Sound Science: Saying Good Night to Sleep Disorders Millions of Americans have sleep disorders and don't even know it. Listen to Sound Science as Emory sleep specialist Nancy Collop, MD, describes her research on sleep apnea. This condition can impact not only a good night's sleep, but also can affect patients having cardiovascular surgery. Better diagnosis of sleep apnea before surgery could improve outcomes. Listen and read. . .
A generic influenza virus
H1N1 2009 Influenza Holds Surprising Clues to a Universal Vaccine Patients infected with the 2009 H1N1 flu developed antibodies found to be protective against many of the flu viruses of the past decade, including other H1N1 strains and the virulent 1918 pandemic virus. The antibodies also protected mice from a lethal viral dose. This could be a milestone discovery in the search for a "universal" flu vaccine with long-lasting protection against a wide group of viruses. Read more. . .
Too Much Sugar for Teens Could Equal Later Heart Disease Risk Teens who consume too much sugar in drinks and foods are more likely to have poor cholesterol and triglyceride profiles, which could lead to heart disease later in life. And overweight or obese teens with higher levels of sugar intake have increased signs of insulin resistance, often a precursor to diabetes. Adolescents are eating 20 percent of their daily calories in sugars that provide few if any other nutrients. Read more. .
Viewing Art Activates Brain's Reward Circuits Imaging research shows that the ventral striatum, a region of the brain involved in experiencing pleasure, decision making and risk taking is activated more when someone views a painting than when someone views a plain photograph. The study doesn't answer the question "what is art?" but shows that looking at art stimulates a host of brain circuits. Read more. .
Randy Trumbower, MD
Oxygen Deprivation Could Help Restore Limb Function An experimental therapy called acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH), could help researchers restore limb function in people paralyzed by spinal cord injury. The study, described in the Emory physical therapy magazine, Extension, uses oxygen deprivation to help nerve cells adapt to different functions. Read more. . .