The importance of human milk in evolution and modern health is among the topics being discussed as three major human biology and anthropology professional groups converge in St. Louis this week. Elizabeth A. Quinn, PhD, of Arts & Sciences, researches human milk and organized some of the events.

In cells lining the airway, high levels of certain proteins have long been linked with the overproduction of mucus characteristic of diseases like asthma and COPD. New research from the School of Medicine provides clues to potentially counteract inappropriate mucus production.

The Oscar-nominated film “Timbuktu,” about Islamist extremists and the community that dares to defy them, will headline this year’s African Film Festival, being held this weekend, March 27-29. Other highlights include a youth matinee and a discussion with filmmaker Ekwa Msangi.

A new project from the Brown School’s Center for Social Development shows that girls in developing countries, given equal opportunities, will save money in formal financial institutions as much as — or more than — boys. The project has led to new findings that both confirm and challenge assumptions about youth saving at formal financial institutions.