Latest news with #VanderbiltUniversityMedicalCenter
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Shocking! Prolonged sitting can shrink the brain, and even regular exercise won't compensate for it
Research indicates that prolonged sedentary behavior, even with regular exercise, elevates the risk of brain shrinkage and cognitive decline, particularly in older adults. The study, tracking participants over seven years, revealed a link between increased sitting time and neurodegenerative changes, irrespective of physical activity levels. S itting is the new smoking. Prolonged sitting isn't just bad for your heart; it could also shrink your brain. This effect cannot be compensated for, even if you work out regularly. Yes, that's right. A recent study found that sedentary behavior is linked with neurodegeneration and cognitive decline despite engaging in physical activity. A study led by researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the University of Pittsburgh found that increased sedentary behavior (time spent sitting or lying down) significantly increases the risk of brain shrinkage, related to risk for developing Alzheimer's disease, especially among older adults. The findings are published in Alzheimer's & Dementia : The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association. Link between brain shrinkage and prolonged sitting It is known that prolonged sitting increases the risk of chronic diseases, musculoskeletal problems, and even premature death. But this new study has found that it could also lead to cognitive decline. The researchers found that despite regular physical activity, older adults who spend more time sedentary show greater signs of cognitive decline and brain atrophy over time. The study also suggests that sedentary behaviour may be an independent risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, a condition that already affects millions of people across the globe. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Wildlife Cameras Capture What No One Should See Ohi Blog Undo The study T he researchers looked at 404 adults aged 50 and older for over a seven-year period to undestand the effects of sedentary behavior on cognitive health. The participants were asked to wear activity-monitoring devices for one week to track how much time they spent sitting or lying down. Their sedentary time was then related to their cognitive performance and brain scans captured over a seven-year follow-up period. The researchers found that people who spent more time sedentary were more likely to experience cognitive decline and neurodegenerative changes, regardless of how much they exercised. This was prominent in participants who carried the APOE-e4 allele, a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease . This stresses that reducing sedentary time may be especially important for older adults who are at increased genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease. 'Reducing your risk for Alzheimer's disease is not just about working out once a day. Minimizing the time spent sitting, even if you do exercise daily, reduces the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease,' lead author Marissa Gogniat, PhD, assistant professor of Neurology at Pitt and former postdoctoral fellow at the Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center, said in a statement. Sitting for prolonged hours at work: Beware of these side affects! "It is critical to study lifestyle choices and the impact they have on brain health as we age. Our study showed that reducing sitting time could be a promising strategy for preventing neurodegeneration and subsequent cognitive decline. This research highlights the importance of reducing sitting time, particularly among aging adults at increased genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease. It is critical to our brain health to take breaks from sitting throughout the day and move around to increase our active time,' co-author Angela Jefferson, PhD, professor of Neurology and founding director of the Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center at VUMC, added.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Appendix cancer is no longer rare for millennials and Gen X: Study
Appendix cancer Once regarded as exceedingly rare, appendix cancer, specifically appendiceal adenocarcinoma (AA), is now rising sharply in younger adults, especially among Gen X and millennials. A new retrospective study conducted by researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and published in the Annals of Internal Medicine has brought this unsettling trend to light. What is Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma Appendiceal adenocarcinoma is a rare form of gastrointestinal (GI) cancer that begins in the appendix, a small, finger-like pouch connected to the large intestine. While traditionally considered uncommon, affecting about 3,000 people per year in the U.S., AA now appears to be increasing at an alarming rate, especially among adults under 50. Study