NIEHS Archives
How the skin protects
Apr. 19, 2018—Treatments for common skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis may be improved by understanding the enzymes responsible for forming the skin’s water-tight barrier.
DNA damage repair: molecular insights
Dec. 5, 2017—Structural details about a protein involved in the repair of damaged DNA provide insight into xeroderma pigmentosum disorders, which are characterized by increased risk for skin cancer.
Oxidative stress in tumors
May. 18, 2017—Vanderbilt investigators have developed a new method for measuring oxidative stress in human tumors, which provides insight into cancer development.
A new mode of DNA repair
Apr. 14, 2017—Structural details of a protein that removes DNA lesions shed light on fundamental mechanisms of DNA repair.
Blood-brain barrier on a chip sheds new light on “silent killer”
Dec. 6, 2016—A new microfluidic device containing human cells that faithfully mimics the behavior of the blood-brain barrier is providing new insights into brain inflammation, the silent killer.
Study finds natural compound extends lifespan of worms
Oct. 20, 2016—A compound found in buckwheat seeds extends the lifespan of worms, Vanderbilt investigators have discovered.
Faulty building blocks in DNA
Jan. 22, 2016—An enzyme that builds DNA is able to insert the wrong building blocks, which could generate mutations.
How the cell makes morphine
Aug. 25, 2015—Vanderbilt investigators have discovered how mammals, including humans, produce the painkiller morphine.
Study explores protein’s role in inflammation-associated cancer
Jul. 23, 2015—An antioxidant protein may protect against colon cancer that develops in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, suggesting new strategies for reducing colon cancer risk in these patients.
Copper toxicity and Parkinson’s
Feb. 5, 2015—A genetic predisposition to Parkinson’s disease makes neurons more vulnerable to the toxicity of heavy metals such as copper.
New tools to probe manganese biology
Nov. 26, 2014—Vanderbilt researchers have developed tools to probe the role of the essential metal manganese in neurons, and which offer a started point for developing therapeutic agents for manganese-related neurological disorders.
Dioxin, fathers and preterm birth
Sep. 18, 2014—Exposure of male mice to the pollutant dioxin causes preterm birth across multiple generations, suggesting that efforts to prevent preterm birth should include pre-conception interventions for dads.