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  • A bee visits an echinacea flower.

    Available prairie seed mixes may fall short for pollinators

    Mar 24, 2025 2:45 pm

    As populations of bees and butterflies decline in the Midwest, native prairie restoration becomes crucial. A new Prairie Research Institute study found, however, that many commercial seed mixes used to conserve and restore prairies may not have enough diversity or spring flowering plants to fully support these pollinators.

  • How do we address the problem of PFAS in sewage sludge?

    Mar 24, 2025 11:30 am

    Communities and federal agencies are waking up to the dangers of “forever chemicals” in wastewater treatment sludge, which is often sprayed on farm fields as fertilizer. In mid-January, the federal Environmental Protection Agency warned that this practice endangers human health. A month later, Johnson County in northeast Texas declared a state of emergency over the contamination of farm fields with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, from sewage sludge. John Scott, a research scientist at the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center who studies PFAS in wastewater treatment facilities and landfills, spoke with News Bureau life sciences editor Diana Yates about the problem.

  • February’s roller coaster weather wraps up winter

    Mar 4, 2025 12:15 pm

    The month of February is known for bringing cold weather in Illinois, but it also often sees some of the biggest day-to-day temperature changes — as it did last month, according to Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford at the University of Illinois’ Illinois State Water Survey.

  • Chinmoy Baroi receives Certificate of Recognition from Madeleine Fequiere, Consul General of Canada in Chicago.

    Chinmoy Baroi recognized as Canada Global Executive

    Feb 6, 2025 11:15 am

    Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC) researcher Dr. Chinmoy Baroi has been recognized as one of Canada’s Global Executives (CGE) by the Trade Commissioner Service at Global Affairs Canada in Chicago on behalf of the Government of Canada. ISTC is a unit of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

  • January brought winter weather of yore

    Feb 4, 2025 9:15 am

    January temperatures were less mild than Illinois has become accustomed to, ending the month 4.4 degrees below the 1991-2020 average, according to Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford at the University of Illinois’ Illinois State Water Survey.

  • New archaeological exhibit installed at the IDOT office in Springfield

    Jan 27, 2025 7:00 am

    A new mobile exhibit about precolonial communities in Illinois is on display at the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) office in Springfield, IL

  • The second warmest year on record

    Jan 15, 2025 9:00 am

    Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford has released the year-end climate analysis for 2024, which was the second warmest year on record in Illinois, with average temperatures between 1 and 6 degrees above normal.

  • Illinois Sustainable Technology Center research scientist Hong Lu holding a beaker with red fluid.

    ISTC team makes sustainable aviation fuel additive from recycled polystyrene

    Jan 13, 2025 9:30 am

    A groundbreaking study by Illinois Sustainable Technology Center researcher Hong Lu and his team addresses a major hurdle in transitioning U.S. commercial aircraft to sustainable aviation fuels. They developed a cost-effective method to convert waste polystyrene, a common hard plastic, into ethylbenzene, an additive that enhances the performance of sustainable jet fuels. This innovative approach not only improves fuel characteristics but also offers a practical solution for reducing reliance on fossil fuels in aviation.

  • Mild, wet start to winter

    Jan 8, 2025 8:00 am

    Day to day temperature variability in Illinois is highest in climatological winter and December followed suit with regular dips and jumps in daily temperature, according to Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford at the University of Illinois’ Illinois State Water Survey.

  • A still image from the camera trap video captured by U. of I. student Bethany Warner shows a flying squirrel in Brownfield Woods Oct. 27.

    Flying squirrel documented in Brownfield Woods

    Dec 20, 2024 12:00 pm

    A University of Illinois student researcher recently identified a Southern flying squirrel in a university natural area for the first time in recent memory.

  • Adult Syrian Spadefoot Toad discovered in a greenhouse in Burj Arab, Tartous Governorate, Syria, March 18, 2022. This was the second confirmed sighting of the species in the region. Photo by Naeil Khosam.

