A new Northwestern Medicine study links a biological age discrepancy to increased cancer risk and mortality. The study found that individuals with an epigenetic age 2.2 years older than their chronological age have a higher risk of dying from cancer.
A new study found that 24-month-old infants from the US and China share similar attention patterns for objects and events, but also show culturally specific differences. Infants in China preferred looking at scenes featuring a new action, while those in the US focused on new objects.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that an adolescent male's attitude toward risky sex, pregnancy, and birth control can predict whether he will end up living with his future offspring. Young men who felt more favorable towards pregnancy had a higher chance of becoming nonresident fathers.
A Northwestern University research team has discovered telling clues about the materials and methods used by Roman-Egyptian artists to paint lifelike mummy portraits. The analysis provides strong evidence on how many of the 15 paintings were made, shedding light on the evolution of painting techniques in the Byzantine Empire.
A new Northwestern University study found that about a third of adolescents experience severe and ongoing bullying, which can lead to major depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study also highlighted the importance of addressing these patterns in schools through policies and programs.
A new landmark national study by Northwestern Medicine found that allowing surgical residents to work longer hours without compromising patient safety improved patient care and resident training. The FIRST trial investigated 4,330 residents and 138,691 patients, with similar rates of complications in both groups.
Researchers demonstrate selective gene delivery to modified upper motor neurons, showing promise for future gene replacement therapies. The study provides evidence that targets diseased cells with high specificity, laying the groundwork for effective treatment strategies.
Researchers developed a new hybrid polymer that combines rigid covalent bonds with soft supramolecular polymers. This allows for the creation of self-repairing materials, drug delivery systems and artificial muscles. The unique structure enables the polymer to lift weights, contracting and expanding like muscles.
Researchers discovered young star populations in old globular clusters that formed from gas flowing in from outside the cluster itself. This challenge traditional understanding of star birth and highlights the complex nature of globular clusters.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new biodegradable material that can reduce scarring in blood vessels, potentially preventing deadly blockages. Early tests show the material can reduce cell migration by 57 percent.
A new Northwestern University and UCLA study found that young people with high neuroticism are highly likely to develop both anxiety and depression disorders. Researchers suggest a single intervention could help prevent the development of both conditions.
Researchers found that HIV persists in lymphoid tissue despite potent antiretroviral therapy, and that low-level replication maintains viral reservoirs. The study provides a new perspective on how to deliver drugs to effectively eradicate the virus.
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered crumpled graphene balls as a promising lubricant additive that outperforms some commercial lubricants in reducing friction and wear on steel surfaces. The additive is self-dispersing without surfactants and has high performance sensitivity to concentration, making it more stable.
A Northwestern University study uses fruit fly genetics to understand how normal cells switch to specialized states and how this process might go wrong in cancer. Researchers found that a protein called Yan fluctuates wildly during this transition, suggesting a critical role in the development of cancer cells.
A study from Northwestern University found that many parents are unaware of how to use an epinephrine auto-injector and have a written emergency food allergy action plan. The guidelines for treatment are not being followed, highlighting the need for improved communication between doctors and parents.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a way to train smartphone activity trackers to spot fake activity, increasing accuracy from 38% to 84%. The system learns to recognize patterns of cheating, such as shaking the phone while lounging on the couch, and can generalize it across individuals.
A team of Northwestern University engineers has created a new way to print three-dimensional metallic objects using rust and metal powders, expanding the types of metals, alloys, and architectures that can be additively manufactured. The method uses liquid inks and common furnaces, resulting in a cheaper, faster, and more uniform process.
A Northwestern University team has developed a mid-infrared tunable laser integrated into an on-chip amplifier, demonstrating an order-of-magnitude increase in output power. The new technology allows for adjustable wavelength output, modulators, and amplifiers in a single package, enabling more efficient detection of hazardous chemicals.
Scientists have developed a new treatment strategy that restores a brain region controlling emotions and reduces chronic pain behavior in animal models. The combined drugs target brain circuits and eliminate chronic pain when administered together shortly after an injury.
Researchers have successfully synthesized a two-dimensional sheet of boron, known as borophene, with metallic properties at the nanoscale. The material's unique atomic configuration and anisotropy result in a high tensile strength, making it a promising candidate for applications in electronics and photovoltaics.
A new coaching program at Northwestern University is boosting the persistence of underrepresented minority and female Ph.D. students towards academic careers. The program, which includes guidance from diverse coaches and peers, has shown positive results in increasing confidence and reducing feelings of pressure and isolation.
Multiple sclerosis may be triggered by the death of brain cells that make the insulation around nerve fibers. Nanoparticles have been shown to prevent progressive MS in an animal model, offering new hope for human treatments without side effects.
A Northwestern University study finds that universities' messages about socioeconomic diversity can affect academic confidence and sense of self-worth in students from low-income backgrounds. Students perceived as 'warm' versus 'chilly' towards socioeconomic diversity reported different levels of academic confidence and expectations.
Children with common allergies like asthma and hay fever have a higher rate of hypertension and high cholesterol, setting them up for heart disease early on. Inflammation from these conditions may contribute to cardiovascular risks.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a technique that allows them to read the mind of a fly by lighting up active conversations between neurons during behaviors or sensory experiences. This can provide valuable insights into the computational processes underlying human brain function.
