The Vanderbilt team will create tissue chip systems to test novel epilepsy drugs on human cells, potentially leading to more accurate platforms and improved drug efficacy. This technology may also address rare diseases with limited animal models and patient populations.
Vanderbilt researcher Ken Catania measured the shock from interacting with a small electric eel to solve an equation for calculating power released by bigger eels. The study revealed that eels are efficient at delivering electricity, generating hundreds of volts while maintaining high efficiency.
Fragile X syndrome is caused by a mutation in the Fragile X Mental Retardation 1 gene, leading to permanent changes in neural circuit structure and symptoms characteristic of ASD. Research confirms FMRP's essential role in refining brain processing during early development, highlighting the need for early detection and treatment methods.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have discovered that sugars in human milk possess antibacterial properties and can enhance the effectiveness of proteins, making them a potential new source of antimicrobial agents. The study found that these compounds can kill bacteria directly or break down biofilms to protect themselves.
Researchers have discovered that cancer-fighting T cells can recognize infected cells with much less evidence of cancer than previously believed. The study, which used optical tweezers to apply a tiny amount of force to the T cells, found that they can bind to just two peptides for activation
A team of Vanderbilt University researchers has worked out the molecular details of Yatakemycin (YTM), a potent bacterial toxin that prevents DNA replication. The study reveals how YTM stabilizes DNA, making it resistant to repair mechanisms, and could be used to fine-tune its antimicrobial properties.
A team of Vanderbilt University engineers has developed smart underwear that can help prevent back pain by offloading stress on the low back muscles. The device features two fabric sections connected by straps and can be controlled via an app or a simple double tap, reducing muscle fatigue by up to 45%.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University developed a novel gene therapy delivery system that uses a human protein called albumin to target cancer cells. The approach overcomes common barriers to successful gene therapy, including drug resistance and toxicity.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed a method to produce patterned monolayers that can perform multiple functions, such as catalyzing chemical reactions and sensing molecules. These materials offer a new option for device designers, allowing for the creation of single materials with two functionalities.
A Vanderbilt University team developed an ultrathin energy harvesting system that generates electricity from human motion, offering a potential solution for wearable devices and smart clothing. The device operates at low frequencies, making it suitable for slow movements like sitting or standing.
A new software technology helps surgeons precisely locate liver tumors during surgery by correcting for the organ's deformation. This innovation has shown to improve registration in over 70% of cases, aiding in more accurate and safer surgical procedures.
Researchers have characterized the function of ant receptors that identify odorant blends, revealing a more complex system than previously thought. This breakthrough may lead to new insights into ant social structure and communication, as well as effective methods for controlling insect populations.
Researchers have developed cotton candy-like fiber networks that dissolve in water below 32 degrees Celsius, enabling the creation of self-destructing circuit boards. These devices have potential applications in military and health fields, including implanted medical devices that can disintegrate with ice application.
A team of engineers at Vanderbilt University has designed a novel solution to improve the accuracy of navigation systems used in delicate nose and throat surgeries. By using a thin layer of coffee grounds inside a stretchy silicone headpiece, they aim to reduce targeting errors caused by skin movement and accidental bumps.
A paleoclimate study found that California experienced exceptionally wet and stormy weather around 8,200 years ago, coinciding with a global climate anomaly. The researchers used stalagmite records to extract information about the prehistoric California atmosphere during this time.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed a monoclonal antibody known as SYN0012 that blocks the production of cadherin-11, a protein responsible for calcifying heart valves. The drug shows promise in keeping heart valve leaflets supple and preventing the progression of aortic valve stenosis.
Scientists have discovered an exoplanet, KELT-9b, hotter than most stars, with a day-side temperature of 4,600 Kelvin. The planet's atmosphere is being evaporated due to intense ultraviolet radiation from its host star.
Researchers use computational fluid dynamics to analyze Parvancorina's shape and movement, finding evidence of rheotaxis and suggesting a more active lifestyle. The study challenges the conventional view of ancient ocean life and suggests that strong currents played a major role in shaping these enigmatic organisms.
A study by Vanderbilt University researchers reveals that man-eating lions' actions were not driven by desperation, but rather a solution to a problem. The analysis found that the lions' teeth showed wear patterns similar to those of zoo lions fed soft foods.
Vanderbilt University scientists developed a new approach to identify gene networks responsible for producing biologically active compounds in plants. The method uses co-expression analysis of over 22,000 gene expression studies and identifies dozens of pathways producing small metabolites, including previously identified ones.
A team of evolutionary biologists from Vanderbilt University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison devised a new approach to settle contentious phylogenetic tree-of-life issues. They found that comb jellies have considerably more genes supporting their 'first to diverge' status in the animal lineage than do sponges.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have discovered that female mosquitoes possess a secondary set of odor sensors, which are specially tuned to detect human-derived chemical signals. This system allows the insects to seek out humans as a preferred host, potentially aiding efforts to combat malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases.
Scientists have identified GABA as a signal that triggers self-repair in fish retinas. They believe this could be the key to regenerating human retinas, naturally repairing damage caused by degenerative diseases. The researchers are now pursuing further studies with mice and zebrafish to confirm their findings.
Researchers from Vanderbilt University have identified specific genes that make Wolbachia, a parasitic bacterium, effective in controlling mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and Zika. The 'super-Wolbachia' gene can be used to genetically engineer insects to spread the bacteria more rapidly.
