Leigh MacMillan

Metastatic pancreatic cancer — cancer that has spread from the pancreas to other tissues and is responsible for most patient deaths — changes its metabolism and is “reprogrammed” for optimal malignancy, according to new findings reported Jan. 16 in Nature Genetics. Read More

Vanderbilt investigators recommend that the presence of tumor deposits in the abdomen be included when staging midgut neuroendocrine tumors. Read More

Vanderbilt researchers have made the surprising discovery that the protease plasmin, known for its clot-busting role in the blood, protects soft tissue from turning to bone after severe injuries and certain orthopaedic surgeries. Read More

Blood-forming stem cells play a role in immune tolerance and acceptance of organ transplants, Vanderbilt researchers have discovered. Read More

At the intersection of immunology and metabolism is a burgeoning new field: immunometabolism. It’s an area where Vanderbilt has exceptional strengths, said Jeffrey Rathmell, Ph.D., Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Immunobiology. Read More

Vanderbilt researchers have shown that an injectable material improves wound healing and may be useful for large skin wounds such as those in patients with diabetes. Read More

Vanderbilt researchers have identified cocaine-induced modifications at specific neuronal connections, which could aid the development of new therapies for substance abuse disorders. Read More

Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus — two pathogens that frequently co-infect the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis — appear to cooperate with each other, Vanderbilt investigators have discovered. When pseudomonas is starved for metal by the host, it shuts down the production of factors that would normally kill staph, promoting a co-infection. Read More

Reinhard Fässler, M.D., director of the Department of Molecular Medicine at the Max Planck Institute in Martinsried, Germany, will deliver the next Flexner Discovery Lecture on Nov. 10. Read More

Dylan Burnette, Ph.D., assistant professor of Cell and Developmental Biology, won 12th Place in Nikon’s Small World 2016 Photomicrography Competition for a colorful image of a dividing cancer cell. Read More

A new method for analyzing cells in fixed biopsy tissues from patients by guide personalized treatment strategies for cancer. Read More

Lengthening sleep duration and reducing sleep disturbances in children with type 1 diabetes may improve diabetes outcomes and reduce parental stress. Read More

A compound found in buckwheat seeds extends the lifespan of worms, Vanderbilt investigators have discovered. Read More

Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s vibrant culture of clinical and translational research was celebrated at an annual forum last week, and two physician-scientist leaders were honored with awards. Read More

An imaging probe developed at Vanderbilt detects retinal inflammation early and may allow therapeutic intervention to prevent blindness. Read More

Genetic variation in GABA-A receptors confers risk for inherited forms of epilepsy. Read More

New findings implicate a motor protein in the assembly of the brush border in the intestines and kidneys – a specialized surface that is critical for healthy organ function. Read More

Elizabeth Engle, M.D., a pediatric neurologist who discovered a group of genetic disorders affecting cranial nerves, will present the next Flexner Discovery Lecture on Thursday, Oct. 6. Read More

Too much dietary zinc increases susceptibility to infection by Clostridium difficile — “C. diff” — the most common cause of hospital-acquired infections. Read More

Joanne Lynn, M.D., a geriatrician and health services researcher, will present the next Flexner Discovery Lecture on Sept. 22. Read More