Page 13 – The Source | Washington University in St. Louis

A risk factor for liver disease: your parent’s body weight

Researchers at WashU Medicine have found a strong correlation between obesity in one or both parents during pregnancy and their child’s risk of developing a common liver disorder.

Media advisory: ‘Looking Back Toward the Future’ Feb. 27

The Kemper Art Museum will celebrate the opening of “Looking Back Toward the Future: Contemporary Photography from China” Feb. 27.

Campus & Facilities

WashU to establish pharmacy school, absorb PharmD program from UHSP

Washington University in St. Louis and University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy announced they have entered into an agreement whereby WashU will assume control of UHSP. UHSP’s central program, the Doctor of Pharmacy, will become WashU’s 10th academic school, to be known as WashU St. Louis College of Pharmacy.

Performing Arts

Great Artists Series presents Conrad Tao

Pianist and composer Conrad Tao, an artist of “probing intellect and open-hearted vision” (The New York Times), will perform Sunday, March 1, as part of the WashU Department of Music’s Great Artists Series.

Data & Computer Science

Clinically informed AI outperforms foundation models in spinal cord disease prediction

Machine learning researchers at Washington University in St. Louis used artificial intelligence to help with early detection of spinal cord disease.

Alzheimer's

Fiber implant sheds new light on Alzheimer’s disease progression

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have a federal grant to further develop a fiber-based, deep-brain interface to study the relationship between neurovascular dysfunction and memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease.

Engineering

Putting some ‘muscle’ into material design

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed muscle-inspired fiber materials for use in textiles, foods and biomedical applications.

Obituaries

Donald Royse, architect and urban designer, 93

Donald Royse, a professor emeritus of architecture in the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, died Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, surrounded by family at his home (which he designed) overlooking Lake Washington in Seattle. He was 93.

Appointments & Promotions

Willers to lead Division of Academic Specialists in Obstetrics & Gynecology

Denise M.S. Willers, MD, a clinician renowned for patient-centered care and academic excellence, has been named the new director of the WashU Medicine Division of Academic Specialists in Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Students

02.23.26

Images from on and around the WashU campuses.