Reporter May 5 2023
Neural networks probe proteins
May. 9, 2023—A machine learning method based on neural networks outperformed a mutational scanning model at identifying disease-causing mutations in an Alzheimer’s disease protein, suggesting the method could be useful for facilitating therapeutic design.
Improved imaging for kidney disease
May. 8, 2023—Vanderbilt researchers identified optimal MRI parameters for estimating the severity of polycystic kidney disease, a common inherited disorder that can lead to end-stage renal failure.
Physical security pilot program begins in May
May. 4, 2023—Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) is piloting several new physical security measures, including metal detectors, starting in May.
Wallace named as VUMC’s New Chair of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
May. 4, 2023—David Wallace, MD, MPH, has been named as the new chair of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and director of the Vanderbilt Eye Institute.
VUMC to coordinate national effort to reduce ARDS, pneumonia, sepsis
May. 4, 2023—Vanderbilt University Medical Center has received a $31.6 million federal grant to lead a national effort to better understand acute respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia and sepsis.
Tracking lung macrophages
May. 4, 2023—A new technique will allow researchers to track subsets of immune cells that patrol and defend the lungs, to better understand the roles of these cells during lung inflammation, infection and injury.
Better adenoma detection
May. 4, 2023—Fluorescent nanoparticles clearly identified colonic adenomas — precursors to colorectal cancer — in mice, and the formulation should translate to clinical use in humans.
Mentors help high school students earn science honors
May. 4, 2023—Three high school seniors with Vanderbilt mentors were selected for national honors by the Society for Science Regeneron Science Talent Search.
Smile180 Foundation directorship
May. 4, 2023—Representatives from Delta Dental of Tennessee and their charitable arm, the Smile180 Foundation, visited Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt recently to present a check of $1 million to hospital leadership.
Pediatric Oral Immunotherapy Clinic launched
May. 4, 2023—Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt has launched a new pediatric Oral Immunotherapy Clinic, which offers a special therapy to peanut-allergic children to reduce risk of a harmful immune response in the event of accidental exposure to peanuts.
Workplace violence policies apply to all employees, patients
May. 4, 2023—As aggressive behavior toward health care providers is on the rise nationally, Vanderbilt's Workplace Violence Prevention Committee has recently developed stronger policies to help protect employees.
Vanderbilt mourns loss of former Gastroenterology director Burk
May. 3, 2023—Raymond Burk Jr., MD, former director of the Vanderbilt's Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, died May 1 in Nashville. He was 80.
