Page 268 – The Source | Washington University in St. Louis

No, autumn leaves are not changing color later because of climate change

Biologist Susanne S. Renner in Arts & Sciences explains why trees might actually be starting to turn red and yellow earlier, not later. Brilliant fall color might become a casualty of a warming world.

Medicine

Investigational drug for genetic form of ALS improves disease’s molecular signs

An international phase 3 clinical trial for a drug developed to treat a rare, inherited form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) showed that it reduced molecular signs of the fatal disease, but at six months did not improve motor control and muscle strength, according to Washington University School of Medicine researchers.

Students

Leading college voting expert to speak at Civic Action Week

Nancy Thomas, a leading expert in voting patterns among college students, will join Chancellor Andrew D. Martin for the discussion “Educating for Democracy in a Time of Division,” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28. The conversation is one of 16 virtual and in-person events planned for Civic Action Week, an initiative of the Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement.

Operations & Strategy

Pierce named editor of Organization Science

Lamar Pierce, professor of organization and strategy at Olin Business School, has been appointed editor-in-chief of Organization Science.

Diversity & Inclusion

Packnett Cunningham, DeBaun to headline Ervin Scholars anniversary event

Ervin Scholars alumnae Brittany Packnett Cunningham and Morgan DeBaun will give a talk as part of the 35th anniversary celebration of the John B. Ervin Scholars Program Sept. 30.

Engineering

WashU researchers observe cancer-like nucleoli in healthy cells

A discovery in the lab of Amit Pathak at the McKelvey School of Engineering connects mechanobiology to nuclear condensates in healthy cells.

Cancer Research

Siteman, University of Missouri to collaborate on cancer research, with aim to improve care

Siteman Cancer Center and the University of Missouri will collaborate on cancer research, with the aim to improve care throughout Missouri.

Performing Arts

Hotchner Festival presents two new plays

Zachary Stern’s frenetic comedy “Democratic Airlines” and Melia Van Hecke’s contemporary folktale “The Fern” will receive world premiere staged readings as part of the 2022 A.E. Hotchner Playwriting Festival. The festival is named for alumnus A.E. Hotchner, who famously bested Tennessee Williams in a campus playwriting competition.

Awards & Notables

De Fer, Fraser honored by American College of Physicians

Thomas De Fer, MD, and Victoria J. Fraser, MD, both of the School of Medicine, have been awarded mastership in the American College of Physicians, one of the highest honors available to internists.

Media Advisory: Exhibit preview with artist Katharina Grosse

The Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum will host a press preview of the exhibition “Katharina Grosse Studio Paintings, 1988-2022: Returns, Revisions, Inventions” at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22. The exhibition opens to the public the following evening.