Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a tiny infrared laser that can detect explosives and chemical warfare agents, setting the stage for a portable system to warn against potential threats. The far-infrared laser's high power and efficiency make it an ideal source for sensitive chemical analysis.
Research suggests that severely mentally ill individuals are disproportionately victimized by crime, with a prevalence rate six to 23 times greater than the general population. The study's findings highlight the need for improved mental health treatment and support services to reduce revictimization.
Molecular machines can now be driven individually using an electric current, allowing for controlled operation. This breakthrough enables the use of molecular machines in applications such as computing, sensors and bioengineering.
A study found that nearly three-quarters of elderly individuals (80+ years) have hypertension, with women facing greater risks. Poor control rates were 38% among men and 23% among women, mainly due to inadequate use of combination therapy.
A recent study found that foreign-born Asian American and Pacific Island women are significantly less likely to receive breast-conserving surgery than non-Hispanic white women, despite similar demographic and tumor characteristics. Language barriers and cultural factors may contribute to these disparities.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a custom-built scanning tunneling microscope to image individual organic molecules on silicon, refining design constraints for molecular electronic devices. The study has also provided insight into surface chemistry, with potential applications in sensing, catalysis, and lubrication.
Researchers at Northwestern University create a new method to produce nanowires with controlled gaps, enabling the design of devices for diagnostics and drug discovery. The technique, called on-wire lithography, allows for the fabrication of nanowires with precise electrical measurements on individual molecules.
Researchers found that zebrafish embryos with human metastatic melanoma cells suppress tumor development, suggesting potential for new cancer therapies. The study provides a powerful model for investigating tumor-microenvironment interactions and reversing the aggressive phenotype of cancer cells.
Researchers found that microRNAs play a crucial role in regulating gene expression and enabling stem cells to pass from the normal stop phase to the stage of replicating their DNA for later division. The discovery suggests that microRNAs may also control cell division in cancer cells, encouraging proliferation.
Research suggests high school start times deprive teens of sleep, affecting cognitive performance and mood. Students perform better in the afternoon, but early morning classes report being wearier and less alert.
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that brain regions involved in information integration shift depending on cognitive task. Dynamic Causal Modeling revealed that specific regions, like the lateral temporal cortex and intraparietal sulcus, act as convergence zones integrating information from other parts of the brain.
Researchers have found TRPA1 to be present in stereocilia of hair cells, crucial for both sound detection and balance. This dual role suggests that TRPA1 may play a key role in pain sensation, particularly in response to noxious stimuli.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new coating that provides effective fouling resistance for over five months, outlasting existing antifouling polymers. The coating, made of two parts, sticks securely to surfaces and prevents cell and protein buildup, holding promise for use on medical implants.
The Research on Adverse Drug Events and Reports (RADAR) Project has identified serious adverse drug reactions with 14 commonly prescribed drugs and cardiac stents, affecting almost 1,700 patients. RADAR reviews have been published in leading medical journals and have helped save hundreds to thousands of patient lives.
Researchers found that successful teams in arts and sciences have diverse membership, with old and new members adding creative spark. Unsuccessful teams are isolated, whereas successful teams are interconnected like the Kevin Bacon game.
Scientists have created a Nanofountain Probe that enables sub-100 nanometer molecular writing, a capability previously unattained. The device employs a volcano-like dispensing tip and capillary-fed solutions to achieve high-resolution direct writing.
Researchers have discovered that a faulty body clock can wreak havoc on the body's metabolism, increasing the risk of obesity and diabetes. In a study published in Science, scientists found that mice with a misaligned internal timepiece gained weight and developed metabolic abnormalities when fed regular or high-fat diets.
Researchers at Northwestern University show that a magnetic field can be used to increase or decrease the flow of heat through an Andreev interferometer. The findings, published in Physical Review Letters, demonstrate the quantum mechanical nature of heat flow and its relationship with electron charge.
Researchers explain violent origins of extrasolar planetary behavior, citing planet-planet scattering as key factor. The study's findings suggest that strong instabilities led to the formation of highly eccentric orbits in multiple systems.
A Northwestern University team has designed organic molecules that self-assemble into ultra-thin layers for use in transistors. Their tailored molecular components reduce operating voltage and power consumption, making low-power consumption OTFTs a reality.
Scientists have discovered a subset of learning disabilities resulting from a dysfunction in the brainstem's encoding of basic sounds of speech. BioMAP, a simple neurophysiological test, can identify children with sound processing disorders and improve their speech discrimination skills through auditory training.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new solid oxide fuel cell that converts liquid transportation fuels into hydrogen, offering a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to current technologies. The cells could lead to widespread adoption of hydrogen power in applications such as cars, trucks, and homes.
The new Local-Electrode Atom-Probe (LEAP) tomograph allows researchers to study the nanostructure and chemical composition of materials at an unprecedented level. By analyzing the structure and chemical identity of steel, scientists can design stronger materials with improved properties.
A new study suggests that breastfeeding mothers can safely resume nursing after undergoing surgery with the anesthetic propofol. The research found that less than 0.1% of the drug's dose is present in breast milk within 24 hours, minimizing infant exposure and justifying uninterrupted breastfeeding.
Researchers created tumor-specific immune cells that were insensitive to TGF-beta, a powerful substance that helps cancer cells evade the immune system. These cells were able to infiltrate and destroy tumors effectively, while preventing autoimmune disease, offering new hope for treating advanced prostate cancer.
