blog posts 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. 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. Is climate change causing more record-breaking hail? Aug 11, 2023 10:15 am Scientific American (Aug. 11) – Enormous hailstones raise the question of whether global warming will intensify hailstorms. 'There are so many factors that go into hail, so that makes it a big challenge to predict,' says U of I's Sonia Lasher-Trapp. 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. 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. 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. 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.' 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. 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.' 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.' 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. 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. 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. #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. 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. 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. 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.' 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. 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. 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. Cave excavation pushes back the clock on human migration to Laos Jun 21, 2023 11:30 am Fifteen years of archaeological work in the Tam Pa Ling cave in northeastern Laos has yielded a reliable chronology of early human occupation of the site, revealing that humans lived in the area for at least 70,000 years – and likely even longer. 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. 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. 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.' Altgeld Hall cleaning brings back its long-forgotten pink color Jun 22, 2023 11:00 am 'When completed, along with the roof replacement work, the Phase 2 work of this project will return the exterior of this iconic U of I building to its former glory,' says Facilities & Services project manager Kevin Price. 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. 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. 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.' 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, 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. 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...' 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 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. 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.' Displays controlled by flexible fins and liquid droplets more versatile, efficient than LED screens Jul 3, 2023 10:30 am U. of I. engineers have developed a new breed of display screens that use flexible fins, varying temperatures and liquid droplets that can be arranged in various orientations to create images. 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. Potential breakthrough treatment for cystic fibrosis enters clinical trials Jun 26, 2023 2:00 pm This promising inhalable molecular prosthetic is intended to improve lung function in people with Cystic Fibrosis who cannot benefit from current therapies.