Page 127 – The Source | Washington University in St. Louis

Life is more random than we realize

Chance and luck play a far bigger role in our lives than any of us know, argues Washington University in St. Louis Professor Mark Rank in his new book, “The Random Factor: How Chance and Luck Profoundly Shape Our Lives and the World around Us.”

Engineering

Focused ultrasound technique gets quality assurance protocol

An image of an ultrasound device used to get past the blood brain barrier.

Washington University researcher Hong Chen and her team developed a quality assurance protocol to ensure their guided focused ultrasound device and treatment functions safely and consistently.

Performing Arts

Grammy winner Christine Goerke April 28

Internationally renowned soprano Christine Goerke, known for her “blazing tone” (New York Times) and “voice of molten gold” (Toronto Star), will present “A Celebration of the American Diva” April 28 as part of the Great Artists Series, sponsored by WashU’s Department of Music in Arts & Sciences.

Alzheimer's

Immunotherapy for Alzheimer’s disease shows promise in mouse study

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have found a different and promising way to remove amyloid beta plaques in the brain: by directly mobilizing immune cells to consume them. The study was published in Science Translational Medicine.

Physical Sciences

Media advisory: WashU experts in path of totality on eclipse day

Five planetary scientists from WashU’s McDonnell Center for the Space Sciences are available to speak with reporters from the path of totality for the Monday, April 8, solar eclipse. The scientists will be at Bollinger Mill State Historic Site in southern Missouri, near Cape Girardeau.

Students

Student Union endows fund to support student leaders

In an effort to support and celebrate student leaders, Student Union, Washington University in St. Louis’ student government, has established a $2 million endowed fund for the Student Union Leadership Award.

Physical Sciences

Samples offer glimpse of active Earth 2.5 billion years ago

Research led by geochemist Rita Parai in Arts & Sciences offers a glimpse of Earth’s history by tracking infinitesimal levels of noble gases in volcanic rocks. The new study is published in Earth and Planetary Science Letters.

Medicine

How does a person’s mobility affect cardiovascular health?

study participant Delphia Brown with researcher Kerri Morgan

A clinical trial led by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis is aimed at defining how exercise affects cardiovascular health in people who use wheelchairs.

Obituaries

Philip Needleman, emeritus trustee, longtime benefactor, 85

Philip Needleman, a Washington University in St. Louis emeritus trustee, longtime benefactor and former department head at the School of Medicine, died in an accident Monday, March 25, 2024, in Creve Coeur, Mo. He was 85.

Architecture

The hidden river

Mississippi River and downtown St. Louis

The Mississippi River defines St. Louis, shaping its life and culture. But today, for many St. Louisans, that connection has been broken, says Derek Hoeferlin, chair of landscape architecture in the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at Washington University in St. Louis.