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Kill switch could keep genetically engineered bacteria at bay

With a grant from the USDA, a researcher at the McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis works toward a customizable kill switch — a genetic circuit that could tell bacteria to self-destruct.

Parking, transportation updates for new academic year

The Danforth Campus Parking and Transportation team shares important updates for the 2020-21 academic year. Learn more online.

Campus & Community

Washington University begins search for executive vice chancellor and chief administrative officer

A search committee comprising faculty and administrators will begin its work to identify candidates to succeed Henry S. Webber, who will transition to the newly created role of executive vice chancellor for civic affairs and strategic planning.

Medicine

Imaging agent developed at Washington University spotlights inflammation

School of Medicine scientists have created a PET imaging agent that detects signs of inflammation. Such a tracer could aid diagnosis and study of diseases ranging from cardiovascular disease to cancer to COVID-19.

Most Americans expect cheating in the November elections

Who leads on election night, which may change as mail-in and challenged ballots are counted after Election Day, is surely to influence who considers the vote count to be accurate. This could get ugly. Just how ugly will be determined by the quality of election administration and the rhetoric of political leaders.

Politics

Rigged election? Partisans view threats to election integrity differently

Even before they cast their votes, partisans of different stripes are poised to question the legitimacy of the election outcome, but for different reasons. According to political scientist Steven Smith at Washington University in St. Louis, findings of The American Social Survey, sponsored by the university’s Weidenbaum Center, indicate that the intensity of candidate and media attention about voting fraud threats — real or not — is influencing views of the legitimacy of the election outcome in November.

Frieden receives grant for research on Apolipoprotein E

Carl Frieden, professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics at the School of Medicine, received a one-year grant totaling $100,000 from the BrightFocus Foundation for his research titled “Understanding APOE.”

Science & Technology

Female faculty in psychological sciences survey present, chart future

Washington University’s Deanna Barch was among 59 women psychologists working in academia who took an empirical approach to understanding gender inequities in their field. They find some promising data, but also much work to be done.

Enter global town hall photo contest

The McDonnell International Scholars Academy will hold a virtual global town hall Oct. 8. In preparation, it is hosting a photo contest, seeking images of how people are adapting and thriving and what gives them hope. WashU faculty, staff and students can submit entries by Tuesday, Sept. 15.

Business & Entrepreneurship

Perception matters: Consumers prefer ‘natural’ prevention options

New Olin Business School research suggests that if consumers view a vaccine more like a curative to the epidemic, rather than as a preventative for the self, they will be more receptive toward it.