biological sciences Archives
New research on Fragile X syndrome reinforces importance of early detection
Aug. 25, 2017—New insights into the long-lasting effects of Fragile X syndrome on connections in the brain during early development highlight the importance of early detection and treatment.
Decoding ants’ coat of many odors
Jul. 10, 2017—A team of biologists report a major advance in deciphering the molecular genetics underlying the ant's high-definition sense of smell, an ability that underpins their highly complex society.
Vanderbilt evolutionary biologist makes finals of a national award for young scientists
Jun. 6, 2017—Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor in Biological Sciences Antonis Rokas has been selected as a finalist for the $250,000 Blavatnik National Awards for Young Scientists
Faculty committee proposes plan for investment in graduate education and research
Jun. 1, 2017—Following a collaborative rapid cycle process, an ad hoc faculty committee has released a report identifying four proposed thematic areas for future investment in graduate education and research at Vanderbilt.
Webb, mentor to students in the biological sciences, has died
May. 31, 2017—Donna J. Webb, professor of biological sciences and of cancer biology who mentored graduate students and undergraduate researchers in the Department of Biological Sciences and served on the Steering Committee of the Fisk-Vanderbilt Master’s-to-Ph.D. Bridge Program, died May 15.
Class of 2017: Jarrod Shilts makes biological discoveries and collaborates across disciplines
May. 3, 2017—When Boston native Jarrod Shilts arrived at Vanderbilt, he brought with him a strong interest in synthetic biology—a discipline devoted to designing and creating biological molecules that don’t exist in the natural world and using them to redesign existing biological systems.
Wisecaver named Vanderbilt ‘Postdoc of the Year’
Apr. 21, 2017—Accomplished postdocs and faculty "Mentor of the Year" honored at annual Vanderbilt Postdoctoral Association and Shared Resources Symposium April 19.
New method for tapping vast plant pharmacopeia to make more effective drugs
Apr. 14, 2017—Geneticists have developed an effective new method for identifying the genes that produce the chemicals plants use to protect themselves from predators, which are an important natural drug source.
A new mode of DNA repair
Apr. 14, 2017—Structural details of a protein that removes DNA lesions shed light on fundamental mechanisms of DNA repair.
Forget sponges: the earliest animals were marine jellies
Apr. 10, 2017—A powerful new method has been devised to settle contentious phylogenetic tree-of-life issues. such as "What is the oldest branch of the animal family tree?"
Fish eyes may hold key to regenerating human retinas
Mar. 9, 2017—Research into retinal regeneration in zebrafish has identified a signal that appears to trigger the self-repair process, raising the possibility of inducing retinal repair in human eyes.
New tool for combating mosquito-borne disease: insect parasite genes
Feb. 27, 2017—Genes used by the insect parasite Wolbachia to control its hosts' reproduction can be used to help control the spread of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, Zika and malaria.