News highlights for August 31, 2010

US News & World Report Beyond college immunizations: How students can avoid getting sick8/30/2010Any college student knows close contact isn’t really optional. When you’re sleeping inches away from a roommate (or two or three), and sharing restrooms, showers, desks, and dining space—and sometimes even swapping spit—germs are bound to spread. Indeed, bugs like upper-respiratory infections, […]

Starvation keeps sleep-deprived fly brain sharp

As anyone who has ever struggled to keep his or her eyes open after a big meal knows, eating can induce sleepiness. New research in fruit flies suggests that, conversely, being hungry may provide a way to stay awake without feeling groggy or mentally challenged.

MBA class defies trends, breaks records

First year MBA students at Olin get a head start on the school year with a two week boot camp that involves serious academic work, team building exercises, career counseling and socializing. Jackson Nickerson, PhD, the Frahm Family Professor of Organization & Strategy, greeted the class with this challenge: “I dare you to take full responsibility to transform your thinking and change your life forever.”  Nickerson teaches a course in critical thinking custom-designed for Olin students.

A friendly face

Each year, first-year medical students are matched with a second-year medical student, usually based on similar interests, undergraduate school, hometown or personality, who acts as a mentor, or “big sib,” to help them get adjusted.

Reminder: WUSTL campuses are tobacco-free as of July 1

Washington University campuses became tobacco-free this past July, which means smoking and tobacco use now is prohibited on all university-owned and -managed properties. The university will continue to work with community members to support tobacco-cessation efforts.

The range of human experience

From mordant humor and exuberant defiance to love and war and existential anguish, the Performing Arts Department in Arts & Sciences will scale the heights and plumb the depths of our shared mortal coil with its 2010-11 season.

News highlights for August 30, 2010

MSN Health & Fitness Concussion rates soar among younger kids 08/30/2010 High school-age athletes are more likely than younger kids to have sports-related concussions, but the rate of such injuries in both groups is on the rise, a new U.S. study suggests. Awareness of concussions is increasing, according to Dr. Mark Halstead, who co-wrote the […]
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