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.
A new study finds that genetic testing for cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias simultaneously can detect conditions more accurately than single-condition tests. This leads to better diagnosis and treatment options, such as targeted therapies and monitoring devices.
A preclinical study shows that gene therapy can restore dopamine production in the brain, eliminating symptoms of Parkinson's disease. The therapy targets the substantia nigra region, where dopamine-releasing neurons reside, and provides a potential target for disease-modifying therapies.
A Northwestern University-led study found that while researchers' productivity levels have returned to pre-pandemic highs, scientists who did not pursue COVID-19-related research initiated 36% fewer new projects in 2020 compared to 2019. This decline suggests the pandemic's impact on science may be longer-lasting than commonly imagined.
Researchers discovered that a lower dose of the first shot, followed by a full-dose booster, significantly improved SARS-CoV-2 vaccine potency in mice. This approach, which involves an extended prime-boost interval, may lead to more robust and durable immune responses.
Researchers developed a new mechanism of adsorption called mechanisorption, which can store significant amounts of energy by recruiting molecules onto surfaces at high concentrations. This breakthrough has implications for energy storage, controlled release, and environmental remediation.
Researchers developed a new protein treatment that prevents glaucoma from forming in mice and reduces pressure in the eyes. The study provides new targets for therapies and aims to develop an injectable treatment for patients.
A study by Northwestern University scientists has shown that coronavirus vaccines and prior infections can provide broad immunity against other, similar coronaviruses. The findings build a rationale for universal coronavirus vaccines.
Researchers developed a versatile composite fabric that can deactivate both biological threats like SARS-CoV-2 and chemical threats like chemical warfare. The material is also reusable and scalable.
Researchers analyzed ancient zeolite specimens to discover that some prefer lighter isotopes, while others prefer heavier ones. This finding could help quantify temperatures in geologic systems and mitigate human-caused climate change.
A new method for recording information to DNA has been proposed by Northwestern University researchers, taking minutes to complete instead of hours or days. This method, called TURTLES, uses a novel enzymatic system to synthesize DNA that records rapidly changing environmental signals directly into DNA sequences.
Researchers at Shedd Aquarium and Northwestern University discovered a family of microbes responsible for disappearing anti-parasitic medicine in the aquarium's quarantine habitats. The microbes, which were using the medicine as a source of nitrogen, were found in outlet pipes and were identified as belonging to various phyla.
A novel antigen-based COVID-19 detection method demonstrated 100% accuracy in a blind test within five minutes. The rapid swab test uses nanomechanical platform to detect multiple surface proteins on the COVID-19 virus, showing potential to differentiate among different variants and viruses.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that over half of US women and people who menstruate experienced changes in their menstrual cycle due to COVID-19 pandemic stress. Individuals with higher levels of stress reported heavier bleeding and longer periods.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a flying microchip that can monitor air pollution, airborne diseases, and environmental contamination. The device, about the size of a grain of sand, uses wind to generate flight, stabilizing its trajectory through aerodynamic optimization inspired by nature.
Researchers introduce a new platform called BFree that allows users to build battery-free devices using intermittent energy harvesting. The system includes energy-harvesting hardware and a power-failure-resistant version of Python, making it accessible to novice programmers.
A new Northwestern University study has found that despite promises of equal opportunity, women are less successful than men in the digital space, with implications for recognition and awards. Online presence is associated with factors such as past work impact and social capital, but men tend to benefit disproportionately.
A new study from Northwestern University finds that exploring diverse styles before exploiting a narrow area can lead to a career's greatest hits. Dashun Wang and his team analyzed data from over 2,128 artists, including Jackson Pollock, and found a consistent association between the 'exploration-exploitation' pattern and hot streaks.
Researchers developed a new tool to analyze large superconducting circuits, allowing for the extraction of quantitative information previously inaccessible. The method uses a variational tight-binding approach to simulate circuit behavior, paving the way for further advancements in quantum computing.
A new study found that non-Hispanic Black and Mexican American adults are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at an average age of 46-47 years old, four to seven years earlier than non-Hispanic white adults. Preventive measures such as nutrition counseling and physical-activity programs can prevent or delay the onset of diabetes.
A national study shows that reducing US jail populations leads to community-wide public health benefits, as overcrowded facilities become 'infectious disease incubators' for COVID-19. Decarceration reduces the spread of SARS-CoV-2, benefiting both those released and communities nationwide.