Researchers identified a link between Huntington's disease and dysfunction of the subthalamic nucleus, leading to progressive loss of nerve cells and debilitating symptoms. The study suggests that early problems in the subthalamic nucleus contribute to the development of the disease.
A new study by Northwestern Medicine documents poor long-term outcomes of delinquent youth after juvenile detention, highlighting stark racial and ethnic disparities. Females functioned significantly better than males in nearly every domain, despite facing similar problems.
A Northwestern Medicine study shows that trained partners can catch far more mole irregularities than control group participants, growing their confidence and trust along the way. Common areas prone to developing fatal melanoma include hard-to-see spots on the body.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a method to 'rewire' human immune cells to sense and respond to tumor signals, potentially overcoming immunosuppression in cancer treatment. The customized function could also be useful in fighting other diseases.
A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals a significant connection between exposure to gang violence and severe depression, with 36% of women exhibiting post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The research highlights the often-overlooked impact of traumatic experiences on mental health in disadvantaged neighborhoods.
Scientists found that breathing rhythm affects memory and fear by synchronizing activity in the human brain. Inhaling through the nose heightens memory and response to fearful stimuli, while mouth breathing eliminates these effects.
A Northwestern University study found that applying petroleum jelly to high-risk newborns can prevent eczema, a costly skin disorder. The cost benefit of prophylactic moisturization was $353 per quality-adjusted life year, making it an affordable option.
A Northwestern University research team developed a mathematical model that predicts the evolution of two distinct subspecies in ornamented animals, one with flashy ornaments for attracting mates and one with subdued ornaments. The study found evidence from nature agrees with the model, showing many species split into these subgroups.
A wearable device measures key biomarkers in sweat to monitor health during exercise and detect diseases like cystic fibrosis. The low-cost, flexible device analyzes biomarker concentrations using colorimetric analysis and provides real-time results.
A Northwestern University study found that female faculty in STEM disciplines, particularly genomics, face challenges in collaboration patterns and career advancement. Despite having similar collaborator numbers, females tend to return to the same collaborators less often than males.
A Northwestern University study found that female faculty are underrepresented in genomics, with unequal collaboration patterns and negative cultural milieus detected. The researchers found that women have as many collaborators as men but tend to return to the same collaborators less often.
A new paper from Northwestern University researcher Adam Safron suggests that orgasm is linked to synchronized brain activity and neural entrainment, producing a sensory absorption and trance-like state. This understanding could change the way people view their sexuality, emphasizing the role of rhythmic aspects in sexual experiences.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a technology platform that provides high-resolution representation of RNA folding during synthesis. This breakthrough allows for the study of RNA folding in unprecedented detail, potentially leading to discoveries in basic biology, gene expression, and disease.
Researchers pinpoint unique brain region for placebo response in pain relief, enabling targeted pain therapy and more accurate clinical trials. This finding could lead to personalized medicine for the 100 million Americans with chronic pain.
A new telemedicine program offers specialized speech therapy for people with dementia-related language problems, significantly improving their ability to recall words they had lost. The Communication Bridge program uses a secure video-chat platform and home assignments like virtual flashcards to support language memory.
Researchers discovered that muscle tissue has a built-in clock controlling energy efficiency, with optimal performance during the day. The finding suggests that humans may be able to respond better to exercise during daylight hours.
A new method uses genetic algorithms to rapidly identify top materials for pre-combustion carbon capture. A variant of NOTT-101 has been found to have the highest capacity for capturing carbon and good selectivity, meeting the DOE's 90% CO2 removal target.
A study at Northwestern University found that genetic variants affect how people metabolize caffeine, impacting their coffee consumption habits. The research also discovered a link between caffeine metabolism and nicotine metabolism, with potential implications for precision medicine.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed flexible, biodegradable stents that can be customized for a patient's specific anatomy using 3D printing techniques. The stents are designed to minimize complications and improve healing processes in blood vessels.
A new imaging technique can predict who is most at risk for stroke due to atrial fibrillation. The technique, called 'atrial 4D flow CMR,' detects blood flow velocity and can help reduce over-treatment of patients.
Scientists at Northwestern University discovered a new brain pathway that can be manipulated to alleviate depression. The BMP signaling pathway plays a key role in depression and can be targeted by a new molecule called Noggin, which stimulates neurogenesis and blocks the pathway.
A new imaging technique enables researchers to visualize chromatin's dynamic processes in live cells, revealing its organization and response to stimuli. This breakthrough offers insights into the complex relationship between chromatin and gene expression, with potential implications for understanding cancer development.
A research team has discovered that male animals trigger female reproduction through their chemical signals, which also hasten females' aging process. The study found two distinct signals produced by males that affect female physiology, with one causing earlier puberty and the other slowing down aging.
A Northwestern University team has developed a nanomaterial that can store large amounts of electrical energy like a battery and charge rapidly like a supercapacitor, promising to improve electric car efficiency. The material's stability allows for 10,000 charge/discharge cycles, making it suitable for commercial applications.
Researchers found that rats rely heavily on their whiskers to locate airflow sources, even when other sensory cues are available. The discovery could lead to the development of artificial flow sensors for robots.
A new regenerative bandage heals diabetic foot ulcers faster and promotes healing without cancer risk, according to Northwestern University researchers. The bandage delivers a protein that recruits stem cells and creates new blood vessels, improving wound repair.
