VUMC’s James Nichols to lead lab standards institute

James Nichols, PhD, medical director of Clinical Chemistry and Point-of-Care Testing at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, has begun a two-year term as president of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute.

Glucose metabolism influences B cell function

Glucose metabolism influences the qualities of activated, mature B cells — white blood cells that are required for antibody-mediated immune responses, Vanderbilt researchers discovered.

Gut microbiota metabolite protects against obesity: Study

Vanderbilt researchers have discovered that beneficial bacteria in the small intestines produce a compound that protects against obesity.

Pasteurization reduces bioactive component of breast milk

Pasteurization of breast milk affects the concentration of osteopontin, a bioactive protein with roles in intestinal, immunological and brain development — suggesting that osteopontin supplementation should be considered when donor milk is provided to preterm infants.

Lab transformation project underway; will modernize clinical lab operations

Commensal gut bacterium protects from severe intestinal infection

The commensal bacterium Turicibacter sanguinis could be used to protect against severe intestinal infections, Vanderbilt researchers discovered.