Genetics
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Genes + culture: Exploring how our first language is echoed in our genes
A person’s native language is often referred to as their “mother tongue.” But does a first language always come from your mother? In a new study conducted by Associate Professor of Biological Sciences Nicole Creanza, postdoctoral student Yakov Pichkar,... Read MoreNovember 21, 2024
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Evolutionary biologists determine that culture shapes genetics within, not just between, populations
Nicole Creanza and Yakov Pichkar explore whether subtle cultural differences within a language mirror genetic structure within a population. The answer: Even small cultural differences like dialect can influence the spread of people and genes. Read MoreJune 29, 2023
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High blood pressure genes improve heart surgery survival in children
Vanderbilt researchers have found that children with a genetic makeup that predicts high blood pressure as adults are more likely to survive congenital heart defect repair surgery. Read MoreMarch 24, 2022
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Literature researchers identify attitudes toward genetics across 100 years of film and television
Science’s influence on pop culture is undeniable, and the reverse is equally important. Research led by Jay Clayton, the first literature professor to ever receive funding from the NIH, shows that films portray genetic science as risky far more often than television shows. Read MoreFebruary 28, 2022
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VUMC team discovers new genetic disease
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have discovered a new genetic disease that causes a severe form of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension, a rapid drop in blood pressure upon standing that can cause fainting. Read MoreJune 3, 2021
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Vanderbilt researchers develop publicly available COVID-19 animal susceptibility prediction tool; suggests increased risk to horses
All-remote collaboration results in free animal susceptibility tool to help prioritize research and closer examination of at-risk species. Read MoreOctober 6, 2020
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New method reveals how differences in the genetic “instruction booklet” between humans and Neanderthals influenced traits
When it comes to our differences from Neanderthals, most of what we know comes from comparing fossils. But fossils can only tell us about bones and not whole living organisms. That’s changing thanks to a new paper from a team of genomics researchers at Vanderbilt, who… Read MoreOctober 7, 2019
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Vanderbilt study links gene expression, disease association data
An international team of researchers led by Eric Gamazon has integrated gene expression and disease association data to better understand the biological mechanisms of complex human diseases. Read MoreJuly 27, 2018
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Shared genetics may shape treatment options for certain brain disorders
Symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, including psychosis, depression and manic behavior, have both shared and distinguishing genetic factors, an international consortium led by researchers from Vanderbilt University and Virginia Commonwealth University is reporting. Read MoreJune 14, 2018
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New breast cancer targets
A special genetic analysis has revealed candidate genes associated with increased risk of breast cancer. Read MoreMay 4, 2018