Life, Earth And Space
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Vanderbilt University signs on to U.N.-backed Race to Zero campaign
Vanderbilt University, which already has taken significant steps in its commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, has joined the Race to Zero—Universities and Colleges coalition. At the same time, Assistant Professor Leah Dundon and 14 students are participating in international climate change negotiations. Read MoreNov 8, 2021
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Research Snapshot: Darwin’s magnificent mystery and the microbiome
Vanderbilt researchers are reimagining Charles Darwin’s work by communicating how the origin of species might depend largely on the microbiome—the totality of bacteria, viruses, fungi and other organisms—living in or on a host body. Read MoreNov 1, 2021
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Vanderbilt Microbiome Innovation Center launched as hub for resources, education, and research
The Vanderbilt Microbiome Initiative has been renamed the Vanderbilt Microbiome Innovation Center. It will offer a hub of resources for education, outreach and research around the microbiome—the community of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and viruses that are crucial to sustaining life ecosystems. Read MoreOct 27, 2021
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Vanderbilt astrophysicist leads international workshop to turn plans for a crewed lunar observatory into reality
Karan Jani, research assistant professor of physics and astronomy, convened experts from around the world at the European Gravitational Observatory in Italy to further explore the possibility of detecting gravitational waves on the moon. Read MoreOct 25, 2021
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The buzz on Vanderbilt’s bees
Hundreds of acres of trees, green spaces and gardens across Vanderbilt’s campus support thousands of bees that live on the roof of the Jean and Alexander Heard Central Library. Read MoreAug 23, 2021
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Research Snapshot: How will the global community react if vulnerable nations pioneer solar radiation geoengineering
Simulating controversial responses to climate change, researchers illustrate how a small group of nations may influence climate change in the decades to come. Est. reading time: 2 mins. Read MoreAug 23, 2021
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Research Snapshot: Astrophysicist outlines ambitious plans for the first gravitational wave observatory on the moon
Not a moonshot: Karan Jani explores possibility of lunar observatory to better understand fundamental physics, astronomy and cosmology Est. reading time: 2 mins. Read MoreJul 21, 2021
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Academic experts across disciplines tackle questions surrounding the origins of life
The School of Medicine Basic Sciences brought together a biologist, a Christian theologist, a philosopher and an astrophysicist June 17 for a lab-to-table conversation exploring their views and academic perspectives on the origins of life. Read MoreJul 7, 2021
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Research Snapshot: Astrophysicists prepare for age of multimessenger astronomy; build galaxy catalog to study black holes
Led by Vanderbilt astrophysicists, researchers work with data from thousands of galaxies to investigate the origins and physics of black hole binaries in nearby galaxies. Est. reading time: 2 mins. Read MoreJun 23, 2021
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National Science Foundation renews funding to support detection of gravitational waves, led locally by Stephen Taylor
NSF funding will support the development of new techniques to search for signatures of exotic interstellar phenomena. Read MoreJun 21, 2021
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Discussion on the origins of life featuring cross-section of Vanderbilt academics set for June 17
How do academics with diverse areas of expertise view the origins of life? A June 17 virtual discussion hosted by the School of Medicine Basic Sciences will bring together perspectives from single-cell biology, theology, space and time and metaphysical philosophy to explore the unique and common understandings among the fields. Read MoreJun 3, 2021
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Research Snapshot: Bees can tell time by temperature, Vanderbilt research finds
Biological scientist discovers the third way by which bees can tell time: temperature. Est. reading time: 2 mins. Read MoreMay 20, 2021
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Research Snapshot: Vanderbilt astronomers lead preparation for supermassive black hole analysis
Vanderbilt astronomers lead group that created the roadmap for studying supermassive black holes after detecting the low-frequency gravitational waves they create. Est. reading time: 2 mins. Read MoreMay 7, 2021
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Postdoctoral research fellow wins early-career award from International Association of Sedimentologists
Elizabeth Chamberlain, a U.S. National Science Foundation postdoctoral research fellow in earth and environmental sciences, has been awarded the 2021 Dr. Richard Faas Research Prize by the International Association of Sedimentologists. Read MoreMay 3, 2021
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Vanderbilt scientists use fossil records to understand the present, predict future ecosystems
Vanderbilt environmental scientists show that patterns found in fossil records of ancient ecosystems may be the key to combating today’s biodiversity crisis and making informed conservation decisions. Read MoreApr 19, 2021
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Diet of Homotherium sabertooth cat included baby mammoths, according to new research
Chemical signatures and microscopic wear patterns in dental fossils show that the diet of sabertooth cats included mammoths. Read MoreApr 15, 2021
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Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory to host virtual star party April 17
Join Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory on Saturday, April 17, at 8 p.m. CT for a free, educational star party and discussion. Read MoreApr 5, 2021
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Vanderbilt research shows how polar bears maintained highly specialized diets during periods of Arctic warming—until now
Dental analysis from Larisa DeSantis shows that polar bears may not be able to compete for food sources as their environment melts away. Read MoreApr 1, 2021
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Award-winning paleontologist to discuss how the past can help us conserve our future in virtual event March 24
The Vanderbilt Evolutionary Studies Initiative is hosting a free presentation by prominent paleoconservationist Michael Archer, who will discuss how understanding ancient life can help conservationists save endangered species today. The virtual event will be Wednesday, March 24, at 3:10 p.m. CT. Read MoreMar 22, 2021
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Voyager missions discussion hosted by Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory on March 25
Billy Teets, director and resident astronomer for Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory, will lead a discussion of the history of the Voyager spacecraft—including their engineering, major discoveries and what they are up to today. The virtual event will be at 7 p.m. CT on Thursday, March 25. Read MoreMar 22, 2021