Vanderbilt Microbiome Initiative

Schematic image of viruses, billions of which are estimated to enter the cells in your intestine every day. Recent experiments at Vanderbilt University indicate that genes in viruses of bacteria (Wolbachia) can transfer to or from animals, and some virus genes hijack insect sperm to cause an infertility at the forefront of mosquito control efforts.

Six projects garner Microbiome Venture Fund awards

Aug. 14, 2018—Six faculty-led teams have received 2018 Microbiome Venture Fund awards to pursue projects related to the broad category of microbiomes—the totality of microbes in or on an environment.

A Nasonia wasp walks along her fly host to lay eggs. (Jitte Groothuis)

Insect gene allows reproductive organs to cope with harmful bacteria

May. 17, 2018—Bordenstein’s team studied Nasonia parasitic wasps, which are about the size of a sesame seed, and they serve as one of the best models to dissect and characterize the evolution of insect genomes.

VU BreakThru: TIPs grant funds innovative research into the microbiome

May. 15, 2018—Right under your nose but unseen by the human eye is the microbiome—the totality of microbes in an environment. The Vanderbilt Microbiome Initiative, funded by a TIPs grant, is coordinating basic, translational and clinical scholarship to help unlock the mysteries of these bacteria, viruses and more. Learn about the initiative and its new website in this VU BreakThru blog post. Read more about TIPs grants and other internal faculty funding programs—including University Courses, Research Scholar Grants and Discovery Grants—at the VU BreakThru blog.