Page 217 – The Source | Washington University in St. Louis

Focused ultrasound technique leads to release of neurodegenerative disorders biomarkers

focused-ultrasound-mediated liquid biopsy

Research from the lab of Hong Chen, at the McKelvey School of Engineering and the School of Medicine, and collaborators found that using focused-ultrasound-mediated liquid biopsy in a mouse model released more tau proteins and another biomarker into the blood than without the intervention. This noninvasive method could facilitate diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders.

Appointments & Promotions

Hook named director of law library

Peter Hook has been appointed director and associate dean of the Law Library at the School of Law. Hook, who comes to the university from the University of Notre Dame Law School, will begin his role July 1.

Sociology

Luna named 2023 Distinguished Feminist Lecturer

Zakiya Luna, a Dean’s Distinguished Professorial Scholar of sociology in Arts & Sciences, has been named the 2023 Distinguished Feminist Lecturer Award winner by Sociologists for Women in Society.

Cancer Research

Patients with brain cancer may benefit from treatment to boost white blood cells

A new study led by the School of Medicine reveals at least one cause of low white blood cell counts in patients treated for glioblastoma and demonstrates a potential treatment strategy that improves survival in mice.

Biology

When bugs swipe left

A study in iScience led by biologist Yehuda Ben-Shahar in Arts & Sciences identifies a link between the genetic instructions for the perception and production of pheromones.

Awards & Notables

Bolton named Titan 100 honoree

Shantay Bolton, executive vice chancellor and chief administrative officer, was selected for the 2023 St. Louis Titan 100 cohort.

Students

Two best friends sign two-book deal

Vivienne Chang and Eugenia Yoh met back in 2018 at a Washington University hotpot party hosted by the Taiwanese Students Organization. The two students soon learned, not surprisingly, they both loved the food, culture and people of Taiwan, where they both had family. They also discovered another, more unusual passion – children’s books. Their debut book, “This is Not My Home,” was released in January.

Art & Design

Picture books authors from Washington University

The writers and illustrators of many beloved picture books are from the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at Washington University in St. Louis.

St. Louis Region

Weingarth named inaugural senior adviser for St. Louis initiatives

Lisa Weingarth, vice president of external affairs at the St. Louis-based nonprofit Rung for Women, has been named to the newly created role of senior adviser for St. Louis initiatives in the Office of the Chancellor. Her appointment is effective Feb. 20.

Appointments & Promotions

Burton named vice chancellor for government relations

J.D. Burton has been named the vice chancellor for government relations at Washington University in St. Louis, according to Chancellor Andrew D. Martin. He will begin the role March 27.