A new study by Northwestern University researchers shows that the brain learns to differentiate between similar smells simply through passive experience. Prolonged sensory exposure induces 'expertise' in specific smell categories, leading to improved odor discrimination and retention of this expertise for at least 24 hours.
A Northwestern University study uses EEG measures to show how attention alters brain activity, revealing that paying attention makes brain responses to stimuli more coherent. This synchronization enables a stimulus to stand out and guides behavior.
Scientists from Northwestern University find New Madrid rocks surprisingly similar to other areas of the eastern United States, contradicting the idea that hot rocks are weak. The study suggests the fault system may be shutting down, with no large earthquakes expected for thousands of years or longer.
A new study found that nearly half of patients misinterpreted at least one prescription label instruction, regardless of literacy level. Patients with low literacy made the most mistakes, but even those with higher education struggled to understand the labels.
Tolvaptan has been shown to improve patients' serum sodium levels within hours, with sustained normalization during long-term therapy. The treatment also improved mental performance in patients with low serum sodium levels.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered an enzyme called ACE2 that may hold the potential to treat diabetic kidney disease. Studies suggest that increasing ACE2 levels in the kidneys could reverse or prevent kidney disease from developing.
A study by Northwestern University found that older adults who go to bed feeling lonely, sad, or overwhelmed have elevated levels of cortisol the next morning. This morning cortisol boost can help regulate hormone levels and facilitate positive social experiences, potentially mitigating health problems associated with chronic stress.
A national center for the Materials World Modules (MWM) program has been created at Northwestern University to expand educational efforts introducing materials science topics to students in grades 7-12. The program aims to spark interest in STEM fields by providing hands-on learning tools and real-world applications.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a virtual newscast system that collects, edits, and organizes existing news stories based on user interests. The system utilizes Web resources to retrieve video, images, and blogs related to the story content, creating a personalized, automated news report.
A new diagnostic device, BioMAP, can identify a third of children aged 8-12 with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities. Children identified through BioMAP receive auditory training that improves their academic learning skills.
Scientists at Northwestern University have created a novel carbon nanotube-based nanoelectromechanical switch that exhibits bistability based on current tunneling. The device has the potential to revolutionize memory chips and electronic sensing devices.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed arrays of robotic whiskers that sense information about object shape and fluid flow. These artificial whiskers can extract three-dimensional features from solid objects by analyzing bending moments and strain gauges.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new method to sort single-walled carbon nanotubes by their diameter and electronic structure, overcoming the problem of structural heterogeneity that has limited their widespread use. This method, which exploits subtle differences in buoyant densities, promises to enable the produ...
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new patterning method called Dip-Pen Nanolithography (DPN), which allows for the simultaneous creation of 55,000 identical nanoscale patterns on substrates. This breakthrough enables mass production of nanoscale patterns, paving the way for miniaturized gene chips and electronics.
A Northwestern University study finds that the kouprey, Southeast Asia's 'forest ox,' is unlikely to be a wild species due to its genetic similarity to a domesticated breed. The researchers believe it may have originated from a domestic hybrid between banteng and zebu cattle.
A new study published in Science estimates that at least 200,000 people have died in Darfur, far exceeding previous estimates of tens of thousands. The study's authors used primary surveys and extrapolation to arrive at this revised estimate, which underscores the urgency of the situation.
A new type of diode laser, called quantum cascade lasers (QCLs), may revolutionize aircraft protection by emitting high-power light at specific wavelengths. The QCLs can operate at room temperature and have a power conversion efficiency of 10 percent, making them ideal for widespread use in infrared countermeasure systems.
Researchers at Northwestern University have successfully integrated quantum key distribution and quantum data encryption to create a complete quantum cryptographic data network. This new system offers extraordinary resilience to eavesdropping and is compatible with standard fiber optical networks.
A new study has identified a key protein, LMP4, that regulates Tbx transcription factors in embryonic limb and heart development. This discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanisms controlling these critical processes.
Northwestern University has received a four-year, $4.9 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop and produce affordable diagnostic devices for infectious diseases. The team will focus on two targeted products and work with commercial collaborators Abbott and Inverness Medical Innovations to improve test systems.
A Northwestern University team sheds light on mussel adhesive strategies, focusing on the amino acid DOPA, which forms strong noncovalent and covalent interactions with surfaces. This discovery could lead to development of medical implant coatings.
New research from Northwestern University confirms that high-maintenance interactions indeed drain us. Study participants who engaged in low-maintenance interactions were more than four times as likely to elect a challenging task, while those with high-maintenance interactions struggled with self-regulation and performance anxiety.
Researchers discovered that Herceptin is effective in treating breast cancer tumors with low or undetectable HER-2 levels but high HRG expression. Continuous production of HRG activates the HER-2 receptor, promoting tumor growth and proliferation.
Researchers discovered that malignant melanoma cells secrete Nodal, a protein essential for proper embryo development, inducing abnormal skull and backbone formation in zebrafish embryos. Blocking Nodal signaling reduced melanoma cell invasiveness and promoted reversion to normal skin cells.
