One of the ways we defend ourselves against bacterial foes is to "hide" their food, particularly the metals they crave. A multi-disciplinary team led by Vanderbilt University investigators has now discovered that a protein inside certain immune system cells blocks the growth of "staph" bacteria by sopping up manganese and zinc.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center investigators have identified new molecular indicators ó or "biomarkers" ó of aging in the skin that could be used to evaluate anti-aging therapies. Their findings are reported in this month's Journal of Investigative Dermatology.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder with both genetic and environmental risk factors that affects the lives of thousands of children and adults and their families. Catherine Lord, Ph.D., professor of psychology and psychiatry and director of the University of Michigan Autism and Communication Disorders Center, will be giving a lecture on autism and the importance of early diagnosis as part of Vanderbilt University's Brain Awareness Month.

Beginning at 1 p.m. today, the Middle Tennessee Medical Reserve Corps (MTMRC) will open a warehouse within the Nashville Municipal Auditorium, located on James Robertson Parkway in downtown Nashville, to receive personal items as well as medical supplies to assist hurricane disaster relief efforts. Beginning tomorrow, warehouse hours will be 7 a.m.-7 p.m. each day.