A new study found that pregnant overweight and obese women can limit their weight gain with diet and exercise interventions, reducing complications but not impacting birth weight. The trials included diverse socioeconomic groups and showed that reduced weight gain did not result in fewer obstetrical complications.
The Keep It Up! program, a novel online HIV prevention initiative, has been shown to reduce sexually transmitted infections by 40 percent among gay young men. The program will now be implemented nationally as part of the next phase, testing two implementation strategies: community-based and direct-to-consumer methods.
A Northwestern University study found that noninvasive brain stimulation improved the brain's ability to form new memories, with increased excitability lasting at least 24 hours. The research has implications for treating memory problems due to aging or brain damage.
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that mixing yield stress materials creates distinct regions of mix and non-mix, providing a fundamental understanding of designing mixing protocols. The study's findings have implications for industries such as pharmaceuticals and concrete manufacturing.
A large national study finds that inducing labor at 39 weeks reduces cesarean deliveries, maternal and fetal complications. Women who underwent elective induction reported less pain and lower rates of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and questioning youth are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes, be obese, and engage in less physical activity. Minority stress may contribute to the risk of poor physical health among LGBQ youth.
Researchers found that leaf-eating primates share few gut microbial characteristics, while closely related species have similar microbes regardless of diet. This suggests that host evolutionary relationships play a more significant role in shaping the gut microbiome than diet.
A Northwestern University study suggests that multiple pregnancies can lead to accelerated biological aging in women, as measured by telomere length and epigenetic age. Women with more pregnancies showed signs of faster cellular aging, even when currently pregnant, which challenges the idea that pregnancy itself makes women look younger.
A new Northwestern Medicine study identified a trigger for some fibrotic diseases and an experimental compound to treat it. The compound, T53, reversed abnormality in three different mouse models of fibrosis, suggesting a novel approach to treat the disease.
A novel online HIV prevention program has reduced sexually transmitted infections in gay young men by 40 percent, reports a Northwestern Medicine study. The program, Keep It Up!, weaves HIV prevention information into the typical experiences of young gay men, targeting settings such as dating and starting new relationships.
FoodSwitch, a new mobile app, uses crowdsourced data to rate the nutritional value of packaged foods and suggest better alternatives. Users can scan barcodes, compare products, and contribute to the database, helping track the global food supply's healthiness.
A Northwestern University study found that climate change can push mason bees to their physiological limits, leading to high mortality rates and potentially driving local extinction. Bees in warmer environments emerged later, had smaller bodies, and lower body fat, making it harder for them to reproduce.
A new study finds that enzalutamide significantly lowers the risk of metastasis or death in men with non-metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer, delaying cancer re-appearance by almost two years. The drug also shows a 71% lower risk of metastasis or death compared to placebo.
Researchers at Northwestern University found that writing exercises focused on self-compassion and gratitude for the body can significantly increase women's body satisfaction. The study, which involved over 1,000 college women, showed that these types of letters can be a positive step towards improving body image.
Researchers have developed a two-step process to produce high-quality covalent organic frameworks with crystalline structures, enabling precise control over material properties. These materials have promising potential for water purification, solar energy storage and body armor applications.
A Northwestern University team developed a novel nanolaser that changes colors by controlling the spacing among metal nanoparticles, inspired by chameleons' skin structure. The laser is robust, tunable, reversible and highly sensitive to strain.
A Northwestern University study found that a lifestyle intervention using a smartphone app, activity tracker, and small financial incentive can fully normalize unhealthy behaviors such as low fruit and vegetable intake and high screen time. Participants made significant improvements in their eating and exercise habits over a nine-month...
Researchers have identified a critical non-coding DNA element regulating the Sox9 gene, crucial for male sex development. Deleting this enhancer results in sex reversal in mice, shedding light on the genetic mechanisms underlying sex determination and potentially improving diagnosis for patients with differences in sex development.
A Northwestern University team developed a regenerative bandage that heals diabetic wounds 33% faster than current market products, leveraging the body's natural wound-healing process. The bandage uses an antioxidant hydrogel with a thermally responsive segment of laminin to facilitate tissue regeneration and counter inflammation.
A Northwestern University study found that carbon dioxide gas injections eliminate fat around the stomach, but modest changes were not sustained over six months. The technique is considered safe and non-invasive, offering an alternative to existing methods for fat reduction.
Researchers found ancient lake mud and fly species that record two interglacial periods in northwest Greenland, revealing warmer temperatures than previously thought. This discovery could improve climate models and predictions of how the ice sheet might respond to man-made global warming.
A Northwestern University research team has discovered a new battery material with a record-high charge capacity, enabling smartphones and electric vehicles to last more than twice as long between charges. By adding oxygen to the traditional cathode compound, the battery achieves higher capacity and stability.
Researchers found that sleep spindles, brief bursts of brain activity, are linked to memory reactivation and improve retention. The rhythmic pattern of spindles may help segregate memories, preventing interference between them.
A recent study by Northwestern University researchers used network science to map the gun market in Chicago, finding that individuals are on average 2.5 handshakes away from a gun. Gang membership was found to reduce this distance by 27 percent, highlighting the role of gangs in facilitating access to guns.
A Northwestern University study found that over 50% of sexually active gay and bisexual teen boys aged 14-17 used adult hookup apps like Grindr and Scruff. These teens also used the apps to connect with friends and find new partners, highlighting the importance of sex education and HIV prevention tailored to their needs.
