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Northwestern Chemistry

Recent News

 

New Huntington’s treatment prevents protein aggregation

The Gianneschi Group, in collaboration with researchers from Case Western Reserve University, has developed the first polymer-based therapy for Huntington’s disease—an incurable, debilitating illness that causes nerve cell breakdown in the brain. This innovative treatment uses peptide-brush polymers that act as a protective shield, preventing harmful protein binding. In studies with mice, the therapy successfully preserved neurons and reversed symptoms. Additionally, the treated mice showed no significant side effects, confirming that the therapy is both nontoxic and well tolerated.

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National Institute on Aging invests an additional $7.3 million into NU-9

This funding will support research into the potential of the ALS drug NU-9 for treating other neurodegenerative diseases. Invented by Richard Silverman, NU-9 targets underlying disease mechanisms rather than focusing solely on symptoms. This approach raises scientists' hopes that NU-9 could prove effective against the common pathways that drive multiple neurodegenerative diseases.

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New haptic patch transmits complexity of touch to the skin

The haptic patch is the latest advancement in wearable technology from Northwestern bioelectronics pioneer John A. Rogers, featuring a novel device that stimulates the skin to deliver a range of complex sensations. The device consists of a hexagonal array of 19 small magnetic actuators embedded in a thin, flexible silicone-mesh material. Each actuator can produce different sensations, including pressure, vibration, and twisting.

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Announcements & Events

 

Congratulations

 
Mercouri Kanatzidis received the 2025 ACS Award in the Chemistry of Materials

 

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Recent Honors

 
Ananya Basu

Congratulations Ananya Basu of the Zhang Lab on receiving the WCC Pfizer Emergent Leader Award

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Upcoming Events

 

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Community Spotlight

 

The faculty, students, alumni, and staff who comprise our department are dedicated to outstanding research and scholarship.

Fall Newsletter

 

As the new chair of our department, I am honored by the trust that my colleagues, the Dean, and the Provost have placed in me. Stepping into this role is both a privilege and a responsibility, and I am eager to build on the strong foundation laid by my predecessors. Our department holds immense potential, and I am excited to embark on this journey with all of you.

This academic year promises to be one of growth, collaboration, and innovation. Our department is poised to make significant strides in research, teaching, and community engagement. This newsletter features exciting research findings from our colleagues' groups, highlighting the cutting-edge work that continues to elevate our department's reputation. These achievements are a testament to the dedication and creativity of our faculty, students, postdocs, visitors, and staff, inspiring us all to push the boundaries of knowledge.

Thank you for your dedication to our department. I look forward to working together to achieve great things this year and beyond.

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Our Research

 

Research at the Department of Chemistry is innovative, collaborative and interdisciplinary by nature.

Cutting Edge Science

 

Watch our videos to learn more about the Chemistry at Northwestern.

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