A genetic pathway previously known for its role in embryonic development and cancer has been identified as a target for systemic sclerosis, or scleroderma, therapy. The finding reveals that the Wnt signaling pathway is abnormally activated in scleroderma patients, leading to fibrosis and tissue damage.
The number of ADHD diagnoses among American children has increased by 66% over the past decade, according to a new study published in Academic Pediatrics. Specialists are now treating an increasing proportion of these young patients, shifting away from primary care physicians.
In a study of hundreds of online auctions, Northwestern University researchers found that all participants use the optimal strategy, making the auction a game of pure chance. The 'bursty' strategy, which combines exploitation and exploration, is used by participants but ultimately leads to no advantage.
Researchers at Northwestern University designed a method to 'soft control' users' movements using virtual games and social networks. They tested this method with Android games, including Ghost Hunter, which encouraged players to visit rarely photographed locations on campus.
Scientists at Northwestern University developed a powerful analytical method called nanocombinatorics to rapidly identify the chemical and physical structures that cue stem cells to become osteocytes. The researchers successfully directed stem cell differentiation without additional chemical cues, demonstrating better control than curr...
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that squeezed polymers can generate significant amounts of energy for chemical reactions. However, they also found that certain polymer-based medical implants release harmful free radicals under moderate pressure, raising concerns about their safety.
A Northwestern University study found that maintaining a healthy lifestyle from young adulthood into middle age can significantly reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Those who adhered to five key lifestyle factors, including a balanced diet and regular physical activity, were more likely to maintain a low-risk profile in their 40s.
Researchers identified NLRP7 as a key protein that recognizes bacterial cell wall components in harmful gram-positive bacteria. The discovery could lead to novel treatment strategies to combat infections from deadly bacteria like Listeria and MRSA.
A new study from Northwestern University suggests that people consistently believe their preferred candidate will win an election, even if they're behind in the polls. The false consensus effect, a psychological phenomenon, is thought to be driving this trend.
Researchers at Northwestern University have created a new method to oxidize graphene, overcoming the material's zero band-gap issue. The reversible oxidation process enables tunability of electronic properties, paving the way for high-performance applications.
A study with mice suggests Alzheimer's drugs could miswire neurons, interfering with brain communication. The findings imply that these drugs might impair memory, even at doses intended to reduce amyloid plaques.
Adolescents who feel supported by their families and have caring friends are less likely to consider ending their lives. Conversely, those who experience victimization due to being gay are at a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and self-harm behaviors.
A Northwestern University study shows that perceiving a partner's efforts to improve the relationship enhances feelings of security and happiness. The research suggests that acknowledging a partner's capabilities for change is crucial to building a happy relationship.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new method for creating scaffolds that are more flexible and less time-intensive than current technology. The process uses ceramic nanoparticles and elastic polymers to create highly interconnected pores that do not require the use of salt.
Researchers at Northwestern University are developing novel technologies to treat depression and other mood disorders using smartphones, web-based platforms, and virtual human coaches. These innovative approaches aim to provide immediate support, increase accessibility, and reduce costs.
A new study by Northwestern University researchers found that ineffective algorithms and profiles hinder online dating. In contrast, mobile dating enables potential partners to meet face-to-face quickly, which is crucial for finding compatibility.
A new study from Northwestern University found that older musicians have a distinct neural timing advantage, encoding sound stimuli as quickly and accurately as younger non-musicians. This suggests that music training can help overcome age-related hearing loss and improve communication in complex environments.
A Northwestern University study identifies a key player in the human immune system, revealing its crucial role in activating the immune response. The protein, STIM1, was found to regulate not only one function but also another critical step in immune activation.
A Northwestern University study reveals that individuals with low short-term risk may face very high lifetime risk of heart disease if they have just one or two risk factors, such as high cholesterol or blood pressure. The study found significant variations in risk by age, sex and race.
A new study published in Psychological Medicine found that low birth weight is an important environmental factor contributing to the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The researchers used a unique study design involving discordant twin pairs and found that lower birth weight more than tripled the risk for autism.
A Northwestern University study shows that India's affirmative action law for village councils has a positive impact on young women's aspirations and behavior. The law gave girls direct role models, leading to increased attendance at school and reduced household chores, as well as improved attitudes toward higher education goals.
Researchers at Northwestern University identified nine core genes that protect cells from protein misfolding, a common cause of over 300 diseases. They also discovered seven classes of small molecules that restore proper protein folding and reduce disease progression.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered that individual gallium nitride nanowires exhibit strong piezoelectricity in three dimensions, with efficiency up to six times greater than bulk material. This finding has significant implications for the development of nanogenerators capable of powering self-powered devices.
A new methodology developed by Northwestern University researchers reveals that people's implicit, split-second responses to physically attractive individuals better predict their attraction to them. This challenges the idea that stated preferences for partners accurately reflect one's true desires.
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that graphitic carbon is a key element in the lubricating layer of metal-on-metal hip implants, reducing friction and wear. This finding offers a target for designing new materials to improve implant performance.
