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Space

China probe returns with ‘treasure trove’ of moon rocks

The Chinese space agency announced Dec. 16 the return of a lunar probe bringing back the first fresh samples of rock and debris from the moon in more than 40 years. Bradley L. Jolliff, the Scott Rudolph Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, reflects on the scientific value of the samples.

Space

McKinnon honored by American Geophysical Union

Bill McKinnon, professor of earth and planetary sciences in Arts & Sciences, is one of 62 geoscientists who have been elected to the American Geophysical Union’s 2020 class of fellows.

Advancement

Bayly named inaugural Lee Hunter Distinguished Professor

Philip V. Bayly has been named the inaugural Lee Hunter Distinguished Professor in the McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis. Bayly is an innovative researcher at the forefront of understanding the mechanics of brain injury and brain development.

Diversity & Inclusion

Eric W. Carson

At the School of Medicine, orthopedic surgeon Eric W. Carson aims to increase diversity and mentorship in medicine.

Medicine

COVID-19 patients at higher risk of death, health problems than those with flu

A deep dive into federal medical data, conducted by researchers at the School of Medicine, found that COVID-19 is much deadlier and causes more health problem for patients than the seasonal flu does.

Performing Arts

Dancing for the camera

“Aperture,” the 2020 Washington University Dance Theatre concert, will begin streaming via the Performing Arts Department in Arts & Sciences at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18. Typically presented in Edison Theatre, the annual event has been reimagined for this year as a “Dance for the Camera” film festival.

Space

Powerful electrical events quickly alter surface chemistry on Mars and other planetary bodies

Dust-related electrochemistry can reshape Martian surface materials with physical and chemical changes observable after only hundreds of years. Similar electrical effects may be instrumental on Venus and Europa, according to new work from Alian Wang in Arts & Sciences.

Campus & Community

University receives ArbNet honor

Washington University in St. Louis has been awarded a Level 2 accreditation by the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and the Morton Arboretum for achieving standards of professional practices deemed important for arboreta and botanic gardens.

Law

Richards pushes for privacy reform during Senate committee hearing appearance

Neil Richards, the Koch Distinguished Professor in the School of Law at Washington University in St. Louis, addressed a Dec. 9 hearing of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, where he pushed for passage of a comprehensive law that would provide appropriate safeguards, enforceable rights and effective legal remedies for consumers when it comes to data sharing.

Obituaries

Obituary: Garrett Duncan, associate professor in Arts & Sciences, 59

Garrett Duncan, associate professor of education and of African and African American studies, both in Arts & Sciences, died Dec. 8, 2020, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. He was 59.