Scientists map the wiring of the biological clock

In the June 5 issue of Neuron, WUSTL biologist Erik Herzog and his colleagues report the discovery of a crucial part of the biological clock: the wiring that sets its accuracy to within a few minutes out of the 1440 minutes per day. This wiring uses the neurotransmitter, GABA, to connect the individual cells of the biological clock in a fast network that changes strength with time of day.

Brown School’s MPH program to offer two new specializations

The Brown School launched its Master in Public Health (MPH) program in 2009, implementing an innovative curriculum that uses transdisciplinary problem-solving to help students apply principles to improve population health, particularly among vulnerable populations. This fall, the program will offer its first two specializations — global health and epidemiology/biostatistics — providing flexibility for students to increase skill building through electives and offering them valuable experience in targeted areas of public health.

University will anchor new CORTEX building

​Washington University will be the anchor tenant in a $73 million laboratory and research facility projected to open at the end of the year in the CORTEX bioscience district. Pictured is Hank Webber, executive vice chancellor for administration,​ who described the University’s role in the new building at a recent event there.

Sign of the times

Pagedale, Mo, is a small community but emblematic of the challenges facing many inner-ring suburbs. Yet in recent years, city officials and local nonprofits have sparked waves of improvements as well as new development. Last month, the city installed a monumental welcome sign conceived and designed by architecture students from the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts.

Aligning values with employer can lead to promotion, suggests new study

Employees looking to move up within their organization should get on board with the goals and values of their employer, according to new research from Washington University in St. Louis The study shows that employees who are “true believers” in the mission of their organization gain more influence in the company, while those who are not as invested in the company’s mission become pushed to the periphery.

Peters to receive Spirit of St. Louis Medal

David A. Peters, PhD, McDonnell Douglas Professor of Engineering in the School of Engineering & Applied Science, has been selected to receive the 2013 Spirit of St. Louis Medal from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers for his service in the advancement of aeronautics and astronautics.

Wrighton to speak in Denver June 13 on innovation and entrepreneurship

Washington University in St. Louis Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton will speak in Denver June 13 about the critical role research universities play in creating positive economic growth. “Innovation and Entrepreneurship: How Research Universities FosterEconomic Development” is free and open to the public. The talk will take place at 8 a.m. Thursday, June 13, at the […]

Gordon to be honored for microbiome studies

Jeffrey I. Gordon, whose groundbreaking research has linked the trillions of microbes living in the gut to obesity and severe childhood malnutrition, will receive the 2013 Robert Koch Award, the leading international prize in microbiology.

Place matters in analyzing students’ performance, Washington University research finds

Where a child lives makes a difference in how demographics and other factors influence algebra performance, and policies should take into account local variation, research from Washington University in St. Louis suggests. Here, a map illustrates the relationship between the percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunches and Algebra I scores in Missouri school districts.