A new study found that US children's emergency visits for mental health crises increased by 74% between 2016 and 2022. Half of these visits occurred in hospitals with low pediatric volume, highlighting the need for specialized resources and training.
A Northwestern University study identified 33 diagnoses associated with extreme heat exposure, including skin conditions, multiple sclerosis, and traffic accidents. The findings could help emergency departments and health care systems better prepare for heat waves, which are becoming more prevalent with climate change.
A new study from Northwestern University found that coronary calcium scans are most valuable for patients with borderline cardiovascular risk. The scans added relatively little to risk prediction from existing risk calculators, but provided a clearer picture for those at intermediate risk. The study suggests that not everyone needs a c...
A new study led by Northwestern University reveals that loneliness can reprogram the brain to drive alcohol consumption in males, but suppress it in females. The study identified a specific brain circuit that explains how social isolation escalates alcohol use in males, marking a major advance for the field.
Ukraine maintained a self-sufficient blood supply during the Russia-Ukraine War by centralizing operations and expanding donor recruitment. The country's 24-hour blood collection centers and public campaigns with patriotic slogans like “Your blood can fight!” increased donations.
A new study shows that caregivers from Indigenous Wichi and European descent cultures have different approaches to supporting infants' developing agency, with Wichi interactions being more communal and non-verbal. The research provides empirical evidence for alternative pathways to infants' acquisition of agency.
Researchers observe star fragments plowing through surrounding gas, tracing the recycling process that supplies raw materials for new planets and stars. The study offers a glimpse into the potential fate of our Sun, which will shed its outer layers and return material to the Milky Way.
Astronomers have discovered the first globular cluster stellar stream outside the Milky Way, providing a powerful tool for studying dark matter. The study uses the stream's shape to reconstruct the galaxy's gravitational field and infer how dark matter shaped the stars' orbits.
A new study found that AI-assisted proposals are four percentage points more likely to receive funding from the NIH. However, these proposals tend to resemble existing funded ideas, raising concerns about the potential for AI to steer scientific funding toward safer research.
A Northwestern University study found that viral reservoirs in a proxy animal model of HIV share features with immune-suppressive tumor microenvironments, suggesting that future HIV cure strategies may benefit from traditional cancer therapy approaches. By examining the broader tissue microenvironment, researchers identified shared bio...
A Northwestern University study found that areas with shrinking tree canopy cover experience higher mortality rates, particularly in hot neighborhoods. Protecting mature trees alongside planting new ones is crucial for reducing health risks and strengthening climate resilience.
Scientists used chemical clues in microscopic fossils to find evidence that ocean acidification caused one of the largest extinction events in planktic foraminifera history. The study suggests that volcanic eruptions and rising CO2 levels led to a decrease in shell-building ability, ultimately contributing to the extinction.
Northwestern University chemists have developed a new approach that replaces traditional trial-and-error methods with intentional design using flexible DNA strands. The strategy enables precise control over protein connections, creating soft, flexible crystals with high structural order. This breakthrough simplifies one of structural b...
Researchers successfully sent entangled photons through a 24.4-kilometer fiber-optic cable while carrying high-capacity internet traffic. The quantum signals remained intact, preserving entanglement with over 94% fidelity.
A nationwide analysis of over 18 million patients found a 30% higher risk of developing retinal vascular disease in the month following the spring clock change, while a 20% lower risk was observed in the fall. The study suggests that gaining an hour of sleep may be protective against disease risk.
A new paper reveals a live concert and lecture series improves emotional well-being, intellectual stimulation, and social interaction among dementia patients. Participants reported high satisfaction and improved mood following sessions.
Northwestern University engineers created a drone called Phantom Twist that harnesses motion blur to blend into its surroundings. The drone spins up to 25 times per second, making it difficult for humans to see clearly, and can potentially monitor wildlife or inspect infrastructure with less disruption.
A Northwestern University study found that average total payments per user for GLP-1 drugs more than doubled from 2017 to 2022. This raises concerns about the long-term affordability of these medications, which may be taken by patients for years or decades.
A new brain-like electronic device consumes very little energy and detects novelties almost instantly, with over 98% accuracy. The device requires roughly 10,000 times fewer computer operations than conventional AI approaches, paving the way for more energy-efficient AI systems.
Two studies found that mice take single sniffs to deliberately probe their environment, like humans. Humans process odors rapidly within a single sniff, mirroring rodent-like olfactory brain processing. These findings suggest fundamental biological rules behind smell processing have been preserved through evolution.
Astronomers discovered a giant planet orbiting a dead star, WD1856b, and used NASA's James Webb Space Telescope to analyze its atmosphere. The study found the planet migrated toward its dead companion billions of years after the star died, surviving destruction through extreme heat.
A new study by Northwestern Medicine found that patients with severe injuries from car crashes are 70% less likely to be transferred to another hospital in states with no-fault insurance laws. This is because policies guarantee reimbursement for trauma care, incentivizing hospitals to keep and treat seriously injured patients.
The James Webb Space Telescope has captured the first direct evidence of salt clouds in a cold object's atmosphere, surrounding the 'Pink Planet' GJ504b. The discovery provides insights into the composition and formation of this ancient, rosy-hazed world, which is too faint for ground-based telescopes.
A new study from Northwestern University found that fathers without access to paid leave face higher levels of anxiety and depression. The study highlights the critical role paid paternity leave plays in supporting new dads' mental health following the birth of their baby.
