Research

September 9, 2024

Peptide discovery could advance treatment of high blood pressure

VUMC researchers found that peptides modified by highly reactive compounds called isolevuglandins activated T cells and promoted hypertension in mice. Their first-ever isolation of such peptides is a step toward potentially intervening in this pathologic process.

By Bill Snyder
After connecting the dots between cognitive impairment and brain network organization in people diagnosed with psychotic disorders, researchers discovered the same link in those who hadn’t had their first psychotic episode.
September 4, 2024

Groundbreaking study links cognition and brain networks before the first psychotic break

Early detection opens the door to intervention via noninvasive neuromodulation for those with treatment-resistant symptoms of psychotic disorders like schizophrenia.

By Danny Bonvissuto
September 4, 2024

RSV vaccine in older people cuts risk of hospitalization

A multicenter study conducted in 19 states between October 2023 and March 2024 demonstrated that RSV vaccination was 75% effective in preventing RSV-associated hospitalizations for adults age 60 and older.

By Bill Snyder
September 4, 2024

Bacterial metabolism plays role in staph antibiotic tolerance

Staph is a leading bacterial cause of death from bloodstream, bone and joint infections, in part because of high rates of antibiotic treatment failure.

By Leigh MacMillan
(Adobe Stock)
August 29, 2024

Study finds human milk component may protect adult intestinal health

The research may lead to new treatments for diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and mucositis, a severe complication of chemotherapy.

By Bill Snyder
August 28, 2024

For former NFL players, football before age 12 not linked to worse health later in life: study

Data from 4,189 former NFL athletes who spanned the ages of 24-89 show no evidence playing organized football younger than age 12 led to more cognitive, mood, sleep, cardiovascular or other health issues later in life. These results, which are published in Sports Medicine, contrast with previous small studies from a decade ago.

By Holly Fletcher
August 28, 2024

Vanderbilt and OHSU join forces to train addiction research scholars 

The new training program’s participants will focus their research efforts on substance use with an emphasis on vulnerable populations, such as people living with HIV.
By Tom Wilemon
August 23, 2024

Children with developmental disabilities less likely to receive gold-standard hearing assessment

More than 30% of children with permanent hearing loss have additional disabilities. A timely diagnosis of reduced hearing and access to appropriate interventions can maximize developmental outcomes.
By Danny Bonvissuto
August 22, 2024

Higher thiazide doses shown to reduce kidney stone events

Thiazide diuretics are commonly prescribed to prevent kidney stone recurrence, treat high blood pressure, and clear fluid from the body in conditions such as heart failure.
By Craig Boerner
August 21, 2024

Study tests wearable technology to detect problem behavior before it happens

The goal of the wearable technology is to improve behavioral assessment of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities by predicting the precursors of problem behaviors and using that information to adjust therapeutic approaches.
By Nancy Humphrey
August 21, 2024

High or low oxygen levels are safe during heart surgery: study

Two hundred study participants were assessed for oxidative stress, acute kidney injury, delirium, myocardial injury and atrial fibrillation.
By Matt Batcheldor
August 16, 2024

Rare diseases point to connections between metabolism and immunity

Science Immunology study suggests a new class of inborn errors of immunometabolism and could improve care for patients with these complex diseases.
By Leigh MacMillan
August 13, 2024

VUMC, DOD join forces for a hantavirus antibody “sprint”

VUMC’s antibody collaboration with the DOD goes back to 2018, when the medical center signed a five-year cooperative agreement with the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to develop protective treatments that can be rushed to health care providers within weeks after a viral outbreak.
By Bill Snyder