Author: Spencer Turney
EPA-funded study aims to create novel platform for research into long-term neurotoxin exposure
Oct. 16, 2019—A new Vanderbilt study funded by a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency seeks to construct a new platform and reliable approach for future studies into organophosphate compounds, such as pesticides, insecticides and similar nerve agents.
New method reveals how differences in the genetic “instruction booklet” between humans and Neanderthals influenced traits
Oct. 7, 2019—When it comes to our differences from Neanderthals, most of what we know comes from comparing fossils. But fossils can only tell us about bones and not whole living organisms. That’s changing thanks to a new paper from a team of genomics researchers at Vanderbilt, who have developed a first-of-its-kind computational method. Their approach uses...
Civil engineers at Vanderbilt host Nashville STEM program, guide interactive experiences on campus
Oct. 2, 2019—Vanderbilt’s chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers recently hosted a group of local middle school students for a half-day of hands-on learning.
Antibody “road block” enables fine-tuning for cardiac recovery, decreases risk of heart failure
Sep. 19, 2019—A new study published by Vanderbilt mechanobiology researchers details a possible solution for fine-tuning inflammation and cellular activity in cardiac recovery – thanks to an antibody initially developed for rheumatoid arthritis.
On-the-move cancer cells prefer a “comfort cruise,” follow predictable paths of least resistance
Sep. 13, 2019—New research from a group of Vanderbilt biomedical engineers reveals that while cancer cells metastasize quickly, they generally choose pathways that use the least amount of energy.
Nanoscale origami: Smallest-ever, atomically precise structures set stage for quantum breakthroughs
Sep. 6, 2019—New technique for manipulating graphene opens the door to new breakthroughs in quantum technology.
High standards of female songbirds could be driving their mates to evolve
Sep. 4, 2019—Picky females force male songbirds to become better singers.
Rare study of Earth-sized planet uses technique pioneered by Vanderbilt professor
Aug. 19, 2019—A groundbreaking study, using data from NASA and a technique pioneered by a Vanderbilt professor, is giving humankind a glimpse at a distant exoplanet with a size similar to Earth and a surface which may resemble Mercury or Earth’s Moon. Located nearly 49 light-years from Earth, the planet known as LHS 3844b was first discovered...
Meet the alpacas that are helping researchers who study autism, Alzheimer’s and cancer
Aug. 13, 2019—Written by Heidi Hall Alpacas aren’t the typical animals that drivers spot as they wind their way through rural Tennessee, but there’s a happy herd of them outside Waverly, where they eat the finest pellets, walk up and down a scenic hill and potentially save lives. They’re owned by a team of Vanderbilt University researchers...
Behavioral science models can help identify the greenest dietary changes
Aug. 9, 2019—Spreading the gospel of veggie-only diets may not be the most effective way to help reduce overall, food-related greenhouse gas emissions, according to a new model based on behavioral science. In new commentary published Aug. 9 in Nature Sustainability, Jonathan Gilligan, associate professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences, examines the importance of including realistic examples...
Intense look at La Brea Tar Pits explains why we have coyotes, not saber-toothed cats
Aug. 5, 2019—The most detailed study to date of ancient predators trapped in the La Brea Tar Pits is helping Americans understand why today we’re dealing with coyotes dumping over garbage cans and not saber-toothed cats ripping our arms off.
Cellular soldiers designed to kill cancer cells that get loose during surgery, stop metastasis
Jul. 24, 2019—Cellular soldiers created using the body’s own defenses can track down and kill escaping cancer cells during surgeries, preventing metastasis and saving lives, a Vanderbilt University biomedical engineer has discovered, particularly in cases of triple negative breast cancer.