Page 24 – The Source | Washington University in St. Louis

WashU startups attract record-setting $1.7 billion in private-sector investment over past year

Startups built on WashU discoveries attracted a record $1.7 billion in private-sector investment over the past year, accelerating the commercialization of WashU innovations into life-changing diagnostics, therapeutics and medical devices.

Space

Jupiter’s moon Europa has seafloor that may be quiet, lifeless

A new study led by planetary scientists at Washington University in St. Louis suggests the icy moon Europa lacks the undersea activity needed to support life.

Campus & Facilities

Recycle old holiday lights on campus

WashU is again hosting a recycling drive for old or broken holiday lights. The annual drive runs through Jan. 16.

Appointments & Promotions

Board grants faculty appointments, tenure

At the Washington University in St. Louis Board of Trustees meeting Dec. 5, numerous faculty members were appointed, promoted or granted tenure, with most taking effect that day unless otherwise indicated.

Obituaries

Steven L. Teitelbaum, professor of pathology and immunology, 87

Steven L. Teitelbaum, MD, a nationally recognized leader in bone biology research at WashU Medicine, died Dec. 15 in St. Louis. He was 87.

Neuroscience & Memory

Stimulant ADHD medications work differently than thought

In a new study, WashU Medicine researchers found that widely prescribed drugs such as Ritalin and Adderall don’t affect attention-controlling regions of the brain, as previously thought, but rather act on areas involved in wakefulness and reward.

Biology

Plant science with a twist

Biology and engineering researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have uncovered the mechanism of plants’ twisting roots.

Awards & Notables

University Marketing & Communications team wins Regional Emmy Award

A University Marketing & Communications team at Washington University in St. Louis won a 2025 Regional Emmy Award, and received an additional nomination, from the Mid-America Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

Medicine

New ALS drug stabilizes decline with improved strength, mobility for some

Long-term use of a new drug, toferson, approved by the FDA for a rare genetic form of ALS, delays symptom progression and death and leads to stabilization or improvement in some patients, according to a study by WashU Medicine researchers and collaborators.

Advancement

Pennington installed as David and Dorothy Kemper Professor

Biologist Toby Pennington recently was installed as the inaugural David and Dorothy Kemper Professor at Washington University in St. Louis.