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...
Researchers at Northwestern University found that cells in the retina of fruit flies adopt mathematically predictable shapes and configurations, similar to soap bubbles. This discovery reveals a general principle of patterning found in a wide range of living things.
The grant will fund research on dopamine neurons and brain adaptation in Parkinson's disease, with the goal of developing new treatments for patients. Northwestern University's expertise in neuroscience and molecular imaging will be utilized in this effort.
Scientists discover endothelial cells have higher levels of receptors for endostatin, which protects melanoma cells from angiogenesis inhibitors. This finding may lead to new cancer therapies targeting both angiogenesis and tumor cell vasculogenic mimicry.
A study found that young women with favorable levels of cardiovascular risk factors have lower age-specific risks for cardiovascular disease and death. Among those at low risk, CHD and CVD cease to occur at epidemic rates.
A collaboration between pharmaceutical manufacturers, healthcare agencies, and researchers led to a significant reduction in epoetin-associated pure red-cell aplasia. The incidence decreased by 83% after improvements were made in storage and handling of the drug.
A team of engineers at Northwestern University has developed a method for precisely aligning multiple types of molecules on a silicon surface at room temperature. This breakthrough enables the construction of nanoscale systems such as molecular transistors or light-emitting diodes, and paves the way for integrating with current technol...
A new planned-care method for children with asthma has been shown to reduce symptoms by 13 days per year, need for rescue medication by a third, and improve adherence to medication as prescribed. The method involves regularly scheduled visits with specially trained nurses and extra education for physicians in asthma management.
A new study by Northwestern University researchers shows that social networks can efficiently lead to global organization, even with imperfect information transmission due to noise or error. The model is adaptable and robust, capable of responding to external conditions, and people tend to adjust their opinions based on the majority
A new hypothesis from Northwestern University researchers suggests that brain development and puberty could be key factors in learning disorders. The study found that individuals with learning problems develop more slowly than those without, and their brains stop developing around the time of puberty's onset.
Researchers developed a regulatable gene therapy that can be turned on and off using doxycycline, offering potential for treating Parkinson's disease. The treatment uses the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) protein to promote survival and differentiation of dopamine neurons.
Research suggests that filaments in the Galactic center are connected to areas of intense star formation, providing a link between thermal and non-thermal radio emission. The discovery sheds light on the phenomenon behind these striking features.
The prevalence of blood pressure control among hypertensive individuals declines with advancing age, particularly in women. According to the study, only 32% of men and 24% of women aged 80 and older had their blood pressure under control.
Researchers using GPS satellites have discovered a pattern of land movement across North America, with Canadian sites rising and US sites south of the Great Lakes sinking. This post-glacial rebound affects not only industries but also international water management.
Common in 18- to 30-month-old children, scale errors occur when youngsters try to perform actions on miniature objects despite knowing they're too small. The study suggests a failure of inhibitory control and immaturity of the prefrontal cortex.
A study by Northwestern University and the Framingham Heart Study found that parents with early-onset cardiovascular disease double the risk of heart attack or stroke in their children. Children with intermediate levels of risk factors are most affected, making parental cardiovascular disease a strong predictor of risk.
A new nanoscience-based diagnostic method called bio-bar-code amplification (BCA) has been developed, rivaling PCR in sensitivity and selectivity. BCA can detect as few as 10 DNA molecules in a sample in minutes, making it suitable for point-of-care diagnostics at various locations.
Women are more susceptible to lung cancer due to genetic mutations and hormonal changes, resulting in increased adenocarcinoma prevalence. Effective tobacco control measures are crucial to prevent a similar surge in lung cancer rates among women in developing countries.
Research by Mark Jung-Beeman and colleagues found increased neural activity in the right temporal lobe when solving problems with insight, suggesting a distinct computational and neural mechanism. This suggests that creative thinking relies on at least one unique brain process that involves reinterpretation and integration of information.
A study by Northwestern University found that over 90% of delinquent youth had experienced at least one traumatic event, with boys reporting higher rates than girls. The researchers recommend improving mental health services for high-risk youth and detecting post-traumatic stress disorder in juvenile detainees.
Researchers at Northwestern University successfully induced embryonic stem cells to develop into precursor bone marrow and blood cells in genetically mismatched mice. The technique could lead to a renewable alternative to donor bone marrow transplantation, reducing the risk of graft-versus-host disease.
A Northwestern University study found that COX-2 inhibitors can block lupus autoimmunity by targeting a specific molecular pathway. The researchers identified structural peculiarity in some COX-2 inhibitors as the key to their effectiveness, which may lead to the development of new treatments.
A Northwestern University study found that death rate after hospital discharge increased up to 72 percent for patients with DNR orders. Despite this, the researchers suggest that shorter lengths of stay can be achieved without compromising patient health through improvements in therapies and end-of-life care.
Research suggests that subconscious bias can distort facial perceptions, leading to the perpetuation of stereotypes and racism. Studies show that even well-meaning individuals may view identical faces as more hostile in African American faces, highlighting the importance of addressing implicit bias.
A recent study found a significant link between increased levels of C-reactive protein and colon cancer risk. However, the study's findings do not suggest that C-reactive protein is a definitive marker for colon cancer risk.
A recent study found that disabled children with psychosocial problems are less likely to receive mental healthcare, particularly younger and black children. In contrast, joint care coordination between a health professional and family member improved access to outpatient services.
Researchers developed ultrasound-guided liposomes to boost imaging and target drug/gene therapy. The technique directs liposomes to specific targets, such as atherosclerotic plaques or blood clots, and releases drugs with ultrasonic pulses, improving visualization and diagnosis of arterial conditions.
Researchers at Northwestern University have successfully grown nerve cells using an artificial three-dimensional network of nanofibers, a technique important in regenerative medicine. The innovative scaffold directs cell differentiation, driving neural progenitor cells to become neurons and not astrocytes.
Scientists at Northwestern University developed a method to construct flat or curved nanoscale structures using hybrid gold-polymer rods. The controlled assembly process holds promise for creating new materials with unique electronic and optical properties.
Researchers at Northwestern University have made a breakthrough in treating Alzheimer's disease by targeting the gene that causes memory loss. The study found that inhibiting an enzyme called BACE1 can prevent memory deficits and brain cell functional abnormalities in laboratory models of Alzheimer's disease.