A large study found that estrogen replacement therapy prolongs the QT interval, increasing risk for arrhythmia and heart problems. Women who used hormone therapy had a 50% higher odds of QT prolongation compared to those who never used hormones.
Researchers found that rare variations of HLA-A and HLA-B genes can protect against HIV. The study, which analyzed data from 996 HIV-infected men in Chicago, suggests that these genetic variants may be used to develop targeted AIDS vaccines.
A randomized clinical trial of over 500 women with primary breast cancer found no significant improvement in disease-free survival or overall survival with high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation. However, time to recurrence was longer for patients who received the treatment.
A new Northwestern University study suggests a fundamental difference in men's and women's brains and arousal patterns. Women exhibit a bisexual arousal pattern, responding equally to both male and female erotica, unlike men who respond consistently with their sexual orientations.
Researchers discovered that a lost protein called PEDF can inhibit angiogenesis, a crucial process for tumor growth, in prostate cancer cells. Treatment with PEDF also triggered increased cell death in cancer cells, suggesting its potential as a new treatment option.
A study by Northwestern University found that juvenile detainees aged 10-18 engage in significantly higher rates of HIV-risk behaviors, with 95% exhibiting multiple sexual and drug risks. Boys were more likely to engage in riskier behaviors, while girls aged 16+ were more active sexually.
The Women's Entrepreneurial Life Science Initiative (WELSI) aims to address the disparity in venture capital funding between men and women. Recently, WELSI signed its first two women-led companies, one using nanotechnology for infectious diseases and cancer, and another developing software for medical image archiving.
Researchers at Northwestern University find brain tangles in normal aging and mild cognitive impairment, correlating with memory loss. Neurofibrillary tangles are more numerous in brain regions associated with memory function, suggesting a link between tangle density and memory performance.
A new study by Northwestern University suggests Memphis should consider California-style earthquake building codes, but experts argue the costs would be too high. The proposed code could cut earthquake damage in half, but would increase construction costs by 10-33% and have significant economic impacts.
Scientists at Northwestern University have discovered an enzyme that makes endothelial cells in the lungs susceptible to injury during periods of inflammation. They developed an experimental MLCK inhibitor, which protected normal mice from lung injury when exposed to bacterial toxin and ventilator-induced stress.
Researchers have developed a new method using titanium oxide nanocrystals to deliver genes into cells, potentially overcoming current limitations of gene therapy. The nanocomposites can separate when exposed to light or x-rays, allowing for targeted gene delivery.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered that both Dax1 and Sry genes are necessary for normal testis development, contrary to previous findings that suggested only one gene was involved. The study sheds new light on the genetic mechanisms underlying sex reversal and infertility in humans.
The Center for Reproductive Research aims to improve understanding of hormones, receptors, and signaling molecules in female reproduction. Researchers will develop synthetic scaffolds and investigate molecular machines to address diseases associated with reproductive function.
Researchers have discovered a way to control 'badly' behaving neurons in Parkinson's disease, potentially easing symptoms and progression. By blocking potassium channels or eliminating the subunit using gene therapy, high-frequency spiking can be stopped, preserving normal neuronal activity.
A new study finds that children in low-income families are not harmed when their mothers leave welfare and enter the workforce. The research also suggests that mothers' entry into the labor force is related to improvements in adolescents' mental health, while exits from employment are linked to increased behavior problems.
Researchers found that progesterone receptor knockout mice showed a complete lack of infanticide and exhibited active paternal care, frequently contacting and retrieving pups. In contrast, control mice committed 74% infanticide and displayed less paternal behavior.
The Falk Center will utilize state-of-the-art gene chip technology to identify genes responsible for neurological disorders. Two therapeutic developments are approaching the product stage, including a gene-based therapy for malignant brain tumors and a treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Researchers have discovered that bone formation in a regenerated forelimb combines elements of embryonic development and adult wound healing. MicroCT imaging reveals that bone formation does not occur in the same order as previously thought, but rather follows a pattern similar to normal fracture recovery.
Researchers at Northwestern University are using genome-wide mutagenesis to identify gene mutations that cause sex reversal in mice. The study aims to understand the function of mammalian genes and their role in gonad development, as well as infertility in humans.
A new gene therapy approach has been shown to virtually eliminate cancerous tumors in mice by boosting their immune systems. The treatment, which blocks a key immunosuppressor called TGF-beta, resulted in 70-80% survival rates in mice with melanoma and prostate cancer.
A recent study by Northwestern University found that nearly two thirds of boys and three fourths of girls in juvenile detention have one or more psychiatric disorders. Detained teens are also at high risk for substance abuse, with about half exhibiting dependence.
Research reveals that foreign-born nursing home aides face on-the-job racism, while African-American aides are less likely to experience it. The study also highlights the prevalence of racist attitudes among nursing home residents, which can impact staff behavior.
The Northwestern SCOR will focus on the role of genes, androgens and intrauterine environment in PCOS. The research aims to elucidate the pathogenesis of PCOS and provide a potential molecular diagnosis for the syndrome.
Researchers have developed a high-speed encryption protocol using noisy light to secure information, promising unconditionally secure, fast, easy-to-manage, and cost-efficient security. The Northwestern method transmits encrypted data at 250 megabits per second, outpacing conventional cryptography and existing quantum methods.
