Nitazenes, a highly potent synthetic opioid, have emerged as a major contributor to the overdose crisis. These substances are often undetectable by routine drug tests and can be mixed into counterfeit pills or other street drugs.
The study found that buprenorphine produced the greatest health gains and cost savings for mothers and infants compared to alternative treatments. Buprenorphine was shown to be protective against critical outcomes such as preterm birth and low birth weight, despite its association with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome.
Keith Cole has received a five-year grant from the National Institute on Aging to conduct integrated research on dual decline, mobility, cognition and aging. This research aims to identify predictors and treatment targets for older adults at risk of physical and cognitive decline.
A study published in JAMA found that one shot of an RSV vaccine protects adults ages 60 or older from RSV-associated hospitalization and critical illness during two consecutive RSV seasons. The vaccine reduced the risk of hospitalization by 58% overall, with a higher reduction seen in the first year after vaccination.
A recent study found a substantial burden of potentially preventable hospitalizations for pneumococcal pneumonias among adults in Tennessee and Georgia. The study used a novel serotype-specific urinary test to identify infections caused by 30 different Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes.
A study published in JAMA Neurology found that oseltamivir treatment during flu episodes was associated with a reduced risk of serious neuropsychiatric events. The researchers debunked the long-standing theory that flu treatment causes these events, and instead found that the infection itself is more likely to be the culprit.
A study published in Nature Medicine reports final results of a Phase 3 trial showing pembrolizumab plus axitinib offers longer overall and progression-free survival compared to sunitinib for advanced kidney cancer patients. The treatment combination has been linked to higher objective response rates.
A large-scale study analyzing over 1 million individuals has identified 57 distinct genomic regions associated with 48 genes linked to stuttering. The findings suggest a shared genetic architecture with autism, depression, and musicality, providing a foundation for early identification and therapeutic advances in stuttering.
A daily walk of just 15 minutes can reduce the risk of death by nearly 20%, according to a new study. The research found that fast walking, but not slow walking, had a significant association with lower total mortality and cardiovascular disease deaths.
A large-scale study has identified 48 genes linked to stuttering, shedding light on the neurological pathways of risk. The findings suggest a shared genetic basis with autism, depression, and musicality, providing a foundation for future research.
Vanderbilt researchers have developed a groundbreaking method for recovering donor hearts after circulatory death, offering similar outcomes to existing techniques but with greater simplicity and lower costs. The new rapid recovery with extended ultra-oxygenated preservation (REUP) technique has been successfully deployed in three tran...
The collaboration aims to develop a predictive, high-fidelity AI model that identifies disease mechanisms and predicts patient outcomes. This initiative will focus on cancer but may expand to other complex medical challenges, such as transplant rejection and immunology.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have developed a safe and effective fluorescent imaging agent that can assist surgeons in visualizing nerves during head and neck surgery. The agent, bevonescein, allows for intraoperative nerve-specific fluorescence visualization, reducing the risk of nerve injury.
Researchers are creating a single-cell atlas to identify potent antibody therapies against measles, mumps, and rubella viruses. The goal is to accelerate antibody discovery and inform vaccine design.
A new meta-analysis found that symptom provocation before repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) treatment may enhance clinical response for depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and nicotine dependence. rTMS was nearly twice as effective when symptom provocation was used compared to when it wasn't.
A new research study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that increased sedentary behavior in aging adults is associated with worse cognition and brain shrinkage. Participants who spent more time sedentary were more likely to experience cognitive decline, even if they exercised regularly.
A new Vanderbilt University Medical Center-led study found US veterans with depression had a 14% higher risk of heart failure, even after adjusting for traditional risk factors. The study suggests that screening and treating depression may help prevent future heart failure in patients.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center discovered how C. diff converts a poisonous compound into a usable nutrient, increasing its competitive advantage in the infected gut. The findings point to novel therapeutic strategies, including targeting the TudS enzyme to preserve healthy gut microbiota.
The Alliance for Genomic Discovery has completed sequencing 250,000 whole genomes, providing a comprehensive clinical genomic dataset. This data is being leveraged to accelerate drug target discovery and therapeutic research.
The Vanderbilt Lung Transplant program performed a record-breaking 99 lung transplants in 2024, with two combined organ transplants. The program leads the nation in innovation in organ preservation and regeneration, and has the busiest program in the Southeast.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center aim to use artificial intelligence technologies to generate antibody therapies against specific antigen targets. The project, funded by $30 million from ARPA-H, will create a massive antibody-antigen atlas and develop AI-based algorithms to engineer antigen-specific antibodies.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed a new method to grow healthy lungs in mice, which could potentially heal lungs damaged by premature birth. The study uses four-dimensional microscopy to visualize the formation of lung tissue and identify key molecules that drive repair.
A study of 33,744 Medicare decedents found that 45% received potentially aggressive care in the last days of life, while only 25% received advanced care planning and palliative care. Despite efforts to raise awareness about the harms of aggressive treatment, access to supportive care varies among demographic groups.
A team of experts has identified six key research priority areas to deliver a fundamental understanding of appendiceal tumors. The study aims to improve disease detection, diagnosis, treatments, and outcomes for patients with this rare cancer, which affects an estimated 3,000 new patients each year.
A recent study explored the neurologic impact of flu in children and found that serious neurologic events are almost 50 times more common in those with underlying neurologic conditions. The study highlights the need for improved vaccination and treatment efforts targeted towards vulnerable children.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center is acquiring Tennova Healthcare-Clarksville's cardiology practice, adding two experienced interventional cardiologists and a nurse practitioner. The move will provide closer access to Vanderbilt-quality cardiovascular care in northern Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky.