A novel rehabilitation system connects therapists and patients through robotic exoskeletons, enabling real-time adaptation and personalized care. Stroke survivors who used the system demonstrated improved joint range of motion, longer and higher steps, and high levels of motivation.
A recent study of 42,000 adults taking blood pressure medications and GLP-1s found higher rates of hypotension events, including dizziness and fainting. The study highlights a potential safety concern for patients aged 65 and older and those with diabetes.
Researchers developed a liquid material that charges like a battery, transforms like a living organism, and resets itself in open air. The material stores power for months and can be recharged, making it useful for adaptive clean renewable systems.
A new study found that one in three middle-aged American adults can't consistently read prescription instructions correctly or recall details from doctor visits involving chronic conditions. The researchers recommend simplifying health information using plain language to improve patient outcomes and reduce harm.
Natural waters slow down nature's cleanup process by shielding plastics from sunlight and microbes, according to a new study. The chemical makeup of natural waters, especially combinations of salt and organic matter, significantly delays the breakdown of polystyrene plastic.
Researchers found that temperature and calcium levels inside cells can dramatically impact how drugs interact with their targets. This discovery could lead to smarter medicine design and more effective treatments.
A new study from Northwestern University developed a customized video game to help chronic stroke survivors regain lost arm function. After six weeks of therapy, participants showed significant improvement in arm function and daily activities, with scores improving up to 7.8 times that of the control group.
Researchers developed SpiderCam, a highly energy-efficient 3D camera inspired by jumping spiders. It captures two images with different focus settings and analyzes the differences in sharpness to produce real-time 3D maps while consuming less than a watt of power.
A study led by Northwestern University identified a new biological culprit behind cognitive decline in people with HIV: the degradation of protective sugar molecules. Flu drugs preserved these sugar molecules and protected the brain in lab and mouse studies.
Astrophysicists at Northwestern University have discovered evidence of a powerful wind blowing from the Milky Way's central supermassive black hole, Sagittarius A*. The study resolves one of the longest-standing mysteries in astronomy and opens a new window into the physics at play in the center of the Milky Way. The team used five yea...
Researchers tracked microbial community shifts across six sites over four years and discovered that each site had its own stable microbial community. These communities were organized around two broad groups of microbes, with stable microbes maintaining core processes and responsive microbes capitalizing on new opportunities.
A new study from Northwestern University reveals American voters are more accepting of gay candidates than ever before, but acceptance is conditional and varies by political party. Republican voters continue to penalize candidates for being gay, while Democratic voters punish those who look or sound slightly gender nonconforming.
A new Northwestern University study finds that most proposed US lithium mines could face significant water shortages, posing challenges to the country's growing industry. Climate change and competition for resources exacerbate existing water stress in areas like southern California and Nevada.
A new preclinical study finds that estrogen loss in the extracellular matrix of the hippocampus may contribute to memory decline and increased risk of Alzheimer's disease in postmenopausal women. The study suggests a possible new treatment approach focused on restoring the brain's supportive environment.
Scientists have demonstrated that megalibraries can design materials with specific properties, accelerating the traditional trial-and-error approach to rapidly designing and testing materials. The platform generates vast datasets needed to train AI systems to discover next-generation materials.
Researchers found that a common asthma drug can help fight aggressive cancers by blocking the CysLTR1 molecule. The study used mouse models and human tissue samples to demonstrate its potential in treating triple-negative breast cancer and other tough tumors.
Researchers at Northwestern University and NIH emphasize the need to define plagiarism in AI-assisted research writing, as intellectual theft can occur without proper credit. The commentary recommends revising definitions of research misconduct to include GenAI tool misuse, promoting more responsible use.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that young adults whose mothers had high blood pressure during pregnancy had more signs of early arterial injury, higher blood pressure, and higher body mass index. This suggests that cardiovascular risk may be transmitted across generations through a combination of biological, environmental, and...
A new study reveals that ALS unfolds through a domino-like sequence of events starting with an early breakdown in motor neurons, followed by a damaging inflammatory response. The findings suggest that targeting these immune signatures could slow down disease progression.
A small, wireless polygraph system can track multiple physiological signals to capture a real-time view of stress in the body. The device can help clinicians detect stress and potential discomfort in patients, including infants or the elderly who may be unable to communicate.
A new study found that a pediatric surgery program reduced opioid use during hospitalization by 56%. The program, which includes 21 best practices, also improved recovery outcomes for children, including faster eating, shorter hospital stays, and lower complication rates.
A new Northwestern University study finds metformin primarily targets the gut, driving glucose utilization inside cells lining the intestine to prevent blood sugar levels from rising. The drug slows mitochondrial energy production in gut cells, allowing the intestine to metabolize extra sugar and regulate blood sugar levels.
A new Northwestern University study details how NIH built the field of genomics through coordinated scientific efforts, supported workforces, and developed shared research infrastructure. The analysis of NIH's digital archive shows leadership played a crucial role in resolving technical challenges and guiding scientific communities.
A new Northwestern University study found that 60% of paternal deaths in Georgia between 2017 and 2022 were preventable, resulting from homicide, accidental injury, suicide, or overdose. The study also revealed that fatherhood appears to be protective for men, with lower death rates among those who are fathers.
Researchers suggest treatment could start during pregnancy to prevent brain damage and reduce neurological harm. A new RNA-based therapy reduces abnormal electrical currents in patient-derived excitatory neurons.
A new theoretical framework shows that when interactions shift away from familiar contacts, activity can spread more widely. The study suggests that whether something spreads or stalls may hinge on a simple choice: revisit the same connections or explore new ones.