Researchers have developed a neurotrophic electrode that can be implanted in the brain to help paralyzed patients communicate through a computer. The system uses neural signals to drive a cursor on a screen, allowing patients to interact with their environment.
A study has found that environmental stimuli can trigger neurochemical changes in the brain similar to those caused by cocaine use, leading to overwhelming cravings in recovering addicts. Dr. Leonard Howell's research suggests that a medication targeting the serotonin system may prevent such cravings.
Researchers found that Ritalin reduces activation in the cerebellum and basal ganglia while increasing activation in novel areas of the brain, improving working memory in ADHD patients. This study provides new clues for developing more specific drug treatment for individuals with ADHD.
Researchers at Emory University have identified a potential new approach for alleviating Parkinson's disease symptoms by blocking glutamate receptors in the brain. This could lead to combination therapies that improve treatment outcomes and reduce side effects.
The Emory/Atlanta CFAR is a multidisciplinary research center focusing on the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. With a $2.3 million grant, it aims to foster collaboration among diverse HIV/AIDS programs in Atlanta.
Research at Emory University Health Sciences Center suggests that high blood pressure caused by sodium retention could be related to oncogenes involved in cancer. Understanding the complex communication and regulation of kidney cells may help better comprehend how kidney diseases begin and hypertension is controlled.
The Emory University Fragile X Group will investigate molecular, neurological, and biochemical approaches to clarify the fragile X syndrome, a cause of inherited mental retardation in humans. The team aims to develop model systems and explore potential therapeutic strategies.
Studies of over 25,000 Emory angioplasty and coronary bypass patients reveal significant improvements in patient outcomes, including shorter hospital stays and decreased mortality rates. Hospital costs also decreased by 30% between 1988 and 1996, with a notable reduction in the last two years.
The BERT-1 trial found that low-dose beta radiation effectively prevents restenosis by reducing late lumen loss in coronary arteries. In a six-month follow-up, 90% of patients experienced no significant narrowing of their vessels post-angioplasty.
Researchers at Emory University report that a growth factor stimulation increases new neurons in the brain's striatum and cortex, raising hope for treating neurodegenerative diseases. The study confirms previous findings on adult mammalian forebrain's capacity to produce new neurons.
Research at Emory University Health Sciences Center found that individuals with ADHD tend to integrate information in more visual and less auditory ways, which may explain their everyday difficulties. The study used PET scans to evaluate working memory in ADHD patients and normal control subjects.
Researchers found that pallidotomy surgery for Parkinson's disease improves brain activity in areas responsible for controlling movement and decreases abnormal activation in cerebral areas. The study provides new insight into the brain mechanisms responsible for symptomatic improvement following surgery.
Researchers at Emory University have synthesized a compound called RTI-113 that targets the same dopamine transporters as cocaine, with potential to treat addiction and eating disorders. The medication reduces self-administration in monkeys and shows promise in managing urge for 'out-of-control' drug-seeking behaviors.
Kenneth Bernstein has made significant contributions to understanding the renin-angiotensin system, a key regulator of blood pressure. His work has transformed the field, revealing new insights into the biology of angiotensin II and its effects on cardiovascular function.
Researchers at Emory University's Center for Clinical Evaluation Sciences are developing a model to help health professionals appreciate population-based research and its value in answering questions about patient care. The center is designing an intensive one-week workshop for clinicians, set to launch in Spring 1998.
Researchers found that combining ganciclovir eye implants with oral ganciclovir reduces the risk of new CMV disease, Kaposi's sarcoma, and extraocular complications in AIDS patients. The study also showed a delay in median survival time among those receiving combined therapy.
Emory University researchers found that newborn rat pups who received more infantile stimulation handled stress better in adulthood, both externally and internally. The study suggests that early experiences shape the development of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal response to stress, which can have implications for human health.
Researchers have discovered that GM-CSF, a cytokine produced by melanoma tumors, can stimulate the immune system to attack and eliminate tumor cells. Delivering GM-CSF directly to tumors may lead to effective treatment of advanced melanoma cases.
Mohs surgery has shown promise in preventing melanoma recurrence, particularly in patients with lentigo-maligna tumors. The technique's precision and ability to check surgical margins may provide a better chance of getting rid of tumors and preventing recurrences while conserving tissue.
Researchers from Emory University and CDC report high rates of microbial resistance to antibiotics in intensive care unit (ICU) hospital settings. The study found that pathogens isolated from ICUs were most resistant to treatment, while those from outpatients were least resistant.
Children with FAS have behavioral and learning problems in addition to brain damage and facial abnormalities. Researchers found that children with FAS can focus on tasks but struggle with using new information and switching attention, which may explain why drugs like Ritalin are ineffective for this group.
Researchers are evaluating potential health effects of long-term mercury exposure on former workers and employees. The study aims to characterize how mercury affects the nervous system, kidney function, and reproductive system.
Researchers found that polyethylene glycol-conjugated recombinant human megakaryocyte growth and development factor (MGDF) significantly increased platelet counts in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer after chemotherapy. Platelet counts returned to normal within 14 days, faster than in placebo recipients.
Scientists at Yerkes Primate Research Center of Emory University found that cocaine significantly alters the activity of nearly 20 genes in the brain, many of which have never been identified. The changes occur during transcription and may have serious long-lasting consequences for addiction.
Researchers have developed a new method to examine mitochondria in the living brain using PET scanning, linking mitochondrial energy deficits to Parkinson's disease. They found that mild mitochondrial damage converts glutamate from a transmitter to a toxin, leading to nerve cell death.
The study provides evidence that FMRP is transported into the cell's nucleus where it forms a complex with particular mRNAs and then is transported out of the nucleus to join ribosomes in the neuronal cytoplasm. The researchers discovered that free ribosomes, found in dendrites and dendritic spines, associate with FMRP.
In a groundbreaking study, antidepressant Zoloft significantly reduced depression, anxiety, insomnia, and reexperiencing of trauma in rape victims with chronic PTSD. Four out of five women participating in the study responded positively to treatment after 12 weeks on Zoloft.
Emory University researchers identified a subpopulation of HIV-infected infants with a thymic-defect profile, characterized by low CD4+ and CD8+ T cell counts. These high-risk infants were found to develop AIDS symptoms sooner and have increased mortality rates compared to those without the profile.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine examines firearm injuries in three American cities, finding that nearly 90% of non-fatal gunshot wounds resulted from confirmed or probable assaults. The study also reveals alarming rates of injury and fatality among young black men, with a rate of 1,708.4 per 100,000 person-years.
Cryosurgery has been used to treat prostate and skin cancers, but recently began treating advanced liver cancer. The procedure freezes tumors using liquid nitrogen, with Emory University Hospital as one of the few medical centers offering it.
Researchers from Emory University and UCLA identified a brain region responsible for recalibrating eye-hand coordination in response to visual distortions. The posterior parietal cortex area PEG was found to be selectively activated during the process, suggesting its role in visuomotor recalibration.
Experts suggest modifying building codes to provide air-conditioned lobbies, utilizing churches as shelters, and implementing debt-forgiveness programs to help vulnerable populations. Proactive measures like sentinel surveillance, public education, and outreach can save lives during heatwaves.
The new resorbable plates and screws dissolve within months of implantation, reducing migration and discomfort in young patients. Developed by Biomet Corporation, these devices have been approved by the FDA for use in reconstructive head and neck surgery.