Media Coverage

What Happened in Chicago When Science Became the Enemy

In April, the federal government froze some $790 million in funding for Northwestern, without notice or explanation. The university was apparently being accused of antisemitism and of racism over its diversity initiatives, but it was unclear whether the freeze was related to those charges, and no one seemed to know when, or whether, or how the funds would be restored.

‘Birdbrain’ benefits: How being an expert birdwatcher may boost cognition

Expert birders showed structural brain differences compared with novices — regardless of age.

The study doesn’t prove that birding prevents cognitive decline. Still, the results suggest that birding may support brain health in older adults, said Molly Mather, a clinical psychologist at the Mesulam Institute for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease, part of Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine.

Skipping a Late-Night Snack Pays Big Benefits For Your Heart

Skip your late-evening snack and wind down for the day with the lights dimmed low. That simple shift in your end-of-the-day routine is good for your heart, new research demonstrates.

“Timing our fasting window to work with the body’s natural wake-sleep rhythms can improve the coordination between the heart, metabolism and sleep, all of which work together to protect cardiovascular health,” said study author Dr. Daniela Grimaldi, a research associate professor of neurology in sleep medicine at Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.

COVID-19 Boosters Tied to Lower Preeclampsia Risk in Pregnant Women

Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 might offer protection against one of the most dangerous complications of pregnancy. A large international study published online Feb. 18 in eClinicalMedicine followed more than 6,500 pregnant women across 18 countries.

“Our results support the importance of strengthening COVID vaccination programs during pregnancy, emphasizing boosters and ensuring that pregnant people across the world have equitable access to the vaccine,” study co-author Dr. Jagjit Teji said in a news release. He’s a neonatologist at Lurie Children’s Hospital at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.

Change to nightly eating habits may help protect your heart, study suggests

Abstaining from food three hours before bedtime could benefit heart health, according to a recent study by Northwestern University. First author Dr. Daniela Grimaldi, research associate professor of neurology in the division of sleep medicine at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, commented on these findings in a statement.

“Timing our fasting window to work with the body’s natural wake-sleep rhythms can improve the coordination between the heart, metabolism and sleep, all of which work together to protect cardiovascular health,” she said.

8 science-backed habits for a healthier heart

Data from decades of research suggests that people who adopt these eight behaviors and metrics live longer, said Clyde Yancy, chief of cardiology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and a former president of the American Heart Association. “The benefit in longevity is not only due to freedom from cardiovascular events but also protection from a number of cancers and other health conditions.”

25 Dangerous Drug Interactions: What You Should Never Mix

One common misconception is that interactions just apply to prescription drugs. Many assume that because a product is sold without a prescription, it is completely safe, but this isn’t always the case. Drug interactions with other over-the-counter medications, vitamins and herbal medicines can occur.

“The best way to avoid harmful drug interactions is through communication and awareness,” says Sterling Elliott, a pharmacist at Northwestern Medicine and an assistant professor at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago.

Surviving without lungs for 48 hours

How a patient survived for 48 hours without lungs. Too ill to receive a lung transplant straight away, the man relied on an artificial lung while his body recovered from an infection. As he prepares to repeat the procedure for the first time, Dr. Ankit Bharat, Chief of Thoracic Surgery at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine explains the groundbreaking technique.

Bride surprises wedding guests with stem cell donor who saved her life

In an interview with “Good Morning America” that aired Monday, Dr. Jayesh Mehta, a hematologist at Northwestern Medicine’s Lurie Cancer Center in Chicago, explained the seriousness of the disease.

“Either the low counts from the MDS or the development of leukemia will prove life-threatening,” Mehta said.