Scientists have identified a small RNA molecule called miR-182 that can suppress cancer-causing genes in mice with glioblastoma, a deadly type of brain tumor. The new method uses nanotechnology to deliver the microRNA across the blood-brain barrier, targeting multiple oncogenes at once and increasing cancer cell death.
Researchers at Northwestern University have identified a key indicator of chronic pain in whiplash injuries: large amounts of fat in the neck muscles. This discovery enables early treatment and may help prevent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
A Northwestern University study found that clinical trials for finasteride, a common hair loss treatment, inadequately reported sexual dysfunction, which may persist. The study analyzed 34 clinical trials and found no adequate information on the severity, frequency, or reversibility of sexual adverse effects.
A study by Northwestern University found that children who received analogical comparison training grasped the Brace principle, a key elementary engineering concept. Children showed significant improvement in building tasks after receiving comparison training, with those receiving high-similarity pairs performing over 80% correctly.
Researchers at Northwestern University have successfully increased molybdenum disulfide's light emission by twelve times by combining nanotechnology, materials science, and plasmonics. This breakthrough enables the material to be used in light emitting diode technologies and has potential applications in solar cells and photodetectors.
Researchers discovered that slightly imperfect single-layer graphene can shuttle protons from one side to the other in mere seconds, outperforming conventional membranes. This new mechanism could lead to improved fuel cell design and fast-charging batteries for transportation.
Researchers developed a nanotechnology-based method to assess prostate cancer risk, enabling doctors to identify aggressive forms of the disease and tailor treatment recommendations. The study's findings suggest that this approach may improve patient outcomes by minimizing side effects.
A new zirconium-based metal-organic framework (MOF) material has been developed to destroy toxic nerve agents like Soman (GD) and VX, with degradation rates of under three minutes. The material's effectiveness is attributed to its unique zirconium node and porous MOF structure.
Middle-aged adults who show sustained concern for others are more likely to construe their lives as stories of personal redemption. Redemption narratives sustain hope that sacrifices today may produce future dividends, helping generative adults persevere in promoting the well-being of future generations.
Researchers have developed spherical nucleic acids that can selectively trigger the immune response, potentially treating a range of diseases including psoriasis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, lymphoma, bladder cancer, and prostate cancer. SNAs are nontoxic, potent, and efficiently deliver nucleic acids into cells via the endosome.
Heavy teen cannabis use linked to changes in hippocampus, poor memory for life events. Young adults who abused cannabis as teens performed 18% worse on long-term memory tests than those who never used the drug.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that low-dose VM202 gene therapy significantly improves pain symptoms and perception of light touch in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy. The treatment has virtually no side effects, offering hope for a potential new treatment for this debilitating condition.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered how a fruit fly's brain represents temperature, mapping it neuron by neuron. The study reveals three types of neurons that respond to hot, cold, or both temperatures, converging in the brain to create a cohesive response.
New Northwestern University research suggests that real-world creativity may be associated with a reduced ability to filter 'irrelevant' sensory information. This 'leaky' sensory gating allows individuals to integrate ideas outside of focus, leading to creative achievements.
A new protein production method developed by Northwestern University researchers makes cell-free protein synthesis faster and cheaper, addressing a technological gap in the field. The approach uses standard lab equipment and produces crude extract catalysts in less time, enabling more researchers to enter the field.
Scientists have discovered that abnormal protein amyloid accumulates inside neurons of people as young as 20, which may contribute to Alzheimer's disease. The study found that this early accumulation leads to the formation of toxic clumps that damage and kill neurons.
A Northwestern University study found that community navigators can significantly improve healthcare outcomes for low-income, uninsured Spanish-speaking women. Despite facing numerous barriers, patients in the navigation program had shorter follow-up times and did not experience delayed diagnoses compared to English-speaking counterparts.
A national study found Eylea effective in improving eyesight for individuals with poor vision due to diabetic macular edema. The condition affects an estimated 7.7 million people in the US, and treatment options are limited, making informed decisions crucial.
Researchers at Northwestern University have found a secret bodyguard for the ears - a newly discovered connection from the cochlea to the brain that warns of intense incoming noise. This novel pain system protects the ear from very loud or damaging noise, which may be why people jam their fingers in their ears when exposed to loud soun...
A new Northwestern University analysis reveals that the bachelor's-to-Ph.D. pipeline in science and engineering fields no longer leaks more women than men, with women outnumbering men as Ph.D. earners but not in doctoral persistence. Women have overcome potential gender biases to pursue graduate school, closing gaps in representation.
A new frequency comb has been developed that can operate at higher powers and cover the 3-12 micron spectral range. This breakthrough is achieved through a quantum cascade laser-based solution, offering improved performance and potential applications in metrology, spectroscopy, and frequency synthesis.
A partnership between a cognitive scientist and an environmental scientist has enhanced high school students' learning of basic spatial reasoning, as well as solving complex problems involving climate change and other STEM subjects. The program uses computer-based layered maps to facilitate visualization and reasoning.
A team of scientists and art conservators used a simple light bulb, SLR camera and computational power to uncover new details of Gauguin's printmaking process. The technique allowed them to measure the surface structure of prints, revealing that white lines were on a flat surface and ink sat atop ridges in the paper.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a technique to transform silver into any color of the rainbow using a 'sandwich-like' structure. By adjusting the glass thickness, different colors can be produced. The filter also acts as an absorber for specific wavelengths, making it suitable for optoelectric devices.
