Basic Sciences

Lisa Monteggia leads discovery of the gene responsible for ketamine’s long-term effects with implications for antidepressant therapeutics. Est. reading time: 2.5 mins. Read More

Pioneering research from Vanderbilt scientists discovers the mechanism by which epithelial cells first find and react to wounds. Est. reading time: 3 mins. Read More

David Miller and Seth Taylor push genetic research forward by leading the completion of a gene expression atlas for the entire nervous system of the nematode C. elegans Est. reading time: 1.5 mins. Read More

Vanderbilt biochemists have discovered that the protein RADX has different biological effects at sites of DNA synthesis, depending on the cellular conditions — even though it works the same way in both stressed and unstressed cells. Read More

With the peak of summer approaching, Vanderbilt researchers will discuss innovative research on melanoma and how new insights could lead to less toxic treatments and better outcomes for patients. “Toward a Cure for Melanoma” will take place on Tuesday, July 27, at noon CT. Read More

The Program for Extracellular Vesicle Research has been upgraded to the Center for Extracellular Vesicle Research, one of nine official centers and institutes associated with the School of Medicine Basic Sciences. Read More

The School of Medicine Basic Sciences brought together a biologist, a Christian theologist, a philosopher and an astrophysicist June 17 for a lab-to-table conversation exploring their views and academic perspectives on the origins of life. Read More

Exercise and movement may be a prescription to mitigate drug and alcohol seeking behavior due to its influence on the brain. Est. reading time: 3 mins. Read More

For the second year in a row, Professor of Biochemistry Houra Merrikh has been named a finalist for the 2021 Blavatnik National Awards for Young Scientists in the life sciences category for her discovery of a potential solution to prevent the evolution of antimicrobial resistance and, in some cases, even reverse existing resistance. Read More

In honor of this year’s Juneteenth holiday, Vanderbilt University graduate students from the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics created a poster charting key achievements from Black scientists stretching back to 1837. Read More

Craig Lindsley, the William K. Warren, Jr. Chair in Medicine and director of Vanderbilt’s  Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, will be inducted to the 2021 class of the Division of Medicinal Chemistry Hall of Fame. Read More

Research led by Lisa Monteggia reveals that ketamine provides antidepressant effects by blocking key neural pathway. Est. reading time: 3 mins. Read More

How do academics with diverse areas of expertise view the origins of life? A June 17 virtual discussion hosted by the School of Medicine Basic Sciences will bring together perspectives from single-cell biology, theology, space and time and metaphysical philosophy to explore the unique and common understandings among the fields. Read More

By studying extracellular vesicles from the brain, researchers at Vanderbilt and Argentina’s Universidad Nacional de Córdoba are the first to show how the incorporation of extracellular proteins into a neuron can modify neurotransmission Read More

Celebrated neuroscientist and author of Still Alice to join Vanderbilt Brain Institute for discussion on How the Brain Remembers. Read More

Research Snapshot: Neuroimaging research is the first to show an area of the brain’s role in early abstinence from alcohol, revealing key sex differences. Est. reading time 2.5 mins. Read More

“Careers for the Citizen Scientist,” this year’s career development symposium through the ASPIRE program, will be May 6-7. Biomedical science graduate students and postdoctoral fellows can learn about career paths blending communication and science and hear a keynote from esteemed virologist Vincent Racaniello. Read More

Join the School of Medicine Basic Sciences for a virtual conversation with "New York Times" bestselling author and neuroscientist Lisa Genova and Vanderbilt Brain Institute Barlow Family Director Lisa Monteggia. They will be discussing Genova's new book, "Remember: The Science of Memory and the Art of Forgetting," on Wednesday, May 26, from 11 a.m. to noon CT. Read More

A compound that increases lifespan in yeast is offering clues to pharmacological approaches that might slow the aging process and improve health. Read More

Wide-ranging conversation addresses how creative culture and expectations of masculinity have shaped drug use, highlights the need to destigmatize addiction through science. Read More