Research News And Discoveries

Research into an aging paradox reveals details on why certain dysfunctions in mitochondria can lead animals to live longer lives. The work, by Department of Cell and Developmental Biology researchers, shows that calcium signaling in another organelle and cell cytoskeleton restructuring are key to why these animals age more slowly. Read More

This fall, new biomedical Ph.D. pathway students arrived at the School of Medicine Basic Sciences to begin their graduate school journeys. A week of orientation and info sessions provided them with more than an introduction to programs, policies, and research opportunities—it marked the beginning of a shared experience: discovering new questions, finding mentors, and becoming part of the SOMBS community that is dedicated to advancing biomedical science. Read More

A dozen Vanderbilt trainees with a breadth of biomedical backgrounds and career interests visited biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, innovation spaces, and life sciences organizations in Boston, Massachusetts, over three days through the latest iteration of the ASPIRE on the Road program. Read More

Graduate student Lijun “Reese” Guo in the lab of Quynh Anh Nguyen has received a 2026 Predoctoral Research Fellowship from the American Epilepsy Society to investigate how inhibitory circuits in a small, understudied region of the brain regulate seizure activity. The fellowship will support Guo’s research and advanced training as he works toward a better understanding of the neural circuitry underlying epilepsy. Read More

The 2026 Cell Imaging Shared Resource Life Is Beautiful Image Contest celebrates three researchers, Spencer Rothfuss, Hannah Collins, and James Hayes, whose striking microscopy images reveal unexpected beauty in the microscopic world. From an accidental ice crystal to the intricate cellular landscapes of the brain and developing zebrafish eye, this year’s winning images showcase the artistry and scientific discovery made possible through advanced imaging. Read More

Meet Daniela Hernandez Duque, outcomes research program manager in the Office of Biomedical Research Education and Training. Read More

Yi Ren, associate professor of biochemistry at the School of Medicine Basic Sciences, will deliver a Kairos Lecture on Thursday, Sept. 24. Read More

Artificial intelligence is transforming biomedical research, and the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Basic Sciences is preparing the next generation of scientists to lead that future through the Brighter Ventures Student Award. The 2026 recipient is Victoria Howard. Read More

The biochemistry lab of Charles Sanders has provided—for the first time—pharmacological tools to explore the formation of lipid rafts, key structural and functional elements of animal cell membranes. Read More

Meet Ritika Raghavan, a fifth-year neuroscience Ph.D. candidate in Julio Ayala’s lab. Read More