Postdoc Peer Mentorship Program launches

A new program has launched at Washington University to support principal investigators and their postdoctoral researchers. The Postdoc Peer Mentorship Program is accepting applications for those who wish to be mentors and for those who would like a mentor on both the Danforth and Medical campuses. The deadline is Feb. 1. 

Staff, retirees stepped up as contact tracers

Some 25 current and retired staff joined Habif Health and Wellness caregivers and outside staff to serve as case investigators and contact tracers. Their efforts helped keep COVID-19 largely in check at Washington University until Habif could enlist a permanent team of trained trackers. 

Gene Hoefel, professor emeritus of art, 86

Gene Hoefel, professor emeritus at the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at Washington University in St. Louis, died peacefully in his sleep at the Anthology of Clayton View assisted living facility on Dec. 28, 2020. He was 86.

COVID-19 impact on pregnant women focus of NIH grant

School of Medicine researchers have received an NIH grant to study factors that prevent pregnant women from getting tested for COVID-19; to evaluate the importance of testing regularly during pregnancy; and to see whether pregnant women with COVID-19 need specialized care.

Biden energy plan is aggressive, but much can be done

wind tower technician
Geophysicist Michael Wysession, professor of earth and planetary sciences in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, teaches a popular undergraduate course called “Energy and the Environment.” He breaks down President-elect Joe Biden’s 9-point Energy Plan, point-by-point.

Who Knew WashU? 1.13.21

Question: When a flu pandemic broke out in 1918, it spread around the world over the course of two years. The university offered its buildings to the Red Cross to help keep St. Louis safe during the pandemic. What was Graham Chapel used for?

Acute itching in eczema patients linked to environmental allergens

New School of Medicine research indicates that allergens in the environment often are to blame for episodes of acute itch in eczema patients. Researchers found the itch signals are being carried to the brain along a previously unrecognized pathway that current drugs don’t target.