Scientists have discovered a new compound, metarrestin, that significantly reduces metastasis in human prostate, breast and pancreatic cancer in mice. The compound was found to blow up the complex marker PNC, which indicates cancer cells' ability to spread.
Using cresol, researchers can disperse carbon nanotubes at unprecedentedly high concentrations without additives or harsh chemical reactions. As the concentration increases, the material transitions into a kneadable dough that can be molded and shaped like playdough.
A new study predicts that LISA will detect dozens of binaries in the Milky Way's globular clusters, containing various compact object combinations. This will expand the breadth of the gravitational wave spectrum, allowing for exploration of different types of objects not observable with LIGO.
A Northwestern-led synthetic biology research team has developed a new biotech technique called GlycoSCORES that promises to accelerate research into protein therapies. The technique uses cell-free protein synthesis, protein glycosylation, and mass spectrometry to rapidly screen sequences for making glycoproteins.
A new study found that daily aspirin use is associated with a nearly double risk of melanoma in men compared to those who do not take aspirin. In contrast, women taking daily aspirin did not have an increased risk of melanoma. Researchers suggest increasing patient education about sun exposure and skin checks for high-risk individuals.
Researchers found that walking the course provides significantly higher health benefits and is not associated with increased pain or inflammation. Golfing while riding a cart still offers cardiovascular benefits, but walking is the superior option.
A Northwestern University study found that online ratings for cosmetic breast augmentation surgeries are highly polarized, with some reviews written by non-patients. The importance of interactions with the doctor's support staff is highlighted as a key factor in patient satisfaction.
A Northwestern University research team has developed a new semiconductor device that can detect gamma rays and identify radioactive isotopes at room temperature. The device, made of cesium lead bromide, offers high spectral resolution and can be scaled up for widespread use in biomedical imaging, astronomy, and spectroscopy.
Scientists have developed a novel TEM technique that captures dynamic reactions at the nanoscale, allowing researchers to study material transformations in real-time. This breakthrough enables better control over nanoscale properties and has significant implications for designing materials with desired properties.
A new study by Northwestern University found that a home-based exercise program with wearable devices and telephone coaching did not improve walking ability in patients with peripheral artery disease. The researchers suggest that this approach may worsen pain for participants, limiting their activity levels.
Researchers discovered that brain's midbrain encodes errors in identity expectations, updating frontal lobe for decision-making. Dopamine neurons likely involved in encoding these errors.
A new Northwestern University study reveals that more high school students in Chicago reported carrying guns between 2007 and 2013 compared to those in New York and Los Angeles. The study found a strong correlation between gun carrying and exposure to violence risk factors, suggesting a link to the city's spike in gun violence in 2016.
Researchers developed a new technology to detect and quantify RAS protein mutations, which are found in over 20% of human cancers. The 'top-down' approach provides precise characterization of KRAS4b proteins, revealing new avenues for cancer treatment.
A new Northwestern Medicine study shows that screenings for diabetes and prediabetes could be improved by expanding the screening criteria to include additional risk factors. This would lead to the identification of most cases of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, with only 23% of patients being missed.
A team of scientists has developed a machine learning algorithm that can quickly identify new blends of ingredients for metallic glass, accelerating the discovery process by 200 times. The method uses data from thousands of experiments to pinpoint potential materials and has significant implications for the future of materials science.
A new study published in Chronobiology International found that night owls have a 10% higher risk of dying than morning larks. This is the first study to look at mortality risk and highlights the importance of allowing evening types greater flexibility in working hours.
Researchers develop SyMAPS technique to study self-assembling virus shells, which can be used for disease detection, drug delivery and vaccinations. The technique allows testing of nearly 2,600 versions of the protein, providing insight into how mutations change the scaffolding.
A Northwestern University study links infant skin exposure and genetics to food allergy development, providing potential ways to intervene early. Limiting use of infant wipes with soap and washing hands before handling babies may help avoid developing food allergy.
A Northwestern University study found that parents of LGBTQ teenagers face challenges discussing sexual health, including general discomfort and limited knowledge. The study emphasizes the importance of providing resources to help parents overcome these obstacles and establish supportive relationships with their children.
Scientists have discovered a mutation in the catnap2 gene that causes seizures in people with autism spectrum disorder. The mutation shrinks brain neurons' branches, disrupting message delivery and leading to seizures.
A new Northwestern University study reveals that losing 75% of one's wealth in two years increases the risk of death by 50% over the next 20 years. The research also found that socially vulnerable individuals, including low-income people, are more likely to die after a financial shock.
Researchers found that three-month-old infants can learn same and different relations in just six trials, with better performance when presented with fewer examples but more comparison opportunities. This finding suggests that humans' talent for relational learning is present from infancy and may even be a precursor to language learning.
A study published in Journal of Clinical Investigation found that adult-onset progressive degenerative diseases have their roots in early developmental defects. Researchers used a mouse model of spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 and discovered altered neural circuitry in the cerebellum, which sets the stage for later disease vulnerability.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new method to create high-quality imaging lenses quickly using a 3D printer. The customized optical component can be printed in about four hours and has smooth surface quality, paving the way for applications in optics, vision correction, and disease diagnosis.
A Northwestern University-led team has developed a new way to manufacture proteins outside of a cell, which could have important implications for therapeutics and biomaterials. The team successfully produced high yields of proteins with non-canonical amino acids, opening up possibilities for decentralized manufacturing and distribution...