Birds ‘one-up’ humans in ability to see color

Researchers at the School of Medicine have peered deep into the eye of the chicken and found a masterpiece of biological design. They plan follow-up studies that could eventually provide helpful insights for scientists seeking to use stem cell and other techniques to treat the nearly 200 genetic disorders that can cause various forms of blindness.

GO WUSTL student e-mail accounts debut Feb. 24

A new e-mail system for students, GO WUSTL, debuts Wednesday, Feb. 24. Beginning that day, eligible students can activate their GO WUSTL accounts at go.wustl.edu or any WUSTL Web site where they see the GO WUSTL logo. Once the new account is activated, students can transfer e-mails, address books and other information from their previous school accounts.

Finding solutions

Winners of the first Olin Sustainability Case Competition to help alleviate campus parking issues, “Team 29,” celebrate with a trophy and the $5,000 prize that accompanied it Feb. 12. Their proposal detailed reducing the need for more campus parking spaces by promoting increased use of green transportation alternatives.

Notables

Of note Dengfeng Cao, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of pathology and immunology, has received a one-year, $22,800 contract from the American College of Radiology Imaging Network for research titled “ACRIN 6682 Medical Director of Pathology.” … Charles Eby, M.D., associate professor of pathology and immunology and of genomic medicine, has received a two-and-a-half-year, $464,611 subcontract […]

Danú in concert March 5

In Ireland, the toe-tapping collegiality of an impromptu living room concert can be summed up in single word: craic. And perhaps no band better exemplifies the essence of craic than Danú. Hailed as a “spirit-raising concoction” by The Irish Times, this five-member ensemble is among the most charismatic and sophisticated traditional Irish groups working today, known for mixing ancient Irish songs with new additions to the repertoire in concerts that are at once authentic, clever and fun. 

Tobacco-free WUSTL Web site launches

The university has launched a new Web site that will serve as the hub of information about the tobacco-free policy across all campuses. The new site will offer information about the university’s tobacco-free initiative as well as free cessation programs available to students, faculty and staff who wish to quit. Beginning July 1, smoking and tobacco use will be prohibited in university-owned and -managed properties.