NIEHS

model of DNA double helix
January 22, 2016

Faulty building blocks in DNA

An enzyme that builds DNA is able to insert the wrong building blocks, which could generate mutations.

By Bill Snyder
August 25, 2015

How the cell makes morphine

Vanderbilt investigators have discovered how mammals, including humans, produce the painkiller morphine.

By Sanjay Mishra
July 23, 2015

Study explores protein’s role in inflammation-associated cancer

An antioxidant protein may protect against colon cancer that develops in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, suggesting new strategies for reducing colon cancer risk in these patients.

By Leigh MacMillan
February 5, 2015

Copper toxicity and Parkinson’s

A genetic predisposition to Parkinson’s disease makes neurons more vulnerable to the toxicity of heavy metals such as copper.

By Leigh MacMillan
November 26, 2014

New tools to probe manganese biology

Vanderbilt researchers have developed tools to probe the role of the essential metal manganese in neurons, and which offer a started point for developing therapeutic agents for manganese-related neurological disorders.

By Leigh MacMillan
September 18, 2014

Dioxin, fathers and preterm birth

Exposure of male mice to the pollutant dioxin causes preterm birth across multiple generations, suggesting that efforts to prevent preterm birth should include pre-conception interventions for dads.

By VUMC News and Communications
September 2, 2014

Protein interaction protects against neurodegeneration

Two proteins interact to maintain selenium levels in the brain, and protect neurons from degeneration.
By VUMC News and Communications
August 20, 2014

Enzyme holds the door for influenza

Compounds developed at Vanderbilt University may offer a new way to block influenza infection.
By VUMC News and Communications
August 6, 2014

Low selenium and lung cancer

Vanderbilt researchers have found that selenium deficiency may contribute to the racial disparity in lung cancer incidence.
By Yan Su
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
March 3, 2014

Dismantling staph’s drug resistance

Targeting the enzyme FosB could make antibiotic-resistant staph bacteria sensitive to the antibiotic fosfomycin.
By Leigh MacMillan
October 28, 2013

Tool predicts risk for developmental delays in early childhood

A non-invasive measure of electrical brain activity in preterm infants predicts cognitive and communication functioning during early childhood, according to a new Vanderbilt University study.
By Leigh MacMillan
September 27, 2013

Metabolic profiling of vision loss

A panel of metabolites – small molecules that are part of metabolic processes – that are unique to macular degeneration will shed light on the disease and aid diagnosis.
By Leigh MacMillan