Page 754 – The Source | Washington University in St. Louis

Genin named inaugural Faught Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Guy Genin speaks at his professorship installation

Guy Genin, an internationally renowned expert in mechanobiology, was installed as the Harold and Kathleen Faught Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis on Feb. 12.

Campus & Community

WashU Spaces: Keith Hengen

Keith Hengen, assistant professor of biology in Arts & Sciences, collects more than 20 terabytes of data a day. Through big data, new technology and good coffee, Hengen has set out to discover how systems of neurons interact. And, in doing so, he created a new sort of workspace that is both functional and fun.

Medicine & Health

Antibiotic use increases risk of severe viral disease in mice

Doctors recommend against taking antibiotics for viral infections because they don’t kill viruses — and they promote antibiotic resistance. A new study from the School of Medicine suggests another reason to avoid the pills: Taking antibiotics increases susceptibility to subsequent viral infection, at least in mice.

Science & Technology

Making rusty polymers for energy storage

Research from the Department of Chemistry in Arts & Sciences advances the understanding of the chemical mechanisms involved with depositing rust and forming polymers, which will allow scientists to more easily manipulate and engineer the structures of the materials they make.

Campus & Community

Parking and Transportation Services announces parking plans for Thurtene

Washington University in St. Louis’ annual student-run Thurtene Carnival, which will take place the weekend of April 13-15, is moving from the east end of the Danforth Campus to its new site by Simon Hall and Francis Field. The carnival will have an impact on parking, especially in Zone 2. Parking and Transportation officials also plan to hold two campus forums in mid-April.

Medicine & Health

Drug compound shows promise against rheumatoid arthritis

Scientists have designed a new drug compound that dials down inflammation, suggesting possible future uses against autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. The new inhibitor is more selective than other compounds, according to new School of Medicine research.

Humanities & Society

WashU Expert: Call to repeal Second Amendment is compelling, hazardous

Constitutional law expert Greg Magarian, of Washington University and a former clerk for retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens, said Stevens makes a compelling historical and legal case for amending the Constitution. At the same time, he warns that the path Stevens advocates would present distinctive challenges and hazards.

Sumers Rec Center wins national recognition

The Sumers Recreation Center honors Francis Gymnasium’s role in Olympic history and creates a new destination for students, faculty and staff to share. (James Byard/Washington University)

The Washington University Office of Recreation received several national awards March 4 during the 2018 NIRSA conference in Denver. NIRSA is a national organization of collegiate recreation professionals.

How to Think about “Implicit Bias”

When is the last time a stereotype popped into your mind? If you are like most people, the authors included, it happens all the time. That doesn’t make you a racist, sexist, or whatever-ist. It just means your brain is working properly, noticing patterns, and making generalizations.

Medicine & Health

Antibody removes Alzheimer’s plaques, in mice

Antibodies against APOE (red) bind to amyloid plaques (blue) in brain tissue

Sticky amyloid plaques play a role in Alzheimer’s disease. School of Medicine researchers have shown that an antibody targeting a minor part of the plaques – a protein known as APOE – can sweep away the damaging plaques, opening potential treatment options.