The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) has confirmed the third detection of gravitational waves, revealing a population of black holes that were previously unknown. The detected black holes have masses ranging from 21 to 49 times that of the sun, shedding light on the existence of heavy black hole pairs.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that taking antidepressants during pregnancy is not associated with neonatal problems at two to four weeks after birth. Instead, preterm birth was the major factor linked to newborn signs of agitation and restlessness.
A recent study found that a cancer drug called ibrutinib can reduce allergic skin test reactivity by 80-90% in patients with certain types of leukemia and lymphoma. The treatment also showed promise in preventing reactions to common airborne allergens, such as cat dander and ragweed.
Scientists at Northwestern University have developed a lightweight, porous crystal with unprecedented structural complexity using uranium and organic linkers. The new material has a high surface area, pore volume, and water stability, making it suitable for separating small molecules and enzymes.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that weekly glucocorticoid steroid doses, such as prednisone, promote muscle repair and recovery in muscle injuries. The study showed that daily doses cause muscle wasting, but weekly doses stimulate the production of annexins and KLF15 proteins, leading to improved muscle performance.
Researchers at Northwestern University have created bioprosthetic mouse ovaries using 3D printing, which not only ovulate but also give birth to healthy pups. The study's findings suggest that scaffold architecture plays a crucial role in follicle survival, paving the way for potential human applications.
African-Americans experience a drop in systolic blood pressure when moving to less segregated neighborhoods, with reductions ranging from 1-5 points. The study suggests that less stress and better access to resources contribute to the decrease in blood pressure.
Researchers created long chains of micron-sized metal spheres using an electric field, which then maintained their structure without the need for further application. The discovery could lead to new electronic devices and methods for fabricating conductive paths on different substrates.
An international team of scientists has determined the 3-D atomic structure of over 1,000 proteins that are potential drug and vaccine targets. The experimentally determined structures have been deposited into the World-Wide Protein Data Bank, freely available to the scientific community.
A new Northwestern University study finds that teaching positive emotion skills to men with HIV reduces their viral load and improves mental health. The intervention, which consisted of eight weekly sessions, also led to increased happiness and a stronger immune system.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed Sketch Worksheets, a software that analyzes and provides feedback on student sketches to help them learn various subjects. The software uses CogSketch's visual processing algorithms and analogy model to compare student and instructor sketches, providing immediate feedback on mistakes.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a novel 3D printing method that uses simulants of Martian and lunar dust to create flexible, elastic, and tough structures. The method, known as 3D-painting, enables the creation of functional objects such as habitats and building blocks using local resources.
Claude-André Faucher-Giguère, a Northwestern University astrophysicist, has received a Faculty Early Career Development Program award from the National Science Foundation. The $794,304 grant will support improved galaxy formation simulations and interactive visualizations for public outreach.
Researchers found that SuperAgers' brains shrink more slowly than peers', resulting in greater resistance to memory loss and dementia. The study suggests that age-related cognitive decline is not inevitable, contradicting traditional approaches to Alzheimer's research.
A Northwestern University study found that free-floating proteins can break up protein-DNA bonds at a single-binding site, disrupting gene expression. This discovery challenges previous beliefs about the stability of protein-DNA interactions and has implications for understanding biological processes in living cells.
Scientists at Northwestern University have developed a miniature female reproductive tract that can test new drugs for safety and effectiveness in women. The EVATAR system, made with human tissue, mimics the body's dynamics and will help understand diseases such as endometriosis, fibroids, and cancer.
A new Chrome extension called ScaleUp improves web browsing speeds at 30,000 feet by increasing image size and simplifying font loads. The solution reduces latency and packet loss, providing faster Internet access to air travelers.
Prolonged exposure to finasteride and dutasteride increases the risk of persistent erectile dysfunction (PED) in young men. The study found that men with longer exposure had a 4.9-fold higher risk of PED than those with shorter exposure.
A team of researchers developed a new material that regrows quality bone in the affected area without developing scar tissue. The breakthrough could potentially treat patients with severe skull or facial injuries, making painful bone grafting obsolete.
A new study from Northwestern University finds that sound wave stimulation synchronized to brain waves triples memory scores in older adults and enhances deep sleep. The technique, which uses real-time brain wave analysis, shows promise as a non-meditation approach to improving brain health.
Researchers at Northwestern University designed a quantum cascade laser (QCL) frequency comb that is one order of magnitude more efficient than previous iterations. The new design emits over four times the output power, making it suitable for detecting industrial emissions, explosives, and chemical warfare agents.
Researchers propose that fish first transitioned to land because of enhanced eyesight, which enabled them to see food on land. This hypothesis is supported by the discovery of large eyes in early terrestrial vertebrates, suggesting that vision played a key role in the evolution of limbs.
Scientists at Northwestern University and University of Michigan report creating the most complex nanoparticle crystal ever made, with potential applications in controlling light, capturing pollutants, and delivering therapeutics. The crystal structure was achieved through a combination of DNA technology and controlled nanoparticle shape.
Researchers at Northwestern University have found a molecule that stops the growth of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a fatal pediatric brain tumor. The study, published in Nature Medicine, reveals the molecule detaches proteins that enable cancer cells to grow, offering new treatment options for children under 10.
A Northwestern University study found that eliminating certain receptor genes in mice leads to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)-like behaviors, such as excessive grooming. The research provides strong evidence for the biological basis of OCD and may lead to new treatments for the disorder.
