Health and Medicine

October 15, 2014

Antibiotics, fetal vessel defect linked

Certain antibiotics increase the risk of a congenital heart disorder called patency of the ductus arteriosis.

By VUMC News and Communications
October 14, 2014

Neuronal culprit in genetic disease

A particular neuronal cell population is involved in the pathogenesis of a rare neurological disorder, Vanderbilt researchers have discovered.

By Leigh MacMillan
Jeremy Neal, assistant professor of nursing
October 13, 2014

New faculty: Neal will train next generation of nurse-midwives

Cesarean delivery is the most common major surgery in the United States. Although sometimes necessary for the health of mother or child, Jeremy Neal thinks too many C-sections are done without good rationale, contributing to adverse health outcomes.

By VUMC News and Communications
October 10, 2014

Aspirin and allergies

Drugs such as aspirin and indomethacin may increase sensitivity to airborne allergens by suppressing production of the signaling molecule PGI2, which in turn may offer a new treatment for allergies.

By VUMC News and Communications
October 9, 2014

Neuert receives New Innovator Award from NIH

Vanderbilt University biophysicist Gregor Neuert, Ph.D., M.Eng., is among 50 recipients of the 2014 National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director’s New Innovator Award. Each award provides up to $1.5 million in direct research support over five years.

By Bill Snyder
October 9, 2014

Study finds college athletes more likely to harbor MRSA

College athletes who play contact sports are more than twice as likely to carry the deadly superbug methicillin-resistant Staphylocuccus aureus (MRSA) than peers who play non-contact sports, according to a Vanderbilt study released at IDWeek 2014.

By Craig Boerner
October 9, 2014

Immune cells that guard against ingested pathogens discovered

Vanderbilt investigators have discovered a new type of immune cell residing in the intestinal epithelium that may function as a first line of defense against ingested pathogens.
By Leigh MacMillan
October 9, 2014

Long-range signaling to stem cells

The potential for long-range signaling factors – such as those identified in the current study – to regulate stem cell behaviors has implications in tumor progression and metastasis.
By Leigh MacMillan
October 8, 2014

New faculty: Jordan studies sleep disorders in children

As one of the few board-certified pediatric sleep specialists in the region, Atia Jordan works with a multidisciplinary team to address sleep concerns in an effort to improve the overall health and well-being of her patients.
By Jessica Pasley
October 3, 2014

New faculty: Maxwell studies trauma recovery in older population

Working in trauma and critical care for most of her career, Cathy Maxwell noticed profound differences among older patients and their responses to injury. Her curiosity led her to become a nurse researcher in this area.
By VUMC News and Communications
October 2, 2014

Low-dose aspirin’s protective effect in cancer explained

For years, scientists have known that regular aspirin use may reduce the risk of cancer.
By VUMC News and Communications
October 2, 2014

Traditional healers contribute to HIV care delays: study

If you’re a native of rural Mozambique who contracts HIV and becomes symptomatic, before seeking clinical testing and treatment, you’ll likely consult a traditional healer.
By Paul Govern
October 2, 2014

Team spots key regulator for cholesterol production

A Vanderbilt University-led research team has discovered a “master regulator” for cholesterol production and transport in the liver — a tiny piece of RNA called microRNA-223.
By Bill Snyder