Category: Clinical Breakthroughs

Jun 17, 2014

Automated Reminders Increase Rate of Colon Cancer Screenings in Low-Income Communities

A Northwestern Medicine study finds more frequent testing combined with automated reminders yields dramatic improvements in colorectal cancer screening rates among low-income and minority communities.
May 27, 2014

During Knee Surgery Smaller Dose of Anesthesia Provides Same Effect

A group of physician-scientists at Northwestern Medicine has shown that 10 mL of local anesthetic has the same effect as the commonly used 30 mL to provide sciatic block in patients undergoing knee replacement.
May 21, 2014

Vitamin E in Canola and Other Oils Hurts Lungs

Study upends our understanding of vitamin E and ties the increasing consumption of supposedly healthy vitamin E-rich oils to the rising incidence of lung inflammation and, possibly, asthma.
May 8, 2014

Virtual Reality Training Helps Adults with Autism Prepare for Job Interviews

A new human simulation training program – based on software originally used to train FBI agents – helps adults with autism improve their job interview skills and confidence.
May 2, 2014

Vitamin D Deficiency Linked to Aggressive Prostate Cancer

Findings indicate that regular vitamin D screenings may be beneficial, especially for African- and European-American men.
May 1, 2014

Redesigning Health Care

Sanjay Mehrotra, PhD, director of the new Center for Engineering and Health (CEH) aims to develop data-driven engineering solutions to a range of national healthcare delivery problems.
May 1, 2014

Knocking out Esophageal Disorders

John E. Pandolfino, MD, ’97, ’01 GME, ’05 MSCI, New Gastroenterology Chief Developing Overarching Digestive Disease Center
Apr 23, 2014

Minimally Invasive Back Surgery Preserves Normal Motion

Published in PLOS ONE, the findings by a group of neurosurgeons could change the manner in which a fairly common lumbar procedure is performed in the future.
Apr 17, 2014

Evidence Points to Potential Benefits of Polypill for Heart Health

Taking one pill instead of three could be a powerful ally to prevent cardiovascular disease.
Apr 14, 2014

Young Dads at Risk for Depression, Too

Depressive symptoms increased over the first five years of fatherhood for young men who were around 25 years old when they became fathers and lived in the same home as their children.