Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a way to soften stiff hair follicle stem cells, enabling them to grow hair again. By boosting the production of microRNA-205, they promote hair growth in both young and old mice, offering potential for human hair regrowth.
A new population of shorter, horizontally-oriented filaments has been discovered near Sagittarius A*, the galaxy's central supermassive black hole. These filaments are thought to be tied to the outflow of hot material from the black hole, providing insights into its spin and accretion disk orientation.
A Northwestern University study found that mental health can negatively impact sexual health in strong relationships among men who have sex with men. The research suggests that strong relationships may actually increase stress, leading to worse sexual health when depression is present.
A new Northwestern University study finds that CT scans are more effective than genetics in predicting the risk of heart disease in middle-aged individuals. The study used data from over 3,200 adults and found that adding CT scan data to conventional risk factors improved the accuracy of risk prediction.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found young adult cancer survivors (18-39 years old) are 2.6 times more likely to develop heart failure when treated with anthracyclines. The incidence is highest among leukemia and other specific cancer types.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a metal-filtering sponge that can capture and recover critical metals and heavy-metal pollutants from contaminated water. The new sponge successfully removed lead to below detectable levels with one use and recovered over 90% of the ions during subsequent cycles.
Nearly half of COVID-19 patients develop secondary bacterial pneumonia, which can lead to death. Machine learning analysis found that this complication offsets the mortality rate from the viral infection itself.
A new study found that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) improved the quality of aging females' egg cells in roundworms by reducing embryonic death and chromosomal abnormalities. Replication in fruit flies confirmed the findings, suggesting a shared signaling system between species.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new catalyst that converts captured carbon dioxide into acetic acid with high efficiency. The innovation uses electrochemistry to convert CO2 into products with established markets, offering new pathways for improving the economics of carbon capture and storage.
Scientists successfully opened the blood-brain barrier using a novel ultrasound device, delivering chemotherapy to treat glioblastoma patients. The treatment increased drug concentrations by 4-6 times and was safe and well-tolerated.
Researchers developed a biomarker signature test to predict which bladder cancer tumors will respond to immunotherapy, potentially improving survival rates. The study identified three types of responsive tumors and two non-responsive ones, providing insights into potential new treatments.
Astrophysicists have discovered that intermediate-mass black holes eat stars in a series of violent passages, ejecting the leftovers across the galaxy. The star's remains create a signature that might help astronomers pinpoint these elusive objects.
The new NIH Toolbox V3 iPad App allows doctors to quickly screen patients for cognitive functions such as memory, emotion, and vision. The app covers a wide range of tests spanning four domains, enabling clinicians to assess patients in under 30 minutes.
A new study by Northwestern University found that up to a quarter of juvenile justice youth are later injured or killed by firearms within 16 years. The study highlights the need for policy and intervention strategies to address the epidemic of firearm injury and death among high-risk youth, particularly those in the juvenile justice s...
A comprehensive review reveals that postmenopausal dyspareunia is a common condition with various causes, including lack of estrogen, cancer treatments, and musculoskeletal problems. Effective treatments are available, such as lubricants, vaginal estrogen, and fractional CO2 laser treatments.
Researchers developed a graphene 'tattoo' implant that senses irregular heart rhythms and delivers electrical stimulation without constraining the heart's natural motions. The device is optically transparent, allowing for external light to record and stimulate the heart through the device.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that only 7% of Medicaid enrollees with opioid use disorder (OUD) received residential treatment, highlighting a significant gap in care. Residential treatment centers provide structured support and are considered one of the best treatments for severe substance use.
Researchers have discovered a non-invasive way to isolate tumor-reactive lymphocytes from blood, opening up new treatment options for cancer patients. This breakthrough could potentially bypass radiation therapies and harsh chemotherapy drugs, making it a more viable option for hospitals.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new technology that boosts weak biochemical signals by over 1,000 times using plastic transistor amplification. This enables real-time health diagnostics and disease monitoring without complex electronics.
Researchers have developed an AI algorithm that can remove atmospheric blur from astronomical images, resulting in more accurate scientific measurements and clearer data. The tool produces faster and more realistic images than current methods, producing 38.6% less error compared to classic methods.
For the first time, scientists have observed nanoparticles forming crystals with unprecedented clarity. The study used optimized liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy to capture the self-assembly process of thousands of nanoparticles. This breakthrough could lead to designing new materials for electronic applications.
A new high-resolution simulation shows different pollutants accumulate along highways and over Lake Michigan, affecting communities in distinct ways. The study provides a detailed, neighborhood-by-neighborhood estimate of air pollution, highlighting areas that need targeted solutions to address poor air quality.
A new study suggests that age, not weight, should be used to screen for diabetes, capturing the greatest number of people in all racial and ethnic groups. The approach identifies the greatest proportion of adults with prediabetes and diabetes and maximizes equity across racial and ethnic groups.
A new study found evidence of a reverse 'Flynn effect' in the US, with declines in verbal reasoning, matrix reasoning, and letter/number series scores, but an increase in 3D rotation scores. The study suggests that changing values and motivation may be contributing factors.
A new study suggests that pregnant women who have dimmed lights and screens for three hours before sleep are less likely to develop gestational diabetes. Dim light exposure before bedtime may help regulate glucose levels, reducing the risk of this common pregnancy complication.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a surprising way to trap microparticles using the combined effects of electrostatics, hydrodynamics, and random Brownian motion. This phenomenon enables the capture of particles in complex environments, such as winding channels, and could revolutionize microfluidic applications and...