    Toad discovery brings together Syrian, Illinois scientists

    Dec 18, 2024 2:30 pm

    The Syrian Spadefoot Toad has been rediscovered in the war-torn country with the help of Syrian community scientists and Illinois researchers.

  • Photo of a leaf with raindrops by nikolett-emmert, Unsplash.

    Warm, wet November wraps up fall

    Dec 18, 2024 8:15 am

    November wrapped up a mild, dry fall with more mild temperatures, including several warmer-than-normal days, to tie the 10th warmest November since 1895, according to Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford at the University of Illinois’ Illinois State Water Survey.

  • Are climate-related calamities erasing Illinois’ cultural history?

    Dec 16, 2024 8:00 am

    In a new report, scientists with the Illinois State Archaeological Survey describe how increased flooding, erosion and other effects of human-induced climate change are degrading many of the state’s cultural sites. ISAS research archaeologist Andrew White, a co-author of the report, spoke with News Bureau life sciences editor Diana Yates about the scope of the problem. 

  • ISTC scientists study PFAS in the food chain as part of EPA grant

    Nov 22, 2024 10:00 am

    Prairie Research Institute scientists are leading a cross-disciplinary team awarded a $1.6 million U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant to investigate crop plant uptake of forever chemicals and develop innovative techniques to reduce their entry into the food chain.

  • Hands hold up a jar and a petrie dish containing samples of microplastics recovered from Illinois wastewater treatment plants.

    Study tracks PFAS, microplastics through landfills and wastewater treatment plants

    Nov 19, 2024 10:15 am

    Scientists analyzed the liquid waste, or leachate, released by four Illinois landfills and the inflows and outflows of associated wastewater treatment plants to determine the fate of two contaminants: microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. The findings are reported in the journal Science of the Total Environment. 


  • ‘World building’ in a video games class

    Nov 13, 2024 9:45 am

    The Concept Art for Video Games class at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign requires students to collaborate on a cohesive visual design for a video game and gives then insight into how the video game industry works. 

  • coal particles

    PRI launches new Critical Minerals Research and Development Center to advance domestic supply, innovation

    Nov 11, 2024 8:00 am

    The Critical Minerals Research and Development Center will drive interdisciplinary research and industry partnerships to advance responsible extraction, processing, and sourcing practices. By focusing on Illinois' potential as a source for critical minerals, PRI aims to enhance supply chain resilience and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

  • Warm and dry, but enjoyable, October

    Nov 5, 2024 3:30 pm

    Most of last month was somewhat to extremely dry across Illinois, marking the state’s 10th driest October on record, according to Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford at the University of Illinois’ Illinois State Water Survey.

  • A group of people stand outdoors, listening to a person in an orange shirt giving a presentation in front of a large poster on a wooden board, with green trees and blue sky in the background.

    Scientists tackle farm nutrient pollution with sustainable, affordable designer biochar pellets

    Nov 5, 2024 12:15 pm

    What if farmers could not only prevent excess phosphorus from polluting downstream waterways, but also recycle that nutrient as a slow-release fertilizer, all without spending a lot of money? In a first-of-its-kind field study, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign researchers show it’s possible and economical.  

  • The race to save the little brown bat: How genomic research could rescue a species on the brink of extinction

    Oct 31, 2024 11:00 am

    Researchers are using cutting-edge genomic techniques to help the little brown bat, a species at risk due to white-nose syndrome. By analyzing DNA samples from across the bat's historic range, the team aims to uncover genetic insights that could guide conservation strategies. This collaborative effort among scientists and institutions offers new hope for protecting the bat and other vulnerable wildlife. 

  • Tamira Brennan standing in front of the experimental archaeological excavation site.

    Excavating my own archaeology

    Oct 29, 2024 9:00 am

    Tamira Brennan, a research scientist and section head of curation at the Illinois State Archaeological Survey, led University of Illinois students in excavating a structure she originally built over two decades ago in an experimental archaeology course. The project models ancient techniques and emphasizes the importance of artifact curation, addressing a national "curation crisis." The hands-on experience aims to inspire students in cultural heritage preservation.

