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.
A large-scale national study found that longer surgical procedures significantly increase the risk of life-threatening blood clots. The study analyzed over 1.4 million patients and found a 18-26% increase in clot risk with each additional hour of surgery.
Research from Northwestern University found that heavier newborns have higher test scores from third through eighth grade. Even among twins, heavier-born twins have higher average test scores. However, other factors such as maternal education can be a larger predictor of academic achievement.
Researchers at Northwestern University found that Blu-ray discs' quasi-random patterns enhance solar cells' light absorption and performance by up to 21.8%. The discovery could lead to new manufacturing methods for efficient solar cells.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a compact terahertz radiation source that operates at room temperature, offering improved security detection capabilities. The device has a wide frequency coverage and can detect explosives, chemical agents, and biological substances from safe distances.
Scientists at Northwestern University have developed a genetic-based tool called NanoFlare that can detect live circulating tumor cells in the bloodstream. The technology has the potential to improve diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer by providing a more accurate and personalized approach.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a potential drug therapy for a rare, incurable pediatric brain tumor by targeting a genetic mutation. The experimental drug GSKJ4 delayed tumor growth and prolonged survival in mice with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG).
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a method to isolate atomically thin sheets of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), a promising material for optoelectronics and electronics. The process uses copolymer-assisted gradient ultracentrifugation, allowing for scalable isolation of single-layer, bilayer, or trilayer MoS2 sheets.
Research reveals bilingual speakers' brains better filter out competing language words, enhancing inhibitory control. This constant brain exercise can have benefits in everyday life and may even offer protection against Alzheimer's and dementia.
A new Northwestern University study analyzed over 20,000 minimally invasive cosmetic procedures and found no risk of serious adverse events. The study suggests that these procedures are exceedingly safe, with fewer than 1% minor complications, offering a significant cosmetic boost through mixed procedures.
A Northwestern University study found that smokers are three times more likely to develop chronic back pain and that quitting the habit may reduce vulnerability to this condition. The research also identified a key brain region involved in addictive behavior and motivated learning.
Researchers found that the quality of protective molecular chaperones declines dramatically with age, accelerating decline in those with neurodegenerative diseases. A subnetwork of 28 critical genes provides a basis for biomarkers and new therapeutics to prevent protein damage and cell dysfunction.
Adults with eczema are more likely to experience accidental bone fractures and other injuries, according to a new Northwestern University study. The increased risk may be linked to the side effects of steroids and sedating antihistamines commonly prescribed for eczema.
A study by Northwestern University found that influential colleagues can boost the adoption of new treatments in doctors, with a sweet spot of reminders every five to seven days. The research aimed to accelerate physicians' adoption of new treatments and tests, which can take up to 17 years.
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that activity in dendrites is crucial for storing memories, contradicting current thought that cell body and dendrites serve the same function. The study used high-resolution microscopy to image individual neurons in a living animal navigating a virtual reality maze.
Researchers found concentrated levels of ANK3, a gene linked to bipolar disorder risk, in nanodomain structures within brain synapses. This discovery could provide insight into the biology of bipolar disorder and potentially lead to new treatments.
A study published by Northwestern Medicine found that emergency epinephrine was administered to 38 Chicago Public School students and staff during the 2012-2013 school year. Most of those receiving epinephrine had no known history of allergic reaction, emphasizing the need for widespread access to this life-saving medication.
A Northwestern University study found that Head Start programs benefit parents' educational status and employment, particularly among African-American parents and those with some college education. The program may provide a platform for expanding parents' own educational opportunities and improving their work-school-family balance.
Scientists discovered the Midcontinent Rift evolved in three stages: a narrow crack, volcanic rock filling, and igneous rocks rising to surface. The rift's unique geology was formed by magma flowing into the developing crack and eventually creating a large igneous province.
A 3-year study analyzing 53,000 end hosts and 160 countries found a significant relationship between broadband services, pricing, and demand. In developed countries, users can upgrade to faster services when demand increases, but in developing countries, high prices limit adoption and usage.
Researchers analyzed 10,000 BitTorrent users from around the world and found that most are 'content specialists' sharing specific types of content, such as music or movies. The study also reveals a correlation between country's GDP per capita and file-sharing behavior, with users in poorer countries downloading larger files like movies.
David Cella, chair of medical social sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, received a prestigious international award for his contributions to patient-reported outcome measures. He is the leader in developing and promoting these measures to put patients' voices in health care.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new nanostructure that absorbs a very narrow spectrum of light, enhancing the sensitivity of biosensors. This ultranarrow band absorber can detect smaller changes in the environment and has been shown to exceed 90% absorption at visible frequencies.
A new Northwestern University study highlights the importance of considering cultural differences in science communication, finding that media often reflects cultural orientations and assumptions. The research reveals that Native Americans tend to see themselves as part of nature, while European-Americans view humans as apart from it.
A new wearable medical device can quickly alert a person to cardiovascular trouble or skin dryness, using thousands of liquid crystals to sense heat. The device provides sub-millimeter spatial resolution for accurate monitoring of temperature and thermal transport characteristics.
Researchers at Northwestern University have created the first mouse model for ALS dementia, allowing scientists to directly view the brains of living mice under anesthesia. This breakthrough enables rapid testing and real-time monitoring of test drugs, paving the way for accelerated development of effective therapies.
A Northwestern Medicine study found that people drink more alcohol on days when they exercise, particularly Thursdays to Sundays. The study used smartphone technology to record daily physical activity and alcohol use, and found uniform results across age groups.
A review of literature suggests that same-sex couples are more likely to experience domestic violence, affecting 25-75% of lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals. The additional stress of being a sexual minority exacerbates the issue, leading to reluctance in addressing domestic violence.
A new blood test identifies 9 RNA markers tied to depression, predicting who will benefit from therapy and providing the first objective, scientific diagnosis. The test also shows biological effects of cognitive behavioral therapy, offering personalized medicine approach to people suffering from depression.
Researchers are using social networks to spread messages about public health knowledge, aiming to close the gap between scientific discoveries and practical applications. A study combining social networks with knowledge about social motives is exploring how to craft effective messages for influential individuals.
Researchers found that endothelial cells in eyes with glaucoma are stiffer than healthy cells, leading to increased flow resistance and elevated pressure. This mechanical dysfunction may lead to a cure for the debilitating disease.