Researchers found that temperature and calcium levels inside cells can dramatically impact how drugs interact with their targets. This discovery could lead to smarter medicine design and more effective treatments.
A new study from Northwestern University developed a customized video game to help chronic stroke survivors regain lost arm function. After six weeks of therapy, participants showed significant improvement in arm function and daily activities, with scores improving up to 7.8 times that of the control group.
Researchers developed SpiderCam, a highly energy-efficient 3D camera inspired by jumping spiders. It captures two images with different focus settings and analyzes the differences in sharpness to produce real-time 3D maps while consuming less than a watt of power.
A study led by Northwestern University identified a new biological culprit behind cognitive decline in people with HIV: the degradation of protective sugar molecules. Flu drugs preserved these sugar molecules and protected the brain in lab and mouse studies.
Astrophysicists at Northwestern University have discovered evidence of a powerful wind blowing from the Milky Way's central supermassive black hole, Sagittarius A*. The study resolves one of the longest-standing mysteries in astronomy and opens a new window into the physics at play in the center of the Milky Way. The team used five yea...
Researchers tracked microbial community shifts across six sites over four years and discovered that each site had its own stable microbial community. These communities were organized around two broad groups of microbes, with stable microbes maintaining core processes and responsive microbes capitalizing on new opportunities.
A new study from Northwestern University reveals American voters are more accepting of gay candidates than ever before, but acceptance is conditional and varies by political party. Republican voters continue to penalize candidates for being gay, while Democratic voters punish those who look or sound slightly gender nonconforming.
A new Northwestern University study finds that most proposed US lithium mines could face significant water shortages, posing challenges to the country's growing industry. Climate change and competition for resources exacerbate existing water stress in areas like southern California and Nevada.
A new preclinical study finds that estrogen loss in the extracellular matrix of the hippocampus may contribute to memory decline and increased risk of Alzheimer's disease in postmenopausal women. The study suggests a possible new treatment approach focused on restoring the brain's supportive environment.
Scientists have demonstrated that megalibraries can design materials with specific properties, accelerating the traditional trial-and-error approach to rapidly designing and testing materials. The platform generates vast datasets needed to train AI systems to discover next-generation materials.
Researchers found that a common asthma drug can help fight aggressive cancers by blocking the CysLTR1 molecule. The study used mouse models and human tissue samples to demonstrate its potential in treating triple-negative breast cancer and other tough tumors.
Researchers at Northwestern University and NIH emphasize the need to define plagiarism in AI-assisted research writing, as intellectual theft can occur without proper credit. The commentary recommends revising definitions of research misconduct to include GenAI tool misuse, promoting more responsible use.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that young adults whose mothers had high blood pressure during pregnancy had more signs of early arterial injury, higher blood pressure, and higher body mass index. This suggests that cardiovascular risk may be transmitted across generations through a combination of biological, environmental, and...
A new study reveals that ALS unfolds through a domino-like sequence of events starting with an early breakdown in motor neurons, followed by a damaging inflammatory response. The findings suggest that targeting these immune signatures could slow down disease progression.
A small, wireless polygraph system can track multiple physiological signals to capture a real-time view of stress in the body. The device can help clinicians detect stress and potential discomfort in patients, including infants or the elderly who may be unable to communicate.
A new study found that a pediatric surgery program reduced opioid use during hospitalization by 56%. The program, which includes 21 best practices, also improved recovery outcomes for children, including faster eating, shorter hospital stays, and lower complication rates.
A new Northwestern University study finds metformin primarily targets the gut, driving glucose utilization inside cells lining the intestine to prevent blood sugar levels from rising. The drug slows mitochondrial energy production in gut cells, allowing the intestine to metabolize extra sugar and regulate blood sugar levels.
A new Northwestern University study details how NIH built the field of genomics through coordinated scientific efforts, supported workforces, and developed shared research infrastructure. The analysis of NIH's digital archive shows leadership played a crucial role in resolving technical challenges and guiding scientific communities.
A new Northwestern University study found that 60% of paternal deaths in Georgia between 2017 and 2022 were preventable, resulting from homicide, accidental injury, suicide, or overdose. The study also revealed that fatherhood appears to be protective for men, with lower death rates among those who are fathers.
Researchers suggest treatment could start during pregnancy to prevent brain damage and reduce neurological harm. A new RNA-based therapy reduces abnormal electrical currents in patient-derived excitatory neurons.
A new theoretical framework shows that when interactions shift away from familiar contacts, activity can spread more widely. The study suggests that whether something spreads or stalls may hinge on a simple choice: revisit the same connections or explore new ones.
A longitudinal study of 156 Ukrainian amputees found that most experience steady improvements in pain, anxiety, and depression over time. The study revealed distinct patterns of post-amputation pain, with phantom limb pain linked to psychological distress and residual limb pain linked to depression.
A new three-step synthesis strategy enables simultaneous control over composition and surface facets of high-entropy alloy nanoparticles. Researchers have scaled the process to produce millions of particles across unique compositions, opening a path to discovering next-generation HEA catalysts with high-index facets.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a single-step process to turn methane into methanol without high heat and pressures. The method harnesses tiny bursts of plasma to break the chemical bonds in methane, producing a cleaner-burning fuel for ships and industrial boilers.
A survey found 84% of primary care patients are unfamiliar with Alzheimer's blood tests, but 85% would take one if recommended. Patients value education and ease of use, and express concerns about test reliability and cost.
