Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt

@evolutionvu

Building a world-class center for evolution in the heart of Tennessee. Wish us luck. Opinions belong to Andy and not VU.

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Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt@evolutionvu· 5d

Congratulations to ESI alum @bryangitschlag.bsky.social, who is opening a lab this fall at the Univ. S. Carolina. Bryan's PhD at Vandy (Patel lab) characterized how "cheater" mitochondrial DNA persists in populations despite reducing host fitness. Bryan's now hiring!

Bryan Gitschlag smiles at the camera while seated in a laboratory with research equipment softly blurred in the background. They have shoulder-length dark hair tucked beneath a purple and teal patterned headscarf, a short beard, and wear a dark gray collared shirt with a turquoise beaded necklace. A South Carolina postage stamp featuring a Carolina wren appears in the upper left corner, and a stylized mitochondrion illustration is in the lower left, indicating the post highlights their work in South Carolina and mitochondrial research.

Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt@evolutionvu· 6d

A team led by Research Assistant Prof David Rinker has harnessed ML to tackle the tricky issue of drug resistance in fungi. They’ve figured out how to pinpoint the vulnerabilities in pathogens, helping predict which drugs may be effective. See more on our home page #Evolution

Circular phylogenetic tree showing evolutionary relationships among hundreds of yeast species analyzed in the study. Branches are colored by fungal order, and concentric colored rings around the outside indicate whether each species is resistant to seven antifungal drugs: fluconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, terbinafine, caspofungin, 5-fluorocytosine, and amphotericin B. The visualization illustrates that antifungal resistance occurs across many evolutionary lineages rather than being confined to a single group.

Group photo of the Rokas Lab in 2023, showing 11 researchers standing on the steps beneath a stone archway. Three people in the center are shown in color while the rest of the image is in black and white. Large text at the top reads "Rokas Lab 2023," with the names "Rinker," "Rokas," and "Harrison" identifying the three highlighted researchers.

Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt@evolutionvu· 12d

Evolution is easier to understand when you can hold it in your hands. Dr. Tiffiny Tung uses anatomical teaching models to help students explore human anatomy, biological variation, and the evidence anthropologists use to study our past. #Evolution Photo credit: John Russell

Dr. Tiffiny Tung leads a hands-on anthropology lesson with students in Vanderbilt's Osteology Lab. She holds a hominin skull model while students examine additional skulls and skeletal teaching models around a laboratory table. Human and non-human primate skeletons are visible in the background, illustrating the use of comparative anatomy to teach human evolution, biological variation, and anthropology.

Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt@evolutionvu· 19d

Dr. @joelmcglothlin.bsky.social got his start as an undergraduate with David McCauley. Today he's a Professor at Virginia Tech studying quantitative genetics and the #evolution of complex traits. He's also the Reviews Editor for Proc B. It's always fun to see where our alumni's careers take them!

Portrait of evolutionary biologist Joel McGlothlin smiling at the camera against a background of pink Silene alba (white campion) flowers. The graphic includes his name in the upper left. The flowers reference McGlothlin's undergraduate honors research at Vanderbilt, where he studied gene flow in Silene alba before going on to a career in evolutionary genetics.

Illustration of the McCauley Lab's academic family tree. At the base of a stylized green tree is Vanderbilt evolutionary biologist David McCauley, shown in a historical photograph working with laboratory equipment. Three former students branch from the tree above him, with Joel McGlothlin highlighted in color at the center and two additional alumni shown in black and white on either side. The title "The McCauley Lab Family Tree" appears in the lower right, illustrating how mentorship has helped shape multiple generations of evolutionary biologists.

Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt@evolutionvu· 26d

🌍 We're excited to welcome back ESI alum Brandt Gibson (UT Martin) to this year's Evolutionary Studies Retreat! His research explores Earth's earliest animals and the environments that shaped the evolution of complex life. #Evolution

Community spotlight graphic featuring Brandt Gibson, an Evolutionary Studies Initiative alumnus and upcoming retreat speaker. He is seated in a laboratory or office, smiling at the camera while holding a fossil specimen in both hands. The background is softly blurred, showing a computer workstation and fossil casts on shelves. Curved banners at the top and bottom read "ESI ALUM!" and "RETREAT SPEAKER!" respectively, highlighting his return to speak at the Evolutionary Studies Retreat.

Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt@evolutionvu· 29d

CRISPR may have started as a tool used by "jumping genes" to help themselves survive and spread through genomes. Research from Chance Meers explores the evolutionary origins of one of biology's most important molecular tools. #Evolution 🧬

Promotional graphic highlighting CRISPR and genome editing research. The top half features the word "CRISPR" in large white letters against a blue background filled with interconnected network patterns and stylized DNA illustrations. The bottom half shows a portrait of Vanderbilt researcher Chance Meers alongside a DNA double helix being cut and modified by metallic molecular tools, representing gene editing. The image combines themes of genetics, molecular evolution, and biotechnology to illustrate research on the evolutionary origins of CRISPR systems.

Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt@evolutionvu· Jul 13

Arctic and Antarctic fish live in waters cold enough to freeze blood. Many evolved special antifreeze proteins that prevent ice crystals from forming. The surprising part? These proteins evolved independently in different fish lineages on opposite ends of the planet! #Evolution

Illustration of a fish swimming in front of a globe, representing fish species from opposite polar regions. Two containers labeled "Antifreeze Proteins," one blue and one green, float on either side of the fish. The different colored containers symbolize antifreeze proteins that evolved independently in separate fish lineages living in Arctic and Antarctic waters. The image illustrates convergent evolution, where different organisms develop similar adaptations to survive similar environmental challenges.

Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt@evolutionvu· Jul 10

We've been sharing science all summer long: PEQG, GRCs, SSE, SMBE... so much Evolution. We're incredibly proud of the work by our trainees and grateful for the chance to connect with so many new colleagues, collaborators, and friends along the way. #Evolution

Collage of photos from a scientific conference exhibit hall featuring the Vanderbilt Evolutionary Studies Initiative booth. Multiple images show students, researchers, and attendees discussing evolution-related research and outreach materials. Visitors browse books, posters, stickers, hats, and educational displays at the booth, while other photos show conference networking and scientific presentations. The collage includes images of attendees interacting with Vanderbilt representatives, a crowded conference reception area, and displays of evolution-themed books and materials. The scrapbook-style design uses torn paper textures and layered photographs to highlight community engagement and science outreach.

Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt@evolutionvu· Jul 9

Did you know Vanderbilt once had its own Natural History Museum? Among its most impressive displays was a 23-foot plesiosaur cast bringing prehistoric life to campus. Today, we're working to preserve and share this fascinating history. #ThrowbackThursday #TBT #Evolution

Display case from Vanderbilt's 150 Years of Evolution at Vanderbilt exhibit. The exhibit includes photographs and artifacts related to the university's historic Natural History Museum, including an image of the museum interior and a photograph of visitors standing beside a 23-foot plesiosaur cast that once hung on display. Historical documents, scientific publications, and interpretive materials highlight the role of museum collections and faculty in teaching evolution and natural history at Vanderbilt.

Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt@evolutionvu· Jul 7

After ~10 weeks of near-daily posting, we've crunched the numbers! Starting the week of July 20, our recurring content will be: BlueSky - ESI Life at VU Fridays New Research will continue to be posted across all channels, usually on Wednesdays. *Image generated in ChatGPT

After approximately 10 weeks of posting, engagement data were analyzed to determine which types of content perform best on each social media platform. Going forward, Facebook will feature Fun Fact Mondays and Throwback Thursdays. Instagram will feature ESI Life at Vanderbilt Fridays and Research Tuesdays. BlueSky will feature ESI Life at Vanderbilt Fridays. Twitter/X will feature Fun Fact Mondays. LinkedIn will feature Fun Fact Mondays, Research Tuesdays, and ESI Life at Vanderbilt Fridays. New Research posts will continue to be shared across all platforms, usually on Wednesdays. The graphic emphasizes that different platforms have different audiences, so content is being tailored to each platform based on engagement data.

Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt@evolutionvu· Jul 7

🦥 Giant ground sloths weren't just Ice Age curiosities. Research from VU's DREAM Lab suggests different species filled unique ecological roles, from digging for underground foods to shaping vegetation. When they disappeared, ecosystems lost more than species. #Evolution

Two researchers stand behind a display table filled with fossils, replica bones, skulls, and Ice Age animal models. One person holds a large saber-toothed cat skull with prominent canine teeth, while the other holds a fossil specimen. The table includes a woolly mammoth plush toy, skeletal casts, and educational materials related to extinct mammals. In the foreground, a cartoon giant ground sloth illustration has been added to the image, connecting the display to research on extinct Ice Age megafauna. The scene appears to be part of a science outreach or educational event focused on paleontology and evolutionary history.

Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt@evolutionvu· Jul 6

Nylon didn't exist before 1935, but some bacteria evolved enzymes capable of breaking down nylon manufacturing byproducts within just a few decades. A remarkable example of evolution responding to a completely new environment created by humans. #Evolution -- e.g., Okada et al. (1983)

Humorous illustration showing cartoon purple bacteria inside a clothing store. Several oversized nylon stockings and tights hang from a display rack, while a large cartoon bacterium appears to be chewing on one of the stockings. Two smaller bacteria float nearby with surprised expressions. The image playfully represents nylon-eating bacteria, microbes that evolved the ability to break down nylon manufacturing byproducts after the invention of synthetic nylon in the twentieth century.

Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt@evolutionvu· Jul 3

About a year ago we were honored with the Friend of Darwin Award from the @ncse.bsky.social. The award recognizes contributions to evolution education and public understanding of science. Thank you to all the folks who helped make this possible. #Evolution #ScienceEducation

Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt@evolutionvu· Jul 2

This #ThrowbackThursday we're highlighting James Merrill Safford, who helped establish Natural History and Geology at Vanderbilt, built scientific collections, and spent decades documenting Tennessee's geology and natural resources. A foundational figure in Vanderbilt science. 🪨 #Evolution

Black-and-white historical composite portrait of James Merrill Safford, an early Vanderbilt geologist and natural historian. Safford is shown from the chest up in formal nineteenth-century attire with a neatly trimmed beard and bow tie. Behind him is a historic Vanderbilt campus building partially obscured by leafless trees. Along the left side of the image stands the spine of a book titled Geology of Tennessee by Safford, emphasizing his contributions to the study of Tennessee's geology. The overall design evokes Vanderbilt's scientific history and Safford's role in establishing natural history and geological research at the university.

Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt@evolutionvu· Jun 30

🐎 Horses evolved a genetic trick thought to exist only in viruses — and it may explain how they became the ultimate athletes. Research from the Castiglione Lab shows equids repurpose a genetic "stop" signal into a performance enhancer. Finding could help treat human diseases.

A humorous composite image showing a brown horse in a green field with its mouth wide open as if laughing, head thrown back dramatically. A researcher — Dr. Gianni Castiglione, wearing a light gray button-down shirt and glasses — is composited onto the horse's back as if riding it. In the lower left corner, a red stop sign is partially visible, referencing the study's finding that horses evolved to ignore a genetic "stop" signal. Mountains and trees are visible in the background.

Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt@evolutionvu· Jun 29

⚡ The #mitochondria in your cells were once free-living bacteria. ~2 billion years ago one got swallowed by a larger cell and never left. That ancient partnership is why complex life — including you — exists at all. #Endosymbiosis: one of #evolution's greatest plot twists.

A composite image illustrating endosymbiosis and cellular biology. The background shows a dramatic 3D rendering of large purple cells engulfing smaller green and pink microorganisms, representing a cell consuming bacteria. In the upper left, a flat cartoon diagram of a eukaryotic cell shows its internal organelles including the nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and other structures against a blue background. In the lower right, a close-up cartoon illustration of a single mitochondrion shows its characteristic folded inner membrane structure in teal and yellow. Together the images visually connect the ancient engulfment event to the modern cell organelle it produced.

Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt@evolutionvu· Jun 29

We're here at the @official-smbe.bsky.social conference! Stop by and say hi

A stand up virtual banner showing exhibitors at SMBE including Evolutionary Studies

A brown faced seagull bird standing on a table

A white necked pigeon strutting underneath a table.

Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt@evolutionvu· Jun 26

📢 The 2027 J.T. Scopes Lecture (3/10) speaker is Dr. C. Brandon Ogbunu — computational biologist, Yale professor, National Academies science communication award winner, and all-around force in evolutionary biology. Free and open to the public. #ScopesLecture #Evolution

A smiling man in a dark blazer and light blue shirt stands confidently with his hands behind his back. He is composited against a collage of historical newspaper headlines referencing the 1925 Scopes Trial and debates over teaching evolution, including headlines reading "Scopes: Society doomed when education fails," "House Votes to Prohibit Teaching Evolution in States," "Evolution Law Justified Says Vanderbilt Prof," "Is Bible True?," "Dr. Reinke Speaks on Factors of Evolution," and "Science Academy's Brief Quotes Two Vandy Professors." The image contrasts a contemporary scientist with the century-old controversy his lecture series commemorates.

Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt@evolutionvu· Jun 25

🔭 #ThrowbackThursday: Edwin Reinke joined Vanderbilt in 1913, headed the Biology Department, and eventually built a field station in the North Carolina mountains. The Highlands Biological Station opened in 1929. It is still training scientists today. His name is on the library.

A composite promotional image for the E. E. Reinke Library at the Highlands Biological Station. The background shows a dark, blurred close-up of book spines on library shelves. In the upper left, the logos of Western Carolina University and the Highlands Biological Station are displayed. In the upper right, a stylized illustration of layered blue-purple mountain ridges with silhouetted pine trees serves as a backdrop for a historical photograph of Edwin Eustace Reinke, a formally dressed older man in a three-piece suit holding a hat at his side. Text at the bottom reads "Highlands Biological Station" and "E. E. Reinke Library" in large white letters.

Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt@evolutionvu· Jun 23

🐘 Elephant pregnancies: ~22 months. Mouse pregnancies: ~3 weeks. The difference is not just about being big. Research from Theo Danis & Antonis Rokas analyzed 845 mammal species and found gestation length is not just a body size story — it shapes and is shaped by many life history traits. #Evolution

A large African elephant with ears spread wide stands in tall green savanna grass, facing the camera directly. In the lower right foreground, a small gray mouse sits at the elephant's feet, dramatically illustrating the size difference between two mammals with vastly different gestation lengths.

Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt@evolutionvu· Jun 23

What if air pollution is quietly shrinking the growing season? Former ESI postdoc Hao Yin (Lin Meng Lab) and colleagues found that ground-level ozone can delay spring growth, accelerate autumn decline, and reduce plant productivity across large regions. #Evolution

Illustration showing the effects of ozone pollution on leaves. Several ozone (O₃) molecules and arrows point toward a healthy green leaf on the left. An arrow then points from the green leaf to a brown, senescing leaf on the right, representing accelerated aging and decline caused by ozone exposure. The background is blue.

Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt@evolutionvu· Jun 22

🐟 Did you know sometimes #evolution hits the "undo" button? Mexican blind cavefish have lost their eyes from living in pitch-black caves. But when populations are mixed, offspring can grow functional eyes again! Eye genes are still there, just on mute! 🦎 #Cavefish

Diagram showing the evolutionary transition of a fish entering a cave environment. A sighted surface fish (top) with visible eyes and reddish-brown coloring is shown entering a cave (middle), represented by a dark band with stalactites and stalagmites. The cave-adapted fish in the center is pale and eyeless. A second arrow leads downward to a bottom fish that appears to have partially regained eye structure, illustrating the potential for eye re-evolution when blind cave populations are crossed. Gold arrows indicate the directional flow of evolutionary change.

Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt@evolutionvu· Jun 21

Beautiful end to a wonderful opening night at #Evol2026 -- as ever, Neil Shubin delivered a great talk. Remember to visit our booth! #Cleveland #Evolution

Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt@evolutionvu· Jun 19

🐒 #DarwinDay 2027 is going to be incredible. We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Jenny Tung —MacArthur Fellow, NAS member, Director of Primate Behavior & #Evolution at the Max Planck Institute —on 2/17/27. Her work on how social environments shape genes is genuinely extraordinary.

An illustrated HMS Beagle sailing ship floats on a bright blue ocean against a clear sky. The ship's sails each feature a different illustration: a zebra finch, a monkey, a zebra finch on the left mast, and a green iguana on a smaller sail to the right. One central sail features a cartoon of elderly Charles Darwin holding a candle with thought bubbles showing a bird, a rat, and a tortoise. A portrait photo of Dr. Jenny Tung, smiling and wearing a rust-colored top, is composited into one of the central sails. Two small bird heads peek out from the tops of the masts. The name "HMS Beagle" is written in gold lettering on the hull of the ship.

Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt@evolutionvu· Jun 18

Ilda McVeigh trained as a botanist and accidentally became one of Vandy's pioneering microbiologists. Her work on antibiotic resistance and fungal pathogens in the 1950s and 60s was decades ahead of its time. #ThrowbackThursday

A vintage sepia-toned photograph of Ilda McVeigh working at a laboratory bench has been composited into a modern laboratory setting. McVeigh, an older woman with white curly hair and glasses, wears a lab coat and holds a small vial while looking toward the camera with a slight smile. A cartoon illustrated potted plant with round leaves sits on the bench beside her, representing her botanical training. A small illustrated purple spiky microbe sits on the bench in the foreground, representing her pivot to microbiology. Illustrated green vines and a small potted plant are visible along the top edges of the image.

Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt@evolutionvu· Jun 16

Female birds sing — and new research from Vanderbilt's Creanza Lab explains why. Dr. Kate Snyder analyzed 1,000+ songbird species and found cooperative breeding and female song reinforce each other over evolutionary time. Social bonds shape song. 🐦🎶

Two women stand smiling in a sunny wildflower meadow with a lush green tree line in the background. The woman on the left has dark curly hair and is wearing a black zip-up cardigan, with a laptop visible in front of her. The woman on the right has light brown hair and is wearing a black button-up shirt. Surrounding them are four illustrated singing birds with musical notes: a red cardinal in the upper left, a blue jay in the upper right, a Baltimore oriole on the right, and a brown sparrow or lark in the lower left. A treble clef and flowing musical staff with notes floats above them against the blue sky.

Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt@evolutionvu· Jun 15

Humans have 2 sex chromosomes. The platypus has 10 built up over 190MY through a chain of accidents. And they share genes with both the human X AND the bird Z chromosome. Maybe mammal and bird sex systems did not evolve as independently as we thought? 🦆🧬 #Evolution

A cute cartoon platypus with rosy cheeks and wide eyes stands in a confident pose against a background of large 3D-rendered blue chromosomes filling the frame. The chromosomes are shown in their characteristic X-shaped form, rendered in deep blue against a teal underwater-toned background. The cartoon platypus has a brown beaver-like tail, a duck bill, and small clawed front paws held close to its body.

Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt@evolutionvu· Jun 12

Vanderbilt's Owen Jones just released Force of Nature — arguing that natural selection's logic is already being used to design antennas, treat cancer, and create adhesives. Evolution is not just history. It is a tool. 🧬

Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt@evolutionvu· Jun 12

Just saw a great session at #PEQG26 with Bryan Gitschlag and Brandon Ogbunu. Really cool work!

Three black tailed deer on a paved trail in a sandy dune outside a cabin

Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt@evolutionvu· Jun 11

Dave McCauley spent 35 years overturning assumptions about how populations evolve. 1st w/ beetles; finding that single females could found entire new populations. Then w/ plants; discovering that mitochondrial DNA is more dynamic and variable than expected.