Page 11 – The Source | Washington University in St. Louis

Cells from the spleen play surprising role after heart attack

A new study in mice by WashU Medicine researchers identifies a possible strategy for cardiac immunotherapy that could boost beneficial immune cells that, surprisingly, travel from the spleen to the heart and orchestrate healing after a heart attack.

Law

Sadat named to eyeWitness to Atrocities board

Leila Sadat, the James Carr Professor of International Criminal Law at WashU, has been appointed to the board of eyeWitness to Atrocities, founded by the International Bar Association.

Medicine

Research explores genetics underlying immune system disorders

WashU Medicine researchers have received a $12.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to study novel genetic causes of immune disorders.

Obituaries

Obituary: Stuart A. Kornfeld, professor emeritus of medicine, 88

Stuart A. Kornfeld, MD, the David C. and Betty Farrell Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, died Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025, in St. Louis from complications of Parkinson’s disease. He was 88.

Campus & Facilities

Hanaway appointed attorney general; leaves WashU Board of Trustees

Catherine Hanaway, chair, Husch Blackwell. Courtesy photo

Catherine Hanaway, a member of WashU’s Board of Trustees, has been appointed to serve as Missouri attorney general. As such, Hanaway will step down from the board. She will be sworn in Sept. 8.

Cancer Research

Genetic study suggests ways to catch blood cancer earlier

In a new study, WashU Medicine researchers shed light on how newly acquired mutations in blood stem cells interact with mutations passed down by parents to influence a person’s lifetime risk of developing blood cancer. The findings could inform early detection and prevention strategies.

Physical Sciences

When physics meets ecology

Mikhail Tikhonov, an associate professor of physics in Arts & Sciences, is using mathematical tools to deepen our understanding of microbial ecology and evolution.

Performing Arts

Black Rep presents ‘Raisin (The Musical)’

The Black Rep will launch its 49th season with “Raisin,” a lost “treasure of musical theatre” (New York Times) based on Lorraine Hansberry’s iconic family drama.

Medicine

Chamessian named Rita Allen Foundation Scholar

Alexander Chamessian, MD, PhD, an assistant professor of anesthesiology at WashU Medicine, was one of two early-career leaders chosen for this year’s Rita Allen Foundation Scholars Award in Pain.

Advancement

Kents commit $10 million to fuel leadership, innovation at Olin

Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis has received a landmark $10 million dual-purpose gift from longtime university benefactors Jerry and Judy Kent to create an endowed deanship and to propel the school’s Business of Health initiative.