blog posts Nutrient-rich human waste poised to sustain agriculture, improve economies Aug 20, 2021 1:30 pm 'Whatever comes in through food and drink must come out in our urine, feces and sweat. Knowing that, we can estimate how much (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) is in a population’s bodily waste if we know their diet,' says professor Jeremy Guest. Latinos' beliefs about social status may affect their cardiovascular health, study finds Aug 19, 2021 12:45 pm For Hispanics and Latinos living in the U.S., their beliefs about their social status have a greater influence on their cardiovascular health than metrics such as levels of income and education, according to a study by social work professor Lissette Piedra. Black hole size revealed by its eating pattern Aug 12, 2021 10:45 am A new study revealed that the flickering in the brightness observed in actively feeding supermassive black holes is related to their mass. Light can trigger key signaling pathway for embryonic development, cancer Aug 17, 2021 1:00 pm Illinois researchers developed a method that makes membrane-bound receptors reactive to light, triggering the Wnt pathway, important in embryonic development and cancer. Team develops bioprocess for converting plant materials into valuable chemicals Aug 17, 2021 11:15 am 'We figured out that we can use what’s been considered a toxic, useless substance as a supplementary carbon source with xylose to economically produce fine chemicals' such as triacetic acid lactone, or TAL, and vitamin A, Jin said. Cancer Center biochemist explores RNA splicing’s role in liver cancer Aug 11, 2021 9:30 am 'In most diseases, RNA splicing is not regulated correctly...and of course, in cancer, it is well-established that aberrant splicing is a major contributor to cell transformation and metastasis,' Kalsotra said. Study: Domestic control of COVID takes priority over international travel bans Aug 11, 2021 9:00 am A new paper co-written by ag econcomics professor Yilan Xu shows that taming domestic transmission of COVID-19 ought to be prioritized over international travel bans or restrictions aimed at limiting the threat of the virus from abroad. Study identifies molecule that stimulates muscle-building Aug 9, 2021 8:45 am Researchers found that dileucine – a peptide consisting of two leucines chemically bonded to one another – boosts the metabolic processes that promote muscle-building more than free leucine does. Sampling sewer water for COVID-19 in the community Aug 4, 2021 12:00 pm Previous work on sewage monitoring has shown that high-resolution sampling can provide an indication of infection a few days before other types of COVID tests return positive results, which could provide an important early warning tool. Study offers insight into underlying causes of seizure disorder in babies Aug 3, 2021 8:00 am Researchers discovered that genetic mutations associated with the disease impair a pathway that is involved in building new synapses in the hippocampus, a brain region essential to learning and memory. Some birds steal hair from living mammals Jul 29, 2021 6:45 pm 'We know that birds use a variety of materials to line their nests, but why are these birds risking their lives to approach these mammals?' asks Mark Hauber, an Illinois professor of evolution, ecology and behavior. Study tests microplasma against middle-ear infections Jul 29, 2021 8:45 am 'Many more studies must be conducted before we can explore the use of this technology in the human ear, but early indications are that this approach could be a viable alternative to surgery in cases where antibiotics alone are not effective.' Report: Many Illinois students not receiving critical computer science education Jul 27, 2021 8:45 am Researchers at U of I found that many elementary, secondary school students in Illinois lack access to computer science education and qualified teachers. Over wo-thirds of states have learning standards for computer science - but not Illinois. Researchers develop self-healing materials for testing on International Space Station Jul 26, 2021 1:30 pm Some materials used in aerospace applications such as polymers can degrade and erodein that atmosphere. These self-healing materials with specially designed nanoparticles and microparticles could prove more durable in space. New approach eradicates breast cancer in mice Jul 21, 2021 10:30 am A new approach to treating breast cancer kills 95-100% of cancer cells in mouse models of human estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancers and their metastases in bone, brain, liver and lungs; shrinks even large tumors to undetectable levels. The physiological consequences of workplace incivility Jul 20, 2021 10:45 am Study explores how workplace dynamics can affect an individual’s ability to respond to an uncivil act in a way that de-escalates conflict and downregulates stress responses. 