Scientists at Vanderbilt University created a 3D organ-on-a-chip that can mimic the heart's biomechanical properties, allowing for the study of cardiac diseases, drug screening, and personalized medicine. The device replicates the mechanical conditions of the living heart, including electrical and biochemical environments.
Cosmic rays generated by particles from outside the solar system can alter individual bits of data stored in memory, causing single-event upsets (SEUs) that can be difficult to characterize. The problem is becoming increasingly serious as computer chip technology advances and becomes smaller.
A new study suggests that climate change played a significant role in the extinction of giant Ice Age animals in Australia. The analysis of fossil teeth found that as the climate dried out and became more arid, the diets of these megafaunal herbivores shifted dramatically, reducing their ability to consume certain types of plants.
Adaptive PCR, a new method developed by Vanderbilt University biomedical engineers, uses left-handed DNA to monitor and control PCR reactions. This approach promises to simplify PCR operation, improve reliability, reduce sensitivity to environmental conditions, and enable handheld size.
Researchers found that patients recovering from carpal tunnel release surgery can regain their pre-operative typing speed within two to three weeks. This recovery timeline allows patients to resume typing earlier, with some restrictions on prolonged use.
Researchers create single-step synthesis of cyclic depsipeptides in large sizes, up to 60 atoms, with controlled size distribution. The new process enables efficient production of bioactive molecules for various applications, including antibiotics and pesticides.
A study by Vanderbilt University found that cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is most effective in improving daily functioning for IBS patients. Cognitive behavioral therapies were found to be the most effective type of psychotherapy in reducing symptoms and increasing ability to participate in activities.
Researchers developed a microfluidic device that overcomes previous models of the blood-brain barrier, allowing for study of brain inflammation and its link to neurodegenerative conditions. The device was successfully tested with flying colors, paving the way for use in testing new drugs and compounds.
A Vanderbilt University study found that each animal species has a unique microbial community that improves its health and fitness. Researchers transplanted microbiomes from closely related species into individuals, showing that digestion and survival rates were reduced when using non-native communities.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University found that men are better at identifying faces on toy Transformers than women. The study, which surveyed people's childhood play experiences with Barbie and Transformers, suggests that the type of face individuals encounter as children affects their adult facial recognition abilities.
The Origami Diagnostics project aims to detect individuals carrying malaria parasites without symptoms, using a paper microfluidics-based test. The test is 100 times more sensitive and retains low cost and simplicity.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed a steel-brass battery that can store energy comparable to lead-acid batteries and charge/dischcharge at rates comparable to ultra-fast charging supercapacitors. The secret lies in anodization, a common chemical treatment used to give aluminum a durable finish.
A team of Vanderbilt scientists has developed a bioluminescent sensor that causes brain cells to glow in the dark, enabling researchers to track the interactions within large neural networks. The new technique uses calcium ions to detect neuron activity, offering a powerful tool for studying brain function.
A recent study by Vanderbilt University researchers found that self-taught typists can type almost as quickly and accurately as touch typists, as long as they can see the keyboard. This challenges traditional typing techniques taught in schools, which may not be effective for nonstandard typists.
Researchers found a phage carrying animal-like DNA related to the black widow spider toxin gene, which also shares DNA with animal genomes. This discovery may provide insights into genetic engineering Wolbachia to fight diseases.
A Vanderbilt University team is using mineral deposits in caves to shed new light on prehistoric megadroughts in the western US. The researchers hope to identify atmospheric drivers that caused extended droughts, informing projections of future drought severity.
A new study finds that humans have the highest number of cortical neurons among primates, but the prefrontal region's size is similar to non-human primates. Cooking allowed early humans to overcome energetic barriers, enabling brain growth and development.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed a new nanofiber mat technology that increases fuel cell power output by 30 percent while reducing costs and improving durability. The technology is part of a $13 million DOE program to advance fuel cell performance and hydrogen storage technologies.
A team of biologists has discovered a male-harming DNA mutation in fruit flies that reduces fertility in males as they age. The study confirms the 'mother's curse' hypothesis, which suggests that moms may transmit genes to their children that harm their sons but not their daughters.
The end-Ediacaran extinction, 540 million years ago, was triggered by ecosystem engineers - newly evolved organisms altering the environment, leading to the demise of older species. Fossil evidence found in Namibia preserves a mixed community of Ediacarans and animals, providing key insights into their interaction.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed a virtual reality driving environment specifically designed for teenagers with autism spectrum disorder. The system, called VADIA, gathers information on users' reactions and adjusts difficulty levels to provide personalized training.
A new study suggests that super-eruptions can be predicted with a year's warning due to the growth of quartz crystals on their surface. The research found that most rim growth times are less than one year, indicating a one-year warning period before an eruption occurs.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University discovered that mutant mtDNA behaves 'selfishly', benefiting itself while harming its host, causing diseases. The study found molecular mechanisms that allow mutant mtDNA to evade cellular regulation, paving the way for drug development.
Researchers have found fecal transplants to be effective in treating certain infections and diseases, including C. difficile colitis with a 95% cure rate. The transplantation of stool from healthy individuals also shows promise in treating multiple sclerosis and Crohn's disease.
A study by Vanderbilt University neuroscientist Suzana Herculano-Houzel found that birds have more neurons packed into their small brains than mammals or primates. The avian brain's smaller and denser neurons enable complex cognitive behaviors, rivaling those of primates.
Under certain conditions, electric eels attack by raising up out of the water and delivering a series of powerful electrical shocks, effectively deterring predators. This behavior is believed to provide the eels with an evolutionary advantage in defending their territory.