Biological Sciences
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Untangling the tree of life
Vanderbilt phylogeneticists examined the reasons why large-scale tree-of-life studies are producing contradictory results and have proposed a suite of novel techniques to resolve the contradictions. Read MoreMay 15, 2013
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Longtime College of Arts and Science faculty named as emeriti
The Vanderbilt Board of Trust has approved the awarding of emeriti honors to 14 distinguished, longtime College of Arts and Science faculty. The professors will be honored at Commencement ceremonies on May 10. Read MoreApr 24, 2013
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Setting mosquito hearts racing
Vanderbilt researchers have figured out how to set the mosquito's heart racing, helping them understand how the insect's immune system works and the methods that mosquito-borne parasites like those that cause malaria and yellow fever employ to circumvent it. Read MoreApr 23, 2013
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LiveScience: ‘Mind-blowing’ bacteria reveal inner workings of some infectious diseases
According to Seth Bordenstein, assistant professor of biological sciences, studying Wolbachia has yielded some surprising new insights on microbial evolution that could help us understand, treat and prevent certain infectious diseases. "It's what gets me up every day and keeps me excited about doing this work." Read MoreMar 29, 2013
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Kudos: Read about faculty, staff, student and alumni awards, appointments and achievements
Read about faculty, staff, student and alumni awards, appointments and achievements. Read MoreFeb 26, 2013
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‘Snooze button’ on biological clocks improves cell adaptability
(iStock) The circadian clocks that control and influence dozens of basic biological processes have an unexpected “snooze button” that helps cells adapt to changes in their environment. A study by Vanderbilt University researchers published online Feb. 17 by the journal Nature provides compelling new evidence that at least some species… Read MoreFeb 17, 2013
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Evidence moles can smell in stereo
Neuroscientist Kenneth Catania has resolved a long-standing scientific debate by showing that the common mole can smell in stereo. Read MoreFeb 5, 2013
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Vanderbilt neuroscientist honored by National Academy of Sciences
Kenneth Catania, Stevenson Professor of Biological Sciences at Vanderbilt University, is one of 18 scientists who have been honored by the National Academy of Sciences for their outstanding scientific achievements in a wide range of fields spanning the physical, biological and social sciences. Read MoreJan 17, 2013
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Mosquitoes as involuntary bioterrorists
Vanderbilt biologists have discovered that mosquitoes possess a previously unknown mechanism for destroying pathogens which takes advantage of the peculiarities of the insect’s circulatory system to increase its effectiveness. Read MoreNov 29, 2012
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Despite their thick skins, alligators and crocodiles are surprisingly touchy
Researchers have discovered that alligators and crocodiles possess one of the most acute senses of touch in the animal kingdom. Read MoreNov 8, 2012
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Zwiebel Lab adds ants to its research repertoire
After more than a decade spent successfully decoding the malaria mosquito’s sense of smell, the Zwiebel Lab has added ant olfaction to its research repertoire and has just received a major grant to pursue this new avenue for the next four years. Read MoreSep 13, 2012
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Ants have an exceptionally high-def sense of smell
Ants have four to five times more odor receptors than most other insects, a team of researchers have discovered. Read MoreSep 10, 2012
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Vanderbilt-led team to develop ‘microbrain’ to improve drug testing
Creating a device out of human cells that simulates brain chemistry is the goal of a $6.4 million grant which is part of major new federal initiative to develop a series of “organs on a chip” designed to improve the drug development process. Read MoreJul 24, 2012
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What do beer, dogs and cats have in common? A tale of microbial domestication
Study maps the genetic changes involved in the domestication of Aspergillus oryzae, one of the fungi used to make sake, soy sauce and miso. Read MoreJul 12, 2012
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VUCast Extra: Bridging the Gap in the Sciences
Vanderbilt is on track this year to become the number one producer of minority Ph.D. recipients in physics, astronomy and materials science, an area where minorities are grossly underrepresented. Watch the emotional journey of the latest doctoral graduates from the Fisk-Vanderbilt-Master’s-to-Ph.D. Bridge Program. [vucastblurb]… Read MoreJun 8, 2012
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Video: New, strong insect repellent discovered
Vanderbilt researchers have discovered a new insect repellent compound that may be thousands of times stronger than DEET, the active ingredient currently in common mosquito repellents. This new compound is the first of its kind in the world. … Read MoreApr 11, 2012
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Science comes alive for middle school students during Vanderbilt lab visit
Joelton Middle School students visited MRBIII to learn more about careers in science. (Susan Urmy/Vanderbilt) During a visit to campus on March 12, members of the Joelton Middle School Art2STEM club – an after-school organization for middle school girls that highlights the importance of creativity in the… Read MoreMar 13, 2012
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Vanderbilt biologist recognized by entomology society
Julian Hillyer is the 2012 recipient of one of the Entomological Society of America’s annual recognition award. Read MoreFeb 27, 2012
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Undergraduate students conduct research in the Stubbs Lab
Learn about an unusual research lab on Vanderbilt’s campus which employs almost entirely undergraduate students. Read more: Biology Lab Utilizes Undergraduate Research to Study Protein Diseases Produced by Vanderbilt student Harrison Dreves. Read MoreDec 13, 2011
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Let there be light and melatonin
Light and the hormone melatonin may play important roles in the developing brain. Read MoreNov 4, 2011