University College — the adult, evening and continuing education division in Arts & Sciences — will host a Preview Night at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9, in Holmes Lounge in Ridgley Hall. Preview Night features speakers on class and program offerings, admissions requirements and financial aid. Spring semester classes start Jan. 18, 2011. FULL STORY

URL: http://news.wustl.edu/news/Pages/21591.aspx

A new study at the School of Medicine shows that the environment interacts with DNA in ways that are difficult to predict — even in simple organisms such as single-celled yeast — complicating the prospects for personalized medicine.  FULL STORY

URL: http://news.wustl.edu/news/Pages/21582.aspx

Alan Pestronk, MD, is director of the Neuromuscular Division in the Department of Neurology and professor of neurology and of pathology and immunology. His personal experience with neurodegenerative disease helps him tune in to both the patient and the caregivers. FULL STORY

URL: http://news.wustl.edu/news/Pages/21531.aspx

The business world runs on agreements. As long as everyone fulfills his or her end of the bargain, things tend to run smoothly. But the question of the most effective way to enforce or regulate these agreements remains. Adam B. Badawi, JD, PhD, associate professor of law, looked at this question in the context of franchises and found that the more effective method of enforcing these agreements is often through an informal, non-legal rewards system. FULL STORY

URL: http://news.wustl.edu/news/Pages/21589.aspx

Gerald L. Early, PhD (left), the Merle Kling Professor of Modern Letters in Arts & Sciences, makes a point at “The Future of Sports” panel discussion Nov. 29 in Graham Chapel, while fellow panelists, including broadcaster Bob Costas (right), listen. More than 650 people attended the panel hosted by University College in Arts & Sciences. FULL STORY

URL: http://news.wustl.edu/news/Pages/21586.aspx

At the December meeting of the Board of Trustees Dec. 2 and 3, trustees discussed the university’s current and future international focus, according to Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton. The board also elected a new Shepley Trustee and held a moment of silence and presented a memorial resolution for trustee Jai P. Nagarkatti. FULL STORY

URL: http://news.wustl.edu/news/Pages/21592.aspx

• 7 p.m. Dept. of Music Jazz Combos Concert. Free. Ballroom Theater, 560 Music Center. kschultz@artsci.wustl.edu or (314) 935-5566.

• Bear Necessities holiday sale begins tomorrow. The Bear Necessities store, located in the new Umrath House on the South 40, will hold its annual holiday sale from 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7, and from 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8. The store will offer 15 percent off all regular priced WUSTL logo items and an additional 15 percent off already marked down clearance WUSTL logo items.

• Classic confrontations. It was a big weekend of sports on the WUSTL campus as both basketball teams hosted tournaments — the 27th annual Lopata Classic for the men and the 10th annual McWilliams Classic for the women. Find out how WUSTL teams fared on the hardcourt, as well as how the swimming & diving team did at the Wheaton College Invitational, by visiting bearsports.wustl.edu.