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Emory Health Sciences


Joint supplement speeds melanoma cell growth

A dietary supplement commonly used to strengthen joints can also speed the growth of a type of melanoma, according to preclinical research. Chondroitin sulfate boosts growth in melanoma cells carrying the V600E mutation, but not other types, and may pose risks for people with elevated melanoma risk.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMar 15, 2018

Aversion to holes driven by disgust, not fear, study finds

A new study published in PeerJ found that individuals with trypophobia exhibit a physiological response more associated with disgust than fear. The researchers used eye-tracking technology to measure pupil size and found that images of clusters of holes elicited greater constriction of the pupils, a response linked to feelings of disgust.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPeerJ·DateJan 4, 2018

Direct amygdala stimulation can enhance human memory

Researchers found that direct electrical stimulation of the human amygdala can enhance next-day recognition of images, with a significant boost in memory performance. The study used low-level current and showed an improvement in memory recall for patients with epilepsy and average memory performance.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2017

Helping the brain prune bad habits

Researchers found that fasudil, a drug that inhibits Rho kinase, promotes goal-directed behavior in mice by pruning dendritic spines, a process involved in learning new behaviors. The treatment showed promise in reducing cocaine self-administration and could be an effective adjunct to cognitive behavioral therapy for treating drug abuse.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2017

New wake-promoting node pinpointed in brain

Scientists have identified a new group of cells responsible for keeping humans awake. The supramammillary nucleus is part of the caudal hypothalamus and plays a crucial role in maintaining wakefulness. When activated, it promotes prolonged wakefulness during normal sleep periods.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 10, 2017

Tug of war between Parkinson's protein and growth factor

Researchers discovered that alpha-synuclein, a protein involved in Parkinson's disease, blocks signals from the important brain growth factor BDNF. This 'tug of war' between alpha-synuclein and BDNF affects brain cells' survival and explains why dopamine-producing neurons are more vulnerable to degeneration.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2017

Unplanned Fox News viewing influences likelihood of voting for Republican presidential candidates

A new study in the American Economic Review found that viewers who stumble upon Fox News first while channel surfing are more likely to vote for a Republican presidential candidate. The study used voter records and survey data to compare individuals from different cable news channel positions, finding a significant association between ...

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateSep 5, 2017

Switchable DNA mini-machines store information

Researchers have built simple machines out of DNA consisting of arrays whose units switch reversibly between two different shapes. The arrays' properties shed light on how to build structures with more complex, dynamic behaviors. By harnessing these DNA mini-machines, scientists may be able to create nanotech sensors and amplifiers.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalScience·DateJun 22, 2017

Mutant mosquitos make insecticide-resistance monitoring key to controlling Zika

A recent study by Emory University highlights the importance of insecticide-resistance monitoring in controlling the spread of Zika and other mosquito-borne diseases. The research found that applying insecticides like deltamethrin in areas with high resistance can be ineffective, emphasizing the need for targeted control measures.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJun 19, 2017