Newsroom Stories

An ongoing effort to identify the microorganisms that make us sick has discovered a new virus potentially linked to unexplained respiratory infections. Clinicians can typically use a patient’s symptoms to determine that a virus is the likely culprit in a respiratory infection. However, even with advanced testing they still can’t pin the blame on a particular virus in roughly one-third of all such infections.

Some people with mild asthma using a twice-daily inhaled steroid to prevent asthma symptoms might be able to cut their medication use to only once a day, according to a study by the American Lung Association (ALA). These findings may allow some patients to simplify their treatment, says Mario Castro, associate professor of medicine and pediatrics.

The following incidents were reported to University Police May 1-7. Readers with information that could assist in investigating these incidents are urged to call 935-5555. This information is provided as a public service to promote safety awareness and is available on the University Police Web site at police.wustl.edu. May 1 10:43 a.m. — A person reported that a locker room had been broken into in the men’s locker room in the Athletic Complex between 10:10-10:40 a.m. on this date. Total loss is estimated at $1,940. 1:10 p.m. — Copper piping belonging to Albert Arno Heating and Cooling Co. was stolen from the north equipment room sometime in the previous week. Total loss is estimated at $350. May 7 8:18 a.m. — Blue light No. 31 by the Ann W. Olin Women’s Building was found to be damaged. Telephone services and maintenance were both notified. Additionally, University Police responded to two auto accidents and one report each of lost article, damaged property and larceny.

Faculty members Helen M. Piwnica-Worms, Ph.D., of the School of Medicine, and Murray L. Weidenbaum, Ph.D., of the Danforth Campus, have been elected fellows of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

WUSTL PhotoChancellor Mark S. Wrighton will confer degrees at the 146th Commencement ceremony, which begins at 8:30 a.m. May 18 in Brookings Quadrangle. The 2,622 candidates will receive 2,735 degrees, of which 1,467 are undergraduate and 1,268 are graduate and professional.

“I think WUSTL is the best place we could ever have chosen to go to school,” said Ryon Buchman, this year’s student Commencement speaker. “I hope we can look back 10 years from now and remember everything we’ve accomplished here, because we’ve accomplished a lot.”

After this issue, the Record will phase into its monthly summer publication schedule.

Photo by Robert BostonAnn Vitale adjusts Emily Gravenhorst’s prosthetic ear in the School of Medicine’s maxillofacial prosthetics laboratory.The medical school’s maxillofacial prosthetics laboratory helps patients fit back into society after disfigurement due to accident or disease.

More than a dozen distinguished individuals will speak at Commencement-related events for graduates and their friends and families.

The No. 13 softball team is headed to the College World Series for the first time in school history after defeating No. 17 Wartburg College, 2-0, at the 2007 NCAA Regional May 13 in Decorah, Iowa.