Reporter Sept 6 2019

Relational memory in early psychosis

Studies of relational memory function may reveal novel mechanisms for therapeutic intervention for patients in the early stages of psychosis.

Astrocytes and epilepsy

A protein with important functions in astrocytes — star-shaped brain support cells — may alter neuronal excitability and contribute to seizure activity, Vanderbilt researchers report.

Chief Human Resources Officer to depart VUMC

Traci Nordberg, JD, Chief Human Resources Officer for Vanderbilt University Medical Center, is leaving the organization effective Oct. 31 to assume another role outside of VUMC.

How salt increases blood pressure

Vanderbilt researchers have discovered that a protein called SGK1 in immune cells is activated by sodium, leading to the development of salt-sensitive hypertension.

Team explores epilepsy-related brain disturbances

A team led by a neurosurgeon-scientist and an engineering professor who specializes in techniques for analyzing functional neuroimaging data has received a $3 million grant to study disturbances in brain networks related to attention lapses and cognitive deficits in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy.