NICHD

electricity arcing in a heart shape between two exposed wires
March 3, 2017

Mutation raises heart block risk

A newly identified genetic risk factor for heart block after surgery may help guide the course of postoperative care.

By Laura Daniel
February 23, 2017

A target to heal tiny lungs

The protein beta-catenin may be a good target for therapies to treat lung disease that is a common complication of preterm birth.

By Leigh MacMillan
January 24, 2017

Saliva test for obesity risk

“Epigenetic signatures” in DNA may present an opportunity for prevention of or early intervention in childhood obesity.

By Bill Snyder
December 12, 2016

Single-cell analysis of solid tumors

A new method will make it possible to study solid tumors and healthy tissues using mass cytometry.

By Heather McCartney
chubby child playing with dog
August 25, 2016

Growth hormone for Prader-Willi

Children with Prader-Willi Syndrome who received growth hormone treatment had cognitive advantages compared to untreated patients.

By VUMC News and Communications
pair of tango dancers outdoors
June 23, 2016

It takes two to tango: beta cell development

Defining the genes required for the function of insulin-producing beta cells is crucial for ongoing efforts to develop a cell-based therapy for diabetes.

By Bill Snyder
February 9, 2016

Therapies to prevent preterm birth

Vanderbilt researchers have developed a high-throughput assay that will aid in identifying new compounds to treat preterm labor or postpartum bleeding.
By Leigh MacMillan
May 20, 2015

Preventing early pregnancy complications

The enzyme alkaline phosphatase may provide a new therapeutic option for women at high risk of pregnancy complications due to bacterial toxin exposure.
By Leigh MacMillan
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
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
February 6, 2014

Antioxidants promising for rare disorder

The antioxidant vitamin E prevented the buildup of toxic products in a model of a rare genetic disorder, suggesting new strategies for therapeutic development.
By Bill Snyder
August 23, 2013

Pregnancy promoter and protector

Alkaline phosphatase enzymes appear to play roles in promoting pregnancy and in protecting the uterus from bacterial infection.
By Leigh MacMillan
August 14, 2013

Oxidative stress in autism

A biomarker for oxidative stress is elevated in patients with both autism spectrum disorder and gastrointestinal dysfunction, suggesting opportunities for individualized approaches to clinical care.
By Bill Snyder