Facial exercises improved middle-aged women's facial appearance by increasing muscle volume and reducing visible signs of aging. After 20 weeks, participants showed a significant decrease in age appearance, with average skin firmness and fuller upper and lower cheeks.
A new lithium-rich battery developed by Northwestern University can cycle more lithium ions than its common counterpart, enabling higher capacity batteries that could extend the lifespan of smartphones and cars. By leveraging both iron and oxygen to drive the chemical reaction, the battery's capacity is significantly increased.
A new study explores the ecological knowledge of 4-year-old children from urban Native American, rural Native American, and urban non-Native American communities. The research found that rural Native American children were more verbal in their play, while all children displayed realistic and imaginary ecological relations among living ...
A new Northwestern Medicine study finds that blacks have the same risk of developing diabetes as whites when all biological factors are considered over time. Obesity is identified as the primary cause of early onset diabetes in blacks, with black women developing diabetes at triple the rate of white women.
A Northwestern Medicine study reveals autophagy's promoting role in malignant glioblastoma and identifies MST4 and ATG4B as key players. Inhibiting ATG4B with radiotherapy significantly slows tumor growth, increasing overall survival rates.
A new phase 2 trial found that high-intensity exercise three times a week for six months is safe and decreases worsening of motor symptoms in early-stage Parkinson's disease patients. The study compared high-intensity exercise to moderate intensity and found significant benefits for the high-intensity group.
A Northwestern University team creates quantum entanglement from a biological system using green fluorescent proteins. This finding advances scientists' understanding of biology and opens doors to exploit quantum mechanics for new applications.
A Northwestern University study reveals that fathers of premature babies exhibit higher stress levels after being discharged from the hospital compared to their mothers. The cortisol levels in fathers' saliva increased steadily over 14 days at home, while those of mothers remained stable.
Researchers developed a synthetic cannabis-like drug that was safe and effective in treating obstructive sleep apnea. Participants in the trial had reduced apnea and decreased subjective sleepiness after taking the drug for six weeks.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a novel framework to benchmark and compare the performances of organic mixed conductors. By using electrochemical transistors, they evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of 10 newly developed materials, identifying top-performing conductors for specific applications.
Researchers at Northwestern University have captured on video the collision and fusion of organic nanoparticles for the first time. This unprecedented view enables scientists to study dynamic phenomena in nanoscale materials systems.
A novel imaging system called Ultrasound Bioprobe enables high-resolution views of sub-cellular structures in live cells, overcoming previous limitations. This breakthrough has potential applications in early diagnostics and therapeutic strategies for diseases.
A new Northwestern Medicine clinical trial found that stem cell therapy did not improve walking ability in people with peripheral artery disease, despite exercise showing significant improvements. The study led by Dr. Mary McDermott demonstrated that regular exercise can increase six-minute walking distance in patients with PAD.
A genetic mutation in an extended Amish family in Indiana has been discovered to protect against multiple aspects of biological aging in humans. The mutation results in longer telomeres, lower fasting insulin levels, and reduced diabetes risk.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that water baths were just as effective as bleach baths in reducing eczema symptoms, with no added benefits to using bleach. Regular bathing can help control bacterial infections and prevent dryness, making it a better alternative for patients with eczema.
A study by Northwestern University and Harvard University found that shared decision-making between doctors and patients increased 14% from 2002 to 2014, resulting in better-informed patients who opt for fewer marginal treatments.
Researchers discovered that mild mitochondrial stress signals can prevent protein-folding quality control failure and suppress damaged proteins associated with degenerative diseases. This approach doubles the lifespan of C. elegans and may offer a strategy for increasing cellular health and delaying disease risk in humans.
Researchers develop a new strategy for treating cancer by controlling chromatin packing densities, which determines gene expression and resistance to treatment. The approach has shown promising results in cellular cultures and is now being tested in animal models.
A new study found that SuperAgers -- people aged 80+ with exceptional cognitive ability -- report more satisfying relationships compared to their peers. This association suggests that maintaining strong social networks may be linked to slower cognitive decline.
Magdalena Osburn, a Northwestern University geobiologist, has been awarded a $875,000 Packard Fellowship to study 'microbial dark matter', or unknown microbes that have evaded cultivation in the lab. Her research will explore how these microorganisms interact with their environments and produce chemical signatures.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered that cerium's electronic entropy is the underlying reason for its success in water-splitting technologies. Cerium's large entropy makes it ideal for hydrogen production, opening up possibilities for future work in creating a more efficient and environmentally friendly energy system.
Scientists used a novel gene editing technique to uncover the genetic basis of paraquat-induced Parkinson's disease. The study identified three genes - POR, ATP7A and SLC45A4 - that confer resistance to paraquat, suggesting these genes may be responsible for the toxicity.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a powerful RNA switch that can activate genes thousands of times better than nature, providing precise control over gene expression. This technology has potential applications in diagnostics, metabolic engineering, and regulating RNA networks.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a novel form of cancer therapy using RNA molecules that trigger self-destruction in cancer cells. The mechanism, called DISE, eliminates multiple genes required for cell survival, making cancer cells resistant to treatment.
A new study examining occupational licensing contradicts decades of research, finding that licensure may rigidify reward structures and enhance entry for historically disadvantaged groups. The study reveals that licenses do not limit competition or increase wages, but rather stagnate quality and widen wage inequality.
