Researchers have developed a new technique called liquid STEM that enables the imaging of individual molecules in biological cells, with improved resolution and speed compared to existing methods. This innovation has potential applications in energy science and the development of molecular probes.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have discovered a functional link between the brain's reward and stress signaling circuits. Dopamine, the chief reward signal, works through corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) to increase activity in a brain region involved in addiction relapse.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified prostaglandin-E2 receptors as crucial players in atherosclerosis development. Mice with impaired EP4 receptors showed reduced atherosclerosis and increased macrophage programmed cell death, highlighting the importance of these signaling pathways in disease progression.
Researchers have generated a synthetic SARS-like bat coronavirus that is infectious in cultured cells and mice, identifying pathways by which a bat coronavirus may have adapted to infect humans. The findings provide a model approach for rapid identification, analysis, and public health responses to future natural or intentional virus e...
Researchers found that combining a thiazide diuretic with a potassium-sparing drug reduced both sudden cardiac death and total coronary mortality in elderly patients with hypertension. The study's findings challenge the current U.S. hypertension treatment guidelines, which recommend using a thiazide diuretic alone as initial therapy.
Research finds that dense breast tissue promotes aggressive cancer cells, as breast cancer cells in denser surroundings step up their invasive activities. The study suggests a cellular mechanism linking human breast tissue density and tumor aggressiveness.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have successfully recovered antibodies to the 1918 flu virus from elderly survivors, showcasing surprisingly long-lasting immunity. These antibodies could serve as a treatment option if another similar strain emerges in the future.
Researchers found a genetic change in the dopamine transporter protein that makes it behave as if amphetamine is present, leading to altered dopamine signaling and contributing to ADHD symptoms. The altered function supports a role for dopamine signaling in the disease.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have found genetic mutations linked to rare familial hemiplegic migraine type-3 that alter sodium channel function in the brain. These mutations may prompt migraines and suggest medications targeting sodium channels as potential treatments.
Research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that genetic variation in the mitochondrial genome is associated with an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness in Caucasians over 50. This discovery may lead to personalized medicine and preventive treatments.
Researchers have discovered how HDAC inhibitors specifically damage cancer cells, leading to cell death. The compounds may also cause DNA damage that cannot be repaired, resulting in tumor cell death. However, these inhibitors can also have adverse effects, such as liver damage and metabolic abnormalities.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified a sticky blood protein that regulates serotonin transporter activity, potentially contributing to autism. The discovery may lead to new treatments for autism and depression.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified a small protein that specifically recognizes tumors responding to chemotherapy, allowing for rapid visualization of cancer response in mice. This breakthrough could enable more efficient treatment customization and accelerate the development of new cancer drugs.
A Vanderbilt University team has discovered a protein that blocks the growth of 'staph' bacteria by sopping up manganese and zinc, offering a new way to treat infections. The protein, calprotectin, is naturally produced by immune cells in response to bacterial infections, making it a potential target for therapeutic interventions.
Researchers found that insulin levels affect dopamine systems in the brain, which are involved in drug addiction and neuropsychiatric conditions. In diabetic animals, amphetamine-induced dopamine signaling was disrupted, suggesting a link between insulin status and brain function.
The Vanderbilt Conte Center for Neuroscience Research will investigate the role of serotonin in brain development and function, seeking to understand genetic variability's impact on mental health. The center aims to translate laboratory discoveries into improved treatments for mental illnesses, including depression and autism.
Researchers found that vitamin E's antioxidant effect is only significant at high doses, exceeding previously used amounts in clinical trials. The optimal dose was determined to be around 1600 IU/day for maximum suppression of oxidative stress.
The Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center has received significant funding from the National Cancer Institute to advance innovative colorectal cancer research. The center will focus on developing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches using high-throughput screening strategies, aiming to identify new treatments for this deadly disease.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center discovered that the Golgi apparatus is a novel source of microtubules in cells, which are crucial for cell movement and division. This finding could lead to new insights into cancer cell invasion and treatment strategies.
A multi-center team has discovered a 'signature' of proteins in the blood that predicts which non-small-cell lung cancer patients will live longer when treated with targeted therapies. The findings could help physicians decide which patients to treat with drugs known as EGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Researchers discovered that molecular motors play a crucial role in shedding membrane from the tips of microvilli, speeding up nutrient processing. This finding has implications for understanding gastrointestinal physiology and potential new treatments for diseases.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have linked treatment-induced TGF-beta levels to increased circulating cancer cells and tumor metastases in a mouse model of breast cancer. Blocking TGF-beta may be clinically useful in combination with primary therapies.
New research in mice suggests that reversing CaMKII inhibition alleviates Angelman syndrome neurological problems. The study identifies potential therapeutic targets for treating symptoms, and the findings may apply to other unexplained mental retardation syndromes.
Two studies reveal that nearly 10% of SIDS victims have mutations in genes associated with potentially lethal heart rhythms. Researchers identify several genetic contributors and propose strategies for identifying infant carriers before death.
A recent study by Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers found that prenatal cocaine exposure in rabbits causes a long-lasting displacement of dopamine receptors in certain brain cells. This effect alters their ability to function normally and may lead to subtle cognitive impairments, attention deficits, and emotional problems.
A new computer simulation of tumor growth sets the stage for individualized cancer treatment. The model suggests that the microenvironment around tumor cells determines the tumor's ultimate cellular makeup and invasive potential.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have developed a new animal model for pancreatic cancer that exhibits aggressive characteristics similar to human tumors. The genetically-engineered mice can be used to investigate targeted drug therapies and identify potential screening methods for early detection.
