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Emory Health Sciences


Are depressed people too clean?

A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry suggests that a loss of healthy bacteria due to modern sanitation may contribute to the increasing rates of depression. Experiments are being conducted to test treatments using properties of these beneficial microorganisms, aiming to improve emotional tolerance.

Mosquito monitoring saves lives and money, analysis finds

Researchers conclude that cutting mosquito surveillance would lead to exponential increases in human cases and health costs. A delayed response can result in drastically escalated costs, with some estimates suggesting a 10-fold increase. The study highlights the need for sustained funding of mosquito surveillance programs.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateOct 26, 2010

Baby boomers raise midlife suicide rate

Research by sociologists Ellen Idler and Julie Phillips found significant increases in middle-aged suicide rates, particularly among unmarried individuals and those without a college degree. The study suggests that chronic diseases and substance abuse may be contributing factors to the rising trend.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPublic Health Reports·DateSep 27, 2010

Gene limits learning and memory in mice

Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have found that deleting a certain gene in mice can improve their learning and memory abilities. The RGS14 gene, which is primarily active in one region of the hippocampus, appears to limit some forms of learning and memory when present.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 17, 2010

Ancient brew masters tapped antibiotic secrets

Researchers have found evidence that ancient Nubians regularly consumed tetracycline, a powerful antibiotic, most likely through their beer. This discovery suggests that the art of making antibiotics was common practice nearly 2,000 years ago and challenges traditional views on the origins of modern medicine.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateSep 2, 2010

Sewage overflow promotes spread of West Nile virus

A study by Emory University found that sewage overflows in urban creeks and streams increase the risk of West Nile virus transmission, particularly in lower-income neighborhoods. The analysis showed a seven times higher risk for residents near affected areas compared to other parts of the city.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJul 12, 2010

Peptides may hold 'missing link' to life

Researchers at Emory University have discovered that simple peptides can organize into bi-layer membranes, a 'missing link' between pre-biotic Earth's chemical inventory and the scaffolding essential to life. This finding may also shed light on protein assemblies related to Alzheimer's disease, Type 2 diabetes, and other serious ailments.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMay 6, 2010