EMORY UNIVERSITY

Brittany Dugger, a UC Davis neuropathology expert, received a $6 million NIH grant to study Alzheimer’s in Hispanic populations. Her research integrates machine learning, citizen science, and precision medicine, aiming to reduce disease disparities and advance treatments. A key project involves a game, Beta Catchers, where players analyze brain tissue images to identify Alzheimer’s pathologies, enhancing data collection and public engagement.

Best Vascular/Novoste celebrates 24th anniversary of US FDA approval for vascular brachytherapy, with ongoing efforts to expand its clinical uses.

UNMC College of Medicine received over $7 million in new funding in September, with grants awarded to various faculty members for studies ranging from cardiovascular disease diagnosis to HIV/SIV reservoirs and COVID-19 eye studies, among others.

Scientists from Caltech and Emory University have synthesized a complex natural molecule, cylindrocyclophane A, using a novel C-H functionalization strategy, demonstrating a new category of reactions that could revolutionize organic chemistry and natural product synthesis.

Chemists at Emory University and Caltech synthesized a complex natural molecule, cylindrocyclophane A, using a revolutionary C-H functionalization strategy, marking a significant advancement in organic synthesis. This method transforms inert C-H bonds into reactive sites, enabling the creation of intricate organic compounds from low-cost materials. The synthesis involved 10 C-H functionalization steps, showcasing the potential of this approach in drug development and materials science.

A nasal swab could predict COVID severity, showing 70% of mild/moderate cases develop nasal autoantibodies linked to fewer symptoms, better immune response, and faster recovery, contrary to blood autoantibodies linked to severe COVID. Researchers aim to develop a nasal swab test for real-time COVID severity prediction.

Dr. Tim Jancelewicz, co-principal investigator, leads an $11.4 million, multi-institutional clinical trial to study the efficacy of nitric oxide in treating newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). The NoNO Trial, funded by the NIH, involves 19 institutions and aims to determine if nitric oxide reduces the need for invasive care like ECMO. The trial also explores barriers to de-implementation of nitric oxide and its continued use despite lack of supporting evidence.

Laura Finzi, a molecular biophysicist, has been appointed the inaugural Dr. Waenard L. Miller, Jr. ’69 and Sheila M. Miller Endowed Chair in Medical Biophysics at Clemson University. Her research focuses on DNA transcription mechanics, aiming to advance precision medicine. Finzi holds a joint appointment with the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Department of Bioengineering.

Aligos Therapeutics announces FDA clearance for Phase 1 DDI study of ALG-000184, a CAM-E for CHB, with Phase 2 filing planned for Q1 2025.

Emory researchers discovered an enzyme, CU43, effective in treating IgG-mediated pathologies like myasthenia gravis, requiring 4,000 times less dose than current drugs, potentially offering a more effective treatment option with fewer side effects.