Reporter Aug 22 2014

Cholesterol
August 21, 2014

Major grant spurs deeper look into ‘good cholesterol’

In some cases, HDL, the “good cholesterol,” may not function properly and may actually accelerate atherosclerosis.

By Bill Snyder
blood cells
August 21, 2014

Transfusions ease strokes for children with sickle cell

Vanderbilt-led research found regular blood transfusion therapy significantly reduces the recurrence of strokes in children with sickle cell anemia who have previously had “silent” strokes.

By Christina Echegaray
August 21, 2014

Study examines factors that boost suicide risk for doctors

A retrospective analysis of Tennessee physicians who underwent fitness-for-duty evaluations by Vanderbilt found an “astoundingly” high rate of suicide among physicians who were found unfit to practice, were in solo practice, or if they were taking anti-anxiety drugs.

By Nancy Humphrey
August 21, 2014

Study in East Asians identifies genes tied to colon cancer risk

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of death among populations around the world. While diet, physical activity and other lifestyle factors can influence the risk of developing the disease, hereditary factors also play an important role.

By VUMC News and Communications
August 21, 2014

Team effort key to ease patient’s rare heart disorder

Vanderbilt employee Drew Casey, 27, was at home when he began to experience shortness of breath. Thinking it might be a panic attack, his wife, Katie, called 911, and an ambulance took Casey to the Emergency Department, where he progressed very suddenly to circulatory failure and shock.

By Kathy Whitney
August 21, 2014

Flulapalooza vaccination event takes place Oct. 1

Vanderbilt University and Medical Center faculty, staff, students and volunteers will once again have the opportunity to be part of a mass flu vaccination event that three years ago more than doubled the current world record for the total number of vaccinations given in an eight-hour period.

By Nancy Humphrey
August 21, 2014

Transplant society honors Helderman’s contributions

More than three decades ago, J. Harold Helderman, M.D., medical director of the Vanderbilt Transplant Center, joined a handful of colleagues from across the country to create a society for transplant physicians.
By Jessica Pasley
August 21, 2014

Research Staff Awards nominations sought

Vanderbilt University Medical Center is accepting nominations for the 2014 Research Staff Awards in the following categories:
By VUMC News and Communications
August 21, 2014

Meeting the challenge

Members of Vanderbilt’s ALS clinic stepped up and took the ice bucket challenge Wednesday to raise awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
By VUMC News and Communications
August 21, 2014

New technique accelerates genome editing process

It sounds like a potato chip. But CRISPR is actually the acronym for a new genome editing technique that, by many accounts, is accelerating the study of genes and disease.
By Bill Snyder
August 21, 2014

Pharmacy’s targeted initiatives lead to lower drug expenses

Vanderbilt University Hospital’s pharmacy is attracting national attention for reducing its inpatient pharmacy drug expenses 6.4 percent in a 12-month period, despite an increase in patient volume.
By Matt Batcheldor
August 20, 2014

Study finds coronary arteries hold heart-regenerating cells

Endothelial cells residing in the coronary arteries can function as cardiac stem cells to produce new heart muscle tissue, Vanderbilt University investigators have discovered.
By Leigh MacMillan