Latest news with #AugustaUniversity
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Dopamine Doesn't Work in Our Brains Quite The Way We Thought
Dopamine is one of the most extensively studied chemical messengers in the human brain, and yet scientists are still figuring out how it works to accomplish so much. For years, the classic view has been that, when released, dopamine slowly diffuses through the brain like a chemical megaphone, broadcasting information far and wide to numerous target cells. Recently, however, that perspective has changed. Newer research suggests that dopamine is also capable of short, sharp whispers, precisely directed within milliseconds to neighboring cells. If researchers are right, this localized signal could be a "fundamental building block" that's overlooked in the brain's dopamine system. Related: Dopamine in the brain is different to dopamine in the rest of the body. In the blood, dopamine helps modulate the function of multiple organs as well as our immune responses. In the brain, it's a chemical messenger involved in mediating a diversity of animal behaviors – from movement and mood to sleep and memory to reward and motivation. Neurons that release dopamine are known to do so with different firing patterns, and yet it's not clear what messages these specific signals encode, or why. The ability to send both fast and slow signals could explain how the brain's dopamine system can achieve so much with such specificity. Under a special microscope, which is well-suited to imaging living tissues, scientists at the University of Colorado and Augusta University in the US triggered a release of local dopamine in the brains of live mice. They then watched, using fluorescent staining, as it activated receptors in only a few, tiny areas of nearby neurons. This short-range activation elicited a rapid neural response. Broader dopamine release, meanwhile, is widespread and elicits a slower response. "Our current research found that dopamine signaling and transmission in the brain is much more complex than we thought," says pharmacologist Christopher Ford from the University of Colorado. "We knew that dopamine plays a role in many different behaviors, and our work gives the beginning of a framework for understanding how all those different behaviors could all be regulated by dopamine." The specific neurons studied by Ford and colleagues come from the brain's striatum – a part of the basal ganglia involved in motor and reward systems that is rich in dopamine-releasing neurons. The striatum receives dopamine inputs from various parts of the brain, and it is implicated in neurodegenerative disorders like schizophrenia, addiction, and ADHD. Parkinson's disease, for instance, is marked by a degeneration of dopamine neurons connecting to the striatum. A better understanding of how dopamine sends signals in this part of the brain could be crucial for coming up with new treatments for a variety of conditions. "We are really only at the tip of the iceberg in trying to understand how dysfunctions in dopamine contribute to diseases like Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia or addiction," says Ford. "More work is needed to grasp how these specific changes in dopamine signaling are affected in these different neurological and psychiatric diseases." The study was published in Science. Related News 5 Questions That Could Reveal a Truth About Your Aging Common Sweetener Could Damage Critical Brain Barrier, Risking Stroke Parkinson's Disease Has a Smell That Some Dogs Can Detect Solve the daily Crossword
The Independent
08-07-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Judge orders mental evaluation for Venezuelan man convicted of killing Laken Riley
A judge has ordered a mental evaluation of the Venezuelan man convicted of killing Georgia nursing student Laken Riley. A judge in November found Jose Ibarra guilty of murder and other crimes in Riley's February 2024 killing and sentenced him to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Ibarra is seeking a new trial, and his lawyers asked the judge to order a mental evaluation as part of that process. Clarke County Superior Court Judge H. Patrick Haggard's order for a mental evaluation was sent to the state Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Tuesday, according to a letter filed with the court. Riley's killing became part of the national debate about immigration during last year's presidential campaign. Ibarra had entered the U.S. illegally in 2022 and was allowed to stay while he pursued his immigration case, federal immigration