All Northwestern University articles
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NewsNew 15-minute hepatitis C test paves the way for same-day treatment
Scientists have developed the fastest test yet for diagnosing hepatitis C virus (HCV). The highly accurate diagnostic delivers results to patients in just 15 minutes - crucial for kickstarting patients’ treatment before they leave their appointment.
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NewsManganese is Lyme disease bacterium’s double-edged sword
For decades, Lyme disease has frustrated both physicians and patients alike. Caused by the corkscrew-shaped bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, the infection, if left untreated, can linger for months, leading to fever, fatigue and painful inflammation. Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention This digitally colorized scanning electron microscopic ...
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NewsRisk of long COVID in kids doubles after second infection
Children and adolescents were twice as likely to experience long COVID after catching COVID for the second time, compared to their peers with a single previous infection, results running counter to the popular perceptions that COVID in children is ‘mild’.
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NewsBacteria rewire digestive systems to turn plant waste into power
A new study shows that Pseudomonas putida, a common soil bacterium, completely reorganizes its metabolism to thrive on complex carbons from lignin. By slowing down some metabolic pathways while accelerating others, the bacterium manages to extract energy from lignin without exhausting itself.
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NewsOrganized scientific fraud is growing at an alarming rate, study reveals
Although concerns around scientific misconduct typically focus on lone individuals, a study of scientific fraud has uncovered sophisticated global networks of individuals and entities, which systematically work together to undermine the integrity of academic publishing.
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NewsSummer travel ‘will increase the spread of measles,’ expert says
The number of measles cases in the U.S. has reached its highest point in 33 years, and outbreaks are expected to continue, especially amid national and international travel.
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NewsPlacebo-testing vaccines is unethical, ‘a waste of time and money,’ expert says
The proposal to require that all new vaccines undergo safety testing in placebo-controlled trials is ethically problematic and will slow testing down for no good reason, warn scientists.
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NewsExperts stress importance of vaccination amidst measles outbreaks
Pediatric infectious diseases experts stress the importance of vaccination against measles, one of the most contagious viruses, which is once more spreading in the United States.
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NewsNovel point-of-care technology delivers accurate HIV results in minutes
Scientists have developed new technology that could lead to the creation of a rapid point-of-care test for HIV infection competitive with traditional lab-based HIV testing in a fraction of the time and without the need for a stressful wait.
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NewsMicrobial therapy offers new hope for vitiligo patients
A natural compound derived from gut-friendly bacteria significantly slows the progression of vitiligo and may restore pigmentation, reports a new pre-clinical study in mice.
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NewsStudy reveals how ‘Conan the Bacterium’ withstands extreme radiation
Deinococcus radiodurans can withstand radiation doses thousands of times higher than what would kill a human - and scientists have uncovered the secrets of the antioxidant that confers this protection.
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NewsHow did human brains get so big? The answer could be in our gut
Microbes supporting the production of more metabolic energy could be key to the evolution of large brains, according to a study that shows gut microbes from different animal species shape variations in their biology.
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NewsViruses are teeming on your toothbrush and shower head
There’s a jungle of ‘untapped biodiversity’ in the bathroom, a new study finds.
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NewsWastewater bacteria can break down plastic for food
Researchers have discovered how cells of a Comamonas bacterium break down plastic for food. First, they chew the plastic into small pieces, then secrete an enzyme that breaks down the plastic further, and finally use a ring of carbon atoms as a food source.
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NewsBacterial cells transmit memories to offspring
Bacterial cells can “remember” brief, temporary changes to their bodies and immediate surroundings, a new study has found.
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NewsSafer virus helps eliminate cancer and protect against future tumors
Scientists have discovered that an attenuated (weakened) virus can help eliminate cancer in mice. In addition, mice that were treated with this virus were more resistant to developing tumors later in life.
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NewsSoil bacteria respire more CO2 after sugar-free meals
Researchers have tracked the pathways of a mixture of plant waste as it moves through bacteria’s metabolism to contribute to atmospheric CO2. Microbes respire three times as much CO2 from lignin carbons compared to cellulose carbons, they say.
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NewsRise seen in use of antibiotics for conditions they can’t treat – including COVID-19
A five-year trend study shows a rebound in inappropriate use after an early-pandemic dip, and a need to tackle overuse in all patients during viral illness outbreaks.
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NewsPowerful new AI can predict people’s attitudes to vaccines
A powerful new tool in artificial intelligence is able to predict whether someone is willing to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The predictive system uses a small set of data from demographics and personal judgments such as aversion to risk or loss.
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NewsNew approach may prevent deadly intestinal disease in preemies
Scientists have found that an investigational protein replacement protected neonatal mice from necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a deadly intestinal disease that often strikes extremely premature infants.