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Emory Health Sciences


Blood test for Alzheimer's gaining ground

Scientists have identified a group of blood markers that show consistent findings in patients with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment. The study found four proteins that correlated with beta-amyloid levels in cerebrospinal fluid, providing potential clues for an early diagnosis.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNeurology·DateAug 9, 2012

Mystery of monarch migration takes new turn

An Emory University analysis suggests environmental factors trigger the monarchs' choice of winter homes, rather than genetic differences. The researchers found extensive gene flow between eastern and western monarchs, challenging the prevailing theory of distinct populations.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateMay 31, 2012

Pandemic 2009 H1N1 vaccination produces antibodies against multiple flu strains

Researchers have made a significant discovery that the pandemic 2009 H1N1 vaccine can produce antibodies against not only the H1N1 virus but also other influenza virus strains including H5N1 and H3N2. This breakthrough brings the team closer to developing a pan-influenza vaccine that can reliably induce broadly cross-reactive antibodies.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2012

Disabling cancer cells' defenses against radiation

Researchers at Winship Cancer Institute developed a technique to remove cancer cells' defenses against radiation by disabling their ability to repair DNA. The experimental method uses RNA molecules that shut down genes needed for DNA repair, making brain and lung cancer cells more sensitive to X-ray radiation.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalCancer Research·DateMar 15, 2012

Fruit flies use alcohol as a drug to kill parasites

A recent study by Emory University found that fruit flies infected with blood-borne parasites consume alcohol to increase their survival rate. The researchers discovered that the toxic effects of alcohol can be protective against infectious disease and raise an important question about whether other organisms, including humans, could c...

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 16, 2012

Diabetes study shines spotlight on lifestyle interventions

Researchers analyzed 28 studies on real-world lifestyle interventions for type 2 diabetes prevention and found a significant average weight loss of 4% after one year. The cost-effectiveness of these programs was shown to be comparable to the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) trial, making them a viable option for preventing diabetes.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJan 10, 2012

Deep brain stimulation shows promising results for unipolar and bipolar depression

A new study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that deep brain stimulation is a safe and effective intervention for treatment-resistant depression in patients with unipolar and bipolar disorders. After four weeks of single-blind stimulation, 58% of patients achieved remission and showed significant improvement in function.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateJan 2, 2012

Chemists find new dimension to rules for reactions

Theoretical chemists at Emory University have solved an important mystery about the rates of chemical reactions and the Polanyi rules. They found that a pre-reactive long-range force can align the reaction of a chlorine atom with methane, inhibiting the reaction. The research has implications for the development of cleaner fuels.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalScience·DateOct 20, 2011

Biochemical cell signals quantified for first time

Researchers at Emory and Johns Hopkins universities have quantified the data capacity of a biochemical signaling pathway for the first time, finding that it is significantly lower than expected. The study suggests that cells may use alternative methods to communicate when their primary pathways are insufficient.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalScience·DateSep 15, 2011