A Northwestern University study found that early exposure to microbes reduces the risk of chronic inflammation related to diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dementia. Adults in Ecuador showed no signs of chronic inflammation, unlike many US adults with chronically elevated C-reactive protein levels.
A Northwestern University study found that simply changing one bad habit, such as spending less time on the couch, can have a domino effect on other unhealthy behaviors. The most effective way to rehab a delinquent lifestyle requires two key behavior changes: cutting time spent in front of screens and eating more fruits and vegetables.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that childhood cancer survivors experience increased anxiety, depression, and depressive symptoms due to persistent hair loss and disfigurement. The study's findings highlight the long-term impact of childhood cancer treatment on quality of life.
A Northwestern University study reveals that female shift workers and women with circadian rhythm sleep disorders experience fertility and menstrual issues due to disrupted circadian clocks. The researchers found that mice subjected to advances of the light-dark cycle had greater circadian clock disruption and lower reproductive success.
Researchers at Northwestern University have designed new metamaterials that exhibit negative compressibility transitions, where they contract when tensioned and expand when compressed. This discovery may enable new applications in protective mechanical devices and actuators.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new, all-solid-state solar cell that exceeds the performance of traditional Grätzel cells. The device achieves an impressive conversion efficiency of approximately 10.2 percent and is stable over time, addressing key limitations of current solar technology.
A new study at Northwestern University found that a single brief therapy session for adults with a lifelong debilitating spider phobia resulted in lasting changes to the brain's response to fear. Participants were able to touch or hold a tarantula in their bare hands six months after treatment, showing the effectiveness of short exposu...
Northwestern University researchers have received two Grand Challenges Explorations grants to develop new compounds for malaria treatment and biosensors for low-cost diagnoses. The projects aim to improve the health of people in developing countries using synthetic biology techniques.
Researchers at Northwestern University have identified the molecular trigger of uterine fibroids, a single stem cell mutation that activates other cells to grow uncontrollably. The study suggests a new direction for developing therapies to treat these tumors, which affect an estimated 15 million women in the US.
Researchers are developing hybrid NEM devices to improve performance and reduce power consumption in electronics. While individual NEM devices show high performance, scaling up production is a challenge due to the need for reliability over millions of cycles. New material selection methods have been demonstrated to enhance robustness.
Research at Northwestern University reveals that bilingualism sharpens the brain's ability to encode basic sound patterns and improve attention. Bilingual speakers outperform monolingual peers in processing complex sounds under noisy conditions.
Researchers developed a mathematical model that shows the low percentage of lefties is due to balance between cooperation and competition. The model accurately predicts the number of elite left-handed athletes in various sports, such as baseball, boxing, and hockey.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new brain-machine interface that directly delivers electrical signals from the brain to muscles, enabling complex movement of a paralyzed hand. The device was tested on monkeys and showed promising results, with potential applications for paralyzed patients.
Researchers at Northwestern University develop a new theory of networks, establishing relationships between disparate topics such as friendship paradoxes and material properties. The study reveals that cascading processes can be controlled and collective behavior depends on network properties, opening new avenues for disease treatment ...
A new blood test can diagnose major depression in teens with high accuracy, distinguishing between subtypes such as major depression with anxiety disorder. The test's development holds promise for tailored treatments and reduced stigma around the disease.
A new study reveals that overweight pregnant women with mildly elevated blood sugar levels are at a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes than previously thought. These women, who do not have gestational diabetes or obesity, carry significant risks for their health and the health of their babies.
Northwestern University scientists develop gold nanostars that target cancer cells' nucleus, releasing a killing drug. The nanoparticles are attracted by a protein on the surface and change shape after drug release, causing cell death.
Studies of 32 ecological communities reveal that a species' role depends on its evolutionary history, not geographic location. This knowledge allows conservationists to focus efforts on vital parts of an ecosystem and predict species' responses to changes.
A new drug developed by Northwestern Medicine scientists has prevented human prostate cancer cells from spreading to other tissues. The drug inhibits movement of the cells and prevents metastasis without causing harm to normal cells or tissues.
Harold H. Kung's analysis finds Investment Tax Credit to be more attractive for consumers and investors due to lower electricity prices and faster returns on investment. The study aimed to mitigate the high capital cost of wind power, benefiting both parties.
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.