The Center for Structural Genomics of Infectious Diseases and the Seattle Structural Genomics Center have experimentally determined 500 three-dimensional protein structures from bacterial and protozoan pathogens. These structures could lead to the development of new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics to combat deadly infectious diseases.
Researchers have identified a molecular cause of post-traumatic stress syndrome and developed a treatment that calms brain chemicals. The new drug, MPEP, was found to prevent the condition when administered within five hours of a traumatic event, offering hope for early intervention.
Researchers have found a way to improve the reliability of carbon nanotube-based nanoelectromechanical systems by using diamond-like carbon electrodes. This enables reliable switching and storage of binary states in devices, advancing the technology from laboratory-scale demonstrations to practical applications.
Researchers developed a new high-performance fiber with superior strength and toughness, surpassing Kevlar. The fiber was created by combining carbon nanotubes with a polymer and testing its properties using in-situ electron microscopy.
The new infrared camera features a 16-fold increase in pixels, enabling higher-resolution images in the dark. The Type-II superlattice technology reduces mercury content and improves uniformity, increasing yield and reducing cost.
A Northwestern University team analyzed Wheres's George? data to identify areas of high connectivity, finding that some borders split states, while others align with cultural segmentation. The study reveals the strength of local travel over long-distance relationships.
Researchers at Northwestern University have found a way to mimic estrogen's effects on brain cells without increasing cancer risk. By activating an estrogen receptor, they increased the number of connections between brain cells, improving mental performance.
A new study reveals that adopting a healthy lifestyle in young adulthood can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease in middle age. The five key behaviors include not smoking, low or no alcohol intake, weight control, physical activity, and a healthy diet. In contrast, genetics play a smaller role in determining cardiovascular h...
Researchers at Northwestern University have produced an atomic picture showing how RNase P recognizes and cleaves transfer RNA, revealing the versatility and complexity of RNA as a catalyst. The study supports the idea that RNA played a crucial role in the emergence of life.
A Northwestern Medicine study found that stressed dopamine-releasing neurons in the brain die prematurely, triggering Parkinson's disease symptoms. The research suggests that controlling this stress with a drug already approved for high blood pressure may delay disease progression.
Researchers at Northwestern University have found that a soy-based drug can prevent the movement of prostate cancer cells from the prostate to the rest of the body. The experimental treatment, genistein, has shown beneficial effects on human subjects with localized prostate cancer in a recent phase II study.
Researchers create model of M33 X-7's evolutionary history and formation to explain its observational characteristics. The model sheds light on massive star evolution and black hole formation physics.
Northwestern University is part of a US-led initiative to modernize medical school curricula in Nigeria, enhancing knowledge and skills among medical students. The project aims to retain 140,000 new healthcare workers and improve primary health care capacity across Africa.
A new study by Northwestern University researchers uses complex systems and computer modeling to better understand educational policies. The approach, which treats education as a complex system, has been applied to school choice and student tracking, revealing promising results in understanding policy implications.
Researchers developed a method to detect early signs of lung cancer by examining cheek cells using biophotonics technology. The test, called partial wave spectroscopic (PWS) microscopy, shows promise in prescreening patients at high risk for the disease.
Scientists create a synthetic structure that mimics the behavior of PCR enzymes, allowing for highly sensitive detection of small molecules. The new catalysts could lead to advancements in medical diagnostics, forensics, and environmental monitoring.
A new drug, tanezumab, significantly reduces knee pain in osteoarthritis, but a small number of participants developed worsening arthritis and bone changes requiring joint replacements. The FDA is examining data to decide on the drug's future use.
A study of 58 caregivers found that a lack of understanding and help from friends and relatives is the biggest cause of stress. Caregivers reported signs of anxiety and depression due to common problems such as criticism, social isolation, and difficulty sustaining themselves and their families.
The Northwestern University-led trial assesses the safety and tolerability of human embryonic stem cell-derived oligodendrocyte progenitor cells in paralyzed subjects with spinal cord injuries. The goal is to evaluate if these stem cells improve neuromuscular control or sensation in the trunk or lower extremities.
Researchers discovered that combining practice with additional sensory stimulation can lead to significant learning gains. This approach may reduce the effort required for learning and improve therapies for children with language learning impairments or adults seeking to enhance perceptual abilities.
Researchers from Northwestern University and the University of Illinois created a square polymer stamp with pyramid-shaped tips to mimic geckos' micro- and nano-filaments. This allows for varying adhesion strength, enabling the transfer and printing of electronics on complex surfaces.
Regular aerobic exercise improves sleep quality, reduces depressive symptoms and increases vitality in middle-aged and older adults with insomnia. The study found that exercise elevates participants' self-reported sleep quality, dropping their scores on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index by an average of 4.8 points.
A new Northwestern University study found that rapid weight gain in the first six months of life predicts earlier puberty for boys and has long-term effects on their physical characteristics and reproductive strategy. The researchers suggest that testosterone plays a key role in shaping these differences.
Physicist Adilson E. Motter and colleague Katrin Gelfert show that chaos is absolute in the universe's early expansion, disagreeing with previous studies' relative views. The study implies that the early universe experienced erratic changes between red- and blue-shift directions, confirming chaotic behavior.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered edible nanostructures that can be used for gas storage and food technologies. The compounds, made from natural ingredients like sugar and starch, offer a green approach to storing hydrogen and have potential applications in cleaner air and healthcare.
