Reporter March 1 2013
Tick-tock – predicting menopause
Mar. 6, 2013—An ultrasound count of potentially egg-producing follicles could predict the timing of menopause.
Gene ‘dose’ may be key to autism
Mar. 4, 2013—Individuals with overexpression of the gene MECP2 have core features of autism spectrum disorder.
Target for inflammatory bowel disease
Mar. 1, 2013—The factor STAT6 appears to play a role in the pathogenesis of an inflammatory bowel disease, suggesting it may be a promising target for new treatments.
Potent genetic risk factor for breast cancer identified
Feb. 28, 2013—Researchers at Vanderbilt University have found a powerful new genetic risk factor for breast cancer.
Study offers insights into gastric cancer prevention
Feb. 28, 2013—Gastric cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide, with a particular burden in Latin America and eastern Asia.
Protein Society honors Sanders
Feb. 28, 2013—Charles Sanders, Ph.D., professor of Biochemistry, has been selected as a recipient of the 2013 Hans Neurath Award from the Protein Society. He shares the honor with Jennifer Doudna, Ph.D., a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator at the University of California, Berkeley.
Clayton, Frangoul elected to American Pediatric Society
Feb. 28, 2013—Ellen Wright Clayton, M.D., J.D., Craig-Weaver Professor of Pediatrics and Professor of Law, and Haydar Frangoul, M.D., Carolyn Perot Rathjen Chair and Professor of Pediatrics have been elected to the American Pediatric Society (APS).
Vaccination key to preventing HPV-related cancers
Feb. 28, 2013—Vaccinating young males and females against several types of human papillomavirus (HPV) could dramatically reduce the incidence of HPV-related cancers worldwide, according to Douglas Lowy, M.D., deputy director of the National Cancer Institute.
Bacteria expert Hultgren to deliver Discovery Lecture
Feb. 28, 2013—Scott Hultgren, Ph.D., an expert on the interactions between bacteria and human hosts, will deliver the next Flexner Discovery Lecture on Thursday, March 7.
Institute of Chemical Biology to celebrate 10th anniversary
Feb. 28, 2013—Top chemists from around the country will be on hand March 12 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology (VICB), a brave experiment that helped jumpstart the University’s robust drug discovery initiative.
Photo: Family reunion
Feb. 28, 2013—Faris Al-Jashami, his wife, Claudia, and son, Moohamed, came to the Shade Tree Clinic last week to thank the medical students and medical legal partnership volunteer who helped to reunite them.
Team effort to tackle girl’s rare spinal condition
Feb. 28, 2013—Lena Caragherghi lets out a sharp “Ow!” as a physical therapist tests the flexibility of her ankles. “You’re going to break my legs!” the 15-year-old exclaims with a giggle.