Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt
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evolutionvu.bsky.social
Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt
@evolutionvu.bsky.social
1.1K followers 1.1K following 140 posts
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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evolutionvu.bsky.social
Welsey Roberts presents his evidence that teaching #evolution works and it doesn't have to be religion OR evolution. @ncse.bsky.social #teaching #scicomm
November 4, 2025 at 2:56 PM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
What can we learn from Natural History Museums? @corriemoreau.bsky.social gives some examples! #evolution #scicomm #museums @ncse.bsky.social
October 30, 2025 at 1:22 PM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
Giant ground sloths were ecosystem engineers whose disappearance reshaped the landscapes they once roamed. A new study from the DeSantis Lab reveals how diverse these megaherbivores’ diets were. @vuartsci.bsky.social #Evolution
Read more: https://loom.ly/oY_Gtzo
A promotional graphic announcing new research titled “Lost Giants, Lost Functions” from Biology Letters. In the center is a screenshot of the article webpage, showing the title “Lost giants, lost functions: palaeodietary insights into the ecological niches of Pleistocene ground sloths” by Aditya Kurre and Larisa R.G. DeSantis, published on October 22, 2025. On the left, Adi Kurre appears in graduation attire, and on the right, Larisa DeSantis holds a fossil specimen. The background is a watercolor forest scene. Below, there are three illustrations: a smiling modern sloth, a stylized brown prehistoric ground sloth, and a skeletal reconstruction of a large extinct sloth. Text at the top reads “New Research Alert! Lost Giants, Lost Functions.”
October 23, 2025 at 1:20 PM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
If you're in #Nashville this weekend, come see us at Fossils at the Fort this Saturday at Fort Negley from 10am - 1pm! #Evolution
A wide slide with two photos and orange text reading Fossils at the Fort (Negley) 10am - 1pm. Photos are both of the grassy area near the fence with a table set up with evolution-y stuff and folks from evolutionary studies leading outreach activities.
October 21, 2025 at 7:30 PM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
Given how well these videos do on Instagram, I thought I'd share one here, too! A #FossilFriday clip with @stevebrusatte.bsky.social. T. rex had feathers, but not for flying. #Evolution #Scopes100 #Dinosaurs @ncse.bsky.social
October 17, 2025 at 12:55 PM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
New Research!
Lin Meng shows that urban vegetation leafs out ~12 days earlier and holds leaves ~11 days later. This may help cool cities but longer growing seasons can increase frost damage and may prolong allergy seasons. Read More >> https://loom.ly/KWziaxI
#Evolution #Phenology #Trees
Map of the contiguous United States at night showing artificial light levels as bright pink and yellow clusters, concentrated around cities such as Minneapolis, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, which are highlighted in zoomed-in boxes. A color bar shows light intensity (ALAN) from dark to bright. At the bottom right, Lin Meng is pictured smiling, wearing glasses and a white shirt. Below is the quote: 'Our research shows that local urban conditions, like artificial light at night, substantially reshape plant responses.' – Lin Meng.
September 30, 2025 at 1:52 PM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
Eis: machine learning to reverse-engineer #evolution. Brassington (@amandalea.bsky.social): Evolutionary mismatch. Rose: Genome-scale models. Bruder (@megbehri.bsky.social): Computational & experimental microbial evolution.
September 26, 2025 at 8:36 PM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
Genes for desert survival discovered! New study by @amandalea.bsky.social w/ Turkana community shows how #evolution shaped their ability to thrive in extreme heat & water scarcity. @vuartsci.bsky.social https://loom.ly/4cFtYKo
Amanda Lea, standing with a microphone, presents research in front of a projected slide to a seated audience. The slide shows images and text describing projects, including the Turkana Health and Genomics Project. Below the photo, on a yellow-orange gradient background, a quote reads, “Working with transitioning populations can lead to new models for understanding how present-day environments interact with past adaptations.” – Amanda Lea. A stylized black DNA strand curves vertically along the right edge of the banner. Traditional Turkana huts dot a dry, dusty landscape under a bright blue sky. Small clusters of round, thatched huts sit on a flat, sandy plain with sparse shrubs and distant trees. The Kenyan flag in the shape of the country is placed in the lower right corner, and text above reads, “The Turkana homeland stretches across a vast arid landscape in northern Kenya where shade is rare and water even rarer.” A warm gradient banner at the bottom credits the photo to Julien Ayroles. Three Turkana individuals walk away from the camera across a sandy landscape at sunset, two carrying yellow jerrycans balanced on their heads. The sky glows with soft orange, pink, and purple hues fading into blue. The text in the lower left reads, “Turkana carrying water back to their households (photo credit Michel Mata).”
September 18, 2025 at 7:33 PM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
All three of Ken's videos did really well on TikTok, here's the one that did the best!

