Health And Medicine
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Research reveals link between immunity, diabetes
An immune cell called CD8+ is supposed to attack disease, but it can also contribute to inflammation, which can lead to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Read MoreSep 13, 2018
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Unleashing TIGER on small RNAs
Kasey Vickers has developed a new analytical method for to study small RNAs, a poorly understood component of the genome. Read MoreSep 6, 2018
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Team’s findings could spur new treatments for type 2 diabetes
New research by an international team that includes Vanderbilt researchers shows how a common diabetes drug blocks glucose production by the liver, suggesting new avenues for treatment. Read MoreSep 6, 2018
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Nicotine patch shows promise in treating late-life depression
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center pilot study of treating late-life depression in nonsmokers with transdermal nicotine (nicotine patch) has yielded some promising results, but the study’s author cautions that more study is needed. Read MoreSep 6, 2018
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Immune system emerges as partner in opioid cravings fight
There’s promise in specific immune system peptides—amino acid compounds that signal cells how to function. In this case, they may be affecting brain activity and, by extension, drug cravings. Read MoreSep 5, 2018
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Team isolates antibodies that neutralize GI bug norovirus
The discovery of these antibodies could significantly improve the diagnosis and treatment of the leading cause of stomach illness in the world. Read MoreAug 30, 2018
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Investigators find that bile acids reduce cocaine reward
The discovery that high levels of bile acids appear to blunt cravings for cocaine could lead to new treatments for addiction. Read MoreAug 30, 2018
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Study links aortic stiffness with lower cerebral blood flow
A symptom related to hypertension may play a role in cognitive decline, according to new research by Angela Jefferson. Read MoreAug 30, 2018
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Using light to fight GVHD
Vanderbilt researchers have discovered new insights into the treatment of chronic graft-versus-host-disease, a complication of bone marrow and stem cell transplants. Read MoreAug 30, 2018
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Energetic gene switch
James Galligan and Lawrence Marnett have discovered a new histone modification that can affect gene expression. Read MoreAug 30, 2018
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A brain-builder called “Shh”
A newly discovered role for the "Sonic the Hedgehog" protein in the proper development of the cerebellum. Read MoreAug 30, 2018
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New faculty chair in Vanderbilt’s Basic Sciences created in memory of biochemist Richard Armstrong
A $1 million gift has established a new faculty chair within the School of Medicine’s Basic Sciences that is named in honor of the late biochemist Richard Armstrong. Read MoreAug 29, 2018
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Clue to treating obesity found in body’s ‘rheostat’
New research by Masoud Ghamari-Langroudi and colleagues has revealed that a certain brain protein called MC3R plays a role in causing the body to reset its "ideal" weight. Read MoreAug 23, 2018
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Vanderbilt study explores how dual-eligible beneficiaries spend
People who qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare tend to have very serious, complex health problems, but new research by Laura Keohane shows that their rate of healthcare spending is not rising any faster than that of people eligible for just Medicare. Read MoreAug 17, 2018
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Predictive models for gene regulation
Modern statistical tools are not very accurate when it comes to predicting the discrete and non-symmetric behaviors of individual cells. Gregor Neuert and colleagues say that's because the wrong tools are being used. Read MoreAug 17, 2018
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YAP after acute kidney injury
ianchun Chen, Raymond Harris and colleagues have identified a potential new target for treating acute kidney injury. Read MoreAug 17, 2018
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A new target for lung cancer
Xiangming Ji, Pierre Massion and colleagues have discovered that blocking the transporter protein xCT could slow the progression of non-small cell lung cancer. Read MoreAug 17, 2018
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Risk factors for faulty rhythms
Prince Kannankeril and colleagues explored clinical and genetic factors associated with atrial tachycardia after congenital heart disease surgery in infants younger than 1 year old. Read MoreAug 17, 2018
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Study finds behavioral changes insufficient at preventing early childhood obesity
New research by Shari Barkin shows that improving nutrition and increasing opportunities to be more active were insufficient in achieving sustained reduction in childhood obesity in poor neighborhoods. Read MoreAug 9, 2018
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Study to explore how rising medication costs impact elderly
A team led by Stacie Dusetzina has received a grant to determine whether rising drug prices and out-of-pocket expenses are causing older Americans enrolled in Medicare Part D to delay or never fill their prescriptions. Read MoreAug 9, 2018