blog posts Will the 2024 Olympic Games become the playing field for social justice protests? Jun 5, 2024 8:45 am Professor Yannick Kluch explores the contentious history of political protests by Olympic athletes and if the controversial Rule 50 could be invoked to saction those who make them during the 2024 Summer Games. Genomics for Faith kicks off, connecting scientists and faith members Jun 6, 2023 10:15 am 'There are two groups of people that the public turns to for trusted information, and that is scientists, and faith leaders. As the situation exists now, those two groups don't talk to each other much. We would like with your partnership to change that...' Summer humanities program builds bridge between communities Jun 8, 2022 11:00 am The program invites humanities students to work collaboratively with organizations in the Champaign-Urbana area, using their humanities knowledge to make an impact in the community. Illinois Commitment: Four years, free tuition Jun 8, 2022 11:45 am Thanks to Illinois Commitment, nearly one-third of Illinois students will have the cost of tuition and campus fees fully covered by their financial aid package. iVenture Accelerator welcomes eighth and largest cohort Jun 8, 2022 1:30 pm The university's iVenture Accelerator—powered by Gies College of Business—has admitted 16 startups into its eighth and largest cohort ever. This year’s group consists of 55 full-time students across 30 fields of study. Howell advances to third straight 1500m national finals Jun 9, 2023 9:30 am Junior Olivia Howell led the way by qualifying for her third straight 1500m national finals. She aims to become the first Illini in 21 years to win a NCAA title both indoors and outdoors (Perdita Felicien, 60mH and 100mH, 2002). Scientists capture stunning view of Tarantula Nebula, a 'star factory' Jun 16, 2022 1:45 pm CNET (June 15) Newly released images show lavalike wisps, which may be 'remains of once-larger clouds that have been shredded by the enormous energy being released by young, massive stars,” says U of I's Tony Wong. Herendeen, Ndudi named Illinois Freshman of the Year Jun 17, 2024 11:15 am The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics has announced its 2023-24 Freshman of the Year honorees. Max Herendeen (golf) and Elizabeth Ndudi (track & field) were voted the top male and female Illini competing in their first season. A new ‘SPIN’ on research Jun 21, 2023 10:45 am SPIN gives undergraduates at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign the chance to work with NCSA staff on research and development projects in supercomputing, data analytics, visualization, and more. What is the state of underwater geolocation technology? Jun 23, 2023 10:00 am Following the loss of OceanGate's Titan submersible this week, U of I professor Viktor Gruev discusses the current state of the science behind underwater geolocation, and some advances his team is working on now. How intimate partner violence affects custody decisions Jun 24, 2022 11:00 am 'When we rely on mothers to self-report (intimate partner violence) to their attorney...they aren’t necessarily going to disclose it... That indicates a need for universal screening and assessment for IPV in divorce cases.' Small molecule transports iron in mice, human cells to treat some forms of anemia Jun 24, 2022 11:15 am Study demonstrates that the small molecule hinokitiol potentially could function as a 'molecular prosthetic' when the iron-transporting protein ferroportin is missing or defective, offering a potential treatment path for certain kinds of anemia. New program to support U of I freshmen with autism Jun 24, 2022 12:00 pm Incoming freshmen at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign this fall with autism spectrum disorder can take part in a new program that will offer a variety of support to help them succeed at college and beyond. Shannon Jr. to join Honored Jerseys Program Jun 24, 2024 9:45 am Terrence Shannon Jr. will have his jersey raised to the State Farm Center rafters as part of the Illinois Basketball Honored Jerseys program. A heart of stone: Study defines the process of and defenses against cardiac valve calcification Jun 25, 2024 2:00 pm Bruce Fouke and researcher Miyandi Sivaguru led a study that detailed the process of calcification in the heart’s aortic valve and the body’s defense tactics that can slow the process. Pinholster named new dean of College of Fine and Applied Arts Jun 27, 2024 2:15 pm Jacob Pinholster has been selected as dean of the College of Fine and Applied Arts, effective Sept. 16. He is