- and moderate-income households, finds a new experimental study from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis.