All News Archive — Page 39 of 176

Lili Tao, MD, PhD, medical director of Mycology and Immunoserology, shows Maggie Weiss a culture plate on which the fungus that causes histoplasmosis is growing. (photo by Susan Urmy)
January 22, 2026

A grateful patient says ‘thank you’ to Vanderbilt Medical Laboratories

The infection can result from inhaling spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, which grows in soil throughout Middle Tennessee, especially in soil contaminated with bird or bat droppings. Previously, blood samples had to be sent to a reference lab in Utah.

A standard heart transplant requires surgical many types of instruments. (photo by Erin O. Smith)
January 21, 2026

New donor organ storage method helps reduce rates of severe primary graft dysfunction

Methods such as the cold storage system make it possible to preserve organs for longer after donation, expanding the pool of available organs.

Close-up of a pregnant person in a light pink jacket and white top resting both hands on their belly.
January 21, 2026

Study details the downsides of testing for pregnancy too early

More than 40% of the women reported that they tested their urine for human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone released by the placenta, four or more days before their expected periods.

Smiling girl wearing a red helmet, pink goggles, and bright winter clothing sits in a red sled on snowy ground.
January 21, 2026

Experts warn parents about carbon monoxide risks as freezing temps persist: signs, causes

As residents prepare for frigid temperatures, injury and prevention experts at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt urge parents to be aware of potential dangers.

A child in a red hoodie wears an external cochlear implant processor behind the right ear while facing a large anatomical ear model in a clinical room.
January 21, 2026

New study finds that deaf children with cochlear implants read well, despite weak speech sound processing

Vanderbilt Health researchers report that many prelingually deaf children who use cochlear implants achieve age-typical language and reading comprehension.

Group of staff members posing beside a “Congratulations Team Award 2025” sign and a decorated celebration cake.
January 21, 2026

Medical Assistant Trainee Program team honored for success in training, retaining

Innovative partnership delivers high retention and fills critical staffing gaps across Vanderbilt Health clinics