January, 2019
Nanoparticle targets tumor-infiltrating immune cells, flips switch telling them to fight
Jan. 21, 2019—New research builds on Nobel-winning immune checkpoint blockade work Immunotherapy’s promise in the fight against cancer drew international attention after two scientists won a Nobel Prize this year for unleashing the ability of the immune system to eliminate tumor cells. But their approach, which keeps cancer cells from shutting off the immune system’s powerful T-cells...
Weekend inventors will build tech for people with disabilities
Jan. 18, 2019—Tikkun Olam Makers at Vanderbilt to host 48-hour makeathon starting today Teams of makers will race the clock this weekend to create innovative solutions to the problems facing those living with disabilities in Nashville and beyond. Beginning Friday, Jan. 18, at 5 p.m., 14 teams will have 48 hours to “make a difference” as part...
Engineering and Science building recognized for green design
Jan. 18, 2019—The Engineering and Science Building has been awarded gold LEED status by the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, status is the rating system used to rank buildings of all types as certified, silver, gold or platinum based on the building’s environmental and cost-saving green features. “Receiving gold status...
Stress fractures and running wearables: The mistake that could mean injuries
Jan. 17, 2019—Engineer, NFL Players Association adviser find issue with running sensors It starts as a persistent and irritating pain in the foot or lower leg, then it gets more intense, maybe with swelling, and soon a runner knows she’s being sidelined by one of the most common running injuries: a stress fracture. These tiny cracks in...
CS professor co-teaches course on ethics of artificial intelligence
Jan. 16, 2019—Written by Associate Professor of Computer Science and Computer Engineering Doug Fisher and Assistant Professor of English Haerin Shin Over the past decade, Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology has progressed in leaps and bounds, becoming a key fabric of our everyday lives and oft-mentioned in our popular discourse. Even as tech-enthusiasts such as Ray Kurzweil envision...
Civil engineering alumna named CEO of national trade association
Jan. 15, 2019—Audrey Copeland, PhD’07, has been named the next president and CEO of the National Asphalt Pavement Association. She will assume the new role at the NAPA 2019 annual meeting Jan. 20-23. NAPA is the only national trade association focused exclusively on the interests of asphalt pavement mix producers and paving contractors. During a transition period,...
Global standards organization awards scholarship to materials science doctoral student
Jan. 14, 2019—Interdisciplinary materials science doctoral student Andrew Tonigan has been awarded a $10,000 ASTM International scholarship for his graduate studies in a field where technical standards play a crucial role. He is one of four scholarship winners. The other recipients are from the University of Alabama, McGill University and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. ASTM International, formerly...
Research team documents potential new treatment path for breast cancer
Jan. 13, 2019—Immunotherapies that take off the “brakes” on the adaptive anti-tumor response have worked well in melanoma and lung cancer but less so in breast cancers. That could change. A Vanderbilt team led by John Wilson, assistant professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering, and Rebecca Cook, associate professor of cell and developmental biology, activated innate immunity...