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Emory Health Sciences


Biophysicists use machine learning to understand, predict dynamics of worm behavior

Researchers used an algorithm to model the decision-making of C. elegans in response to a sensory stimulus, achieving predictions that matched experimental results. The Sir Isaac platform demonstrated improved accuracy compared to prior models, offering insights into the potential of artificial intelligence in scientific discovery.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 27, 2019

Starving leukemia cells by targeting amino acids

Scientists have discovered that deleting the gene encoding ASCT2, a transporter enzyme responsible for bringing amino acids into cells, prolongs survival of mice with aggressive leukemia. The study found that ASCT2 is required for leukemia development and progression but dispensable for normal blood cell development.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Metabolism·DateMar 12, 2019

Laughter may be best medicine -- for brain surgery

Researchers at Emory University discovered that electrical stimulation of the cingulum bundle can induce laughter and a sense of calm in patients undergoing brain surgery. The technique has potential applications in treating depression, anxiety disorders, and chronic pain via deep brain stimulation.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 4, 2019

Racial disparities in asthma related to health care access, environmental factors

A recent study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology analyzed data from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute's Severe Asthma Research Program. The research found that African American patients are more likely to experience emergency hospital visits for asthma and have poorer asthma outcomes due to socioecon...

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJan 11, 2019

Uncovering more options in cancer immunotherapy

Researchers at Emory University have developed a high-throughput screening platform to identify small molecules that can enhance the ability of human immune cells to kill cancer cells. The platform, called HTiP, has identified compounds such as birinapant, which has shown strong evidence for its relevance as an immune enhancer.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateJan 10, 2019

The math of malaria

A mathematical model for malaria shows that competition between parasite strains within a human host reduces the odds of drug resistance developing in high-transmission settings. The model reveals how once a drug-resistant strain becomes established, it will spread faster in high-transmission areas than in low-transmission areas.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 28, 2018

Study reveals how the brain decides to make an effort

A new study published in PNAS found that the brain's ventromedial prefrontal cortex plays a key role in forming expectations underlying effort-based choices. The study used fMRI to model neural computations for effort and reward, revealing a clear role for three brain regions: the vmPFC, dACC, and aI.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 14, 2018