Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Emory Health Sciences


Bacterial security agents go rogue

Scientists discovered that certain bacteria require parts of the CRISPR system to stay infectious, using it to shut off a gene that triggers detection by the immune system. This finding could accelerate vaccine development, but also highlights the dangers of defensive tools being co-opted for stealth.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature·DateApr 14, 2013

'RNA sponge' mechanism may cause ALS/FTD neurodegeneration

Researchers identify C9orf72 mutation as cause of ALS and FTD, finding it creates an RNA sponge that soaks up Pur alpha protein, leading to neurodegeneration. The study provides insight into the disease mechanism and suggests a potential therapeutic strategy targeting the toxic RNA or its interaction with Pur alpha.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 1, 2013

Potential treatment prevents damage from prolonged seizures

Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have discovered a potential lead compound that can reduce mortality when given to mice after drug-induced seizures. The compound, TG6-10-1, blocks signals from prostaglandin E2, which is involved in the toxic inflammation in the brain arising after status epilepticus.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2013

Tracking the spread of dengue fever: Domestic networks drive rapid transmission of human infection

A study published in PNAS reveals that dengue fever transmission is driven by human movement within residential networks. The research found that people visiting friends and relatives in nearby homes were the main driver of rapid transmission. This finding has implications for disease surveillance and control.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 24, 2013

Chimpanzees successfully play the Ultimatum Game

Researchers played the Ultimatum Game with six adult chimpanzees and 20 human children, finding that both groups responded similarly to adults. Chimpanzees split rewards equally when cooperation was required, similar to human behavior. This study provides evidence for a shared preference for fair outcomes between humans and apes.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2013

Doing the math for how songbirds learn to sing

Scientists have created a statistical explanation for why some things are harder for the brain to learn than others by studying songbirds. They found that adult birds correct small errors in their songs more rapidly and robustly than large errors, which may help develop human behavioral therapies for vocal rehabilitation.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 20, 2012

An antidote for hypersomnia

Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have identified a substance in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with primary hypersomnia, a disabling and poorly understood sleep disorder. Treatment with flumazenil has restored alertness in some patients, suggesting a potential new approach to therapy.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 21, 2012

Future training in bystander CPR needs targeted approach in 'high-risk' neighborhoods

Researchers found that residents in high-income white and integrated neighborhoods were more likely to receive bystander CPR during out-of-hospital cardiac arrests compared to those in low-income black neighborhoods. The study suggests a targeted approach in these areas may be more efficient than nationwide CPR training programs.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 24, 2012

Psychopathic boldness tied to US presidential success

An analysis of 42 US presidents suggests that fearless dominance, a trait associated with psychopathy, may be an important predictor of presidential performance. This study found correlations between boldness and higher ratings for leadership, persuasiveness, crisis management, and Congressional relations.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateSep 10, 2012

Reciprocity an important component of prosocial behavior

Researchers discovered that brown capuchin monkeys were more prosocial when given the opportunity to alternate and help each other, but not when tracking individual past choices. This suggests that reciprocity fosters generosity in humans as well, regardless of familiarity or group affiliation.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 3, 2012

Targeting inflammation to treat depression

Researchers found that a medication inhibiting inflammation showed promise in treating major depression, especially in individuals with high levels of inflammation. The study employed infliximab, an antibody blocking tumor necrosis factor, and demonstrated improved symptoms in subjects with elevated C-reactive protein levels.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateSep 3, 2012

Biophysicists unravel secrets of genetic switch

Researchers discovered how nonspecific binding plays a critical role in controlling the switch between dormant and virulent states in bacteria. The study used single-molecule techniques to characterize the role of non-specific binding in facilitating the closure of a DNA loop that switches off virulence.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPhysical Review E·DateAug 30, 2012