Engineers at Northwestern University developed artificial neurons that generate realistic electrical signals to activate living brain cells. This breakthrough paves the way for brain-machine interfaces and neuroprosthetics, as well as more efficient brain-like computing systems.
A new study suggests that many animal communication signals, including those from insects, birds, mammals, and fish, repeat at nearly the same tempo of 2 hertz. This common tempo may reflect a shared biological constraint, enabling brains to detect signals more easily and process communication more efficiently.
A phase 2 clinical trial shows that a new drug, elraglusib, when combined with chemotherapy, doubles one-year survival rates in pancreatic cancer patients, reducing the risk of death by 38%. The study is a rare success in showing a survival benefit applicable to a broad population.
Several open-source AI models consistently produced summaries that were more comprehensive than physician-written versions, particularly in capturing molecular and genetic findings. The study found that Llama 3.1 and DeepSeek performed best among the six evaluated models.
A new Northwestern University study confirms that US drug overdose deaths have continued to decline following a peak in August 2023, contrary to speculation of manipulated CDC data. The study highlights the importance of accurate data for public health response and calls for greater transparency in federal data systems.
A Northwestern University study found that apolipoprotein B (apoB) testing is more effective and cost-efficient than standard cholesterol tests in guiding treatment and preventing heart attacks and strokes. The study suggests that apoB-guided care can improve population health and save lives at a lower cost.
A new study from Northwestern University and the Chicago Botanic Garden found that some cultivated plants, such as black-eyed Susan and foxglove beardtongue, can attract pollinators at similar rates to their wild counterparts. This research provides a middle ground for gardeners who want to support pollinators without going fully wild.
A Northwestern University study finds that disinfectants like chlorhexidine linger on surfaces for longer than previously known, allowing microbes to build tolerance. Chlorhexidine-tolerant bacteria were also detected spreading through touch and airborne dust across hospital rooms.
A Northwestern University study found that imagination is not just a copy of sensation, but emerges at later stages of processing when the brain represents information holistically. The researchers mapped brain activity during imagination and perception, finding overlap in higher-level association areas.
A new system generates oxygen, sustaining drug-producing cells for weeks. The device, called HOBIT, integrates engineered cells with oxygen-producing bioelectronics, producing three different biologics in a small animal model.
Carole LaBonne and Matthew Goldrick are being honored for their groundbreaking research in developmental biology and language science. LaBonne's work on pluripotent embryonic stem cells has significant implications for understanding birth defects, cancer, and regenerative medicine.
A new study reveals snow flies produce bursts of heat and antifreeze proteins to survive freezing temperatures. The insects generate body heat like mammals and produce antifreeze proteins like Arctic fish, allowing them to remain active at -6°C.
A new Northwestern University study has discovered a novel biomarker of schizophrenia that could also serve as a new drug candidate to treat the cognitive symptoms of the disorder. The study found that levels of the protein Cacna2d1 signal are reduced in patients with schizophrenia, resulting in overactive brain circuits.
Subway systems are consistently reporting thermal discomfort due to the rising heat, with complaints increasing by 10-27% for every 1 degree Celsius above 10 degrees Celsius in Boston, New York, and London respectively. The study aims to help transit agencies anticipate extreme heat and implement targeted mitigation strategies.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed AI-designed robots called 'legged metamachines' that can combine and recombine in the wild, recover from injury and transform into new shapes. The robots can adapt to the environment, survive catastrophic damage and even recover from being chopped in half or cut into pieces.
Scientists developed a new platform using protein-like polymers to target and degrade cancer-driving proteins like MYC and KRAS. The approach triggers cancer cell death, offering hope for treating aggressive and drug-resistant cancers.
Researchers have developed a new device that can record and stimulate activity across the entire surface of miniature, lab-grown human brain-like tissues, enabling whole-network mapping and manipulation. This breakthrough could improve our understanding of brain development, function, and disease.
A new low-energy method produces ethylene from waste gas, using electricity to create a chemical building block from syngas. The device is more than 60% efficient and can work with renewable energy sources, setting the stage for a greener ethylene supply chain.
Researchers at Northwestern University found that heat strengthens pure metals under extreme conditions, challenging long-held assumptions. The study revealed a stark divide between pure and alloyed metals, with pure metals becoming stronger and harder as temperatures increased.
A new study found that aligning overnight fasting with the body's natural sleep-wake rhythm improved cardiovascular and metabolic health. Participants who extended their fast by two hours and dimmed lights three hours before bedtime showed significant improvements in blood pressure, heart rate, and blood-sugar control.
A new HPV cancer vaccine developed by Northwestern University scientists has shown promising results in a preclinical model. The vaccine's carefully organized structure dramatically enhances the immune system's ability to attack tumors, shrinking them and extending animal survival.
Researchers discovered that levetiracetam prevents the production of toxic amyloid-beta 42 peptides and plaques in neurons. Administering the drug to high-risk individuals may slow cognitive decline and prevent Alzheimer's symptoms if started early, possibly up to 20 years before symptoms appear.
Researchers developed an advanced organoid model for human spinal cord injury and tested a promising regenerative therapy. The treatment triggered neurite growth and reduced scarring in injured organoids, offering validation for its potential to work in humans.
A new study finds that US South Asians have higher rates of prediabetes, diabetes, and hypertension than other population groups, despite healthier diets and exercise habits. The study identifies a critical window in the 40s when risk is already high, but disease is still preventable with early intervention.
A Northwestern University study found that 75% of participants had dreams including puzzle fragments, with solved puzzles occurring more often in lucid and non-lucid dreams. Engineering dreams may help increase creative problem-solving ability.