A study using a mouse model of myotonic dystrophy found that GABA receptor sensitivity is linked to the disorder's central nervous system symptoms, including excessive daytime sleepiness. The researchers suggest that drugs like flumazenil, which counteract benzodiazepines, may work against DM's prolonged sleep and fatigue.
Researchers developed a novel method to evaluate how mutations in the N protein impact rapid antigen tests' ability to detect antibodies. The study found that most major past and present variants of concern do not contain mutations affecting test performance, but some sequences could impact detection.
Researchers found that WASH interventions supplying filtered water, improved sources, or basic sanitation services significantly reduced diarrheal risk. The study highlights the importance of improving WASH infrastructure and programming to prevent disease, particularly among young children.
Childhood obesity rates are increasing, with younger children affected and severe cases reported. The study found that despite public health efforts, the incidence of obesity in elementary school children has risen higher and earlier than previously thought.
Researchers have identified lung-infiltrating monocytes as the key immune cells driving COVID-19's inflammatory complications. The study suggests that targeting these cells with remdesivir and baricitinib can enhance antiviral signaling and viral clearance, potentially improving patient outcomes.
A recent study published in Science Advances systematically evaluates 53 epidemiologic associations questioned by Gary Taubes, finding 25% now widely viewed as causal. Key findings include links between alcohol consumption and breast cancer, radon exposure and lung cancer, and tanning devices and melanoma.
A new study calls for expanded access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services in rural areas, focusing on women's sanitary needs. The research found that unmet WASH needs exacerbate self-esteem and drug usage among people experiencing homelessness.
Despite over 30 years of research evidence, only 60 countries have made folic acid fortification mandatory. Experts call for immediate action to pass a resolution to accelerate prevention globally and reach the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals on child mortality and health equity.
Emory University researchers have identified a mechanism for skin cell death that could lead to new treatments for skin infections, alopecia, hives, and potentially melanoma. The study reveals that a protein called gasdermin A induces pyroptosis in skin cells, serving as an early warning system against bacterial attack.
Researchers have mapped altered protein-protein interactions resulting from cancer-causing mutations, identifying potential targets for anticancer drugs. The study reveals how specific mutations can rewire the cell's interaction machinery, leading to oncogenic programs.
A study found a significant increase in school mental health service use among adolescents in 2019, particularly among non-Hispanic Black and low-income students. This rise was attributed to the creation or expansion of school mental health programs following the Parkland school shooting tragedy.
A $4.76 million grant will support the evaluation of TB preventative treatment in six countries. The initiative aims to measure the impact of this life-saving treatment on reducing TB disease and mortality among people living with HIV.
A new study by Emory University found that international trade bans on endangered species generally benefit mammals but harm reptiles. The researchers discovered large spikes in legal trade for reptilian species before bans were implemented, which may explain the differential impact of the bans.
A study published in the journal Brain found that boosting levels of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine with atomoxetine reduced markers of neuroinflammation and stabilized protein Tau, which forms neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. The treatment showed promising results in people with mild cognitive impairment.
A recent analysis of children's books over the last 60 years reveals a persistent bias towards male protagonists, with slighter gaps in more recent decades. The study highlights concerns that such representation may contribute to biases in society, particularly for girls.
The study found that grandmothers activate brain areas associated with emotional empathy when viewing photos of their grandchildren, indicating a strong emotional connection. In contrast, adult children elicit a stronger cognitive empathy response in grandmothers.
A study published in eLife found that 70% of researchers report sex differences without statistically comparing male and female responses. In contrast, authors who tested for sex-specific effects reported them only 63% of the time.
Physicists developed an electrical technique to study the Leidenfrost effect, revealing the temperature at which vapor layers form and collapse. The results show that stable vapor layers can be sustained at 240 degrees Celsius, with a minimum heat of 140 degrees Celsius required for their existence.
Researchers discovered that cancer-associated mutations in blood progenitor cells lead to distinct changes in both cancer and non-cancer immune cells in Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia. This finding has potential implications for origins and therapy of the disease, suggesting a new approach to immune therapies.
A new study found that immune checkpoint inhibitors are effective against HPV-positive head and neck cancers, with a potential therapeutic vaccination approach also being explored. Researchers discovered tumor-specific CD8 T cells in tumors from patients, which could provide a proliferative burst in response to PD-1 blockade.
A new COVID-19 vaccine candidate has shown effectiveness in inducing both neutralizing antibodies and CD8+ T cells, potentially reducing disease transmission. The vaccine combines yeast-expression technology and a novel adjuvant formulation, making it suitable for large-scale production and cost-effective distribution.
A study maps dengue fever hot spots to predict future outbreaks of Zika and chikungunya, revealing a 62% overlap between dengue and Zika hot spots. Targeted indoor residual spraying is shown to be effective in controlling Aedes-borne diseases.
A new study by Emory psychologists explains that genetic risks for nicotine dependence are linked to multiple traits and diseases, including schizophrenia, depression, and neuroticism. The research provides a more comprehensive understanding of the heritability of nicotine dependence, accounting for nearly 4% of its variation.
Researchers have developed a new mouse model that mimics Alzheimer's neurodegeneration without relying on the pathogenic proteins amyloid or Tau. The GluN3A knockout mouse model highlights the role of calcium and neuronal hyperactivity in driving neurodegeneration, providing potential leads for new treatments and preventive strategies.
Scientists discovered a molecule, Castaneroxy A, extracted from chestnut leaves that neutralizes dangerous staph bacteria, including MRSA. The compound, found only in tiny quantities in the leaves, disables toxin production and enables skin to heal rapidly.
