featured research

two nuclear plant silos
November 13, 2014

Vanderbilt team examines human factors in nuclear power plant operations

A multidisciplinary Vanderbilt team with deep experience in improving patient safety and technology usability has received a three-year, $800,000 Department of Energy grant to help nuclear power plant operators better perform their jobs.

By VUMC News and Communications
October 28, 2014

Improving breast cancer chemo by testing tumors in a dish

A team of biomedical engineers has developed a new “tumor-in-a-dish” technology that promises to improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy.

By VUMC News and Communications
staph colonies on red petri dish
October 16, 2014

Staph ‘gangs’ share nutrients during infection: study

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria can share resources to cause chronic infections, Vanderbilt investigators have discovered. The findings shed light on a long-standing question in infectious diseases and may inform new treatment strategies.

By Leigh MacMillan
discarded clothing size tags
October 16, 2014

Lymphocyte study reveals obesity clues

Vanderbilt University researchers are closer to understanding the link between obesity, chronic inflammation and type 2 diabetes.

By Bill Snyder
Robotic device attache to dummy patient
October 15, 2014

Brain surgery through the cheek

Vanderbilt engineers have developed a surgical robot designed to perform brain surgery by entering through the cheek instead of the skull.

By VUMC News and Communications
September 18, 2014

Initiative seeks to develop therapies to combat Ebola

Vanderbilt University researchers have partnered with Mapp Biopharmaceutical Inc. to develop new human antibody therapies for people exposed to the deadly Ebola and Marburg viruses.

By Bill Snyder
September 11, 2014

Skin cancer risks higher for soldiers serving abroad

Soldiers deployed to tropical and sunny climates are coming home with increased risk factors for a threat far from the battlefield: skin cancer.
By Wayne Wood
July 21, 2014

Mothers of children with autism benefit from peer-led intervention: study

Peer-led interventions that target parental well-being can significantly reduce stress, depression and anxiety in mothers of children with disabilities.
By VUMC News and Communications
July 17, 2014

Care for newborns with drug withdrawal uneven: study

In the United States, one infant is born each hour with drug withdrawal, known as neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), after being exposed to opioid medications like oxycodone in utero.
By VUMC News and Communications
June 19, 2014

HPV-positive head and neck cancer patients may receive lower radiation dose

A new study suggests that lowering the dose of radiation therapy for some head and neck cancer patients may improve outcomes and cause fewer long-term side effects.
By VUMC News and Communications
June 2, 2014

Vanderbilt study supports notion ‘You are what you eat’

An international research group led by Vanderbilt University scientists has shown for the first time that a lipid, or fat molecule, can regulate “psychostimulant” behaviors by interacting with a brain protein.
By Bill Snyder
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
March 13, 2014

Grant puts faith to work for people with disabilities

The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center will serve as the lead site for a $500,000 grant focused on building capacity of faith communities, such as churches, mosques, synagogues and other religious organizations, to support employment for members with disabilities.
By VUMC News and Communications