More evidence of an evolutionary ‘arms race’ between genes and selfish genetic elements
Daven Presgraves, a University Dean’s Professor in the Department of Biology, and Christina Muirhead, a computational biologist and population geneticist in Presgraves’s lab, are further proving that genes develop weapons to combat the “parasites” that litter the human genome. The researchers studied the genomes of three closely related species of fruit flies, which share about 70 percent of the same genes that cause human diseases and are similar to humans on the molecular level.
In today’s issue:
Chris Butler has been named the University’s chief audit executive
Discounted tickets for this month’s Ying Quartet performance are available to anyone with a University ID
The Ain Center for Entrepreneurship is hosting a virtual event with Edmund Hajim ’58 next week
A reminder on face masks: they must be worn properly covering the nose and mouth indoors on the University’s campuses and properties. Visit the face mask FAQ page for full information. Face masks with air valves are not permitted, nor are face shields alone without a proper face mask underneath.
Chris Butler named University’s chief audit executive
Chris Butler, who has been serving as interim executive director of the Office of University Audit since August, has been named chief audit executive following a nationwide search. The appointment is effective immediately.
Discounted tickets for Ying Quartet
Tickets are now on sale for the Ying Quartet performance on Sunday, November 14, at 3 p.m. in Kilbourn Hall, Eastman School of Music. Discounted tickets are available to all University ID holders by entering a promo code at checkout: “Student10” for a $10 student ticket, “Faculty20” or “Staff20” for a 20 percent discount. One promo code per ID. Tickets can be acquired online. For additional information, call (585) 274-3000 or email boxoffice@esm.rochester.edu.
New study finds evidence of COVID-19 antibodies in breast milk of vaccinated mothers
A new study coauthored by Medical Center researchers has found evidence that mothers with two types of immunity from COVID—disease-acquired (those who have contracted COVID and recovered) and mRNA vaccination-acquired—produced breast milk with active SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.
Next Gen Challenge kick-off, competition registration
Are you eager to work with a team to solve real-world engineering problems? Sign up now for the Next Gen Challenge, a one-day, think-tank-style competition giving students the chance to solve current industry problems with professionals working in local companies. You can win up to $1,500 in cash prizes. This year, the technical entrepreneurship and management MS degree program is partnering with Meltek. Learn more about the company at the virtual kick-off event on Wednesday, November 17, at 4 p.m. EST. The virtual competition will be held Friday, December 3, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. The Next Gen Challenge is open to undergraduate, graduate, and PhD students pursuing a degree in STEM fields. For more information and to register, email Rebecca Crocker by noon on Tuesday, November 30.
Share your thoughts about mental health
Take this short survey to share your thoughts about your mental health and wellness. The University Coalition on Student Mental Health and Wellness is requesting student input to learn about the issues students are struggling with most. The survey is anonymous and will take approximately five minutes to complete. Data will be used to help make recommendations to improve student well-being. The survey is open to all undergraduate and graduate students in all schools and the deadline to complete it is Monday, November 15.
Action is required for many of the University’s benefits including changing your health care plan, electing to contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), and electing to increase or decrease your coverage. You have until November 15 to enroll or make changes to your benefits. To assist you in enrolling in this year’s benefits, visit the open enrollment website, which features 2022 benefits highlights, how to enroll, frequently asked questions, webinar and Q&A session schedules, and more.
EAP Blog: Coping with the stress of COVID-19
Read this month’s UR Medicine EAP blog to learn about an assessment that can help you assess how you are coping with stress and anxiety. UR Medicine EAP is brought to you by Well-U, helping eligible individuals to assess issues, and provide short-term counseling and referrals.
The Carillon Society continues its Sunday carillon concert series this weekend at 5 p.m. EST. Enjoy the concert from the Eastman Quadrangle or online. Arrangements include “Test Drive” by John Powell and “On the San Antonio River” by Ronald Barnes.
Spotlight Speaker event: Edmund Hajim ’58
The Ain Center for Entrepreneurship presents a virtual Spotlight Speaker event featuring Edmund Hajim ’58 on Thursday, November 18, from noon to 1 p.m. EST. Hajim, financier, philanthropist, and chairman emeritus of the University’s Board of Trustees, will share stories and lessons from his new book, On the Road Less Traveled: An Unlikely Journey from the Orphanage to the Boardroom. Opening remarks will be provided by Duncan Moore, vice provost for entrepreneurship. Marc Haddad ’21, ’22 (MS) will moderate a conversation with Hajim about the lessons he learned and what he hopes others can learn from his experiences. Students are invited to attend a viewing party in the Gowen Room in Wilson Commons. Lunch will be provided, along with a signed copy of Hajim’s book. Register here to attend.
Public health grand rounds lecture on a One-Health initiative in Borneo
Starting Sunday, November 14, The Memorial Art Gallery is hosting “Renaissance Sundays” once a month from November through February. Enjoy live music in the Renaissance Impressions: Sixteenth-Century Master Prints from the Kirk Edward Long Collection exhibition, era-inspired arts and crafts, a special menu from Brown Hound Downtown, virtual and in-person presentations, and more. Find more information on the museum’s Instagram, and learn about the exhibition and register to attend here.
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