Research

Jill Simmons, MD, and John Shelley found that adding a genetic measure of height to the evaluation of children with short stature might improve diagnosis and clinical outcomes. (photo by Erin O. Smith)
April 25, 2025

Polygenic score for height could improve diagnosis for children with short stature: study

Even after comprehensive testing, about 30% of children with short stature — height below the third percentile on a growth chart — do not have a definitive diagnosis, leading to extended surveillance, testing and anxiety.

By Leigh MacMillan
April 25, 2025

Study suggests possible stem-cell solution for acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury is a sudden decrease in kidney function that can lead to kidney failure, the need for kidney dialysis and death.

By Bill Snyder
April 23, 2025

Study shows parathyroid gland reimplantation technique an effective option to restore function in children

Damage or removal of calcium-regulating parathyroid glands during endocrine surgery can put children at risk for poor growth and slow mental development.

By Christina Echegaray
April 15, 2025

VUMC researchers report the number of children with autism in Tennessee has doubled in the past decade

CDC releases new autism data highlighting early identification trends, prevalence and differences across the U.S.

By Danny Bonvissuto
(iStock image)
April 10, 2025

Study provides guidance on immunotherapy-related, chronic skin reactions 

Researchers recommended long-term follow-up for patients by dermatologists familiar with cirAEs and consideration of corticosteroid-sparing treatment options.

By Tom Wilemon
April 10, 2025

$4.1 million grant awarded to study unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions 

Antibiotic prescriptions handed out in unplanned care spaces contribute to antimicrobial resistance, especially if they are not necessary to treat infections.

By Evan Dorian
April 9, 2025

Research Staff Awards honor three who drive research in the School of Medicine

“Research often begins with inquiring minds asking deep questions,” said Jennifer Pietenpol, PhD. “But making discoveries requires a team effort.”
By Bill Snyder
April 8, 2025

A link between bacterial infection and colorectal cancer: Study

Understanding factors that contribute to the development of colorectal cancer could point to new targets for treating the disease at earlier stages, when survival rates are highest.
By Leigh MacMillan
April 7, 2025

Vanderbilt neurology research duo shares details of new clinical trial that would take aim at slowing or stopping the progression of Parkinson’s disease 

Parkinson’s is best known for manifesting with a tremor, but patients may have up to four “cardinal features” that include muscle rigidity, slowing of movements and balance problems.
By Evan Dorian
April 4, 2025

Study details genetic architecture of congenital diarrheal disorders in infants

The findings represent a significant advance toward development of more effective, targeted therapies for congenital diarrhea and enteropathies
By Bill Snyder
April 2, 2025

New gene discoveries target uterine fibroids

The research is another step toward development of targeted therapies aimed at reducing the incidence and medical burden of this common condition.
By Bill Snyder
April 1, 2025

Integrative approach reveals key inflammatory drivers of severe obesity

Severe obesity — a condition of being 100 pounds or more overweight — has doubled in the United States over the past two decades to 9.2%, with the greatest increases among women and Latino populations.
By Leigh MacMillan
April 1, 2025

Castiglione lab discovers horses run faster by ignoring an ancient mutation that says ‘stop’

How did horses overcome this challenge? The answer seems to be by using a genetic trick previously thought to occur only in viruses.
By Andy Flick