News
Ultrathin device harvests electricity from human motion
Jul. 25, 2017—Imagine slipping into a jacket, shirt or skirt that powers your cell phone, fitness tracker and other personal electronic devices as you walk, wave and even when you are sitting down. A new, ultrathin energy harvesting system developed at Vanderbilt University’s Nanomaterials and Energy Devices Laboratory has the potential to do just that. Based on battery technology...
Traffic Costs Tennessee Cities More than $1.1 Billion Annually
Jul. 25, 2017—Traffic congestion in Tennessee’s four largest cities ranks in the worst half of the nation and costs Tennessee more than $1.1 billion annually, according to a new report gathered by nonpartisan think tank ThinkTennessee. Using data from the INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard, ThinkTennessee found that Nashville drivers spend nearly a full work week (33.6 hours) sitting...
TIPs funding awarded to 15 innovative interdisciplinary projects
Jul. 18, 2017—The 2017 recipients of Vanderbilt University’s Trans-Institutional Programs (TIPs) initiative,15 exciting interdisciplinary concepts, include an initiative related to understanding climate change effects. These research projects bring together more than 140 faculty members with graduate and undergraduate students from all 10 schools and colleges, creating multifaceted teams to approach complex challenges. “This innovative, cross-campus approach that creates...
Remember to power down before leaving for extended periods this summer!
Jun. 29, 2017—Don’t forget to power down before you leave the office or your home for any extended period this summer, especially with hot temperatures. The planet, and your energy bill, will thank you for it. Here are some things you can do to help conserve energy while you are away: Set thermostat settings to 76-78 degrees...
Web-based tool will help government realistically plan for climate change
Jun. 5, 2017—Read the Research News @ Vanderbilt story here. Life beside the Mississippi River always came with some uncertainty about the safety of homes, crops and city streets. Residents looked at flood maps based on historical data and chose their sites, built their levies and bridge footings and kept a wary eye on the river stages....
Climate change took away ancient animals’ food supply; holds implications for today’s wildlife
Jun. 5, 2017—Read the Research News @ Vanderbilt story here. During the last Ice Age, Australia, Tasmania and New Guinea formed a single landmass. It was a strange and often hostile place populated by a bizarre cast of giant animals – massive kangaroos and others claimed in a global mass extinction 30,000 years ago. Researchers argue what...
Expert: Private industry, better messaging can help overcome damage from Paris withdrawal
Jun. 5, 2017—Read the Research News @ Vanderbilt story here. President Donald Trump’s announcement on Thursday that the U.S. will withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement phases out U.S. commitments to achieve carbon reduction targets and make financial contributions to slow climate change. It was a move environmentalists found disappointing, at best. But Vanderbilt University law and...
Donation and recycling options expanded on campus April 20 to May 13 for Earth Friendly Move Out
May. 1, 2017—Read the MyVU story here. Just in time for student move-out and spring cleaning your office, donation and recycling locations on campus will be expanded from April 20 to May 13. Earth Friendly Move Out donation and recycling locations will be available until May 6 on the Ingram Commons campus until May 13 on main...
Celebrate Bike Month in May
Apr. 28, 2017—May is Nashville Bike Month, and there are plenty of opportunities to strap on a helmet and get on your bike! Biking is a green, cost-effective way to get around town while getting some exercise! If you need some pointers on biking and bike maintenance, there are two classes happening on campus this month. The...
Campus learns about land use plan at FutureVU Expo
Apr. 20, 2017—Read the MyVU story here. More than 800 students, staff, faculty and others stopped by the Wond’ry April 19 to learn about FutureVU, Vanderbilt’s campus land use planning initiative, and how the university’s built environment might change over the next 20-30 years. The FutureVU Expo featured interactive exhibits—including posters, diagrams, historic and current photographs, maps...