finds significant appendix cancer surge in post-1945 birth cohorts A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine examined birth cohort patterns across 21 overlapping generations using data from eight SEER cancer registries, examining 4,858 confirmed cases of primary AA in patients aged 20 and older from 1975 to 2019. Read the primary findings from the study: Individuals born in 1980 had a more than 3-fold increase in AA incidence compared to those born in 1945. For those born in 1985, the rates were over 4.5 times higher. This pattern shows that people born after 1945 are more likely to develop appendix cancer, possibly because of changes in lifestyle or the environment that have affected these generations differently. Possible reasons for rise in appendix cancer rates Dr. Andreana Holowatyj , lead researcher and assistant professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, stressed that the increase is not simply due to more appendectomies being performed. Surgical removal rates have remained relatively stable, indicating that external factors, not detection bias, are likely contributing to the surge. Although the exact cause remains undeciphered, professionals point to several potential causes: Increased consumption of ultra-processed foods, sugary drinks, and processed meats. Rising rates of obesity and metabolic syndrome both linked to cancer development. Environmental exposures, including pollutants, microplastics, and changes in gut microbiota. These lifestyle and environmental changes, especially among people born after 1945, are believed to be part of a wider pattern affecting GI health in younger populations. Why appendix cancer is so difficult to detect Diagnosing appendix cancer is quite difficult and often misdiagnosed because it often presents with non-specific symptoms and currently lacks reliable screening methods. At present, there are no blood or urine tests that can accurately detect it, making early identification difficult. In the majority of cases, appendix cancer is discovered incidentally, during surgery for other conditions such as appendicitis. In other situations, the disease may only be identified after it has spread to the abdomen, causing more visible symptoms like: Abdominal pain or bloating Fluid buildup (ascites) Unexplained weight loss Fatigue and digestive discomfort To confirm if someone has appendix cancer, doctors usually need to take a small tissue sample from the appendix, called a biopsy. Scans like CTs aren't always helpful in spotting this cancer early. That's because appendix cancer doesn't usually form a solid lump like other cancers. Instead, it spreads out in thin layers, making it harder to see. As Dr. John Paul Shen puts it, 'It's like painting the walls of a room with cancer. ' The difficulty in diagnosing is preceded by the early symptoms, like bloating, loss of appetite, or changes in digestion, that are vague and easy to overlook. Because of this, many people are diagnosed late, when treatment becomes more difficult. Potential causes under study Professionals, including Dr. Andrea Cercek from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, suggest that environmental causes, such as: Food and water contamination Microplastics Sedentary lifestyle Highly processed diets As of now, the exact causes of appendix cancer remain unknown; scientists are urging further research into environmental exposures, genetic predispositions, and molecular changes that may play a role in its development because researching more into these factors could pave the way for earlier detection and help reduce the increasing risk among younger generations. Also read | The rise of colorectal and other GI cancers in young people
11-07-2025
Conner Smith charged with misdemeanor traffic offense after fatal car accident
Country singer Conner Smith has been charged with a misdemeanor traffic citation a month after he was involved in a car accident that left one person dead. The "Country in the Clouds" singer, 24, was driving a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck in Nashville on June 8 when he struck 77-year-old Dorothy Dobbins as she was crossing the roadway, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department said at the time. Dobbins, who lived nearby, was subsequently "transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where she died," according to police. Nashville police said in a press release Thursday that Smith has since been charged with failure to yield the right of way resulting in death, which is a Class A misdemeanor. The "Country in the Clouds" singer, who was accompanied by his attorney, was issued the state misdemeanor citation at the Traffic Division office on Thursday night just after 6 p.m., according to the press release. Police stated that an investigation into the incident "shows Dobbins was crossing 3rd Avenue North near Van Buren Street in a marked crosswalk when she was hit by the pickup truck." "After Dobbins was struck, witnesses reported Smith ran to her to render aid until [Nashville Fire Department] paramedics arrived," the press release continued. "Dobbins was rushed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where she died. Officers found no evidence of impairment or distracted driving on the part of Smith." Smith's attorney Worrick G Robinson addressed his client's citation in a statement shared with "Good Morning America," saying that Smith is "incredibly grateful to the MNPD for their time and efforts to carefully investigate this tragic accident and has continued to cooperate at all times." "His thoughts remain with Ms. Dobbins' family, and he remains committed to honoring her memory with compassion by supporting efforts to improve pedestrian safety and help prevent future tragedies," Robinson added. Since the accident, changes have been made to improve safety around the crosswalk, including the installment of signs and the removal of a tree that was obstructing the crosswalk's view. In an obituary published by The Tennessean on June 15, Dobbins, known as "Dot" to loved ones, was remembered by family and friends as a grandmother and a "respected attorney and advocate" who "spent over four decades championing family law, domestic violence prevention, and anti-violence initiatives." On Friday, Smith took to Instagram to share a statement about the accident and said that his heart is "broken in a way I've never experienced." "Not a day has gone by that I haven't grieved, prayed, and mourned for Ms. Dobbins and her family," he wrote. "I still struggle to fully process the weight of it all." He continued, "I ask that you continue to lift the Dobbins family up in prayer by name, asking for God's peace to surround them each day." The singer added that he has made the decision to "step away from shows" over the past few weeks "out of respect for everyone involved and to give space for grieving." "I have always found that making music and playing shows is a place of healing for me -- but for this moment, it was important for me to take that time away," he said. He ended his message by saying that he's leaned on God during this time. "Through tragedy, I have learned that God is more faithful than I could have ever known before," he said.
Korea Herald
10-07-2025
- Health
- Korea Herald
LG Debuts Next-Generation Precision Medical AI
Joint Development Underway: World-Class Precision Medical AI Platform with Vanderbilt University Medical Center SEOUL, South Korea, July 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- LG AI Research announced on July 9 the official launch of 'EXAONE Path 2.0', its next-generation precision medical AI model. Following the introduction of its 1.0 model in August of last year, LG AI Research showcased its 1.5 model last month at ASCO 2025, the world's largest oncology conference, held in Chicago, Illinois. 'EXAONE Path 2.0' represents a substantial advancement from the initial version, incorporating high-quality, real-world data. It offers accurate characterization and prediction of gene mutations and expression profiles, as well as minute morphological and structural features of human cells and tissues, all derived directly from pathology slide images. These capabilities make it an essential tool for early detection, prognosis, oncology drug development, and personalized treatment selection. 'EXAONE Path 2.0' was trained using multi-omics data, including both DNA and RNA, enabling it to interpret pathology images and underlying biological processes while integrating genetic insights vital to disease research and therapeutic development. Pathology images refer to high-resolution Whole Slide Images (WSIs) generated during the diagnostic test of patient tissue specimens. Whole Slide Images (WSIs) are large, multi-gigabyte digital files that capture detailed information on cell and tissue architecture. To facilitate analysis, these comprehensive images are typically divided into thousands of smaller sub-images or "patches." When AI models analyze only patch-level data, they are susceptible to a "feature collapse" effect, in which excessive attention to localized features leads to reduced prediction accuracy due to a lack of holistic context. LG AI Research has implemented an innovative approach in 'EXAONE Path 2.0', enabling learning from individual patches through to the full Whole Slide Image. This enhancement has increased the model's gene mutation prediction accuracy to a best-in-class 78.4%, establishing a new State-of-the-Art (SOTA) benchmark. 