A study led by Northwestern University has connected Caribbean breadfruit to its history, tracing five major lineages to Capt. Bligh's introduction in the Caribbean Sea. The research also found that original breadfruit tree cultivars have survived for centuries and are thriving.
A cross-disciplinary team at Northwestern University has developed a sensor platform that can detect environmental contaminants like fluoride in real-world samples. The team used an established riboswitch to build a biosensor for fluoride, encapsulating the sensor inside a fatty membrane to protect it from contaminants.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that all U.S. OB-GYN subspecialties lack racial and ethnic representation in clinical trials and research publications. This absence has negative consequences, including biased tools for diagnosing endometrial cancer and unacceptably low sensitivity in the Black female population.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a super-hydrophilic wire that can attract and propel water droplets, increasing their speed by up to 270% when they coalesce. This innovation has implications for optimizing fog harvesting, mist elimination, microplastics remediation, and biomedical filters.
A Northwestern University study found that as people age, their cerebrospinal fluid immune system becomes dysregulated, leading to cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration. The discovery provides a new clue to the process of neurodegeneration and may potentially be used to treat inflammation of the brain.
Research reveals stark racial and ethnic differences in swimming skills, with Black and Latine parents less confident in their abilities and fewer children taking swim lessons. Culturally tailored water-safety programs are crucial to eliminating these disparities and reducing child drownings.
Researchers found that longer genes are linked to longer lifespans and shorter genes to shorter lifespans, with aging causing a shift towards short genes. This imbalance leads to subtle changes in thousands of genes across various tissues, suggesting systems-level changes contribute to aging.
A team of astrophysicists has discovered that at least some long gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) can result from neutron star mergers, contradicting the long-held belief that they solely originate from massive star collapses. This finding also sheds new light on the formation of the heaviest elements in the universe.
A new study from Northwestern University found that vitamin D supplements do not significantly reduce statin-associated muscle symptoms, contradicting previous non-randomized studies. The trial involved 2,083 participants and was the first placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial to examine this effect.
Researchers create most extensive inventory to date of SGRB host galaxies, finding 85% come from young, actively star-forming galaxies. The study also reveals more SGRBs occurred earlier in the universe's history and were spotted far outside their host galaxies.
A study found that ER visits for suicidal thoughts among youth aged 5-19 increased by 59% from 2016-2017 to 2019-2021, with hospitalizations rising by 57%. The research highlights the need for improved mental wellness support and training for healthcare providers.
Scientists at Northwestern Medicine have discovered a causal link between environmental phthalates and increased uterine fibroid growth. Exposure to certain phthalates, such as DEHP, may activate a hormonal pathway that causes fibroid tumors to grow. This study explains the mechanisms behind this association.
A new study found that Chinese incursions into Aksai Chin region are not random, but part of a strategically planned effort to gain control. The researchers believe deterrents could be established in specific areas to defuse tensions along the entire border.
The study proposes a multidisciplinary developmental perspective to understand leadership in adolescence, highlighting the importance of studying youth leadership and its impact on society. Researchers aim to develop leadership interventions to maximize potential and facilitate better diversification of the leadership pipeline.
Researchers used simulations of zebrafish brain, environment, and spatially-varying swimming behavior to conclude that fish look down to understand their surroundings' motion. This adaptive behavior helps fish avoid being swept away by turbulent water.
A study published in Nature Human Behavior finds that depolarization interventions reduce out-party animosity but do not affect anti-democratic attitudes. The researchers suggest focusing on promoting democracy's value itself rather than just reducing polarization.
Researchers from Northwestern University have synthesized open-channel superlattices with pores ranging from 10 to 1,000 nanometers in size. The new findings will enable the use of these colloidal crystals in molecular absorption and storage, separations, chemical sensing, catalysis, and optical applications.
A new study suggests that ancient sleeping bacteria could be found beneath Mars' surface, complicating efforts to search for life. The research team found that certain strains of bacteria can survive in Martian conditions, potentially contaminating future missions and posing biodefense risks.
Researchers found that reactivating memories during sleep improves memory storage by triggering electrical activity in the brain. The study, led by Northwestern University, used implanted electrodes to record brain activity in five patients while they slept and presented sounds associated with learned objects.
A new Northwestern Medicine study identifies common and rare gene mutations that impact radiation resistance and sensitivity. This information will allow clinicians to better calibrate radiation doses based on genetic mutations, improving treatment efficacy while reducing toxicity.
Research at Northwestern University finds that eating during the daytime is ideal for dissipating energy as heat, while nighttime eating disrupts this process. This study's findings have broad implications for dieting, sleep loss, and patient nutrition, particularly in cases of Type II Diabetes.
A pilot study found that a firearm safety program may not reach all parents equitably, with disparities affecting girls and some racial and ethnic minorities. The program aims to reduce suicide deaths by securely storing firearms.
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that colloidal crystals with DNA can change shape in response to external stimuli, exhibiting a 'shape memory' effect. The crystals can break down but then revert to their original state when water is added, making them useful for sensing and optics applications.
Research reveals that pregnant smokers decrease their daily cigarette count by an average of one cigarette per day before realizing they are pregnant. This trend continues in the month following pregnancy recognition, with a decline from nine to five cigarettes per day on average.
A new study by Northwestern University researchers found that precipitation intensity has increased across the US, particularly in the East, South, and Midwest. The study analyzed historical precipitation data from two time periods (1951-1980 and 1991-2020) and discovered a systematic shift towards more intense rainfall events.
