The DNA of
bacteria that live in the body can pass a trait to offspring in a way
similar to the parents’ own DNA, a new mouse study suggests. According to the authors, the discovery means
scientists need to consider a significant new factor – microbial DNA– in their efforts to understand
how genes influence illness and health.
Authored by Anjan Thakor, PhD, the John E. Simon Professor of Finance at Olin Business School, “International Financial Markets: A Diverse System is the Key to Commerce” provides a broad overview of the global financial system and how it supports economic growth, facilitates global trade and creates opportunities for companies, entrepreneurs and individuals.
Ampersand Week, the first weeklong celebration of the liberal arts at Washington University in St. Louis Feb. 21-28, includes a presentation by the popular duo known as Radiolab. Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich will appear at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, in Graham Chapel on the Danforth Campus for the Assembly Series. The program is free and open to the public but tickets are required.
Rochelle Smith, director of diversity, summer programs and community outreach for the Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences (DBBS), has been appointed assistant provost of diversity initiatives at Washington University in St. Louis. She will continue to serve in her role in DBBS.
Washington University is implementing a new universitywide learning management system called Learn@Work. The cloud-based application will replace the current compliance training system and is scheduled to be implemented in March.
Beavers don’t brush their teeth, and they don’t drink fluoridated water, but a new study reports beavers do have protection against tooth decay built into the chemical structure of their teeth: iron. The research team, which was led by scientists from Northwestern University, included Jill D. Pasteris, PhD, professor of earth and planetary sciences in Arts & Sciences.
Matthew Gubin, PhD, postdoctoral research scholar in the laboratory of Robert Schreiber, PhD, Alumni Professor of Pathology and Immunology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has received a three-year, $164,500 grant from the Cancer Research Institute for research titled “Using Genomics to Identify Targets of Checkpoint Blockade Cancer Treatment and Identify Optimal Target Antigens for Vaccination.”
Bill McKinnon, PhD, professor of earth and planetary sciences in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, received the 2014 G.K. Gilbert Award from the Geological Society of America. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to the solution of a fundamental problem of planetary geology.
More rural Americans are signing up for Medicare Advantage despite reductions in payments, according to new research from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis. Extra benefits may be among the likely reasons, says study co-author Timothy McBride, PhD, professor at the Brown School.