authorities said after his arrest. President Donald Trump in January signed into law the Laken Riley Act, which requires the detention of unauthorized immigrants accused of theft and violent crimes. Prosecutors said Ibarra encountered Riley while she was running on the University of Georgia campus on Feb. 22 and killed her during a struggle. Riley, 22, was a student at Augusta University College of Nursing, which also has a campus in Athens, about 70 miles (115 kilometers) east of Atlanta. In a court filing last month, Ibarra's post-conviction attorneys, James Luttrell and David Douds, said they believe Ibarra suffers from 'congenital deficiency' that could make him 'incapable of preparing a defense and standing trial." Ibarra 'lacks the mental capacity" to understand the proceedings, and his attorney wrote that he believes that was the case at the time of the killing and at the time of trial. Ibarra, 27, had waived his right to a jury trial, meaning it was up to Athens-Clarke County Superior Court Judge H. Patrick Haggard alone to hear and decide the case. 'A criminal defendant must personally and intelligently participate in the waiver of the constitutional right to a trial by jury,' Luttrell and Douds wrote, noting that Ibarra's trial attorney did not ask for a competency evaluation. Prosecutor Sheila Ross wrote in a court filing responding to the request that there were 'no challenges or concerns' about Ibarra's competency prior to trial and that 'there is nothing in the trial record that would suggest that Defendant was not competent during his trial.' But she wrote that she does not oppose the request for a competency evaluation. Haggard last week filed an order asking the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities to evaluate Ibarra with the aid of a Spanish-language interpreter. He asked for findings on whether Ibarra was capable of understanding the pretrial proceedings involving the waiver of his right to a jury trial, as well as the trial itself, and whether he was capable of assisting his attorney to prepare his defense. He also wants to know whether Ibarra understands the post-conviction proceedings and can aid in preparing his defense. Ibarra was convicted on Nov. 20 and his attorneys filed a motion for a new trial on Dec. 2. Under Georgia law, a notice of appeal must be filed within 30 days of a conviction becoming final, which is the date of sentencing or the denial of a motion for a new trial, whichever is later. Therefore, the filing of a motion for a new trial effectively extends the deadline to file an appeal.
New York Post
29-06-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Americans at risk ‘anywhere' after 6 illegal immigrants are charged in mother's murder: congressman
A South Carolina congressman is warning of threats that face Americans 'anywhere' after four years of an open border following the random murder of a Lancaster mom of two last month. The comments come after Lancaster authorities charged six illegal immigrants, between the ages of 13 and 21, in connection with Larisha Thompson's May 2 murder. Advertisement She was shot to death while driving to meet friends in Rock Hill. 'Two children will not have a mother to come home to,' Republican South Carolina Rep. Ralph Norman told Fox News Digital in a phone interview. 'It can happen anywhere, at any time. That's the sad part. We've seen it all over the country.' He added that while Laken Riley, the Augusta University student killed by illegal Venezuelan migrant Jose Ibarra in February 2024, has become 'the face' of crimes committed by those living illegally in the United States, there are similar victims in states across the country, including Thompson and others, such as Lizbeth Medina, Jocelyn Nungaray, Rachel Morin and Kayla Hamilton. 'The positive thing is: the border's secure now, but you've got to realize: four years of leaving the doors open to over 160 countries to put criminals and anybody else that wanted to come into the country,' Norman said. 'You wouldn't open your house up like that. Yet the Democrats are still not condemning what Joe Biden intentionally did. But it's a new day, and hopefully, [it is] going to be straightened out in time.' Advertisement 7 Larisha Thompson was shot to death while driving to meet friends in Rock Hill on May 2, 2025. Family handout Lancaster County Sheriff's Office deputies located Thompson, 40, deceased with a gunshot wound behind the wheel of her vehicle on Riverside Road in Lancaster, which is located about an hour south of Charlotte, North Carolina. On May 12, authorities announced the arrests of three adults – Asael Aminadas Torres-Chirinos, 21, Jarby Ardon Ramos-Odari, 18, and Jeyson Sobied Pineda-Salgado, 17 – and three juveniles, ages 13, 14 and 15, in connection with Thompson's death and a separate burglary that occurred on April 30. 