A new vaccine platform, using spherical nucleic acid (SNA) nanoparticles, has been shown to produce an immune response in animals and offer protection against lethal doses of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The results suggest that this approach could be used to target other infectious diseases.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed an AI-assisted Nanofountain Probe Electroporation system to engineer stem cells. The new method reduces cell loss and increases throughput, enabling selective manipulation of individual cells in micro-arrays.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new technique to break down polyester plastic waste into its fundamental components. This process, called upcycling, has the potential to remove microplastics from rivers and oceans.
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered key structures controlling methane conversion in methane-eating bacteria, enabling potential human-made biological catalysts. The findings may lead to biotechnological applications such as harnessing methane from fracking sites or cleaning up oil spills.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed an electron-based catalyst for noncovalent bonding, promoting self-assembly and complex structure formation. This breakthrough enables the control of molecular recognition processes at a fundamental level.
A blood test may identify risk of stillbirth and placentitis in pregnant individuals who have had COVID-19. The finding could improve care for high-risk pregnancies and lead to the development of a new screening tool.
A new highly sensitive and easy-to-use COVID-19 test has received FDA EUA status, developed at Northwestern University's Center for Innovation in Global Health Technologies. The DASH test uses a single swab and 15 minutes to detect virus samples with PCR-level accuracy.
Scientists who interact with others during assigned sessions at conferences are more likely to form productive collaborations than those who do not. Virtual conferences are found to be just as effective as in-person conferences in encouraging interactions and sparking collaborations.
A new study from Northwestern University finds that even moderate light exposure during sleep harms cardiovascular function and increases insulin resistance. Closing blinds and using dim lighting before bed can help mitigate these effects.
A new Northwestern University study found that pregnant women often continue to experience depression and anxiety symptoms even with antidepressant treatment. The study suggests that these women require closer monitoring during pregnancy and postpartum to tailor their treatment and alleviate symptoms.
Using a novel method to arrange molecules, Northwestern University researchers have created a material that performs even better than the glue they were trying to mimic. The protein-like polymer can be used as an adhesive in biomedical contexts, such as wound healing or repair.
For the first time, astronomers believe they've spotted an afterglow from a kilonova, a phenomenon resulting from the merger of two neutron stars. The discovery was made using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and has sparked debate over whether it's a kilonova or black hole-related X-rays.
Northwestern University researchers used live imaging and computational tools to study the development of a fruit fly's compound eye. They found that cells move into position using mechanical forces, not just chemical signals. The discovery provides new insights into pattern formation in tissues.
Researchers at Northwestern University and LanzaTech developed a new gas fermentation process that converts CO2 into acetone and isopropanol. The process reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 160% compared to conventional methods, making it a promising alternative for industrial scale production.
A 25-year longitudinal study of juvenile justice-involved youth found significant health needs and disparities. The Northwestern Juvenile Project has informed policies and driven reform in the US criminal justice system.
A new DNA-based device can detect contamination levels in water, providing a more accurate picture of water quality. The device uses genetic networks to mimic electronic circuits and can detect zinc, lead, and other contaminants at varying concentrations.
A new method using Monte Carlo simulations enables researchers to study radiation-sensitive soft nanomaterials in organic solvents for the first time. The technique allows for the creation of a method to test the suitability of any solvent, providing valuable insights into these dynamic systems.
A new study has discovered that as brains mature, the precise ways in which two key memory regions communicate make us better at forming lasting memories. The findings also suggest how brains learn to multitask with age, with slower oscillations in older participants and faster oscillations in younger ones.
A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals that more than half of young women in the US have at least one risk factor for poor heart health before pregnancy. Optimizing heart health before and during pregnancy can prevent complications, deliver a healthy baby, and even reduce the risk of heart disease years later.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found a probable variant of concern, eta, circulating in Nigeria in early 2021, but was grossly underreported globally. The study discovered that eta had characteristics of a variant of concern and outcompeted the alpha variant in West Africa.
Researchers discover nearly 1,000 mysterious filaments stretching up to 150 light years long, found in pairs and clusters, with magnetic fields amplified along the filaments. The study sheds new light on the origins of these structures, which are likely related to past activity of the Milky Way's central supermassive black hole.
A Northwestern Medicine study found that health care workers' intentions to get vaccinated changed rapidly, influenced by factors such as clear messaging about vaccine safety and convenient access. The study also revealed disparities in vaccination acceptance among different demographics, including gender, race, and occupation.
Scientists have discovered families of proteins that can predict liver transplant rejection, allowing for early detection and modification of immunosuppression. The Blood Proteoform Atlas outlines over 56,000 protein molecules associated with immune cell proteins that change with rejection.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a novel microfluidic device that can efficiently harvest and sort tumor-eating immune cells from tumors. This technology has shown dramatic results in shrinking tumors in mice compared to traditional methods.
A Northwestern University study finds that a two-year pause in state funding contributed to the 2016 surge in Chicago youth homicides. The research suggests that restoring funding could be key to reducing violence among young people.
