Researchers found increased levels of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) in brains with compact and insoluble beta-amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. BChE may play a role in transforming benign amyloid protein deposits into the disease-causing plaques.
Researchers at Northwestern University Medical School found that resveratrol in red wine is a form of estrogen with cardioprotective properties. Moderate consumption of red wine may reduce cardiovascular disease risk due to its resveratrol content, which activates estrogen receptors and increases HDL cholesterol.
A team of scientists discovered a special protein that encases copper to transport it through the cell and deliver it to specific enzymes. The finding provides clues to toxic mechanisms of other metals and rare diseases related to copper metabolism.
Researchers found that chronic stress influenced daily activity rhythms and induced depressive-like behavior changes in mice. Exercise was more pronounced in animals without running wheels, suggesting its protective properties against stress effects.
A phase I multicenter trial uses transgenic pig livers as an ex vivo support system to remove toxins from patients' blood, extending their lives until a human donor liver is available. Researchers aim to alleviate the critical shortage of human donor organs, which claims 3,000 lives per year in the US.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new gold-DNA probe technique that offers high accuracy and speed in detecting genetic and pathogenic diseases. The method uses gold nanoparticles combined with oligonucleotides to detect specific genes linked to diseases, eliminating the need for radioactive materials.
Researchers successfully cloned the Clock gene, a key regulator of circadian rhythms in mammals. The gene's identification provides insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying circadian rhythm entrainment and expression, potentially leading to new treatments for sleep disorders and jet lag-related issues.
A study funded by NIMH found that only 23.5% of women in jail needed mental health services received them, despite having special needs such as abuse and addiction. The lack of services can lead to increased suicide rates among female detainees.
A national survey found that local TV news devotes only 2% to education and 1.2% to race relations, instead focusing on easy-to-cover topics like weather and breaking news. Local TV in larger markets spends even less time on these issues.
A new study found that 41% of current AFDC recipients will reach the 60-month cutoff for lifetime receipt of welfare, and 52% will be forced to seek employment or work activity. States have options to exempt up to 20% of caseloads, but millions of families will still be affected.
Researchers found synergy in two strains of Enterococcus faecalis when combining trovafloxacin and ampicillin/sulbactam, but not in other tested strains. Combination antibiotic treatment remains the only effective means to eliminate vancomycin-resistant enterococcal infections.
Researchers from Northwestern University demonstrate a robot called Scooter that is programmed to refuse to go past a virtual surface. This innovation is part of a new class of collaborative robots called cobots, which are designed to work with humans safely and efficiently.
A 30-year follow-up study found that men who ate about 35 grams of fish per day had a significantly lower risk of dying from a heart attack than those who did not eat fish. The findings held true after accounting for various demographic and health factors, supporting the view that eating fish protects against heart attacks.
A revised ocean depth model developed by Northwestern University geologists significantly better fits observed data, correcting inconsistencies in existing models. By adjusting the assumed thickness of the lithosphere to 95 kilometers, the new model accurately predicts ocean depths surrounding the Hawaiian Islands.
The study, published in the EMBO Journal, shows that viral tails play a crucial role in controlling the shape and formation of new viral particles. The research demonstrates the importance of these protein parts in the development of the virus.
Researchers investigate melatonin's potential to alleviate insomnia in patients with depression undergoing antidepressant treatment. The study aims to determine the optimal dose of melatonin to restore normal sleep patterns.
People with idiopathic anaphylaxis experience unpredictable, life-threatening symptoms without an external cause. Prompt diagnosis and preventive therapy with a combination of prednisone, hydroxyzine, and albuterol are critical to prevent death.
A team of researchers at Northwestern University and the Mayo Clinic have identified two new proteins, Cyp-40 and p23, that act as molecular chaperones to fold proteins into an intermediate state. This discovery expands our understanding of what molecular chaperones are and their role in enhancing hormone sensitivity in cells.
Researchers found increased enzyme activity in Alzheimer's patients, suggesting a potential factor in disease development. A peptide inhibiting ACTH synthesis and secretion was also identified as a regulator of the body's adaptive response to stress.
According to Bruce Rittmann, microbes can break down a wide variety of pollutants, including PCBs and chlorinated solvents, through processes such as in situ bioremediation. In these processes, microbes are fed oxygen and nutrients to stimulate their growth and degradation of contaminants.
A Northwestern University study reveals a biochemical connection between alcoholism and nicotine addiction, suggesting that low concentrations of alcohol may interact with the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. The researchers propose that this interaction may contribute to the high correlation between alcoholism and smoking.
Scientists have identified a human protein that allows herpes simplex virus to penetrate into lymphocytes, a key step in understanding recurrent herpetic disease. This breakthrough discovery may lead to the development of new classes of antiviral drugs.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed an implantable artificial lung that preserves lung function for 24 hours in animal models. The device is intended as a 'bridge to transplant' for patients awaiting lung transplants and as treatment for acute lung failure.
A recent study found that patients with vancomycin-resistant enterococcal infections acquired them in hospitals, resulting in high mortality rates and increased treatment costs. The study highlights the need for proper antibiotic utilization and collaboration among healthcare professionals to prevent antibiotic resistance.
Researchers found that captopril inhibited the growth of new blood vessels essential for tumor growth, potentially reducing cancer incidence and severity. The drug's mechanism may differ from its blood pressure-lowering effects.