Plos ONE

Probing intestinal immune cell roles

A new in vitro system will allow investigators to explore how immune system T cells develop specialized functions.

Tumor factor spurs blood vessel growth

A newly identified factor regulates blood vessel growth in colorectal tumors and could be a promising target for cancer therapies.

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.

Nuclear shield against cell death

The protein SARM appears to protect cells from inflammation-driven death by stabilizing the nuclear laminin scaffold.

Chemical causes kidney failure in mosquitoes: study

Researchers are targeting a possible new weapon in the fight against malaria, science that could also be applied in the fight against other devastating mosquito-borne illnesses, according to a Vanderbilt study published in PLOS ONE.

By Jill Clendening

April 18, 2013

Lack of exercise not a factor in health disparities

Health disparities between white and black adults in the South are not connected to a lack of exercise but more likely related to other factors such as access to health care, socioeconomic status and perhaps genetics, according to a Vanderbilt study published in PLoS ONE.