Zombie bacteria are nothing to be afraid of

Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have obtained the first experimental evidence that there are at least two fail-safe points in the bacterial cell cycle. If the fail-safes are activated, the cell is forced to exit the cell cycle forever. It then enters a zombie-like state and is unable to reproduce even under the most favorable of conditions. Drugs that trigger the fail-safes are already under development.

I-64 Tower Grove ramp interchange will open Friday

The commute is about to get a little easier for employees and patients heading to Washington University Medical Center. After more than a year of construction activity, the improved Interstate 64/Highway 40 interchange at Tower Grove Avenue is scheduled to open the afternoon of Friday, Aug. 29.

Scientists map the ‘editing marks’ on fly, worm, human genomes

In the Aug. 28 issue of the journal Nature, a multi-institution research network called modENCODE (the Model Organism ENCylopedia Of DNA Elements) published three major papers that map and compare the genomes and epigenomes of humans and two model organisms, the fly, D. melanogaster, and the worm, C. elegans, in unprecedented detail. The fly and worm could serve as model organisms for screening drugs and micronutrients that might alter the epigenome, which is implicated in many diseases.

Washington People: Bob Hansman

Since the shooting of Michael Brown, the eyes of the world have turned to St. Louis. Over the last several weeks, associate professor Bob Hansman — one of the area’s most prominent community activists — has quietly ushered hundreds of students through the neighborhoods of north St. Louis, chronicling the racial, social and urban histories that have shaped conditions on the ground.

‘Conversation Circles’ surrounding issues in Ferguson begin on Danforth Campus

In continuing the university’s role as a welcoming place to discuss issues surrounding the events in Ferguson, Mo., the Office of the Provost at Washington University in St. Louis, in coordination with the Gephardt Institute for Public Service and the Office of Human Resources, are beginning a series of “Conversation Circles” on the Danforth Campus onThursday, Aug. 28.

Media Advisory: Michael Brown panel discussion

A panel discussion titled “Race, Place, and Violence: A University-Wide Dialogue About Michael Brown” will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, in Washington University’s May Auditorium, Simon Hall.