Quotes for the back of the book can come from unexpected places, explains #biologist Ken Miller. #Evolution #Scopes100 @ncse.bsky.social
September 16, 2025 at 1:33 PM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
For @omearabrian.bsky.social, the only one who seems to have wanted videos here... Here's another talk that did well on TikTok. It's Marlene Zuk talking about Prickle Princesses! #DogSky #Evolution #Behavior
September 11, 2025 at 11:04 PM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
ALL the full talks from #Scopes100 are available on our YouTube playlist: https://loom.ly/4IBdeAk

@ncse.bsky.social #Evolution
September 8, 2025 at 1:23 PM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
All talks from Session VI: The Relationship of #Evolution and Religion are online! https://loom.ly/4IBdeAk

@ncse.bsky.social @lizbarnes.bsky.social @revbatgirl.bsky.social
Photo of Jamie Jensen smiling while giving a talk. Text reads: Jamie Jensen – Reconciling Evolution and Belief. Logos for Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt, NCSE (National Center for Science Education), and Vanderbilt University appear at the bottom. Photo of Katy Hinman speaking at a podium with a remote in hand. Slide text reads “Katy Hinman — Science and (not versus) Religion.” Logos for Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt, NCSE (National Center for Science Education), and Vanderbilt University appear along the bottom, with a small chalkboard graphic labeled “Science / Religion” at right. Photo of Liz Barnes speaking with hands raised mid-point, wearing a gray blazer and black shirt. Slide text reads “Liz Barnes — Promoting Harmony between Religion and Evolution.” Logos for Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt, NCSE (National Center for Science Education), and Vanderbilt University appear along the bottom; a small signpost graphic at right shows “Muslim,” “Catholic,” “Buddhist,” and “Atheist.” Photo of Lee Meadows speaking, one hand raised, wearing glasses and a blue plaid jacket. Slide text reads “Lee Meadows — Inclusive Approaches to Teaching Evolution.” Logos for Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt, NCSE (National Center for Science Education), and Vanderbilt University appear along the bottom, with a small Nashville skyline photo at right.
September 5, 2025 at 1:11 PM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
How do you teach #evolution where faith is central? Lee Meadows shares classroom-tested practices that lower conflict and keep students engaged with the evidence: https://loom.ly/_TfXC_U

#Scopes100 #ScienceAndReligion @ncse.bsky.social
Photo of Lee Meadows speaking, one hand raised, wearing glasses and a blue plaid jacket. Slide text reads “Lee Meadows — Inclusive Approaches to Teaching Evolution.” Logos for Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt, NCSE (National Center for Science Education), and Vanderbilt University appear along the bottom, with a small Nashville skyline photo at right.
September 4, 2025 at 1:07 PM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
Comment or like this post if y'all would like ~1-minute clips from our Scopes "Monkey" Trial Centennial Symposium posted here. We've been putting them on TikTok and Instagram - but perhaps you'd like them here, too! Here's an example clip that did quite well on TT. #Evolution @ncse.bsky.social
September 4, 2025 at 11:19 AM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
How do we lower the “science vs faith” temperature? @lizbarnes.bsky.social shows practical ways to reduce conflict so more students can learn #evolution: https://loom.ly/ljN30oU
@ncse.bsky.social #Scopes100
Photo of Liz Barnes speaking with hands raised mid-point, wearing a gray blazer and black shirt. Slide text reads “Liz Barnes — Promoting Harmony between Religion and Evolution.” Logos for Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt, NCSE (National Center for Science Education), and Vanderbilt University appear along the bottom; a small signpost graphic at right shows “Muslim,” “Catholic,” “Buddhist,” and “Atheist.”
September 3, 2025 at 1:55 PM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
Hear @revbatgirl.bsky.social make the case that science & religion don’t need to be rivals. Watch her #Scopes100 talk: Science and (not versus) Religion: https://loom.ly/YMxW8vA
#Evolution
@ncse.bsky.social
Photo of Katy Hinman speaking at a podium with a remote in hand. Slide text reads “Katy Hinman — Science and (not versus) Religion.” Logos for Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt, NCSE (National Center for Science Education), and Vanderbilt University appear along the bottom, with a small chalkboard graphic labeled “Science / Religion” at right.
September 2, 2025 at 1:42 PM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
Can faith & evolution coexist? Jamie Jensen says yes. 🙌
Her Scopes talk shows how empathy and clear communication can help religious audiences embrace #evolution without losing their beliefs.

