Researchers at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine have received a grant to examine the likelihood of genomic information being identified and how effective legal efforts can reduce these risks. The center will also explore the relationship between history, public opinion, and literature on privacy concerns.
Researchers have discovered a tollerance mechanism in NK cells that restrains their ability to kill cancer cells. Increasing IL-15 levels may improve immune responses against tumors.
A review of scientific literature found that only 8% of student athletes who experienced hazing labeled the behavior as such. Meanwhile, 71% reported negative consequences, including physical and psychological issues. Experts stress the importance of educating athletes to distinguish between hazing and positive team building.
The primary method used to test compounds for anti-cancer activity in cells is flawed, according to a study by Vanderbilt University researchers. They have developed a new metric to evaluate a compound's effect on cell proliferation called the DIP rate, which overcomes the flawed bias in traditional methods.
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study finds that persistent inflammation in COPD may result from a defect in the immune system allowing airway bacteria to invade deeper into the lungs. Treatment with an anti-inflammatory drug halted lung damage in mice with this defect.
Researchers identified gene alterations that may explain treatment resistance in TNBC, suggesting a potential role for JAK2 inhibitors. The study found that JAK2 amplification was more frequent in chemotherapy-treated tumors and associated with poorer outcomes.
Collaborative research found that standardizing care policies for infants born with NAS reduced length of treatment by one day and length of hospitalization by two days. Simple strategies such as swaddling, soothing, and skin-to-skin contact were implemented to prevent escalation of withdrawal symptoms.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have isolated antibodies with a loop-like structure that binds tightly to HIV and disables it. The study suggests a new approach to rapidly induce broadly neutralizing antibodies in people who have not been exposed to HIV.
A study published in JACC found that drinking a high-carbohydrate shake can lower atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) levels, which help regulate salt retention and blood pressure. Researchers discovered that glucose intake is the main driver behind this effect, mediated by the molecule miR-425.
Vanderbilt researchers have identified a new antibody treatment for H7 avian flu with remarkable neutralizing potency, potentially offering short-term protection to people exposed or infected by the virus. The antibodies were isolated from human monoclonal antibodies generated in response to an experimental bird flu vaccine.
Researchers found that a family-focused package of services can significantly reduce mother-to-child transmission of HIV in resource-limited areas. The study showed a 74% reduction in infant infections in the intervention group compared to the control group.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) will lead the Direct Volunteers Pilot Studies under the first grant awarded in the federal Precision Medicine Initiative Cohort Program. The program aims to engage 1 million or more U.S. volunteers, providing a platform for expanding precision medicine approaches.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have discovered a new compound that is more effective against the tuberculosis enzyme and maintains activity against resistant forms. The findings could lead to a more effective treatment for the deadly disease, which killed 1.5 million people in 2014.
A study published in Circulation found that prostate cancer survivors are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease due to hormone therapy. The Vanderbilt Cardio-oncology program is working to modulate these risks through collaborative care and personalized interventions.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have found a potential treatment for depressive-like symptoms in alcoholics using ketamine and an endocannabinoid system booster. The study, published in Neuropsychopharmacology, validates a mouse model of alcoholism and shows promise for developing novel treatments for mood disorders.
Research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that obese children's brains exhibit an imbalance between food-seeking and food-avoiding behaviors. The study suggests that mindfulness may help recalibrate this balance to prevent obesity, which has nearly doubled in the US over the past 30 years.
Human monoclonal antibodies isolated from Ebola survivors can neutralize multiple species of the virus, including Bundibugyo, Sudan, and Zaire viruses. These findings suggest a common therapeutic or vaccine strategy could solve all Ebola viruses.
Researchers have successfully generated human cardiac muscle cells from stem cells using a 'Matrigel mattress', addressing a problem with contractile properties. The new method allows for high-throughput screens to find novel therapies for heart diseases, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have obtained the crystal structure of a toxin from Clostridium difficile, revealing that zinc is required to unleash its damaging effects. This discovery aids efforts to develop vaccines and other novel therapies to prevent fatal consequences of C. diff infection.
A study of 2,022 patients found that genetic variations associated with a higher risk of fatal heart rhythms did not necessarily cause abnormal electrocardiogram readings. This highlights the importance of considering ECG data and other patient information before returning genetic results.
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found that 25% of emergency department visits involve patients with hypertension, with a 20% increase since 2006. Uncontrolled hypertension is a significant cause of death in the US, and lifestyle factors such as medication adherence and exercise can help manage the condition.
Researchers found that microtubules limit glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, but also allow for increased release when destabilized. Targeting microtubule regulation may offer new ways to treat type 2 diabetes.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center are conducting a proof of concept experiment using intraspinal microstimulation technology to restore complex body movements in paralyzed patients. The study aims to identify the optimal sweet spot for stimulation along the spinal cord, which has shown promise in animal studies.
A new study found that higher cigarette taxes are strongly associated with lower infant mortality rates in the US. The association is stronger for African American infants than non-Hispanic white infants, which has implications for reducing disparities in infant mortality between the two groups.
A Vanderbilt study found that sildenafil improves insulin sensitivity in people at risk for diabetes, potentially reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The researchers discovered that sildenafil inhibits an enzyme called phosphodiesterase 5, resulting in relaxation of smooth muscle and increased blood flow.
