A new study is testing a standardized labeling system that prescribes medications at four specific times of the day (morning, noon, evening, and bedtime), with the goal of improving patients' understanding and proper use of their medications. The study aims to reduce confusion and neglect among patients taking multiple medications.
Researchers at Northwestern University have determined how to control bilayers' crystallization by altering the acidity of their surroundings. This discovery sheds light on cell function and could enable advances in drug delivery and bio-inspired technology.
A new intravaginal ring has demonstrated a 100% success rate in protecting primates from HIV, offering hope for women in developing nations. The device utilizes a smaller dose of the anti-retroviral drug tenofovir, delivered through a unique polymer construction that increases drug release.
A Northwestern University study found that fear memories can be reduced in people by exposing them to the memory over and over again while they slept. This breakthrough potentially offers a new way to enhance daytime treatment of phobias through exposure therapy with a nighttime component.
The circadian clock enables cells to use stored fuel efficiently when we fast, with NAD+ and Sirtuin 3 playing a critical role. Disrupting the clock leads to metabolic disorders, but providing NAD+ supplements can restore mitochondrial function.
New research from Northwestern University predicts chronic back pain after lower back injuries based on abnormalities in brain structure connections. The study found that specific irregularities in the axons of the brain's white matter can trigger chronic pain with high accuracy, offering new hope for early treatment and prevention.
A Northwestern University study of over 100 high school students found a significant link between music, beat-keeping and language skills. Accurate beat-keeping involves synchronization between the parts of the brain responsible for hearing and movement.
A new study shows significant health benefits for uninsured people living in suburban areas when they receive access to primary care. After one year, participants reported improved preventive care and screenings, as well as better overall health status.
Researchers found that non-human primate vocalizations promoted object categorization in 3- and 4-month-old infants, similar to the effects of human speech. By six months, however, this effect disappeared, suggesting a specific link to human language has been established.
Northwestern University researchers develop method to change molecular properties by altering surface geometry, mimicking nature's simplicity. The technique enables the creation of patchy nanoparticles with unique chemical properties, opening doors for new materials and applications.
A structural defect in skin cells, specifically desmoglein 1, contributes to allergy development, including skin and food allergies. This finding could lead to a better understanding of the importance of other structural proteins in the skin barrier.
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that plant polyphenols can be used to create antibacterial coatings with useful properties. These coatings, which are non-toxic and have antioxidant properties, were found to stick to various surfaces, including Teflon.
A new Northwestern University study has found that high financial debt is associated with higher diastolic blood pressure and poorer self-reported general and mental health in young adults. Individuals with high debt reported higher levels of perceived stress and depressive symptoms, as well as worse self-reported general health.
New Northwestern University research shows that aerobic exercise during the day does not result in improved sleep that same night for people with existing sleep problems. Regular exercise is a healthier way to address underlying insomnia issues, as it can lead to better sleep quality and reduced fatigue over time.
A research team at Northwestern University has designed and synthesized new polymer semiconductors, resulting in polymer solar cells with an impressive 80% fill factor. This achievement surpasses previous records and paves the way for a more efficient and sustainable energy production method.
Researchers developed a new test to identify early-onset dementia in individuals aged 40-65 using face recognition tests, distinguishing between name and facial recognition. The study found significant differences in brain tissue loss between those with and without dementia, providing valuable insights into cognitive impairment.
Researchers identified two genes, HKDC1 and BACE2, associated with glucose and insulin levels in pregnant women but not in the general population. This study suggests that genetic risk profiles could one day identify individuals at elevated risk for developing gestational diabetes.
New research shows oxytocin's role in strengthening negative social memories and increasing future anxiety, contradicting its long-held association with love and social bonding. The hormone activates a brain region that intensifies the memory of stressful social interactions.
A new low-cost, high-resolution desktop nanofabrication tool enables the rapid production of high-quality materials and devices at the nanoscale. The tool produces working devices and structures in a matter of hours, making it a game-changer for fields like gene chip development and electronic circuit creation.
A Northwestern University study found that young adults, particularly men and Hispanics, are less likely to manage their social media privacy settings as they seek a job or maintain employment. In contrast, women, whites, and those with higher Internet skills tend to actively manage their online profiles.
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.