Research Tools

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Recent FDA approvals have spurred the demand for viral vector products,prompting the need for more efficient bioproduction methods. In this context,Vanderbilt researchers have engineered a new cell line with significantlyenhanced viral production capabilities compared to traditional cell lines. Thisinnovation is expected to lead to substantial cost savings in viral vectorproduction and improved viral products, two key advantages in the industry.

Researchers at Vanderbilt University designed an instrument capable of higher accuracy and analyzing lick microstructure compared to current available models. This device is compatible with classic ventilated home cages, making it easy to build and use with an intuitive touchscreen graphical user interface. The system tracks two-bottle choice licking behavior in up to 18 rodent cages, or 36 single bottles, on a minute-to-minute timescale controlled by a single Arduino microcontroller. Ultimately, the system measures drinking preference over time and changes in bout microstructure, with undisturbed recordings lasting up to 7 days.

A team of researchers at Vanderbilt University has developed a method of manipulating the circadian clock of cyanobacteria. This biological manipulation is used to increase gene expression in target genes that produce biofuel and high-value bioproducts, such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics from precursor-expressing genes. Altering the circadian rhythm in the bacteria provides an improved approach to bioproduct development on a large scale using sunlight as a zero--cost energy solution.

A Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC) containing the mouseSlc5a7 gene was used to make transgenic mice. Mice show elevated choline transporter and acetylcholine levels and increased treadmill endurance.