Researchers at Northwestern University successfully integrated borophene with an organic material, forming a self-assembled monolayer next to the borophene sheet. This breakthrough enables the formation of well-controlled interfaces between distinct materials, which is crucial for creating diodes and photovoltaics.
A new £250,000 grant will support the development of a cross-cultural scale to assess household water insecurity globally. The researchers aim to create a reliable method to measure how many people are affected by not having enough water for daily activities, with potential impacts on mental and physical health, economic productivity, ...
Researchers from Northwestern University developed a new approach to improve night-vision cameras using strained-layer indium arsenide/indium arsenide antimonide type-II superlattices. The new design enables infrared cameras to perform imaging at higher temperatures, reducing the need for cryogenic cooling power.
A recent study by Northwestern University researcher Linda Teplin found alarming premature mortality rates among delinquent youth, with 111 deaths recorded 16 years after detention. The study revealed significant risk factors in adolescence, including drug dealing and gang membership, which increased the likelihood of later mortality.
Shari Diamond, a renowned expert on jury process and legal decision-making, will discuss the importance of involving scientists in the legal system. Her presentation highlights insights from an American Academy of Arts and Sciences study that examines the barriers to effective engagement between science and law.
Researchers have developed a new imaging technology that sees DNA naturally fluoresce, allowing for the study of individual biomolecules and global patterns of gene expression. This breakthrough could yield insights into cancer and other diseases.
A Northwestern University and Los Alamos National Laboratory team developed a novel workflow to design new materials with useful electronic properties. By combining machine learning and density functional theory calculations, they created design guidelines for ferroelectricity and piezoelectricity.
A study by Northwestern University found that delinquent youth are more likely to have multiple sexual partners and engage in unprotected vaginal sex with high-risk partners as they age. This risk is particularly pronounced among African American males, who are over four times more likely to have multiple partners.
Northwestern University scientists have developed a tiny, transparent device that can detect ultrasound waves, potentially helping diagnose diseases like macular degeneration and diabetes. The Micro-ring resonator detector uses optical ultrasound detection methods to create high-resolution images of biological materials.
Researchers at Northwestern University have identified a retinal cell that may cause myopia when it dysfunctions, and this dysfunction may be triggered by excessive indoor time. The discovery could lead to a new therapeutic target to control myopia.
Researchers studying NASA astronaut Scott Kelly's gut bacteria found changes associated with spaceflight that reversed upon return to Earth. The study, part of the 'twins' research, also discovered fluctuations in bacterial populations between identical twin brothers Scott and Mark Kelly.
A Northwestern University study of 25 years of data reveals a persistent connection between economic insecurity and the rate of gun violence at US schools. The researchers found that periods of heightened unemployment are associated with an increased risk of school shootings.
Researchers found that eastward travel had significant negative effects on MLB players' performance, particularly in base running and home runs allowed. The study's findings suggest that jet lag can have a substantial impact on team performance, even erasing the traditional home field advantage.
A new computational design strategy identifies promising cathode coatings to protect lithium-ion batteries from degradation, extending device lifespan. Northwestern University researchers developed the approach using a massive materials database, ranking top candidates and accelerating experimental testing.
A Northwestern University team developed a new computational model that performs at human levels on the Raven's Progressive Matrices, a nonverbal standardized test. The model's ability to solve complex visual problems and understand analogies provides evidence for the importance of symbolic representations and analogy in visual reasoning.
Scientists at Northwestern University used non-invasive brain stimulation to target specific memory networks, enhancing spatial precision and retention. The treatment showed lasting benefits of up to 24 hours, outperforming previous studies on short-lived effects.
The Chicago Biomedical Consortium has received a $21 million funding commitment from the Searle Funds at The Chicago Community Trust. This support will focus on fostering entrepreneurship among university researchers and promote translational research projects. The CBC is launching new initiatives, including forums for commercializatio...
A team of researchers from Northwestern University studied the exoskeleton of the Cotinis mutabilis beetle using nanomechanics. They discovered unique fibers with higher density along the length than transverse, leading to improved mechanical properties and inspiring new artificial materials.
A study found that performing even a third of the recommended activity is beneficial for older adults with arthritis. Participants who achieved a minimum of 45 minutes of moderate activity, such as brisk walking, per week were 80% more likely to improve or sustain high function over two years.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a genetic driver of mixed lineage leukemia, a rare and deadly form of childhood leukemia. They identified a targeted molecular therapy that halts the proliferation of leukemic cells by stabilizing the wild-type MLL protein, which drives cancer.
Julio Ottino, Northwestern University dean, receives prestigious Bernard M. Gordon Prize for Innovation in Engineering and Technology Education. Whole-Brain Engineering has transformed education at McCormick, Northwestern, beyond, emphasizing creativity, design, and divergent thinking.
A new Northwestern University study found that 13 speedy mini-apps, IntelliCare, significantly reduced depression and anxiety in participants who used them up to four times a day. The apps offer various exercises and strategies to improve mental well-being, resulting in a 50% decrease in depressive and anxiety symptoms.
A study from Northwestern University found that preterm infants establish a strong foundation for linking language and meaning, similar to their full-term counterparts. This discovery challenges previous obstacles in language and cognitive development observed in preterm infants.
Researchers at Northwestern University's Auditory Neuroscience Laboratory have discovered a biological marker in the auditory system that can reliably diagnose concussions. The study found that children who suffered concussions had a distinct pattern in their brain activity when exposed to sound, which could be used to identify them.
A new Northwestern University study reveals that HIV patients have a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes, even when the virus is undetectable in their blood. The risk is estimated to be about 50% higher than predicted by current calculators.