Researchers found a molecular clue to aging in transparent roundworm C. elegans, discovering that adult cells begin their downhill slide when an animal reaches reproductive maturity. The study suggests that a genetic switch is responsible for turning off cell stress responses, starting the decline of adult animals.
A study by Northwestern University found that new fathers experience significant weight gain, averaging 3.5 to 4.5 pounds, which can lead to increased risks of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Pediatricians are in a unique position to counsel dads on maintaining their health due to the lack of personal physicians among new fathers.
A new technology called Sticky-flares offers the first real-time method to track and observe RNA distribution in living cells. The tool helps scientists understand the complexities of RNA better than any analytical technique, with potential applications in disorders such as mental disability, autism, and cancer.
A Northwestern University study found that music training during high school can enhance the teenage brain's responses to sound and sharpen hearing and language skills. The research suggests that music instruction helps improve critical skills for academic success, potentially offsetting negative influences of poverty on sound processing.
A new study by Northwestern University and the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory found that perovskite solar modules have a significantly shorter energy payback time than existing options, with some models returning energy investment in just two to three months. The researchers also analyzed the environmental impa...
A study by Northwestern University found that smartphone sensor data can detect depression with 87% accuracy, analyzing time spent on phones and daily locations. The research uses GPS tracking and algorithms to identify patterns associated with depression, paving the way for passive detection and potential interventions.
Northwestern University's Michael S. Horn has received a $400,000 Faculty Early Career Development Award to design interactive computer experiences for young people in museums, homes, and out-of-school programs. His goal is to increase diversity in postsecondary computer science programs.
Researchers discovered a biological test that can identify children with literacy challenges or learning disabilities long before they learn to read. The study found that pre-readers' brains inefficiently process speech against background noise, predicting future reading skills and language development.
A new proton-conducting system created by Northwestern University professor Jiaxing Huang uses stacked clay sheets to concentrate protons for conduction. This breakthrough material has significant advantages over graphene-based sheets and other materials, including ease of production and high thermal stability.
Youth from low-income families who achieve success academically and socially may experience a physical toll on their health. High levels of self-control, which facilitates success, are associated with faster cellular aging and poorer health outcomes in adulthood.
A new psoriasis drug called guselkumab has been shown to be more effective than the current standard of care in treating moderate-to-severe psoriasis. The study found that 81% of patients taking a 200-mg dose of guselkumab had cleared or minimal psoriasis after 40 weeks.
Researchers exploring strategies in biology to create different mechanical properties, such as draglines and pheromonal trails, reveal principles that inform new material designs. By understanding nanoconfinement and the role of mechanics in biological systems, scientists can speed up discovery and develop innovative materials.
A new Northwestern Medicine research center will investigate the potential heart damage caused by excess dietary phosphate, particularly in African Americans. The goal is to find new ways to prevent and treat heart failure and build evidence for regulating phosphate in the food supply.
A new study from Northwestern University finds that virtual training for veterans with PTSD and individuals with severe mental illness significantly increases their chances of getting a job offer. The program teaches them how to ace job interviews by building rapport with the interviewer.
Researchers found that a single small genetic change enabled Yersinia pestis to transition from causing gastrointestinal infections to respiratory diseases, including pneumonic plague. This discovery may have helped explain how the plague spread globally, leading to devastating pandemics like the Black Death.
A Northwestern University study finds that severe food allergies are impacting children of all races and income levels in Illinois, with a significant increase in emergency room visits for anaphylaxis. The study also reveals a notable rise in hospitalizations among Hispanic children, up 44% per year.
Scientists have updated the traditional brain map of language comprehension by discovering a new location for word comprehension in the left anterior temporal lobe. Sentence comprehension is found to be distributed widely throughout the language network, contradicting previous theories. The study provides a more precise target for futu...
Northwestern University professor Fengqi You uses life-cycle analysis to make the production more environmentally and economically friendly. By restructuring the supply chain, he found that a network of pipelines can transport freshwater and shale gas, reducing trucks and exhaust emissions.
A new imaging technique has been developed to determine the arrangement of atoms on surfaces at atomic resolution. The method could improve our understanding of corrosion and catalysis processes, leading to more efficient green energy production.
A Northwestern Medicine study found that many people are confused by sunscreen terminology, with only 43% understanding SPF values and 7% knowing how to protect against early skin aging. This confusion can lead to inadequate protection against sunburns and premature skin aging.
The university will create a new generation of tools to develop novel architectures combining hard and soft materials for electronics and biomedicine. The 4-D printer will use nanoscale technology to construct devices for research in chemistry, materials sciences, and U.S. defense-related areas.
A study by Northwestern University scientists found that a Vibrio vulnificus toxin can inhibit tumor cell growth by cutting the Ras protein, which is central to cell division and survival. The toxin's ability to cleave Ras, rather than modify it, represents a novel mechanism for inactivating this protein.
A review of 10 studies found no human data to support claims that eating placenta reduces postpartum depression or pain. Unknown risks to women and babies are also a concern due to lack of regulation and inconsistent dosing.
A Northwestern University team has confirmed a new way to help the airline industry save dollars while also saving the environment. By manufacturing aircraft's metal parts with 3-D printing, airlines could save a significant amount of fuel, materials, and other resources.
A national survey found that 84% of teens turn to the internet for health information, but 88% do not share their concerns with friends or social media. This study highlights the importance of accurate and accessible digital health resources for teenagers, who use online tools to make behavior changes and take care of themselves.