2020 deadlier than previous five years, even with COVID-19 numbers removed Jul 19, 2021 4:15 pm Compared with the previous five years, March through November 2020 saw an increase of more than 450,000 deaths – and more than 176,000 of those were not from COVID-19, according to an analysis of data from the CDC. The environmental lessons of COVID-19 Jul 19, 2021 10:15 am The Global Carbon Project estimated that, due to worldwide COVID-19 restrictions, carbon dioxide emissions dropped by 2.4 billion tons, or 7 percent, in 2020 - an unprecedented decline. Chemical reactions break free from energy barriers using flyby trajectories Jul 15, 2021 10:00 am Researchers are first to use mechanical force to access new chemical reaction pathways along energy surfaces. The technique could help researchers produce fuels, fertilizers, pharmacueticals and other materials more efficiently. Study: Idea sharing increases online learner engagement Jul 14, 2021 9:30 am Business professor Unnati Narang found that online learning engagement can be increased by nearly one-third by simply prompting students to share course ideas rather than personal details in the form of icebreakers and social introductions. Major revamp of SNAP could eliminate food insecurity in the US Jul 12, 2021 1:45 pm Expanding SNAP benefits and eligibility could eliminate food insecurity in the United States, suggests Craig Gundersen, professor in the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics. New book argues local newspapers bear brunt of media's increasing elitism Jul 6, 2021 11:45 am A new book by U of I journalism professor Nikki Usher examines how the news media, and local newspapers in particular, are becoming increasingly focused on serving wealthy, white and politically liberal news consumers. Protein ‘big bang’ reveals molecular makeup for medicine, bioengineering Jul 2, 2021 9:00 am A new study from Illinois researchers maps the evolutionary history of protein domains over 3.8 billion years. 'This could help identify, for example, why structural variations and genomic recombinations occur often in SARS-CoV-2.' Frequent COVID-19 testing key to efficient, early detection, study finds Jun 30, 2021 9:30 am Study: The chance of detecting the COVID-19 virus increases with more frequent testing, no matter the type of test. Used every 3 days with rapid reporting, both polymerase chain reaction and antigen tests can achieve 98% sensitivity. Consistent bedtime routines in infancy improve children's sleep habits through age 2 Jun 29, 2021 2:45 pm Consistent bedtime routines and activities such as reading books and cuddling with caregivers beginning when infants are 3 months old promote better sleep habits through age 2, a recent study suggests. Combining three techniques boosts brain-imaging precision Jun 23, 2021 9:45 am Researchers report that they have developed a method to combine three brain-imaging techniques to more precisely capture the timing and location of brain responses to a stimulus. Researchers report breakthrough in quest for renewable carbon-based fuels Jun 24, 2021 3:45 pm Researchers report that small quantities of useful molecules such as hydrocarbons are produced when carbon dioxide and water react in the presence of light and a silver nanoparticle catalyst. DNAzymes could outperform protein enzymes for genetic engineering Jun 24, 2021 9:15 am Move over, gene-editing proteins – there’s a smaller, cheaper, more specific genetic engineering tool on the block: DNAzymes – small DNA molecules that can function like protein enzymes. Cancer survivors' tongues less sensitive to tastes than those of healthy peers Jun 23, 2021 10:15 am Study finds that head and neck cancer survivors’ tongues are less sensitive at the tip, and problems with taste dysfunction may persist for years after patients complete oncology treatments. New modeling shows greater likelihood of extreme heat events in urban areas Jun 22, 2021 9:30 am Urban heat waves can be devastating; a 1995 heat wave in Chicago caused more than 1,000 deaths. Last year’s heat wave on the west coast caused wildfires. But if cities fully understand their risk, they can prepare better. Cholesterol metabolite induces production of cancer-promoting vesicles Jun 11, 2021 8:30 am Molecular and integrative physiology professor Erik Nelson and his colleagues found that a byproduct of cholesterol metabolism causes some immune cells to spew out cancer-promoting signals. Beneficial arthropods find winter sanctuary in uncultivated field edges Jun 3, 2021 1:30 pm U. of I. entomology professor Alexandra Harmon-Threatt and former doctoral student Scott Clem found that field edges with a diversity of plants help keep pest species populations in check. Geology helps map kidney stone formation from tiny to troublesome May 25, 2021 2:00 pm Advanced microscope technology and cutting-edge geological science