Racial Disparity
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Structural variants in breast cancer risk genes
Vanderbilt epidemiologists conducted in-depth whole genome sequencing of breast cancer risk genes in Black women, who die at higher rates and have more aggressive disease, to discover mutations that may improve testing and treatment selection. Read MoreSep 16, 2021
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Gene variant linked to unnecessary bone marrow biopsies in African Americans
A gene variant that lowers white blood cell levels and is common in individuals with African ancestry contributes to unnecessary bone marrow biopsies, according to a study published June 28 in JAMA Internal Medicine. The findings, led by investigators at VUMC, are an example of how using genetic data could reduce a health disparity. Read MoreJun 28, 2021
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Genetic ancestry and hypertension risk
Racial disparities in hypertension risk are due in part to genetic differences between ancestries, Vanderbilt investigators find in a study of participants in the Million Veteran Program. Read MoreApr 29, 2021
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Genetic differences in Wilms tumor
Unique somatic gene mutations may contribute to racial disparities in the incidence of Wilms tumor — the most common childhood kidney cancer. Read MoreApr 6, 2021
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Computer-based study reveals impact of race on health
A computer-based method developed at Vanderbilt University Medical Center that scans electronic medical records (EMRs) for genetic contributors to disease has been used for the first time to reveal the impact of race on health. Read MoreOct 8, 2020
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Race, hormones and diabetes risk
Variation in the levels of hormones called natriuretic peptides may contribute to racial differences in susceptibility to diabetes, suggesting that this hormone system may be a target for reducing risk of the disease. Read MoreApr 8, 2020
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Clue to pulmonary hypertension
Vanderbilt investigators have studied the relationship between race, cardiometabolic traits and pulmonary hypertension. Read MoreApr 13, 2017
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Low selenium and lung cancer
Vanderbilt researchers have found that selenium deficiency may contribute to the racial disparity in lung cancer incidence. Read MoreAug 6, 2014
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Study explores race differences of lung cancer risk
Vanderbilt research scientist Melinda Aldrich, Ph.D., MPH, has been awarded a National Institutes of Health Academic Career Award to investigate some of the genetic secrets behind a greater risk of lung cancer among African-Americans compared with other racial and ethnic groups. Read MoreAug 1, 2013