Category: Research Briefs

Hippocampus Creates ‘Shapes of Knowledge’

Neurons in the hippocampus encode a spatial map of learned knowledge, helping humans and other mammals navigate the world, according to a study published in Nature.
Inhibiting SAM Biosynthesis to Slow Tumor Growth

Inhibiting production of a key material produced by the mTOR pathway could slow tumor growth, according to a recent Northwestern Medicine study.
Antibody Drug Improves Survival for Aggressive Breast Cancer

A new antibody drug demonstrated similar efficacy to currently available therapies to treat advanced ERBB2-positive breast cancer, according to a recent clinical trial.
Plotting the Neural Circuitry of Appetite Suppression

Northwestern Medicine scientists have uncovered a neural circuit that drives fear-induced suppression of feeding, according to a study published in Neuron.
Novel Device Provides Continuous Monitoring of Skin, Prostheses

A multi-disciplinary team of investigators led by Northwestern scientists have developed a novel wireless device that can constantly monitor pressure and temperature between the patient’s skin and prosthesis, improving overall comfort and wellbeing.
Rethinking Cardiac Repair After Injury

A signaling molecule produced by the lymphatic vasculature could be used to promote cardiac repair after heart attack, according to a Northwestern Medicine study published in Nature.
New Therapy Targets Breast Cancer Metastases in Brain

A new combination therapy targeting breast cancer tumors in the brain dramatically decreased tumor size and increased survival in mice, according to a new study.
Gene Therapy Could Treat Atrial Fibrillation

Targeting oxidative stress with a genetic therapy reduced atrial fibrillation in animal models of disease, making this a promising future treatment, according to a study published in Circulation.
Mitochondrial Metabolism Shows Promise as Target for Cancer Therapy

Northwestern Medicine investigators have discovered that the growth of cancerous tumors requires the activation of a specific biochemical process within the mitochondria of tumor cells, showing potential as a new target for cancer therapy.
New Genetic Regulators Could Improve Cancer Immunotherapy

A genetic screen has revealed previously unknown regulators of Foxp3, a transcription factor that, when deactivated, may improve patient response to aggressive cancers.