Health and Medicine

Heart illustration thumbnail
May 12, 2014

Normalizing calcium flux to treat atrial fibrillation

A particular anti-arrhythmia drug provides a targeted treatment for certain forms of atrial fibrillation.

By Leigh MacMillan
May 9, 2014

Bypassing DNA damage

Studies of a human polymerase that replicates DNA have provided a complete kinetic and structural framework for understanding how the enzyme accurately bypasses DNA damage.

By VUMC News and Communications
May 8, 2014

PET probe detects dying tumor cells

A novel PET imaging probe detects tumor cell death in vivo and could be useful for personalizing cancer medicine.

By Leigh MacMillan
May 1, 2014

Cutting-edge research to be showcased in May

By Bill Snyder
April 30, 2014

Potential mechanism for myeloma drug’s variable toxicity

A genetic variant is associated with toxicity of the chemotherapy drug melphalan, and could guide individualized dosing for the medication.

By Leigh MacMillan
April 28, 2014

Prominent scientist, respected administrator Susan Wente named Vanderbilt provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs

After an extensive national search, Susan R. Wente has been named provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos announced today.

By VUMC News and Communications
April 28, 2014

Target cell entry to halt Chikungunya virus

Understanding how chikungunya virus binds to and enters cells offers a new target for antiviral medications.
By Leigh MacMillan
April 25, 2014

Increased cell permeability may protect from colitis

Having a “leaky” gut may protect against colitis, a paradoxical finding that alters understanding of the role of cell permeability in intestinal homeostasis and immune regulation.
By Leigh MacMillan
April 24, 2014

Study to assess tremor after stereotactic radiosurgery

Tremor is the most common of all movement disorders and its involuntary nature can hinder an individual’s ability to dress or feed themselves, use a phone or computer, or engage in chores and hobbies.
By VUMC News and Communications
April 24, 2014

New view of neurotransmitter transport

Dynamic measurements of the bacterial leucine transporter shed light on the transporters that play roles in neuropsychiatric and addiction disorders.
By Leigh MacMillan
April 17, 2014

VICC’s Arteaga assumes presidency of AACR

Carlos L. Arteaga, M.D., professor of Medicine and Cancer Biology and Donna S. Hall Professor of Breast Cancer Research at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC), assumed the presidency of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) for 2014-2015 during the group’s annual meeting last week in San Diego.
By VUMC News and Communications
April 17, 2014

Nutrient-absorbing surface’s assembly revealed: study

Vanderbilt University researchers have discovered how intestinal cells build the "brush border" -- a specialized surface structure that is critical for absorbing nutrients and defending against pathogens.
By Leigh MacMillan
April 16, 2014

Channel drug restores glucose balance

A new compound that activates potassium channels could be used to treat disorders of glucose homeostasis.
By Bill Snyder