Page 262 – The Source | Washington University in St. Louis

More work needed to improve equity in public health

A new study by researchers at the Prevention Research Center and colleagues surveyed public health departments in the U.S. to understand current health equity-related work practices and identify ways to bolster equity-focused work in chronic disease prevention and control efforts.

Awards & Notables

Payne named to National Academy of Medicine committee

Philip R.O. Payne, at the School of Medicine, has joined the steering committee of a National Academy of Medicine working group to draft a code of conduct for artificial intelligence in health, medical care and health research.

St. Louis Region

African American Studies Teachers Summer Institute connects high school teachers to WashU experts, resources

Washington University faculty hosted a one-week seminar designed to connect high school teachers to experts and resources in local Black history and culture.

Medicine

Scientists develop breath test that rapidly detects COVID-19 virus

Scientists at Washington University have developed a breath test that quickly identifies those who are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. The device requires only one or two breaths and provides results in less than a minute.

Engineering

A low-cost potential therapy for spinal cord injuries

Ismael Seáñez at the McKelvey School of Engineering is developing a new method to treat spinal cord injuries that uses a low-tech electrode array that effectively stimulates muscles in the legs in people with spinal cord injuries.

Engineering

Analyzing generative AI’s copyright crisis

Artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT and Copilot offer helpful assistance to programmers, but computer scientists at the McKelvey School of Engineering have shown that both open-source and commercial AI platforms frequently generate copyright-infringing content.

Performing Arts

Himes wins Visionary Trailblazer Award

Ron Himes, in Arts & Sciences, will receive the Visionary Trailblazer Award from the Association for Theatre in Higher Education during the group’s 2023 national conference.

Biology

Fossil skulls alone cannot predict if animal was warm blooded

Biologist Stan Braude in Arts & Sciences was part of a team that analyzed CT scans of the heads of more than 300 mammals to determine whether certain structures in the nasal cavity play a pivotal role in body temperature maintenance.

Awards & Notables

Caldwell elected president of ASWAD

Kia Lilly Caldwell, vice provost for faculty affairs and diversity, has been elected president of the Association for the Study of the Worldwide African Diaspora.

St. Louis Region

High school students introduced to campus life at Rural Scholars Academy

Talented high school students from rural communities in Missouri and southern Illinois lived and learned at Washington University in St. Louis, where they discovered more about life on campus and in St. Louis. The cohort took a class with Sam Fox School faculty, learned the ins and outs of the college application and explored local attractions.