NCATS Archives
Electronic health record study discovers novel hormone deficiency
Mar. 11, 2021—A novel hormone deficiency may exist in humans, Vanderbilt investigators have discovered. In an analysis of two decades worth of electronic health records, the researchers found that some patients have unexpectedly low levels of natriuretic peptide hormone in clinical situations that should cause high levels of the hormone.
Gene variant and glucose metabolism
Feb. 18, 2021—Genetic variation that impacts glucose- and insulin-related signaling affects responses to type 2 diabetes treatments and warrants further study.
New clue to postural tachycardia
Feb. 4, 2021—Insight into the pathophysiology of an enigmatic and debilitating disease suggests new treatment approaches.
Gene network for leukemia factor
Feb. 4, 2021—A new method speeds the analysis of factors that control gene expression from days to minutes, allowing researchers to uncover new targets for cancer treatment.
Inflammation in genetic epilepsy
Jan. 21, 2021—Brain inflammation links genetic and acquired epilepsy — providing new clues about epilepsy development and pointing to potential treatments.
Microbial RNA and rheumatoid arthritis
Jan. 11, 2021—Small RNAs — short stretches of genetic material — from microbes may be playing a role in rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.
Functional seizures associated with stroke, psychiatric disorders in electronic health records study
Jan. 7, 2021—In a large-scale study of electronic health records, Vanderbilt University Medical Center investigators have determined the prevalence of functional seizures and characterized comorbidities associated with them.
Exploiting viral vulnerabilities
Dec. 10, 2020—The isolation of human monoclonal antibodies against dangerous viruses including EEEV, Hendra and Nipah could offer new ways to treat and prevent these infections.
A cohort for type 2 diabetes studies
Nov. 17, 2020—A study group of more than 600,000 patients with type 2 diabetes, identified from electronic medical records in the PCORnet national research network, could be valuable for assessing the safety of type 2 diabetes drugs.
Depression and the brain-age gap
Oct. 19, 2020—Older depressed adults show accelerated brain aging, according to a new study from Vanderbilt researchers, who suggest that the effects of depression may speed the decline in cognitive functions in older individuals.
Pinpointing brain changes in psychosis
Oct. 1, 2020—Specific regions of the thalamus — a central brain region — are smaller in adults with psychotic disorders and youth at risk for psychotic disorders and are associated with cognitive impairment.
Genes spell penicillin allergy risk
Oct. 1, 2020—Studies using large DNA biobanks revealed genetic variants associated with penicillin allergy, the most common type of drug-induced allergic reaction.