blog posts New study links air pollution to global levels of antibiotic resistance Aug 10, 2023 11:00 am USA Today (Aug 10) Worldwide, deaths already top 5 million per year and are expected to grow into the tens of millions within a few decades. 'We are truly right now in the midst of this crisis,' says U of I microbiologist Brenda Wilson. Green stormwater infrastructure: A solution for mosquito-borne disease? Aug 9, 2023 1:30 pm The microbial growth from blackberry leaves in aquatic habitats is detrimental to mosquito larval survival. 'It looked to be an organic form of mosquito control,' said professor Brian Allan. They appear to be just as effective as larvicides. The short, spectacular life of the viral room-temperature superconductivity claim Aug 9, 2023 11:15 am Science (Washington, D.C., Aug. 8) 'I appreciate that the authors took appropriate data and were clear about their fabrication techniques,' says U. of I. physics professor Nadya Mason. Still, she cautions, 'The data seems a bit sloppy.' The world’s full of scams – here’s how they get you Aug 9, 2023 11:15 am KERA-FM (Dallas; Aug. 9) Hindsight is 20/20 after falling for a scam; the trick is avoiding one in the first place. U of I psychology professor Daniel Simons discusses the many ways we get taken for a ride and the faulty thinking that got us there. Do pre-biotic drinks work? Aug 8, 2023 10:45 am WMEH-FM (Aug. 7) Researchers looked at a range of health issues that a lot of Americans face and found consistently that consuming more fiber led to better health outcomes, says U of I nutrition expert Hannah Holscher. Entertainment lineup set for Grange Grove tailgating season Aug 8, 2023 10:30 am Grange Grove has live music, a kids' zone, the Busey Bank Illini Sports Network pregame radio show and more. Grange Grove opens each gameday at 7 a.m. CT, and pregame entertainment begins three hours prior to kickoff. Study: People expect others to mirror their own selfishness, generosity Aug 7, 2023 8:45 am Generous people tend to reward generous behavior and selfish individuals often punish generosity and reward selfishness – even when it costs them personally. Unwind and learn at Illinois' first folk school Aug 4, 2023 11:30 am Midwest Living (Aug 3) For the past decade, the U of I's Allerton Park has offered arts and crafts programming at the estate, setting the stage for this fall's launch of 'The Farms: An Allerton Folk School.' Sharpe named dean of U. of I. College of Law Aug 3, 2023 3:00 pm Following a national search, Jamelle Sharpe has been selected as the 14th dean of the College of Law, effective Aug. 16, 2023, pending approval by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. WPGU: Playing the sounds of summer since 1953 Aug 3, 2023 10:45 am 'It was the best learning laboratory that I ever could have asked for, and to this day, my college friends forever regard me as ‘cool’ because of what I did at WPGU.' GABA receptors in brain could be targets to treat depression, its cognitive symptoms Aug 3, 2023 10:30 am Treatments modulating the neurotransmitter GABA and its main receptors in the brain could help address both the affective and cognitive symptoms associated with depression, such as those Vincent Van Gogh is suspected to have suffered. Illinois ‘most promising state’ for clean energy investments, Pritzker says Aug 3, 2023 10:00 am The Pantagraph (Aug. 2) Gov. Pritzker was in Decatur for the groundbreaking of a new electric vehicle innovation hub. U of I Chancellor Jones and other university leaders pledged to educate workers for jobs in that bourgeoning industry. Alumnus receives first-ever Shin Humanitarian Award, pays it forward to Crop Sciences Aug 2, 2023 9:15 am Renowned crop breeder B.B. Singh was honored with the inaugural Shin Humanitarian Award by the U of I for his exemplary impact on humanity by addressing global food security. He's giving the $50,000 prize back to the College of ACES. CAR-T immune therapy attacks ovarian cancer in mice with a single dose Aug 1, 2023 1:15 pm A CAR-T immune therapy effective at attacking late-stage ovarian cancer in mice with a single dose provides evidence that CAR-T therapies could effectively treat solid-tumor cancers. What's the legacy of Federal Indian Boarding Schools in Illinois? Aug 1, 2023 12:00 pm WNIJ-AM (Aug. 1) Professor Dave Beck describes the legacy of St. Mary’s Training School for Boys in Maryville, Ill., where many Native American children were indoctrinated into white American culture, and where several of them died. U.S. Transportation Secretary Buttigieg here to support transportation infrastructure research Aug 1, 2023 10:30 am The new Transportation Infrastructure Precast Innovation Center got 'a dose of encouragement and excitement about the mission we are undertaking' with a visit from Buttigieg, Rep. Nikki Budzinski, and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin on Monday. What does the film 'Oppenheimer' tell us about the development of the atomic bomb? Aug 1, 2023 10:15 am 'Oppenheimer' examines the process of building an organization of unprecedented scale and wrestles with how to view one individual’s decisions as relevant in the