Research

February 21, 2024

International genetic study of glaucoma implicates vascular and cancer-related genes

An international genetic study using multiancestry biobanks has identified novel genetic locations associated with primary open-angle glaucoma, the most common type of glaucoma and the leading cause of irreversible blindness globally.

By Leigh MacMillan
February 19, 2024

VUMC part of major step to achieving precision medicine

An analysis of genomic data from nearly 250,000 participants in the National Institutes of Health’s All of Us Research Program has identified more than 275 million previously unreported genetic variations, nearly 4 million of which have potential health consequences.

By Bill Snyder
February 12, 2024

VISTA grant to fund hospital-based research training in heart, lung, blood, sleep disorders

Vanderbilt University Medical Center has received a federal grant to establish a first-of-its-kind training program in patient-oriented and health systems research focused on acute heart, lung, blood and sleep disorders in the hospital setting.

By Bill Snyder
February 7, 2024

Vanderbilt nanodrug may be a paradigm shift for cancer

A multidisciplinary research team at Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center has discovered a new way to kill a tumor by disrupting its acidic “microenvironment” without harming normal tissue.

By Bill Snyder
February 7, 2024

VUMC study finds molecular switch key to repair of kidney damage

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified Rac1, a molecular switch that regulates the actin cytoskeleton of epithelial cells in the collecting ducts, as a driver of post-obstructive kidney repair.

By Bill Snyder
February 1, 2024

A biomarker for early Type 2 diabetes

Genetic analyses suggest that branched chain amino acids may be a sensitive biomarker of early or subclinical Type 2 diabetes and could be used to identify risk and implement preventive measures.

By Bill Snyder
January 31, 2024

Fatty acids rewire energy supply chain in stomach cancer development

A study by Vanderbilt researchers has revealed how metabolic changes spurred by fatty acids contribute to the transformation of cells into abnormal versions of themselves that are the precursors to stomach cancer.
By Tom Wilemon
January 30, 2024

3D brain mapping opens a window to the aging brain

By mapping brain activity in three dimensions, researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have achieved a more detailed picture of how the brain changes with age.
By Bill Snyder
January 29, 2024

Expanded space boosts cutting-edge research in infectious diseases and immunology

The Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation recently debuted state-of-the-art new facilities in Medical Center.
By Leigh MacMillan
January 29, 2024

Nominations sought for the 2024 Vanderbilt Prize in Biomedical Science

Nominations for the 2024 Vanderbilt Prize in Biomedical Science are now being accepted. The nomination deadline is Feb. 29.
By Bill Snyder
January 22, 2024

Molecular profiles of tissue plus circulating tumor DNA can better guide cancer care

Vanderbilt research indicates that adding liquid biopsy testing for circulating tumor DNA mutations increases targetable mutation detection rates.
By Tom Wilemon
January 18, 2024

Beloved VUMC colleague and acclaimed scientist David Robertson mourned

David Robertson, MD, a beloved leader and mentor, and a pioneer in the clinical research of blood pressure disorders at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, died Jan. 12 at his home in Nashville. He was 76.
By Bill Snyder and Nancy Humphrey
January 17, 2024

Hartmann named director of UK Center for Clinical and Translational Science

Katherine Hartmann, MD, PhD, Vice President for Research Integration for Vanderbilt University Medical Center, has been named director of the University of Kentucky (UK) Center for Clinical and Translational Science.
By Leigh MacMillan