A Northwestern University research team found a conserved mechanism for nociception in planarian flatworms, fruit flies, and humans. The discovery could lead to new strategies for treating acute pain in humans by designing analgesic drugs targeting the transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) receptor.
For the first time, scientists have detected the collision of two neutron stars using both gravitational waves and light. The historic discovery ushers in a new era in astronomy with multi-messenger astronomy, confirming theoretical predictions and providing new mysteries to understand.
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that surface polarization in mixed media increases the attraction among rare earth elements. This finding could make rare earth recovery faster, easier, and less expensive. The study's results have implications for separating rare earths as well as other elements and nuclear waste removal.
Patients with bipolar disorder who received bright light therapy at midday experienced a higher remission rate of 68% compared to 22.2% on placebo, with significant reductions in depression scores and improvements in daily functioning.
Researchers have discovered a potential method to predict nearby strong earthquakes by analyzing deep tremors. The study, published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, found that changes in deep tremor patterns can signal an impending earthquake.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered that the enzymatic function of the fly enzyme Trr may not be as crucial as previously thought, suggesting alternative explanations for its role in cancer development. The study found that knocking out Trr's catalytic activity did not affect flies' viability or gene expression.
Two Northwestern University studies uncover how egg cells use innovative strategies to detect and prevent division errors, leading to birth defects and miscarriages. The research identifies essential proteins for cell division and a backup process that ensures the correct number of chromosomes is received by the embryo.
A new code of ethical behavior for sharing plastic surgery videos on social media aims to curb vulgar content and prioritize patient safety. The guidelines, proposed by Northwestern Medicine authors, are based on four guiding principles of medical ethics and will be presented at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons annual meeting.
The Northwestern University Materials Research Science and Engineering Center has received a six-year, $15.6 million grant from the National Science Foundation to advance world-class materials research, education, and outreach. The center will support interdisciplinary research groups focusing on reconfigurable nanoelectronic materials...
Researchers found that Parkinson's disease may be caused by maladaptive brain rewiring in the subthalamic nucleus, leading to impaired movement. The study challenges the traditional understanding of brain dysfunction in Parkinson's disease.
A recent Northwestern University meta-analysis found striking stability in discrimination against African-Americans, despite a decline in Latino discrimination. Researchers analyzed data from field experiments of hiring between 1990 and 2015, finding that racial gaps in the labor force persist regardless of educational attainment.
Researchers have identified a toxic cascade in Parkinson's disease and found that treating dopamine neurons with antioxidants early on may prevent degeneration and improve neuron function. The study also highlights the importance of studying human neurons to develop new therapies.
Research reveals that prey use both speed of approach and proximity of predator to calculate best escape route, leading to a more nuanced understanding of self-preservation instincts. The study also sheds light on the neural mechanics that fuel this fundamental behavior in animals, including humans.
Researchers challenge traditional battery commercialization approach by incorporating lessons from the pharmaceutical industry. They propose a tailored proposal for entrepreneurs, investors, manufacturers, and policymakers to fuel battery innovation, including niche applications, strategic partnerships, targeted capital raises, and cus...
A Northwestern Medicine study reveals that many 'fragrance-free' and 'hypoallergenic' moisturizers contain allergens, making it difficult for patients to find affordable and safe options. The study found that only 12% of the top-selling moisturizers were free of common skin allergens.
A new study published in Nature Communications reveals that DNA molecules move faster as they enter a nanopore and slower when exiting, due to buckling under compressive forces. This finding could inform the design of biosensors and have real-world applications in polymer properties measurement.
A biodegradable nanoparticle injection after a spinal cord injury prevents inflammation and scarring that inhibits repair. Mice with the treatment were able to walk better than those without, suggesting a potential new approach for human spinal cord injury treatment.
A Northwestern University study found that most Instagram providers marketing cosmetic surgery are not board-certified plastic surgeons, leading to patient harm and risk. Non-qualified providers include dentists, barbers, and hair salons, confusing patients and putting them at risk.
Researchers have developed a novel approach to track HIV infection by identifying individual viral particles associated with infection. The new method reveals that uncoating leading to infection occurs early in the cytoplasm, around 30 minutes after cell fusion.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a range of bioactive tissue papers made from materials derived from organs, which can potentially be used to support natural hormone production in young cancer patients and aid wound healing. The new biomaterials are thin, flexible, and pliable enough to fold into origami structures.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new method that combines design and nanomanufacturing to create optimal nanostructured surfaces for solar cells. The technique uses mathematical functions and machine learning to fabricate quasi-random structures, resulting in increased light absorption and improved efficiency.
A team of astronomers has discovered a superluminous supernova in a spiral galaxy, which is rich in elements heavier than hydrogen and helium. This discovery challenges current ideas about the origin of such powerful explosions.
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that up to half of the Milky Way's matter may have originated from distant galaxies through intergalactic transfer. This phenomenon, identified in simulations, shows that gas flows from smaller galaxies to larger ones, such as the Milky Way, forming stars.
New research from Northwestern University suggests that children who live in neighborhoods with high rates of violent crime struggle more in school due to sleep disruption and increased stress hormone cortisol. The study found that violent crimes alter sleep patterns, leading to a negative impact on academic performance.
A new model suggests that police should use confrontational tactics in areas with high gang violence to deter crime, while avoiding them in areas with low community trust. The model also highlights vast racial disparities in police stops and arrests.