Researchers putting pressure on norovirus Norovirus is probably best known for causing outbreaks of illness in hotels and on cruise ships. Nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting often follow exposure to this small, highly contagious virus. Although the norovirus is usually passed from one person to another via surfaces, such as counters and door handles, it can also be transmitted through the consumption of raw oysters. But Christine Moe, PhD, is collaborating with other researchers and the shellfish industry to change that. Moe is head of Emory’s Center for Global Safe Water. |
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Is ischemia in the genes? Decreased blood flow to the heart, known as ischemia, can be caused by physical stress, mental stress, or both. Intriguingly, researchers are finding that ischemia brought on by psychological stress can prove as harmful as ischemia brought on by exercise stress. And sometimes even more so. Emory cardiologist David Sheps, MD, is looking into whether our genes influence our chances of developing mental stress ischemia and whether treatment for this type of ischemia is in the offing. |
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Discovery of genetic translocation may lead to targeted tumor treatment Emory pathologist Sharon Weiss, MD, was the first to describe a rare tumor known as an epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE). Thirty years later, researchers have identified a genetic alteration linked to this odd vascular tumor. Listen as Weiss talks about how this newfound information may lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development of EHEs and perhaps development of a targeted treatment. |
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Intracranial hypertension: its diagnosis, treatment, and consequences Our brains are bathed in fluid that helps protect them from trauma. But sometimes—for unknown reasons—the pressure can become abnormally elevated. This condition, known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension, can lead to headaches, double vision, and even vision loss. The disease affects primarily obese women of childbearing age but can affect anyone. Listen as Emory neuro-ophthalmologist Beau Bruce, MD, talks about idiopathic intracranial hypertension, its treatment, and about a new way that may help diagnose it earlier and in more people. |
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Low calcium, vitamin D intake linked to colon cancer risk Back in prehistoric times, humans enjoyed higher calcium and vitamin D intake than most Americans do today. Our penchant for working inside and for wearing lots of clothes when we’re outside helps explain why many of us are low on vitamin D, and calcium, too, since vitamin D aids absorption of this important mineral. But whatever the reasons for the alimentary decline, researchers are seeing a link between a deficiency in these two substances and a higher risk of inflammation and cancer of the colon. Robin Bostick’s latest research examines the effects of calcium and vitamin D intake levels on an array of inflammatory biomarkers. Bostick is a Georgia Cancer Coalition Scholar in the Emory University Rollins School of Public Health. He’s hoping that these inflammatory biomarkers may one day be used much like cholesterol and high blood pressure are now when it comes to cardiovascular disease. |
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A hybrid approach to ousting esophageal lesions Once esophageal tumors establish themselves, a patient’s prognosis is grim and morbidity vast. But when lesions are caught early and removed, especially in the premalignant stage, the odds of survival markedly improve. In fact, using a hybrid approach to ousting superficial esophageal lesions is something Emory gastroenterologist Field F. Willingham, MD, MPH, is prone to do, when a case calls for it. Listen as Willingham discusses three very different endoscopic approaches, all minimally invasive, which aim to rid patients of esophageal lesions without compromising their prognosis or quality of life. |