Washington University Record, April 4, 2003
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Washington University School of Medicine Digital Commons@Becker Washington University Record Washington University Publications 4-4-2003 Washington University Record, April 4, 2003 Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.wustl.edu/record Recommended Citation "Washington University Record, April 4, 2003" (2003). Washington University Record. Book 964. http://digitalcommons.wustl.edu/record/964 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Washington University Publications at Digital Commons@Becker. It has been accepted for inclusion in Washington University Record by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons@Becker. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Medical News: Researchers discover Assembly Series: Kerry Kennedy Cuomo m Washington People: Walter W. Davis Jr. gene that contributes to sense of balance to deliver Adele Starbird Lecture April 9 inspires, motivates the people around him 8 April 4, 2003 Volume 27 No. 26 WashJiTgon University in St Louis Genome of intestinal bacterium sequenced BY GILA Z. RECKESS or treating various diseases." According to Gordon, in order School of Medicine research- to develop a comprehensive view ers have completed sequenc- of humans as a life form, we need ing the genome of Bacter- to consider the fact that from oides thetaiotaomicron, one of the birth to death, the human body is most prevalent bacteria that live home to divers* communities of in the human intestine. microorganisms. It is estimated The results appeared in the that adults are composed of 10 March 28 issue of the journal times more microbial cells than Science. human cells. "Now that the draft The intestine harbors sequence of the human our largest collection of genome is complete, it's microbes. Although the critical that we study the true extent of biodiversi- environmental forces that ty is not known, it regulate our gene expres- appears that the gut con- sion," said principal inves- tains at least 1,000 differ- tigator Jeffrey I. Gordon, ent species of bacteria, M.D., the Dr. Robert J. Gordon and that their collective Glaser Distinguished genomes ("the microbio- University Professor and rae") contains 100-fold head of the Department of more genes than the human Research Scientist Jeremy R. Gray, Ph.D. (left), and Assistant Professor Todd S. Braver, Ph.D., both in Molecular Biology and genome. psychology in Arts & Sciences, review brain imaging scans. In a recent study, their research team Pharmacology. These bacteria provide certain found that people with higher fluid intelligence use specific brain regions to help focus their attention and resist distraction during a difficult mental task. "Humans enjoy mutually ben- metabolic capabilities that hu- eficial relationships with billions mans lack, including the ability of bacteria that live in our gut. to process nutrients that human Discovering how these microbes genes cannot break down. Human intelligence's inner workings manipulate our biology to benefit Gordon's team analyzed themselves and us should provide B. thetaiotaomicron as a represen- new insights about the founda- tative of this microbial commu- explored in brain imaging research tions of our health and new ther- nity because it is such a promi- apeutic strategies for preventing see Bacteria, Page 5 "* BY GERRY EVERDING important aspect of human intel- onance imaging (fMRI), team ligence. The study sought to better members measured subtle Human intelligence is like a understand the process through changes in brain activity as study mental juggling act in which which the mind reasons and participants performed a chal- Thurtene Carnival April 12-13: the smartest performers use spe- solves novel problems, an ability lenging mental task — one per- cific brain regions to resist dis- known among psychologists as haps analogous to trying to drive Seek the Thrill, Enjoy the Ride! traction and keep attention "fluid intelligence." to a new destination and attempt- focused on critical pieces of infor- "The results may help re- ing to keep the directions in mind BY NEIL SCHOENHERR An anticipated 120,000 people mation, according to a new brain searchers to understand the neural while maintaining a conversation will share the spirit of Thurtene imaging study. basis of individual differences in with passenprs in the car. At the University, all the signs of this year. Jeremy R. Gray, Ph.D., re- cognitive ability," according to a Participants in the study were spring point in one direction The net proceeds will benefit search scientist in psychology in news release issued by Nature asked to do what might seem like — the annual Thurtene Carnival. Thurtene's charity — Friends of Arts & Sciences, co-authored the Neuroscience. a mental juggling act. They had to Running from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Kids With Cancer, a St. Louis study, which was recently pub- Describing the study as keep a list of three words or faces April 12-13 on the Athletic Com- organization devoted to enriching lished in the journal Nature "impressive" in part because of its actively in mind. Every few sec- plex parking lot, the theme of this the daily lives of children under- Neuroscience. relatively large number of partici- onds, they had to add another year's carnival is "Seek the Thrill, going treatment for cancer and "Some people seem to per- pants, the journal suggests the word or face to this list, and drop Enjoy the Ride!" related blood disorders. form better than others in novel, findings "will help to constrain the oldest item from the list. This year's event will feature For the first time, there will be mentally demanding situations, theories of the neural mechanisms But before they forgot the old six themed facades, designed and a Community Service Village at but why?" Gray said. "Presumably, underlying differences in general item completely, they had to indi- constructed by students, which Thurtene. The village will allow people are using their brains dif- intelligence." cate whether the new item they will house student-performed attendees to create projects for the ferently, but how?" The research team included were adding exactly matched the plays. children that Friends of Kids Curious about the specific Gray; Todd S. Braver, Ph.D., assis- olde$t item they were dropping. Other Thurtene traditions will With Cancer serves — such as cognitive and neural mechanisms tant professor of psychology; and Their brain activity was moni- continue, including 18 major car- beads for the kids in the hospitals that underlie individual differ- Christopher F. Chabris, Ph.D., a tored as they did so. nival rides, 16 game booths and and bandanas for them to wear. ences in intelligence, Gray and his research associate at Harvard Critically, the experimenters 15 booths serving an array of The carnival is presented by colleagues devised a study to University. would occasionally throw partici- tasty treats and ethnic edibles. See Thurtene, Page 6 explore the inner workings of one Using functional magnetic res- See Brain, Page 6 ArC u6 TriOmphB Library unveils cutting-edge'technology center Chancellor BY ANDY CLENDENNEN cellor for information technology and Mark S. dean of University Libraries. "We can Wrighton In years past, University computer labs facilitate their use of digital information, (left) looks were pretty much the same — the same just as we do for manuscript or archival on as student software, same hardware and same basic materials. The Arc lets us do that." assistant setup. Much of the technology in the Arc Jonathan Potler Not anymore. could be found elsewhere at the describes the Welcome to the Arc, the new Library University. But a few distinct differences various Technology Center. Housed on Level A exist, all with making accessibility much aspects of (one floor below the main level) of Olin easier. iMovie at a Library, the Arc is taking access to tech- "While a number of applications and workstation nology to a new level for students, staff equipment that the Arc offers are not in Olin and faculty. new to the campus, the Arc is distinct in Library's new "The University's libraries provide a that it offers these tools to all members of technology wide range of digital information, but we the University population (rather than an center, have not had the facility to show users individual class or teaching assistants)," the Arc. the breadth of resources or to help them said Arc Manager Sarah Bombich, who incorporate those resources into their was hired specifically to oversee the new KEVIN LOWDER projects," said Shirley K. Baker, vice chan- See Arc, Page 6 2 RECORD WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS Code of Conduct summary The Code of Conduct governs munity member must transact "members of the University University business in compliance community": employees, vol- with all laws, regulations, and unteers, and those who do business University policies related to their with the University. It states the positions and areas of responsibil- ethical and legal standards that ity. Managers and supervisors are guide their decisions and actions as responsible for teaching and mon- community members. This state- itoring compliance in their areas. ment, published as a service by the Record, summarizes the Code of Violations or concerns Conduct's key features. Community members are expected to report violations or The Code of Conduct is concerns about violations of the revised from time to time. An up- Code of Conduct that come to to-date version of the code is their attention. Managers have a always available on the Web at special duty to adhere to the stan- codeofconduct.wustl.edu. dards set forth in the Code of Conduct, to recognize violations, Integrity and ethical and to enforce the standards. conduct There are three ways to report a violation or discuss a concern: Washington University is com- (1) You may report violations mitted to the highest ethical and or concerns to your immediate professional standards of conduct supervisor or department head, if as an integral part of its mission, Diversity 011 display Students perform a traditional salsa dance during Camaval 2003, held appropriate.