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Northwestern University


New 'suicide' molecule halts rheumatoid arthritis

A researcher from Northwestern University has invented a novel way to halt and reverse rheumatoid arthritis by developing an imitation of a suicide molecule that targets hyperactive immune cells. The approach, tested on mice, showed promising results with a 75% success rate and no reported toxicity.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateJan 28, 2010

A Venus flytrap for nuclear waste

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new material that permanently traps only the desired radioactive ion, cesium, from a sodium-heavy solution. The synthetic material, made from layers of a gallium, sulfur and antimony compound, sequesters 100% of the cesium ions while ignoring all the sodium ions.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJan 26, 2010

Mussel-inspired 'glue' for fetal membrane repair

A mussel-inspired sealant has been developed for repairing defects in human fetal membranes, showing promise as a biocompatible and effective solution. The sealant, inspired by the sticky properties of mussels, can seal tiny holes in the membrane without causing cell death.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateJan 21, 2010

Research team 'virtualizes' supercomputer

The researchers successfully virtualized Red Storm supercomputer using the Palacios virtual machine monitor, running communication-intensive benchmarks with extremely high performance. The system achieved a measured overhead of less than 5 percent, demonstrating the feasibility of virtualizing large-scale parallel computing systems.

Michelangelos make smart lovers

A new international review of seven papers on the Michelangelo phenomenon reveals that partners who affirm and support each other's ideal selves experience better relationships and increased happiness. The study shows that close partners sculpt one another's traits and skills, promoting goal achievement and personal growth.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateDec 16, 2009

Facebook (and systems biologists) take note: Network analysis reveals true connections

Researchers developed a universal method to analyze complex networks, including social networks, protein-protein interactions, and air transportation networks. The method accurately predicts missing and spurious connections by averaging all possible groupings of nodes, giving each grouping a weight that reflects its explanatory power.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 2009

Ethnic pride key to black teen mental health

A new study by Northwestern University found that ethnic pride is crucial for the mental well-being of young African-American adolescents. The research discovered that increased feelings of ethnic pride are associated with reduced depressive symptoms in both male and female students.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalChild Development·DateDec 1, 2009

Waking up memories while you sleep

Researchers found that sounds presented during naps could guide rehearsal of specific information, strengthening spatial memories. The study suggests that deep sleep is a key time for memory processing, challenging the idea that memories are only processed during REM sleep.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateNov 19, 2009

New brain findings on dyslexic children

Research from Northwestern University's Auditory Neuroscience Laboratory confirms that children with developmental dyslexia have trouble tuning into relevant auditory signals. The study suggests that poor readers who struggle with processing sound in noisy environments may benefit from simple strategies to enhance their listening skills.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNeuron·DateNov 11, 2009

How would Einstein use e-mail?

A Northwestern University study reveals that Albert Einstein and other famous writers followed a similar pattern of correspondence, writing in cycles and adhering to a circadian cycle. The research, published in Science, demonstrates the universality of human behavior patterns across different activities.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateSep 25, 2009

Smart memory foam made smarter

Researchers at Northwestern University and Boise State University have developed a less expensive shape-shifting memory foam using a nickel-manganese-gallium alloy. The new material exhibits 'magnetic shape-memory' properties, allowing it to retain its new shape when exposed to a magnetic field.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 23, 2009

Neurons found to be similar to Electoral College

Researchers have found that neurons integrate synaptic inputs locally before sending signals to the central axon, similar to how electoral votes contribute to a president's election. The study suggests a two-stage model of dendritic integration, which could lead to better understanding of brain processes like learning and memory.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNeuron·DateSep 14, 2009

Doctors fear asking mentally ill to quit smoking

People with mental illnesses like depression and anxiety are heavy smokers, but their doctors fear asking them to quit due to concerns about worsening symptoms. However, tobacco addiction specialist Brian Hitsman says this is a myth, and treating tobacco use and dependence can improve patients' overall health.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Canadian Journal of Psychiatry·DateSep 9, 2009

Taking up music so you can hear

A Northwestern University study finds that musicians can better understand speech in noise due to improved auditory processing skills. The research suggests musical training could be beneficial for individuals with hearing or reading difficulties, particularly older adults and poor readers.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalEar and Hearing·DateAug 17, 2009

Too many ways to say 'it hurts'

A new project called PROMIS aims to establish a common scientific vocabulary for measuring pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and physical/social functioning. This will help researchers compare results and evaluate treatment benefits more effectively, enabling better care for patients with chronic diseases.

New technique could save cancer patients' fertility

Researchers from Northwestern University have successfully grown a woman's immature egg cells, contained in a tiny sac called a follicle, to a healthy and nearly mature egg in the laboratory. This breakthrough could provide a new fertility option for women whose cancer treatments destroy their ability to reproduce.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateJul 13, 2009

Map of your brain may reveal early mental illness

Researchers aim to create a brain map that can help diagnose early-stage schizophrenia and guide more effective treatment. The study, led by Northwestern University, uses topographical brain maps to compare the structures of individuals with schizophrenia to those without, hoping to identify key differences in brain function.

Why saints sin and sinners get saintly

A new study by Northwestern University suggests that individuals with abundant moral self-worth may engage in immoral behavior to balance out their perceived level of goodness, while those who experience a moral-cleansing effect tend to engage in good work to restore their ideal level of moral self-worth.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 26, 2009