Northwestern researchers have made notable advancements in medicine and physics in the past week. The Daily compiled a recap of their latest research developments.
New microbial therapy slows the progression of vitiligo in mice
An NU study found a natural compound derived from gut-friendly bacteria that significantly slows down the progression of vitiligo and may even restore pigmentation, according to a news release.
Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease that causes visible patches of skin discoloration, carrying potential emotional and physical consequences. The disorder affects 0.5% to 2% of the global population and is linked to higher risks of cardiovascular disease, psychological distress and endocrine disorders.
In the pre-clinical study of mice, the microbial compound suppressed the disease’s progression, reducing pigment loss on mice’s backs by 74%. The compound increases protective regulatory T cells — which are scarce in vitiligo patients — and reduces killer T cells that attack the skin’s pigments.
Senior study author Feinberg Prof. I. Caroline Le Poole said in the release she hopes to adapt the microbial compound to treat vitiligo in humans and, potentially, other autoimmune conditions.
Rebuilding connections stabilizes quantum networks
NU researchers proposed a strategy to maintain communications in quantum networks by rebuilding disappearing connections, according to a news release.
Quantum networks harness quantum entanglement: a phenomenon in which two particles are linked, regardless of the distance between them. These networks are constantly changing and unpredictable.
When two computers communicate with each other, the entangled links involved disappear, making it unusable after the initial communication. Because of this, it is necessary to rebuild these connections to maintain communication.
The key to rebuilding these connections is to add a precise number so the network settles into a new stable state. Adding too many connections results in a high cost and overburdened resources, but if too few connections are added, the network will not be able to satisfy user demand.
These findings could be used to optimally design quantum networks for lighting-fast computing and ultra-secure communications.
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