New clues point to relief for chronic itching

woman scratches her back
Studying mice, School of Medicine researchers found that a drug can deliver itch relief by targeting particular opioid receptors on neurons in the spinal cord. The drug is being tested for its anti-itch effects in the U.S., but until now scientists haven’t understood how it works.

Text messaging tool may help fight opioid epidemic

A new automated text messaging service may curb opioid abuse and reduce the likelihood of relapse while also decreasing treatment costs, according to researchers at Washington University School of Medicine and Epharmix, a St. Louis-based digital health company.

Faculty, students participate in climate summit April 22-24

Gateway Arch
Washington University faculty and students will moderate panels at the Saint Louis Climate Summit, hosted by Saint Louis University. Students, faculty and staff can attend an evening with Bill Nye of “Science Guy” fame and environmentalist Carl Pope on April 23 for free by showing their IDs at the ticket booth.

The measure of good design

Neighbors can be feet away and worlds apart. For the class “Segregation by Design,” Sam Fox School students Cierra Higgins and Tianna Williams explore strategies for mitigating social segregation in two historic St. Louis neighborhoods.

Pow Wow 2018: ‘Balancing Two Worlds’

pow wow
The theme of this year’s Pow Wow at Washington University in St. Louis is “Balancing Two Worlds: Indigenous Teachings, Traditions and Truths.” The 28th annual event, a celebration of American Indian cultures, will be held Saturday, April 21, in the Washington University Field House on the Danforth Campus.

There’s no good alternative to investing in R&D

Even companies that claim to have a long-term orientation worry about whether R&D is worth the investment. My research shows why companies, investors, and the nation will be better off if companies make long-term investments in R&D.

Back to the beginning

As scientists try to find therapy options to fight back and neck pain, considerable interest exists in harnessing stem cells to restore nucleus pulposus, the chief material in discs. Previous research shows human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can express markers for a wide variety of cells, including those that secrete NP. A collaborative team of scientists at Washington University has developed a new process to generate NP-like cells from hiPSCs.

Tennis teams to host Special Olympics clinic May 5

The Washington University in St. Louis men’s and women’s tennis teams will host the 14th Annual Special Olympics Tennis Clinic from 10 a.m.-noon May 5 at the Tao Tennis Center on the Danforth Campus. The registration deadline is May 1.

Six reasons social media is making you unhappy (and what to do instead)

DO NOT USE!!!!
Social media has transformed the ways we connect with others. We’re able to get updates and learn information about others faster and easier than ever before. But just like any new development, it can backfire if it’s not used correctly. Let’s take a look at how it often ends up doing more harm than good—and what we can do instead to avoid its potentially damaging effects.