'EXAONE Path 2.0' was developed using over 10,000 matched datasets comprising Whole Slide Images and multi-omics data. This robust training enables it to predict gene expression patterns solely from image analysis, eliminating the need for expensive molecular testing. Yong-min Park, Head of AI Business Team at LG AI Research, stated, "EXAONE Path 2.0 enables us to reduce molecular testing time from over two weeks to under a minute—helping clinicians capture critical therapeutic windows for cancer patients. By leveraging EXAONE Path 2.0, physicians and pharmaceutical partners can rapidly analyze tissue pathology slides, identify driver mutations, and select appropriate targeted therapies." LG AI Research also introduced additional models trained for specific tumor types, including lung and colorectal cancers. These disease-specific models may support more efficient triaging and early detection of patients eligible for targeted therapeutic interventions. LG AI Research expects 'EXAONE Path 2.0' to play a significant role in clinical trial optimization by enabling real-time monitoring of patient responses and facilitating biomarker discovery for disease prediction. LG AI Research has taken a major step forward in applying AI to cancer care. In collaboration with Professor Tae-hyun Hwang of Vanderbilt University Medical Center—a premier U.S. academic medical institution in biomedical research—LG AI Research is co-developing a cutting-edge multi-modal medical AI platform. Moving away from the conventional model of building technologies prior to clinical validation, the team has adopted a problem-first approach—developing AI solutions in tandem with real-world clinical needs. Together, LG AI Research and Professor Hwang's lab aim to build a platform that supports personalized precision medicine, utilizing real tissue samples, pathology images, and clinical outcome data from cancer patients enrolled in trials. Their joint research will focus on: Professor Tae-hyun Hwang noted, " Our mission goes beyond developing AI models—we are building a platform that actively supports clinicians in the care and treatment of patients. This platform will serve not just as a diagnostic assistant but as a transformative engine for oncology drug development." Professor Hwang is a renowned Korean-American expert leading the Cancer Moonshot's gastric cancer initiative, a U.S. federal program dedicated to accelerating cancer breakthroughs. He also founded the Molecular AI Initiative at Vanderbilt, focused on advancing AI-integrated molecular medicine. "We're now focused on identifying not just what treatments work but when and how to apply them," said Seth Karp, Chair of the Section of Surgical Sciences at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. "The collaboration between LG AI Research and Professor Hwang's team marks a critical inflection point. The most meaningful aspect of this partnership is its real-world impact—we are creating a platform that will directly support patient care and improve outcomes." Beginning with oncology, the LG AI Research–Vanderbilt collaboration plans to expand into other domains including transplant immunology, autoimmune diseases, and metabolic disorders such as diabetes. LG AI Research will formally introduce 'EXAONE Path 2.0' during the upcoming LG AI Talk Concert 2025 on July 22. Separately, LG AI Research remains committed to addressing high-burden diseases. It is collaborating with The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) to identify Alzheimer's disease risk factors and advance drug discovery, and is also working with Professor Min-kyung Baek of Seoul National University on AI models for next-generation protein structure prediction. Furthermore, LG AI Research is actively engaged in global partnerships with pharmaceutical and biotech firms to drive innovation in AI-based drug development. LG Corporation Chairman and CEO Kwang-mo Koo has identified AI and biotechnology as strategic growth areas central to improving human health. Reflecting this vision, LG is accelerating efforts in AI–bio convergence through targeted open innovation initiatives aimed at delivering tangible results. About LG Group LG Group is a leading global company representing South Korea, offering innovative products and services across various industries such as electronics, chemicals, telecommunications, and energy. Established in 1947, LG Group has grown into a world-renowned brand through its activities in these diverse fields. The company is committed to continuous research and development, focusing on innovation to enhance the quality of life for its customers. Emphasizing its role as a socially responsible enterprise, LG Group is striving to strengthen its competitiveness in the global market and achieve sustainable growth through its future portfolio in areas like AI, Bio, and Cleantech. The company is dedicated to realizing its vision of being a business that provides value to customers and society, pursuing this mission with unwavering determination. For more information, visit About LG AI Research Launched in December 2020 as the artificial intelligence (AI) research hub of South Korea's LG Group, LG AI Research aims to lead the next epoch of artificial intelligence (AI) to realize a promising future by providing optimal research environments and leveraging state-of-the-art AI technologies. And LG AI Research developed its large-scale AI, EXAONE, a 300 billion parametric multimodal AI model, in 2021. EXAONE, which stands for "Expert AI for Everyone," is a multi-modal large-scale AI model that stands out from its peers due to its ability to process both language and visual data. With one of the world's largest learning data capacities, LG AI Research aims to engineer better business decisions through its state-of-the-art artificial intelligence technologies and its continuous effort on fundamental AI research. For more information, visit About Vanderbilt University Medical Center Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) is one of the nation's leading academic medical centers, dedicated to advancing healthcare through pioneering research, high-impact education, and exceptional patient care. