northwestern university

Researchers identified key factors that determine if soil traps carbon or releases it as CO2, highlighting the role of molecular interactions and soil chemistry, potentially aiding climate change mitigation efforts. Smectite clay (shown here) holds clay minerals known to sequester carbon in natural soils. Credit: Francesco UngaroRecent research reveals the mechanism by which soil captures atmospheric carbon derived from plants.When carbon molecules from plants make their way into the soil, they hit a definitive fork in…

Researchers have found a new way to boost the body’s defense against neurodegenerative diseases by preventing the degradation of Nrf2, potentially slowing the progression of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Credit: SciTechDaily.comA groundbreaking study introduces a new method of targeting ‘undruggable’ proteins to fight neurodegenerative diseases by enhancing cellular antioxidant defenses, offering new hope for treatment advancements.Researchers led by Northwestern University and the University of…

Scientists have identified a mutation that significantly boosts the cancer-fighting ability of engineered T cells without causing toxicity. This innovative approach, which works against multiple tumor types in mice, could lead to effective treatments for previously incurable cancers and is advancing toward human trials. Credit: SciTechDaily.comResearchers have engineered T cells with a cancer-derived mutation, boosting their potency against tumors over 100-fold without toxicity, marking a significant advancement in…

A study reveals AI’s struggle with tissue contamination in medical diagnostics, a problem easily managed by human pathologists, underscoring the importance of human expertise in healthcare despite advancements in AI technology.Contamination of tissue samples can mislead AI models, preventing them from making accurate diagnoses in real-world situations.Human pathologists undergo rigorous training to identify instances where tissue samples from one patient are accidentally placed on microscope slides meant for another…

Northwestern University researchers have introduced a soil-microbe-powered fuel cell, significantly outperforming similar technologies and providing a sustainable solution for powering low-energy devices, with full public access to its designs for widespread application. The fuel cell’s 3D-printed cap peeks above the ground. The cap keeps debris out of the device while enabling air flow. Credit: Bill Yen/Northwestern UniversityA Northwestern University-led team of researchers has developed a new fuel cell that harvests…

Researchers have developed a novel synaptic transistor that mimics the human brain’s integrated processing and memory capabilities. This device operates at room temperature, is energy-efficient, and can perform complex cognitive tasks such as associative learning, making it a significant advancement in the field of artificial intelligence. Credit: Xiaodong Yan/Northwestern UniversityA transistor conducts energy-efficient associative learning at room temperature.Drawing on the intricate workings of the human brain, a team…

Researchers at Northwestern University have created a targeted allergy treatment using antibody-coated nanoparticles to inhibit specific mast cells, successfully preventing allergic reactions in mice without broader immune system suppression.In a mouse study, a new approach successfully prevented anaphylaxis without causing side effects.Researchers at Northwestern University have created the first targeted treatment to avert allergic reactions, which can vary from mild symptoms like itchy hives and watery eyes to severe…

A groundbreaking study reveals that imbalances in toxic and protective RNA strands play a critical role in Alzheimer’s disease, offering new avenues for treatment focused on RNA interference. Credit: SciTechDaily.comShort, toxic RNAs kill brain cells and may allow Alzheimer’s to develop.New finding to understand brain cell loss in neurodegenerative diseaseIncreasing protective short RNAs may be new approach to halt or delay Alzheimer’sSuperAgers with superior memories have more protective short RNAs in their…

A comprehensive study reveals that personality traits like conscientiousness and extraversion may reduce dementia risk, while neuroticism increases it. These findings suggest that personality influences dementia management rather than being directly linked to brain tissue damage.Individuals with personality traits such as conscientiousness, extraversion, and positive affect are less likely to be diagnosed with dementia than those with neuroticism and negative affect, according to a new analysis by researchers at the…

Astronomers have traced the most powerful and distant fast radio burst (FRB) to a rare cluster of interacting galaxies, challenging existing models of FRB origins and suggesting a connection to dense galactic environments. (Artist’s concept.) Credit: SciTechDaily.comHubble Space Telescope reveals curious birthplace of record-breaking blast.Fast radio burst (FRB) is the most powerful, most distant to dateAstronomers find FRB originated not in one galaxy but a group of galaxies on the path to a possible mergerIn the summer…