Health & Science
Studies show that friendships have real, tangible health benefits. Northwestern experts offer advice on how to make more friends and why these relationships are more important now than ever before.
Fresh guacamole and veggie garlic noodles are just two of the many dishes Northwestern students have taught local youth how to make as part of MiniChefz, a Northwestern student organization that provides nutrition education to elementary and middle school students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
As an undergrad, Julia Starzyk Kersey ’99 raised money for the American Heart Association through Radiothon, an annual fundraising event in honor of an undergraduate student who died of cardiac arrhythmia. Kersey carries campus tradition with her today as a national marketing and communications director for the American Heart Association.
Professor Vicky Kalogera and her colleagues have been advancing innovation at the intersection of AI and astrophysics for years, positioning the University as a leader in this area. Northwestern’s ascent is reflected most recently in its leadership of the NSF-Simons AI Institute for the Sky (SkAI Institute), which will develop AI astronomy tools that will allow researchers to make breakthrough discoveries.
Northwestern researchers have invented an implantable device that can track inflammation in the body in real time, akin to a continuous glucose monitor. Inspired by fruit being shaken from tree branches, the device comprises DNA strands that stick to cytokine proteins, shake them off and then grab more proteins, providing real-time data on inflammation levels.
Northwestern has joined an international consortium of 15 research institutions that will guide the development of and early research at the Giant Magellan Telescope, which will be the world’s largest optical land-based telescope upon completion.
Treating glioblastoma, diagnosing hidden hearing loss and improving organ transplant outcomes are among the projects researchers are pursuing with assistance from the Pat & Shirley Ryan Family Research Acceleration Fund.
Materials scientist Cécile Chazot and her team are striving to boost the functionality of polymers and design new, more sustainable materials — ones that not only are functional and high-performing but also can be manufactured with a far lower carbon footprint and recycled more easily.
Photographer and avid birder Collin Porter ’24 spent his days at Northwestern going on early-morning bird walks, during which he spotted 196 unique avian species on the Evanston campus. As he prepares to pursue graduate studies in ecological and evolutionary research and ornithology, he shares his photographs with the hope that they will inspire others to seek out and marvel at the diversity of birds, both on campus and beyond.
Andy Papachristos is working alongside those most affected by gun violence in order to reduce shootings, understand risk factors and empower communities. His team's research shows that violence intervention efforts are making a difference.
