Newsroom Stories

A consortium of researchers led by the School of Medicine has identified virtually all of the major mutations that drive acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a fast-growing blood cancer in adults that often is difficult to treat. The dark lines in the image pictured show all of the major mutations for AML that occurred in one patient with the disease.

The most in-depth look yet at endometrial cancer shows that adding genomics-based testing to the standard diagnostic workup could change the recommended course of treatment for some women. The new research is published in the journal Nature. Pictured are endometrial cancer cells under a microscope.

Young adults with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are more likely to never see friends, never get called by friends, never be invited to activities and be socially isolated. That’s the finding of new research released online in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders that studies the social outcomes of young adults with an ASD. The study is part of a pioneering program of research on adolescents and adults with autism led by Paul T. Shattuck, PhD, associate professor at the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis. Lead author is Gael I. Orsmond, PhD, associate professor at Boston University and an expert on the social development of adults with an ASD.

Religion & Politics, the online journal of the John C. Danforth Center on Religion & Politics at Washington University in St. Louis, has been recognized as an official honoree at the 17th Annual Webby Awards in the category of Best Religion & Spirituality Website.

Chenyang Lu, PhD, professor of computer science & engineering in the School of Engineering & Applied Science, and colleagues, have developed a unique system they call a Wireless Cyber-Physical Simulator, which can help bridges and other structures survive natural disasters.

​Susan Rotroff, PhD, a classical archaeologist, and Leigh Schmidt, PhD, historian of American religion, are the latest Washington University scholars to be selected for prestigious fellowships from the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation. Rotroff and Schmidt were among 175 Guggenheim Fellows chosen in 2013 from almost 3,000 scholars, artists and scientists in the United States and Canada. The Guggenheim fellowship is awarded on the basis of prior achievement and exceptional promise.​

Defining Moments, an innovative course offered at Olin Business School, allows students to interact with top leaders in the corporate world who exemplify integrity and excellence. The course engages students to think about how they can achieve success without sacrificing character.

A low-cost medical device targeted at improving world health has taken home the top prize in Washington University School of Engineering & Applied Science’s inaugural Discovery Competition. Sparo Labs took the largest prize of $25,000. The company’s plan stems from an award-winning project to develop a low-cost, pocket-sized spirometer, which measures lung function.

The Women’s Society of Washington University handed out awards at its annual meeting April 17. Harriet Switzer, center, visits with the two seniors who received a leadership award named in her honor. They are Jennifer Head, far left, and Melany Lopez.

The annual Freshman Finale celebration was held on Tuesday, April 23 in College Hall on the South 40. Sponsored by the First Year Center and Freshman Class Council, the event included remarks from College of Arts & Sciences Dean Jennifer R. Smith, PhD, and a representative of the freshman class, as well as student performances. Awards were presented to outstanding members of the Washington University community who have had a positive impact on new students in their first year.