Research

February 15, 2018

Team finds stem cell transplant improves scleroderma survival

A new clinical trial by investigators at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) and other leading medical centers found that an intensive transplant treatment using the patient’s own stem cells can improve survival and quality of life for patients with advanced scleroderma.

By VUMC News and Communications
February 9, 2018

Muscular dystrophy clue

Vanderbilt investigators have discovered a role for immune system T cells in slowing the decline in skeletal muscle function in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

By Meredith Jackson
January 17, 2018

HDL and kidney injury after surgery

Higher concentrations of high-density lipoproteins — HDL, the “good” cholesterol — may be protective against acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery, Vanderbilt researchers have discovered.

By Jenelle Grewell
January 16, 2018

VUMC researchers find a way to ‘starve’ cancer

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) have demonstrated for the first time that it is possible to starve a tumor and stop its growth with a newly discovered small compound that blocks uptake of the vital nutrient glutamine.

By Bill Snyder
December 20, 2017

Sorting patient messages automatically

Automated techniques can assist in understanding and managing growing volumes of messages sent through secure patient portals, Vanderbilt researchers found.

By Paul Govern
November 28, 2017

Maquat named to receive Vanderbilt Prize in Biomedical Science

Lynne Maquat, PhD, whose work has significantly advanced the understanding of human gene expression, is the recipient of the 2017 Vanderbilt Prize in Biomedical Science, officials at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) announced today.

By Bill Snyder
November 16, 2017

Study may point to new treatment approach for ASD

Using sophisticated genome mining and gene manipulation techniques, researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) have solved a mystery that could lead to a new treatment approach for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
By Bill Snyder
November 2, 2017

Sweatt, Tansey discuss influence of epigenetics on research

Basic research underway at Vanderbilt University Medical Center is raising hopes that one day it will be possible to reverse memory loss in people with Alzheimer’s disease and stop a major driver of cancer in its tracks.
By Bill Snyder
October 17, 2017

Researchers find novel mechanism of resistance to anti-cancer drugs

Vanderbilt investigators have discovered a novel non-genetic cause of resistance to the targeted anti-cancer therapy cetuximab. Their findings, reported this week in Nature Medicine, suggest a strategy for overcoming this resistance.
By Leigh MacMillan
September 28, 2017

Cellular calcium handling in diabetes

Potassium channels in a cellular organelle regulate calcium flux and appear to play a critical role in pancreatic beta cell health.
By Leigh MacMillan
September 21, 2017

Excess dietary manganese increases risk of staph infection in heart

Too much dietary manganese — an essential trace mineral found in leafy green vegetables, fruits and nuts — promotes infection of the heart by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus (“staph”).
By Leigh MacMillan
September 21, 2017

New lab formulary improves quality, cuts cost

An effort at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) to enhance clinical decision making through cross-departmental collaboration and effective use of diagnostics has improved patient care and saved the institution more than $1 million in 2016, VUMC officials reported this week.
By Bill Snyder
September 20, 2017

NSAIDs, genetics and miscarriage

A certain genetic variant, in combination with the use of anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen during early pregnancy, may protect women from miscarriage.
By Leigh MacMillan