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Northwestern University


Great expectations

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalChemical Society Reviews·DateNov 25, 2011

On track to getting even fatter

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.

Better batteries

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateNov 14, 2011

More promising natural gas storage?

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateNov 6, 2011

Dead of winter is tough on arthritis sufferers

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Physical Activity and Health·DateNov 4, 2011

So many proteins, so much promise

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateOct 30, 2011

Blue stragglers

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateOct 19, 2011

Nourishing protein slows brain disease

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 17, 2011

Could a computer one day rewire itself?

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateOct 16, 2011

Lower income dads active in their kids' health

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychology of Men & Masculinity·DateOct 13, 2011

Emulating -- and surpassing -- nature

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateOct 13, 2011

Peanut allergy turned off by tricking immune system

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateOct 10, 2011

Sniffing out the brain's predictive power

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNeuron·DateOct 6, 2011

Resisting peer pressure

A new Northwestern University study found that adolescents in mixed friend groups were insulated from the influence of peers who were delinquent or low-academic achievers. Neighborhood violence and territorial boundaries constrained their friendship choices.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalSocial Psychology Quarterly·DateSep 28, 2011

Edible carbon dioxide sponge

Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered edible compounds that efficiently detect, capture and store carbon dioxide. The porous crystals, made from sugar, salt and alcohol, are simple to prepare and turn red when full of CO2.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 23, 2011

Cancer drug may also work for scleroderma

Researchers found that bortezomib inhibits transforming growth factor beta, a protein essential for scar tissue growth, preventing its development in human cells and mouse models. The drug also prevented expression of proteins necessary for scarring in fibroblast cells from scleroderma patients

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThorax·DateSep 22, 2011

Nuclear detector

Researchers developed semiconductor materials that detect gamma rays, identifying plutonium and uranium. The method uses dimensional reduction to create heavy elements with immobilized electrons, making them suitable for detection.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 12, 2011

Fathers wired to provide offspring care

A new Northwestern University study confirms that human males are biologically wired to care for their offspring, showing that fatherhood significantly lowers testosterone levels. The study found that fathers who became more involved in child care experienced the largest decline in testosterone.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 12, 2011

Collaborative science and engineering

The Materials Research Science and Engineering Center at Northwestern University has received a six-year, $16.2 million grant to support its interdisciplinary research program and educational activities. The center aims to develop new nanoscale materials with applications in information processing, electronics, and sensing technologies.

New 'bouncer' molecule halts rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a new protein called P21, which acts as a protective barrier against hyperactive immune cells in people with rheumatoid arthritis. By inhibiting the immune cells' destructive rampage, the bouncer molecule halts the disease process, offering a promising new avenue for future therapies.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateSep 7, 2011

From mild-mannered to killer plague

Scientists identify genetic differences between mild and deadly Plague bacteria, revealing the role of small non-coding RNAs in disease severity. The study provides new insights into the evolution of pathogens and potential therapeutic targets for deadly diseases like the Plague.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2011

Protecting cells

Researchers found that a genetic switch in master neurons inhibits the proper functioning of protective cell stress responses, accumulating misfolded and damaged proteins. Restoring this natural ability could offer a new target for therapy, improving cellular health and quality of life.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2011

Major ALS breakthrough

Scientists have discovered a common cause of all forms of ALS, a fatal neurodegenerative disease, by identifying a broken down protein recycling system in neurons. This finding provides a common target for drug therapy and suggests that all types of ALS are tributaries pouring into a common river of cellular incompetence.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateAug 21, 2011

Get off the couch, please

A Northwestern University study reveals that people with arthritis are not engaging in physical activity critical to their health. The research found that more than half of women and 40 percent of men with arthritis were inactive.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateAug 10, 2011

Restoring blood flow

A novel nanostructure mimics vascular endothelial growth factor to promote blood vessel growth, potentially treating conditions like peripheral arterial disease. The nanostructure shows promise in restoring blood flow and has a longer half-life compared to the natural protein, enhancing its potency.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 1, 2011

Positive teens become healthier adults

A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that teenagers with high positive well-being had reduced risk of engaging in unhealthy behaviors and reported excellent health in young adulthood. Positive psychological characteristics during adolescence are linked to improved long-term health outcomes.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJul 19, 2011

Do women have what it takes?

A Northwestern University meta-analysis reveals that leadership continues to be viewed as culturally masculine, perpetuating barriers to women's advancement. The study finds that women are seen as less qualified or natural in leadership roles, and adopting masculine behaviors can lead to being viewed as inappropriate.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateJul 13, 2011

Clues to why 'they' all look alike

Scientists discovered that brain activity increases when viewing same-race and other-race faces, but only predicts whether an other-race face will be remembered. The study suggests that individuation process is fragile for other-race faces due to lack of practice and social categorization.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateJun 30, 2011

Nudging doctors in intensive care unit reduces deaths

A new Northwestern Medicine study finds that attending physicians in intensive care units can reduce mortality rates by 50% when using a checklist and prompted to address overlooked details. The prompting system cut ventilator-associated pneumonia cases and reduced ICU length of stay.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJun 22, 2011

Science explains ancient copper artifacts

Researchers at Northwestern University recreated ancient copper artifact-making techniques using large stones, fire, and elbow grease. They analyzed discarded copper pieces found on the ground of a 'copper workshop house' in Cahokia and determined that coppersmiths likely hammered and heated copper to create thin sheets.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateJun 13, 2011

Science explains ancient copper artifacts

Researchers at Northwestern University recreated ancient copper artifact-making techniques used by prehistoric Native Americans of Cahokia. They analyzed small pieces of discarded copper and determined that the coppersmiths likely hammered the copper with a heavy rock, then heated it in a wood fire to create thin sheets.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateJun 13, 2011