Sachin Patel

January 29, 2020

Study links neural circuit with impaired social function

Stimulating neural activity between the amygdala and the nucleus accumbens — a brain region associated with pleasure — impairs social function even though mice find the stimulation rewarding, a new study published by Vanderbilt researchers reports.

By Kelsey Herbers
January 15, 2020

Study sheds light on link between cannabis, anxiety and stress

A molecule produced by the brain that activates the same receptors as marijuana is protective against stress by reducing anxiety-causing connections between two brain regions.

By Kelsey Herbers
December 20, 2019

Reversing stress-related anxiety

Inhibiting COX-2 — an enzyme associated with inflammation — could provide a novel therapeutic approach for stress-related psychiatric disorders.

By VUMC News and Communications
November 27, 2019

Study finds ‘frozen’ fear response may underlie PTSD

To explore how fear becomes entrenched, VUMC researchers traveled down the precise neuronal pathways in the brains of mice that trigger fear responses, and which normally extinguish the behaviors once the danger has passed.

By Bill Snyder
May 3, 2018

Six Vanderbilt physicians honored by medical societies

Four faculty members of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine were among 78 physician-scientists inducted into The American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI), an elite honor society of physician-scientists from the upper ranks of academic medicine and industry. They are:

By Bill Snyder
April 28, 2017

Regulating anxiety in the brain

Two brain signaling pathways have overlapping functions in regulating anxiety, suggesting that therapeutics aimed at one or the other will impact both.

By Leigh MacMillan
March 28, 2017

Vanderbilt study finds natural chemical helps brain adapt to stress

A natural signaling molecule that activates cannabinoid receptors in the brain plays a critical role in stress-resilience — the ability to adapt to repeated and acute exposures to traumatic stress, according to researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
By Bill Snyder
March 2, 2017

Celebration honors new holders of endowed chairs at Vanderbilt

Ten Vanderbilt University faculty members named to endowed chairs were honored Tuesday during a celebration at the Student Life Center. Their academic achievements range from imaginative scholarship on economics and development to groundbreaking discoveries about the role of DNA in memory formation.
By Bill Snyder
November 10, 2016

Cutting-edge research

Lawrence Marnett, Ph.D., second from right, talks with three Vanderbilt scientists prior to their presentations during last week’s Flexner Discovery Lecture on cutting-edge research. The speakers were, from left, Mark Wallace, Ph.D., Laura Dugan, M.D., and Sachin Patel, M.D., Ph.D.
By VUMC News and Communications
October 27, 2016

Vanderbilt’s Dugan, Patel, Wallace set for Discovery Lecture

Three Vanderbilt University neuroscientists on the forefront of research in autism, addiction and Alzheimer’s disease will discuss their cutting-edge investigations during the next Flexner Discovery Lecture on Thursday, Nov. 3.
By Bill Snyder
August 17, 2016

New center will examine addiction at molecular level, develop treatments

Vanderbilt University researchers from diverse scientific disciplines are joining forces to help crack the stubborn mysteries of addiction through the new Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research.
By Bill Snyder
July 7, 2016

VUMC symposium to explore risks, impact of opioids

The risks of taking opioids during pregnancy or to manage chronic pain, and the impact this frequently prescribed class of pain relievers has on the adolescent brain will be discussed Wednesday, July 13, during a “bedside-to-bench” symposium at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
By Bill Snyder
May 12, 2016

COX-2 blocker could help PTSD

COX-2 inhibitors – used clinically to reduce inflammation and pain – may find new applications for treating PTSD and other stress-related psychiatric disorders like major depression.
By Bill Snyder