A new urine test for prostate cancer has been shown to be highly accurate and can be used at home. The test, known as MyProstateScore 2.0 (MPS2), analyzes 18 genes associated with prostate cancer and can rule out clinically significant cancers with high accuracy.
A study of men with a family history of prostate cancer discovered an inherited form of prostate cancer linked to the mutated gene WNT9B. This gene variant increases prostate cancer risk by two- to 12-fold, comparable to breast cancer risk conferred by pathogenic mutations.
The Vanderbilt Transplant Center achieved a world record by performing 174 adult and pediatric heart transplants in 2024. The team's success was attributed to their multidisciplinary approach, innovative practices, and ability to accept high-risk patients from other centers.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center's CPPA launches a new interactive course to address complexities in professionalism, including sustaining leadership engagement and addressing significant well-being concerns. The 4-hour virtual session offers real-world case studies and breakout room collaboration.
A new study from Vanderbilt University Medical Center shows that a clinical alerts-driven AI system can effectively prompt doctors to screen patients for suicide risk during regular clinic visits. The study found that interruptive alerts were more effective than passive alerts, leading to a 42% increase in screenings.
A recent study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that adherence to national medical guidelines for using antiviral medications in young children with influenza is limited. Almost half of hospitalized children did not receive antiviral therapy, highlighting the need for improved clinical testing and treatment.
Researchers will compare smaller vs. larger breathing tubes in 3,180 patients to assess long-term patient-centered outcomes and safety. The study aims to fill an evidence gap on the effect of breathing tube size on shortness of breath after critical illness.
A seminal life cycle assessment (LCA) study found that diagnostic services generate the equivalent of nearly 1,100 gas-powered cars annually, with CT scans accounting for the majority of GHG emissions. The team identified areas to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions without compromising patient care.
Researchers found overlapping genetic underpinnings between rhythm-related skills and language-related traits, including dyslexia. The study identified 16 regions of the genome that overlapped between rhythm and language, suggesting a complex genetic architecture shared by these fundamental human traits.
A new study in Nature identifies strategies for tying brain function and structure to behavior and health, improving the reliability of brain-wide association studies. By strategically selecting participants and collecting multiple scans, researchers can obtain more dependable results with fewer participants.
A new study from Vanderbilt University Medical Center explores the role of antibiotics in childhood asthma development. Researchers aim to identify a critical window for intervention and develop microbiome-based therapeutics to prevent asthma onset in children exposed to antibiotics early in life.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center is developing novel uterine-targeted delivery systems for therapeutics known as tocolytics, aiming to improve maternal and fetal safety. The project, funded by ARPA-H and DavosPharma, seeks to prolong pregnancies and allow crucial development of significant organs.
A new study found that zinc deficiency promotes lung infection by Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria, which is a leading cause of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Blocking IL-13 prevented infection-associated death in an animal model, suggesting anti-IL-13 antibodies may protect against bacterial pneumonia in patients with zinc deficiency.
A recent study found that only half of young cancer patients report discussing fertility preservation options with their healthcare provider. The study, which included 473 patients between the ages of 18 and 49, highlights the need for comprehensive reproductive health care in oncology treatment. Fertility preservation discussions were...
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found a significant association between genetic predisposition and sexual trauma with increased risk for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. The research highlights the importance of considering social and environmental factors in human genetics studies.
A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics reveals that 30% of parents with a very low birth weight baby have had to make an employment decision due to their child's health and ongoing care needs. Having a medically complex baby often forces parents to consider leaving their job, impacting their health insurance plans and networks.
A cancer vaccine demonstrated its effectiveness when administered at an early stage, preventing tumor progression and achieving long-term protection. The study's findings support further investigation into personalized vaccines for cancer treatment.
A new method using shared segments within the genome has identified undiagnosed cases of Long QT syndrome, a rare disorder that can lead to abnormal heart rhythms and sudden cardiac death. The approach was developed by researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and applied to a DNA biobank to detect carriers of rare disease-ca...
Researchers found that fever temperatures increase helper T cell metabolism, proliferation and inflammatory activity, while causing mitochondrial stress, DNA damage and cell death in a specific subset of Th1 cells. These findings may explain how chronic inflammation contributes to cancer development and suggest a fundamental way cells ...
The grant will create the Urinary Stone Disease Hub, combining medical expertise across adult and pediatric urology and nephrology, informatics, and AI to establish a novel data resource. The hub will include clinically important information from CT images, clinical notes, stone composition, and 24-hour urine labs.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center has joined ReVAMPP, a $100 million program to develop vaccines and antibody therapies against emerging viral threats. The center will focus on nine virus groups that pose the greatest risk to human health, including bunyaviruses and picornaviruses.
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found that higher thiazide doses significantly lower urine calcium, leading to fewer symptomatic kidney stone events. The researchers suggest monitoring calcium excretion while on thiazide therapy to adjust dose and diet.
A recent Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found that both hyperoxia and normoxia are safe during cardiac surgery, contradicting previous assumptions. The research discovered no significant differences in organ injury between the two oxygen levels.
A new study reveals a connection between metabolic genes and immune system T cells, suggesting a potential new class of inborn errors of immunometabolism. Researchers identified genetic overlap between disorders of metabolism and immunity, pointing to a continuum between the two conditions.