A new study from Northwestern University finds that the COVID-19 pandemic has widened gender disparities in family medicine, with women physicians submitting fewer studies during stay-at-home orders. The research highlights the impact of remote work on women's careers and suggests potential solutions to address these disparities.
Scientists have identified natural nano-bubbles containing the ACE2 protein in COVID-19 patients' blood, which can block infection from broad strains of SARS-CoV-2 virus. These nano bubbles serve as a decoy to lure the virus away from cells, preventing infection.
Northwestern University scientists have identified a key mechanism used by the Zika virus to evade the antiviral response of host cells. The study reveals how the virus suppresses interferon signaling to gain access to cells, providing a new target for antiviral therapeutics.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a technique to enhance immunosuppression using nanoparticles, targeting specific cells related to transplants without suppressing wider immune responses. This approach enables more effective control of the immune system and reduces side effects.
Researchers from Northwestern University and the University of Michigan have discovered a way to break symmetry in colloidal crystals, creating new materials with unique optical and catalytic properties. The breakthrough uses electron equivalents and advanced microscopy techniques to control valency and create low-symmetry structures.
New research by Northwestern University found that reactivating memories during sleep significantly improves face-name learning. The study also discovered that uninterrupted deep sleep is crucial for this improvement.
FaceBit, a lightweight sensor, can monitor wearer's health and sense heart rate through the face, providing real-time health monitoring. The device also detects potential issues like elevated heart rate or mask leaks, alerting users to take action.
Researchers found microplastics accumulate near river sources and take long times to be transported downstream, posing ecological risks. The study's model describes hyporheic exchange processes that retain microplastics in rivers for years.
A new combination immune therapy treatment extends cancer patients' lives while reducing toxic side effects and improving their overall health. This study found that the treatment was less toxic than other drugs on the market, providing an added benefit for patients' quality of life.
A new study found a 1,886% increase in opioid-related overdose deaths among U.S. adults aged 55 and older between 1999 and 2019. Contributing factors include ageism, social isolation, depression, and declining cognitive function.
Astronomers have imaged a red supergiant star's rapid self-destruction and final death throes before collapsing into a type II supernova. The discovery challenges previous ideas of how red supergiants evolve right before exploding.
Scientists at Northwestern University applied machine learning to guide the synthesis of new nanomaterials, predicting structures for clean energy, chemical, and automotive industries. The algorithm accurately predicted 18 out of 19 possibilities, opening doors to unprecedented materials discovery.
A new Northwestern University study has derived and validated the first set of risk prediction models for lifetime risk of heart failure. The models can identify individuals at greatest risk, especially among young adults, allowing physicians to start prevention measures sooner.
Scientists have discovered a brain protein, CNTNAP2, that quiets overactive brain cells and is at abnormally low levels in children with autism. The protein can be detected in cerebrospinal fluid, making it a potential biomarker for diagnosing autism and treating epilepsy.
Researchers studying cobalt mining in the DRC found associations with violence, substance abuse, and health challenges. The study highlights the need for social life cycle assessments to understand emerging technologies' impact on human well-being.
A study found that college football athletes with a decade or more of experience exhibit abnormalities in inflammation, energy production, and coordination related to routine head impacts. The issues were apparent before the season began and worsened over time.
A Northwestern University study found that live personalized music therapy improved patients' emotional states, reduced their stress and anxiety, and provided a pleasurable experience. The 'tele-music' intervention also empowered patients and their families, easing medical procedures and increasing patient satisfaction.
A new Northwestern study reveals that brain motor neurons degenerate early in diseases like ALS, sending warning signals and showing defects. Targeting the brain's motor neurons could lead to long-term and effective treatment strategies.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a new biomarker that can identify glioblastoma patients who are likely to respond to immunotherapy. The treatment has shown promise in prolonging the lives of patients with this malignant brain tumor, which currently has a poor prognosis.
The Human Proteoform Project aims to characterize known proteoforms and discover new ones, ultimately establishing a comprehensive Human Proteome Atlas. This atlas will enable researchers to accelerate biomedical research and discovery, leading to improved diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
A new Northwestern University study has uncovered how herpes virus hijacks a protein to travel into the peripheral nervous system, potentially leading to long-needed vaccine development. The discovery may have implications for other viruses like HIV and SARS-CoV-2.
A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals that smokers are more likely to die from cardiovascular disease than lung cancer. Smokers are at risk of fatal heart attacks, strokes, or heart failure without warning signs.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new high-resolution camera that can see hidden objects by indirectly scattering coherent light. The device overcomes limitations of existing NLoS imaging technologies with high spatial and temporal resolution, small probing area, and large angular field of view.
A new gene called Tango10 has been identified as critical for daily behavioral rhythms, modulating the activity of neurons to drive the animal's sleep-wake cycle. The study suggests that targeting this molecular pathway could lead to therapeutics to address sleep problems and related human diseases.
Researchers developed an injectable therapy that uses bioactive signals to trigger cells to repair and regenerate damaged spinal cords. The therapy, which mimics the extracellular matrix of the spinal cord, has been shown to regenerate axons, reduce scar tissue, and improve motor neuron survival.