currently the executive dean for enterprise design in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University. COVID-19 virus spike protein flexibility improved by human cell's own modifications Jul 5, 2022 8:45 am “The dynamics of a spike are very important – how much it moves and how flexible it is to search for and bind to receptors on the host cell. ...We hope that the results of our simulations can be used for developing new treatments.' History of abuse, neglect, torture surrounds Black women’s maternity and mortality Jul 5, 2023 8:30 am Richmond Free Press (June 29) U of I professor Rana Hogarth says we should stop thinking about slavery and racism as just part of our history and think of them more as 'institutions that have been with us every step of the way.' Study explores unusual interaction between viruses, live vaccines Jul 6, 2022 1:45 pm Illinois researchers found that live vaccines and viruses can infect the same cells in living animals and sometimes share molecular tools that aid new infections. The findings should inform the design of vaccines to reduce spread of viruses. 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. Illinois alumna receives Presidential Medal of Freedom Jul 8, 2022 4:00 pm Gies College of Business alumna and Brigadier General Wilma Vaught served in the U.S. Air Force from 1957 to 1985, becoming one of the most highly decorated military women in U.S. history at the time of her retirement. What explains the cryptocurrency crash? Jul 8, 2022 4:15 pm Robert Brunner, the associate dean for innovation and chief disruption officer at the Gies College of Business, explains the cryptocurrency market. Book examines role of racial justice work in progressive policy changes Jul 11, 2022 3:15 pm Urban planning professor Marc Doussard examines grassroots organizing efforts in six cities, including Chicago, and how collaborations with racial justice groups have strengthened campaigns for economic policy changes. 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...' Survey: COVID-19 vaccine recipients report changes in menstrual bleeding Jul 15, 2022 1:15 pm Study represents the most comprehensive assessment so far of menstrual changes experienced by pre- and post-menopausal individuals in the first two weeks after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. 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. 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. How do COVID vaccines affect periods? Survey lays out some clues. Jul 19, 2022 1:15 pm Popular Science (July 15) 'We shouldn’t be surprised that the uterus, which is an immune organ, is going to be impacted by an immune treatment like the vaccine,' says U of I biological anthropologist Kathryn Clancy. Krannert Center for the Performing Arts announces 2022-23 artists Jul 21, 2022 1:00 pm The 2022-23 season at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts will include touring artists, rescheduled performances that were canceled due to COVID-19, and work from the dance, music and theatre departments. What do bursting bubbles have to do with climate, human health? Jul 22, 2022 9:00 am Bacteria, viruses in ocean water, for example, can be much more concentrated in jet droplets ejected during bubble bursting. Because the droplets are so small, the microorganisms are dispersed into the surrounding air, carried by the wind, may be inhaled by people. Healthy diet after head, neck cancer diagnosis may boost survival Jul 27, 2022 9:45 am Head and neck cancer patients whose eating habits aligned with the Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 at diagnosis were significantly more likely to survive three years later, according to a study led by scholars at Illinois. New smartphone clip-on can detect Zika virus in blood samples Jul 29, 2022 3:00 pm Up next, devices that will simultaneously detect other mosquito-borne viruses and making the devices even smaller. 'Our clip-on detector is pretty small, (but) a lot of space is taken up by the batteries. The next version... will be powered by the phone's battery.' Upcoming heat wave could scorch corn crops, experts fear Aug 3, 2022 10:15 am The Hill (Aug. 2) – Another major heat wave this week could damage corn crops, experts fear. 'We’re used to high yields getting higher every year and it’s certainly possible that this year might not hit that goal,' says emeritus professor Emerson Nafziger. Nanoscale observations simplify how scientists describe earthquake movement Aug 4, 2022 10:30 am Researchers used microscopic-scale observations to simplify how scientists describe macroscale earthquake movement. They hope their work will lead to better earthquake prediction. COVID brought open jobs, new power to workers. Recession would reverse course Aug 5, 2022 10:45 am Chicago Tribune (Aug. 5) A recession would tip the balance of power from employees back to their bosses, experts say. 