PNAS

Vanderbilt researchers have uncovered conditions needed to produce cellulose at the single molecule level that could one day aid in the dismantling of bacterial defenses as well as potentially lead to the engineering of more efficient and cost-effective biofuel feedstock sources. Read More

A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences examining cognitive ability among children with a history of institutional care suggests that higher cognitive functioning is best supported by long-term family placements such as foster care. The study was led by Kathryn Humphreys, assistant professor of psychology and human development at Vanderbilt Peabody College of education and human development. Read More

Using a novel analysis of fMRI data, Vanderbilt researchers discovered intriguing patterns of signals in the brain’s white matter, the “conduit” for relaying signals between different brain regions. Read More

Vanderbilt neonatology team pinpoints signaling pathways involved in the progressive lung fibrosis that occurs in rare genetic diseases. Read More

The discovery of monoclonal antibodies that neutralize Rift Valley Fever Virus — an emerging infection with pandemic potential — lays the foundation for future therapeutic antibody development. Read More

Disrupting the action of glucagon — a pancreatic hormone that works to raise blood glucose — restores functional insulin-producing cells in mouse models of type 1 diabetes and may be a promising treatment strategy. Read More

Yi Ren, assistant professor of biochemistry, has contributed to research on the function and impact of the SARS-CoV-2 protein on immune signaling protein in host cells. This understanding may lead to the development of immune-enhancing therapeutics.  Read More

Tina Iverson and colleagues provide a structural view into the assembly of a protein machine essential for cellular energy production. Read More

New research on cognitive flexibility points to a small class of brain cells that support switching attention strategies when old strategies fail. Read More

Vanderbilt immunologists have discovered that the protein Nur77 is part of a control mechanism that guards against autoimmunity in natural killer T cells. Read More

John York and colleagues have demonstrated that the protein Vip1 is a rare type of bifunctional enzyme: it can both synthesize and destroy key cellular signaling molecules. Read More

An unprecedented view of bacterial products within infected tissues opens new opportunities to explore infection biology and devise novel therapeutic strategies. Read More

Immune cells that produce an anti-inflammatory factor are enriched in fat tissue around the heart and may be good targets to improve heart attack outcomes. Read More

New research findings provide insight into the detrimental events that develop in response to H. pylori infection. Read More

Structural features of newly formed HDL particles will help guide understanding of “good cholesterol” and its function. Read More

Vanderbilt researchers have discovered an unanticipated link between sulfur and iron balance, pointing to a genetic basis for iron-deficiency anemia. Read More

A team of researchers, led by David Calkins, PhD, vice chair and director of Research at the Vanderbilt Eye Institute, has made a breakthrough discovery in the field of glaucoma showing new hopes for treatments to preserve vision. Read More

Vanderbilt investigators have discovered that functional MRI detects neural activity in both gray and white matter in the brain, suggesting new ways to investigate diseases such as Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis. Read More

A new probe enables iron imaging in living animals, providing a unique tool for studying iron’s contributions to health and disease. Read More

When brain lesions occur within the brain network responsible for morality and value-based decision-making, they can predispose a person toward criminal behavior, according to new research by Ryan Darby, MD, assistant professor of Neurology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC). Read More