Research

blood cells
August 21, 2014

Transfusions ease strokes for children with sickle cell

Vanderbilt-led research found regular blood transfusion therapy significantly reduces the recurrence of strokes in children with sickle cell anemia who have previously had “silent” strokes.

By Christina Echegaray
colorful x-ray of brain
August 14, 2014

Team takes 4-D look at brain receptor’s role

Reporting last week in the journal Cell, researchers from Oregon Health and Science University, Harvard Medical School and Vanderbilt University describe the first “four-dimensional” picture of a brain receptor that plays a key role in learning and memory.

By Bill Snyder
August 7, 2014

Novel treatment strengthens bones in genetic disease

An enzyme therapy may prevent skeletal abnormalities associated with the genetic disorder neurofibromatosis type-1, Vanderbilt investigators have discovered.

By Leigh MacMillan
baby in crib
July 24, 2014

Team spots trigger for rare diarrheal disease in infants

Researchers at Vanderbilt University, the University of Arizona and Phoenix Children’s Hospital have discovered what triggers a rare but devastating diarrheal disease in newborns that is fatal without intravenous feeding or intestinal transplant.

By Bill Snyder
July 24, 2014

Colon cancer’s protein signatures identified

A Vanderbilt University-led research team has identified protein “signatures” of genetic mutations that drive colorectal cancer, the nation’s second leading cause of cancer deaths after lung cancer.

By Bill Snyder
July 18, 2014

Neural receptor for reovirus

A newly identified receptor allows mammalian reovirus to infect neurons, shedding light on factors important for viral encephalitis.

By Leigh MacMillan
July 17, 2014

Breast tissue growth protein may promote cancer: study

A protein essential for growth of normal breast tissue also may play a role in breast cancer, Vanderbilt University researchers have found.
By Bill Snyder
July 17, 2014

Study examines therapeutic bacteria’s ability to prevent obesity

Engineered bacteria that produce a therapeutic compound in the gut prevent obesity in mice, Vanderbilt University investigators have discovered.
By Leigh MacMillan
July 10, 2014

Molecular ‘chat’ holds kidney fibrosis clues

A novel molecular “conversation” regulates kidney fibrosis – the final result of end-stage chronic kidney disease – suggesting new treatment options for this currently irreversible process.
By Leigh MacMillan
July 9, 2014

Study finds ‘hot’ frogs fight off fungal pathogen

Simple heat treatments may give the frog immune system a boost and help it fight off a deadly fungal pathogen, according to a new study published July 10 in the journal Nature.
By Leigh MacMillan
June 5, 2014

VU investigators confirm bromine’s critical role in tissue development

Twenty-seven chemical elements are considered to be essential for human life. Now there is a 28th — bromine.
By Bill Snyder
June 2, 2014

Vanderbilt study supports notion ‘You are what you eat’

An international research group led by Vanderbilt University scientists has shown for the first time that a lipid, or fat molecule, can regulate “psychostimulant” behaviors by interacting with a brain protein.
By Bill Snyder
May 8, 2014

Vanderbilt Prize winner encourages big dreams

Science and beauty are linked, for when a scientist makes a discovery, “she sees something truly beautiful for the first time and reveals that beauty to the world.”
By Bill Snyder