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Northwestern University


Not your conventional nucleic acids

Researchers at Northwestern University develop spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) for biomedical applications, offering improved delivery and targeting of therapeutics. SNAs show promise in treating genetic diseases and neurological disorders, including glioblastoma and Alzheimer's disease.

21 minutes to marital satisfaction

A brief writing intervention helped couples sustain marital satisfaction by reducing distress from conflicts and improving passion and intimacy. The intervention, which involved just three seven-minute writing exercises, was effective regardless of relationship duration.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 5, 2013

Forecasting brain tumors like a storm

Researchers developed a new method to predict individual patient's brain tumor growth, enabling physicians to rapidly identify effective therapies. The approach accounts for tumor features such as shape, density, and growth rate, allowing clinicians to distinguish between patients with different tumor characteristics.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 23, 2013

New way to kill lymphoma without chemotherapy

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered a new nanoparticle that kills B-cell lymphoma cells by depriving them of natural HDL cholesterol. The nanoparticle, which mimics the size and shape of HDL particles, blocks cholesterol from entering cancer cells, leading to cell death.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 21, 2013

Wide binary stars can wreak havoc in planetary systems

A recent study found that wide binary stars in planetary systems can lead to dramatic events over time. In one hypothetical system, at least one of four giant planets was ejected in almost half of the simulations. The researchers also discovered substantial evidence that this process occurs regularly in known extrasolar planetary systems.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateJan 7, 2013

Obese moms risk having babies with low vitamin D

A new Northwestern Medicine study found that obese mothers pass on insufficient vitamin D to their babies, leading to lower levels in newborns. The study also suggests that obese women may need increased vitamin D supplementation to provide sufficient levels for their babies during pregnancy.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 7, 2013

Mobile app boosts weight loss by 15 pounds

A new Northwestern University study found that a mobile app tracking calories and activity, combined with regular nutrition and exercise classes, helped participants lose an average of 15 pounds and maintain weight loss for at least a year. The technology alone was not enough to achieve significant weight loss.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateDec 10, 2012

Deception can be perfected

Lying can be trained to be more automatic, reducing task demands and making it harder to detect. Researchers found that instruction alone significantly reduced reaction times associated with deceptive responses.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateDec 6, 2012

Researchers implicate well-known protein in fibrosis

Researchers at Northwestern University have implicated toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in the development of tissue fibrosis, a hallmark of scleroderma. The study found that mutations in the TLR4 gene made mice resistant to experimental scleroderma and that patients with scleroderma had abnormal TLR4 levels in affected tissues.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateNov 20, 2012

Kids with psoriasis likely to be obese or overweight

A large international study shows that children with psoriasis are twice as likely to be overweight or obese as healthy children, and US children with severe psoriasis have four times the odds. Lifestyle interventions, such as increasing exercise and decreasing caloric intake, are crucial to reducing the risk of metabolic diseases.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateNov 19, 2012

Letter from doctor boosts cholesterol medication use

A new study found that using electronic health records (EHRs) can identify patients at high risk for cardiovascular disease and encourage them to receive cholesterol-lowering medication. The study showed that patients who received personalized risk assessments via mail were twice as likely to receive a prescription for lipid-lowering m...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateNov 15, 2012

Even physically active women sit too much

A new Northwestern University study reveals that even physically active women spend an average of nine hours a day sitting. The research suggests that incorporating light activity throughout the day can help mitigate negative health consequences associated with prolonged sitting.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateOct 30, 2012

Disappearing act

Researchers from Northwestern University and others demonstrate 'transient electronics' that dissolve in a well-controlled manner. These biocompatible devices could be used for medical implants, environmental monitors, or military applications, offering advantages over conventional electronics.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateSep 27, 2012

Your memory is like the telephone game

A study by Northwestern University found that human memories adapt and change with each retelling, leading to distorted recall. The research used a telephone game-like scenario where participants recalled object locations, showing improved recall accuracy on the final test for objects tested on day two but never exactly right.

World record holder

Northwestern University scientists have developed a thermoelectric material that can convert 15-20% of waste heat to useful electricity. The material exhibits a ZT of 2.2, the highest reported to date, and has the potential to recover high-temperature waste heat and turn it into usable energy.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateSep 19, 2012

Boiling water without bubbles

Researchers at Northwestern University have engineered a surface that prevents bubbling during boiling, creating a stable vapor cushion and eliminating bubbles. This discovery could lead to advancements in heat transfer equipment, anti-frost technologies, and reduce damage to surfaces.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateSep 13, 2012

Kids with food allergies can fall through the cracks

A new study found that 70% of reported cases receive a physician's diagnosis for their child's food allergy, but only 1 in 5 receives an oral food challenge test. Lower-income and minority households are more likely to have undiagnosed food allergies, with 32% not receiving diagnostic testing.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateSep 13, 2012

Mercury in water, fish detected with nanotechnology

Researchers developed a nanoparticle system that can detect even the smallest levels of heavy metals in water and fish, offering an inexpensive alternative to existing cumbersome techniques. The device is capable of measuring low concentrations of mercury, a toxic metal that can accumulate in predatory fish and harm human health.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 12, 2012