Washington University is launching a yearlong initiative, “Gun Violence: A Public Health Crisis,” in which scholars, medical professionals, community leaders and citizens can take a hard look at the tragic public health consequences of gun violence in America. Beginning April 21, the university will host a series of events to explore what we know, what we need to know, and what to do about this critical issue.

Older mice genetically prone to bear offspring with heart defects can reduce this risk to that of younger mouse mothers with the same genetic defect through exercise alone, according to new research at the School of Medicine. The study, led by Patrick Y. Jay, MD, PhD, also suggests that the increased risk of congenital heart defects is tied to the age of the mother and not of her eggs.

While the location of the annual Pow Wow is changing this year, the tradition and excitement are not. The 25th annual Pow Wow, a festival of American Indian cultures at Washington University, will be held Saturday, April 4, at the Dunham Student Activity Center on the campus of nearby Fontbonne University.

Dancer Samantha Gaitsch is a familiar face to campus audiences. Gaitsch, a senior in Arts & Sciences, will perform with company-in-residence The Slaughter Project at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 4, in Edison Theatre. The following week, she will co-direct “Step, Turn, Leap!,” the 2015 Student Dance Showcase.