face of such a massive system, says Dean Kevin Hamilton. #FakeTok: How to create your own truth filter for TikTok Jul 31, 2023 10:45 am Chicago Sun-Times (July 27) U. of I. information sciences researcher Rachel Magee says that despite confusing messages circulating on social media, it can be a healthy place for young people to develop ideas and social circles. Team identifies key driver of cancer cell death pathway that activates immune cells Jul 31, 2023 10:00 am Illinois researchers identified a protein that plays a key role in the action of several emerging anticancer therapies. The finding may help improve immunotherapies against solid tumors. Why you want bats in your yard — and how to attract them Jul 28, 2023 10:00 am Washington Post (July 27) 'Plant long-lived trees like oaks, which will provide both foraging and roosting habitat,' says Professor Joy O’Keefe. Also, fast-growing trees like pines will provide roosting space under the bark, or in cavities inside dead branches. Unique Mexican black and pinto bean varieties high in healthy compounds Jul 28, 2023 9:45 am 'These phenolic compounds have the capability of keeping oxidation and inflammation under control, which could help decrease the risk of chronic health issues such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes,' says Professor Elvira de Mejia. Alumna Ann Thayer Weldy helped readers find comfort—and themselves—in her books Jul 26, 2023 12:15 pm To the world, she became Ann Bannon, the name under which she published six lesbian pulp fiction novels. Over sixty years later, these books remain fundamental to the LGBTQ canon. Solar energy could help purify water, researchers find Jul 26, 2023 11:45 am Engineering & Technology (July 25) U of I research team integrated solar energy into the electrochemical separation process using a semiconductor, demonstrating that water remediation can be powered by renewable energy sources. Insect protein slows weight gain, boosts health status in obese mice Jul 26, 2023 11:45 am The mice didn't lose weight, 'they just slowed their gain with the mealworms,' says researcher Kelly Swanson. But, 'their LDL, so-called "bad cholesterol," went down and the HDL, "good cholesterol," went up.' Jim Leonhard named Illinois’ senior football analyst Jul 26, 2023 11:00 am Leonhard joins the Illini from Wisconsin, where he spent the last seven seasons on staff, including serving as interim head coach for seven games in 2022. U of I researchers warn of historic blight in Illinois cucurbit crops Jul 25, 2023 11:00 am FarmWeek (July 25) Plant disease specialists say the infection could wipe out cucurbit crops like pumpkins and cucumbers. 'Start [checking] from the beginning because curing disease is almost impossible but protecting plants is easier.' Study: How mother and infant sleep patterns interact during the first two years of life Jul 25, 2023 10:15 am New mothers can expect sleep deprivation in the first few years of baby’s life. A new U of I study looks at maternal and infant sleep patterns, identifying predictors and providing recommendations for instilling healthy habits. Should President Biden intervene in potential UPS strike? Jul 25, 2023 9:45 am President Biden would likely alienate a key constituency ahead of the 2024 presidential election cycle if he used his presidential powers to intervene in a potential UPS strike, says labor expert Michael LeRoy, How can cities use green spaces to mitigate the effects of extreme heat on vulnerable residents? Jul 25, 2023 9:00 am Quality and health of urban green space is impacted by environmental factors such as air temperature and the height of surrounding buildings, making it more challenging, costly to maintain a healthy urban green space, says researcher Fang Fang. Heat waves may cause humans to slow down. But it gets crickets chirping Jul 24, 2023 11:45 am Nebraska Public Media (July 21) Insects might find themselves out of sync with plants they rely on, says U of I's May Berenbaum. 'If you’re an insect with one host plant and you emerge when the leaves are no longer edible, you’re out of luck.' Sweet corn production on a decades-long decline Jul 21, 2023 1:00 pm Modern Farmer (July 20) Cultivars in use now won’t necessarily be the ones performing well in the future, says U of I's Marty Williams. 'It gives you pause – what do we need to be doing now so we can ensure profitability and productivity into the future?' Illinois Supreme Court upholds state law ending cash bail Jul 19, 2023 12:00 pm WLS-AM (July 19) U. of I. law professor Andrew Leipold discusses the implications of the decision, the elimination of cash bail and the measures judges will take to safeguard residents against dangerous suspects. Illinois State Water Survey at 125: Journal celebrates its landmark contributions Jul 18, 2023 11:00 am June issue of the Journal of the American Water Resources Association showcases the importance of the water survey’s latest studies, particularly in addressing today’s challenges, and commemorating its 125th anniversary. Space Invaders: Professor examines the symbolic influence of a secretive, playful artist Jul 18, 2023 10:45 am '(The artist) invades urban space with these characters, finding in mosaic tiles the perfect material to replicate the aesthetics of pixels,' Julie Gaillard said. 