Ken Lau
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Center for Computational Systems Biology explores how 3D AI is reshaping biomedical research
The Center for Computational Systems Biology hosted its inaugural Symposium on AI, Spatial & Systems Biology. The two-day event highlighted how emerging 3D artificial intelligence technologies are transforming biomedical research, ushering in a new era of discovery that bridges molecular, cellular, and systems-level understanding of biology. Read MoreNov. 5, 2025
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NCI grant funds $12 million for colorectal cancer research
A colorectal cancer research team led by Robert Coffey has received a Specialized Programs of Research Excellence grant renewal totaling $12.6 million from the National Cancer Institute.The team has made numerous discoveries over the past 23 years, and it plans to build upon those achievements with the goal of “drugging the undruggable.” Vanderbilt-Ingram is one of only four cancer centers in the U.S. with GI Cancer SPORE funding. Read MoreSep. 15, 2025
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New research points to cell subtypes that increase risk of diabetes
Recent work from a coalition of Vanderbilt labs has found clear distinctions in insulin-secreting β-cell subtypes and drawn a connection between certain subtypes and a higher risk of diabetes. Read MoreJul. 23, 2025
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Faculty awards recognize excellence in teaching, research and clinical service
The 2025 School of Medicine Faculty Awards for Excellence in Teaching, Extraordinary Performance of Clinical Service, and Outstanding Contributions to Research were presented during the May 30 Spring Faculty Meeting. Read MoreJun. 9, 2025
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Joey Simmons, Lau lab manager, wins Mentorship Excellence Award at the Spring Staff Assembly
“Joey [Simmons] is infectiously excited about science.” He loves to talk about new ideas and discoveries with anyone who will listen, and he and the grad student researchers bounce ideas off each other. From guiding the students as they navigate new roles, to introducing new techniques and cutting-edge ideas, he helps them develop their scientific skills and increase their confidence. Read MoreMay. 19, 2025
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School of Medicine Basic Sciences Staff Spotlight: Naila Tasneem
Meet Naila Tasneem, a research technician in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology in the Vanderbilt School of Medicine Basic Sciences. Read MoreApr. 24, 2025
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Center for Computational and Systems Biology applies advanced technology to biological research
The Center for Computational and Systems Biology, launching at Vanderbilt University in early 2025, will focus on analyzing vast amounts of data to look for new ways to tackle human diseases and conditions. Read MoreJan. 16, 2025
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What’s all the tuft about?
Vanderbilt researchers used advanced imaging techniques to detail the microscopic structure of intestinal tuft cells, highlighting their unique organization of the structural protein actin. Read MoreNov. 26, 2024
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Ken Lau and Eunyoung Choi named 2024 Stanley Cohen Innovation Fund awardees
Eunyoung Choi and Ken Lau receive funding for novel cancer research, which may ultimately result in cancer detection and treatment options for patients. The fund supports early-stage, high-risk high-reward research projects and honor Cohen’s seminal discoveries, which led to the invention of many anticancer drugs used today. Read MoreNov. 21, 2024
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Vanderbilt building molecular atlas of colorectal cancer across different stages of disease onset with $5 million National Cancer Institute grant
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. Ken Lau and Jeffrey Spraggins are creating the first spatially mapped atlas characterizing the progression trajectories of early-onset colorectal cancer versus average-onset CRC as they transition from precancerous lesions to malignant cancers. Read MoreNov. 20, 2024