Page 440 – The Source | Washington University in St. Louis

Researchers keep international COVID-19 projects moving forward

Despite the pandemic, Washington University researchers collaborating with international colleagues continue to innovate and move their research forward.

Cancer Research

Brain tumors caused by normal neuron activity in mice predisposed to such tumors

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine and Stanford University have found that normal exposure to light can drive the formation and growth of optic nerve tumors in mice — and maybe people — with a genetic predisposition. Such tumors can lead to vision loss.

Biology

Electric fish — and humans — pause before communicating key points

Biologist Bruce Carlson in Arts & Sciences draws parallels between human language and electric communication in fish. His new research published in Current Biology reveals an underlying mechanism for how pauses allow neurons in the midbrain to recover from stimulation.

Diversity & Inclusion

Black Lives Matter flags planted on Brookings Hall lawn

In commemoration of the one-year anniversary May 25 of the killing of George Floyd, the leaders of Washington University’s Center for Diversity and Inclusion planted Black Lives Matter flags on the Brookings Hall lawn.

Public Health

For men, low testosterone means high risk of severe COVID-19

A new study from Washington University School of Medicine suggests that, among men, low testosterone levels in the blood are linked to more severe COVID-19.

Campus & Facilities

Global incubator fund seeks proposals

The McDonnell International Scholars Academy recently issued a call for proposals for its new Global Incubator Seed Grants Fund. Proposals are due by July 1.

Biology

Made in the shade or fun in the sun

A new study from the laboratory of Rick Vierstra in Arts & Sciences helps explain how proteins called phytochromes respond to light intensity and temperature, thus enabling land plants to colonize the planet many millions of year ago.

Biology

A seedy slice of history: Watermelons actually came from northeast Africa

Using ancient DNA and tools from the modern genomic age, Susanne Renner in Arts & Sciences discovered that domesticated watermelons most likely came from wild crop progenitors near Sudan.

Media Advisory: Washington University’s Center for Diversity and Inclusion to plant Black Lives Matter Flags tomorrow in memory of George Floyd

In memory of George Floyd, the leaders of the Washington University in St. Louis Center for Diversity and Inclusion will plant Black Lives Matter flags on the lawn east of Brookings Hall on the Danforth Campus, beginning at 8 a.m. Tuesday, May 25.

Awards & Notables

Humphreys named vice president of research society for physician-scientists

Benjamin D. Humphreys, MD, PhD, director of the Division of Nephrology at Washington University School of Medicine, has been named vice president of the American Society for Clinical Investigation, a medical honor society that advances research by physician-scientists.