Vanderbilt researchers have discovered a novel mechanism for the development of dendritic spines – sites of nerve cell communication.

The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center is celebrating 50 years of transforming the lives of people with disabilities through discovery, service and training.

The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center will welcome Autism Partnership founder and co-director John McEachin, Ph.D., on Monday, Feb. 23, at 4:10 p.m. as he presents a lecture titled “Helping Children with ASD Become More Responsive Learners.” A reception will be held following the lecture.

A genetic predisposition to Parkinson’s disease makes neurons more vulnerable to the toxicity of heavy metals such as copper.

Although heteromeric dopamine receptors composed of both D1 and D2 subunits have been proposed to play a role in depression and schizophrenia, recent studies suggest these heteromers do not exist.

The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center will celebrate 50 years of transforming lives in 2015 with lectures by AUCD Executive Director Andrew Imparato and Special Olympics Chairman and CEO Timothy Shriver.

Electricity, learning, marijuana, outer space and planet Earth were the hot topics of 2014.