Newsroom Stories

Researchers have found that seeing well as we age depends, at least in part, on a recycling process in the eye that mops up cellular debris and recycles light-sensitive proteins. The findings suggest that disruptions in that process may harm vision and play a key role in the development of eye diseases related to aging. Inside the retinal pigment epithelium cells pictured are structures used for recycling (green) that engulf and digest spent parts of photoreceptor cells (red).

Children born with a complete absence of the external ear canal, even if only one ear is affected, are more likely than their peers to struggle in school, according to new research at the School of Medicine.

With the help of modern genetic technology and the resources of the International Rice GeneBank, which contains more than 112,000 different types of rice, evolutionary biologist Kenneth Olsen has been able to look back in time at the double domestication of rice (in Asia and in Africa) and its double “de-domestication” to form two weedy strains. Olsen predicts the introduction of pesticide-resistant rice will drive ever faster adaptation in weedy rice.

Parking and Transportation Services is working on enhancements to campus parking garages this summer and next. This summer’s focus is on the Millbrook and Snow Way Parking Facilities. Walls, ceilings and columns are being painted white to better reflect light, and blue paint will make emergency phones easier to spot from afar.

Archaeologists tunneling beneath the main temple of the ancient Maya city of El Perú-Waka’ in northern Guatemala have discovered an intricately carved stone monument with hieroglyphic text detailing the exploits of a little-known sixth-century princess whose progeny prevailed in a bloody, back-and-forth struggle between two of the civilization’s most powerful royal dynasties, Guatemalan cultural officials announced July 16.

More than 60 Washington University in St. Louis faculty, staff, students and alumni marched in the 2013 Pride STL LGBT parade June 30 in downtown St. Louis. The parade was part of St. Louis PrideFest, a weekend of events and programs designed to foster an understanding and tolerance of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Successful prosecutions of crimes against humanity must occur at the International Criminal Court if it is to succeed in its mandate to punish perpetrators of atrocities and deter others from committing such crimes, argues Leila Sadat, JD, international law expert and WUSTL professor. Her research, arguments and analysis are published in the latest issue of the American Journal of International Law.

Researchers have shown they can distinguish between viral and bacterial infections in children with fever by profiling the activity of genes in a blood sample.

Piano prodigy, social activist, folksinger and chart-topping recording artist — Judy Collins has done it all. This fall, “Sweet Judy Blue Eyes” will launch WUSTL’s 2013-14 Edison Ovations Series. Featuring almost a dozen events by nationally and internationally known artists, the season will range from athletic contemporary dance and incisive one-man shows to hip-hop violin and the world’s first live-action graphic novel.

On Aug. 12, a northbound lane on Kingshighway Boulevard and the adjoining sidewalk north of Children’s Place will close in preparation for demolition related to revitalization of Washington University Medical Center’s north campus. At the same time, barriers will go up around the former Jewish College of Nursing and the Kingshighway, Yalem and Steinberg buildings — all of which will come down as part of the first phase of the Campus Renewal Project.