A new Northwestern Medicine project aims to better understand the effects of asthma and eczema on children's quality of life. The study will use PROMIS tools to measure the impact of these conditions, providing researchers and clinicians with more accurate assessments.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new thermoelectric material that converts waste heat to electricity more efficiently than previous materials. By doping tin selenide with sodium, they increased the material's performance, enabling it to produce significantly more electricity from the same amount of heat input.
A new approach has been discovered to reduce uncontrolled movements caused by levodopa, a common Parkinson's disease medication. By boosting the functioning of a specific brain receptor, scientists have found that side effects such as dyskinesia can be dramatically reduced.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a microfluidic device to sort neural stem cell populations, making them easier to study. The device uses inertial forces to isolate single stem cells, reducing stress on the cells and preserving their multipotency.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed Wi-FM, a technique that uses ambient FM radio signals to mitigate interference between competing wireless networks. By analyzing usage patterns and adapting to changes, Wi-FM enables devices to harmonize their signals and reduce slow speeds, resulting in improved network performance.
A new Northwestern Medicine study has identified thousands of genetic pathways that regulate insulin production and blood sugar control in the pancreas, which could lead to new therapies for children and adults with diabetes. The researchers created a detailed map of genes controlled by the circadian clock's transcription factors.
Researchers have developed a new mathematical method to characterize non-uniform semiconductors with improved efficiency and precision. The method measures electrical conductivity in a single piece of material using a magnetic field, revealing variations across the entire sample.
Researchers found that infants can identify and link new sounds to meaning, indicating a social capacity for recognizing and learning from novel communicative signals. This ability broadens our understanding of infants' coordination of social, language, and cognitive development.
Researchers at Northwestern University found Cuba's Internet connection to be among the poorest in the Americas, with information traveling back from the US taking up to 270 milliseconds. The team is exploring a possible configuration problem or routing policy as the cause of this delay.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that blood pressure medication can reduce cardiovascular disease risk, but it cannot undo all previous damage. Middle-aged adults with well-controlled hypertension on medication had a higher risk of end-organ damage compared to those without treatment.
A new RNA editing technique called exon skipping has shown promising results in treating a rare and severe form of muscular dystrophy. The treatment, licensed to the Kurt+Peter Foundation, aims to slow down muscle decline and stabilize function in individuals with Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Type 2C.
A Northwestern University engineering team has designed a data visualization system to provide real-time insights into the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. The system uses historical and real-time data to forecast participant concentrations, helping officials plan accordingly.
A novel computational framework allows researchers to predict the properties of cellulose nanocomposites by modifying surface chemistry. The approach enables designing materials with targeted properties, such as improved hydrogen bonding with polymers.
Northwestern Medicine researchers aim to develop new treatments for uterine fibroids using novel targets and pathways. The NIH grant supports projects focused on progesterone effects, nuclear receptors, and AKT pathway modification.
Researchers have demonstrated a novel method to create protein polymers that can display new functionalities, including temperature responsiveness. By changing the decoration points on the protein, they found that the functional properties of the polymer were influenced.
A Northwestern University expert found mixed results on human preparedness for tsunamis, with significant progress made in tsunami science and education. However, substantial challenges remain, including the impact of 'tsunami earthquakes' and the need to incorporate new knowledge into warning procedures.
Scientists have found that neurons in a little-studied part of the brain become more active with age, leading to potential new treatments for memory loss and Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that future therapies will need to account for different effects across various brain regions.
A new study found that patients on one-fourth the suggested dose of beta-blockers survived at the same rate or even better than those on higher doses, increasing survival by 20-25%. The research suggests that beta-blocker dosing needs to be personalized for individual patients.
A research team at Northwestern University has developed a computational algorithm that leverages cells' noisy nature to control the networks governing cellular behavior. By controlling a smaller network of state transitions, they can promote cellular health and prevent disease.
Northwestern University has received a $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation to establish a national resource for nanotechnology facilities and expertise. The Soft and Hybrid Nanotechnology Experimental (SHyNE) Resource provides integrated capabilities for researchers, including small businesses and industry users.
Professor Michael Frakes will examine the relationship between medical malpractice laws and health care outcomes using a unique data set from the Military Health System. The four-year study aims to identify the impact of liability pressure on practice patterns, medical costs and patient outcomes.
A multidisciplinary team is developing guidelines for the most effective antidepressant doses throughout pregnancy and postpartum, building on recent initiatives like CDC's Treating for Two and FDA's new labeling requirements.
Researchers develop cell-free protein synthesis platform to manufacture human phosphoproteins, enabling study of protein function and structure. The technology has the potential to pave the way for new drugs for diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's.
Researchers at Northwestern University found that discrimination during adolescence can have a lasting impact on cortisol levels, leading to flatter diurnal rhythms and increased risk of fatigue, mental health issues, and cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that cumulative experiences of discrimination, particularly during adole...
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a solution to create stable carbon nanotube-based integrated circuits using newly designed encapsulation layers. These layers protect the sensitive devices from environmental degradation, enabling reliable operation for years or even decades.