Researchers found a novel biomarker indicating resilience to chronic stress in the brain, which is largely absent in people suffering from major depressive disorder. This absence is associated with pessimism in daily life and reduced adaptive responses to stress.
A new study found that combining interleukin-21 and interferon alpha with antiviral therapy boosts natural killer cell activity to combat HIV. This innovative approach could lead to additional treatment options to control HIV/AIDS, reducing reliance on current treatments.
Research shows that nearly half of fecal samples from wild chimpanzees contain antibiotic-resistant bacteria, highlighting the need for improved hygiene and proper antibiotic use. The study's findings will support the development of interventions to protect both human health and endangered species.
Researchers have created a theoretical model that accurately predicts the neural activity of a mouse brain without requiring fine-tuning. The model uses critical phenomena to explain phase transitions in physical systems and may have applications for studying complex dynamical systems.
A new study by psychologists at Emory University found that people can accurately discern most emotions tied to screams, but those of happiness are often misjudged as fear. Screams convey strong emotions, and researchers speculate that this may be an evolutionary carryover bias, where humans err on the side of caution.
A recent study suggests that inherited behaviors and traits appearing during adolescence, such as depression and neuroticism, can increase the risk of adult cannabis use. The research analyzed data from over 20,000 adolescents and found a small portion of the risk was attributed to genetic effects on these traits.
A new study found that the transmission risk for schistosomiasis peaks when water warms to 21.7 degrees centigrade, increasing with climate change. Implementing snail control measures can reduce transmission but raises peak transmission risk to 23 degrees Fahrenheit.
African Americans have a distinct genetic risk landscape for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with specific genes contributing to risk, according to the first whole-genome study. The study identified rare genetic variants and highlights the need for personalized approaches to IBD treatment.
The Emory MVA COVID-19 vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective in mice and monkeys, inducing strong neutralizing antibodies and killer CD8 T cells. The vaccine's multi-layered approach also prevents lung inflammation and is adaptable to address disease variants.
Researchers discovered that sidewinders' bellies have tiny pits and few spikes, which enhances sidewinding but is not as efficient for forward undulation. The study provides insights into convergent evolution and could lead to improvements in human technology, such as snake robots for search-and-rescue missions.
Researchers emphasize the importance of viral sequencing in understanding the spread and evolution of SARS-CoV-2. The technique has enabled the identification of new variants of concern and insights into transmission routes, but challenges remain in collecting and integrating metadata for genetic analyses.
A new study found that anonymous cell phone data can quantify behavioral changes for flu-like illnesses, while protecting user anonymity. The research linked passively-collected cell phone metadata with actual public health data, providing a potential tool to monitor and control infectious disease outbreaks.
A new model suggests that SARS-CoV-2 may become a common cold-causing virus, leading to reduced fatality rates and increased herd immunity. The model predicts that the infection fatality ratio will fall below that of seasonal influenza once an endemic steady-state is reached.
Researchers at Emory University developed a shape-shifting nanomaterial made of synthetic collagen that can be triggered to change its form from flat sheets to tubes and back again. The material has biomedical applications such as controlled-release drug delivery and tissue engineering.
Scientists from Emory University discovered the first known fossil iguana nesting burrow in the Bahamas, dating back to 115,000 years ago. The finding provides new clues to the geologic and natural history of the islands, revealing that iguanas were present on San Salvador before European colonization.
Researchers used fMRI to study effort-based decision-making and found two distinct regions of the ventral striatum associated with different phases of physical effort. The findings provide new insights into motivation, depression, schizophrenia, and PTSD.
Researchers have re-engineered human adenovirus to evade liver and innate immune systems, enabling systemic delivery without triggering life-threatening toxicities. The modified virus can selectively kill tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue, offering a new avenue for metastatic cancer treatment.
A comprehensive review of plant natural products reveals 459 compounds with antibacterial activity, providing promising candidates for new antibiotic discovery. The review, led by Cassandra Quave, aims to facilitate the search for effective drugs against antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Researchers developed a more precise screening index to identify areas with high levels of chronic lead exposure in children. The method uses established risk factors, including poverty and housing built before 1950, and can be applied to any area in the US.
A Winship Cancer Institute study shows that advanced molecular imaging with fluciclovine improves disease-free survival rates for patients with recurring prostate cancer after prostatectomy. The trial found a 12% better cancer control rate at three years, persisting at four years.
Researchers observed an overactive B cell response in severely ill COVID-19 patients, reminiscent of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which may inform treatment decisions. The findings could lead to the development of targeted therapies for patients with severe immune dysregulation.
Researchers create a new technique using luminescent DNA tools to visualize mechanical forces of cells at the molecular level. They discovered that platelets have a concentrated core of mechanical tension and a thin rim that continuously contracts, opening up new possibilities for studying blood clotting disorders.
Researchers found that attributing a mind to an android and then 'dehumanizing' it leads to the uncanny valley phenomenon. The study suggests that at first sight humans anthropomorphize an android, but within milliseconds they detect deviations and dehumanize it.
A new study reveals that differentiation of a single gene changes behavior in a wild songbird, determining whether the bird displays more or less aggression. The research identifies a specific estrogen receptor as driving this behavior, showing how genomic divergence can lead to behavioral divergence in a vertebrate.
Researchers found that seasonal flu vaccination boosts antibody-producing cells, but most are lost within a year. The study suggests longer-lasting 'universal' flu vaccines and improved vaccine design could address this issue.