'There’s no question they will lose that leverage,' says Robert Bruno, the director of the labor studies program at the U. of I. 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. 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. How will a new state law help with teaching Native American history in the state? Aug 10, 2023 12:15 pm A new teaching mandate in Illinois will help students learn about the Indigenous people who originally occupied the land, as well as the contemporary Native American community in the state, says professor Rosalyn LaPier. How do we measure community disaster resilience? Aug 12, 2022 8:45 am Illinois State Water Survey engineer Sally McConkey explores the factors that support – and the methods for measuring – county-level community resilience in the face of disaster. How whaling shaped U.S. culture even after petroleum replaced it Aug 14, 2023 2:00 pm U of I professor Jamie Jones examines the huge energy transition from whale oil to fossil fuels and the continuing influence of the whaling industry in her book 'Rendered Obsolete: The Afterlife of U.S. Whaling in the Petroleum Age.' Fresh off exhibition wins, Illini Soccer primed for 2022 season Aug 15, 2022 10:00 am In the wilderness of northwestern Michigan, the Fighting Illini soccer team closed its preseason schedule with an exhibition game against Virginia, using the four-day trip to also go on a team retreat ahead of the regular season. Survey finds 55% of teachers intend to leave profession earlier than planned Aug 15, 2022 12:00 pm WLS-TV (Aug. 14) 'I think for two or three decades we have been de-professionalizing the field of teaching. Both in how we look at teachers, how we blame...our schools and our teachers for everything that is not the way that we think it should be.' U of I researchers develop new tool in fight against lion poaching Aug 18, 2022 10:15 am The Mail & Guardian (Aug. 18) 'With lions increasingly subject to poaching for their teeth, claws and bones, we wanted to develop software to allow law enforcement...the capacity to examine the geographic source of the lions using DNA.' Does new Illinois law allow non-citizens to become law enforcement officers? Aug 18, 2023 9:30 am A new state law that expands the eligibility for law enforcement jobs to non-U.S. citizens such as DACA participants is mostly aspirational since DACA recipients can’t legally possess firearms, says Professor Lauren R. Aronson. Labor unions are pushing hard for double-digit raises, better hours. Many are winning Aug 28, 2023 10:45 am CNBC (Aug. 27) From writers’ rooms to car factories, workers are pressing companies for higher pay and better quality of life. 'The pandemic shook the ground of everybody,' says Robert Bruno, director of the labor studies program at the U. of I. What explains labor strife among US workers? Aug 28, 2023 11:00 am The state of U.S. labor and the labor movement in 2023 is 'very agitated,' reflecting decades of stagnant wage increases and deteriorating job quality, says Robert Bruno, a professor of labor and employment relations at Illinois. Another presidential portrait: Trump's mug shot Aug 30, 2023 12:15 pm New York Times (Aug. 30) Communication Professor Cara Finnegan writes that in its effect, and in the way its subject has begun to deploy it, Trump's mug shot is the natural evolution of all the images that came before it. New grant to optimize gut microbes, boost health benefits of broccoli Sep 1, 2023 11:00 am U of I researchers plan to identify which microbes maximize the benefits of broccoli and other brassica vegetables, which could lead to the development probiotics to help level the playing field for people with lower-efficiency microbial communities. Road tests at UIC and Notre Dame Tournament await Illini Volleyball Sep 5, 2023 8:00 am Illinois volleyball prepares for matches against UIC, Notre Dame and Oklahoma this week. The Fighting Illini face the Flames at Credit Union 1 Arena tonight at 5 p.m. How will the Inflation Reduction Act affect US environmental policy? Sep 6, 2022 10:15 am Funds in the Inflation Reduction Act targeted for energy security and climate change reduction will encourage a major transformation in the U.S. renewable energy infrastructure, says Professor Don Fullerton.