  • Hongxu Zhou adjusts woodchip bioreactor equipment in the lab

    Study combines woodchips and biochar to clean water of pharmaceuticals, nutrients

    Oct 21, 2024 10:45 am

    In a new University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign study, PRI and ACES researchers show how a simple system using woodchips and a bit of glorified sawdust can dramatically reduce nitrogen, phosphorus, and multiple common drugs in wastewater. 

  • A woman and man standing along a river bank holding salamander mussels and their shells.

    Endangered salamander mussel found alive in Illinois after nearly 120 years

    Oct 9, 2024 7:00 am

    For the first time in nearly 120 years, researchers confirmed the presence live individuals of the state-endangered salamander mussel in Illinois, marking a major biodiversity milestone for the state.

  • coal particles

    DOE funds Illinois rare earth project to reclaim mine waste, boost U.S. clean tech leadership

    Oct 7, 2024 8:00 am

    The IRENES project, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, is advancing the recovery of critical minerals from coal mine waste to strengthen U.S. energy security. By developing a domestic supply of these essential materials, the project reduces reliance on foreign sources, supports clean technology innovations, and drives economic growth in underserved regions. It offers a practical solution to pressing energy and environmental challenges, making it a strategic investment for sustainable growth.

  • Fall begins with warm September in Illinois

    Oct 4, 2024 11:30 am

    The first three weeks of September were extremely dry across much of the Midwest, with the remnants of Hurricane Helene providing drought relief for parts of Illinois, according to Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford at the University of Illinois’ Illinois State Water Survey.

  • Hydrogeologist speaks at a conference.

    PRI shares water sustainability research with Illinois municipal leaders

    Sep 25, 2024 3:15 pm

    Municipal officials from across the state attended a panel session on water sustainability hosted by the Prairie Research Institute and Champaign County community leaders last week.

  • UI Trustee Wilbur Milhouse III stands in front of the Traveling Science Center

    UI Trustee Milhouse visits PRI

    Sep 24, 2024 3:00 pm

    On Sept. 6, 2024, University of Illinois Trustee Wilbur Milhouse III spent the day at the Prairie Research Institute (PRI), engaging in discussions and tours that showcased transformative research in sustainability, innovation, and community impact. As an accomplished engineer and CEO of Milhouse Engineering, Trustee Milhouse brought a unique perspective to PRI’s work, seeing firsthand how the institute is tackling some of the world’s most pressing environmental and energy challenges.

  • Waste plastic can improve sustainable aviation fuel, researchers find

    Sep 16, 2024 8:00 am

    Illinois Sustainable Technology Center scientists at the Prairie Research Institute have found that waste plastic can be used to improve sustainable aviation fuel.

  • Sarah Douglass, 2024 Chancellor's Staff Excellence Award Winner

    Congratulations to Sarah Douglass, 2024 Chancellor's Staff Excellence Award Winner

    Sep 13, 2024 8:45 am

    Sarah Douglass, an associate research scientist at the Prairie Research Institute since 2008, has significantly contributed to malacology and freshwater mussel conservation. As the head of the mollusk research program, she leads federally listed mussel research and employs eDNA methods for detecting rare species, tracking mussel movements, and long-term monitoring of mussel populations. Sarah's initiatives have enhanced lab efficiency, improved safety measures, and supported student and staff training. Douglass contributes to the university’s research and conservation efforts through her work, presentations, and involvement in statewide and regional conservation committees, supporting the Illinois Natural History Survey’s role in freshwater ecology. See Sarah talk about her work.

  • Examining an ecosystem: 130 years in the Illinois River valley

    Sep 5, 2024 9:00 am

    For 130 years, Illinois Natural History Survey scientists have been dedicated to studying the Illinois River system at the Forbes Biological Station near Havana, Illinois. Founded in 1894, it is North America’s oldest inland field station.

