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.
A Northwestern University study found that unionizing resident doctors does not reduce burnout, but provides additional benefits such as more vacation time and housing stipends. The study suggests that improving resident wellness requires a program-by-program approach, with implementing wellness toolkits being a promising solution.
A recent Northwestern University study reveals that receiving a second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine significantly boosts immunity against COVID-19. The research found that even prior exposure to SARS-CoV-2 does not guarantee high antibody levels or robust response to the first vaccine dose, contradicting common assumptions.
A Northwestern University study found that people become less sensitive to food odors after eating a meal, making it harder to choose healthier options. The research suggests an evolutionary benefit to this feedback loop, potentially improving nutrient intake and reducing disordered eating.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed optimized yeast extracts for cell-free biosynthesis, enabling faster and more efficient chemical production. This breakthrough integrates cellular engineering with cell-free systems, paving the way for sustainable alternatives to current petrochemical processes.
Researchers at Northwestern University have successfully created a double layer of atomically flat borophene, a feat that defies the natural tendency of boron to form non-planar clusters. The material maintains its electronic properties while offering new advantages, including potential applications in energy and chemical storage.
A new study suggests that a treatment for canine glioblastoma may also be effective in humans, with some dogs experiencing significant tumor shrinkage. The treatment uses an immunotherapy drug called STING agonist, which induced a robust immune response against cancer cells.
A Northwestern University research team proposes a practical way to make ships CO2-neutral using solid oxide fuel cells. The technology can store and utilize captured CO2, enabling CO2-negative emissions from cargo ships. This method is more viable than battery electric or hydrogen fuel cell options for long-range vehicles.
A Northwestern University study found that COVID-19 death rates had a significant impact on the 2020 presidential election. Counties with high mortality rates saw smaller increases in Democratic voters, while those with lower mortality rates saw larger increases in support for Joe Biden.
A new simulation developed at Northwestern University reveals the role of galaxy spiral arms in feeding supermassive black holes with gas. The study uses high-powered computing to model gas flow across vast distances and provides insight into quasars, which are incredibly luminous fast-growing black holes.
A new study developed a successful approach for identifying proteins in different types of neurons in the brain of a living animal. The technique uses a virus to tag neighboring proteins, allowing researchers to analyze the entire proteome inside living neurons.
A new study from Northwestern University found that primary touch-sensitive neurons respond to multiple types of touch and varying degrees. Researchers developed a comprehensive technique to stimulate rats' whiskers in three dimensions while recording brain activity, revealing that these neurons communicate touch in a more complex manner.
Researchers have developed a high-performing thermoelectric material that converts heat to electricity with record-high efficiency, making it suitable for widespread industrial applications. The purified tin selenide in polycrystalline form overcomes earlier oxidation problems, enabling the production of low-cost and efficient devices.
Scientists developed new AI-based tools to identify and study materials exhibiting a metal-insulator transition (MIT), which could lead to faster and more energy-efficient microelectronic devices. The tools provide a freely available database, online classifier, and new features for characterizing these materials.
Researchers found a strong association between higher net worth and lower mortality risk among adults in the US. Even within sibling pairs, those with greater wealth tended to live longer, suggesting that wealth accumulation may have a causal impact on longevity.
Researchers developed a new framework using machine learning that improves the accuracy of interatomic potentials for designing new nanomaterials. The findings suggest a positive correlation between the complexity and number of parameters and the accuracy of interatomic potential.
A new study from Northwestern University found that each additional pre-pregnancy cardiovascular risk factor increases the likelihood of pregnancy complications. Women with multiple risk factors are more likely to experience adverse outcomes such as maternal ICU admission, preterm birth, low birthweight, and fetal death.
Northwestern University engineers created the first full 3D simulation of a rat's complete whisker system, providing rare insight into how rats actively sense their natural environments. The model incorporates 60 individual whiskers and simulates rats in various environments, revealing unique patterns of data.
Researchers have detected two events of black holes merging with neutron stars, providing insights into their origins and merger rates. The findings will enable the drawing of conclusions about the host of astrophysical models of compact object formation and binary evolution.
Researchers at Northwestern and George Washington universities developed a wireless, battery-free pacemaker that disappears after use. The device wirelessly harvests energy from an external antenna, eliminating the need for bulky batteries and rigid hardware.
Researchers at Northwestern University and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab have discovered that muscles lose sarcomeres -- their smallest building blocks -- after a stroke. This loss results in shorter muscle fibers and tighter muscles, making it harder for patients to regain function.
A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals persistent racial disparities in cirrhosis outcomes, with Black patients facing higher mortality rates and lower transplant approval rates. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to improve healthcare access for Black patients, who face structural and institutional barriers...
Researchers developed a new magnetic memory device using antiferromagnetic materials, offering improved scalability, write speed, and security. The device's unique structure allows for simultaneous writing and reading of data, addressing key challenges in high-performance AI applications.
Northwestern University researchers have developed a smarter, more durable and highly functional cement by introducing nanoparticles into ordinary cement. The new material shows improved water transport properties, including pore structure and water penetration resistance, with reported relative decreases of 76% and 78%, respectively.
A new Northwestern University study reveals that the hippocampus is not just essential for long-term memory but also supports short-term memory and guides decision-making. The findings suggest that the hippocampus uses short-term memory to inform where we look, priming our visual system to learn and reevaluate our environment on the fly.
Researchers at Northwestern University have identified a novel target for a drug to treat SARS-CoV-2 and potential future coronaviruses. The new therapy could be taken early in the disease to prevent severe symptoms.
Researchers developed a new transparent material that captures and removes droplets and aerosols from indoor air, effectively eliminating potential sources of transmission. The coating can be applied to various surfaces and is compatible with antiviral materials.
A new study at Northwestern University suggests that environmental inequities may lead to health disparities through the gut microbiome. Minoritized populations are more likely to have lower microbial diversity and associated health risks due to limited access to green space.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a method to make commercially available PCR tests shelf-stable for up to 30 days by freeze-drying the reagents with a standard preservative. This breakthrough could enable widespread COVID-19 testing in low-resource settings and reduce logistical challenges.
A new study found that people with diabetes who experience frequent sleep disturbances are 87% more likely to die within 9 years compared to those without diabetes or sleep disturbances. Answering a simple question about sleep can help address sleep disturbances earlier in life and mitigate this increased risk.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that routine check-ups have several health benefits, including better detection and treatment of chronic illnesses, increased vaccinations and screenings, and improved patient-reported outcomes. These benefits are particularly important for at-risk populations.