A new study by Northwestern University found that community-based outreach programs can significantly increase colorectal cancer screening rates among low-income and minority populations. By using a combination of automated reminders, mailed letters, phone calls, and personal outreach, the program was able to nearly double screening ra...
Researchers discover water bound in rock deep in the Earth's mantle, potentially representing the planet's largest water reservoir. This finding may aid scientists in understanding how the Earth formed and what its current composition is.
A new Northwestern Medicine study finds that delinquency in youth, particularly females, significantly increases the risk of violent death in adulthood. The study reveals that female delinquents are nearly five times more likely to die violently than the general population.
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that toddlers can successfully learn novel verbs after hearing them only twice, as long as the verb is 'packaged' in a complete sentence. The study showed that presenting verbs in sentences with familiar nouns supports toddlers' abilities to apply the new words in novel contexts.
A Northwestern University team has developed a new understanding of plastics for battery applications by combining two traditional theories in materials science. This opens the door for a new class of batteries with improved safety and power efficiency. The researchers used block copolymers, which are self-assembling into nanostructure...
Northwestern University scientists have developed a compact, room-temperature terahertz radiation source, six times more efficient than previous systems. This breakthrough enables easier harnessing of terahertz waves, potentially leading to advances in biosensing, homeland security, and space research.
Scientists identified a new protein, hnRNPM, that plays a key role in reprogramming breast cancer cells to spread. Removing this protein significantly reduces the ability of breast cancer cells to metastasize to other organs.
A new Northwestern University study reveals that high gamma-tocopherol levels, found in soybean, corn, and canola oils, are associated with decreased lung function and increased asthma risk. In contrast, alpha-tocopherol, found in olive and sunflower oils, is linked to better lung function.
A team of researchers has discovered the oldest human skeleton in North America, dating back 13,000-12,000 years. The skeleton, named Naia, was found in an underwater cave in Mexico and shows a shared genetic code with modern Native Americans.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new metric to measure energy consumption efficiency in animals of different sizes. Contrary to expectations, the study found that the gray whale and skipjack tuna are almost equally efficient, with the whale's higher fuel consumption being an unavoidable consequence of physics.
Dahl will build a new type of detector to study dark matter particles, while Stern will investigate quantum phenomena in two-dimensional materials. Their work has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the universe.
A new simulation-based training program helps adults with autism improve their job interview skills and confidence. The program, developed by Northwestern University, uses virtual reality technology to provide repeated practice and feedback on interviewing skills.
A new study found that college students are engaging in unhealthy behaviors, including low fruit and vegetable consumption and physical inactivity, which could increase their risk of cancer later on. Racial minority students, particularly African Americans and Native Americans, were at a higher risk.
Northwestern University researchers have developed a new solar cell with good efficiency that uses tin instead of lead perovskite. The low-cost, environmentally friendly solar cell can be made easily using 'bench' chemistry.
A new study from Northwestern Medicine and the University of Illinois at Chicago finds that vitamin D deficiency is a predictor of aggressive forms of prostate cancer diagnosis in African-American and European-American men. Regular screenings for vitamin D deficiency could be crucial to prevent advanced tumor progression.
A new experimental drug has been developed that inhibits the aging protein PAI-1, quadrupling the lifespan of rapidly aging mice. The drug, TM5441, also protects organs from accelerated aging and may one day be used to treat human diseases like chronic kidney disease and diabetes.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that engaging in daily light physical activity can help prevent disability in people with or at risk of knee arthritis. Spending more time in light activities reduced the risk of disability by over 30% compared to those who spent less time in such activities.
A Northwestern University study reveals a 20% decrease in ozone levels when fuel prices drive residents to switch from ethanol to gasoline in flexible-fuel vehicles. The study uses big data and consumer surveys to analyze the impact of human behavior on air quality in São Paulo.
A Northwestern University discovery identifies a specific protein, fibronectin (FnEDA), as a key player in promoting fibrosis in people with scleroderma. The study found that blocking this protein's activity can prevent skin fibrosis in mice, offering new avenues for treatment.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new technology to modify human cells for programmable therapeutics that can target cancer and disease sites. The Modular Extracellular Sensor Architecture (MESA) enables cells to sense specific factors and respond with customized gene expression programs.
Tin selenide is the best thermoelectric material known for converting waste heat to useful electricity. Its simple structure provides exceptional properties, including low thermal conductivity and high electrical conductivity.
A Northwestern University study reveals that casual marijuana use is associated with significant brain abnormalities in emotion and motivation regions. The degree of abnormalities is directly related to the number of joints used per week, suggesting a potential link between recreational marijuana use and negative consequences.
Scientists have discovered how Yersinia pestis alters cell death pathways to kill host cells and cause pneumonic plague. The study reveals that the bacterium destroys Fas ligand, a molecule that stimulates apoptosis, allowing it to overwhelm the lungs and kill its host.
Depressive symptoms increased by 68% in young fathers over the first five years of fatherhood. Early intervention is crucial to help young men transition through this critical period and mitigate the detrimental effects on their children's language, reading, and behavior development.
Adding an impurity to a two-dimensional lattice structure can create defects that settle into harmony, restoring order and creating a 'screen' to protect the rest of the material. This finding could lead to new ways of engineering materials with unique properties.
Researchers at Northwestern University are observing the closest approach between Sgr A*, a supermassive black hole, and gas cloud G2, which could reveal insights into black hole growth. The data from Chandra X-ray Observatory and Very Large Array may provide clues about the feeding habits of these massive objects.
