Scientists at Northwestern University have successfully transplanted rat islets into mice, producing insulin for over 300 days without immunosuppressive drugs. This breakthrough method uses a unique approach to control rejection and has significant implications for future interspecies transplants.
Researchers found that circadian rhythm disruption and alcohol combination leads to liver disease, a previously unrecognized risk factor. The study suggests that lifestyle factors like shift work and poor sleep can promote gut leakiness and increase disease susceptibility.
Scientists have successfully synthesized ribosomes from scratch using a novel technology that mimics the natural process. This breakthrough enables the creation of functional ribosomes with exotic functions and could lead to the discovery of new antibiotics and modified protein-generators.
A study by Northwestern University researcher Robert Hanlon found that impulsive murderers are more mentally impaired than strategic planners. Nearly all impulsive murderers had a history of alcohol or drug abuse and were intoxicated at the time of the crime.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a computational framework to control large complex networks by identifying small perturbations that can rescue or reprogram them. The approach has been successfully applied to mitigate cascading failures in power-grid networks and identify potential drug targets in human cancer.
A new class of experimental drugs has shown promise in preventing early memory loss in Alzheimer's disease by targeting a brain enzyme. The compound, MW108, halted memory loss and fixed damaged communication among brain cells in a mouse model of the disease.
The study reveals that species with low muscle activation frequency and high body stiffness are most successful in swimming. The researchers found the optimal values for each property, including a predicted stiffness similar to that of undulatory swimmers with a backbone.
A new method for achieving nonlinear optical effects has been proposed, enabling 'quantum gates' on demand for large-scale quantum circuits. The approach uses a sub-millimeter-diameter resonator to manipulate single photons and overcome the challenges of existing methods.
Researchers at Northwestern University have found a molecular pathway that prevents the death of immature ovarian eggs due to chemotherapy, potentially preserving fertility and endocrine function. Adding a specific chemotherapy drug combination may protect young women's reproductive health during cancer treatment.
A Northwestern University study found that male offspring of rat mothers who were given alcohol during pregnancy exhibit social impairment and altered levels of autism-related genes. Low doses of thyroid hormone thyroxin reversed social impairments and expression of these genes, suggesting a potential treatment target for both disorders.
A new study found temperature-sensitive L-type calcium channels play a key role in febrile seizures. Nimodipine, a commonly available drug, dramatically reduced the incidence and duration of febrile seizures in animal models.
A phase 1 clinical trial shows a new treatment safely reduces immune system reactivity to myelin in multiple sclerosis patients by 50-75%. The therapy, which uses specially processed white blood cells, preserves the function of the normal immune system. Researchers hope to launch a phase 2 trial to prevent MS progression.
Researchers tested 10 popular Android antiviral products and found they could be easily circumvented by simple transformations, such as changing virus binary code or file names. The products' shortcomings are due to overly simple content-based signatures and lack of static analysis.
Researchers developed a novel tool, nanofountain probe electroporation (NFP-E), to deliver molecules into targeted cells through temporary nanopores. The technique provides unprecedented control over cell transfection and has shown high efficiency and viability in HeLa cell experiments.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a method to print highly conductive and bendable layers of graphene using inkjet printing. The resulting patterns are 250 times more conductive than previous attempts, paving the way for low-cost, foldable electronics.
Scientists identify Gene Ataxin-2 as a key component of the circadian clock, which regulates sleep-wake cycles. The study found that Ataxin-2 helps activate translation of PER protein, keeping the clock on a 24-hour rhythm.
Northwestern University researchers have discovered a new method for extracting gold that uses cornstarch instead of cyanide, leaving behind other metals. The process is environmentally benign and more efficient than current commercial methods.
New Northwestern Medicine study finds sodium content in processed foods and fast-food restaurants unchanged between 2005-2011. The industry's failure to reduce salt levels poses significant public health risks, including high blood pressure and heart disease.
Researchers at UCLA, Northwestern University, and the University of Washington have identified the strategy by which bacteria form initial colonies in biofilms. The study reveals that a small number of 'lucky' cells become the elite cells that start the colonies, organizing in a pattern similar to wealth distribution in the US economy.
Researchers developed a hemispherical digital camera inspired by the fly eye, featuring nearly 200 tiny lenses for exceptional wide-angle views. The camera can capture images across nearly 180 degrees, offering powerful capabilities in surveillance and endoscopic procedures.
Researchers at Northwestern University have isolated and labeled motor neurons in the brain that die in ALS, allowing for the study of disease progression. The discovery paves the way for identifying potential treatments for the devastating neurodegenerative disease.
A Northwestern University study shows that removing one olfactory receptor from mice can have a profound effect on their behavior, highlighting the importance of individual genes in sensory perception. The research reveals that a single gene, TAAR4, is necessary for mice to avoid predators based on the scent marks of carnivores.
Giant Axonal Neuropathy is a rare and lethal genetic disorder affecting central and peripheral nervous systems, caused by mutations in the gigaxonin gene. The study identifies gigaxonin's role in regulating intermediate filament turnover and suggests potential therapeutic targets for related neurodegenerative diseases.
A new study from Northwestern University suggests that personalized PSA testing can help reduce the number of men who undergo unnecessary biopsies. Genetic correction of PSA levels using genetic variants has been shown to change the outcome for 17 men, and could potentially prevent 15-20% of prostate biopsies annually.
