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Science & Technology

It’s not always the DNA

Scientists have mostly ignored mRNA, the molecule that ferries information from DNA to the cellular machines that make proteins, because these DNA transcripts are ephemeral and soon destroyed. But mRNA can be just as important as DNA scientists at Washington University in St. Louis say. They found that oxidized messenger RNA jams the cellular machines that make protein. The failure to clear the jams and chew up bad messengers is associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Campus & Community

Dance Marathon co-chairs connect to ‘Miracle’ kids​

Washington University students Katie Caul (left) and Christy Marx both benefitted from the Children’s Miracle Network as kids. Today, they help lead the annual Dance Marathon, a 12-hour party that features themed dance hours, performances, games, free food and visits from Miracle kids.​ This year’s event takes place beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, in the Danforth University Center.
Arts & Culture

Reycraft joins Wind Ensemble Nov. 20

St. Louis Symphony trombonist Jonathan Reycraft will join the Washington University Wind Ensemble Nov. 20 for a free concert in the E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall. Presented as part of the symphony’s Community Partnership program, the performance will feature music of Bert Appermont, Steven Bryant, Robert Jager and Darius Milhaud.
Medicine & Health

Telephone coaches improve children’s asthma treatment

A novel program at the School of Medicine suggests that peer trainers who coach parents over the phone on managing their children’s asthma can sharply reduce the number of days the kids experience symptoms. The program also dramatically decreased ER visits and hospitalizations among low-income children with Medicaid insurance.
Arts & Culture

Jeff Boyer in ‘Bubble Trouble’ Nov. 22

​A bubble volcano? A bubble roller coaster? A bubble cannon and bubble trumpet? In “Bubble Trouble,” Jeff Boyer takes bubble art and bubble science to illogical extremes — sculpting, juggling and building with the most ephemeral, effervescent material imaginable.
Campus & Community

Blasingame honored by Association of Fundraising Professionals

One of Washington University’s own received special acknowledgement from the St. Louis Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. In a ceremony held Nov. 13, David Blasingame, executive vice chancellor for Alumni & Development Programs, was given the association’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication and long-running success.
Campus & Community

Friedman engages Wash U students

Before delivering the keynote address at Washington University in St. Louis’ Founders Day celebration Nov. 8, prolific author and journalist Thomas L. Friedman visited with students on the Danforth Campus. Friedman, the popular columnist for The New York Times known for his sophisticated analysis of complex issues facing the world, engaged students in a lively discussion.