Major immune system branch has hidden ability to learn

Half of the immune system has a hidden talent, researchers at the School of Medicine have discovered. They found the innate immune system, long recognized as a specialist in rapidly and aggressively combating invaders, has cells that can learn from experience and fight better when called into battle a second time. Scientists previously thought any such ability was limited to the immune system’s other major branch, the adaptive immune system.

Scientists uncover new genetic variations linked to psoriasis

Two international teams of researchers have made significant gains in understanding the genetic basis of psoriasis, a chronic skin condition that can be debilitating in some patients. Their research, involving thousands of patients, is reported in two studies published this week in the advance online Nature Genetics.

Nominations sought for Gloria White award

Do you have a colleague on staff that goes above and beyond to help students, faculty or fellow staff members? Help WUSTL recognize that employee’s efforts by nominating him or her for the Gloria W. White Distinguished Service Award. Nominations are due Feb. 20.

Universities’ role in democracy examined in Saturday seminar series, Feb. 7-28

What is the proper role of American higher education in shaping the values and ambitions of a free democratic society, and more specifically, what are Washington University’s responsibilities as a citizen of the greater St. Louis community, the nation and the world? Getting the campus and surrounding community to reflect on these questions is the goal of the Master of Liberal Arts program’s “Democracy and the University” seminar series.

Entrepreneurship in the Current Economy

Build-A-Bear Workshop founder and CEO, Maxine Clark, will respond to questions about entrepreneurship in today’s economy at the 5 p.m. Assembly Series talk on Thursday, February 5 in Graham Chapel. The event is co-sponsored by the Skandalaris Center for Entrepreneurial Studies and the Olin School of Business, as well as several organizations outside the University. Following the discussion at 6:15 p.m., Clark and Ken Harrington, the center’s managing director, will present the Olin Cup and a cash prize to the winning student team.

Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum to open spring 2009 concert series Feb. 27

Theodore brings experimental folk to the Kemper Art Museum on Feb. 27.The Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum will launch its spring 2009 concert series, “Kemper Presents,” on Feb. 27 with Theodore, a foursome that creates a rootsy, familiar yet completely fresh sound with instruments as diverse as the trombone, glockenspiel, accordion and lap steel guitar.

School works to reduce student debt through scholarships, loans

Tuition and fees at U.S. medical schools have risen dramatically in the past 20 years, and students nationwide are going into deeper debt to become physicians. Dodson The School of Medicine is trying to reverse the trend and has taken a number of steps in recent years to reduce the debt of its students. “We […]