Newsroom Stories

Copyright Pieter JohnsonEutrophication is caused by higher phosphorous and nitrogen that create a profound impact on the food web, threatening the frogs’ existence.A collaboration involving ecologists at WUSTL and the University of Wisconsin strongly points to farming practices and development, two factors that create a condition called eutrophication in ponds and wetlands, as factors behind the high incidence of deformed frogs. Eutrophication is caused by higher phosphorus and nitrogen (prime components of agricultural fertilizer) levels in wet ecosystems. Higher levels of these nutrients cause a profound impact on the food web that imperils the frogs’ existence.

A national team of investigators led by psychiatric geneticists at the School of Medicine has identified a gene that appears to be linked to both alcoholism and depression. The study, published in the September issue of the journal Human Molecular Genetics, is the first to identify a specific gene associated with both depression and alcoholism.

GreenbaumStuart I. Greenbaum, Ph.D., dean of the John M. Olin School of Business at Washington University in St. Louis, has announced his intention to step down as dean effective June 30, 2005, according to Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton. Greenbaum has served as dean since 1995 and was named the Bank of America Professor in July 2000.

There is no sports news page for the Sept. 3, 2004 issue of the Record.

Ramanath Cowsik, Ph.D., professor of physics in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, recently became the 25th member of the Washington University faculty to be elected to the National Academy of Sciences. He joined 71 other new members and 18 foreign associates from 13 countries in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research.

Extending outpatient rehabilitation by six months helps elderly patients more fully recover, according to the first controlled study of its kind.

Photo by Joe AngelesBrittney Roetzel helps freshmen Yin Zheng and Taidghin O’Brien get settled into their Umrath Residence Hall room during move-in day Aug. 26.As more than 1,000 freshmen arrived Aug. 26, sounds of laughter, car engines and pleas for student-group sign-ups filled the South 40.

They ventured to Georgia this summer to explore how democracy and civil society can emerge in today’s complex world.

Radiologists have developed a first-of-its-kind noninvasive imaging technique that allows them to watch two proteins in live animals.

Among the recommendations: Ensure that assistive devices like canes and walkers are available in hospital rooms.