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.
Researchers developed a novel computational method to control large complex networks using local information, addressing the challenge of controlling complex systems. The method considers computational time and information communication costs to produce optimal choices.
A Northwestern University-led team developed a biocompatible implant that uses targeted cooling to relieve pain on demand. The device, which can be controlled remotely, has the potential to provide an alternative to highly addictive medications.
A Northwestern University-led team developed a 3D simulation of jet evolution, explaining GRB blinking and rarity. The new model shows that GRBs are punctuated by quiet moments due to wobbling jets, which also indicate they are rarer than previously thought.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that many Joint Commission rules for hospitals and nursing homes are not supported by evidence, despite being backed by accreditation and funding. The study suggests that these unproven rules can waste money and resources, diverting attention from more important patient care initiatives.
A study of 552 older adults found that those exposed to light during sleep were significantly more likely to develop obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. The study suggests that minimizing light exposure at night can help prevent these conditions.
A systematic review of 84 studies found insufficient evidence that multivitamins or supplements can prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer in healthy adults. In contrast, diet and exercise are key to maintaining health. Whole fruits and vegetables contain a mixture of vitamins, phytochemicals, fiber, and other nutrients that act syn...
An interdisciplinary team of Northwestern University researchers has developed a new method to determine the fingerprint of neighboring disorder in 2D materials. This method enables a universal curve that characterizes disorder potentials, leading to improved performance in transistors and gas sensors.
A Northwestern University-led team of astrophysicists observed a star-forming cloud and discovered a twisted magnetic field that suggests the formation of a binary star system. The researchers believe a previously hidden sibling star may be responsible for the twisted field, which shifted the dynamics of the cloud to form a new star.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a photosynthesis-inspired process to convert acetylene into ethylene, a key ingredient in plastics. The new method uses visible light and water instead of high temperatures, flammable hydrogen, and expensive metals, achieving nearly 100% selectivity for ethylene.
A new Northwestern University study reveals ketamine's fast-acting antidepressant effects by increasing activity in existing newborn neurons, offering hope for a faster-working treatment with fewer side effects.
Researchers at Northwestern University unveiled a new smart pacemaker that harmlessly dissolves in the body after use. The device communicates with a coordinated network of wearable sensors to continuously monitor physiological functions and autonomously detect abnormal cardiac rhythms.
Northwestern University engineers created a tiny, remote-controlled walking robot resembling a peekytoe crab. The robot is smaller than a flea and can bend, twist, crawl, walk, turn, and jump due to its shape-memory alloy material and elastic resilience.
Researchers found that male pheromones slowed down the aging of female roundworm eggs, resulting in healthier offspring. This finding could lead to pharmacological interventions improving human egg cell quality and delaying reproductive aging. The study used C. elegans as a model organism.
Research on experimental drug NU-9 invents by Northwestern University scientists reveals it is more effective than existing FDA-approved drugs for ALS treatment. NU-9 also repairs the axons of diseased upper motor neurons in ALS mouse model, offering a potential new approach to treating the devastating disease.
A new drug called abemaciclib has been shown to halt the growth of recurring brain tumors in patients with aggressive meningiomas. The treatment targets a common molecular pathway that enables cells to divide rapidly and come back after surgery, allowing researchers to predict recurrence more accurately.
Scientists have discovered a single master gene that programs ear hair cells into either outer or inner ones, overcoming a major hurdle in restoring hearing. This discovery is a major step towards developing specific cells to produce sound.
Scientists have discovered a master gene that programs ear hair cells into either outer or inner ones, enabling the development of these cells to restore hearing. This breakthrough could provide a previously unavailable tool to create specific hair cells and improve treatments for age-related hearing loss.
A study by Northwestern University reveals that police misconduct is a group phenomenon contributing to racial disparities in arrests and civilian complaints. The analysis identified 160 potential 'crews' of officers with an outsized share of misconduct complaints, accounting for 25% of all use-of-force complaints.
A Northwestern University astrophysics team proposes that fast blue optical transients (FBOTs) originate from the cocoons of jets launched by dying stars. The new model, fully consistent with all FBOT observations, suggests that as the jet pushes the cocoon outward, it cools and releases heat, emitting an observed FBOT emission.
A study of 118 PPA autopsies found five diseases causing language impairments, each impacting a distinct part of the language network. The findings can inform targeted interventions and treatment approaches for patients with PPA.
Researchers developed a protein-based antiviral nasal spray that thwarts infection by interfering with the virus' ability to enter cells. The treatment neutralizes all tested SARS-CoV-2 variants, including omicron subvariants, and is more cost-effective and self-administerable than current antibody therapies.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a stable and selective catalyst for breaking down polyester-based plastics into their component parts. The method uses metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and requires only three components: plastic, hydrogen, and the catalyst.
Researchers have developed a new potential COVID-19 treatment using decoy nanoparticles that mimic cells. These nanoparticles effectively inhibit viruses and bind them, rendering them inactive. The treatment has shown promise against drug-resistant variants, outperforming traditional treatments in some cases.
Patients with serious illnesses seek cosmetic procedures to maintain their physical and mental well-being, as well as to become comfortable in social settings. The study found that these procedures are often chosen for noninvasive treatments and endorsed by doctors, friends, and family.
A new approach for measuring physician adherence to best practices has been developed, taking into consideration patient characteristics and physician training background. The study found that pulmonary and critical care medicine training was associated with higher recognition of ARDS, a form of lung failure.
A new Northwestern Medicine study has found that the COVID-19 vaccine is not associated with birth defects that are detectable on ultrasound. The study analyzed electronic medical records from a cohort of 3,156 pregnant people who received at least one vaccine dose and found no increased risk of major fetal structural anomalies.
A new study from Northwestern University found that once-weekly prednisone treatment improved exercise endurance, increased lean body mass, and reduced weight in obese mice. The treatment also promoted nutrient uptake into muscles and increased adiponectin levels, a hormone that helps protect against diabetes and insulin resistance.
Researchers at Northwestern University used CRISPR to identify human genes important for HIV infection in blood cells, finding 86 genes that may play a role in replication and disease. The study proposes a new map for understanding how HIV integrates into the DNA and establishes chronic infections.
A new study discovered a previously unknown mechanism in roundworms that protects their egg cells from division errors, which could lead to new strategies for combatting infertility in humans. The study found that removing certain proteins allowed another motor protein to kick in as a backup, restoring the spindle structure and allowin...
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered a new mechanism called strand displacement, where RNA strands invade and displace each other to enable genetic expression. This finding has potential implications for designing successful drugs to target RNA-based diagnostics and treating illness and disease.