Research

Ann Richmond, MD, Chi Yan, PhD, Jinming Yang, PhD, and colleagues are studying ways to boost antitumor immunity and reduce tumor growth in breast cancer and melanoma.
December 17, 2020

Study reveals new strategy for reducing tumor growth, metastasis

A team of Vanderbilt investigators has discovered that blocking a certain signaling pathway boosts antitumor immunity and reduces tumor growth and metastasis in models of breast cancer and melanoma.

By Leigh MacMillan
December 17, 2020

COVID-associated delays for elective services studied

This spring in the U.S., there were widespread delays in elective health care procedures and screenings. Hospitals, in observance of federal guidelines, were, for a time, conserving beds and protective equipment in preparation for a surge in COVID-19 admissions. And, perhaps on a more prolonged basis, patients in many areas of the country stayed away due to anxiety over catching COVID-19 from other patients or their health care team.

By Paul Govern
December 17, 2020

Study reveals distinct genomic landscape for young adults with appendiceal cancer

The first study to compare molecular landscapes of early-onset and late-onset appendiceal cancer has revealed distinct non-silent mutations in the tumors of younger patients, setting the stage for the development of potential therapeutic advances for this rare disease.

By Tom Wilemon
December 15, 2020

A deeper look at out-of-home care

Geographically targeted efforts to prevent children being placed in out-of-home care might be possible, Vanderbilt researchers report.

By Bill Snyder
December 14, 2020

Polymer protection for heart muscle

Vanderbilt researchers demonstrate that the polymer P188 has promise as a therapy to prevent reperfusion injury — the cellular damage that occurs when blood flow returns after an ischemic event like a heart attack.

By Leigh MacMillan
December 10, 2020

Model students: improving clinical decision-making

Vanderbilt investigators have devised a system to alert health IT teams to deteriorating performance in clinical prediction models.

By Paul Govern
December 10, 2020

Exploiting viral vulnerabilities

The isolation of human monoclonal antibodies against dangerous viruses including EEEV, Hendra and Nipah could offer new ways to treat and prevent these infections.
By Bill Snyder
December 10, 2020

Study sheds light on diabetes and COVID interaction

COVID-19 has been linked to cases of new-onset diabetes, diabetes-related emergencies and a higher death rate among diabetes patients.
By Bill Snyder
December 10, 2020

Study details early events of inflammatory response

Vanderbilt University Medical Center investigators have identified a key molecular player in the early events of the inflammatory response to infection. The findings suggest new therapeutic possibilities for enhancing the inflammatory response to protect against pathogens and for blocking inflammation gone awry in diseases like arthritis and atherosclerosis.
By Leigh MacMillan
December 10, 2020

Nominations being sought for School of Medicine Faculty Awards

Nominations are being sought for the following 2021 Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Faculty Awards:
By Bill Snyder
December 8, 2020

Coogan named chair of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology

After an extensive national search Alice Coogan, MD, interim chair of the Department and professor of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology (PM&I), has been named as the department’s next chair, effective immediately. Coogan will be the seventh chair of the department and the first female chair.
By John Howser
December 8, 2020

Cortez named interim chair of the Department of Biochemistry; York named Impossible Foods chief science officer

David Cortez, PhD, Richard N. Armstrong Professor of Innovation in Biochemistry and professor of biochemistry, has been named interim chair in the Department of Biochemistry beginning Jan. 1, 2021.
By Marissa Shapiro 
December 3, 2020

Six Vanderbilt faculty elected as 2020 fellows of the AAAS

Six Vanderbilt University faculty members have been elected 2020 fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, an honor bestowed upon AAAS members by their peers.
By Marissa Shapiro