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VUToday: Genetically engineered humans in weekly roundup of VU news stories

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 Aug. 7.

CNBC: Genetically engineered humans will arrive sooner than you think. And we’re not ready.

Bioengineering has already allowed human beings to take control of their own evolution. In fact, just last week scientists made a major breakthrough in gene editing technology. Michael Bess, Chancellor’s Professor of History and author of Our Grandchildren Redesigned: Life in a Bioengineered Society, is interviewed. The article originally ran in Vox.

The Boston Globe: Experts see a federal crackdown on marijuana as unlikely

At a gathering of policy makers on Monday, Robert Mikos, professor of law, participated in a panel of experts that addressed a big question entrepreneurs will face in certain states as to whether the federal government will crack down on state-sanctioned marijuana businesses, which remain illegal under federal law. Mikos is quoted.

The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education: Honors for the first black woman to receive a bachelor’s degree at Vanderbilt University

Dorothy J. Phillips, the first African American women to earn an undergraduate degree at Vanderbilt University, is being honored with the establishment of the Dorothy J. Wingfield Phillips Chancellor’s Faculty Fellowships, which will support mid-career faculty members in STEM fields at the university.

Smithsonian: News brief: Underwear of the future could help prevent back pain

What have your undies done for you today? If Vanderbilt researchers, led by Karl Zelik, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, have anything to do with it, underwear of the future may also help prevent back pain. Zelik and his team have created a wearable device, called “smart underwear,” that reduces strain on the back during lifting or leaning, and is making its U.S. debut at a conference in Colorado. Zelik is quoted.

The Tennessean: Vanderbilt astrophysicist is a cool nerd with a drinking podcast and more

Natalie Hinkel, postdoctoral scholar in physics and astronomy and a member of the Vanderbilt Astronomy Group, is featured in this article as she talks about being a self-professed science nerd, learning about what makes up the chemical elements of stars, and how her star fascination began with a telescope.

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