Neurologists finally have an answer to one of the most important questions about Alzheimer’s disease: Do rising brain levels of a plaque-forming substance mean patients are making more of it or that they can no longer clear it from their brains as effectively? A new study by Randall Bateman, MD, shows clearance is impaired in Alzheimer’s patients. FULL STORY

URL: http://news.wustl.edu/news/Pages/21599.aspx

A new Nanotechnology Undergraduate Education program, which begins in fall 2011, has two components. The first is a new minor in nanotechnology open to any undergraduate pursuing a major in engineering, biology, physics or chemistry. The second is a summer fellowship open to undergraduates to develop nanotechnology teaching modules for K-12 students. FULL STORY

URL: http://news.wustl.edu/news/Pages/21618.aspx

The Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, a Grammy Award-winning ensemble known for its inventive, virtuoso transcriptions of concert masterworks, will present a special one-night-only St. Louis performance at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at the E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall in the 560 Music Center. FULL STORY

URL: http://news.wustl.edu/news/Pages/21612.aspx

Acclaimed writer Francine Prose took time during her recent visit to speak with students and faculty over tea in the Ann W. Olin Women’s Building Formal Lounge Nov. 30. Prose was on campus to receive the 2010 Washington University International Humanities Medal, awarded to a noted scholar, writer or artist who has made a significant and sustained contribution to the world of letters or the arts. FULL STORY

URL: http://news.wustl.edu/news/Pages/21622.aspx

• 4 p.m. Dept. of Anthropology Friday Archaeology Lecture. “Geological Reconnaissance in Iraq.” Jennifer Smith, assoc. prof. of earth and planetary sciences and of archaeology. Refreshments: $2. McMillan Hall, Rm. 149. (314) 935-5252.

• Children’s art on display Dec. 13-17. Artwork by the children of WUSTL employees, designed for the first Children's Sustainability Art Contest, will be on display Dec. 13-17 in the Farrell Learning and Teaching Center at the School of Medicine. Winning entries will be displayed on the Danforth Campus from Monday, Dec. 20, through the end of the year in the Brauer Hall lobby.

• Junior Dylan Richter scored a career-high 23 points and senior Spencer Gay tied his career high with 22 points as the men’s basketball team picked up a 82-65 victory over Fontbonne University Dec. 8 at the Field House.