A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals how metformin lowers glucose levels by targeting mitochondrial complex I in cells. The drug also improves COVID outcomes and reduces inflammation, suggesting that mitochondrial complex I inhibition may be a unifying mechanism behind its diverse effects.
Researchers have refined the timing and duration of Ocean Anoxic Event 1a, an extreme environmental disruption that caused significant extinction among plankton. The study determined OAE 1a lasted for just over 1.1 million years, providing valuable insights into Earth's climate and ocean system.
A new study by Northwestern University researchers found that breathing rhythms coordinate hippocampal brain waves during sleep, strengthening memory consolidation. This synchronization is critical for proper memory formation and retrieval, with implications for treating disordered breathing during sleep, such as sleep apnea.
A new AI tool called PlacentaVision can rapidly evaluate placentas at birth to detect abnormalities associated with infection and neonatal sepsis. This could lead to improved health outcomes for both mothers and babies, particularly in areas with limited medical resources.
Researchers found a powerful antioxidant in Deinococcus radiodurans that combines with manganese to protect against radiation damage. The discovery could lead to synthetic antioxidants tailored for human needs, protecting astronauts and preparing for radiation emergencies.
A new implantable device, inspired by a tree branch, uses DNA sensors to continuously monitor inflammation biomarkers in the body. The device accurately measures protein biomarkers of inflammation in diabetic rats and has potential applications for managing acute and chronic conditions.
A global survey of over 4,700 food allergy patients and families found airline travel to be a significant source of worry and anxiety. The study suggests that reasonable accommodations, such as pre-boarding and allergen-free zones, can reduce stress for travelers with food allergies.
A Northwestern University study found that gut microbes from large-brain primate species, such as humans and squirrel monkeys, can increase energy production in mice, while those from small-brain species like macaques store more energy as fat. This suggests a link between the microbiota and brain evolution.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found the 'lizard brain' is connected to newly evolved social cognitive network regions, which are involved in thinking about other people. This link helps shape the function of the social cognitive network by giving it access to the amygdala's role in processing emotionally important content.
A new study from Northwestern Medicine reveals a significant increase in severe maternal morbidity and birth complications in Illinois between 2016 and 2023. The findings highlight the impact of chronic health conditions such as obesity, hypertension, and mental health disorders on pregnancy outcomes.
Researchers developed a new amidinium-based coating that extends the life of perovskite solar cells, tripling their T90 lifetime and doubling their stability. The coated cells achieved a record-breaking 26% efficiency and withstood harsh conditions for up to 1,100 hours.
A new analysis reveals that zero liquid discharge (ZLD) technologies can increase water recovery from desalination while reducing waste, but at increased costs and energy consumption. The process poses tradeoffs between fighting future water scarcity and environmental effects.
A Northwestern University-led team developed a new haptic patch that delivers various complex sensations, including vibrations and twisting. The device has potential applications in gaming, virtual reality, healthcare, and sensory substitution, offering more realistic sensory experiences.
Scientists have developed a polymer-based therapeutic for Huntington’s disease, which disrupts protein interactions to preserve cell health. The treatment successfully rescued neurons and reversed symptoms in mouse studies, showing promise as a potential delay or reduction of disease onset.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new surface that prevents 100% of frost formation on flat areas for up to 160 hours. The hybrid surface combines a textured macrotexture with a thin layer of graphene oxide, offering a promising solution for various applications.
A team of researchers from Northwestern University has developed a novel machine-learning approach to accurately predict pneumonia outcomes by analyzing electronic health records. The study identifies five distinct clinical states in pneumonia, three of which are strongly associated with disease outcomes and two that can help physician...
A study by Northwestern University found that cross-talk between the hippocampus and cortex can predict chronic pain, with higher anxiety levels increasing precision. The researchers suggest targeting anxiety after injury to prevent chronic pain, paving the way for novel treatments.
A study found that 4.6% of Nigerian participants with COVID-19 experienced neurologic symptoms, with some still experiencing symptoms two years after their initial episode. Researchers plan to treat these patients using similar techniques used in the US, aiming to alleviate their suffering.
Scientists have discovered a long non-coding RNA called CHASERR that regulates the production of the CHD2 gene, which is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. The study found that patients with a deletion of this RNA had excessive CHD2 protein production, leading to severe intellectual delays and other symptoms.
A new therapeutic approach combining cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and lucid dreaming has shown promise in reducing nightmare severity and frequency in patients with narcolepsy. The study, published in the Journal of Sleep Research, found overall reductions in nightmare symptoms in all six participants tested.
Researchers have developed a new system for full-body motion capture that leverages sensors within consumer mobile devices. The app, called MobilePoser, tracks a person's full-body pose and global translation in space in real time with advanced machine learning and physics-based optimization.
The Northwestern Mental Health, Earlier Center will address the youth mental health crisis by targeting early signs of vulnerability to mental health problems in toddlers through routine pediatric care. The center aims to foster self-regulation skills and reduce mental health risk by promoting developmental health promotion frameworks.
Researchers discovered an extremely diverse collection of viruses on toothbrushes and showerheads, including previously unknown species. These bacteriophages target bacteria, not humans, and have potential uses in treating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed soft, sustainable electroactive materials using peptides and a snippet of plastic. These materials can store energy or record digital information and have potential applications in low-power electronics, sensors, and medical implants.
Researchers discovered that wastewater bacteria can break down plastic into small pieces called nanoplastics and use a specialized enzyme to further degrade it. The bacteria then use the broken-down plastic as a food source, providing new possibilities for developing bioengineering solutions to clean up difficult-to-remove plastic waste.
