A new study finds that fewer than one in four gay, bisexual and questioning teenage boys have ever received an HIV test, despite high risk of transmission. The study identified factors that increase the likelihood of testing, including frank conversations with doctors about sexual health and testing.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new method to visualize the dynamic motion of atoms in atomically thin 2D materials. The technique reveals that sulfur atoms in MoS2 move continuously to vacant areas, causing grain boundaries to separate and leading to material failure.
Researchers developed a new magnetic memory device that could support the surge of data-centric computing, enabling faster and more secure processing. The device uses antiferromagnetic materials and operates with record-low electrical current to write data.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new method that fluidizes catalyst particles in electrolyte, avoiding fatigue and improving stability. This approach could lead to improved production processes for electrolysis and energy conversion.
A new synthetic biology toolkit called COMET allows researchers to design and tune gene expression programs in mammalian cells with unprecedented precision. This breakthrough could lead to the development of novel cell-based therapies for cancer and other challenging diseases.
A study by Northwestern Medicine and CDC found that unmarried mothers with paternal involvement are more likely to breastfeed and engage in protective health behaviors. This is compared to married mothers who also experience benefits from their partner's presence, suggesting a positive impact of fatherhood on maternal health.
A new study from Northwestern University and Cornell University links red and processed meat consumption to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and death. The research suggests that reducing red meat intake may be an important strategy to reduce cardiovascular disease and premature death.
A Northwestern University study found that 45% of antibiotic prescriptions for Medicaid patients lacked a clear reason, highlighting concerns about antibiotic overuse. The research used Medicaid claims data to determine the context in which antibiotics were prescribed, revealing gaps in current ambulatory stewardship policies.
Researchers developed a Noncontact Catalysis System (NCCS) to accelerate chemical reactions using gold nanoclusters as intermediaries, enabling independent reactions of normally incompatible substances. This breakthrough could lead to more versatile, efficient, and cost-effective industrial chemical production processes.
Researchers found that prescribed fires are critical for successful reproduction in prairie plants, causing synchronized flowering which increases mating opportunities and seed production. The study observed the sex lives of individual plants for 21 years and found nearly doubled annual seed production after a prescribed burn.
A Northwestern University analysis finds that racial disparities in the mortgage market have persisted over the last four decades, while housing discrimination has decreased. Black and Hispanic borrowers are more likely to be rejected when applying for a loan and receive high-cost mortgages.
A Northwestern University study found that indoor dust bacteria can transfer antibiotic resistance genes, potentially making infections more difficult to treat. The researchers believe this could lead to the spread of resistant pathogens, highlighting the need for increased caution in managing indoor environments.
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that injecting nanoparticles into the bloodstream can significantly reduce brain swelling and damage after a traumatic brain injury. The treatment may provide new hope for individuals with significant traumatic brain injuries, including young athletes and soldiers.
Researchers have identified a genetic signaling pathway that limits tissue growth in planarian flatworms, allowing for precise regeneration and repair. The mob4 gene suppresses tissue growth by preventing the production of Wnt, a protein involved in cancer cell regeneration.
For the first time, physicists have experimentally demonstrated that certain systems with interacting entities can synchronize only if the entities within the system are different from one another. Researchers found that identical entities naturally behave identically until they start interacting and then identified scenarios in which ...
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new semiconductor neutron detector that can absorb thermal neutrons and generate electrical signals. The material is highly efficient, stable, and can be used in small, portable devices for field inspections or large detectors for national security applications.
A new study found that 90% of patients with knee osteoarthritis are waiting too long for knee replacement surgery, losing function, while 25% of those without need get the procedure prematurely. This delays deterioration and reduces mobility, leading to additional health issues.
A Northwestern University team discovered how chromatin folds at the single-cell level, revealing a 3D forest structure. This finding could help scientists understand chromatin's role in cancer and other diseases.
Researchers have discovered a way to reconstruct stable neural activity patterns from tens of neurons, potentially allowing for consistent control of neuroprostheses over long periods. This breakthrough has immediate implications for advancing neuroprosthetic devices that bypass neurological injuries.
A Northwestern University study discovered an inverse relationship between patient survival and the plasticity of tumor cells. Cancer cells with disorderly chromatin packing are more likely to adapt to treatments, but researchers can now develop new therapies that target chromatin packing to make cancer cells more vulnerable.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a composite material that can efficiently detoxify nerve agents, including VX and soman, under battlefield-relevant conditions. The material uses metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) integrated onto textile fibers, which can capture gases and vapors without the need for liquid water.
A new test developed by Northwestern University can detect high levels of fluoride in drinking water, exceeding EPA standards. The test is inexpensive, easy to use, and requires no scientific expertise, making it a potential solution for communities with naturally high fluoride levels.
Scientists successfully deliver powerful glioblastoma drug paclitaxel into brain tumors in mice using an implantable ultrasound. The new formulation uses albumin instead of toxic cremophor, reducing brain toxicity. This technology has shown to increase drug concentrations by five-fold and prolong survival of brain tumor-bearing mice.
Fossilized seashells from Antarctica reveal that the Earth's oceans were undergoing significant changes in response to increased carbon dioxide from volcanic eruptions. These findings provide new insights into the causes of the Cretaceous-Paleogene mass extinction event, which led to the demise of the dinosaurs.
A new Northwestern University study found that athletes across various sports have healthier brains due to enhanced processing of external sounds. Athlete brains minimize background noise, allowing for better sound recognition.
