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.
A new, broad-band tunable infrared laser from Northwestern University offers high-power rapid tuning and has implications for detecting drugs and explosives. The robust, all solid-state laser can be rapidly tuned to capture unique spectral fingerprints of gases.
Researchers discovered mutations in TMEM230, a new gene linked to Parkinson's disease, in patients from North America and Asia. The gene produces a protein involved in dopamine packaging in neurons, which is crucial for movement disorder diagnosis.
A new study found that listening to human vocalizations helps infants form categories, while nonhuman primate vocalizations preserve their early link between signals and categorization. This research highlights the importance of language exposure in early development.
A study from Northwestern University found that some FDA-approved high-risk medical devices used in obstetrics and gynecology were not effective in clinical trials. The authors recommend increasing the burden of proof required for device approval and relying on higher quality studies.
A new study found that bright light exposure increases insulin resistance compared to dim light exposure in both the morning and evening. This could lead to excess blood glucose, weight gain, and a higher risk of diabetes over time. The study suggests that lighting impacts health outcomes.
A new approach using a two-minute video has been shown to boost pneumococcal vaccination rates among older adults, with 64% watching the entire video and receiving the vaccine. The study found that patients who viewed at least part of the video were three times more likely to receive the vaccine.
A Northwestern University study found that a class of drugs inhibiting estrogen production can quickly and effectively suppress brain seizures. The effect was profound and clear, suggesting a new approach to treating seizures by shutting down the brain's production of estrogen when a seizure first begins.
A research team from Northwestern University and Lund University has identified a sensory system in fruit flies that directly detects air humidity, allowing them to adapt to changing environments. Understanding this ability could lead to new tools for mosquito control and inform the prediction of species distribution under global warming.
Researchers at Northwestern University have stabilized exfoliated black phosphorus by covalently bonding a single-molecule-thick layer onto its surface. This enhances electronic properties and prevents degradation in open air, making it suitable for applications such as sensors, transistors, and optoelectronics.
The new lens uses metamaterials and 3D printing to counter the intrinsic imperfections of typical lenses, enabling flawless images without additional corrective components. The technology has potential applications in biomedical research and security imaging, making terahertz imaging cheaper, higher resolution, and more available.
Scientists have identified hundreds of infected cells at different points of initial entry and developed a technology that lights up the location of first cells to be infected. This discovery will enable researchers to develop more effective vaccines against HIV by targeting the primary target of transmission, Th17 cell.
A new study by Northwestern Medicine reveals that low-income families spend 2.5 times more on emergency department and hospitalization costs for children with food allergies, highlighting a significant gap in preventive care and access to special foods and epinephrine auto-injectors.
Scientists discovered that the size of zinc sparks in human eggs is a direct measure of their quality and ability to develop into embryos. This breakthrough could lead to non-invasive and easily visible methods to assess egg health before implantation.
Scientists at Northwestern University have discovered that a mixture of mirror-image molecules can exhibit optical activity when crystallized in the solid state. This finding challenges a long-standing chemical principle and opens up new areas of materials research.
A team at Northwestern University has created a device that can detect different infrared wavebands by varying the applied bias voltage. The breakthrough could enable applications such as three-color infrared imaging and infrared color televisions.
A biodegradable nanoparticle acts like a Trojan horse to convince the immune system not to attack an allergen, shutting down allergic reactions and preventing asthma attacks. The technology also shows promise in treating food allergies.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new process to exfoliate atomically thin phosphorene flakes with high yield and minimal degradation. The method uses deoxygenated water as an environmentally benign solvent, resulting in superior material quality and scalable fabrication.
A global index detailing vulnerable corals and their susceptibility to thermal stress is now available. The index, based on nearly half a century of historical data, will help conservationists and scientists understand the effects of climate change on coral reefs.
A Northwestern University study shows that engaging environment can alleviate depression in genetically depressed rats, suggesting that nurture can override nature. The study found that psychotherapy and behavioral activation therapy can change blood biomarkers for depression, potentially leading to more precise treatment.
A new type of security detection device has been developed, capable of detecting explosives and biological substances from safe distances. The device uses a single-component terahertz source that operates at room temperature and can emit up to multi-milliwatts of power.
A study by Northwestern University found that higher oxytocin levels during pregnancy can predict the severity of postpartum depression symptoms. The research suggests that screening for depression biomarkers in pregnancy could lead to preventive treatment, reducing the likelihood of women seeking help and accepting treatment.
A comprehensive study of delinquent youth found that non-Hispanic whites are 30 times more likely to abuse cocaine than African Americans. Substance use disorders were common among both males and females, with marijuana being the most prevalent substance use disorder during young adulthood.
Conservatives tend to use a more structured approach, while liberals rely on 'Aha!' insights. Research from Northwestern University finds these cognitive styles affect everyday problems beyond politics.
Researchers have discovered that amyloid protein build-up is greater on the left side of the brain, where language processing occurs, in individuals with primary progressive aphasia (PPA). This study provides new insights into the disease process and offers hope for early diagnosis and treatment.
A new treatment combination of palbociclib and fulvestrant has been shown to significantly extend progression-free survival in women with stage-4 breast cancer. The study found that patients treated with the combination experienced a prolonged disease control, which may translate to improved survival.
A new study by Northwestern University research found that low levels of vitamin D are associated with aggressive prostate cancer in men. Men with dark skin or limited sun exposure should get their vitamin D levels checked and supplement if necessary to reduce the risk of aggressive prostate cancer.
Researchers at Northwestern University have designed a way to prevent protein unfolding under mechanical stress, which causes devastating neurodegenerative diseases. By attaching polymers to proteins, they can stabilize their shape and prevent them from unfolding even when subjected to large forces.
A study by Northwestern University found that out-of-state visitors to Colorado's marijuana dispensaries are increasingly visiting the emergency room, with a 109% increase in 2014 compared to 2012. Adverse side effects of cannabis use include anxiety, hallucinations, and cardiovascular issues.
A new detection system for Android could protect smartphones from malicious content, finding that even reputable apps can lead users to websites hosting malicious ads. The team tested one million apps and found that ads asking users to download a program are the most dangerous, containing malicious software about 50% of the time.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new scheme using plasmonics to control infrared plasmons, enabling fast transmission of massive data. By modulating light signals in the near-infrared wavelength region, they can potentially switch signals in optical fibers with high speeds.