Research

Ph.D. bridge programs show success in fostering diversity and inclusion, according to new study

Dec. 6, 2019—A team of STEM researchers, including Vanderbilt astrophysicist Kelly Holley-Bockelmann, have published a new collaborative study on Ph.D. bridge programs as a mechanism to empower students, foster diversity and spur a more holistic approach to graduate education.

Study reveals mysteries of critical brain receptor complex

Dec. 5, 2019—Poorly functioning AMPARs have been linked to a wide range of neurological and psychiatric disorders including seizures, Alzheimer’s disease, major depression and autism spectrum disorder. Understanding how AMPARs are formed and operate is essential for the rational design of pharmacological compounds that, by tuning AMPAR activity up or down, could improve treatment of these conditions.

caucasian woman's hands holding a small gift wrapped in brown paper with a blue bow against a dark wood paneled background

No, it doesn’t matter how nicely you wrap that gift. Except when it does.

Dec. 5, 2019—A neatly wrapped gift will impress your acquaintances, but might leave your loved ones feeling let down when the gift doesn't live up to expectations, suggests new research by Vanderbilt postdoctoral scholar Erick Mas.

Young caucasian woman sits on the ground facing a black male survey taker and a black woman sitting on a chair outside a cinderblock house

LAPOP receives $10 million USAID grant to support AmericasBarometer survey

Dec. 4, 2019—Vanderbilt’s Latin American Public Opinion Project has received a $10 million, five-year USAID grant to support its influential AmericasBarometer survey and related activities.

Close-up medical syringe drawing medication from a vial

Genetic screen in worms reveals critical step in insulin synthesis

Dec. 4, 2019—The identification of a protein important for insulin synthesis may hold clues for understanding the pathogenesis of diabetes.

Anita Mahadevan-Jansen elected fellow of National Academy of Inventors

Dec. 4, 2019—Anita Mahadevan-Jansen, Orrin H. Ingram Professor of Engineering and director of the Vanderbilt Biophotonics Center, has been elected a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, the highest professional distinction accorded solely to academic inventors.

Limited Submission Opportunity: Braitmayer K-12 Innovative Practices Grants

Dec. 3, 2019—Vanderbilt University anticipates the opportunity to submit one application to The Braitmayer Foundation K-12 Innovative Practices Grants. The Braitmayer Foundation is interested in proposals utilizing innovative practices in K-12 education throughout the United States.

Limited Submission Opportunity: The Graham Foundation Production and Presentation Grants

Dec. 3, 2019—Vanderbilt University may submit one application per academic department to the Graham Foundation's Production and Presentation Grants for Organizations. The Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts assists with the production and presentation of significant programs about architecture and the designed environment in order to promote dialogue, raise awareness and develop new and wider audiences.

man in 30s, possibly caucasian, sitting against a concrete wall with his head in his hands as if in anguish

Study finds ‘frozen’ fear response may underlie PTSD

Nov. 27, 2019—To explore how fear becomes entrenched, VUMC researchers traveled down the precise neuronal pathways in the brains of mice that trigger fear responses, and which normally extinguish the behaviors once the danger has passed.

What leads to compulsive alcohol use? With new experiments into binge drinking, researchers are finally getting answers

Nov. 22, 2019—New study from neuroscientists at Vanderbilt provides initial answers to long-standing scientific questions on what causes the transition from moderate to compulsive alcohol consumption – and what makes some drinkers particularly vulnerable to developing alcohol use disorders.

Limited Submission Opportunity: 2020 Oak Ridge Associated Universities Events Sponsorship Program

Nov. 21, 2019—Vanderbilt may submit one application to the Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) Events Sponsorship Program. Applicants may request up to $4,000 to support events which involve participants from more than one ORAU institution. Such events may include visits to an ORAU institution by a renowned speaker, conferences or workshops with a focused theme, or a technology transfer/business plan competition.

Leveraging Youth: How to teach old dogs new tricks and vice versa

Nov. 21, 2019—Beyond cups of coffee, what does an office intern really offer? New Vanderbilt research shows that in youth-centered industries, older generations rely on the trend-savvy interns more than they realize or choose to admit.