Studying zebrafish embryos, researchers at the School of Medicine have shown that the epigenome plays a significant part in guiding development in the first 24 hours after fertilization. The research may deepen our understanding of congenital defects and miscarriage.

The next round of spring Assembly Series programs will cover a variety of topics, from how society talks about contagious diseases to delving into major philosophical theory to the possibility of cloning a mammoth. The first event, “Contagion and Culture: A Conversation about Ebola,” takes place at 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, in Anheuser-Busch Hall.

Most state legislators say testimony at legislative hearings is influential, though few report that it changes their votes, Brown School research finds. Lead author Sarah Moreland-Russell, PhD, says testimony does matter, especially if credible, trustworthy sources present it.