A new study from Northwestern University finds that a significant increase in blood pressure during middle age increases the risk of heart attack or stroke. Maintaining low blood pressure early on can reduce this risk, with those who keep their blood pressure low having a significantly lower risk.
Teresa Woodruff, a Northwestern University professor, received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring at the White House. The award honors her Women's Health Science Program for High School Girls and Beyond, which mentors urban minority high-school girls in science and health.
A Northwestern University study identified a gene that prevents blood vessels from forming in the cornea, which is essential for vision. The researchers hope to use this discovery as a basis for gene therapy to treat multiple eye disorders that cause blindness.
A study from Northwestern University found that banned technical swimsuits played a significant role in the unprecedented number of world records set in swimming during the 2009 world championships. The suits were suspected of reducing drag, improving buoyancy, and compressing muscles, leading to enhanced performance.
A new study by Northwestern University finds that joint pain is the most common reason for women to stop taking aromatase inhibitors, a common breast cancer medication. The research also highlights a gap between clinicians' reported side effects and women's actual experiences.
Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting 300,000 US citizens, causing skin thickening and internal organ damage. Researchers at Northwestern will identify biomarkers using proteomics to develop targeted therapies.
Researchers outline challenges and potential solutions for synthetic molecular machines to fulfill their promise. The team proposes using metal-organic frameworks to organize molecular switches spatially and temporally.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a second faulty gene, sequestosome1, contributing to the degeneration of motor neurons in ALS. The study provides new insights into the disease's progression and potential targets for drug therapies.
According to Northwestern University researchers, over 83% of men and 72% of women will be overweight or obese in 2020. The implications of not improving cardiovascular health by 20% could lead to a reversal of declining rates of sickness and death from cardiovascular disease.
A new study reveals that US teens are at a higher risk of dying from heart disease due to high blood sugar levels, obesity, and poor diets. The research found that only zero children or adolescents met the criteria for ideal cardiovascular health.
New research from Northwestern University and Texas A&M University suggests that ideal partner preferences can be flexible once meeting in person. People tend to focus on the whole person rather than individual traits, making preconceived notions less important.
Researchers at Northwestern University have created an electrode that allows lithium-ion batteries to hold a charge up to 10 times greater than current technology. The new technology can also charge 10 times faster, paving the way for more efficient and smaller batteries for electric cars.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a computational method to quickly identify metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with high potential for natural gas storage. The new algorithm rapidly generates and tests hypothetical MOFs, leading to the discovery of over 300 promising structures.
A Northwestern University study found that winter's shorter days and colder temperatures deter older Chicagoans with arthritis from engaging in daily physical activity. The lack of indoor recreational facilities for lower-income individuals exacerbates this issue, leading to serious health consequences.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new material that absorbs a wide range of wavelengths, enabling more efficient solar cells. The innovative trapezoid shape could be replicated in semiconducting materials to lead to thinner, lower-cost, and more efficient solar technology.
A team at Northwestern University has developed a new method to identify thousands of protein molecules quickly, which could lead to the discovery of biomarkers and early disease detection. The approach, known as top-down proteomics, measures proteins intact instead of breaking them down into smaller parts.
The new superlattice cameras can detect multiple infrared wavelengths simultaneously, enabling real-time chemical spectroscopy and enhanced image processing. These advancements offer unique functionalities beyond color representation, making them an attractive technology for various applications.
Astronomers discover how blue stragglers, old stars appearing younger than expected, are created through mass transfer. The study reveals that these stars eat up the mass of their giant-star companion, allowing them to continue burning and living longer.
A protein that promotes neuron growth and blood vessel formation appears to halt brain degeneration in a genetic disease, according to Northwestern University research published in Nature Medicine. The study suggests a link between aging and the development of spinocerebellar ataxia type 1, a disease causing cerebellum degeneration.
Scientists at Northwestern University have developed a reconfigurable electronic material that can rearrange itself to meet different computational needs. This new material enables the creation of self-adapting electronic components with directed paths for electron flow.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new form of graphene that resists aggregation, thanks to its crumpled shape. The material retains its surface area and remains pure, making it more useful for applications requiring large amounts of the material.
A study from Northwestern University found that lower-income urban dads are involved in their children's health and encourage exercise and healthy eating, but also face challenges in handling emergency medical care. Fathers reported modeling behavior for their kids, such as exercising and playing, to promote healthy habits.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a method to build crystalline materials from nanoparticles and DNA, allowing for the creation of new materials with predictable physical properties. The design rules enable controlled crystallization, resulting in a variety of structures with unique properties.
Researchers have developed a method to create tolerance in the immune system by attaching peanut proteins onto blood cells and reintroducing them. This approach has shown promise in preventing life-threatening allergic reactions. By tricking the immune system, researchers hope to target multiple food allergies at once.
A new study from Northwestern Medicine found that the brain uses predictive coding to generate templates of specific smells, setting up a mental expectation before sensing them. This ability provides humans with a behavioral advantage in reacting quickly and accurately to stimuli in their environment.