'The unknown is what we fear,' Norman said when asked about people with criminal intentions who may have crossed illegally into the United States during the Biden administration. 'When you hear [FBI Director] Kash Patel talk about threats… the fact is that they're doing their best, but… we don't know who's here. And we're getting a lot of them out, but there's still the unknown of who's left here. And that's the problem. How many more deaths do we have to have that are just so senseless?' Advertisement 7 Jarby Ardon Ramos-Odari. Lancaster Co. Sheriff's Office 7 Rep. Ralph Norman arrives for a meeting at the Capitol Building on May 20, 2025. Getty Images Norman said he hopes prosecutors pursue the death penalty against the adult suspects accused of murdering Thompson. 'South Carolina is a great state,' Norman said, but added that people have 'got to be aware' and 'diligent.' Advertisement Lancaster Sheriff Barry Faile said Thompson's 'shooting defies any sense of decency in a civilized society,' during a May press conference. 'Ms. Thompson was going about her business on a Friday night, not bothering anyone. All of a sudden, these six men and boys – out to get something for nothing from someone they did not know and had no business bothering – pulled alongside her car, and Torres-Chirinos opened fire, killing Ms. Thompson,' Faile said at the time. 'There's no place in our society for acts like this or the people who commit them, and my hope is these six are never again among us.' The Department of Homeland Security has placed detainers on all six individuals charged, Faile said during a press conference, adding that the community is a 'much safer place today because these six individuals are off the streets.' Faile alleged that the suspects pulled up alongside Thompson and fatally shot her in what authorities described as a 'random robbery attempt.' Authorities believe the other five suspects were in the vehicle with Torres-Chirinos, who was driving and allegedly fired the fatal shot at Thompson. They are accused of attempting to enter her vehicle and then fleeing the scene upon realizing that it was locked. On April 30, deputies were dispatched to the Van Wyck Mart at 644 Rock Hill Highway before 8 a.m. to investigate a burglary. The store owner told deputies that surveillance video footage showed several young men trying to get into the store around 10:30 p.m. on April 29. When they could not get inside, they allegedly broke open a door on the northwest corner of the building, which opened up to a bathroom that had access to the inside of the store. The suspects are also accused of firing a handgun at a security camera and the bathroom door. Detectives collected ballistics evidence at the scene. 7 Jeyson Sobied Pineda-Salgado. Lancaster Co. Sheriff's Office Advertisement 7 Asael Aminadas Torres-Chirinos. Lancaster Co. Sheriff's Office The store the suspects allegedly broke into and the location of Thompson's murder are a seven-minute drive apart. Detectives determined that ballistic evidence recovered from the scene of the murder came from the same 9 mm handgun used at the burglary days before. Through digital surveillance, investigators also identified Torres-Chirinos at the scene of both crimes. They questioned him at the sheriff's office on May 8, and by the end of that day, they had identified, located and detained the five additional suspects. Advertisement 7 Mom Larisha Sharell Thompson was found dead in her car on May 2, 2025. 7 Lancaster officials announce the charges against the six illegal immigrants in the murder of Thompson. Fox News The three adult suspects are charged with murder, attempted armed robbery and second-degree burglary. Authorities believe Torres-Chirinos fired the handgun in both incidents, and he is charged with two counts of firearms possession during the commission of a crime and one count of firearms possession by an unlawful alien. A judge denied bond for all three men. Advertisement The three juvenile suspects are also charged with murder, attempted armed robbery and second-degree burglary. All six suspects are subject to removal from the United States under federal immigration law based on their immigration status, the sheriff's office said. Thompson's family is 'grieving and trying to get their heads around how something like this could happen,' Faile added.
