University News and Communications publishes VUToday, a compilation of Vanderbilt mentions in the media, each weekday. Read a selection of Vanderbilt news stories for the week of Feb. 27. To subscribe to the daily VUToday newsletter, visit news.vanderbilt.edu/vutoday.
Phys.org: New tool for combating mosquito-borne disease: Insect parasite genes
Wolbachia is the most successful parasite the world has ever known. You’ve never heard of it because it only infects bugs: millions of species of insects, spiders, centipedes and other arthropods. Now, teams of biologists from Vanderbilt and Yale universities have identified specific genes that contain the secret to the bacterium’s ability to successfully hijack its hosts’ reproduction and have applied for a patent on the potential use of these genes to control disease carrying mosquitoes. Associate Professor of Biological Sciences Seth Bordenstein, who headed the Vanderbilt contingent, is quoted. Related stories were published by Wired, Yahoo! Finance, Science Daily and University Herald.
Reuters: Behind scenes, Ivanka encouraged Trump’s change of tone: sources
Behind the scenes at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka was a key advocate for the more measured, less combative tone he struck in his speech to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night, officials said. Thomas Alan Schwartz, presidential historian and professor of history, is quoted. The story was also posted on CNBC and The Moderate Voice.
National Public Radio: For black college prospects, belonging and safety often top Ivy prestige
For black families, the choice of where a child should attend college is every bit as much about self-care as it is about getting a solid education, and historically black colleges and universities are building on their reputations for offering both. The article quotes Ebony McGee, assistant professor of education, diversity and urban schooling, and mentions her research.
The Atlantic: Wild elephants sleep just two hours a night
As a very rough rule, and for reasons that are still unclear, bigger mammal species, such as the elephant, tend to sleep less than smaller ones. Captive elephants reportedly sleep for just 3 to 7 hours a day, but for their size, you’d expect them to get even less. But if any of these ideas are right, how do elephants cope with such little sleep? Suzana Herculano-Houzel, associate professor of psychology, is quoted.
Politico: Trump’s private school visit today is ‘highly symbolic’
If President Donald Trump’s selection of “school choice” champion Betsy DeVos for Education secretary didn’t send a strong signal about what he plans for the nation’s schools, his visit today to St. Andrew Catholic School in Orlando, Fla., “should make it crystal clear.” Christopher Loss, associate professor of public policy, higher education and history, is quoted.