blog posts Large, crystalline lipid scaffolds bring new research possibilities Oct 2, 2017 3:30 pm A new study reveals a lipid structure that can support much larger proteins and molecules than before. Tiny aquariums put nanoparticle self-assembly on display Oct 2, 2017 3:15 pm A team of Illinois engineers is observing the interactions of colloidal gold nanoparticles inside tiny aquariumlike sample containers to gain more control over the self-assembly process of engineered materials. Click beetles inspire design of self-righting robots Sep 25, 2017 9:00 am The beetles have a unique hinge-like mechanism between their heads and abdomens that allows them to flip into the air and back onto their feet when they are knocked over Classics professor uses 3-D technology to answer an ancient question Sep 22, 2017 9:15 am For classsics professor Daniel Leon, a recent discovery about ancient life in Athens occurred because of what he calls 'serendipity' — and a bit of 21st century technology Infection in pregnant pigs leads to antisocial piglets Sep 20, 2017 9:15 am When a pregnant woman gets the flu, her immune system's reaction could lead to behavioral disorders like autism in the child. Researchers want to know why Even after debunking, misinformation and ‘fake news’ persist Sep 20, 2017 9:00 am Even in the face of evidence to the contrary, the effects of misinformation persist and can’t be wholly erased, says Illinois psychology professor Dolores Albarracin Changes in nonextreme precipitation may have not-so-subtle consequences Sep 18, 2017 8:45 am llinois researchers found that changes in nonextreme precipitation are more significant than previously realized and larger than those in major floods, droughts $45M to help feed a hungry world Sep 15, 2017 9:45 am “RIPE has validated that photosynthesis can be engineered to be more efficient to help close the gap between the trajectory of yield increase and the trajectory of demand increase.” Redistricting less contentious when resolved using computer algorithm Sep 11, 2017 9:30 am 'Any legislator who is truly committed to their citizens must consider algorithmic redistricting as an available, and viable, option during the next redistricting period...' What would it be like if the rain from Hurricane Harvey fell in Illinois? Sep 8, 2017 12:30 pm To help Illinoisans understand Hurricane Harvey, state climatologist Jim Angel shows what it would be like if 40 inches of rain fell in the state. Study finds biomarkers as predictive of sepsis as lengthy patient monitoring Sep 7, 2017 12:45 pm A new study with Carle Foundation Hospital physicians found that one measurement of biomarkers in the blood can predict a patient’s sepsis status as well as monitoring the patient for hours. Study finds brain network organization connects nutrition to intelligence Sep 7, 2017 12:30 pm Illinois professor Aron Barbey led a study that found the functional network organization in the brain mediates the relationship between nutrition and intelligence. Paper shows retirees' decision to claim Social Security benefits influenced by ‘framing’ Sep 6, 2017 9:45 am A new paper co-written by business professor Jeffrey R. Brown says retirees are more likely to delay claiming Social Security benefits due to how the decision is “framed” to them. Book of essays considers how religions view other faiths Sep 5, 2017 12:30 pm A new book edited by University of Illinois religion professor Robert McKim examines how followers of a religious faith view those outside of their religion. Illinois researchers capture images in the field Sep 5, 2017 12:15 pm A new book by Illinois Natural Survey History educators, wildlife photographers and researchers Michael R. Jeffords and Susan L. Post documents some of their research adventures. Scientists discover spring-loaded mechanism in unusual species of trap-jaw ant Aug 30, 2017 2:15 pm Researchers reveal how a group of trap-jaw ants can snap their jaws shut at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour – just fast enough to capture their elusive prey. Hurricane Harvey could speed the arrival of soybean rust in Illinois Aug 30, 2017 10:00 am Hurricanes have been responsible for long-distance movement of rust spores in the past; scientists think Hurricane Ivan brought soybean rust to the U.S. from Colombia in 2004 Illinois entomologist Berenbaum earns British Ecological Society's highest honor Aug 29, 2017 4:00 pm May Berenbaum was honored for her research focusing on chemical interactions between insects and plants, including the detoxification of natural and synthetic chemicals Illinois campus explores legacy of the Russian Revolution in its centennial year Aug 29, 2017 9:45 am One hundred years ago, the Russian Revolution “shook the world,” in the words of a famous book Register: Illinois' second annual Health Communication online conference Aug 28, 2017 3:45 pm The conference will showcase research on the relationships between technology, electronically mediated communication and healthcare. Registration and call for presenters now open Researchers identify cheaper, greener biofuels processing catalyst Aug 25, 2017 11:00 am Nonpetroleum-based biological fuels may get greener, more affordable, thanks to research that examines the use of a processing catalyst made from palladium metal and bacteria Ringing in ears keeps brain more at attention, less at rest, study finds Aug 24, 2017 4:30 pm Illinois researchers found chronic tinnitus is associated with changes in certain networks in the brain, and that those changes cause the brain to stay more at attention, less at rest Illinois launches first U.S. nanomanufacturing node Aug 23, 2017 8:00 am Illinois researchers have been awarded NSF funding to launch the country’s first computational node aimed at developing nanomanufacturing simulation tools Study links fish stress hormones to whether they take the bait Aug 22, 2017 10:45 am Largemouth bass whose cortisol levels rise most after a brief bout of stress are inherently harder to catch by angling Cicada wings may inspire new surface technologies Aug 22, 2017 10:00 am Mechanical science and engineering and entomology researchers teamed up to look at cicadas for insight into the design of