Newsroom Stories

Sports update for the week of Feb. 1

Exposure to severe stress early in life increases the risk of alcohol and drug addiction. Yet surprisingly, some adults sexually abused as children — and therefore at high risk for alcohol problems — carry gene variants that protect them from heavy drinking and its effects, according to researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

Each One Teach One, Washington University’s signature tutoring initiative that connects tutors with area elementary- and high-school students, is recruiting new participants.

Cleft palate has been linked to dozens of genes. During their investigation of one of these genes, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis were surprised to find that cleft palate occurs both when the gene is more active and when it is less active than normal. 

Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton will appear soon in a commercial supporting the area’s public transit system with St. Louis Community College Chancellor Zelema Harris (right).

Given ongoing agitation by a chorus of elected officials, the stage may be set for a major overhaul, if not outright abolishment of the nation’s largest home mortgage financing operations, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Radhakrishan Gopalan, who teaches finance at Olin Business School, tells Smart Money that the private market should be able meet home financing needs, in most cases.

After two years of eager anticipation, the first occupants of the BJC Institute of Health at Washington University began moving in last week.

Washington University is making several improvements to ensure the safety of faculty, staff and students living in and visiting off-campus housing. These improvements range from physical changes — such as the addition of peepholes to doors — to informational measures — such as a safety video to ensure those living off-campus are familiar with best safety practices.

Robert Freling, executive director of the Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF), will discuss his work at 5 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 4, in Graham Chapel. This Assembly Series program is being co-sponsored by Engineers Without Borders student organization, the Skandalaris Center for Entrepreneurship, and the African Public Interest Law and Conflict Initiative.

Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has received a five-year, $13 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to improve efforts to eliminate two parasitic diseases, elephantiasis and river blindness. The award is believed to be the largest global health grant so far to the University.