  • August caps off a mild summer

    Sep 5, 2024 8:00 am

    The final month of summer had mild temperatures, except for an intense heat wave in the final few days of the month, wrapping up a mild season overall, according to Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford at the University of Illinois’ Illinois State Water Survey.

  • ISTC and F&S staff sorting waste samples.

    ISTC assists U. of I. campus with waste characterization study

    Aug 28, 2024 11:15 am

    The ISTC Technical Assistance Program assisted with a waste characterization study that found that 34% of campus waste reviewed was avoidable. The report also made recommendations for waste reduction and improved management. Facilities & Services Zero Waste Coordinator Daphne Hulse said, “ISTC’s important and updated insight gives us the ability to turn their work into meaningful results that have an impact across campus. To accomplish our goals, we need to keep looking at how we can all continue to make progress by taking all available actions to properly reduce, reuse, and recycle where we study, work, recreate, and live.” 

  • Map showing mined out areas around Springfield, Illinois.

    ISGS receives $10 million in funding for abandoned mining site research

    Aug 26, 2024 3:00 pm

    The Illinois State Geological Survey at the Prairie Research Institute recently received a $10 million award to inventory abandoned mining sites that could be reclaimed to improve community safety and the environment in Illinois.

  • Wendy Schelsky

    Wendy Schelsky named 2024-25 Emerging Research Leader

    Aug 13, 2024 10:45 am

    This prestigious award acknowledges researchers who show exceptional promise in their field and are positioned to significantly contribute to advancing health sciences. Wendy's selection for this honor highlights the importance of her work and the impact it has already made. It also reflects the high quality of research and innovation happening at PRI.This prestigious award acknowledges researchers who show exceptional promise in their field and are positioned to significantly contribute to advancing health sciences. Wendy's selection for this honor highlights the importance of her work and the impact it has already made. It also reflects the high quality of research and innovation happening at PRI.

  • Another very weather-active July in the books

    Aug 7, 2024 11:15 am

    After a drier than normal June, Hurricane Beryl and an active, stormy July resulted in statewide precipitation of 7.01 inches, 2.95 inches above the 1991-2020 average and the third wettest on record, according to Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford at the University of Illinois’ Illinois State Water Survey.

  • Lake Michigan coast

    PRI research targets coastal resilience and water planning challenges

    Jul 29, 2024 8:00 am

    PRI scientists are investigating how artificial reef complexes can stabilize shorelines and developing strategies to address water sustainability challenges and future water planning. These efforts aim to provide critical insights that will inform decision-making and improve environmental management in the southern Lake Michigan region.

  • flooded intersection in Nashville, Illinois

    PRI's CHAMP program simulates floods to aid the Nashville, Illinois community

    Jul 27, 2024 9:45 am

    On July 16, Nashville, Illinois, experienced a severe weather event with 5 to 7 inches of rainfall in eight hours. This deluge caused the Nashville City Reservoir to overflow, resulting in impassable roads and the evacuation of around 200 homes. The PRI Coordinated Hazard Assessment and Mapping Program (CHAMP) used flood simulations to help the community understand the impact and improve preparedness for such events.

  • MCJA cover crop.

    New issue of MJCA, guest edited by ISAS' Dr. Clare Tolmie, explores the archaeological record of the Chicago region

    Jul 25, 2024 8:00 am

    Hot off the press!

    Past and present ISAS staff have authored papers in the recently issued Midcontinental Journal of Archaeology (MCJA) on the pre-contact and contact era archaeological record of the Chicago region, guest edited by Dr. Clare Tolmie, ISAS Northern Illinois Field Station Coordinator.

  • PRI launches Net-Zero Center of Excellence

    Jul 15, 2024 10:15 am

    The center will bring together global collaborators from various sectors to develop and implement innovative net-zero technologies. Key goals include creating scalable solutions, advancing multidisciplinary research, and supporting workforce development for a sustainable future.

