German department chair receives share of humanities grant

Matt Erlin, PhD, chair of the Department of Germanic Languages & Literatures in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, is a co-investigator on a multi-university digital humanities initiative called NovelTM.

Department of Classics to launch new doctorate

The Department of Classics in Arts & Sciences will launch a new Doctor of Philosophy in classics next fall. The program builds on the department’s nationally recognized Master of Arts but also draws on resources from across the university to create specialized tracks in ancient performance, ancient history, ancient philosophy and Greek and Roman music.

Racist hate network using media to sabotage immigration reform, says book author

As immigration reform once again heads to the front-burner of American politics, the nation’s politicians and voters have an opportunity to decide whether a fringe coalition of racist groups will once again be allowed to sabotage serious efforts to reach a rational compromise on critical immigration issues, suggests Robert W. Sussman, author of a new book on enduring scientific myths behind modern racism.

Exploring the genomes of mice and men

New research by Ting Wang, PhD, (left) and graduate student Vasavi Sundaram has uncovered some striking differences in the genomes of humans and mice that can help scientists determine when a mouse may be a good stand-in to study human biology and disease.

Volunteers plant native trees on campus

Students and other volunteers gathered last week to plant 31 native trees and shrubs adjacent to Busch Hall on the Danforth Campus as part of a sustainable landscaping project. The Office of Sustainability notes that well-designed landscapes can provide economic, public health and environmental benefits.

New treatment for Marfan syndrome shows promise

An investigational treatment for Marfan syndrome is as effective as the standard therapy at slowing enlargement of the aorta, the large artery of the heart that delivers blood to the body, according to a new study co-authored by Alan C. Braverman, MD. Slowing aortic growth in Marfan syndrome is important in protecting against the tearing of the aorta.