A Northwestern University study found that over 90% of patients support designating a proxy for health care, but less than 26% had previously been asked. The researchers advocate for routine identification of proxies to promote advance care planning and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a process to create graphene-based composite materials with exceptional properties. The method involves exfoliating graphite into individual layers, which can be mixed into polymers, glasses, and ceramics.
Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) who are physically active have a significantly lower death rate than inactive individuals. A study published in Circulation found that higher physical activity levels are associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and death in PAD patients.
Researchers from Northwestern University have developed a three-dimensional culture system to preserve immature eggs for female fertility preservation. The technology, which mimics the ovary environment, has successfully led to the live birth of healthy mice from in vitro grown follicles.
Researchers found strong association between PON2-PON3 gene cluster polymorphisms and sporadic ALS, a complex neurodegenerative disorder. Gene variations may help elucidate the cause of sporadic ALS, potentially leading to specific treatments.
A Northwestern University research team has developed a three-dimensional imaging technique that enables the study of fuel cell microstructure. This will help improve fuel cell performance and lifespan by revealing nanometer-scale features.
A team of researchers led by Ravi Allada from Northwestern University discovered that mushroom bodies play a crucial role in regulating sleep in fruitflies. The study suggests that the area may function to consolidate memories formed during the day, similar to vertebrates.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new method to deliver antisense cancer drugs using gold nanoparticles, outperforming conventional agents. The nanoparticles improve stability, binding efficiency, and cellular uptake of the DNA, resulting in enhanced gene knockdown and lower toxicity.
Researchers discovered a mechanism by which misfolded SOD1 proteins form aggregates that kill motor neurons in ALS. The normal form of SOD1 is recruited to participate in disease formation through intermolecular disulfide bonds, providing potential sites for therapeutic intervention.
A study found that higher levels of education are associated with lower prevalence of coronary artery calcium, a marker of subclinical cardiovascular disease. Individuals with less than a high school degree had four times higher CAC prevalence compared to those with more than a college education.
A new study finds that PCOS is associated with elevated cholesterol levels, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome in mothers. The long-term health consequences of PCOS are significant, and mothers should be screened for cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Researchers have developed a new method called colorimetric screening to detect molecules that can facilitate the formation of a special form of DNA called a triple helix. This method uses gold nanoparticles and DNA to distinguish between strong, medium and weak binders to DNA.
Using a chick model, researchers demonstrated that malignant melanoma cells can respond to and be influenced by the embryonic neural-crest-rich microenvironment. This discovery may hold promise for developing new treatments for metastatic melanoma.
A Northwestern University researcher found that online communities of young people (10-16) demonstrate high levels of civic involvement, care for their communities, and exhibit unique leadership styles. These leaders prioritize synthesis, social ability, and persuasiveness over traditional traits.
A study by Northwestern University researcher David Huffaker finds that teen bloggers are vulnerable to cyberstalking due to their online presence. Blogs provide a platform for teens to share stories and feelings, but also expose them to risks such as sexual predation and bullying.
A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that using open-ended questions to collect patient-reported data on ethnicity resulted in lower rates of missing values and unusable data compared to traditional closed-ended methods. This method also better captured the nuances of patients' self-identified ethnicities.
Researchers have developed virtual peers that can interact with children, helping them develop language and literacy skills. The virtual playmates engage in collaborative storytelling and are capable of adapting to individual children's needs.
Researchers found that polyglutamine proteins can destabilize the cell's system by interfering with other proteins having difficulty folding, leading to massive consequences. The study suggests a common mechanism may underlie various neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington's and ALS.
Researchers found notable increases in racial differences in asthma hospitalizations and deaths since 1980, with smaller increases seen for adults. Clinicians are urged to focus on improving treatment, prevention, and education for minorities to close the unacceptable racial gap.
A recent study found that low-income minority patients are underrepresented in colon cancer screenings, with only 7% receiving correct screenings. The study highlights the need for organizational interventions to support physicians in underserved areas and promote recommended screening practices.
A recent study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that nearly 10 million more adults have high LDL-C (
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new compound that selectively inhibits pro-inflammatory proteins called cytokines by glia, slowing or reversing neuroinflammatory cascade progression. The compound also restored normal synaptic function and attenuated Alzheimer's-like behavioral deficits in mice.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a gene therapy that turns off the alpha-synuclein protein, a key player in Parkinson's disease. The therapy uses RNA interference to selectively disable the gene, leaving other genes unaffected, and has shown promising results in rat models.
Researchers have observed that less energetic infrared flares coincide with more energetic X-ray and submillimeter flares, suggesting accelerated particles give rise to emission. The study also found that flare activity is driven by the infrared wavelength, with 40% of observations detected in this range.
A Northwestern University study found that middle-aged individuals with higher body mass indexes had significantly higher risks of hospitalizations for and deaths from heart disease and diabetes in older age. Having a normal BMI in young adulthood and middle age confers significant health benefits.
Researchers found alphaB-crystallin protein promotes uncontrolled growth in breast cancer cells, suggesting it as a molecular marker for aggressive breast cancer. The study identified a key pathway activated by alphaB-crystallin and found drug inhibitors block its effects, paving the way for new targeted therapies.