A new Northwestern University study suggests that teen dating apps may provide valuable social connections for adolescents, particularly those in sexual and gender minority populations. The study found no significant differences in mental health outcomes between teens who use dating apps and those who don't.
By reprogramming chromatin to prevent cancer cells from adapting to evade treatment, researchers have doubled chemotherapy effectiveness in animal experiments. This approach restores cellular memory, making existing drugs more effective against cancer.
Using a combination of telescopes, an international team studied the closest FXT associated with a supernova, tracing it to a 'trapped' jet that produced high-energy particles. The findings explain the historically elusive phenomena and mark a significant step in understanding cosmic explosions.
A recent Northwestern University study analyzed brain tissue from 174 donated brains, including some from former amateur football players. The researchers found no elevated levels of phosphorylated tau (p-tau) protein in the CA2 region of the hippocampus, which is often associated with CTE and normal aging.
A Northwestern University study finds disparities in peanut allergy prevention guidance, with low-income and minority parents less likely to receive accurate advice. Early peanut introduction cuts allergy risk by over 80%, but guidance is often inadequate for these families.
A national review by Northwestern University identifies top dermatologist-recommended skin care ingredients for seven common complaints. Mineral sunscreen and retinoids are among the most effective ingredients, while too many products can irritate skin and worsen concerns.
A new AI tool, iSeg, has been developed to accurately outline lung tumors on CT scans and identify areas that may be missed by doctors. The study found that iSeg consistently matched expert outlines across hospitals and scan types, and flagged additional areas that some doctors missed.
Scientists at Northwestern University have developed an algorithm that enables smartwatches to more accurately monitor the calories burned by people with obesity during various physical activities. The technology bridges a critical gap in fitness technology, allowing for more accurate tracking and tailored interventions.
A survey of 261 new fathers found that 64% took less than two weeks of leave, while 36% took more than two weeks. The main barrier was fear of losing their job. Paid leave would reduce barriers and increase take-up. Involving dads in childcare from the start is crucial for healthy outcomes.
The Northwestern University-developed SOAR platform helps researchers understand diseases and find potential treatments by analyzing gene activity across various tissues. This tool enables prioritization of drugs to be sent to clinical studies, reducing development time.
A Northwestern University study found that voters disapprove of politicians using power to retaliate against corporate criticism, even when the voter shares the same party affiliation. The researchers surveyed 1,000 adults and found that partisanship was a key factor in opinions on retribution.
A study found that teenage girls using multiple products on their faces increase the risk of skin irritation and allergy. The average cost of a daily skin care regimen is $168, with some costing over $500.
Researchers developed a new computational tool using generative AI to identify key gene combinations underlying complex illnesses. The method amplifies limited gene expression data, enabling researchers to resolve patterns of gene activity that cause complex traits.
A new AI system has been developed that improves radiology productivity and accuracy, offering a breakthrough solution to the global radiologist shortage. The tool boosts efficiency by up to 40% without compromising accuracy and flags life-threatening conditions in real-time.
A multi-center clinical trial found that Duavee, a menopause drug, significantly reduced cell growth in breast tissue and was well-tolerated by participants. The study suggests that Duavee may offer a promising alternative for women at elevated risk of invasive breast cancer due to personal or family history.
A new wearable device measures breast milk intake in real-time, providing clinical-grade monitoring of breastfed babies. The device eliminates uncertainty around milk consumption, reducing parental anxiety and improving clinical management for vulnerable babies in the NICU.
Scientists have developed a sugar-coated nanotherapy that effectively traps misfolded proteins, neutralizing their toxic effects on neurons. The treatment significantly boosts the survival of lab-grown human neurons under stress from disease-causing proteins.
A long-term Northwestern Medicine study found that participating in SNAP significantly mitigates the risk of heart disease and cardiovascular health disparities in children. The study tracked over 1,000 children born between 1998 and 2000 and found that food insecurity at ages 3-5 was linked to worse heart health at age 22.
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that DNA's behavior changes in a crowded environment, affecting the amount of stress required for strand separation. The study used microscopic magnetic tweezers to investigate interactions between DNA and various molecules.
A new method to measure touch reception has been developed, allowing robots to accurately sense object curves and edges. By addressing the insulation layer issue in robotic skins, the researchers provided a clear step-by-step guide for trouble-shooting.
A study found that most head-and-neck cancer survivors who underwent radiation don't know about survivorship care, despite grapple with side effects such as dry mouth, swallowing problems, and psychological distress. The survey also found that 40% of survivors still struggle with dry mouth and nearly a quarter reported trouble swallowing.
Researchers develop a simplified model of tau protein that forms disease-like fibrils, shedding light on the fundamental interactions underlying neurodegenerative diseases. The 'mini prion' can recreate the critical hallmarks of tauopathies, such as Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at Northwestern University propose a new approach to therapeutic development using structural precision in nanomedicine. By fine-tuning the interaction between nanomedicines and the human body, scientists can design interventions that are more effective, targeted, and beneficial for patients.
Scientists developed an injectable therapy that protects the heart from damage after a heart attack by blocking the interaction between two proteins, Keap1 and Nrf2. The study showed decreased inflammation, cell death, and improved cardiac function in animal models.
Researchers believe that post-treatment Lyme disease (PTLD) is caused by the body's response to remnants of the Borrelia burgdorferi cell wall, which persists in the liver. The unique structural properties of this peptidoglycan molecule promote its persistence and may lead to a stronger immune response in some individuals.
