Americans drink less when cigarettes cost more

Washington University researchers Melissa Krauss and Richard Grucza, PhD, led a team that analyzed data from all 50 states and found that higher cigarette taxes and policies prohibiting smoking in public places are associated with a decrease in alcohol consumption.

Gott joins Washington University Symphony Orchestra Oct. 13

Pity the poor bassoon — large and awkward, often consigned to comic roles, its warm, mellow harmonics overshadowed by the thunder and lightening of piano and violin. But on Oct. 13, St. Louis Symphony bassoonist Andrew Gott and the WUSTL Symphony Orchestra will showcase the bassoon in all its expressive potential.

Psychology researchers receive NSF grant to study preschool learning

Two psychology researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have received a $620,000 grant from the National Science Foundation for the project “Preschoolers’ Use of Statistical Learning to Discover Spelling and Reading Conventions Prior to Formal Schooling.”

Remembering Freedom Summer and ‘A Love Supreme’

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Freedom Summer, in which thousands of volunteers helped register African-American voters in Mississippi, and of John Coltrane’s landmark album “A Love Supreme.” On Thursday, Oct. 9, Washington University will celebrate both anniversaries with a free Jazz at Holmes concert.

Assembly Series to tackle issue of energy impoverishment​

In the 2013 book, “Fires, Fuel & the Fate of 3 Billion: The State of the Energy Impoverished,” Brown School Professor Gautam N. Yadama, PhD, and critically acclaimed photographer Mark Katzman, presented the complex story of energy impoverishment — an issue that affects a staggering 3 billion people worldwide — by inserting the reader into the personal stories of struggle and survival throughout rural India. At 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13, in Anheuser-Busch Hall’s Bryan Cave Moot Courtroom, Yadama will present his work for the Assembly Series and the School of Law’s Public Interest Law & Policy Speakers Series.

Boyle Avenue closes Oct. 7 for four to six weeks

On Oct. 7, Boyle Avenue will close between Forest Park and Duncan avenues as part of the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) project to upgrade the Duncan Avenue storm sewer. There will be no access to the Cortex I parking lot from Boyle for four to six weeks. Employees are encouraged to use Newstead or Taylor avenues to access parking lots and garages instead.

Hayes named to hazing prevention commission​​

Mike Hayes, executive director of Campus Life and director of Greek Life at Washington University in St. Louis, has been named to the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) Presidential Commission on Hazing Awareness and Prevention.

Guo, Yadama named assistant vice chancellors for international affairs

Two Washington University in St. Louis faculty members with strong global ties will assume additional responsibilities as assistant vice chancellors for international affairs, announced Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton. Shenyang Guo, PhD, will serve as assistant vice chancellor for international affairs-Greater China (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan), and Gautam N. Yadama, PhD, as assistant vice chancellor for international affairs-India.

Edison welcomes Arabesque Oct. 24-25

Drawing on ballet and contemporary dance, Arabesque captures the ancient, agrarian rhythms of life in rural Vietnam. On Oct. 24 and 25, the celebrated company, which is based in Ho Chi Minh City, will make its U.S. premiere as part of the Edison Ovations Series.