A Northwestern University study found that people exposed to early morning sunlight have a significantly lower body mass index (BMI) than those who get afternoon light. The study suggests that bright morning light can be used as a strategy for managing weight, and recommends getting at least 500 lux of brightness between 8am and noon.
The app uses data from peer-reviewed research studies to show people if there is scientific evidence linking acne to foods like chocolate, fat, sugar and whey protein. Research displayed in the app shows that dairy, whey protein, omega-6 fatty acids and foods high in sugar are associated with acne.
A $16 million phase III study of isradipine as a potential neuroprotective agent in Parkinson's disease will be conducted at 56 sites in North America. Researchers aim to delay disease progression by protecting dopamine-producing neurons from toxicity.
Scientists at Northwestern University have discovered that cancer cells rely on the FAS receptor and its binding component for survival, making them vulnerable to elimination. The team created a cancer cell completely devoid of CD95, which resulted in DNA damage and cell death, offering a promising new approach to kill cancer cells.
A new theory proposes that epigenetic modification plays a key role in the development of endometriosis, a chronic disease affecting 1 in 10 women. The research suggests that alterations in the epigenetic landscape, rather than genetic mutations, contribute to the disease's progression.
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that infants can use known verbs to learn new nouns by paying attention to how words are used in sentences. This suggests that word learning occurs naturally and can be facilitated by everyday conversations.
A Northwestern University-designed intravaginal ring provides both antiretroviral drug and contraceptive protection for months, addressing a significant need in women's reproductive health. The device, known as the tenofovir levonorgestrel IVR, has been engineered to deliver controlled doses of these medications over an extended period.
A new Northwestern University study finds that excessive sitting time is a major risk factor for disability in people over 60. Sedentary behavior is almost as strong a risk factor as lack of moderate exercise.
Geophysicist Seth Stein warns that humans are often outsmarted by nature during disasters, causing unnecessary damage despite expensive mitigation measures. Stein advocates for a thoughtful approach to disaster preparedness, integrating science, economics, and policy formulation to make informed decisions.
Professor Daniel K. Mroczek has discovered that certain personality traits are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes throughout life. His research suggests that many adults remain fit and engaged until late in life, maintaining fulfilling social relationships.
Professor Haoqi Zhang's crowd-supported systems solve complex problems like custom trip planning and academic conference organization. His research integrates community process, intelligent user interfaces and crowdsourced input to create efficient solutions.
Recent research in biological anthropology explores how global environmental variations shape human health and biology. The studies examine the effects of diet, energy dynamics, and chronic inflammation on human reproduction, nutrition, and disease prevalence.
Joan Chiao's research investigates how cultural factors influence basic psychological and neural processes underlying social behavior and emotion processing. The study focuses on the physiological and cultural foundations of traits such as empathy and altruism, shedding light on their role in shaping human social interactions.
Robert Gordon's research focuses on the causes of long-term unemployment and declining labor-force participation, with implications for future economic growth. He will critically evaluate the impact of technological progress on employment and consider policy strategies to mitigate its effects.
Researchers developed robotic fish inspired by the weakly electric black ghost knifefish to study fragile coral reefs and investigate sunken ships. The technology improves underwater vehicles' agility, allowing them to navigate complex geometries in murky waters.
Northwestern University's International Institute for Nanotechnology is a hub for interdisciplinary research, attracting over 190 faculty researchers from diverse fields. The institute has enabled the development of transformative nanotechnologies, including nanomedicine and energy solutions.
Druckman and co-authors theorize that politicization generates anxiety, leading to a status quo bias among citizens. This results in obstacles for new scientific innovations entering the marketplace. The findings will be presented at an AAAS symposium titled 'Using Social Science to Change Decisions and Improve Health Outcomes'.
A mathematical model simulates and optimizes donor kidney distribution to ease regional inequities and potentially save hundreds of lives. The model identifies areas for policy changes, including sharing within states and transplanting lower-quality kidneys.
A novel one-hour intervention that raises awareness of social class shapes the college experience significantly reduces the academic achievement gap between first-generation and continuing-generation students. The difference-education intervention improves first-generation students' psychological adjustment, grade point averages, and c...
The Northwestern University/Art Institute of Chicago Center for Scientific Studies in the Arts (NU-ACCESS) has established new conservation science collaborations with the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and the Smart Museum at the University of Chicago. Scientists have used surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy to identify organic colorant...
Research from Northwestern University finds that today's best marriages excel when spouses invest time and energy to meet each other's psychological needs for personal growth. However, the majority of marriages are struggling due to a mismatch between what Americans expect from their marriage and the resources they invest in it.
Researchers have identified carmine lake, a light-sensitive red pigment, used by Renoir in his painting 'Madame Léon Clapisson.' The study also sheds light on Winslow Homer's watercolor and Mary Cassatt's pastel, providing new insights into the techniques of these artistic masters.
A new imaging technique can diagnose aortic disease and predict potential complications in patients with bicuspid aortic valve. Blood flow changes were found to be driven by specific types of abnormal aortic valves, and the study demonstrated a direct association between blood flow patterns and aortic diseases.
Researchers found that water molecules in carbon nanotubes don't flow continuously but instead move intermittently, resulting in surprisingly high flow rates. This phenomenon resolves a long-standing issue in fluid dynamics and has potential industrial applications for desalination and other uses.