Perspectives

Paul Steinbeck, of Arts & Sciences, analyzes a painting by jazz saxophonist Roscoe Mitchell for British music journal The Wire. The painting was used as the cover for The Art Ensemble of Chicago’s album “The Third Decade.” Steinbeck recently published a book about the group.

What’s the secret to unlocking artificial intelligence (AI) and making it ubiquitous in our everyday lives? Insects may be the answer, suggests Silvia Zhang, of the School of Engineering & Applied Science, in a column on the Venture Beat website.

Michael Wysession, of Arts & Sciences, writes in an article on WashU Perspectives that in the western U.S., forest fires have become so common that people barely notice anymore — and discusses what such a cavalier attitude says about efforts to address climate change.

Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton writes in a column in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch this week that Bayer’s acquisition of St. Louis-based Monsanto Co. could be good for the region and add to its reputation as a leader in plant science and human health.

Political scientist Andrew Reeves, of Arts & Sciences, writes an analysis in The Washington Post about President Donald Trump’s response to the devastation in Puerto Rico — and how presidents’ actions often depend on an area’s political leanings and influence.

Historian Margaret Garb, of Arts & Sciences, writes on the Center for the Humanities site about St. Louis’ use of eminent domain. An exhibit opening and panel discussion on the topic will take place this weekend.

Sociocultural anthropologist Kedron Thomas discusses fashion brands and knockoff products in Guatemala, the subject of her recently published book, “Regulating Style,” for the Arts & Sciences podcast “Hold That Thought.”

Todd Decker, professor and chair of music in Arts & Sciences, has an excerpt from his recent book, “Hymns for the Fallen: Combat Movie Music and Sound after Vietnam,” published in Vietnam magazine. He explains how the Vietnam War changed American culture, including portrayals of war in movies.

Panos Kouvelis, of Olin Business School, writes an op-ed in the Houston Business Journal examining the economic ripple effect that hurricanes Harvey and Irma will have on moving goods and supplies around the world. His op-ed also is featured on WashU Perspectives.

Abram Van Engen, of Arts & Sciences, offers an analysis on The Conversation website on whether it is America’s role to be “the world’s cop.” He is a scholar on the concept of American exceptionalism.