School of Medicine scientists have demonstrated a rigorous way to test the effects of probiotic bacteria on digestive health: they zeroed in on the community of microbes that naturally live in the intestine and help to digest foods our bodies can’t on their own.

As part of the celebration of Washington University’s 1853 founding, two couples — George and Carol Bauer and Scott and Pyong Rudolph — will receive the Robert S. Brookings Award at this year’s Founders Day banquet. The gala takes place at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, at the St. Louis Union Station Marriott.

Amal Al-Lozi (left), senior environmental biology major in Arts & Sciences, presents her work at the Fall 2011 Undergraduate Research Symposium Oct. 22. The event, showcasing the summer projects of more than 150 undergraduates, was held during Parent & Family Weekend.

Robert D. Putnam, PhD, the Malkin Professor of Public Policy at the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government, will present a lecture on his latest work, American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us, at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2, in Graham Chapel. 

“Remembering 9/11: International Scholars’ Perspectives” is the focus of a roundtable discussion to be held at 7 p.m. tonight in the Mallinckrodt Multipurpose Room on the lower level of the Mallinckrodt Center. James Wertsch, PhD, director of the McDonnell International Scholars Academy, will moderate the discussion.

4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27

Bernard Becker Medical Library Symposium

“Deadly Medicine in Perspective.” Symposium in conjunction with “Deadly Medicine: Creating the Master Race,” traveling U.S. Holocaust Museum Exhibit on display at the Becker Library through Sunday, Oct. 30. Free and open to the public. Moore Aud. (314) 362-2725.

Funding opportunities for student projects

Students are invited to submit proposals for grant money from the Women’s Society of Washington University (WSWU) to support projects or activities that benefit the university community. Each fall semester, WSWU awards grants that range from $300 to $2,000. The goal is to advance students’ educational and cultural experiences as well as to encourage service projects.

Andrey Shaw, MD

Former music major studies immune system, kidney problems. FULL STORY

Women’s soccer team 12-4

No. 16 Loras College scored three goals in the opening 17 minutes en route to a 3-1 win over the No. 14 WUSTL women’s soccer team Oct. 23. The Bears are now 12-4 and host the University of Rochester at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28.