Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus — two pathogens that frequently co-infect the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis — appear to cooperate with each other, Vanderbilt investigators have discovered. When pseudomonas is starved for metal by the host, it shuts down the production of factors that would normally kill staph, promoting a co-infection.

A team of Vanderbilt scientists have genetically modified luciferase, the enzyme that produces bioluminescence, so that it acts as an optical sensor that records activity in brain cells.

Researchers at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine have uncovered a link between epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling and the inflammatory response to bacterial infection in the gastrointestinal tract.

The discoveries that can change the course of human health forever often begin in the tiniest places: in molecules and cells, at the most fundamental intersection of physics, chemistry and biology. Understanding how these cellular and molecular processes work is the focus of basic biomedical research at Vanderbilt.

Vanderbilt University welcomed 92 new doctoral students Sept. 2 during the seventh annual Simple Beginnings ceremony in a Light Hall lecture room packed with family members and other well wishers.

In a twist on the usual research narrative, Justin Siemann, Ph.D., who celebrated his doctoral degree in Neuroscience at last week’s Graduate School Commencement, conducted research on patients first, and then moved to the laboratory bench.

Elizabeth Ennis, Graduate School, Gregory LaChaud, School of Medicine, and Amy Bonau, School of Nursing, are among those taking part in Commencement exercises on Friday, May 13.