are giving new perspectives to an old medical mystery: How do kidney stones form, why are some people more susceptible to them and can they be prevented? Study examines how pandemic-related changes affect college students’ motivation May 25, 2021 9:15 am Some at-risk biology students’ interest in their studies and motivation increased during the pandemic despite concerns they would be demotivated by the challenges associated with distance learning, researchers found. Study: Fluorescent light clarifies relationship between heat stress and crop yield May 24, 2021 10:15 am Scientists report that it is possible to detect and predict heat damage in crops by measuring the fluorescent light signature of plant leaves experiencing heat stress. Solid-state batteries line up for better performance May 20, 2021 10:30 am An Illinois research team developed new battery electrodes made of strategically arranged materials in an effort to drive better solid-state battery technologies. Nudges for default decisions influenced by time constraints, study says May 19, 2021 8:45 am The default option is an easy way to 'nudge' people toward a decision, but new research shows that time constraints can play an important role in influencing decisions. A faster way to make multifunctional vascular materials May 14, 2021 3:30 pm Beckman researchers use frontal polymerization to manufacture environmentally-adaptive multifunctional materials in a matter of minutes instead of days. Study finds sharp drop in women's labor force participation in Illinois due to COVID May 14, 2021 11:30 am The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated an existing child care crisis that disproportionately impacted and continues to affect working women, researcher Alison Dickson says. Youths with diverse gender identities bullied 3x more often than peers May 12, 2021 1:45 pm Transgender youths are bullied as much as three times more often than students who identify as male or female, School of Social Work professor Rachel Garthe found in a new study. Why are we counting bugs at Solar Farm 2.0? May 12, 2021 10:00 am Below the 31,122 bi-facial solar panels lie 54 acres perfect for pollinator-friendly plantings. But how exactly does one calculate the plants’ effectiveness? Prof's book describes Black struggle for land rights, reparations in Brazil May 11, 2021 9:15 am African American studies professor Merle Bowen argues that rural Black residents in Brazil deserve land reparations for the ongoing appropriation of their land by the Brazilian government and private interests. Study identifies five double-sun planets that could support life May 11, 2021 8:45 am The Earth’s orbit around the Sun is nearly circular, ensuring that the planet receives an almost constant amount of radiation on a permanent basis. But that isn’t true for planets that orbit two suns. Intoxication brings strangers physically closer, study finds May 10, 2021 3:15 pm 'This finding is particularly important in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic because it suggests that alcohol might facilitate virus transmission and impede the following of social distancing guidelines.' says researcher Laura Gurrieri. Mantis shrimp-inspired camera provides second opinion during cancer surgery May 5, 2021 12:30 pm Illinois researchers have returned their gaze to the natural world to develop a camera inspired by the mantis shrimp that can visualize cancer cells during surgery. Paper: Work-refusal safety laws serve employees poorly during pandemic May 4, 2021 8:45 am Current work-refusal laws are out-of-step with modern workplaces and provide meager benefits to employees who decline to work when faced with risks involving chemicals, radiation and other invisible hazards such as COVID-19, study finds. Previously unrecognized tsunami hazard identified in coastal cities May 3, 2021 3:15 pm A new study found overlooked tsunami hazards related to undersea, near-shore strike-slip faults, especially for coastal cities adjacent to faults that traverse inland bays. Institute for Genomic Biology: Piecing together the LanCL puzzle May 3, 2021 11:00 am These are important proteins, even if we don't know exactly what they do. 'A third of the mice that lack these enzymes die when they are between four to six months old...and we still don’t understand why,' said Professor Jie Chen. Beckman team builds better tool for assessing infant brain health Apr 29, 2021 8:30 am Their open-access tool will help doctors and researchers assess infant brain metabolite levels. High or low metabolite levels in the brain may be the first sign of problems with brain function or development. People of color hardest hit by air pollution from nearly all sources Apr 28, 2021 1:15 pm Study that finds that nearly all major emissions categories contribute to the systemic air pollution exposure disparity experienced by people of color.