Donna Webb Archives
Blood-brain barrier on a chip sheds new light on “silent killer”
Dec. 6, 2016—A new microfluidic device containing human cells that faithfully mimics the behavior of the blood-brain barrier is providing new insights into brain inflammation, the silent killer.
Bioluminescent sensor causes brain cells to glow in the dark
Oct. 27, 2016—A team of Vanderbilt scientists have genetically modified luciferase, the enzyme that produces bioluminescence, so that it acts as an optical sensor that records activity in brain cells.
New player in neuronal communication
May. 1, 2015—Vanderbilt researchers have discovered a novel mechanism for the development of dendritic spines – sites of nerve cell communication.
‘Stretched’ cells promote cancer
Feb. 19, 2015—Mechanical stress appears to be a critical factor in activating normal tissue-associated fibroblasts to generate cancer-associated fibroblasts.
Vanderbilt’s neurovascular chip project moves into new phase
Nov. 18, 2014—Vanderbilt researchers will play a key role in the second phase of the federal "tissue chip for drug screening" program.
Vanderbilt-led team to develop ‘microbrain’ to improve drug testing
Jul. 24, 2012—Creating a device out of human cells that simulates brain chemistry is the goal of a $6.4 million grant which is part of major new federal initiative to develop a series of “organs on a chip” designed to improve the drug development process.
