Researchers analyzed a 2-million-year-old skull from Sediba, suggesting a more 'mosaic' pattern of human brain evolution. The brain was found to be primitive but with early glimmers of reorganization towards a human pattern.
Experts urge collective global effort to stem cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and other major health challenges. A United Nations summit will draw on experiences from the HIV/AIDS pandemic, promoting research, prevention, and treatment efforts.
A study found a link between a serotonin transporter gene variant and PTSD risk, suggesting the gene may predict symptom development after trauma. The researchers also discovered that this gene is associated with depression following life stress, highlighting its potential role in mental health.
Memory T cells that initially developed against a virus upon first encounter can be lost during chronic infections, making it challenging for vaccine development. Researchers at the Emory Vaccine Center have identified a molecule called 2B4 on memory cells that slows them down during chronic infections.
Paleontologists have found over 20 polar dinosaur tracks in Victoria, Australia, offering insights into the animals' behavior during a period of pronounced global warming. The tracks belong to three different sizes of small theropods and may have been made by three species.
Researchers at Yerkes National Primate Research Center have shown that chimpanzees exhibit a significant bias for prosocial behavior, particularly towards partners who are patient. The study's findings confirm the altruistic nature of chimpanzees, suggesting human altruism may not be as rare as previously thought.
Researchers are studying biomarkers in the blood of TBI patients to improve diagnosis and treatment. The study aims to validate biomarkers as predictors of clinical outcome and evaluate the relationship between progesterone treatment and biomarker levels.
Researchers developed a method to predict which areas of the coronary arteries will develop more atherosclerotic plaque over time. The method calculates shear stress based on artery geometry and blood flow, identifying vulnerable plaque that is likely to cause a heart attack or stroke.
A large-scale study found that pregnant women taking DHA supplements had fewer colds and shorter illnesses in their infants. The study, published in Pediatrics, suggests that prenatal DHA supplementation may help deliver healthier babies.
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine identified a gene related to HPRT1 that explains why mice with the same mutation do not exhibit self-destructive behavior like humans. The PRTFDC1 gene may be a target for treating Lesch-Nyhan disease, a condition characterized by delayed development and neurological problems.
Research in yeast reveals that cellular stress can induce the formation of infectious protein particles called prions, which are associated with neurodegenerative disorders. The study identifies a protein called Lsb2 that promotes spontaneous prion formation under stress conditions.
A five-year NIH grant will fund research at the Emory Vaccine Center and Yerkes National Primate Research Center to develop a safe and effective HIV vaccine. The goal is to understand how to prevent early stages of mucosal infection from simian immunodeficiency virus, a key step in developing an effective HIV vaccine.
Scientists at Emory University School of Medicine have discovered that high doses of progesterone can inhibit the growth of neuroblastoma cancer cells. In laboratory research, progesterone was found to cut tumor growth in half over eight days without causing harm to healthy neurons.
Researchers have developed a method to predict whether someone will produce high levels of antibodies against a flu shot, allowing for the rapid development of vaccines and monitoring of suboptimal immune responses in vulnerable populations. The test uses gene activity data to identify predictive signatures with up to 90% accuracy.
Researchers studying mutant fruit flies with dNab2 mutations have found a link to intellectual disability (ID) in humans, particularly those affected by ZC3H14 gene mutations. The study suggests that the protein's role in regulating RNA length may be critical for brain cell function and learning.
Researchers have discovered a way sooty mangabeys' immune cells resist SIV infection: they close the gates that viruses use to enter cells. This finding may lead to better coping strategies for HIV-infected individuals.
A global review of research on stature and health during the agriculture transition found consistent trends of declining height and health globally. The study, published by Emory Health Sciences, analyzed data from various world regions and cultures, revealing a link between early agricultural practices and reduced adaptability to stress.
An Emory University study suggests that the brain activity of teens, recorded while listening to new songs, can predict their popularity. The study found a statistically significant correlation between brain responses and song sales figures.
Research reveals how fragile X protein, FMRP, hooks up with microRNAs to switch the production of other proteins on and off. This process is crucial for learning and memory, as neurons need to make new proteins at specific synapses.
An analysis of ancient Nubian-era mummies found that human alteration of the environment contributed to the spread of schistosomiasis, a water-borne parasitic disease infecting an estimated 200 million people today. The study suggests that ancient individuals were capable of altering their environment in ways that impacted their health.
Researchers found that Lactobacillus rhamnosus promotes healing of the intestinal lining in mice by inducing reactive oxygen species. This discovery could guide doctors to improved treatments for intestinal diseases.
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine identified the role of nitric oxide in protecting the heart from injury. Exercise boosts levels of an enzyme that produces nitric oxide, which is stored in the bloodstream and heart as nitrite and nitrosothiols.
A new study confirms that infants wake up taller after sleep, with longer sleep bouts predicting increased weight and body-fat composition. The research also found sex differences in sleep patterns related to growth, with boys exhibiting more sleep bouts and shorter ones than girls.
A study found low vaccine acceptance rates among parents of black and Hispanic children, with only 36% indicating they would immunize against H1N1. Parents' confidence in vaccines and their preventive abilities were key factors influencing vaccination decisions.
