A group of Washington University students and mentors, through the Institute for School Partnership, headed to Ethiopia over winter break. Continuing a relationship that began in 2011, they worked this time to help the Mekelle School for the Blind find a solution for a flood-prone bridge. The students are part of Engineers Without Borders.

Inflammatory bowel diseases are associated with a decrease in the diversity of bacteria in the gut. But a new study led by researchers at the School of Medicine has linked these same illnesses to an increase in the diversity of viruses.

Wellness Connection, the new employee-wellness program through the Office of Human Resources, is focused on helping employees lead healthy lifestyles. Leaders are committed to developing evidence-based, data-driven programs and will tap into existing initiatives on the Danforth and Medical campuses.

After a year of planning, the Bear-y Sweet Shoppe opened this month on Gregg Walkway on the South 40. The Student Entrepreneurial Program (StEP), which has provided students resources and guidance since 1999, supports the business. The candy shop is the first StEP business to sell food, use crowdfunding and to be founded exclusively by women.