A clinical trial found nilotinib to be safe and tolerable for patients with moderate to advanced Parkinson's disease, but did not show a clinically meaningful benefit. The study, led by Northwestern University, involved 76 participants and tested three doses of the medication over six months.
Northwestern University scientists discovered genetic mutations in the Usp9x gene lead to reduced synapses and increased anxiety in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. This research provides a crucial understanding of the biological basis of intellectual disabilities and mental illness, potentially leading to new treatment options.
A new study from Northwestern Medicine reports the first guidelines for treating sebaceous carcinoma, a cancer of oil glands that can be found on the skin or in the eye. The guidelines provide clear direction for treating these tumors, which may result in fewer deaths.
Researchers have designed a novel material exhibiting a metal-insulator transition near 600 degrees Celsius, revealing its potential for high-temperature sensors and power electronics. The discovery could inform the design of quantum materials platforms for future electronics.
A research team developed an algorithmic approach to automatically recognize uninformative words, known as stop words, in large collections of text. The framework uses information theory to quantify a word's certainty of being informative, producing improved accuracy and reproducibility across texts.
A new Northwestern University study reveals that the percentage of African ancestry influences gene production, affecting disease risk and medication response. The research highlights the importance of considering individual ancestry in precision medicine and drug discovery for diverse populations.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in cell-free gene expression, enabling high-yielding protein synthesis and expanding genetically encoded chemistry. This has opened doors to create new types of enzymes, materials, and therapeutics. Northwestern University's Center for Synthetic Biology is at the forefront of this field.
A new method has been developed to accelerate the development of protein therapeutics by utilizing a cell-free system for glycosylation. This approach enables researchers to quickly discover and understand glycosylation pathways, leading to faster medicine creation and potentially opening up new avenues for treating diseases.
Northwestern University researchers create a thin, wireless system that adds a sense of touch to virtual reality experiences, enabling new applications in social interactions, prosthetics, telemedicine, and entertainment. The device transmits touch patterns through miniature vibrating actuators embedded into a soft, flexible material.
A Northwestern University study combines 3D climate modeling with chemistry to explore the habitability of planets around M dwarf stars. The research finds that only planets orbiting active stars lose significant water to vaporization, making them less likely to sustain life.
A new Northwestern University study found that toddlers with language delays are nearly twice as likely to have severe and frequent temper tantrums. The research surveyed over 2,000 parents and discovered a link between delayed vocabulary and increased risk of later mental health problems.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a new phenomenon in the brain where mitochondria self-destruct, leading to early stages of neurodegeneration. The study found that this process occurs selectively in neurons vulnerable to future degeneration, providing a potential target for drug therapies.
Non-Hispanic black and Hispanic women reported higher pain scores compared to white women during the postpartum period. Despite this, they received fewer opioids and were less likely to receive prescriptions at discharge.
Researchers found that individuals go on to achieve eventual success if they learn from previous failures and apply that knowledge forward, whereas others continue to fail until they drop out. The model can aid in making better use of past failed experience for achieving success.
Northwestern University chemists create molecules with specific chemical products and arrangements of atoms, suitable for drug development. The catalyst can be reused for additional reactions, producing high yields.
A new study found that women surgical residents are more likely to experience mistreatment, including verbal abuse, sexual harassment, and pregnancy/childcare discrimination, leading to higher burnout rates. The study also revealed that 5.3% of women surgical residents had suicidal thoughts in the last year compared to 3.9% of men.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new way to pre-program microfluidic devices, allowing for smart, autonomous behavior without external components. This breakthrough could enable the creation of portable, wearable technologies for applications in medicine, energy, and space exploration.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new catalytic method to upcycle single-use plastics into high-quality liquid products, such as motor oils, lubricants, and cosmetics. This breakthrough improves current recycling methods, producing fewer greenhouse gases and toxic byproducts, while contributing to a circular economy.
A new phase 2 clinical trial shows that technology can induce immune tolerance to gluten in individuals with celiac disease, reducing inflammation and protecting the small intestine. The treatment, called CNP-101, is a biodegradable nanoparticle containing gluten that convinces the immune system it's safe.
A Northwestern University research team discovered similarities in RNA folding among riboswitches, which could impact the design of future RNA-specific therapeutics and synthetic biology tools. The findings could also inform efforts to treat diseases triggered by RNA-level misfolding.
Northwestern University researchers have developed HARP, a high-throughput 3D printer that can print large parts in hours and small parts at high resolutions. The technology bypasses heat limitations with a nonstick liquid interface, enabling fast and large-scale manufacturing without molds or warehouses.
A new strategy to treat Parkinson's disease has been developed by amplifying healthy GCase enzymes, alleviating symptoms in both human brain cells and mouse models. This approach may be relevant for multiple forms of PD with reduced activity of wild-type GCase.
Northwestern University researchers have discovered a new method to control the formation of scroll-like cochleate structures, which could inform future drug-delivery strategies. By regulating electrostatic interactions and elastic energies, they were able to capture and release macromolecules in a size-selective manner.
Researchers developed a bioelectronic implant that can sense dangerously low oxygen levels and administer naloxone to prevent opioid deaths. The device is small, wireless, and can be implanted just beneath the skin to bypass barriers in current overdose treatment.
Northwestern University researchers have successfully integrated graphene and borophene into 2D heterostructures, enabling the creation of ultrahigh density devices. The achievement demonstrates a significant step towards creating integrated circuits from these nanomaterials.