Researchers developed a new scale to predict recovery of consciousness from coma after brain injury. The Disorders of Consciousness Scale (DOCS) accurately detected improvements, declines, and plateaus in neurobehavioral functioning.
A study of 750 women in spontaneous labor found no significant difference in C-section rates between those receiving spinal and systemic opioids. Early epidural analgesia was also associated with shorter labors and lower pain scores.
Scientists at Northwestern University have developed a new diagnostic test for Alzheimer's disease using bio-bar-code amplification technology. The test can detect miniscule amounts of a toxic protein in human cerebrospinal fluid, which may be responsible for early neurological deterioration.
Hospitalized children experience preventable adverse events at significantly lower rates than adults, with birth-related and diagnostic errors being the most common types. The study suggests that processes and systems leading to adverse events in children may differ from those in adults.
Researchers at Northwestern University propose a new theory that challenges the widely accepted model of long-term memory storage. According to this new theory, memories are stored through a dynamic and meta-stable process, rather than permanent representation in the brain.
A new study suggests that insufficient sleep may be a contributing factor to weight gain and the development of metabolic syndrome. This condition increases the risk of serious diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers used MRI to study brain activity and found that tens of thousands of discrete brain regions form a network with the same features as other complex networks, such as the Internet. The brain network shares two fundamental properties: small world connectivity and in-homogeneity, allowing for efficient information transmission.
A recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that aspirin use is underutilized among diabetic women and young adults. The researchers discovered a significant disparity in aspirin use between men and women with diabetes, with only 34% of women using aspirin regularly compared to 42% of men.
A Northwestern University study reveals potentially fatal blood clots in up to 20% of cancer patients treated with thalidomide. The drug's exclusive off-label use hinders information sharing about side effects.
A study found that immigrants to the US are at higher risk of obesity due to acculturation and limited access to healthcare. As they spend more time in the country, their body mass index increases, suggesting a threshold effect.
A Northwestern University study shows that short-term exposure to social and physical activity improves cognitive performance and subjective sleep quality in older adults. The 14-day program included 90 minutes of daily activity, resulting in a 4-6% improvement in cognitive function.
Scientists at Northwestern University have identified a signal on exported parasite proteins that enables the malaria parasite to target red blood cells. This discovery provides a new understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying malaria infection and offers promising leads for developing new treatments.
A study by Northwestern University researchers found that average annual and cumulative Medicare charges are significantly higher for obese individuals, with severe obesity resulting in costs of up to $175,000. The study highlights the urgent need for preventive measures to address obesity and reduce healthcare costs among older adults.
Research found that toxic amyloid ß-derived diffusible ligands (ADDLs) specifically attack and disrupt synapses in the brain, leading to memory loss in Alzheimer's patients. Understanding how ADDLs target specific neurons and synapses could lead to new therapeutic drugs capable of reversing memory loss.
A study published in The Journal of Neuroscience found that chronic back pain is associated with a significant decrease in gray matter volume in the brain, particularly in regions involved in processing information and memory. This suggests that proper treatment may reverse some of the brain changes caused by chronic pain.
Researchers found that treating mothers with IgG during pregnancy significantly reduced the severity of recurrent NH in newborns. The study showed that all 16 pregnancies progressed uneventfully and resulted in live babies with normal physical examination findings.
Researchers are exploring the potential of tomato oil to reverse or delay progression of high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN), a precursor to prostate cancer. The study, led by Dr. Peter Gann, aims to clarify lycopene's mechanisms in the prostate and determine its chemopreventive potential.
Researchers discovered a new class of compounds, aminopyridazines, that target neuroinflammation and neuronal loss in Alzheimer's disease. The compounds inhibit glial activation and reduce oxidative stress, leading to decreased neuron loss and improved cognitive function.
A recent study found that maintaining a stable weight, even for obese individuals, significantly reduces the risk of heart disease. The study, which followed over 2,500 young adults for 15 years, revealed that those who gained weight were nearly five times more likely to develop metabolic syndrome and related health issues.
A new study suggests that cruise ship living could be an attractive option for seniors who enjoy travel and require some assistance with daily activities. The research found that cruise ship living results in higher quality care over a 20-year period, despite being $2,000 more expensive than traditional assisted living facilities.
Researchers found an average cost savings of $9 per episode among adults using OTCs to treat symptoms, leading to potential annual savings of $4.75 billion. The study also highlights the economic impact of lost productivity from missed workdays and decreased on-the-job productivity.
A Northwestern University team discovered that mutant Huntingtin protein aggregates bind to the proteasome machine, preventing complete degradation of proteins and leading to disease. This interference causes a cumulative negative effect, resulting in the buildup of damaged proteins.
Researchers at Northwestern University are using regenerative medicine to help paralyzed people walk again and enable diabetic individuals to lead normal lives without daily treatments or organ donations. The team is focusing on synthetic scaffolds and their interactions with cells, a key component of regenerative medicine.
Researchers at Northwestern University are developing novel biomaterials and imaging techniques to improve the survival and function of transplanted islet cells in patients with type 1 diabetes. The grant will fund efforts to create microenvironments favorable for islet survival and function via controlled delivery of biological factors.
A study published in Psychological Science used MRI technology to investigate how people form false memories. The researchers found that brain activity in specific areas, such as the precuneus and right inferior parietal cortex, was greater for words that were later falsely remembered as having been presented with photos. This suggests...