Reporter March 14 2014

March 19, 2014

Small molecule protects kidney filter

A compound identified at Vanderbilt has therapeutic potential in protecting the kidney filter barrier.

By Bill Snyder
March 17, 2014

Vanderbilt Trauma surgeons speak out against proposed motorcycle helmet legislation

Despite 40 years of definitive data that confirms increased deaths and medical costs in states that do not support universal motorcycle helmet laws, members of Tennessee’s legislature have again this year filed legislation — Senate Bill 548/House Bill 44, Helmet Exemption for Certain Motorcycle Operators — to amend the state’s law so that wearing a motorcycle helmet would be optional for riders 25 and older.

By John Howser
March 17, 2014

Delirium increases long-term disability

Patients who suffer a longer duration of delirium in the intensive care unit are more likely to experience long-term disability after discharge.

By Leigh MacMillan
March 14, 2014

Protein boosts retinal neuron survival

An ion channel protein called TRIPV1 helps retinal neurons survive the elevated eye pressure associated with glaucoma.

By Leigh MacMillan
neurons
March 13, 2014

‘Missing link’ may spur new brain disorder drugs

Researchers at the Scripps Research Institute in San Diego and Vanderbilt University have discovered a “missing link” in the structure of a transmembrane receptor that could lead to new treatments for autism, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

By Bill Snyder
March 13, 2014

Viral illness may spur ‘standing up’ disorder

Circulating “autoantibodies” possibly triggered by a viral illness may contribute an abnormally rapid heart rate or tachycardia upon standing that affects 500,000 Americans, mostly young women, according to researchers at the University of Oklahoma and Vanderbilt University.

By Bill Snyder
March 13, 2014

Health informatics services reorganizes to meet users’ needs

Support for Medical Center operations is now named Health Informatics Technologies and Services or HITS. The group’s tagline is “Powering Care, Discovery and Learning.”
By Paul Govern
March 13, 2014

A new way to target cancer-driver Ras

Vanderbilt researchers have discovered small molecules that turn off cancerous Ras signals in a new way.
By Leigh MacMillan
March 13, 2014

Biomedical engineering institute honors four faculty

Four Vanderbilt University faculty members have been elected to the College of Fellows of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE).
By Bill Snyder
March 13, 2014

Conference explores benefits of health workforce diversity

As an industry, health care is uniquely positioned to promote the need for, and benefits of, a more diverse and encompassing workforce.
By Doug Campbell
March 13, 2014

Haun takes new role to enhance VUMC managed care relationships

Sheri Haun, MBA, director of the Office of the Health System Chief Executive Officer, has assumed the new role of associate vice president for Managed Care Contracting for Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
By VUMC News and Communications
March 13, 2014

Grant puts faith to work for people with disabilities

The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center will serve as the lead site for a $500,000 grant focused on building capacity of faith communities, such as churches, mosques, synagogues and other religious organizations, to support employment for members with disabilities.
By VUMC News and Communications
March 13, 2014

Free head and neck cancer screening set for March 15

Medical professionals in the Department of Otolaryngology will provide free head and neck cancer screenings, Saturday, March 15, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Craft Brewed, a local craft brew and home supply store, 2502 Franklin Pike.
By VUMC News and Communications