Research, News & Discoveries
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Ege Kavalali elected fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science
Kavalali’s team identified spontaneous neurotransmission–dependent signaling mechanisms that help explain how certain antidepressants can act rapidly in the brain. Read MoreMar. 27, 2026
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These researchers are shaping the future of women in STEM
In honor of the 2026 Women’s History Month, the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Basic Sciences is highlighting female faculty from our school. We asked them to reflect on their journeys and the changes they have experienced in how biomedical research and academia treat their women. Read MoreMar. 25, 2026
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Trainee Tribute: Kirsty Erickson
Meet Kirsty Erickson, a Ph.D. candidate in the lab of Cody Siciliano in the Department of Pharmacology. Read MoreMar. 24, 2026
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PFAS—‘forever chemicals’—directly shown to alter thyroid structure and function
Recent work from the labs of Vivian Weiss and Ethan Lee shows a direct connection between exposure with PFAS—also known as “forever chemicals”—with changes in the morphology and function of thyroid tissue Read MoreMar. 23, 2026
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Roger Chalkley, Ph.D. Critical Need Fund supports trainees when life’s unexpected challenges arise
As Vanderbilt prepares for Giving Day, the Roger Chalkley, Ph.D. Critical Need Fund highlights the powerful impact that philanthropic support can have on trainees navigating the unpredictable realities of life during graduate school. Read MoreMar. 17, 2026
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Alum Answers with Joyonna Gamble-George
Joyonna Gamble-George, PhD’16, believes that science is humanitarianism. Thanks to her upbringing and her Vanderbilt training, through the roles she has had—from entrepreneur to research scientist to policy fellow—she has focused on helping people in her personal and professional lives. Read MoreMar. 13, 2026
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Meet the departments: Unraveling the mysteries of human cells one discovery at a time
Department of Cell and Developmental Biology faculty are unraveling the mysteries of human cells one discovery at a time. Read MoreMar. 12, 2026
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School of Medicine Basic Sciences Staff Spotlight: Lisa Evans
Meet Lisa Evans, senior program assistant in the Department of Biochemistry. Read MoreMar. 11, 2026
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Prashant Donthamsetti to deliver Kairos Lecture on Thursday, March 26
Prashant Donthamsetti, assistant professor of pharmacology at the School of Medicine Basic Sciences, will deliver an upcoming Kairos Lecture on Thursday, March 26. Read MoreMar. 11, 2026
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Study points to precision approach for alcoholism medications
A new study from the laboratory of Cody Siciliano suggests that two widely used medications for alcohol use disorder—naltrexone and nalmefene—may be equally effective overall but individuals only respond to one of the two medications. The findings could help explain why clinical trials of naltrexone and nalmefene have produced conflicting results and may point toward a precision-medicine strategy for treating alcohol use disorder. Read MoreMar. 6, 2026