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, VUMC provides comprehensive services across every major clinical specialty and serves as a regional and national referral center for complex conditions. VUMC is a hub for innovation in translational medicine, biomedical informatics, genomics, and AI-driven healthcare. Its close integration with Vanderbilt University enables seamless collaboration across disciplines, accelerating the development of next-generation diagnostics, therapeutics, and digital health solutions. VUMC is home to nationally recognized programs in cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurosciences, transplantation, and surgical innovation, and is committed to bringing cutting-edge discoveries from bench to bedside. For more information, visit
Korea Herald
09-07-2025
- Health
- Korea Herald
LG's new AI slashes genetic testing time to under 1 minute
LG AI Research on Wednesday unveiled its next-generation artificial intelligence model, Exaone Path 2.0, which can diagnose diseases by analyzing patients' pathology images alone. This new AI model is expected to drastically reduce the time required for genetic testing from two weeks to under one minute, marking a step forward in the early diagnosis of diseases such as cancer. Exaone Path 2.0 has been upgraded from the first edition, trained on higher-quality data. It offers enhanced capabilities in analyzing and predicting genetic mutations, gene expression patterns and subtle structural features within human tissues and cells, the AI research center, affiliated with tech giant LG Group, said. 'Using Exaone Path 2.0, we can reduce the time needed for genetic testing from over two weeks to under one minute,' said Park Yong-min, a lead researcher at LG AI Research. 'Doctors and pharmaceutical companies can quickly analyze pathology images of a patient's tumor tissue, identify which genes have mutated and match them to suitable targeted therapies in real time.' The latest model has been trained on multiomics data — including DNA and RNA — paired with pathology images, allowing it to understand both cellular structures and underlying biological mechanisms of disease, LG AI Research explained. As Whole Slide Images often span several gigabytes, AI models typically break them into smaller patches to reduce processing loads. This, however, can lead to 'feature collapse,' where broader structural context is lost. Exaone Path 2.0 addresses this by learning from both detailed patches and the full-slide view. Trained on over 10,000 WSI-multiomics pairs, it achieves a state-of-the-art 78.4 percent accuracy in predicting genetic mutations, LG explained. LG also introduced specialized models for diseases such as lung and colorectal cancer, which are designed to help clinicians identify eligible patient groups for targeted therapies while avoiding unnecessary tests. With the goal of pioneering clinical AI implementation, LG AI Research has partnered with Professor Hwang Tae-hyun and his team at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, one of the top biomedical research institutions in the US. Together, they aim to develop a multimodal medical AI platform to redefine precision medicine, LG said. Unlike conventional approaches that first develop technologies and then seek clinical application, the research institute is working on a clinic-first strategy, focusing on solving real-world problems directly within clinical settings for AI development. 'Our goal is not simply to develop a new AI model, but to build an AI platform that can be actively used by medical professionals in real clinical settings to support diagnosis and treatment,' Hwang said. Hwang is a Korean-American scientist who leads the stomach cancer initiative under the US government's Cancer Moonshot program. He also founded the Molecular AI Initiative at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he conducts interdisciplinary research at the intersection of AI and molecular medicine. With Hwang's team, LG AI Research said it plans to start with oncology and later expand its multimodal AI research into areas such as transplant rejection, immunology and diabetes. The research institute has also teamed up with the Jackson Laboratory in the US to discover biomarkers and develop treatments for Alzheimer's disease, and it is working with Professor Baek Min-kyung's team at Seoul National University to develop next-generation protein structure prediction AI.