A mindfulness-based intervention reduced depressive symptoms and stress among African-American women with lower socio-economic status. Participants learned yoga, breathing techniques, and body scans to manage daily stresses and gain control over their emotions.
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that DNA naturally fluoresces under certain conditions, allowing for label-free super-resolution imaging without the need for toxic fluorescent stains. This breakthrough could revolutionize the understanding of biological processes by providing more accurate images of living cells.
A study sent twice-weekly text messages to 1 million people in India advising them to exercise, eat less fat, and eat more fruits and vegetables, resulting in a 40% improvement in health behaviors. The intervention increased fruit and vegetable consumption and reduced fat consumption.
A new Northwestern Medicine study finds that ovarian environment changes with age, leading to decreased egg quality and fertility issues. Fibrotic and inflamed ovaries are identified as key factors contributing to this decline.
Haptics researchers at Northwestern University have discovered that ultrasonic vibrations cause fingers to bounce on touchscreens, reducing friction. This phenomenon is caused by the air trapped between the finger and screen compressing and acting like a spring, allowing the finger to fall onto a cushion of air instead of the screen.
A novel mid-wavelength infrared phototransistor device has the potential to replace traditional radio-frequency wireless data links. This technology uses low-power and low-cost alternative to FSO communications, providing high-speed data links with reduced limitations.
A new platform called spectroscopic photon localization microscopy (SPLM) increases the resolution of molecular imaging by fourfold, making it faster and simpler. This breakthrough can be applied to various fields like materials science and life sciences to study nanoscale environments.
A recent study by Northwestern University found that metastatic prostate cancer cases have increased by 72% between 2004 and 2013, with men aged 55-69 being disproportionately affected. The study suggests that both more aggressive disease and lax screening may be contributing factors.
A new Northwestern University study shows that infants can discern between categories as early as 9 months old, depending on the names used to describe them. This finding highlights the impact of language on cognitive development, suggesting that naming influences the identification of discrete categories in infants.
Scientists at Northwestern University have identified a novel target for depression treatment by manipulating HCN channels in the hippocampus. Reducing these channel's function has been shown to improve mood in mice, offering new hope for millions of patients who don't respond to existing treatments.
A new study found that the latest government guidelines for diabetes screening missed 55% of high-risk individuals with prediabetes or diabetes. Racial and ethnic minorities were disproportionately affected, with only 50% of African-American patients and 37% of Latino patients falling within the recommended age and weight ranges.
Scientists have discovered a way to control the interactions among microscopic spheres, causing them to self-propel into swarms, chains, and clusters. This breakthrough enables various applications in medicine, chemistry, and engineering, as well as advancing our understanding of collective dynamic behavior.
Researchers at Northwestern University have identified a new framework for understanding the role of dopamine neurons in movement control and learning/reward. The study found two distinct populations of dopamine neurons, one carrying signals for motor control and movement, and the other transmitting signals about unpredicted reward.
A new study by Northwestern University finds that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is associated with improved subjective memory in breast cancer survivors. Higher levels of physical activity are linked to lower distress, less fatigue, and higher self-confidence, which in turn aids memory.
A Northwestern University study found that 40% of top-selling sunscreens on Amazon.com fail to meet water or sweat resistance standards. Consumers spend up to 3,000% more for similar products, highlighting a need for affordable and effective options.
A Northwestern University research team has developed a tool to rapidly test millions of nanoparticles at once, similar to gene chips in biology. The combinatorial library approach enables scientists to quickly identify the best nanoparticle size and composition for various applications.
The structure-mapping engine (SME) enables computers to reason more like humans and make moral decisions by leveraging cognitive science theories. SME can handle the size and complexity of relational representations needed for visual reasoning, cracking textbook problems, and solving moral dilemmas.
The detection confirms the existence of binary black holes with a range of masses, forming from different stars. The event provides valuable data on gravitational waves and the nature of gravity, shedding light on the universe's most violent cosmic events.
Mothers who develop postpartum depression often experience protective risk factors, but once their babies are born, they show more obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Women who had depression before becoming pregnant were more likely to experience hypersomnia and difficulty falling asleep.
Astrophysicists at Northwestern University predict that LIGO's first detection of merging black holes could have been formed through dynamic interactions in the star-dense core of an old globular cluster. The theory, known as dynamical formation, is one of two recognized main channels for forming binary black holes detected by LIGO.
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that layered perovskite ferroelectrics can completely lose their polarization when subjected to too much strain. This unexpected finding opens up new avenues for developing more efficient logic devices and memory elements.
The algorithm combines all published algae studies prior to February 2015 to rank genetic types' thermotolerance, helping identify colonies at risk from climate change. By pinpointing thermotolerant algae, conservationists can focus their efforts on preserving coral reefs.
Researchers have identified a genetic mutation in the TEK gene that causes primary congenital glaucoma, a devastating eye disease affecting children worldwide. The finding validates previous research in mice and suggests a new therapeutic pathway to repair damaged vessels in the eye.
A new drug called ixekizumab has shown significant promise in treating moderate to severe psoriasis, with 80 percent of patients experiencing complete or near-complete clearance of their symptoms. The long-term efficacy and safety of the treatment will be monitored closely.