NIMH Archives
Immune system emerges as partner in opioid cravings fight
Sep. 5, 2018—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.
Brain connections in schizophrenia
Mar. 9, 2018—Brain imaging studies have implicated the connection between two brain regions in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.
Forming memories through CaMKII
Dec. 19, 2017—Vanderbilt researchers have identified an interaction between two proteins that play a role in learning and memory.
Oxidative stress on the brain
Aug. 23, 2017—Vanderbilt investigators have discovered that oxidative damage may play an important role in the development of a rare cholesterol synthesis disease and in the behavioral changes of autism spectrum disorders.
Researchers study unique couples intervention in Mozambique to reduce HIV transmission
Aug. 3, 2017—Researchers in the Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health are testing whether a unique “couples-centered” intervention developed in the southern African nation of Mozambique can reduce mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
Regulating anxiety in the brain
Apr. 28, 2017—Two brain signaling pathways have overlapping functions in regulating anxiety, suggesting that therapeutics aimed at one or the other will impact both.
Investigational new drug for Alzheimer’s scheduled for first study in humans
Dec. 27, 2016—Vanderbilt University scientists have received notification from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that testing in humans may proceed for an investigational new drug for Alzheimer's disease after more than 10 years of research by scientists at Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Reducing antidepressants’ side effects
Nov. 23, 2016—Vanderbilt investigators have discovered how antidepressant medicines that block serotonin uptake can increase bleeding risk.
Blood exposures for traditional healers
Sep. 23, 2016—Traditional healers in sub-Saharan have a high rate of exposure to blood, putting them at risk for HIV and hepatitis C.
Diabetes drugs may ease addiction
Jul. 18, 2016—Drugs that are being used clinically to treat obesity and diabetes may also have a role in treating drug abuse.
COX-2 blocker could help PTSD
May. 12, 2016—COX-2 inhibitors – used clinically to reduce inflammation and pain – may find new applications for treating PTSD and other stress-related psychiatric disorders like major depression.
Putting schizophrenia to bed
Mar. 21, 2016—A new compound developed at Vanderbilt treats multiple symptoms of schizophrenia in an animal model, without causing sedation.