A new Northwestern University study finds that scientists who interact with others during assigned sessions at conferences are more likely to form productive collaborations. Virtual conferences also show promise for encouraging interactions and sparking collaborations.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new CRISPR-based therapy platform that can deliver cargo to a broader range of tissue and cell types, increasing its potential for treating various diseases. The platform achieves this by transforming the Cas-9 protein into a spherical nucleic acid and loading it with critical components.
Scientists at Northwestern University have identified a new gene that activates an aggressive subtype of small-cell lung cancer with no current effective treatment. Deleting this gene kills cancer cells in deadly subtype.
A new epigenetics drug, tazemetostat, has been found to stop bladder cancer growth by activating the immune system, not just inhibiting tumors. The drug targets the EZH2 gene and is being tested in clinical trials for late-stage bladder cancer.
A Northwestern University study found that physicians may deny care to people with disabilities due to bias and lack of knowledge about accommodations. The study's results suggest a need for changes in medical education and approach to improve accessibility for patients with disabilities.
Research finds significant variation in obesity prevalence among Asian American subgroups, with health risks starting at lower BMIs. The study suggests using specific criteria for Asian populations to accurately assess obesity-related health risks.
Researchers found significantly larger neurons in the brain's memory region of SuperAgers compared to cognitively average peers, individuals with early-stage Alzheimer's disease, and younger individuals. These larger neurons were spared from tau tangles, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, suggesting they may maintain structural integrity.
The grant aims to disrupt systemic barriers hindering underrepresented groups' participation in the life sciences. Northwestern will hire 15 new tenure-track faculty and deploy innovative strategies to ensure their success.
A new biologic drug has been found to be highly effective in reducing the signs and symptoms of moderate-to-severe eczema in infants and young children. The study showed that more than half of treated children experienced a 75% reduction in eczema symptoms, leading to improved sleep and increased ability to lead normal lives.
Researchers found that antifouling membranes, which resist contaminant accumulation, cost less over their lifetimes than cheaper alternatives. This leads to reduced operating expenses for municipal wastewater facilities and desalination plants.
A new Northwestern University study finds that pregnant women with fluctuating stress levels have infants who exhibit more fear, sadness, and distress at three months old. The researchers measured mothers' stress in real-time and found a link between lability and infant temperament.
A new music intervention called Musical Bridges to Memory sparks an emotional connection between patients with dementia and their caregivers. The program enhances social engagement and reduces neuropsychiatric symptoms in both patients and caregivers.
A Northwestern University study reveals that X-shaped radio galaxies can form through a surprisingly simple process. The simulation, which tracked galactic gas far from the supermassive black hole, found that the galaxy's characteristic X-shape resulted from interaction between jets and infalling gas.
A new Northwestern University study reveals that pregnant Gen Zers and millennials are approximately two times more likely to be newly diagnosed with high blood pressure during pregnancy. The finding highlights the need for broader screening and prevention efforts among younger people.
A Northwestern University study found that investing in science outreach can improve diversity and trust in science, with women and underrepresented groups more likely to participate. However, lack of time and funding remain major barriers, highlighting the need for academic institutions to incentivize outreach and provide training.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a process to break down two major classes of PFAS compounds into benign end products using low temperatures and common reagents. The technique could be a powerful solution for disposing of these harmful chemicals linked to various health effects in humans, livestock, and the environment.
Researchers at Northwestern University found that a thermometer-like brain circuit promotes midday siestas on hot days. The study, which used fruit flies as a model organism, identified absolute heat receptors in fly heads, leading to increased midday sleep in flies and potentially humans.
A new Northwestern University study reveals that climate change will have little effect on breadfruit cultivation, making it a promising crop for areas with high food insecurity. The starchy tree fruit is resilient to predicted climate change and can thrive in areas with high levels of humidity.
Researchers used STARFORGE simulations to uncover what determines star masses, finding that stars regulate their own formation. This discovery may enable better understanding of star formation within our galaxy and other galaxies.
A team led by Northwestern University captured millimeter-wavelength light from a neutron star merger for the first time, revealing one of the most energetic short-duration gamma-ray bursts. The discovery opens up new study areas, as scientists can now observe more of these events with ALMA and other telescope arrays.
A Northwestern University research team has identified a molecular switch, CDK9, that plays an early and critical role in the differentiation process of skin stem cells. The switch is turned on when specific cellular signals are activated, triggering rapid gene expression and cell fate switching.
A new study by Northwestern University predicts a worsening wave of opioid overdoses globally, with no geographic distinction between rural and urban areas. The lethal combination of synthetic opioids and stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamines will be particularly deadly.
A new study from Northwestern University finds that exposure to food stamp work requirements significantly increases mental health care use for depression and anxiety. The policy's negative effects are more pronounced among women, who experience a 26% increase in depression visits and a 12% increase in anxiety visits.
A new model developed by Northwestern University researchers can predict areas susceptible to debris flows, enabling early warnings for people living in high-risk areas. The model simulates how water moves over wildfire burn scars, finding that burned areas cause faster and greater water flow, increasing the risk of landslides.
Groups of healthcare workers, including nurses and physicians, use Twitter to share accurate health information and combat misinformation about COVID-19. They have faced public harassment but continue to amplify accurate information, creating infographics in multiple languages to reach diverse audiences.