Forbes
18-06-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Five Steps To Crafting A Competitive Direct Dental Application
Once a high school student decides that a career in dentistry is right for them, they might consider a combined Bachelor of Science (BS) and Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. These ambitious students will gain conditional acceptance into the partnered dental school, allowing them to streamline their path to a dental career. Aspiring dental professionals must showcase a blend of strong academics, relevant experiences, and a genuine passion for dentistry. A competitive application isn't built overnight—here are five steps direct dental hopefuls should take to increase their chances of acceptance. A competitive direct dental application isn't built overnight. Start working now to be competitive! Starting from freshman year, students should be mindful of academics. While BS/DMD programs aren't expecting perfection, they are expecting students to have taken a rigorous course load and performed well in them. Augusta University requires applicants to have at least a 3.7 GPA—any lower and Augusta will not consider the applicant for their Dental Scholars Program. Students aren't expected to take every Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) or honors classes available to them, but they should try to take as many advanced STEM classes as possible. Ultimately, taking more advanced classes isn't always better, because students still need to balance their coursework with their extracurriculars. If they don't have time to participate in clubs, volunteering or other activities due to a heavy course load, it might hurt their application because they haven't proved their abilities outside the classroom as well. In addition to maintaining high grades, students should also be performing well on their standardized tests, including AP or IB exams and the SAT or ACT. BS/DMD programs might have strict requirements when it comes to SAT or ACT scores, with many programs requiring a school of 1350 or higher. Virginia Commonwealth University's Guaranteed Admission Program for Dentistry has a minimum requirement of 1330 on the SAT or 29 on the ACT. However, the accepted students typically had between 1360-1510 or 31, respectively. In addition to having strong academics and test scores, BS/DMD candidates will also be considered based on their passion and interest in dentistry. Since students are committing to a path at a young age, the admission officers want to make sure that the applicants have a strong understanding of the field and are fully committed to joining the career. Students can showcase this interest and passion for medicine through shadowing dentists and volunteering in dental offices, hospitals or other healthcare clinics. Being able to demonstrate an interest through their essays and interviews is key to the success of the application. Not only is it important to gain dental-related experiences, but students should also pursue their interests outside of dentistry through the clubs they join and the places they volunteer. BS/DMD applicants should feel free to join a variety of clubs such as Robotics, DECA or even the Anime Club if their interests lie in those fields. Through participating in various clubs, students can gain leadership positions, which is an important quality that aspiring dentists should possess. Demonstrating this skill through their activities can help the admission officers imagine what type of undergrad student and dentist they will be. Similar to academics, more extracurriculars aren't necessarily better – students should make sure they have enough time to fully commit to each activity and are only pursuing interests they are passionate about. Focus on quality over quantity. One piece of the puzzle that sometimes gets overlooked is letters of recommendation. Students should ask for letters of recommendation from at least two junior-year teachers. Give the teachers enough time to craft an exceptional letter by asking early, ideally by the end of junior year. This will allow the teachers to spend the summer before senior year working on writing the letter. While students often focus on asking teachers from classes where they performed well, it is also a good idea to ask a teacher of a class where they showed significant growth, demonstrated a real passion for the subject or had a strong relationship with the teacher. Asking core teachers (English, Foreign Language, Math, and Science) is often a good idea. Additionally, BS/DMD applicants should consider asking a dentist they shadowed and built a strong relationship with. This could help to demonstrate their passion for the field. Students can also ask for additional recommendations from volunteer coordinators, coaches or managers they worked closely with and who can highlight their strong qualities. Once again, more isn't always better. Applicants should be strategic about who they ask for letters of recommendation because, ultimately, an admission officer only has so much time to spend reviewing each application. If two recommendations would have a similar perspective of the student and do not add anything new to the profile, it would be better to submit just one letter of recommendation from the person who you think would write the strongest one. The Common Application has already released its prompts for the 2025/26 application cycle (spoiler: they remained the same as last year). Students could start working on their personal statement, activity list and a 'Why Dentistry' essay over the summer to get a head start on their applications. Many direct dental programs require multiple essays to be submitted for a complete application and waiting until the last minute could hurt the student's candidacy. Take the time to read sample essays, brainstorm a strong essay that showcases attractive qualities and experiences and write multiple drafts. Seeking feedback from a trusted confidant is also a good idea to ensure that the tone and message conveyed are correct. Building a competitive direct dental application is a multifaceted process that requires a student to work in advance of the deadlines. Admission officers are looking for students with strong leadership skills, commitment to service, and a solid academic foundation. It is up to the student to put together a compelling application that showcases their strengths. By crafting your resume and application strategically, you can increase your chances of getting accepted into a direct dental program.
