Mouse study shows potential for gene therapy in Alport syndrome, an inherited kidney disease
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Spot-on NSA ruling rightfully questions effectiveness of phone surveillance, privacy law expert says
Federal Judge Richard J. Leon’s recent decision ruling the National Security Agency phone surveillance program unconstitutional is absolutely correct as a matter of law, says Neil M. Richards, JD, privacy law expert and professor of law at Washington University in St. Louis. “The bulk data collection at issue in the case reveals a tremendous amount about us – who we know, who we confide in, where we go, and with whom,” he said. “It’s exactly the sort of information that should require a warrant before the government obtains it.” Richards was struck by Leon’s willingness to question whether this surveillance program was effective.
Law professor conducts workshop on constitutional reform for Burmese leaders
A multiweek visit to the United States by Burmese lawmakers kicked off with a two-day intensive workshop on constitutional reform conducted by David S. Law, professor of law and of political science at Washington University in St. Louis. The curriculum included mechanisms and strategies for amending a constitution; options for structuring a federal system of government; the decentralization of control over natural resources; protection of minority rights; the role of the judiciary in promoting democracy and enforcing constitutional guarantees; and strategies for promoting the rule of law. Law was selected to conduct the workshop for his interdisciplinary background and expertise on global constitutionalism, constitutional drafting, design of government institutions, and Asian constitutionalism in particular.
Washington People: Jennifer Ivanovich
Cancer genetic counselor Jennifer Ivanovich helps bridge the gap between what genome sequencing can tell patients and what patients and their families want to know.
Cat domestication traced to Chinese farmers 5,300 years ago
‘Chemobrain’ linked to disrupted brain networks
Washington University joins U.S.-China Clean Energy Research Center
Washington University in St. Louis has joined an international group of researchers working to make great strides in advanced coal technologies.
Staying ahead of Huntington’s disease
Huntington’s disease is a devastating, incurable disorder that results from the death of certain neurons in the brain. Rohit Pappu, PhD, and colleagues in the engineering and medical schools are conducting studies to learn from nature’s own strategies to battle the disease.
National Academy of Inventors elects Chancellor Wrighton as Fellow
Mark S. Wrighton, chancellor of Washington University in St. Louis and the holder of 16 patents, has been named a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. He will be inducted during the academy’s annual conference in March.
Four faculty recognized for their achievements
Four WUSTL faculty members were recognized for their accomplishments during the Faculty Achievement Awards ceremony Dec. 7 in Simon Hall. (From left) David M. Holtzman, MD, and Randall J. Bateman, MD, received the Chancellor’s Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award from Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton. James V. Wertsch, PhD, and Richard H. Gelberman, MD, received the Arthur Holly Compton Faculty Achievement Award and the Carl and Gerty Cori Faculty Achievement Award, respectively.