Brain-building gene plays key role in gut repair​​

Injured cells and the mindbomb gene
A gene with a colorful name – mindbomb 1 – plays a key role far beyond the brain. New research at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis shows that mindbomb 1 may be involved in repairing cells injured by infection or inflammation in the stomach and pancreas. Researchers also found hints that mindbomb 1 may have connections to cancer in those organs.

Genetic markers ID second Alzheimer’s pathway

Researchers at Washington University have identified a new set of genetic markers for Alzheimer’s disease that point to a second pathway through which the disease develops. Much of the genetic research in Alzheimer’s centers on amyloid-beta, a key component of brain plaques in people with the disease. But the new study identified several genes linked to the tau protein, which is found in tangles.

McArthur to speak April 11 at Brown School Policy Forum

International development economist John W. McArthur, will speak on the Washington University in St. Louis campus at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 11, in Brown Hall Lounge on the Danforth Campus. McArthur will appear on behalf of the Brown School’s Policy Forum. The event is free and open to the public. ​

Sustainable Land Lab winners announced April 11

An outdoor chess park. Cargo containers transformed into compact restaurants. A sustainable urban farm. On April 11, Washington University in St. Louis and the City of St. Louis will announce which of these or several other concepts will win the inaugural Sustainable Land Lab Competition, the first of its kind in St. Louis.

Car-free Month: April 2013

The offices of Sustainability and Parking and Transportation challenge the WUSTL community to try alternative means of commuting to campus during Car-free Month, April 1-24. The teams with highest number of car-free trips and greatest number of car-free miles will win awards. April 12 is the last day to register for the Car-free Challenge.

Avoid impulsive acts by imagining future benefits

Why is it so hard for some people to resist the least little temptation, while others seem to possess incredible patience, passing up immediate gratification for a greater long-term good? The answer, suggests a new study from Washington University in St. Louis, is that patient people focus on future rewards in a way that makes the waiting process seem much more pleasurable.

Political scientist Cohen to speak April 9​

Author and political scientist Cathy Cohen studies American politics and particularly how they affect African-Americans, women and the LGBTQ community – never ignoring the intersections between these identity categories. She will be on campus April 9 to give a lecture titled “Race, Sex and Neoliberalism in the Age of Obama.”

Levin elected to American Law Institute

Ronald Levin, JD, the William R. Orthwein Distinguished Professor of Law, has been elected to the American Law Institute (ALI), a national independent organization that focuses on producing scholarly work to clarify and modernize the law. Membership in the ALI is based on professional achievement and a demonstrated interest in improving the law. ALI will also honor the Hon. William H. Webster, JD ’49, with the Henry J. Friendly Medal. One of the ALI’s highest honors, the medal is awarded periodically to individuals who have made significant contributions to the law.