Research

June 4, 2025

VUMC team finds potential target to slow atherosclerosis

The research findings suggest that regulating the immune response to high cholesterol through the protein CaMK4 could enhance blood vessel repair and slow atherosclerosis progression.

By Guillermo Sanchez, PhD
June 3, 2025

AI researchers develop new technologies for cancer care  

These new technologies showcase how VUMC researchers are using the power of AI to meet a wide range of medical needs.

By Tom Wilemon
May 30, 2025

Andreana Holowatyj named ‘40 Under 40 In Cancer’ winner

The awards initiative identifies and recognizes contributions across the field of cancer by rising stars and emerging leaders under the age of 40.

By Tom Wilemon
Molly Knostman, PharmD, MHA, (front) executive director of Inpatient Pharmacy Operations, was honored during the LHS Symposium. Behind her, from left, are Cheryl Gatto, PhD, PMP, Wesley Self, MD, MPH, Sunil Kripalani, MD, MSc, and Matthew Semler, MD, MSCI. (photo by Susan Urmy)
May 22, 2025

Symposium keynote: Human behavior is the pathway for transforming health

In two panel discussions, VUMC experts described ways to “scale-up and spread” the impact of health care interventions across systems, and the importance of patient-centered learning health system research.

By Bill Snyder
Huda Akil, PhD
May 22, 2025

Neuroscientist Huda Akil wins Vanderbilt Prize in Biomedical Science

Established by VUMC in 2006, the Vanderbilt Prize in Biomedical Science recognizes scientists of national reputation who have a stellar record of research accomplishments and are known for mentoring others in science.

By Bill Snyder
Raymond Harris, MD, left, and Ming-Zhi Zhang, MD, MSc, in the lab. (photo by John Russell)
May 20, 2025

VUMC discovery one step closer to treatment for kidney fibrosis

Study shows that deletion of EGFR from myeloid cells accelerated recovery from acute kidney injury and reduced subsequent fibrosis.

By Bill Snyder
May 19, 2025

New study highlights improved treatment approach for people with mild asthma

A multicenter trial found that adding budesonide, an inhaled steroid, to albuterol significantly reduced severe asthma attacks compared to using albuterol alone.
By Christina Echegaray
May 18, 2025

Study finds navigational bronchoscopy as effective and safer alternative to transthoracic biopsy for lung nodules  

Each year, millions of lung nodules are detected during routine X-rays or CT scans.
By Craig Boerner and Holly Fletcher 
May 13, 2025

VUMC-Michigan team awarded NIH grant to determine the cause of psoriatic arthritis

The research could lead to better ways to treat psoriatic arthritis, a debilitating yet poorly understood joint disease that affects approximately 1 million people in the U.S.
By Bill Snyder
May 13, 2025

Monica Santisteban awarded grant from BrightFocus Foundation’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Program

Santisteban’s research project will investigate whether the renin angiotensin system plays an important role in the progression of pathology in Alzheimer’s disease.
May 13, 2025

Study reveals sedentary behavior is an independent risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers found that increased sedentary behavior in aging adults was associated with worse cognition and brain shrinkage in areas related to risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease.
By Stephanie Bryan
May 8, 2025

Veterans with depression have increased risk of heart failure: study

The findings give patients and clinicians have another reason to screen for and treat depression in order to prevent potential future heart failure.
By Matt Batcheldor
May 1, 2025

VoLo Foundation grant supports Southern Environmental Health Study

The grant will allow investigators to recruit additional participants and conduct methylation- and proteomics-based biological aging assays to check for biomarkers of early disease risk.
By Tom Wilemon