Biochemist Martin Egli and his team solved the X-ray crystal structure of homo-DNA, an artificial analog of DNA with a six-carbon sugar backbone. The study shows that fully hydroxylated six-carbon sugars are too bulky to produce a stable base-pairing system capable of carrying genetic information as efficiently as DNA.
A defective protein transport pathway in zebrafish has been linked to severe skeletal deformities and craniofacial defects. The discovery provides a new animal model for studying the rare human syndrome CLSD, which shares strikingly similar defects.
Researchers found that drinking three or more servings of fruit and vegetable juices per week reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease by 76 percent. The benefit was particularly enhanced for subjects carrying a specific genetic marker linked to late-onset Alzheimer's disease.
A new study found that infants born to mothers who took ACE inhibitors during the first trimester had a significantly higher risk of major birth defects. The study examined over 29,500 infant records and showed a clear increase in birth defects following first-trimester-only exposures.
Dr. Andreasen, a leading expert on schizophrenia, receives Vanderbilt Prize for Biomedical Science for her groundbreaking research and mentorship of women in science. The award includes a $25,000 prize and establishes a scholarship to support a promising M.D./Ph.D. candidate.
Research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that cholesterol attachment to the developmental protein Sonic hedgehog controls finger and toe development in mice. Without cholesterol, mice developed extra digits and malformed toes.
Researchers at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center found a decreased risk of breast cancer among women with breast implants. The study, which followed over 3,400 Swedish women for an average of 18 years, also showed an increased risk of lung cancer but attributed it to smoking habits.
A six-month walking exercise program may help alleviate cognitive impairment in cancer survivors. Researchers aim to identify new tactics to improve quality of life for those affected by chemotherapy-induced memory problems.
A large epidemiological study led by Xiao-Ou Shu found significant improvements in survival and quality of life measures among breast cancer patients who used ginseng, particularly those who started using it before diagnosis. The study suggests that ginseng may provide tangible benefits to breast cancer survivors.
A study published in The Journal of Neuroscience found that high temperatures can reduce the number of GABA-A receptors on nerve cells' surfaces, making them more susceptible to seizures. This discovery may lead to new approaches for preventing recurrent febrile seizures in vulnerable children.
The center will investigate disparities in modifiable risk factors for breast cancer, particularly among African-American women, and examine demographic, lifestyle, medical, and genetic profiles for obesity. The research aims to develop predictive models and biomarkers to improve early detection and treatment of breast cancer.
Researchers have identified new molecular indicators of aging in the skin that could be used to evaluate anti-aging therapies. The biomarkers are changes to the DNA of cellular organelles called mitochondria and correlate with the aging process.
A study led by Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center aims to determine the risk level for birth defects and other adverse outcomes in children of cancer survivors. Researchers analyze data from Denmark and Finland, where extensive patient information is available, to quantify risks based on chemotherapy and radiation exposure.
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found that media coverage had a significant impact on pediatric flu vaccination rates nationwide. The study surveyed 256 parents and found that 75% of children with confirmed influenza dates received the vaccine after mid-November 2003, influenced by media attention.
Increasing RN staff saves 6,700 lives annually, while greater use of RNs also reduces hospital stays and complications, such as urinary arrest and upper GI bleeding. The study concludes that increasing RN staffing is a cost-effective strategy for improving quality and containing costs in hospitals.
Researchers at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center have identified a crucial link between the CXCR4 receptor and the invasion of glioblastoma, a type of aggressive brain tumor. By inhibiting this receptor, experts hope to develop new treatments to prevent cancerous cells from spreading to other organs.
A new study by Vanderbilt researchers has uncovered a crucial role for prostaglandins in early embryonic development, highlighting their potential as molecular targets for cancer prevention therapies. Prostaglandin inhibition led to gastrulation arrest and slowed cell movement in zebrafish embryos.
A new vaccine study is testing a targeted vaccine against the H5N1 strain of avian influenza, aiming to protect vulnerable populations. Participants will receive three doses of either the vaccine or placebo over six months, with blood samples collected to test for protection.
Scientists at Vanderbilt University Medical Center discovered compounds secreted by frog skin can selectively kill HIV without harming T cells. The findings hold promise for developing new treatments and vaccines against the virus.
Recent studies suggest that multiple rare mutations within a single gene may increase risk for autism. The SERT gene regulates brain levels of serotonin, which is involved in various biological processes and has been found to be elevated in about 25% of people with autism. SSRIs have improved some symptoms, leading scientists to propos...
Christine Chung, a Vanderbilt researcher, has won the Damon Runyon Research Foundation/Lilly Clinical Investigator Award to support her work on genetic profiling for head and neck cancers. The award will provide funding for DNA microarray technology to predict tumor recurrence and response to chemotherapies.
At the DoD 'Era of Hope' breast cancer meeting, Vanderbilt-Ingram researchers presented their groundbreaking research on various aspects of breast cancer, including tumor microenvironment, diagnostic imaging, and biological pathways. The conference brought together a diverse group of researchers to share their work and collaborate with...
A recent study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that women with low physical activity levels and higher body mass indexes were at increased risk of developing breast cancer. Conversely, those who engaged in approximately three METs of exercise per day had a lower risk, suggesting that promoting weight con...