Newsroom Stories

Joe Angeles/WUSTL PhotoErik Trinkaus, WUSTL professor of anthropology in Arts & Sciences, holding a Neandertal skull, says the evidence is very convincing that Neandertals and early humans mixed.For nearly a century, anthropologists have been debating the relationship of Neandertals to modern humans. Central to the debate is whether Neandertals contributed directly or indirectly to the ancestry of the early modern humans that succeeded them. As this discussion has intensified in the past decades, it has become the central research focus of Erik Trinkaus, Ph.D., professor of anthropology at Washington University in St. Louis. Trinkaus has examined the earliest modern humans in Europe, including specimens in Romania, Czech Republic and France. Those specimens, in Trinkaus’ opinion, have shown obvious Neandertal ancestry.

What’s beyond the solar system? Astronomers say there are planets similar to ours “out there”.The world is abuzz with the discovery of an extrasolar, Earth-like planet around the star Gliese 581 that is relatively close to our Earth at 20 light years away in the constellation Libra. Bruce Fegley, Jr., Ph.D., professor of earth and planetary sciences in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, has worked on computer models that can provide hints to what comprises the atmosphere of such planets and better-known celestial bodies in our own solar system. New computer models, from both Earth-based spectroscopy and space mission data, are providing space scientists compelling evidence for a better understanding of planetary atmospheric chemistry.

Timber rattlesnakes like this one are turning up in subdivision yards and brush thanks to developers who are invading the snakes’ turf.A researcher for Washington University in St. Louis, colleagues at the Saint Louis Zoo and Saint Louis University are tracking timber rattlesnakes in west St. Louis County and neighboring Jefferson County. They are investigating how developing subdivisions invade the snakes’ turf and affect the reptiles.

Photo by Mary ButkusFive graduating members of the softball team receive their diplomas in a special ceremony led by Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton (left) May 24 at Whittemore House.

Cornerstone: The Center for Advanced Learning has received a one-year, $44,800 grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to study student migration patterns in and out of the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.

The Department of Athletics finished fifth in the 2006-07 U.S. Sports Academy Directors’ Cup Division III standings — the Bears fifth straight Top 10 appearance.

Photo by Tim ParkerCharles F. and Joanne Knight with Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton and Tim Eberlein, M.D., at the dedication of the Joanne Knight Breast Health Center and Breast Cancer Program at Siteman Cancer Center.

Malnourished Haitian children will receive a therapuetic peanut-butter mixture to restore them to health thanks to a grant received by a School of Medicine clinician.

John “Chris” Kroeger, engineering associate dean and registrar, was recognized with the Gloria W. White Distinguished Service Award in a May 21 ceremony in Edison Theatre as part of the annual Staff Day activities.

University Libraries has announced the four 2007 undergraduate and graduate student winners of the 20th annual Neureuther Student Book Collection Essay Competition.