Research, News & Discoveries

Meet Jen Silverman, a Ph.D. candidate in the lab of Matthew Tyska in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology. Read More

Millions of Americans struggle with cocaine use, yet research tools don’t yet reflect real-world drug use. Vanderbilt scientists have developed a new approach that more accurately models how people use cocaine, strengthening efforts to understand addiction and develop better therapies Read More

Kavya Sharman, BS’16, PhD’22, channeled dual expertise in science and business into launching Phase Capital, a Nashville-based venture capital firm focused on tech bio. Today, she supports founders working to transform scientific discoveries into scalable applications across the U.S., all while maintaining close ties to her Vanderbilt alma mater and home. Read More

Emeson was one of the first scientists to explore a newly discovered biological process called RNA editing, a mechanism by which cells can subtly change the function of proteins and non-coding RNAs to fine-tune their activities. His team’s pioneering research made seminal contributions to the field and laid the foundation for understanding how RNA editing contributes to the regulation of neuronal function. Reflecting on his career, Emeson said the best things have been “the science, the students, the opportunity to work with talented colleagues, and the IACUC.” Read More

National Cancer Institute molecular biologist André Nussenzweig delivered a School of Medicine Basic Sciences Apex Lecture on Dec. 15 about genome stability in mitotic and post-mitotic cells. Read More

Our School of Medicine Basic Sciences alums go far and wide. Check out the latest accomplishments from some of our alums! If you're an alum, let us know of any recent developments in your life. Read More

As 2025 draws to a close, we reflect on the achievements and contributions to science made by the School of Medicine Basic Sciences community over the past year. SOMBS facilitates outstanding fundamental science research across four departments, two institutes, 10 centers, and 18 core facilities. The work of our faculty,… Read More

Hannah Collins was named the 2025 Destination Biochemistry Stanley Cohen Postdoctoral Scholar in recognition of her exceptional training, innovative research on microglial signaling, and strong potential as a future scientific leader. Joining Bruce Carter’s lab, she brings significant expertise and new perspectives to studies of the Jedi receptor in microglial function. Read More

In a new study, Vanderbilt researchers found that by promoting the formation of actin cytoskeleton inside the epithelial cells lining the proximal tubules, Rac1 facilitates removal and replacement of mitochondria damaged by ischemia. Read More