Researchers discovered that corals' skeletons scatter light differently, affecting algae retention and survival. This phenomenon helps predict coral reef response to climate change stressors, shedding light on preservation strategies.
A Northwestern University study has developed a pioneering biophotonics technology to detect ovarian cancer by analyzing cells from the cervix or uterus. The partial wave spectroscopic microscopy technique shows diagnostic changes in these cells even when they appear normal under a microscope, offering a potential breakthrough in early...
A new study published in the European Heart Journal has found no evidence that digoxin increases mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study analyzed data from over 3,400 patients and found that digoxin was not associated with an increased risk of death or hospitalization.
The altered El Tor strain has acquired two additional signature mutations that may further increase virulence and is evolving to be more like an 1800s version of cholera. This unique pattern of infection accounting for the severity of disease noted during the Haiti cholera outbreak may be triggered by these genetic changes.
A Northwestern University study reveals that facial preferences differ among populations, with distinct chin shapes found across various groups. The findings suggest that human mate choices are influenced by factors beyond physical attractiveness.
A study at Northwestern University and Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine found that patients with improved responses to mycophenolate mofetile (MMF) therapy share a distinct gene expression pattern in skin. This signature can potentially guide targeted treatment for patients with scleroderma.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that both black and white Americans have a similar lifetime risk of heart failure, ranging from 20 to 45 percent. The study explored the long-term risk of heart failure in different race groups and found that higher blood pressure and body mass index increased the risk.
For-profit hospitals have outperformed public and non-profit hospitals in treating stroke, heart attack, and pneumonia patients. Despite struggling initially, many public and non-profit hospitals are showing notable improvements in performance.
Researchers at Northwestern University identified a viral protein, VP1/2, that allows herpesvirus to interact with cellular motors and speed through the nervous system. This breakthrough enables the virus to move unobstructed from skin nerves to neuron nuclei, outcompeting most other viruses.
Researchers have developed a new imaging methodology that produces 3-D images of nanoparticles at atomic resolution, revealing new details of defects. This method enables the visualization of atoms from different angles and their arrangement in three dimensions.
A new center at Northwestern University will study over 200 patients to better understand how language is processed and recovers in healthy people and those with stroke or neurological diseases. The center aims to challenge existing clinical practices and promote treatment options for individuals with chronic aphasia.
A new Northwestern University study reveals that infants acquire both nouns and verbs in a more nuanced way than previously thought. The research suggests that the ability to map nouns to objects is robust across languages, but verb mapping is more variable and influenced by linguistic context.
A new chemotherapy drug, arsenic trioxide, has been developed to be less toxic to female fertility while being more effective against cancer. The drug is packed into a nanobin, a tiny Trojan horse that delivers the drug directly to tumor cells.
A recent study by Northwestern University found that antidepressant exposure during pregnancy does not impact infant growth over the first year. Infants born to mothers who took selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) had similar weight, length, and head circumference as infants born to non-depressed women.
Researchers have discovered a set of genes that can predict which women are at high risk for estrogen-sensitive breast cancer, making it possible to identify potential beneficiaries of preventive drugs. The study identifies 13 genes associated with lipid or fat metabolism in women with hormone receptor-negative breast cancer.
A large-scale study by Northwestern University researcher Katherine L. Wisner found that 14% of new mothers screened positive for depression, with many experiencing recurrent episodes of major depression. The study emphasizes the importance of prenatal and postpartum screening to prevent mental health issues in women and their infants.
A new project called Wordovators will study how people create, learn and use new words through mathematical modeling and large-scale computer games. Players from around the world will be recruited to perform tasks and challenges in invented languages.
A new study suggests that current CDC guidelines for HIV screening are too restrictive, recommending less frequent testing for both high- and low-risk groups. More frequent screenings, up to every three months for high-risk individuals and every three years for low-risk groups, would be cost-effective in the long run.
Researchers at Northwestern University have identified conditions for a self-healing power grid, which can synchronize spontaneously and recover from failures in real-time. By applying these guidelines, power companies can reduce the frequency of blackouts and improve the reliability of renewable energy sources.
Research from Northwestern University and Redeemer University College found that trusting partners remember transgressions as less severe, while low-trust partners recall them as more severe. This distorted memory affects how individuals think about their partner and relationship.
A new stretchable lithium-ion battery has been developed by Northwestern University researchers, enabling true integration of electronics and power into a small, stretchable package. The battery can be stretched up to 300 percent of its original size without losing functionality.
A new Northwestern University study found that US veterans diagnosed with GERD are frequently prescribed high doses of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and kept on the drug for too long. The researchers evaluated over 1,600 patients and found that nearly 25% were given high total daily dose prescriptions.
Northwestern University researchers found that consistent encoding of sound undergirds the reading process, with unstable representation of sound associated with poorer readers. The study suggests that auditory training can improve response consistency and potentially alleviate dyslexia.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a mathematical model that sheds light on the mechanisms causing bulges in cells' nuclear membranes. This study may provide potential therapies for related diseases by preventing bleb formation.
Researchers at Northwestern University are using bone marrow cells to recreate bladder muscle, vasculature, and nerve tissue, potentially replacing traditional surgery. This approach aims to address complications associated with bowel-based augmentation cystoplasty, a common surgical option for bladder dysfunction.
Researchers at Northwestern University have created a new set of building blocks for materials science using nanoparticles and DNA, enabling programmable control over material properties. The new approach allows for the creation of novel crystal structures with tailored physical properties.