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Emory University


How mice learn to think out of the box

A study in mice found that the prefrontal cortex can block flexible thinking, but silencing this region allows for faster learning of a new strategy. This discovery may provide insights into human neurodiversity and cognitive disorders.

SourceEmory University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2026

AI opens new era in cognitive studies of wild primates

Researchers at Emory University developed an AI system, CapuchinAI, to automate cognitive studies of capuchin monkeys in the wild using facial recognition and real-time testing. The system identifies individual capuchins with 97% accuracy and provides a scalable field method for cognitive testing.

SourceEmory University·JournalAmerican Journal of Primatology·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 29, 2026

AI speeds chemists' search for better disinfectants

Researchers used AI to design new molecules for disinfectants, leveraging a dataset of hundreds of existing quaternary ammonium compounds. The approach yielded 11 promising compounds with activity against antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, offering a potential solution to the growing threat of 'superbugs'.

SourceEmory University·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 5, 2026

How the brain charts emotion in a map-like way

A new study reveals that the hippocampus represents emotion concepts in a structured hierarchy of pleasantness and bodily reaction, while the ventromedial prefrontal cortex tracks relationships between these nodes. This map-like representation may help in the treatment of mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety.

SourceEmory University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 10, 2026

Turning over a new leaf in analyses of natural products

Researchers created an automated method to quickly analyze the metabolic effects of natural products, such as kratom, using high-resolution mass spectrometry and molecular network mapping. This breakthrough provides a detailed view of how chemicals are reshaped by human metabolism, marking a major step in natural products research.

SourceEmory University·JournalJournal of Natural Products·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 26, 2026

Study: Nearly two-thirds of US hospitals using epic have adopted ambient ai—but disparities exist

A nationwide study found that nearly two-thirds of US hospitals using Epic have adopted ambient AI tools to reduce documentation burden and improve patient-provider communication. However, adoption rates vary significantly across hospitals with differing operating margins, size, location, ownership, and staffing levels.

SourceEmory University·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateFeb 4, 2026

Epigenetics linked to high-altitude adaptation in Andes

A study led by Emory University researchers has identified epigenetic changes that help Indigenous people of South America adapt to high altitudes. The research found strong differences in DNA methylation between low- and high-altitude populations for genes associated with vascular system regulation and muscle growth.

SourceEmory University·JournalEnvironmental Epigenetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 2, 2025

Fatal Attraction: Electric charge connects jumping worm to aerial prey

Scientists have found that a tiny worm uses static electricity to jump high into the air and attach to flying insects, with a charge of hundreds of volts initiating an attractive force. The researchers used experiments to investigate how electrostatic forces affect the success rate of nematodes connecting with insects.

SourceEmory University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 14, 2025

Major test of new method to control dengue mosquito shows community health benefit

A novel disease prevention strategy targeting the Aedes mosquito species has been shown to reduce mosquito numbers by 60% and cases of dengue fever by 24% in a community. The study, conducted in Merida, Mexico, tested an intervention that used targeted indoor residual spraying of insecticide before outbreaks occur.

SourceEmory University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 9, 2025

AI reveals unexpected new physics in dusty plasma

Physicists used a machine-learning method to identify surprising new twists on the non-reciprocal forces governing a many-body system. The AI approach provides precise approximations for these forces, correcting common theoretical assumptions with an accuracy of over 99%.

SourceEmory University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2025

Children as young as five can navigate a 'tiny town'

A study at Emory University revealed that five-year-olds have the brain system that supports map-based navigation, challenging the assumption that this cognitive ability develops until age 12. Children can recognize landmarks and navigate through a virtual town with remarkable accuracy.

SourceEmory University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 5, 2025

New AI tool set to speed quest for advanced superconductors

A new study published in Newton uses artificial intelligence to identify complex quantum phases in materials, significantly speeding up research into quantum materials. The breakthrough applies machine-learning techniques to detect clear spectral signals, allowing for a fast and accurate snapshot of phase transitions.

SourceEmory University·JournalNewton·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 10, 2025

Chatbot opens computational chemistry to nonexperts

A new web platform, AutoSolvateWeb, developed at Emory University enables chemists of all levels to configure and execute complex quantum mechanical simulations through chatting. The free platform uses cloud infrastructure and automates software processes on the backend.

SourceEmory University·JournalChemical Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 7, 2025

A new clue to how multicellular life may have evolved

Researchers explore fluid dynamics of stentors' cooperative feeding behavior, discovering that grouping together generates more powerful flows to sweep in food from a greater distance. This finding could provide insight into how single-cell organisms evolved into complex organisms like humans.

SourceEmory University·JournalNature Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 31, 2025

Large theropods thrived near South Pole, Australian tracks show

A discovery of 18 theropod tracks and four ornithopod tracks in the Wonthaggi Formation reveals that large carnivores roamed polar environments, feeding on prey like smaller dinosaurs, fish, and turtles. The finds confirm that a variety of dinosaurs lived and walked on the ground where their bones were found.

SourceEmory University·JournalAlcheringa An Australasian Journal of Palaeontology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 9, 2024

Tracking ticks in Georgia to help monitor emerging diseases

Researchers mapped the distribution of lone star ticks, a dominant tick species in Georgia, to identify areas with high prevalence. The study found that these regions contain sweet spots for lone star ticks, including forested areas of mid-elevation and soils retaining moisture but not swampy.

SourceEmory University·JournalParasites & Vectors·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 11, 2024

A new estimate of U.S. soil organic carbon to improve Earth system models

Scientists have developed a new method to estimate soil organic carbon in the US, providing a more accurate benchmark for policymakers. The study reveals how environmental variables affect soil organic carbon and offers insights into mitigating climate change through sustainable land management practices.

SourceEmory University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Biogeosciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 2, 2024