NCATS Archives
A pain in the … genes
Jan. 10, 2014—Vanderbilt researchers have discovered that variation in the gene encoding the potassium channel GIRK1 plays a role in modulating human pain perception.
Cancer drug enhances cognition
Dec. 16, 2013—The breast cancer drug tamoxifen improves cognitive performance in post-menopausal women.
Autism narrows brain’s reward response
Nov. 27, 2013—MRI brain scans reveal that children with autism spectrum disorders respond to a narrower range of familiar rewards.
Neurotransmitter’s role in bone balance
Nov. 7, 2013—Removal of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine from the space outside cells plays an important role in the regulation of bone remodeling.
Tool predicts risk for developmental delays in early childhood
Oct. 28, 2013—A non-invasive measure of electrical brain activity in preterm infants predicts cognitive and communication functioning during early childhood, according to a new Vanderbilt University study.
Overcoming resistance in ovarian cancer
Aug. 22, 2013—The nuclear receptor TR3 contributes to ovarian cancer cell death in response to platinum-based chemotherapy – and may be a good target for overcoming cell resistance to certain treatments.
Oxidative stress in autism
Aug. 14, 2013—A biomarker for oxidative stress is elevated in patients with both autism spectrum disorder and gastrointestinal dysfunction, suggesting opportunities for individualized approaches to clinical care.
Noninvasive test detects stomach bug
Aug. 12, 2013—A noninvasive test can be used to identify the presence of Helicobacter pylori and evaluate its virulence, which will be useful in areas with high rates of H. pylori-associated gastric cancer.
Rhythm response tied to gene variant
Jun. 21, 2013—A genetic variant that increases risk for atrial fibrillation also impacts the response to a common therapy for the heart rhythm disorder.
Studies outline new model for staph bone infections
Jun. 20, 2013—Osteomyelitis, a debilitating bone infection most frequently caused by Staphylococcus aureus (“staph”) bacteria, is particularly challenging to treat.
Factor’s yin-yang tumor effects
Jun. 10, 2013—A factor produced by most malignant cells can both promote and inhibit tumor growth – an insight that is critical to using cancer drugs developed to block this factor.
Autism speeds motion perception
Jun. 7, 2013—Children with autism spectrum disorder are better at perceiving the motion of certain objects than are typically developing children their age.
