biological sciences
Bordenstein honored by Genetics Society of America
Feb. 27, 2020—The Genetics Society of America has recognized Seth Bordenstein, an evolutionary geneticist and microbiologist at Vanderbilt, for an initiative that brings real-world scientific research into middle school, high school and college biology classes.
Where are the quokkas? New study explains what happened to the “happiest animal in the world”
Feb. 21, 2020—The quokka, a small marsupial native to Australia, is an example of a species vulnerable to extinction in the country’s harsh surroundings. In a new study, researchers at Vanderbilt University demonstrate evidence for the dramatic decline of quokkas over the past century.
How ants get angry: Precise “lock and key” process regulates aggression, acceptance
Feb. 3, 2020—In a new study, scientists at Vanderbilt report definitive evidence of a mechanism within ants that is responsible for unlocking aggression. The research—the first to pinpoint this mechanism and its precise role in ant biology—reports a social characteristic which could help account for their evolutionary success.
Carter, professor of biological sciences, emeritus, has died
Nov. 22, 2019—Clint E. Carter, an emeritus professor of biological sciences whose research focused on immunology and tropical diseases, died Nov. 9. Carter is being remembered by former colleagues and students for his unfailing kindness and warmth.
Research team sorts out drug screen false positive results
Oct. 2, 2019—Vanderbilt investigators have identified 13 previously unknown drug compounds that cause false positive screenings for amphetamines, buprenorphine (an opioid), cannabinoids and methadone.
Faculty named to Chancellor’s Public Voices Fellowship for spring 2020
Sep. 26, 2019—Tony Capra, Lisa Fazio and Renã A.S. Robinson have been selected as Chancellor’s Public Voices Fellows for the spring 2020 semester.
Zebrafish aid effort to regenerate damaged retinas
Sep. 5, 2019—According to a new study, the tiny zebrafish may hold the secret to regenerating damaged retinas in humans.
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.
Team’s study reveals details of new DNA repair pathway
Jul. 25, 2019—Investigators have discovered how a DNA repair pathway protein shields sites of damage to avoid mutations and maintain genome integrity.
I Am Vanderbilt: Jonathan Ertelt
Jul. 16, 2019—The Vanderbilt greenhouses are a lush, light-filled retreat in the heart of campus, and Jonathan Ertelt is charged with making sure each of their inhabitants thrives.
Dean Whittier, professor of biological sciences, emeritus, has died
Jun. 27, 2019—Dean P. Whittier, an emeritus professor of biological sciences at Vanderbilt and an internationally known researcher on the biology of ferns, died May 29. He was 83.
Six new endowed chairs from Medicine, A&S, Owen and Law School honored
May. 3, 2019—Vanderbilt’s six newest endowed chairs were honored by colleagues, university leaders, family members and donors at a ceremony on April 30 in the Student Life Center.