Aliquots - Research Briefs

May 5, 2011

Stents relieve post-infection problem

Placing stents in blood vessels can provide long-term relief from rare complications of a fungal lung infection.

By VUMC News and Communications
April 13, 2011

Mouse study offers clues for childhood obesity

An obesity-associated genetic variation makes fatty food more rewarding yet less satisfying, new research in mice suggests.

By VUMC News and Communications
Heart illustration thumbnail
April 1, 2011

Gene ups risk for needing pacemaker

Researchers have identified a gene that increases the risk for developing sick sinus syndrome – the most common cause for implanting a cardiac pacemaker.

By Leigh MacMillan
March 18, 2011

Protein combos keep cells straight

Researchers define the protein interactions that establish our organs’ lining.

By VUMC News and Communications
March 18, 2011

Spying on shape-shifting enzyme

New molecular views of an enzyme may inform therapies for neurological, psychiatric or cardiac diseases.

By VUMC News and Communications
March 17, 2011

Smell test tells disorders apart

Patients with certain autonomic nervous system disorders have impaired odor identification, which could aid in diagnosis.

By Leigh MacMillan
March 7, 2011

Enzyme protects against inflamed colon

Increasing an enzyme required for a type of colon tissue may help dampen inflammation, a known risk factor for colon cancer.
By VUMC News and Communications
March 4, 2011

Chasing Foxd3’s role in stem cells

Researchers use genetic manipulations in mice and single-cell analyses to help explain stem cell regulation.
By Leigh MacMillan
March 3, 2011

Worm gene function? Check the map.

New gene expression atlas created for roundworms provides a basis for establishing roles for individual genes in the development of specific cell types.
By Leigh MacMillan
March 2, 2011

A better picture of bone strength

A component of some MRI scans reveals that "soft" components, like collagen and collagen-bound water, are important players in bone strength.
By VUMC News and Communications
February 22, 2011

Protein ‘scissors’ cut path for cancer

The protein matriptase "cuts" a key component of the prostate tissue barrier and may be involved in prostrate cancer progression, new research finds.
By Leigh MacMillan
February 17, 2011

Getting left-right asymmetry right

The protein Nodal has been found to hold the keys to vertebrate asymmetry.
By Leigh MacMillan
February 16, 2011

Integrin curbs cancer’s spread

Cell surface molecules called integrins have been found to play an important role when cancer metastasizes.
By VUMC News and Communications