'These effigies are a symbol for the global upheaval brought about by digital technologies.' Computer-aided vision makes it possible to predict cement durability in minutes Jul 18, 2023 10:15 am On-Site (July 17) –U of I engineers have created a new test makes it possible to predict the durability of cement in minutes rather than the hours needed for traditional testing methodologies. What’s at stake in Hollywood labor strikes? Jul 18, 2023 9:15 am 'I think this strike will last much longer than three months. In 1988, the writers were on strike for nearly 22 weeks. This time, they're striking over job-killing issues, such as the use of artificial intelligence in generating creative works.' Attention naysayers: The data show Illinois' economy still growing Jul 17, 2023 11:15 am Daily Herald (July 16) The University of Illinois Flash Index – which tracks corporate earnings, consumer spending and personal income – has shown growth for 27 consecutive months. Post-COVID, door opens wider for rural Illinois tourism Jul 14, 2023 2:00 pm The Center Square (July 12) U of I professor Sharon Zou says the pandemic has given rural communities an opportunity 'because people feel safe to travel to a destination that is rural, outdoors and has lower population density.' What does the recent rebellion by armed forces in Russia mean for Putin’s future? Jul 12, 2023 2:15 pm Russian president Vladimir Putin weathered a recent insurrection by the Wagner mercenary group, but the crisis has damaged his standing, said Illinois professor of Slavic languages and literatures Richard Tempest. Unionized UPS workers could strike by the end of July Jul 12, 2023 11:00 am WBBM-TV (July 11) 'We have to keep an eye on Amazon. I think if the teamsters win a good contract at UPS, they'll then use it to go after Amazon and try to convince those workers to organize,' says U of I labor expert Robert Bruno. Should the TSA end the 3-ounce liquid restriction? Jul 11, 2023 10:30 am The Chicago Tribune (July 5) Sheldon Jacobson, a U. of I. professor of computer science, writes that the 3 ounce rule has endured for 17 years. Since that time, airport security has moved forward strategically and technologically. Wenninger, Gowens selected on day two of MLB draft Jul 11, 2023 10:15 am The University of Illinois had two players taken in during day two of the 2023 MLB Draft, both right-handed pitchers. Jack Wenninger is heading to the New York Mets, and Riley Gowens will join the Atlanta Braves organization. Future of underwater geolocalization: Polarization patterns enable new technology Jul 11, 2023 9:30 am The search and rescue operation for the missing Titan submersible pointed to a significant problem: pinpointing a location underwater, where GPS doesn't work. U of I researchers have created a new promising new solution. Paper: CEO stock ownership often delays medical device recall timing Jul 11, 2023 9:15 am 'Firms with CEOs who own greater amounts of company stock may, intentionally or unintentionally, allow dangerous medical devices to linger in the market. It’s an enormous public health risk, and such examples of recall delays are all too common...' New book explores the psychology of being duped Jul 11, 2023 8:45 am Nobody’s Fool: Why We Get Taken In and What We Can Do About It gives readers an overview of dozens of types of scams, hoaxes and strategies used by cheaters to deceive, and explains how to evaluate their ploys and avoid becoming a victim. Novel learning-based method to scoop up extraterrestrial terrain samples Jul 10, 2023 12:15 pm AZO Robotics (July 10) 'Rather than simulating how to scoop every possible type of rock or granular material, we created a new way for autonomous landers to learn how to scoop quickly on a new material it encounters,' says a U of I PhD candidate. U of I researchers develop lower-cost method to desalinate water at scale Jul 7, 2023 10:45 am Design News (July 7) Professor Xiao Su led a team that developed a low-energy, inexpensive way to purify water. 'I see our solution as a platform to tackle both the energy and water crises,' says Su. Grange Grove football tailgating reservations open for 2023 Jul 7, 2023 10:30 am Starting this season, fans will be required to reserve tailgate spaces in advance, ensuring a safe and organized environment for all attendees. Space reservations will be provided free of charge. Extinct or elusive? Why birders aren’t giving up on the ivorybill woodpecker Jul 6, 2023 1:45 pm Christian Science Monitor (July 3) Experts say the ivory-billed woodpecker is probably extinct. U of I's Jeff Hoover isn't so sure. 'I’ve learned that the natural world can trick and fool you when you say that something can never happen. I’m still hopeful.' U of I researchers develop all-species coronavirus test Jul 6, 2023 10:15 am The SARS-CoV-2 virus has been detected in cats, dogs, rodents, deer, apes and several farm and zoo animals. It also mutates in these hosts, potentially leading to new variants that can endanger their – and human – health.