Physicians rely on nuclear medicine scans to watch the heart pump, track blood flow and detect diseases. The new perovskite-based detector can capture individual gamma rays with record-breaking precision, leading to sharper, faster, cheaper and safer scans.
A Northwestern University study reveals how Pseudomonas putida, a common soil bacterium, rewires its metabolism to thrive on complex carbons like lignin. The findings provide insights into the biomanufacturing industry's quest to harness bacteria for biofuel production and chemical synthesis.
A new catalyst breaks down polyolefin plastics into liquid oils and waxes, which can be upcycled into higher-value products. This process bypasses the labor-intensive step of pre-sorting mixed plastic waste, making recycling more efficient and practical.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new CRISPR delivery system that triples efficiency using DNA-wrapped nanoparticles, improving safety and effectiveness. The new system, called LNP-SNAs, targets specific cells and tissues, reducing toxicity and boosting gene-editing efficiency by threefold.
A study by Northwestern University found that Black adults are hospitalized for heart failure at age 60.1, while white adults are hospitalized at age 73.6. The gap is largely attributed to differences in insurance, unemployment, and education levels.
A long-term field study found that wild bumble bees strategically target flowers to balance their diet, adjusting their consumption of protein, fat, and carbs based on tongue length and seasonal flower availability. This nuanced approach allows them to thrive together and maintain strong colonies.
The NIH Baby Toolbox is a new nationally standardized assessment tool for infants aged 16-42 months, measuring cognitive, language, motor and social-emotional skill development. The tool uses video-based assessments to engage infants in tasks, overcoming previous limitations in measuring young children.
Children living in low-opportunity neighborhoods are more than 20 times likely to be hospitalized for gun injuries compared to those in high-opportunity areas. Unintentional shootings account for the majority of these cases.
Researchers pinpointed the location of the brightest fast radio burst (FRB) ever recorded, RBFLOAT, to a single spiral arm of a galaxy 130 million light-years away. The precision was achieved using the CHIME/Outrigger array, allowing scientists to explore the environment and potentially shed light on the nature and origins of these mys...
Astronomers discover stripped-down supernova with unusual chemical signature, providing evidence for the layered structure of stellar giants and unprecedented glimpse into a massive star's interior. The study reveals that stars can lose extensive material before exploding, challenging current theories on stellar evolution.
Researchers have discovered a new material that matches or exceeds the performance of commercial iridium-based materials, but at a fraction of the cost. The breakthrough was achieved using a powerful new tool called a megalibrary, which rapidly screened vast combinations of metals to find a suitable alternative.
A Northwestern University study discovered that organic matter enhances soil's ability to retain water, even in desert-like conditions. Carbohydrates form bridges between organic molecules and soil minerals, locking in moisture that would otherwise evaporate.
SuperAgers, individuals with exceptional memory performance beyond their age, have been studied for 25 years. Their brains show a distinct neurobiological profile, linked to resistance and resilience mechanisms that may prevent Alzheimer's disease progression.
A Northwestern University study found that Zileuton nearly eliminated life-threatening allergic reactions to food allergens in mice by targeting a previously unknown gene called DPEP1. The discovery could lead to a new, simple pill-based treatment for food allergies.
A new Northwestern University study finds that even with renewable energy availability, switching to electric vehicles won't fight climate change without upgraded transmission grids. Targeted upgrades could alleviate congestion and unlock full emissions-reduction potential of EV adoption.
A new study uncovers coordinated efforts of paper mills, brokers, and infiltrated journals to fabricate research, pay for authorships, and citations. Millions of dollars are involved in these processes, with the problem so widespread that it's outpacing legitimate scientific publications.
A new online tool calculates a person's 'heart age' based on cardiovascular disease risk factors, revealing significant gaps among certain groups. On average, women had a heart age of 55.4, while men had an average heart age of 56.7, with disparities found among those with lower incomes or education.
Researchers have developed soft artificial muscles that provide the performance and mechanical properties required for building robotic musculoskeletal systems. The new muscles can be battery-powered, enabling robots to move more naturally and safely in unstructured environments.
A new framework developed by Northwestern University and UCLA scientists integrates various water-related processes with a machine-learning model to predict landslide threats. The framework identifies three main pathways leading to landslides: intense rainfall, rain on already saturated soils, and melting snow or ice.
Researchers from Northwestern University developed a novel approach to integrate metal-sulfur active sites into metal-organic frameworks, which significantly outperformed their non-sulfur counterparts in hydrogenation catalysis. The study provides a powerful new strategy to design and study metal-sulfur catalysts for various applications.
Researchers found that map-making brain cells in the hippocampus are activated differently even when navigating a static environment, shedding light on how the brain processes spatial memories. The study's findings could have profound implications for understanding memory, learning, and aging.
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.