‘Perspectives Across the Aisle’ April 27

The Gephardt Institute for Public Service at Washington University in St. Louis will host a morning discussion with former Democratic Rep. Richard A. ‘Dick’ Gephardt and former Republican Sen. Christopher S. ‘Kit’ Bond at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 27, in Simon Hall Room 109. The two former legislators will engage students and faculty on the 2012 presidential and congressional Elections.

Brown School celebrates ‘Everyday Heroes’ May 2

The Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis will award a Distinguished Faculty Award and three Distinguished Alumni Awards during its annual alumni awards celebration at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 2, at Steinberg Hall Auditorium. A reception will follow at the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum. Register to attend the event and catch a glimpse of current “heroes in training” through a series of videos from the Brown School at brownschool.wustl.edu/DAA2012.

Alzheimer’s plaques disrupt brain networks

Mouse brains
Scientists studying the way Alzheimer’s disease takes root in the brain have identified important new similarities between a mouse model and human Alzheimer’s. Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have shown that brain plaques in mice are associated with disruption of the ability of brain regions to network with each other.

First gene linked to common form of psoriasis identified

Scientists have identified the first gene directly linked to the most common form of psoriasis, a chronic skin condition. The research shows that rare mutations in the CARD14 gene, when activated by an environmental trigger, can lead to plaque psoriasis. This type of psoriasis accounts for 80 percent of all cases.

Six to receive honorary degrees at 151st Commencement ceremony May 18

Washington University in St. Louis will award six honorary degrees during the university’s 151st Commencement May 18. They are: David M. Becker, JD; C. Ronald Kahn, MD; Richard J. Mahoney; Mike Peters; Gloria M. Steinem; and Donald M. Suggs, DDS. During the ceremony, which will begin at 8:30 a.m. in Brookings Quadrangle on the Danforth Campus, WUSTL also will bestow academic degrees on approximately 2,800 members of the Class of 2012.

Washington University Opera April 24 and 26

Take three parts standard operatic repertoire, add two contemporary masterpieces, one not-so-standard bel canto and a dash of musical theater. The result is Opera Scenes, the semester-end program by Washington University Opera. This year’s performances, directed Tim Ocel, will take place at 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, April 24 and 26, in the Ballroom Theatre of the 560 Music Center.

Preparing for Celebration Weekend

Undergraduate interns in the Office of Admissions begin preparing materials for Washington University’s Multicultural Celebration Weekend, which begins Thursday, April 19. During Celebration Weekend, the WUSTL community offers admitted students the opportunity to meet current students and faculty and attend classes and student group meetings.

Kidney stone mystery solved

New research by scientists at the School of Medicine provides evidence to explain why some people are more prone to develop kidney stones than others. The discovery opens the door to finding effective drug treatments and a test that could assess a person’s risk of kidney stones.

Earth Day events April 20-24 on Danforth Campus

Earth Day
Earth Day is Sunday, April 22, and Washington University’s Office of Sustainability is commemorating the day on the Danforth Campus by organizing several events during April, including a bioswale planting, panel discussion and more.