Fox News
05-06-2025
- General
- Fox News
Laken Riley's sister says family has 'hope' after Trump immigration changes: 'Still a lot to be done'
EXCLUSIVE: Laken Riley's sister said she and her family have "hope" due to the immigration policies President Donald Trump has put in place, telling Fox News Digital in an exclusive interview that, while there is "still a lot to be done," continuing in the direction of the new administration "will be very beneficial to our country." Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student at Augusta University, was brutally assaulted and murdered by an illegal migrant while on a morning run in February 2024. Her sister, Lauren Phillips, told Fox News Digital that she will always speak out in honor and remembrance of her older sister, and will continue to advocate for "securing our borders." "I think it's important that we keep reminding people of the importance of securing our borders and what can happen when it's not secure," Phillips told Fox News Digital. "We definitely feel hope – we just need to keep talking about it and keep everyone aware of what happens when nothing is done," she continued. "And I think a lot has been done so far, and I am grateful for that, but there is still a lot to be done." She added: "I think that continuing in the direction that the new administration is going will be very beneficial to our country." Phillips, on Thursday, was featured in the first video launched by the American Border Story (TABS), a national initiative dedicated to exposing the human impact of America's border crisis through storytelling. "I really feel it's important because it didn't stop with Laken – it keeps happening," Phillips told Fox News Digital. "I feel like just telling what's happening to all of these people isn't enough." "People aren't realizing what's truly being lost every single time something like this happens," she said. The TABS video is the first in a series that aims to bring "the truth to light." "Truth the media and politicians too often ignore," Nicole Kiprilov, executive director of TABS, told Fox News Digital. "Laken Riley's story is not just a tragedy – it's a wake-up call." Kiprilov said TABS is "honored to stand with her sister Lauren and brave families across America who are turning pain into purpose." "This documentary is about more than remembrance – it's about demanding accountability, restoring safety and putting the American people first," Kiprilov said. Phillips, in the video, spoke about her sister, their relationship and Riley's faith, while stressing that protecting the border "should be common sense." "I could talk about her forever," Phillips told Fox News Digital. "I think Laken is just the type of person that you want to be around. She's the type of person that shows up and she wasn't just my sibling – she was my best friend." "A lot of people would say her presence brought so much comfort and strength and peace, and I carry a lot of what she taught me in my everyday life," she continued. "She had a light that is so impossible to ignore." Meanwhile, Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law just days after taking office. It was the first piece of legislation he signed in his second administration. The measure directs Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain illegal immigrants arrested or charged with theft-related crimes, or those accused of assaulting a police officer. The law also allows states to sue the Department of Homeland Security for harm caused to their citizens because of illegal immigration. But Phillips told Fox News Digital that despite changes to federal law, it is "terrifying to have to walk around the same city where such a tragic thing happened to my sister." Riley was murdered near the University of Georgia campus in Athens, which is considered an unofficial sanctuary city. "The laws that were not put in place are still not put in place in a city where something so tragic happened," Phillips said. "I thought what happened to Laken would change that, but nothing has changed there, so I think continuing to talk about it, not backing down, not staying quiet, hopefully, will do something." In addition to being vocal on immigration and honoring the life of her sister, Phillips said she and her family have created the Laken Hope Foundation. "I thank God every day that I have the space to share, and that he gave me Laken for the time that he did, and I thank him for her faith and his faithfulness to know that none of this compares to what we're going to be given and where she is."
