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Emory Health Sciences


Heart failure risk model validated

Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine developed the Health ABC Heart Failure Model to predict risk of new onset heart failure in the elderly. The model, validated with a separate library of patient data, identifies high-risk individuals for targeted interventions.

Immune cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis have prematurely aged chromosomes

Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine discovered that immune cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis have trouble turning on the enzyme that replenishes telomeres, leading to premature aging. This finding suggests that restoring defective telomerase could help 'reset' the immune system in rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2009

Vitamin A signals offer clues to treating autoimmunity

Scientists have discovered a compound called zymosan that can respond to two different receptors in dendritic cells, sending both stimulatory and calming messages. This finding could guide the development of vaccines against infectious agents and potentially boost the immune system's ability to fight chronic infections.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 1, 2009

Blocking toxic effects could make clot-buster safer

Scientists at Emory University School of Medicine have found a way to block the toxic effects of tPA, a life-saving clot-busting drug used in acute stroke treatment. By blocking LRP1, a molecule that transmits inflammation signals triggered by tPA, the researchers were able to soften the drug's impact on the brain.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJan 23, 2009

New step in DNA damage response in neurons discovered

Researchers have identified a crucial biochemical step involved in nerve cells' response to DNA damage. Cdk5 activation is necessary before ATM can function in neurons, suggesting it as a potential drug target for neurodegenerative diseases. This discovery sheds light on the underlying mechanisms of ataxia telangiectasia and other neur...

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJan 18, 2009

'Strained' quantum dots show new optical properties

Scientists at Emory University have developed strain-tuned quantum dots with new optical properties, reducing toxicity and size limitations. These particles can be made mostly of zinc and selenium, emitting light at near-infrared wavelengths, which could improve biomedical imaging and optoelectronics.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 7, 2008

Misreading of damaged DNA may spur tumor formation

Researchers have discovered that cells can turn on tumor-promoting growth circuits as a result of misreading damaged DNA without copying it. The results suggest that DNA damage, if it hits certain critical genes in a cell, could lead to transcriptional mutagenesis that spurs the cell to divide.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 20, 2008

New biomarker for heart failure identified

Researchers have identified a new biomarker for heart failure, resistin, which can independently predict an individual's risk of developing the condition. Resistin levels were found to increase the risk of new-onset heart failure by 38% and were a stronger predictor than other inflammatory markers.

Treating heart failure with a gas

Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine found that low concentrations of hydrogen sulfide can protect mice from heart failure. The gas is administered intravenously to treat humans with heart failure, showing promising results in regaining heart function and reducing mortality.

Mapping a clan of mobile selfish genes

A study mapped the clan of mobile selfish genes Alu retrotransposons in the human genome, revealing that around 10,000 elements are still capable of jumping around and posing a major threat to human genetics. The research provides valuable insights into the behavior of these elements and their potential impact on personalized genomics.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalGenome Research·DateOct 22, 2008

Lack of vitamin D linked to Parkinson's disease

A new study from Emory University School of Medicine found that 55 percent of Parkinson's disease patients had insufficient levels of vitamin D. The study also showed a higher fraction of patients with the lowest levels of vitamin D, described as deficiency, in the Parkinson's group compared to Alzheimer's and healthy groups.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateOct 13, 2008

Is that song sexy or just so-so?

Researchers found that hormone levels alter the brain's response to social cues, affecting preferences for male voices and behavior. The study suggests a possible neural basis for changes in human social decision-making across the menstrual cycle.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Comparative Neurology·DateSep 22, 2008