  • Illinois researchers receive funding to explore hydrogen storage

    Jul 10, 2024 10:15 am

    bp-International Centre for Advanced Materials recently awarded funding for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign researchers affiliated with the Prairie Research Institute for investigations into subsurface hydrogen storage to accelerate sustainable energy transformation.

  • People gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at a construction site with large industrial structures and cranes in the background. The event appears to celebrate a significant milestone, with attendees dressed in business attire, smiling and holding ceremonial scissors

    PRI announces operation phase of world's largest carbon capture pilot

    Jul 1, 2024 2:45 pm

    The Phase III pilot, retrofitting Dallman 4, is the largest of its kind globally. This $80 million initiative is designed to position Illinois as a leader in carbon capture technology.

  • Warm, active June kicks off summer

    Jun 28, 2024 1:30 pm

    In June, Illinois largely avoided serious drought conditions seen this time last year, thanks to abundant — sometimes surplus — precipitation in April and May. However, stretches of hot and dry weather have begun to quickly deplete soil moisture and drop stream levels in much of central and south-central Illinois, according to Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford at the University of Illinois’ Illinois State Water Survey.

  • Petroleum Experts donates software to ISGS

    Jun 25, 2024 5:00 pm

    Petroleum Experts has renewed through December 2024 a grant of the full set of software modules of MOVE and IPM suites to the Illinois State Geological Survey and Department of Earth Science and Environmental Change to use in research and education. This software enhances ISGS capabilities in subsurface interpretation and reservoir simulation.

  • Warm May wraps up very mild spring

    Jun 10, 2024 1:00 pm

    This spring was the fourth warmest start to any year on record in Illinois, and the summer has a high chance of above normal temperatures, according to Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford at the University of Illinois’ Illinois State Water Survey.

  • Warm and wet April in Illinois

    May 3, 2024 3:45 pm

    April showers arrived this year, along with the ups and downs of spring temperatures that averaged out to above normal, according to Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford at the University of Illinois’ Illinois State Water Survey.

  • Submerged bow of the ship on a lakebed

    Illinois’ first submerged cultural resource: the Solon Johnson wreck of 1887

    Apr 26, 2024 10:45 am

    Researchers from the Prairie Research Institute collaborated to document Illinois' first submerged cultural resource: the Solon Johnson shipwreck. Discovered by ISGS chief scientist Steve Brown during a bathymetric data collection project off Illinois Beach State Park, the shipwreck represents a significant find in Lake Michigan's maritime history. With assistance from ISAS researchers, the wreck's identity as the Solon Johnson, lost in 1887 during a storm, was confirmed. The discovery underscores the importance of documenting and preserving underwater cultural heritage.

  • Timber Rattlesnake

    Study: When do timber rattlesnakes emerge in the spring in Illinois?

    Apr 24, 2024 10:15 am

    Illinois’ timber rattlesnakes emerge from their cold-weather dens hidden below ground and can be seen sunning themselves in the nearby forest foliage as spring temperatures warm. Scientists at the Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) have found clues to determine when snakes will slither from their over-winter spots to inform conservation officials who manage local habitats.

  • Praveen Kumar

    PRI executive director Praveen Kumar elected as 2023 AAAS Fellow

    Apr 18, 2024 10:15 am

    Seven University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign professors have been elected 2023 Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. They are among the 502 scientists, engineers and innovators recognized for their scientifically and socially distinguished achievements by the world’s largest general scientific society.  

  • Sarah Douglass

    INHS malacologist Sarah Douglass among the sixteen employees honored with Chancellor's Staff Excellence Award

    Apr 18, 2024 8:00 am

    Sixteen academic professionals and civil service staff members have received the 2024 Chancellor’s Staff Excellence Award. 

  • Soils are warm throughout Illinois in mid-April

    Apr 16, 2024 3:45 pm

    Warm weather has continued into April, impacting soil temperatures, according to Jennie Atkins, Water and Atmospheric Resources Monitoring (WARM) program manager at the Illinois State Water Survey.