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New Research Reveals Surprising Dietary Similarities Among Saber-Toothed Cats—Plus, Join Us for a Special Kids’ Day Event at Bridgestone Arena!

Apr. 4, 2025—Nashville, TN – April 4, 2025 – A innovative study led by researchers from ��һ��ݶ� sheds new light on the dietary ecology of the iconic saber-toothed cat, Smilodon. The study, published in a special issue on sabertoothed organisms in The Anatomical Record, reveals that Smilodon fatalis and Smilodon gracilis—two species that lived thousands to...

Castiglione Lab Discover Horses Run Faster by Ignoring an Ancient Mutation that Says ‘Stop’

Mar. 27, 2025—By Andy Flick, Evolutionary Studies scientific coordinator Evolution often makes a deal with the devil, creating challenges for treating human disease. By mass, the muscles of thoroughbred racehorses consume more than twice the oxygen of elite human athletes. Yet, oxygen produces free radicals, which damage organ tissues. Balancing energy production with oxidative stress is also...

Illustrated depiction of a vintage classroom with wooden desks, shelves filled with books, and a large globe on a stand. The walls feature tall windows with natural light streaming in. The text overlay reads: 'Examining the Scopes ‘Monkey’ Trial 100 years later; Dialogue Vanderbilt to host events.'

Examining the Scopes ‘Monkey’ Trial 100 years later; Dialogue Vanderbilt to host events

Jan. 28, 2025—

Ken Catania sitting in his office holding a staff with a skull reproduction.

Vanderbilt Researcher Finds Jewel Wasp Cocoons Can Withstand Cannibalism

Nov. 15, 2024 ��һ��ݶ�—By Andy Flick, Evolutionary Studies scientific coordinator New research from Ken Catania, Stevenson Professor of Biological Sciences, shows another incredible result. The “Cocoon of the Developing Emerald Jewel Wasp (Ampulex compressa) Resists Cannibalistic Predation of the Zombified Host” was published in Brain, Behavior, and Evolution. Catania’s research program focuses on the weird in nature. His...

A group of people is seated on a brightly patterned mat inside a rustic room. A local man smiles and waves at the camera, while others, including two researchers using tablet devices, sit nearby. The background includes personal belongings and a small fan, giving the space a homely feel.

Beyond the Thrifty Genotype: Examining Evolutionary Hypotheses for Modern Metabolic Health

Nov. 12, 2024 ��һ��ݶ�—By: Andy Flick, Evolutionary Studies Scientific Coordinator A new review co-led by graduate students Layla Brassington and Audrey Arner of the Lea Lab discusses the formulation of the popular and impactful Thrifty Genotype Hypothesis. This hypothesis, proposed by James Neel in 1962, suggests that fat deposition and energy conservation were once useful traits in times...

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The Legacy of Chancellor Kirkland: Education, Evolution, and the Scopes Trial

Sep. 27, 2024 ��һ��ݶ�—By: Neomi Chen, Evolutionary Studies communications assistant Chancellor James Hampton Kirkland was a significant figure in the education landscape of the early 20th century, particularly recognized for his leadership of ��һ��ݶ� after the 1925 Scopes Trial. His views on evolution and education were instrumental in shaping the discourse around these topics at ��һ��ݶ�...