Reporter March 14 2014
Small molecule protects kidney filter
Mar. 19, 2014—A compound identified at Vanderbilt has therapeutic potential in protecting the kidney filter barrier.
Vanderbilt Trauma surgeons speak out against proposed motorcycle helmet legislation
Mar. 17, 2014—Despite 40 years of definitive data that confirms increased deaths and medical costs in states that do not support universal motorcycle helmet laws, members of Tennessee’s legislature have again this year filed legislation — Senate Bill 548/House Bill 44, Helmet Exemption for Certain Motorcycle Operators — to amend the state’s law so that wearing a motorcycle helmet would be optional for riders 25 and older.
Delirium increases long-term disability
Mar. 17, 2014—Patients who suffer a longer duration of delirium in the intensive care unit are more likely to experience long-term disability after discharge.
Protein boosts retinal neuron survival
Mar. 14, 2014—An ion channel protein called TRIPV1 helps retinal neurons survive the elevated eye pressure associated with glaucoma.
‘Missing link’ may spur new brain disorder drugs
Mar. 13, 2014—Researchers at the Scripps Research Institute in San Diego and Vanderbilt University have discovered a “missing link” in the structure of a transmembrane receptor that could lead to new treatments for autism, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
Viral illness may spur ‘standing up’ disorder
Mar. 13, 2014—Circulating “autoantibodies” possibly triggered by a viral illness may contribute an abnormally rapid heart rate or tachycardia upon standing that affects 500,000 Americans, mostly young women, according to researchers at the University of Oklahoma and Vanderbilt University.
Health informatics services reorganizes to meet users’ needs
Mar. 13, 2014—Support for Medical Center operations is now named Health Informatics Technologies and Services or HITS. The group’s tagline is “Powering Care, Discovery and Learning.”
A new way to target cancer-driver Ras
Mar. 13, 2014—Vanderbilt researchers have discovered small molecules that turn off cancerous Ras signals in a new way.
Biomedical engineering institute honors four faculty
Mar. 13, 2014—Four Vanderbilt University faculty members have been elected to the College of Fellows of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE).
Conference explores benefits of health workforce diversity
Mar. 13, 2014—As an industry, health care is uniquely positioned to promote the need for, and benefits of, a more diverse and encompassing workforce.
Haun takes new role to enhance VUMC managed care relationships
Mar. 13, 2014—Sheri Haun, MBA, director of the Office of the Health System Chief Executive Officer, has assumed the new role of associate vice president for Managed Care Contracting for Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Grant puts faith to work for people with disabilities
Mar. 13, 2014—The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center will serve as the lead site for a $500,000 grant focused on building capacity of faith communities, such as churches, mosques, synagogues and other religious organizations, to support employment for members with disabilities.