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Northwestern University


Prenatal testosterone linked to long-term effects in females who share womb with male twin

Research finds that female twins exposed to prenatal testosterone from a male twin are less likely to graduate from high school or college, have lower fertility rates, and earn less by their early 30s. The study supports the 'twin testosterone-transfer hypothesis' and suggests long-term biological effects on behavior and outcomes.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 18, 2019

Bad news for egg lovers

A large study of nearly 30,000 adults found that consuming 300 mg of dietary cholesterol per day increases the risk of cardiovascular disease by 17% and death by 18%. The study also linked eating three to four eggs per week to a 6% higher risk of cardiovascular disease and an 8% higher risk of any cause of death.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA·DateMar 15, 2019

Scholar to talk about household water insecurity

Sera Young, a Northwestern University anthropologist, has developed the first scale to measure household water insecurity, a universal need bounded by disciplinary and geographic silos. The 12-question HWISE Scale will transform how we understand the prevalence, causes, and consequences of water insecurity on maternal and child health.

New method improves infrared imaging performance

A new method developed by Northwestern Engineering's Manijeh Razeghi has greatly reduced image distortion caused by spectral cross-talk in dual-band photodetectors. This work enables high spectral-contrast infrared imaging devices for various applications, including medicine and security.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalIEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics·DateFeb 8, 2019

Space microbes aren't so alien after all

Researchers discovered that bacteria on the ISS are adapting to survive in a stressful environment, rather than evolving into superbugs. The study's findings provide good news for astronauts and potential space tourists, but also highlight the need for precautions against illness transmission.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalmSystems·DateJan 8, 2019

New megalibrary approach proves useful for the rapid discovery of new materials

A new study at Northwestern University has developed a revolutionary tool to rapidly test millions of nanoparticles for specific applications. The novel approach utilizes a combinatorial library, or megalibrary, of nanoparticles and an in situ Raman spectroscopy-based screening technique to identify optimal compositions.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2018

Fitness instructors' comments shape women's body satisfaction

A Northwestern University study found that exercise improves women's mood and body satisfaction, but instructor comments play a crucial role. Women who received health-focused comments reported increased positive emotions and self-satisfaction, whereas those with appearance-focused comments felt ashamed and disgusted. The study highlig...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Clinical Sport Psychology·DateDec 13, 2018

Stop sterilizing your dust

A Northwestern University study reveals that triclosan in dust can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant infections. The researchers found higher abundances of genetic markers indicating resistance in dust with higher concentrations of triclosan, suggesting a link between the chemical and antibiotic resistance.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalmSystems·DateDec 11, 2018

Using machine learning to design peptides

A new algorithm that combines experimental data with machine learning reduces the time needed to find optimal peptide sequences, allowing for faster discovery and synthesis. This method has the potential to revolutionize how peptides are designed and could lead to breakthroughs in materials science, chemistry, and medicine.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 10, 2018

In team sports, chemistry matters

Researchers analyzed data from professional sports leagues and online games to find that past shared success among team members boosts their chances of winning future games. The study's findings suggest that team chemistry is a crucial factor in determining team success, transcending cultural differences and industries.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateDec 3, 2018

Resilience may be neurobiological

A Northwestern University study found that youth living in high-crime neighborhoods experience worse cardiometabolic health due to neighborhood violence. However, those with higher brain connectivity in the frontoparietal central executive network display better resilience.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 28, 2018

Why we shouldn't like coffee, but we do

A study found that people with a higher sensitivity to bitter caffeine taste drink more coffee due to learned positive reinforcement. Genetic variants play a role in this association, suggesting that our perception of bitter tastes contributes to beverage preferences.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 15, 2018

Double whammy for grieving spouses with sleep problems

A new study from Northwestern University finds that grieving spouses with sleep problems have a two-to-three times higher risk of chronic immune activation and increased inflammation, making them more susceptible to heart disease or cancer. Cognitive behavioral therapy is highly effective in treating sleep disturbances, and physicians ...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateNov 8, 2018

Facial exercise speeds Botox's wrinkle-reducing effects

A new study by Northwestern University found that facial exercise after Botox injections can make wrinkle reduction occur one day sooner. The exercises included raised motions of the forehead and scowls, which improved forehead wrinkles by two to three days after treatment when followed by facial exercise.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateOct 25, 2018

Drug improves survival in metastatic breast cancer

A phase III clinical trial found that palbociclib improves overall survival in women with hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer. The drug, used in combination with standard treatment, led to a clinically meaningful improvement in median overall survival, even in patients who showed sensitivity to prior hormone therapy.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 24, 2018

Yes, your pet can tell time

A new study found 'timing cells' in the brain that turn on when an animal waits, allowing it to measure a time interval. The research could lead to early-detection tests for Alzheimer's disease by asking people to judge how much time has elapsed.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateOct 23, 2018