Leigh MacMillan

Understanding how the immune system responds to the respiratory virus HMPV is crucial for developing vaccines and anti-viral treatments. Read More

Augmenting the signals of natural “endocannabinoids” in the brain may be a promising approach for treating mood and anxiety disorders. Read More

A newly identified receptor allows mammalian reovirus to infect neurons, shedding light on factors important for viral encephalitis. Read More

Engineered bacteria that produce a therapeutic compound in the gut prevent obesity in mice, Vanderbilt University investigators have discovered. Read More

Understanding how to control the generation of regulatory T cells could have important implications for treating autoimmunity and cancer. Read More

A novel molecular “conversation” regulates kidney fibrosis – the final result of end-stage chronic kidney disease – suggesting new treatment options for this currently irreversible process. Read More

Simple heat treatments may give the frog immune system a boost and help it fight off a deadly fungal pathogen, according to a new study published July 10 in the journal Nature. Read More

It all started with a faint glow. It was November 1895, and the German physicist Wilhelm Roentgen was experimenting with an early cathode ray tube—a vacuum tube with a contained electric current. During his experiments he noticed an odd fluorescence in crystals on a nearby table. Surprisingly, the glow continued even… Read More

The factor ATF4 has a role in the toughness of bone and its resistance to fracture, suggesting new therapeutic targets. Read More

New views of how transporters move molecules across cell membranes are key to understanding how these proteins impact tumor cell drug resistance and inherited diseases such as cystic fibrosis. Read More

Dylan Burnette, Ph.D., points to one of the many striking photographs on his office walls. It’s a picture of a cell — a microscopic image showing yellow squiggles, bright purple lines and a turquoise oval on a black background, and it looks like abstract art. Read More

Unique molecular "fingerprints" could explain the disparity in Wilms tumor incidence and point to novel, race-specific therapeutic targets. Read More

Virus-like particles containing a protein from human metapneumovirus are a promising vaccine candidate for this respiratory virus. Read More

Insights into the workings of DNA damage response proteins such as SMARCAL1 could suggest new ways to improve genome integrity and prevent cancer. Read More

Most people probably don’t think much about the chemical compound that flavors curries and gives the Indian spice turmeric its yellow color. For Odaine Gordon, Ph.D., who celebrated his doctoral degree at last week’s Graduate School commencement, this compound — called curcumin — has special significance. Read More

A particular anti-arrhythmia drug provides a targeted treatment for certain forms of atrial fibrillation. Read More

A novel PET imaging probe detects tumor cell death in vivo and could be useful for personalizing cancer medicine. Read More

A genetic variant is associated with toxicity of the chemotherapy drug melphalan, and could guide individualized dosing for the medication. Read More

Understanding how chikungunya virus binds to and enters cells offers a new target for antiviral medications. Read More

Having a “leaky” gut may protect against colitis, a paradoxical finding that alters understanding of the role of cell permeability in intestinal homeostasis and immune regulation. Read More