artificial surfaces with de-icing, self-cleaning, anti-fogging abilities Paper: Clinical signs best predictors of mortality in critically ill calves Aug 18, 2017 10:45 am Clinical signs such as gastrointestinal problems or septic arthritis may be better predictors of mortality in neonatal calves with diarrhea than blood pH levels and other laboratory findings Slowing dangerous bacteria may be more effective than killing them, researchers report Aug 17, 2017 9:45 am Illinois researchers have discovered a mechanism that allows bacteria of the same species to communicate when their survival is threatened Harnessing rich satellite data to estimate crop yield Aug 17, 2017 9:00 am Satellite data is being harnessed by Illinois researchers for a more complete picture of cropland and to estimate crop yield in the U.S. Corn Belt Paper examines links between parents’ earnings, gender roles, mental health Aug 14, 2017 9:15 am Some mothers’ and fathers’ psychological well-being may suffer when their work and family identities – and the amount of financial support they provide – conflict with conventional gender roles. New microscope technique reveals internal structure of live embryos Aug 14, 2017 9:15 am Illinois researchers have developed a way to produce 3-D images of live embryos in cattle that could help determine embryo viability before in vitro fertilization in humans. Taboo words’ impact mediated by context, listeners’ likelihood of being offended Aug 10, 2017 8:00 am 'Depending on the identity of the speaker and the appropriateness of the situation in which they say it, a given taboo word may have stronger or weaker psychologica...effects' Increased risk of suicide, mental health conditions linked to sexual assault victimization Aug 9, 2017 8:45 am Data shows having been sexually assaulted is associated with significantly increased risk of anxiety, depression, suicidality, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse... One step closer in explaining MS relapse during upper respiratory infection Aug 8, 2017 1:15 pm 'We know that when MS patients get upper respiratory infections, they’re at risk for relapse, but...why (do) immune cells all of a sudden want to go to the brain?' asks professor Andrew Steelman Media portrayals of pregnant women, new moms unrealistic, study says Aug 7, 2017 12:15 pm Images celebrating celebrities’ lightning-fast weight loss after giving birth – and the media’s overall focus on women’s bodies during and after pregnancy – can be detrimental Climate change may confuse plant dormancy cycles Aug 7, 2017 11:45 am “We think of climate change as being a slow and steady process; it’s possible that evolution could keep up with a pace like that. But we’re seeing extreme and sudden temperature fluctuations.” Researchers: Too much information can be a good thing Aug 7, 2017 9:00 am In the world of health care, the phrase “too much information”—or TMI—can be a serious problem. But not always Lizard blizzard survivors tell story of natural selection Aug 3, 2017 3:45 pm “I think this is a really strong and clear story about biological responses to extreme weather events.” One year of observations from the Dark Energy Survey Aug 3, 2017 10:30 am The data, processed by Illinois' NCSA, verify the theory that 26% of the universe is in the form of mysterious dark matter and that space is filled with an also-unseen dark energy The bad rap for rap Aug 2, 2017 9:00 am Research shows how rap and hip-hop music are more positive than their stereotype suggests Study finds parallels between unresponsive honey bees, autism in humans Jul 31, 2017 3:00 pm 'Our data are telling us that social unresponsiveness does have some common molecular characteristics in these distantly related species.' States benefit from high-tech investments, given time and patience Jul 31, 2017 1:30 pm A national study of high-tech industry investments in the 80s and 90s suggests tehy pay off – including in places where prospects for high-tech seems less than ideal Researchers look at lessons learned from disaster recovery around the world Jul 31, 2017 1:15 pm There's an urgency to get people housed and businesses operable. But there is also an opportunity to make improvements in the design of a community, its infrastructure, and land use Research: Food banks respond to hunger needs in rural America Jul 27, 2017 12:15 pm Economist Craig Gundersen’s recent research on the subject sheds some light on hunger-relief efforts in rural America. Illinois’ ocean may provide the means for a fresh, locally-raised seafood market Jul 26, 2017 12:15 pm Ancient sea-water aquifers could be tapped to make Illinois an environmentally-sustainable and economically-viable location for production of marine fish Cognitive cross-training enhances learning, study finds Jul 25, 2017 10:15 am 'The beneficial effects of cognitive training can be significantly enhanced with the addition of physical fitness training and noninvasive brain stimulation.' Physical activity could combat fatigue, cognitive decline in cancer survivors Jul 25, 2017 9:15 am A new study indicates that cancer patients and survivors have a ready weapon against fatigue and “chemo brain”: a brisk walk Lutein may counter cognitive aging, study finds Jul 24, 2017 1:45 pm Spinach and kale are favorites of those looking to stay physically fit, but they also could keep consumers cognitively fit, according to a new study from U of I researchers Strength of tectonic plates may explain shape of Tibetan Plateau, study finds Jul 24, 2017 9:00 am The unique geology of the Tibetan Plateau might be controlled by the variable strength of the tectonic plates whose collision prompted its uplift Illinois information sciences professor edits book about trigger warnings Jul 21, 2017 10:30 am The use of trigger warnings is one of the most controversial topics in higher education in recent years. Professor Emily Knox's book takes one of the first scholarly looks at the issue. Political ideology and social norms can play a role in donation decisions Jul 20, 2017 3:00 pm New research considers how common perceptions of liberals’ generosity can be harnessed for increasing donations among individuals with a more conservative political bent