Researchers discovered that infants at 15 months old can use conversational contexts to form initial representations of new words, which helps them later recognize the word when the object is visible. By 12 months, infants may not yet have enough familiarity with familiar words to begin forming a representation of a new word's meaning.
Researchers identified piperacillin as an effective treatment for Lyme disease, which causes devastating symptoms in half a million individuals annually. The antibiotic works by targeting the bacteria's unique cell wall synthesis pattern, leading to its death without harming beneficial gut microbes.
A Northwestern University study found virtual group singing can be an effective tool for promoting well-being and social connection during isolation. Participants reported high satisfaction with the sing-alongs, which helped evoke emotional resonance and promote intellectual engagement.
Researchers found that dopamine signals in two key brain areas respond differently to negative experiences, helping the brain adapt based on predictability and controllability. This study sheds light on how excessive avoidance can lead to decreased quality of life and why the 'dopamine detox' trend is too simplistic.
A Northwestern University study reveals that water molecules flip before releasing oxygen atoms, significantly increasing energy consumption. Increasing pH levels of water reduces this energy cost, making water splitting a more practical and cost-effective process.
A Northwestern University study found that justice-involved youth with higher doses of incarceration had poorer outcomes, including lower education and employment rates. The study suggests that early interventions are crucial to reducing recidivism and promoting positive outcomes for these young individuals.
A Northwestern University-led team directly observes a catalytic event in real time, discovering short-lived intermediate molecules and a previously hidden reaction pathway. This breakthrough enables scientists to understand how catalysts work, potentially leading to more efficient and sustainable chemical processes.
Researchers used CRISPR interference to examine every gene in the human genome and discovered a new set of genes contributing to Parkinson's disease risk. The study identified the Commander complex, which regulates lysosomal function and is implicated in PD risk, offering opportunities for new treatments.
Researchers developed a first-of-its-kind wearable device that tracks gas emissions from the skin to monitor health, detect wounds and infections, and track hydration levels. The device offers a new way to assess skin health without contacting delicate tissues.
A new Northwestern University study finds that NU-9 improves neuron health in animal models of Alzheimer's disease by addressing the underlying mechanisms of misfolded proteins. The drug reduces protein buildup and prevents inflammation, showing potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed new materials for direct air capture, making it cheaper and more scalable. The study found that certain materials, such as aluminum oxide and activated carbon, can capture CO2 efficiently, paving the way for more accessible carbon capture technologies.
A study by Northwestern University scientists found that incomplete historical records have led to low genetic diversity and population decline among corpse flowers. The lack of standardized data makes it challenging for conservationists to make informed decisions about breeding, resulting in a high percentage of cloned plants.
Researchers have identified specific brain structures that regulate political passion, finding damage to the prefrontal cortex increases intensity and amygdala decrease it. The study suggests emotion plays a role in shaping expressed political beliefs rather than determining ideology.
A new point-of-care technology developed by Northwestern University scientists can detect multiple HIV antigens at high sensitivity in a matter of minutes. The technology uses a nanomechanical platform and tiny cantilevers to measure the binding of p24 antigens to surface antibodies, demonstrating high specificity.
Northwestern University engineers developed the world's smallest pacemaker that can be non-invasively injected into newborn babies' hearts with a syringe. The device, paired with a wearable wireless controller, stimulates pacing through light pulses, dissolving after use without surgical extraction.
Scientists have developed a method to produce propylene through nonoxidative propane dehydrogenation (PDH) using light-driven nanoparticles. This process could reduce energy demands and emissions in the chemical industry, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new wearable device that can apply precise movements to mimic the complexity of human touch. The device creates a sophisticated variety of haptic sensations, including vibrations, stretching, pressure, and twisting, allowing for more nuanced and realistic tactile feedback.
Researchers at Northwestern University have identified a previously unobserved function of Exportin-1, a protein that promotes gene transcription and stimulates stronger gene expression. This discovery could aid in the development of new medications to stymie cancer growth without harming healthy cellular function.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new carbon-negative building material that can be used to manufacture concrete, cement, plaster, and paint. By converting CO2 into solid, durable materials using electricity and seawater, the material not only stores CO2 but also produces clean hydrogen gas.
Adopting zero-emission vehicles in Illinois could significantly improve air quality, reducing nitrogen dioxide pollution by half. This would lead to a decrease in premature deaths and new cases of childhood asthma, with the greatest benefits seen in neighborhoods currently experiencing high levels of pollution.
A Northwestern University study found significant disparities in glaucoma monitoring, with rural and economically distressed communities facing barriers to care. The study identified strategies to improve access, including expanding tele-ophthalmology services, home monitoring technology, and financial support.
An international team has traced radio pulses to a binary system with a dead star, where a red dwarf and white dwarf orbit each other, emitting a radio blast every two hours. This discovery shows that the movement of stars within a binary system can also emit long-period radio bursts.
A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals that young adults experiencing food insecurity have a 41% greater risk of developing heart disease in midlife. Food insecurity affects one in eight households in the US, and addressing it early may help reduce the burden of heart disease later.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a solvent-free process to break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics using a molybdenum catalyst and ambient air moisture. The process converts PET into monomers, the building blocks for plastics, paving the way for more sustainable plastic recycling.
Researchers discovered that aligning protein chains and increasing hydrogen bonds through stretching make spider silk stronger, tougher, and more elastic. The study aims to design engineered silk-inspired proteins for strong, biodegradable materials like sutures and body armor.