biological sciences
Despite their thick skins, alligators and crocodiles are surprisingly touchy
Nov. 8, 2012—Researchers have discovered that alligators and crocodiles possess one of the most acute senses of touch in the animal kingdom.
Zwiebel Lab adds ants to its research repertoire
Sep. 13, 2012—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.
Ants have an exceptionally high-def sense of smell
Sep. 10, 2012—Ants have four to five times more odor receptors than most other insects, a team of researchers have discovered.
Vanderbilt-led team to develop ‘microbrain’ to improve drug testing
Jul. 24, 2012—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.
What do beer, dogs and cats have in common? A tale of microbial domestication
Jul. 12, 2012—Study maps the genetic changes involved in the domestication of Aspergillus oryzae, one of the fungi used to make sake, soy sauce and miso.
VUCast Extra: Bridging the Gap in the Sciences
Jun. 8, 2012—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.
Video: New, strong insect repellent discovered
Apr. 11, 2012—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.
Science comes alive for middle school students during Vanderbilt lab visit
Mar. 13, 2012—The Art2STEM students were divided into groups to participate in several hands-on activities. Some grew protein crystals and learned how to use X-rays to determine structures. Liquid nitrogen is often used to protect crystals from X-ray damage, so the students had the opportunity to observe some dramatic experiments involving liquid nitrogen and rubber objects. Some...
Vanderbilt biologist recognized by entomology society
Feb. 27, 2012—Julian Hillyer is the 2012 recipient of one of the Entomological Society of America’s annual recognition award.
Undergraduate students conduct research in the Stubbs Lab
Dec. 13, 2011—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.
Let there be light and melatonin
Nov. 4, 2011—Light and the hormone melatonin may play important roles in the developing brain.
Robot biologist solves complex problem from scratch
Oct. 13, 2011—A team of scientists has taken a major step toward developing robot biologists. They have shown that their system, the Automated Biology Explorer, can solve a complicated biology problem from scratch.