Newsroom Stories

In an article published in the advance online edition of Genes, Brain and Behavior on April 6, 2012, a biologist at Washington University in St. Louis and his colleagues demonstrate that the division of labor among honeybees is correlated with the presence in their brains of tiny snippets of noncoding RNA, called micro-RNAs, or miRNAs, that suppress the expression of genes.

The No. 17 men’s tennis team ran its winning streak to six matches with a 7-2 win at No. 30 University of Chicago April 15. The Bears improved their overall record to 12-5 and picked up their fifth win this season over a ranked team. Updates also included on baseball and softball, track & field, women’s golf and women’s tennis.

President Barack Obama lately has been arguing for increased taxes on the rich through his proposed “Buffett Rule,” which would ensure that millionaires and billionaires pay a minimum effective tax rate of 30 percent on their income. Most Americans, including supporters of presidential hopeful Mitt Romney, support such a move, finds The American Panel Survey (TAPS), a new Washington University in St. Louis survey.

It is a moment of rising inequality. The widening gap between aristocratic haves and discontented have-nots threatens to replace the social contract with a powder keg. As You Like It is among Shakespeare’s most popular works, but it is more than just a pastoral romance. So says Annamaria Pileggi, senior lecturer in the Performing Arts Department in Arts & Sciences, who will direct the show April 20-29 in Edison Theatre.

Mara MacMahon has been selected as the recipient of the 2012 Harrison D. Stalker Award from the Department of Biology in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis. The award is given annually to a graduating biology major whose undergraduate career has been marked by outstanding scientific scholarship as well as contributions to the university in the areas of artistic expression or community service.

Tread the Med, the School of Medicine’s wellness and walking initiative, kicks off its “Most Valuable Walker” campaign from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. April 26 in Hudlin Park with a ceremonial first walk led by Larry J. Shapiro, MD, executive vice chancellor for medical affairs and dean of the School of Medicine; James P. Crane, MD, associate vice chancellor for clinical affairs, and Fredbird, mascot of the St. Louis Cardinals.

It can take decades for research discoveries to make their way into public health settings. The emerging field of dissemination and implementation (D&I) research seeks to narrow the gap between evidence-based research and routine practice. To help propel this crucial field forward, leading D&I scholars and researchers at Washington Univeristy have contributed to Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health: Translating Science to Practice, a new book published by Oxford University Press.

Junior Princeton Hynes is crowned Mr. Wash U out of 13 undergraduate candidates during the annual Mr. Wash U talent show April 5 in Edison Theatre. Princeton’s talent is the ability to recall any Oscar fact (nominees or winners in any category) since the awards first were presented in 1929. A six-member judging panel of faculty, staff and students made the final decision based on personality, character, talent and contribution to the WUSTL and St. Louis communities.

Olin Business School recognized the achievements of four alumni during the annual Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony April 5. They are: Scott B. Helm, Paul A. Koch, Roger L. Koch and Merry L. Mosbacher. Also presented was the Dean’s Medal to Joanne and Charles F. Knight and Carol and George Bauer.

Earth Day activities at the School of Medicine will take place from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Thursday, April 19. All faculty, staff and students are encouraged to take part to learn about energy conservation and alternative energy; recycling; gardening and water conservation; and transportation and clean air.