The Inflation Reduction Act's target for domestic EV battery mineral extraction is achievable for some plug-in hybrid vehicles but poses significant challenges for fully electric vehicles. A mass-based standard could reduce uncertainty and incentivize production of high-value minerals domestically.
A new study by Northwestern University found that the absence of legal protections for sexual minorities increases stigma among both allies and those who reject homosexuality. Even fully accepting individuals may reject their gay neighbors, highlighting the importance of legal inclusion in reducing prejudice.
Astronomers have discovered the tightest ultracool dwarf binary system ever observed, consisting of two stars that orbit each other in less than one Earth day. The newly discovered LP 413-53AB system is estimated to be billions of years old, similar to our sun, and has an orbital period three times shorter than previous discoveries.
Researchers identify duplicated gene as cause of social deficits and seizures in autism type, finding that reducing PRRT2 levels can restore normal brain activity and behavior. This discovery could lead to novel therapies for neurodevelopmental disorders with brain over-activation.
Researchers found that gene therapy approach and small molecule treatment can calm the destructive cells of ALS by preserving upper motor neurons. Improving mitochondrial health also reduces astrocyte attack on diseased neurons, offering new hope for treating ALS.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a first-of-its-kind small, flexible, stretchable bandage that accelerates healing by delivering electrotherapy directly to the wound site. The bandage healed diabetic ulcers 30% faster than in mice without the bandage.
The study found that the US uses mostly synthetic graphite, which is produced from fossil fuel industry by-products, while natural graphite is sourced from mines and imported. The researchers suggest increasing domestic production and recycling of graphite-containing products to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Northwestern University researchers developed a wearable device to track vocal usage and alert users to overuse before vocal fatigue sets in. The device, accompanying algorithms, and app help prevent injury among professionals and patients with voice disorders.
A new Northwestern University study suggests that COVID-19 boosters may be less effective due to pre-existing antibodies from initial vaccinations. The study found that these antibodies can rapidly clear the booster from the body, limiting its efficacy. Increasing time between vaccinations is also beneficial for the immune response.
A smart necklace called SmokeMon tracks a user's every puff and provides valuable insights into their smoking behavior. By analyzing heat signatures, the device can detect when a cigarette is being lit, how much smoke is inhaled, and when the person holds it to their mouth, helping to prevent relapse and improve quit rates.
Research suggests that restricted access to abortions will cause severe stress for individuals carrying unwanted pregnancies, which may lead to psychiatric illnesses and developmental problems in children. This stress can exacerbate existing psychiatric vulnerabilities, increasing the risk of relapse or new episodes.
A physician-anthropologist proposes a national decarceration program with a new federal department of community safety and repair. The program would hire two million community health and justice workers to repair the long-term health and economic harm of mass incarceration.
Researchers from Northwestern University have developed a new biosensor device that accurately detects toxic levels of fluoride in water, allowing for easy use outside of a lab. The device has been field-tested in rural Kenya, showing excellent accuracy and usability results.
Researchers decipher metabolic mechanisms of Comamonas testosteroni to digest complex carbons, enabling potential for biotechnology platforms that recycle plastic waste. The study reveals a novel approach to upcycle plastic waste into industrially relevant polymers.
Researchers developed a new way to increase vaccine potency by changing the structural location of antigens and adjuvants. This approach, called 'rational vaccinology,' allows for precise dosing and tailored presentation of vaccine components, leading to improved immune response and cancer cell targeting.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a sustainable biorefinery that turns organic waste, including lignin, into valuable products. The process involves a microbial electrolysis cell that breaks down lignin into aromatic compounds with medicinal properties.
Researchers studied ancient sediment and microfossils to understand the Ocean Anoxic Event 2 (OAE2), a significant environmental disruption that choked oxygen from oceans. The team proposes a new hypothesis for the Plenus Cold Event, which briefly interrupted intense greenhouse temperatures due to ocean acidification.
A transdisciplinary team at Northwestern University developed a vertical electrochemical transistor that amplifies important signals, making it suitable for wearable devices in bioelectronics. The transistor's high performance and stability enable efficient on-site signal processing.
A new study finds delayed appendicitis diagnosis is more common in non-Hispanic Black adults, particularly in lower-quality hospitals with fewer minority patients. Hospital integration that serves diverse populations may improve clinical care and create a sustainable healthcare system.
Researchers have created highly mature human neurons from induced pluripotent stem cells using 'dancing molecules.' These mature neurons demonstrate enhanced signaling capabilities and branching ability, making them suitable for studying neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and Alzheimer's. The breakthrough technique opens new opportuni...
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new earthquake probability model that considers the specific order and timing of previous earthquakes. This allows for more accurate forecasting and explains why earthquakes sometimes come in clusters.
A multidisciplinary team led by Northwestern University has developed an electric motor that can convert electrical energy into unidirectional motion at the molecular level. The motor's design is based on a catenane molecule and has the potential to make a huge difference in medicine, particularly in biomolecular motors in the human body.
Researchers have discovered the tightest ultracool dwarf binary system, comprising two stars that orbit each other in less than a day. The newly discovered LP 413-53AB system is composed of ultracool dwarfs and has an orbital period at least three times shorter than previously detected systems.
A study led by Northwestern University has connected Caribbean breadfruit to its history, tracing five major lineages to Capt. Bligh's introduction in the Caribbean Sea. The research also found that original breadfruit tree cultivars have survived for centuries and are thriving.