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found that COX-2 drugs may cause cardiovascular problems due to prostaglandin production by macrophages. The researchers hope to develop new, targeted painkillers without the vascular effects of existing medications.
A $9.4 million grant is being used to test a transdermal nicotine patch for improving memory loss in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI affects millions of people worldwide and is the stage between normal aging and dementia when others notice mild memory problems.
A recent study found nearly 15% of ACA marketplace plans lack in-network specialists for at least one specialty. This inadequate coverage can lead to high out-of-pocket costs and adverse selection. The study highlights the need to enhance enforcement or update insurance regulations to improve patient access to affordable care.
Researchers aim to create a permanent solution for organ transplantation scarcity using bio-hybrid devices combining silicon filters with living human kidney cells. The device, if successful, could run on the body's normal blood pressure without power source, eliminating organ rejection issues.
A new study published in JAMA found that flu vaccination can prevent up to 57% of hospitalizations due to influenza pneumonia. The research used data from over 2,700 patients and showed that the vaccine not only prevents symptoms but also serious complications like pneumonia requiring hospitalization.
A new pneumatic compression device has been shown to significantly reduce cellulitis episodes in patients with lymphedema, resulting in an 80% decrease. The device also leads to a 37% reduction in lymphedema-related healthcare costs. This study highlights the potential benefits of advanced devices in managing chronic conditions.
A study published in JAMA found that more than half of hospitalizations due to influenza pneumonia could be prevented by influenza vaccination. The study used data from 2,767 patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia during three consecutive influenza seasons.
Infants diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) are at increased risk for hospital readmission, particularly due to withdrawal symptoms. The study suggests that families of infants with NAS may benefit from additional post-discharge resources to mitigate this risk.
A Vanderbilt study found significant differences in social ability among children with autism who participated in a 10-week theatre-based program compared to those who did not. The program improved social cognition, interaction, and communication skills, including face recognition and group play.
A six-week clinical trial found that reduced-nicotine cigarettes decreased nicotine exposure and dependence, as well as the number of cigarettes smoked per day. The study suggests potential benefits for smoking cessation and reducing tobacco-related harm.
A Vanderbilt study found that breaking down fibrin is essential for fracture repair, contradicting previous assumptions. The study also suggests that impaired fibrin clearance may be a key factor in conditions like obesity and diabetes impeding fracture healing.
A team of Vanderbilt investigators has discovered that fibrin breakdown is essential for fracture healing, contradicting previous assumptions. The findings have significant implications for efforts to promote fracture repair and may lead to new treatments by reducing or enhancing fibrin levels.
Regular exercise in adolescence is associated with a reduced risk of cancer and all-cause mortality in women. Participation in team sports during the teen years also shows a protective effect against cancer death later in life. The study suggests that promoting exercise participation in adolescence could have important public health im...
Soldiers who served in Iraq and Afghanistan returned home with a higher risk of skin cancer, largely due to inadequate sun protection and lengthy daily sunlight exposure. The study found that only 13% of veterans routinely used sunscreen and 63% experienced at least one sunburn during deployment.
A new study from Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that viruses, not bacteria, are the most commonly detected respiratory pathogens in U.S. adults hospitalized with pneumonia. The study highlights the need for more sensitive rapid diagnostic tests to identify pneumonia pathogens and target appropriate treatments.
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study analyzed data from 63,109 patients with acute traumatic spinal cord injury and found a significant increase in incidence rates among men aged 65-74. Most patients regain some function after an injury, but many require lifelong healthcare services.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers have developed a large panel of antibody treatments against chikungunya, a flu-like illness with debilitating joint pain. The antibodies can be used to treat infected individuals early in the infection, potentially preventing severe symptoms.
Researchers have determined the structure of a human monoclonal antibody that strongly neutralizes a type of the potentially lethal dengue virus in an animal model. This finding could lead to effective therapies and vaccines against dengue, a complex of four distinct mosquito-borne viruses causing illness and death in the tropics.
New study reveals a decline in the use of third-generation cephalosporins, a broader-spectrum class of antibiotics, and an increase in narrow-spectrum antibiotics like ampicillin. The findings suggest that local dissemination efforts played a crucial role in adopting the new national guidelines.
A Vanderbilt-led study found a 28% decline in new prostate cancer diagnoses in the U.S. following the USPSTF's recommendation to discontinue routine PSA screenings. This decrease was observed mainly among low-risk cancers and men over age 70.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have redesigned an antibody using a computer program, increasing its potency and ability to neutralize multiple strains of HIV. The study suggests that computer-redesigned antibodies may speed the search for an effective therapy or vaccine against HIV.
A genetic mutation in cattle grazing at high altitude leads to a life-threatening condition called brisket disease, characterized by high blood pressure in the lungs. The study sheds light on human lung disease, particularly non-familial pulmonary hypertension in patients with emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis.
A Vanderbilt University study finds that pregnant women prescribed opioids are more likely to give birth to babies with drug withdrawal syndrome. The study highlights the dangers of overprescription and the need for state and federal policy makers to address the opioid epidemic's impact on mothers and infants.
A genetic mutation combined with an urban environment increases the risk of severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in children. Children from urban middle-class families were eight times more likely to be hospitalized, a risk similar to extremely premature babies.
A Vanderbilt University study associates poor heart function with an increased risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Participants with decreased cardiac index were two to three times more likely to develop significant memory loss over a follow-up period.