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msnbc
 Pluto may host an ocean
 12/21/2010 If a new computer model is correct, the dwarf planet Pluto harbors a sizeable pool of liquids beneath its thick, icy shell. Scientists are looking at Pluto’s surface for clues about the shape of its interior. “Pluto’s shape should reflect its construction,” said planetary scientist Bill McKinnon, with […]

The Telegraph (Calcutta, India) Share credit call to Bihar non-residents 12/18/2010 Hundreds of delegates participated in a two-day conclave to discuss the challenges of change in Bihar, India. M.J. Warsi, a professor in linguistics and culture of South Asia, Washington University, said, “I have a commitment towards my state. I want to open an institute […]

Of note Barbara Kunkel, PhD, associate professor of biology in Arts & Sciences, has received a three-year, $371,273 grant from the National Science Foundation for research titled “Modulation of Host Auxin Physiology by Pseudomonas Syringae.” Also receiving the grant was Libo Shan, PhD, of Texas A&M University. … Chenyang Lu, PhD, professor of computer science […]

BBC News Iapetus moon’s mighty ridge stirs debate 12/16/2010 The mountainous ridge that circles the equator on the Saturnian moon Iapetus is both weird and spectacular. No explanation for its existence has yet won total support, but a new study argues that the ridge could then have come from debris that once orbited the moon. […]

The student group Stand United for Veterans at the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis hosted the annual Toys for Tots campaign on campus this year. The group held a final drive for toys and a cookie reception Dec. 15 to thank the United States Marine Corps Reservists who work tirelessly every holiday season to help underprivileged youth have toys during the holidays.

The award-winning Brauer Hall basks in sunshine. In December, Brauer Hall and contractors Clayco Inc. and Murphy Co. received the 2010 Design-Build Institute of America/Mid-America Region (DBIA-MAR) Design-Build Award for Best Project.

The Campus Store began renovations in December to expand the store, add a new entrance, update interior space and create a more open floor plan. The Campus Store will remain open during construction and continue to offer general books, academic course material, clothing, gifts and convenience items. The renovations are scheduled to be complete in August 2011.

Scientific American
 Hydrogen production comes naturally to ocean microbe
 12/14/2010 A seemingly unremarkable ocean microbe turns out to be a multi-tasker — not only can it photosynthesize, but it can also produce large amounts of hydrogen, opening up a potential way to make the gas cheaply for fuel. The single-celled cyanobacterium Cyanothece 51142 can make […]

Robert Wiltenburg, PhD (right), dean of University College, speaks with Alicia Mack at University College Preview Night Dec. 9 in Holmes Lounge. University College — Washington University’s adult, evening and continuing education division in Arts & Sciences — hosted a preview night to provide community members with information about University College classes, programs, admissions requirements and financial aid.