Rather than count sheep, drink warm milk or listen to soothing music, many insomniacs probably wish for a switch they can flick to put themselves to sleep. Scientists at the School of Medicine, including Paul Shaw, PhD, have discovered such a switch in the brains of fruit flies.

DNA analysis of more than 1,300 coconuts from around the world reveals that the coconut was brought under cultivation in two separate locations, one in the Pacific basin and the other in the Indian Ocean basin. What’s more, coconut genetics also preserve a record of prehistoric trade routes and of the colonization of the Americas.

The WUSTL Faculty Senate adopted an Open Access Resolution that encourages faculty members to make scholarly and creative works freely available online. The resolution also includes a recommendation for University Libraries and the Bernard Becker Medical Library to develop the capacity to capture faculty scholarship, make it publicly accessible and preserve it over time.

Missouri in July is hot, hot, hot, but not as hot as Ritmo Caliente, one of St. Louis’ premier Latin jazz-fusion bands. On July 7, Ritmo Caliente launches WUSTL’s annual Jazz in July series with a free performance. The series features four local ensembles performing Thursday evenings throughout July in the cool, coffeehouse-style setting of Holmes Lounge. 

Cassandra Newburg accepts an award at the Cornerstone Celebration in Holmes Lounge April 20. Also at the awards ceremony, five students and two faculty members received a Sony VAIO S Series Notebook and technology package as part of the Sony Electronics Scholarship Award.

Sunday, July 3, 2 p.m.

Sundays at Siteman
Concert Series

July concert features vocalist Dionna Raedeke, accompanied by pianist Carol Schmidt. Free and open to the public. Refreshments served. Center for Advanced Medicine Lobby, 4921 Parkview Place, 63110. (314) 454-8981.

Farmers market continues every Thursday in Hope Plaza

Purchase fresh produce and dairy products at the farmers market at the Washington University Medical Center every Thursday. The market is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — unless vendors sell out — in the Ellen S. Clark Hope Plaza in front of the School of Medicine Bookstore.

David Mutch, MD

Mutch embodies the School of Medicine’s tripartite mission. FULL STORY

WUSTL finishes third in Directors’ Cup standings

WUSTL athletic teams accumulated a school-record 964 points and finished third in the 2010-11 Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup Division III standings. The third-place finish is the second highest in school history and the Bears’ ninth-straight top 10 appearance. Williams College won its 15th straight Directors’ Cup with 1,147 points.