Researchers at the School of Medicine have found that although a gene variant can prevent some young drinkers from developing alcohol problems, the gene’s protective effects can vanish in the presence of other teens who drink. Emily Olfson, an MD-PhD student, led the researchers.

Washington University has partnered with the National University of Singapore to establish the Next Age Institute, an international collaboration to design, study and test social innovations. The institute, a program of the McDonnell International Scholars Academy, will address global challenges such as aging populations and rising inequality.

The Assembly Series will feature next week speakers who explore issues of race, culture and identity in two distinct ways. At 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 29, race and gender scholar Roderick Ferguson, PhD, will deliver the annual James E. McLeod Lecture on Higher Education. At noon Tuesday, Sept. 30, legal and literary scholar Patricia J. Williams, JD, will speak for the Interdisciplinary Project in the Humanities’ annual lecture series.

A new program being offered through Olin Business School, “Computer Comfort” class, connects local seniors with students who help them learn how to use and get comfortable with their computers — and the Internet, email and Skype, too.

Noon Wednesday, Sept. 24

‘Actors, Agency and Architectural History’

Event details

6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24

Bench to Business Challenge

Event details

6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24

Chabad on Campus’ Rosh Hashana events begin

Event details

For the Sake of All

Jason Q. Purnell, PhD, reflects on Ferguson and the St. Louis region’s health disparities for “Hold That Thought,” a podcast series from Arts & Sciences.

Detours suggested with Duncan/Boyle closed

The intersection of Duncan and Boyle avenues closed Sept. 15 for the Metropolitan Sewer District project to upgrade a storm sewer. Some employees have used the CORTEX parking lot as a detour. Instead, employees should use Newstead or Taylor avenues. 

Virginia Braxs, senior lecturer in Spanish in Arts & Sciences, is a recipient of the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award. To read more Notables, visit here.