Research

(Photo credit: iStock photo)
June 26, 2025

Three VUMC researchers receive Komen leadership grants

The grants support 25 cutting-edge projects at 17 institutions — marking a powerful commitment to improving outcomes for people living with breast cancer today and in the future.

By Tom Wilemon
(iStock)
June 26, 2025

Lower health literacy increases mortality risk for cancer patients

Patients who had high health literacy on the screening lived 9.4 months longer compared to those with low health literacy.

By Tom Wilemon
ekg results
June 25, 2025

Heart failure patient questionnaire predicts hospitalization and mortality: study

Patients fill out the short, targeted surveys in a few minutes, either prior to arriving at their appointment or on a tablet in the waiting room before their visit.

By Matt Batcheldor
(iStock)
June 25, 2025

Study unravels the neurobiological mechanism of psychomotor disturbance in psychiatric disorders

Key takeaways of the new study include grip strength as an important metric of cognitive health and default mode network connectivity as a marker of well-being — both in early psychosis.

By Danny Bonvissuto
June 23, 2025

Data from fluorescence imaging can improve outcomes in head and neck cancer surgery: study 

Research found that using data collected both during surgery and after a tumor’s removal can help guide surgeons in achieving a negative margin in cancer resection.

By Evan Dorian
(iStock image)
June 23, 2025

Low blood cell counts drive cancer in explosive blood disorder: study

The analysis of genetic sequencing data from more than 34,000 people over a 17-year period by researchers at VUMC was published in eClinicalMedicine.

By Bill Snyder
June 17, 2025

Brain white matter abnormalities affect cognition and impact Alzheimer’s disease development: study 

Data from more than 4,000 participants reveals link between brain structure and cognitive decline.  
By Stephanie Bryan 
June 17, 2025

VUMC-led research a step closer to understanding, preventing asthma 

“Findings from this study indicate that children who develop wheezing have different airway characteristics early in life, even before they develop asthma,” said Tina Hartert, MD, MPH.
By Bill Snyder
June 17, 2025

Drug shows safety, efficacy for precancerous stomach lesions

The drug also showed promise that it could be the first therapeutic intervention against precancerous lesions in the stomach.
By Tom Wilemon
June 12, 2025

Tiny zebrafish aid discovery of rare, fatal genetic disease

The children were born in Turkey with a smaller-than-normal head size, cataracts, severe developmental delay, intellectual disability and epilepsy.
By Bill Snyder
June 10, 2025

Study shows sharp increase in appendix cancer for Generation X and millennials 

The findings reveal the need for increased awareness about appendiceal cancer from both clinicians and the public.
By Tom Wilemon
June 9, 2025

Presurgery consults with patients using 3D models improve shared decision-making and reduce anxiety 

The models allowed patients to easily distinguish the ascending colon from the sigmoid colon, along with other parts of the digestive system.
By Tom Wilemon
June 6, 2025

New study highlights potential boost to brain stimulation therapy through targeted symptom provocation

This is the first large-scale meta-analysis to examine whether deliberately triggering symptoms immediately before administering rTMS enhances treatment outcomes.
By Danny Bonvissuto