Researchers discovered beaver teeth have a harder, more resistant form of enamel built with iron that surpasses fluoride-treated enamel in acid resistance. This finding could lead to better understanding of human tooth decay and improvement on current treatments.
A team of researchers from Northwestern University and Carnegie Mellon University has made a groundbreaking discovery that could lead to the development of flat-screen displays featuring active touch-back technology. By understanding how the brain interprets data from fingers, the team can design haptic technologies that produce certai...
New research from Northwestern University suggests that singing accurately is a learned skill that can decline over time if not used. Regular practice can help improve singing skills and prevent the 'use it or lose it' effect, where adults may struggle to sing on key as they age.
Northwestern University scientists have developed a catalyst that can convert nitrogen to ammonia under natural conditions, mimicking the process found in nature.
SuperAgers, aged 80+, have distinct brain signatures with a thicker cortex, fewer tangles linked to Alzheimer's, and a higher supply of neurons related to social intelligence.
Scientists at Northwestern University have found a way to harvest industrially useful protein from yeast in greater quantities without increasing its production. By genetically knocking out proteins responsible for reabsorption, the team increased protein yields by two- to three-fold.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a novel method to control the electronic band gap in complex oxide materials without altering their composition. This can lead to better performance in electro-optical devices and new energy-generation materials.
A new algorithm, TopicMapping, has been developed to improve the accuracy and reproducibility of big data text analysis. By using a network approach, the algorithm separates unstructured text into topics with high accuracy and reproducibility. The results show that existing algorithms, such as LDA, are not reliable for complex datasets.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered that increased stress in the endoplasmic reticulum is a key factor in the degeneration of upper motor neurons in ALS. This finding could lead to the development of new therapies aimed at improving the survival of these critical cells.
A Northwestern University study found that online dieters who logged in regularly, recorded their weigh-ins, and 'friended' other members lost an average of 8% of their body weight over six months. In contrast, those with fewer interactions lost only about 5% of their body weight.
A recent study published in PLOS Genetics reveals that lysosomal dysfunction may be the underlying cause of infant failure to thrive. This condition occurs when infants are unable to absorb essential nutrients, leading to delayed growth and weight gain issues.
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that silver nanowires can partially recover from permanent deformation under cyclic loading, indicating potential for long-term durability in flexible electronics. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of cost-effective alternatives to indium tin oxide.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new detector that can capture high-resolution mid-wavelength infrared images at room temperature, paving the way for applications in surveillance and disease detection. The technology has potential for vascular imaging and disease detection, particularly with images of the human body.
A Northwestern University study found that family members sharing familiar stories with coma patients who wore headphones recovered consciousness faster and had improved outcomes. This 'familiar auditory sensory training' stimulated the brain's memory circuits, helping patients wake up more easily and respond to their environment.
A Northwestern University study reveals an automated method of analyzing movie citations outperforms human critics and crowd wisdom in predicting a film's significance. The researchers analyzed over 15,000 movies and found that the number of references by other movies is the best predictor of inclusion in the National Film Registry.
Adults with eczema are more likely to experience health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and insomnia due to the emotional toll of the disease. Physicians need to address these lifestyle risks alongside skin treatments.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a novel microfluidic device that allows for electroporation of adherent stem cells during differentiation, enabling the delivery of molecules in a non-destructive manner. This breakthrough has the potential to advance fundamental knowledge and state-of-the-art in stem cell research.
Researchers developed a simple new fabrication technique that mimics the action of a children's pop-up book to create beautiful and complex 3-D micro- and nanostructures. The technique trumps 3-D printing with advantages in speed, cost, and material integration.
A Northwestern University study found that pediatric patients who listened to their chosen music or audiobooks had a significant reduction in post-surgical pain. The therapy was effective regardless of the patient's initial pain score and can be used as an alternative to opioid analgesics.
Researchers find that listening to human speech promotes infants' cognitive, social psychological capacities and has positive developmental consequences. Infants as young as 2-3 months old benefit from tuning in to speech, leading to better understanding of patterns, recognizing partners, and establishing coherent categories.
A Northwestern University-led team found that graphene oxide (GO) films are soluble in water due to unintentional introduction of common contaminant aluminum ions during filtration. The positively charged ions stabilize the membranes, making them stronger and more stable.
A team of researchers from Northwestern University has developed a tri-component synthetic graft to replace torn ACLs, utilizing nanotechnology and biomaterials. The artificial ligament's bone-like ends have healed into native bone, anchoring it in place.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive MRI approach that can detect Alzheimer's disease in its earliest stages, identifying toxic amyloid beta brain toxins. The technique has the potential to improve diagnosis and treatment of the disease, which affects one out of nine people over 65.
Children who actively participated in music classes showed greater gains in speech processing and reading scores compared to less-involved peers. Music training improved neural benefits in the same areas of the brain traditionally weak in disadvantaged children.
A Northwestern University-led team uses cutting-edge technology to capture images of zinc sparks in egg cells, revealing a crucial role for zinc in regulating biochemical processes. The study's findings could improve in vitro fertilization methods by identifying high-quality fertilized eggs.
A new Northwestern University study found that implementing duty hour restrictions in 2011 did not improve surgery patients' outcomes, but may have hurt patient safety and resident education. The study suggests that these restrictions disrupted the continuity of caring for surgical patients.