Date Time Research: Better understanding of fundamental cell behavior can improve drug development Pioneering research from Vanderbilt scientists shows that cells respond differently to acute stress than to gradual stress. The findings establish an entirely new way to look at cell-to-cell communication, or signaling, and may fundamentally change how biomedical researchers study cells. Alexander Thiemicke Gregor Neuert Research led by Alexander Thiemicke, former graduate student in chemical and physical biology, and Gregor Neuert, assistant professor of molecular physiology and biophysics, was published in the journal Science Advances on Feb. 19. Their study sought to clarify how cells behave in environments where stress is changed gradually, as opposed to conditions that produce rapid change.