Women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer can benefit from prophylactic surgeries to remove ovaries, fallopian tubes, or breasts, increasing survival rates and eliminating risk. Genetic testing is crucial for identifying the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which significantly increase cancer risk.
A Northwestern University team has developed a low-cost, high-throughput method for creating and mass-producing large-area nanoscale patterns using Shrinky Dinks. This solvent-assisted nanoscale embossing (SANE) method offers unprecedented opportunities to manipulate electronic, photonic, and magnetic properties of nanomaterials.
Research from Northwestern University found that healthy eggs require high levels of zinc to mature and be fertilized. The study may lead to advances in fertility treatment by enabling doctors to assess the best eggs for successful embryo formation.
Researchers at Northwestern University found a universal law for material evolution, allowing them to predict the dynamics of phase break-up in various materials. The study used 4-D synchrotron-based X-ray tomographic microscopy to observe the evolution of rod-shaped phases during the break-up process.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new method called beam-pen lithography, which uses tiny beams of light to draw patterns on surfaces. This technology offers a means to rapidly and inexpensively make and prototype circuits, optoelectronics, and medical diagnostics.
A new Northwestern University study has developed a technology that can detect imminent terrorist attacks by correlating P300 brain waves with guilty knowledge in mock terrorism scenarios. The test was accurate in identifying critical concealed information, even without prior knowledge of the planned crime.
Researchers have successfully used two catalysts to produce valuable compounds for biomedical research. The cooperative catalysis approach allows for rapid, efficient and controlled production of large amounts of a key building block for many pharmaceuticals.
A Northwestern University study found that many college students trust websites and search engines ranked high on Google, prioritizing brand recognition over factual accuracy. The study involved 102 students who showed a strong preference for Google and other top brands, even when given hypothetical information-seeking tasks.
Seven Northwestern graduate students will be 'resident scientists' at Chicago-area middle and high schools, integrating their research into the science curricula. The program aims to train graduate students in communicating complex research to people of all ages and bring computational thinking into the K-12 classroom.
A review of research linking musical training to learning highlights the neural connections made during musical training also prime the brain for other aspects of human communication. Music training enhances neuroplasticity and enables the nervous system to provide stable patterns for meaningful learning.
Researchers have developed a new technique combining flexible sigmoidoscopy with optical technologies to detect colon cancer more accurately in women. The test identified subtle changes in tissue that indicate the presence of cancer, providing hope for improving discrepancies in screening accuracy between men and women.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new arsenic nanoparticle that effectively targets and blocks aggressive triple negative breast cancer. The nanoparticles deliver the toxic cargo directly to tumor cells while shielding normal tissue from harm, making it a promising lead for improving chemotherapy drugs.
Researchers from Northwestern University discovered a common human sperm gene called Boule, which is 600 million years old and shared among animals such as trout, sea anemone and flies. The gene plays a vital role in sperm production and has the potential to be targeted for male contraception and controlling diseases caused by parasites.
A new study found that obesity is associated with poorer memory and brain function in older women, particularly those who carry excess weight around their hips. The research controlled for various health factors and suggests that different types of fat may have varying effects on cognition.
A team of researchers used advanced imaging technology to colorize a black-and-white photograph of Matisse's 'Bathers by a River', revealing the artist's innovative methods and palette changes. The resulting image shows how Matisse transformed his work from vibrant colors to somber grays, offering insights into his artistic evolution.
Multimedia talking touchscreens are helping researchers and clinicians improve communication, knowledge, and adherence to treatment for patients with diverse language skills. The technology provides a more private and accessible way for patients to complete questionnaires and access health information.
A new study by Northwestern University researchers suggests that online classes may have negative consequences for lower-performing and language minority students. The study found modest evidence that live-only instruction results in higher learning outcomes than internet instruction, particularly for relatively low-achieving students.
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered a direct link between the pancreas' molecular clock and insulin production, highlighting its role in regulating glucose homeostasis. The findings suggest that faulty clocks may contribute to the development of diabetes.
Researchers developed a method to quantify player performance in team activities, ranking soccer players based on their contributions. This approach uses network analysis and statistical methods to evaluate player performance, producing results that closely match expert opinions.
Graphene oxide exhibits surfactant behavior like soap and shampoo chemicals, dispersing in water and filtering by size. This property has potential applications for carbon nanotube dispersion and graphene device fabrication.
A new study from Northwestern University's McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science reveals that hunting at a drag-inducing position could be the basis for fish's unusual body shape. The researchers found that the increased cost of movement caused by body tilting was more than counterbalanced by increased sensory performance.
A Northwestern University study reveals that successful academics struggle to mentor students during the latter half of their careers. The research, analyzing 60 years of mathematicians and their advisees, found that mentors who advised fewer students had more successful protégés.
A new ultrasensitive PSA test using nanoparticle technology can detect low levels of PSA in the blood that indicate cancer recurrence. The test may provide early and more accurate answers, allowing doctors to act at the earliest and most sensitive time for patients' long-term survival.
Scientists at Northwestern University found that tiny blood vessels in the brain have a unique method of clearing debris by growing a membrane that envelopes the obstruction and then shoves it out. This process is slower in an aging brain, resulting in more capillary death and potentially contributing to age-related cognitive decline.
A Northwestern University study found that brain cancer patients with malignant gliomas tend to overestimate their quality of life compared to their caregivers. The research suggests that caregivers play a crucial role in providing a more accurate assessment of the patient's well-being.