Aliquots

  • (Photo credit: Wellcome Images)

    Integrin curbs cancer’s spread

    Cell surface molecules called integrins have been found to play an important role when cancer metastasizes. Read More

    Feb 16, 2011

  • Martin Egli (Photo courtesy of Martin Egli)

    Fluorine aids gene silencing

    Modifying a form of RNAs may improve their efficacy for research and medical uses. Read More

    Feb 15, 2011

  • Dan Gochberg, Ph.D. and colleagues in MRI Labs Physics / Imaging Department

    Seeing serotonin neurons in action

    The Vanderbilt MRI Labs Physics / Imaging Department (Anne Rayner / Vanderbilt) Serotonin – a chemical that has roles in multiple brain functions, including mood, sleep and cognition – is manufactured by clusters of brainstem neurons gathered in the raphé nuclei. A reliable, non-invasive imaging method for assessing raphé neuron… Read More

    Feb 9, 2011

  • Water bottle

    BPA exposure tests in question

    The industrial chemical BPA is found in commercial products, such as plastic water bottles. (iStock Photo) The safety of industrial chemicals bisphenol A (BPA) and alkylphenols, which are used in commercial products like plastics, has recently been called into question. Exposure to these chemicals is typically measured… Read More

    Feb 8, 2011

  • (Photo credit: iStock photo)

    Mapping obesity circuitry in brain

    (Photo credit: iStock photo) In the battle of the bulge, one important battalion is a set of brain cells expressing the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R). Via signals from the fat-derived hormone leptin, these neurons regulate feeding behavior and fat metabolism in an attempt to regulate body weight. But how leptin influences… Read More

    Feb 7, 2011

  • Aliquots – VUMC research highlights

    Aliquots – VUMC research highlights

    RSV prefers stressed cells “Stress granules” – globs of proteins and RNAs – form inside cells in response to environmental stressors and are thought to regulate protein production. Several viruses induce stress granule formation, but the function of these structures during virus replication is not well understood. James Crowe Jr.,… Read More

    Jan 6, 2011