Life, Earth and Space
Discovery in ferroelectric material reveals unique property, promising application potential
Nov. 18, 2019—A discovery from a team of physicists and other researchers is breaking new ground in the study of ferroelectricity, a characteristic of certain dielectric materials that are used in high-technology applications.
Here’s how a Vanderbilt astrophysicist plans to observe a black hole ‘symphony’ using gravitational wave astronomy
Nov. 18, 2019—New research led by Vanderbilt astrophysicist Karan Jani presents a compelling roadmap for capturing intermediate-mass black hole activity.
Vanderbilt astrophysicist and National Academies committee publish report on effective STEMM mentorship
Oct. 31, 2019—A National Academies committee, featuring Vanderbilt astrophysicist Keivan Stassun, published a report and resource guide on effective mentorship in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine.
Professor, Chemist, Mentor: Steve Townsend, assistant professor of chemistry
Oct. 29, 2019—Steven Townsend, whose research into human milk could one day help all babies get their best start in life, is also a committed mentor devoted to helping young scholars get the best start on their careers.
National Academies committee including Vanderbilt astrophysicist publishes review of latest NASA Science Plan
Oct. 18, 2019—An astrophysicist at Vanderbilt is part of the committee behind a review of NASA’s updated Science Plan, a five-year strategic roadmap for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.
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...
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...
Rokas to lead budding cross-disciplinary collaboration on evolutionary studies
Aug. 14, 2019—The Vanderbilt Evolutionary Studies Initiative seeks to position the university as a global leader in evolutionary studies by engaging a large group of scholars who share this research interest.
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.