Watch her #Scopes100: https://loom.ly/SqX6atE

@ncse.bsky.social
Photo of Jamie Jensen smiling while giving a talk. Text reads: Jamie Jensen – Reconciling Evolution and Belief. Logos for Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt, NCSE (National Center for Science Education), and Vanderbilt University appear at the bottom.
September 1, 2025 at 1:32 PM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
Teaching #evolution takes courage, creativity, and conviction. Hear from Gale Sinatra, @corriemoreau.bsky.social & Wesley Roberts at the #ScopesSymposium. #Scopes100 @ncse.bsky.social

Full talks here: https://loom.ly/4IBdeAk
August 29, 2025 at 1:27 PM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
Wesley Roberts taught biology in Nashville for decades — & even spoke at the TN House in defense of evolution. His #Scopes100 talk “Teaching Evolution in the Bible Belt” is here: https://loom.ly/FjmCKAg
@ncse.bsky.social
Promotional graphic for Wesley Roberts’ Scopes Symposium lecture Teaching Evolution in the Bible Belt. On the left, Roberts is shown speaking in a blue collared shirt with a microphone attached. The text reads “Wesley Roberts – Teaching Evolution in the Bible Belt.” At the bottom are logos for Vanderbilt Evolutionary Studies and the National Center for Science Education, along with a small image of the Tennessee state flag.
August 28, 2025 at 1:55 PM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
Museums aren’t just collections — they’re classrooms. 🦋🏛️
@corriemoreau.bsky.social's #Scopes100 talk shows how exhibits make #evolution accessible & engaging.
https://loom.ly/vFnwcRo

@ncse.bsky.social
Promotional graphic for Corrie Moreau’s Scopes Symposium lecture titled Teaching Evolution through Museum Exhibits. On the left, Moreau is shown speaking at a podium, wearing glasses and a patterned jacket, gesturing with her hands. On the right, text reads “Corrie Moreau – Teaching Evolution through Museum Exhibits.” Logos for Vanderbilt Evolutionary Studies and the National Center for Science Education appear at the bottom, along with a small photo of framed butterfly specimens in a museum display.
August 27, 2025 at 1:37 PM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
Science denial is real — but so are tools for teaching #evolution effectively.
@galesinatra.bsky.social unpacks both in her #Scopes100 talk, now on YouTube: https://loom.ly/8SIzwSA
@ncse.bsky.social
Promotional graphic for Gale Sinatra’s Scopes Symposium lecture Science Denial and Teaching Evolution. Gale Sinatra, wearing glasses and a patterned shirt, stands at a podium speaking with a smile. The text reads “Gale Sinatra – Science Denial and Teaching Evolution.” Logos for Vanderbilt Evolutionary Studies and the National Center for Science Education are at the bottom, along with a small image of two raised hands pressed against glass.
August 26, 2025 at 1:07 PM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
Session IV: The Long Reach of #Evolution is on our YouTube Playlist! https://loom.ly/4IBdeAk
Featuring: Owen Jones, @paulturnerlab.bsky.social & @kamounlab.bsky.social
@ncse.bsky.social
August 25, 2025 at 1:18 PM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
Just posted: @paulturnerlab.bsky.social's #Scopes100 lecture on #EvolutionaryMedicine explores how evolution shapes human health & disease. 🧬💉
https://loom.ly/wLt8lXw
@ncse.bsky.social
Promotional graphic for Paul Turner’s Scopes Symposium lecture titled Evolutionary Medicine. On the left, Turner is shown speaking at a podium, wearing a striped shirt and gesturing with his hand. On the right, the text reads “Paul Turner – Evolutionary Medicine.” Logos for Vanderbilt Evolutionary Studies and the National Center for Science Education appear at the bottom, along with a small photo of a scientist holding a vial.
August 22, 2025 at 1:10 PM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
Just posted: @kamounlab.bsky.social’s lecture on The #Evolution of Plant Disease is now on YouTube! 🌾🧬 Check it out: https://loom.ly/bslHhO0 @ncse.bsky.social #Scopes100
Promotional graphic for a lecture by Sophien Kamoun titled The Evolution of Plant Disease. On the left, Kamoun is shown speaking at a podium, gesturing with one hand. On the right, the text reads “Sophien Kamoun – The Evolution of Plant Disease.” Logos for Vanderbilt Evolutionary Studies and the National Center for Science Education appear at the bottom, along with a small photo of a wheat field.
August 21, 2025 at 1:54 PM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
See @annemakerofhats.bsky.social map the global diversity of #Aspergillus flavus!
300 isolates → 5 genetic populations.
Population D causes most human infections.

Big step toward linking fungal genetics + disease.
https://loom.ly/XulfImI
#Evolution
Diagram showing five genetic populations of Aspergillus flavus. Each population is represented by a colored circle: Population S (orange), Population A (yellow), Population B (blue), Population C (pink), and Population D (purple). Populations C and D overlap, while the others are separated. Black connecting lines indicate genetic relatedness between groups.
August 20, 2025 at 3:05 PM