A new study found that people with a certain genetic variant, short alleles of the gene 5-HTTLPR, displayed greater genuine smiling and laughing while watching cartoons or subtly amusing film clips. The research suggests that this genetic variant may be associated with positive emotional expressions.
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that a sleep-based intervention after training can significantly reduce implicit social biases. The study, published in Science, found that participants who received the intervention showed stronger bias reduction one week later. The findings challenge traditional views on habit learnin...
Researchers found that innate lymphoid cells in males produce a protein that protects against the disease, while female mice remain inactive and do not produce this protein. This discovery opens up new avenues for investigation into sex-determined disease susceptibility.
Scientists discovered the switch that turns on the immune cell's abundant sugar and nutrient pipeline, then blocked it with an experimental compound, starving HIV to death. The approach also slows the proliferation of abnormal immune cells, reducing inflammation and potentially reducing organ damage.
Researchers found that infants as young as 7 months old can understand the abstract relation of sameness and difference between two things. This ability is present from birth and does not require language skills. Infants exhibit similar patterns of learning as older children and adults, highlighting a fundamental human skill.
A new study from Northwestern University finds that soy supplements do not improve lung function for patients with asthma. Lifestyle and diet may play a role in managing the disease, rather than relying on individual strategies like increasing soy consumption.
Researchers at Northwestern University develop first artificial molecular pump, mirroring the pumping mechanism of life-sustaining proteins in living cells. The tiny machine can force molecules to move against their natural flow, storing energy for potential use in molecular machines and artificial muscles.
A Northwestern University team developed a novel graphene-based ink that can print large, robust 3D structures while preserving the material's unique properties. The ink allows for the creation of flexible and strong scaffolds that can support stem cells and promote differentiation into neuron-like cells.
A Northwestern University study reveals that gender-science stereotypes are prevalent worldwide, with Scandinavian countries and the Netherlands showing strong associations between science and men. However, nations with more female scientists exhibit weaker stereotypes, suggesting exposure to women in college may change beliefs.
Scientists at Northwestern University have synthesized four new chemical compounds with antipsychotic properties using natural products from plant species used in traditional healing practices in Nigeria. These compounds show promise in improving cognitive impairment in animal models, a partially effective treatment for schizophrenia.
Researchers found neural crest cells and early pluripotent cells share similar genetic expression patterns, suggesting a subset of blastula cells may have retained activity for pluripotency. This discovery could be useful in regenerative medicine and understanding human diseases.
A recent DNA study reveals that all early Eskimos migrated from Alaska's North Slope, providing the first genetic link between Iñupiat populations and their ancestral homeland. The research also suggests two major migrations to the east from the North Slope at different times in history.
A new study found that patient portals exacerbate existing health disparities, with less educated and minority patients being less likely to use electronic medical records. Patients with low health literacy skills were 3.5 times more likely to be registered than those without these skills.
A team at Northwestern University has developed a faster and higher quality 3D camera that can be used in more environments and produces better images. The camera uses single-point scanning and is modeled after the human eye, making it much faster and higher quality than existing devices.
A new Northwestern University study of delinquent youth reveals that mental disorders do not predict future violent behavior, except for substance use disorders. Providing comprehensive treatment to individuals with psychiatric illness may reduce violence, according to the research.
Researchers at Northwestern University have created the world's first liquid nanoscale laser that can change colors in real time. The technology has significant advantages over traditional lasers, including simplicity, affordability and room-temperature operation.
Researchers created a computational model to investigate cancer's earliest stages and the immune system's response. The study found that spatial disorganization within tumors can promote immunosuppression and tumor growth.
Researchers developed a topical gene regulation technology that uses spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) to silence the gene that interferes with wound healing in diabetic animals. The treatment improved healing and blood circulation at the wound site, reducing recovery time by 50%.
Scientists at Northwestern University invented fluorescent inks that can be used as multicolored barcodes to authenticate products. The inks are invisible under normal light but visible under ultraviolet light, making them difficult for counterfeiters to mimic.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that walking at an easy pace for three hours a week improves prostate cancer survivors' fatigue, depression, and body weight issues. Non-vigorous walking also showed benefits in these areas, with brisk walking potentially leading to similar improvements.
A new suite of interactive mini-apps called Intellicare provides personalized therapy for depression and anxiety. The app uses a recommender system to suggest tailored apps based on user feedback and preferences.
A new computer simulation approach found that muscles play a bigger role in injury risk and prevention than previously thought. The study shows that individual pitchers can be at high or low risk of elbow injury depending on their muscle strength, highlighting the importance of targeted training and accurate assessments.
A Northwestern University team has re-engineered a common drug to deliver nitric oxide, preventing cellular overgrowth and scarring in blood vessels during and after surgery. This modified protamine sulfate can slowly release nitric oxide, minimizing its negative effects while maintaining its function as an antidote for heparin.
A team of Northwestern researchers has made a breakthrough in memristor technology, creating a three-terminal device that can be widely tunable. This innovation brings us closer to brain-like computing, which could revolutionize the way we process information.
According to a Northwestern University study, nearly 400,000 childhood cancer survivors in the US experience chronic health issues, including mental impairment, anxiety, and physical limitations. The majority face these problems five or more years after diagnosis, highlighting the need for comprehensive care.