Researchers at Emory University are exploring the use of prairie voles to identify drugs that can enhance social learning in individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The study found that giving female voles D-cycloserine promotes pair bonding, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic tool for treating autism.
A study demonstrates that monkeys can recall and reproduce simple shapes from memory, mirroring the performance of humans using a standard recall test. This finding suggests that recollection might be an adaptive ability in primates long before humans evolved.
A nationwide study found that group B streptococci are the leading cause of early-onset sepsis in full-term infants, while Escherichia coli is a common pathogen in preterm infants. The study also highlights missed opportunities for prevention due to inadequate screening and electronic medical record linking.
A study found that older individuals who played a musical instrument throughout life performed better on cognitive tests than non-musicians. The study suggests that musical activity may serve as a challenging cognitive exercise, making the brain fitter and more capable of accommodating aging challenges.
A new study led by Emory psychologist Stella Lourenco found a clear relation between claustrophobic fear and basic aspects of spatial perception. People with higher claustrophobic fear have an exaggerated sense of near space surrounding them.
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have discovered a potential mechanism that may contribute to the link between epilepsy and fragile X syndrome. The protein FMRP controls the production of a protein called Kv4.2, which regulates electrical signals in brain cells.
A two-pronged educational program at Emory Healthcare significantly improved leaders' and frontline staff's knowledge of quality principles. The program also led to successful design and launch of QI projects, with many projects sustained up to one year after completion.
Research at Yerkes National Primate Research Center finds chimpanzees yawn more after watching familiar chimps, suggesting underlying empathy. The study proposes that contagious yawning can be used as a measure of empathy in both humans and animals.
The research shows that bonobos have more developed circuitry for key nodes within the limbic system, which may be responsible for their social tolerance. In contrast, chimpanzees have better-developed visual system pathways, possibly linked to their tool-use skills.
A study from Emory University School of Medicine found that measuring oxidative stress can predict the risk of developing atrial fibrillation. High levels of the amino acid cystine in blood are linked to increased risk, while factors like high blood pressure and obesity also play a role.
Research from the Emory/Georgia Tech Predictive Health Institute found that vitamin D deficiency is associated with stiffer arteries and impaired blood vessel function. Participants who increased their vitamin D levels showed improvements in vascular health and lower blood pressure.
A study of twin veterans found that antidepressant use is linked to thicker arteries, contributing to the risk of heart disease and stroke. The data suggests that antidepressants may combine with depression for a negative effect on blood vessels.
Children with extreme social anxiety struggle to interpret facial expressions, confusing angry faces with sad ones. This misinterpretation can lead to problematic interactions and difficulties in making friends.
Linda Lu, a college student from Orlando, underwent a rare complete hand transplant at Emory University Hospital. The 19-hour surgery connected numerous structures including bones, tendons, nerves, and vessels to improve her quality of life.
Researchers suggest that transcriptional mutagenesis, a process where damaged DNA leads to mutant proteins, could contribute to tumor growth. The study highlights the importance of understanding this process to develop new cancer treatments.
Caspase 8, long viewed as an executioner of cellular suicide, has a surprising dual function: initiating apoptosis and restraining an independent programmed death pathway. The enzyme's absence can be compensated by RIP3, allowing mice to develop normally and potentially offering new therapeutic avenues for diseases.
As men lose their primary breadwinner roles, depression and marital conflict are likely to increase. Biological and sociological differences may also make it harder for men to care for young children.
A study from Emory University and the University of Vermont has found a link between high blood levels of hormone PACAP and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in women, but not men. The hormone modulates central nervous system activity, metabolism, and immune function.
Scientists at Emory Vaccine Center developed nanoparticles that mimic viruses to induce lifelong immunity in mice. The particles, made of biodegradable polymers, activate two different parts of the innate immune system and can be used with material from various bacteria or viruses.
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine found that a protein called MEF2D plays a key role inside mitochondria in brain cells, and its impairment is linked to Parkinson's disease progression. The study suggests that problems with MEF2D could represent one of the earliest steps in neurodegeneration.
Researchers at Emory and Georgia Tech developed nanoparticles to detect circulating tumor cells in blood samples from 19 head and neck cancer patients, achieving a positive signal for 17 patients. The 'one-tube' SERS technology could be faster and lower in costs than other detection methods.
Primitive lampreys have structures within their gills that play a role similar to the thymus, where T cells develop in mammals and birds. The finding suggests two separate organs for immune cell development preceded the appearance of key features like antibodies and T cell receptors.
Researchers have discovered that partition numbers behave like fractals, unlocking their infinitely repeating superstructure and developing a mathematical theory to 'see' them. A new finite formula has been devised to calculate the partitions of any number, bringing completely new ideas to the problems.
Children with severe asthma experience a significant decline in lung function during adolescence, leading to increased symptoms and disease severity later in life. Early identification and treatment are crucial to stem progression.
Researchers identified broadly protective antibodies against a variety of flu strains in patients infected with the 2009 H1N1 pandemic strain, suggesting a pan-influenza vaccine may be feasible. The antibodies could guide efforts to design a vaccine providing long-lasting protection against a wide spectrum of flu viruses.
Researchers developed a method to label and map the sixth nucleotide, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC), which is enriched on active genes. The method reveals its genome-wide distribution and functional significance in gene regulation and neurodegeneration.