A study by Northwestern University found that aging slows brain activity in language areas, particularly in the left front lobe and parietal cortex. However, this decrease is associated with increased processing efficiency, as older adults perform equally well on language tasks compared to younger counterparts.
Research suggests that tobacco smoke exposure can transform follicular lymphoma into an aggressive large cell lymphoma with poor prognosis. Genetic mutations in the p53 tumor suppressor gene and microsatellite instability may play a role in this process.
A research team has visualized the interactions between molecular chaperones and protein aggregates, shedding light on how these protective proteins prevent disease. The study provides new insights into neurodegenerative diseases and could lead to the development of effective drugs.
A phase II study of 100 patients with previously untreated HIV found that kaletra held the virus at undetectable levels for four years, with 72% maintaining suppressed viral loads. The results suggest that Kaletra remains a crucial option for initial therapy, helping to prolong time to resistance development.
Researchers found that increased nighttime systolic blood pressure is predictive of microalbuminuria and kidney disease in type 1 diabetes patients. The study suggests that this early warning sign may help prevent unnecessary therapies.
A new detection method uses gold nanoparticles and DNA probes to quickly identify multiple diseases, surpassing conventional methods in sensitivity, selectivity, and speed. This technique has the potential to be inexpensive and widely available.
A new study suggests that women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and their siblings with hormone problems have the same gene defect. The study found that approximately 50% of PCOS sisters had elevated androgen levels, while PCOS brothers had significantly elevated DHEAS levels.
Researchers found atazanavir significantly lowers total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (
Researchers found that HIV-infected patients with viral suppression interrupted treatment for an average of nine months without experiencing infections or illnesses. Patients with lower virus levels and stronger immune systems responded favorably to the interruption.
Northwestern researcher Robert L. Murphy calls for simplified, less toxic HIV therapies due to complex regimens and adverse effects. He discusses potential new treatments like atazanavir, a single-daily-dose protease inhibitor with minimal side effects.
A new device developed by Northwestern University uses a hollow-fiber membrane biofilm reactor to remove perchlorate and nitrate from contaminated water. The system exploits the natural biochemical process of electron transfer, reducing contaminants to harmless substances.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new tool to write nanopatterns with DNA inks, enabling the creation of miniaturized gene chips with an array of diagnostic tests. This technology can produce spots of DNA down to 50 nanometers in diameter, reducing cost and time.
Researchers found that tau protein is necessary for beta-amyloid to cause brain cell degeneration in Alzheimer's disease. Tau-depleted neurons showed rapid microtubule turnover, suggesting potential resistance to neurodegeneration.
Women in jail have high HIV infection rates, with specific risk factors identified as substance abuse disorders and severe mental illness. An HIV/AIDS education program in a correctional setting has shown promise in reducing the spread of HIV in communities.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a chemical species that defies conventional theory on stability. The pentamethylcyclopentadienyl cation is stable in the solid state and solution, challenging traditional understanding of antiaromaticity. This finding has significant implications for the field of organic chemistry.
Researchers have identified a molecular mechanism that controls a 'failsafe' device in endothelial cells, which marks them for apoptosis and blocks abnormal new blood vessel growth. This discovery may lead to the design of new anti-angiogenic drugs or improved existing treatments.
Chronic heart failure affects 5 million US people, with poor hospital outcomes and high readmission rates. Researchers conducted large placebo-controlled trials to develop treatment guidelines for this condition.
Researchers at Northwestern University have created a novel device that detects ultraviolet light 10 times more efficiently than the Hubble Space Telescope. The innovative detector uses gallium nitride material to block visible and infrared light, allowing astronomers to study important objects in the universe for the first time.
A rare form of meningitis caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis larvae was contracted in a Jamaican restaurant outbreak linked to contaminated romaine lettuce. The lettuce, imported from the US, was the likely source of the infection, which affected 12 individuals and hospitalized nine.
Northwestern University scientists developed a new DNA detection method that excels in sensitivity, selectivity, cost, ease of use, and speed. The technology can detect hundreds of pathogenic agents simultaneously and pinpoint single-base mismatches missed by conventional methods.
Researchers found that raloxifene did not prevent growth of breast tumors previously exposed to tamoxifen, while being less effective in blocking endometrial tumor growth. The study suggests that raloxifene may not further reduce the risk for breast cancer recurrence after five years of tamoxifen therapy.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a gene therapy that reduces inflammatory cytokines involved in joint inflammation. The treatment, which uses the IL-13 gene, has been shown to suppress joint inflammation and prevent the development of arthritis in rat models.
Researchers create protein nanoarrays with features over 1,000 times smaller than conventional arrays, enabling more accurate and efficient detection of biomolecules. The technology, developed by Northwestern University, holds promise for applications in disease screening and biorecognition.
Recent studies suggest that modulating glial inflammation may be an effective approach to delaying onset or slowing progression of neurodegeneration. New compounds described in a study selectively block production of IL-1B, iNOS and NO by activated glia without diminishing the production of other glial proteins.
Researchers propose a new mechanism to explain the X-ray galactic ridge's origin, involving low-energy cosmic rays interacting with neutral molecular clouds. The study suggests that this process can produce the observed X-ray emission without requiring dramatic events or unusual astrophysical processes.
A study by Northwestern University researchers found that men who smoke are more likely to experience erectile dysfunction due to the negative effects of smoking on blood vessels. The prevalence of erectile dysfunction in former smokers was similar to that of never-smokers, highlighting the long-term risks of tobacco use.