For the first time, researchers have witnessed nanosized water bubbles forming in real time using a novel method that enables atomic precision. The breakthrough discovery has significant implications for practical applications, such as rapid water generation in deep space environments without extreme conditions.
Researchers at Northwestern University have finally uncovered the mechanics of static electricity generated by rubbing objects together, explaining how forces on different parts of an object create electrical charges and a current. This breakthrough could lead to new solutions for industrial fires, pharmaceutical dosing, and other issu...
A Northwestern University study finds that cancer patients prefer their providers assess their financial concerns early in treatment. Most patients (83%) want their providers to reach out regarding financial needs, with 82% preferring this at diagnosis or starting treatment.
Researchers discovered a novel treatment that extends ovarian function in older mice by improving maintenance of the ovaries and preventing key age-related changes. The treatment also fixes hormone production and overall health, alleviating symptoms such as bone loss, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline.
A new Northwestern Medicine study identifies critical language connector sites in the cerebral cortex that work together to produce language. These sites serve as connectors between subnetworks of people, serving a similar function for language in the brain.
A new trial revealed that a lifestyle-intervention program failed to reduce cardiovascular risk factors in US South Asians, but showed promising improvements in health behaviors. The study underscores the need for culturally tailored interventions to address the unique health needs of this growing ethnic group.
A Northwestern University study reveals that states with severe post-Dobbs abortion restrictions also lack policies to support families, particularly those of low socioeconomic status and marginalized individuals. The authors argue that advocates should leverage child protection arguments to advocate for improved family welfare policies.
A study found that pediatricians were more likely to deliver a secure gun storage program when receiving a 'nudge' or extra staff support, resulting in a significant increase from 2% to 49% of doctors. The findings suggest that even minimal resources can be effective in promoting this critical conversation.
The Northwestern University Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute has received $55 million in NIH funding to accelerate the development, evaluation, and implementation of improved healthcare interventions. The grant will support the development of effective health interventions for more patients more quickly, with a focus on ad...
Researchers found that brief, temporary changes to bacterial gene regulation imprint lasting changes within the network that are passed on to offspring. This discovery challenges long-held assumptions of how simple organisms transmit and inherit physical traits.
A global study found that over half of adults expect to be seriously harmed by their water within two years due to low confidence in water quality. The study highlights the need for both safe drinking water and public trust in water sources.
New evidence suggests masks can reduce transmission, but behaviors like avoiding crowds also play a role. Experts emphasize the need for multi-measure approaches to public health.
The Northwestern University Transplant Access Program (AATAP) has supported nearly 300 patients, with over 50 receiving a kidney or liver transplant. The program focuses on the needs of Black Americans, addressing structural and institutional barriers to access.
Researchers found a specific deletion in the spike protein that enhances the virus' ability to infect brains of mice, which could help understand 'long COVID' and develop treatments. The study suggests viruses with this deletion can traffic from the lung to the brain, leading to neurological symptoms.
Researchers have developed a bioinspired process to make marine sand more durable and resistant to erosion by applying a mild electric current. This natural cement reduces the need for expensive protection structures and provides a sustainable solution for strengthening global coastlines.
A new study by Northwestern University found that PrEP users frequently perceive others using the medication as promiscuous, despite knowing those who use it. The authors suggest sex-positive messaging to address this stigma and encourage a broader understanding of PrEP's benefits among vulnerable populations.
In Illinois, youth emergency room visits for depression and anxiety decreased significantly after the COVID-19 shutdown and plateaued at lower rates. Social media use is believed to be a contributing factor, with increased smartphone usage leading to reduced social interaction and sleep disturbances.
Researchers developed a bioactive material that successfully regenerated high-quality cartilage in animal models, promoting enhanced repair and growth of new cartilage containing natural biopolymers. The material's effectiveness was tested in sheep with cartilage defects, showing promising results for potential use in humans.
The study found Venezuela's internet speeds are excruciatingly slow, with median speeds at about 10% of the regional average, making modern services unusable. The country's reliance on overseas resources for DNS services also leads to high latencies and impaired network resilience.
Researchers developed an injectable therapy harnessing fast-moving 'dancing molecules' to repair damaged human cartilage cells. The treatment activated gene expression necessary for cartilage regeneration within four hours, and human cells produced protein components needed for cartilage growth after just three days.
Researchers found a strikingly similar pluripotency gene network across jawless and jawed vertebrates, suggesting a common evolutionary origin. The study reveals that the loss of the pou5 gene in lampreys' neural crest cells may have limited their ability to form cell types found in jawed vertebrates.
A new study reveals that metallic minerals on the deep-ocean floor can produce oxygen, even in complete darkness. This discovery challenges long-held assumptions that only photosynthetic organisms generate Earth's oxygen and has significant implications for our understanding of the origin of life.
Researchers discovered a new mechanism by which iron oxide minerals recycle phosphorus from DNA and RNA molecules, transforming them into bioavailable inorganic forms. This finding uncovers a missing piece of Earth's puzzling phosphorus cycle, highlighting the importance of understanding natural phosphorus recycling mechanisms.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a method to load therapeutic cargo into extracellular vesicles, effectively delivering engineered proteins to specific diseased cells. This approach could enable more effective and affordable biological medicines for diseases like immunotherapy and regenerative medicine.
Researchers identified a fundamental imbalance in immune responses that patients with lupus make, leading to insufficient activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway. This imbalance can be corrected by reprogramming disease-causing cells into Th22 cells promoting wound healing, offering a potential cure for lupus.