Silverman Hall looks to promote collaboration of scientific disciplines
The Richard and Barbara Silverman Hall for Molecular Therapeutics and Diagnostics is set to be dedicated Thursday on Northwestern’s Evanston campus, University officials announced last week. The $100 million facility will house the Chemistry of Life Processes Institute and unite about 245 researchers specializing in a wide array of scientific disciplines like the physical sciences, engineering and life sciences. The new CLP institute encourages communication and collaboration among these scientists to better approach essential questions in biomedical research and develop new medicines and diagnostic equipment.
Non-Western cultures, collectivist outlook may prevent depression
Years of research have strengthened the conclusion that depression results from the complex interplay between one’s genetics and external environment. One of the biological markers of depression has been linked to the serotonin transporter gene, which exists in two variants – a short allele and a long allele. Studies demonstrated that an individual carrying the short allele is more susceptible to experiencing major depressive episodes when faced with stressful life situations than if he or she were born with the long allele variant. Research shows that nearly 80 percent of the population living in nations that embrace collectivism exhibits the short allele and is at an increased genetic risk of developing depression. Collectivism is practiced in East Asian nations, among others, while in countries like the United States and Western Europe, individual uniqueness is valued. Fewer people exhibit the short allele serotonin transporter gene in Western, individualistic countries, yet the incidence of depression remains higher in “me-centered” nations than in “we-centered” ones. This may reflect that collectivist nations offer more social support to individuals to prevent the effects of environmental stress, which allow people to better cope and stave off depression.
Exercising, dropping pounds significantly cuts diabetes risk
A study conducted by the National Institutes of Health indicates that achieving modest weight loss through regular exercise significantly reduces the chances of high-risk individuals developing type 2 diabetes. In addition to cutting the risk of diabetes by 34 percent, embarking on a regular exercise regimen can improve one’s cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure and triglyceride levels.
Midwest rumblings are aftershocks of quakes from 200 years ago
New findings from scientists at Northwestern and the University of Missouri-Columbia may put the minds of some Midwesterners at ease the next time they experience a small earthquake. According to the study, these small, low-magnitude rumbles may not signal a larger, more destructive earthquake. According to the researchers, most of these relatively harmless seismic events are aftershocks of devastating, magnitude 7 earthquakes that shook the Midwest almost 200 years ago.
