pathology microbiology and immunology Archives

Early study reveals ‘nuclear’ strategy for atherosclerosis

Apr. 18, 2013—Vanderbilt University scientists have discovered a potential new strategy for lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels and stopping atherosclerosis and fatty liver disease.

‘Longevity’ gene aids kidney survival

Apr. 17, 2013—A gene associated with cell survival and longevity may protect the kidney from acute injury.

Symposium to offer look at latest infectious diseases imaging research

Apr. 4, 2013—The latest research on imaging infectious diseases will be discussed during a mini-symposium noon to 5 p.m., April 12, at the Vanderbilt Student Life Center Board of Trust Room.

“Silent” B cells trigger autoimmunity

Apr. 3, 2013—Immune cells that recognize self antigens (e.g. insulin), but are functionally silent, can trigger autoimmune diseases such as diabetes.

Diagnostic management efforts thrive on teamwork

Mar. 7, 2013—As choices mount for patient testing and treatment, diagnostic management has arisen at Vanderbilt University Medical Center to address two closely related questions that clinicians must ask themselves more and more often: have I ordered the right tests for this patient; and, taken together, what do these test results imply for the best treatment of this patient?

Starting up protein synthesis, in yeast

Feb. 28, 2013—Researchers have found an unusual interaction between a factor that “turns on” protein synthesis and one that produces fatty acids.

Antibacterial protein’s molecular workings revealed

Feb. 21, 2013—Vanderbilt investigators report new insights to the workings of calprotectin, an immune system protein that “starves” bacterial pathogens of the metal nutrients they require.

Zinc: a new antibiotic target?

Jan. 17, 2013—It may be possible to fight hospital-acquired pathogens like Acinetobacter baumannii by targeting the bacterium’s need for the nutrient metal zinc.

Breast milk blocks virus binding

Dec. 7, 2012—Components of human breast milk help ward off viral infection, a new study shows.

Study tracks antioxidants’ role in prostate tumor growth

Nov. 15, 2012—Antioxidants promote cell growth in a mouse model of prostate cancer, Vanderbilt researchers report in the journal PLoS ONE. The findings provide insight into the recent controversy regarding antioxidants and prostate cancer prevention.

Bacterial signals in sarcoidosis

Nov. 6, 2012—Study adds evidence for infectious agents’ role in sarcoidosis, an inflammatory condition that can lead to respiratory failure and death.