Illinois Featured Content

stock image of airliner flying low in a clear blue sky

Developing novel energy solutions for sustainable aircraft 'from well to wake'

Dec 13, 2024 8:30 am

U. of I. researchers are working with Boeing to develop truly renewable energy solutions for aviation from well to wake - from processing raw materials into fuel, to measuring the emissions in the wake of an aircraft.

Monks Mound is the largest earthen structure at Cahokia. Photo by Skubasteve834 via Creative Commons

Protecting Illinois' cultural heritage from climate change

Dec 4, 2024 9:45 am

Mitigating the effects of climate change on cultural heritage sites will involve hard choices about what to save and how to save it.

the research team: A team led by, from left, social work professors Moses Okumu and Flora Cohen, with doctoral student Joshua Muzei. Photo by Fred Zwicky

Apps show promise at providing mental health interventions to refugee youths

Dec 4, 2024 10:30 am

Mental health interventions provided through digital media to 445 displaced youths living in the slums of Kampala, Uganda, showed promise at broadening care to this high-risk, difficult-to-reach population.

Study tracks PFAS, microplastics through landfills and wastewater treatment plants

Nov 19, 2024 10:00 am

Scientists analyzed the liquid waste released by four Illinois landfills to determine the fate of two contaminants.

an Intel chip plant in Israel. Photo courtesty Lehava Center Qiryat Gat

PFAS removal process aims to ease pollution ahead of semiconductor industry growth

Nov 7, 2024 10:00 am

With the construction of semiconductor factories expected to rise, U. of I. researchers are working to get ahead of the PFAS pollution issues associated with the fabrication process.

single brown bat sleeping. Photo by Ann Froschauer, USFWS.

The race to save the little brown bat

Nov 4, 2024 11:30 am

How genomic research could rescue a species on the brink of extinction

13 officials with U. of I., city of Springfield, state and federal governments cut the ribbon on the new carbon capture facility

U. of I., DOE announce operation phase of world's largest carbon capture pilot

Jul 17, 2024 10:45 am

'It is especially exciting to see how state and local support has enabled the construction of a facility that is globally recognized. It demonstrates Illinois’ leadership in carbon capture,” said Kevin O'Brien of U. of I.'s Prairie Research Institute.

a large pothole on Second Avenue in NYC. By David Shankbone through Creative Commons license

ICT signs $48M agreement to transform transportation systems

Jul 15, 2024 1:30 pm

The partnership will enhance ICT’s position at the front of solving key transportation challenges: creating safer, more sustainable infrastructure; reducing congestion; preparing for autonomous vehicles; and more.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign information sciences professor Kate McDowell. Photo by Thompson-McClellan Photography

Project helps librarians use data storytelling to advocate for public libraries

Jul 10, 2024 9:45 am

The Data Storytelling for Librarians Toolkit helps librarians create a narrative that will meet their goals such as sharing achievements, benchmarks in a particular area over time or justifications for investments.

Study links neighborhood violence, lung cancer progression

Jun 24, 2024 9:30 am

Patients living in violent neighborhoods likely have worse lung cancer outcomes, according to Zeynep Madak-Erdogan and colleagues.

Closeup Of Male Hand On Wheel Of Wheelchair During Walk In Park. Stock image from Storyblocks.com

Freewheeling wellness: Redefining exercise for manual wheelchair users

May 15, 2024 10:30 am

Graduate student Griffin Sipes is creating personalized exercise routines for manual wheelchair users. Ultimately, he hopes to use his exercise model to improve exercise recommendations for people with spinal cord injuries.

urban and regional planning professor Omar Pérez Figueroa. Photo by Fred Zwicky

Research examines tweets during Hurricane María to analyze social media use during disasters

Apr 9, 2024 9:45 am

Understanding how social media is used during a disaster can help with disaster preparedness and recovery for future events, says urban and regional planning professor Omar Pérez Figueroa.

Dr. Heidi Phillips greets Willow, an 8-month-old English bulldog suffering from a severely obstructed airway.

Caring for flat-faced dogs in respiratory distress

Mar 27, 2024 8:45 am

Breeding flat-faced animals like bulldogs comes at a cost. U of I veterinary surgeon Heidi Phillips treats many of the respiratory problems these animals face, but says better breeding practices as a more effective way to prevent them.

physics professor Aleksei Aksimentiev and research scientist Christopher Maffeo. Photo by Fred Zwicky

First atom-level model of a DNA-packed viral capsid could lead to new drug targets

Mar 7, 2024 1:15 pm

A computational model of the more than 26 million atoms in a DNA-packed viral capsid expands our understanding of virus structure and DNA dynamics, and could provide new research avenues and drug targets.

a classroom in Ukraine shows damage from bombing

A safer place for Scholars at Risk

Mar 4, 2024 10:15 am

Elena Koptieva came to U of I through the Scholars at Risk program in fall 2022 as a faculty member in the Department of Physics. Now she lives in Champaign with her children while her husband remains in Ukraine fighting in the war.

FEMA photo of flood damage in McDowell County, WV, on May 2, 2002

U of I researchers use Amazon Web Services to prototype flood prediction model for Appalachia

Feb 29, 2024 11:45 am

Reserachers are developing a hydrological prediction tool capable of providing the National Park Service flood hydrographs with 18-hour lead times.

President Biden poses with the 2022-23 contingent of White House Fellows. Photo courtesy of the White House

A year as a White House Fellow

Feb 21, 2024 11:30 am

'In my work at the National Security Council, I contributed to the executive order on artificial intelligence that the President signed at the end of October 2023. A lot of work went into that effort...', says ECE professor and White House Fellow Lav Varshney.

NCSA joins NSF's new AI infrastructure initiative

Feb 5, 2024 1:45 pm

'The advent of the NAIRR pilot will lead us toward a planned substantial investment in AI by the U.S. federal government when we reach the full NAIRR program in a couple of years,' said NCSA deputy director John Towns.

eastern box turtle crosses a road. Photo by reclaimednj via Flickr

Prairie Research Institute helps Illinois build roads while preserving natural resources

Jan 31, 2024 10:00 am

With the help of U of I scientists, transportation agencies are building Illinois roads in compliance with state and federal regulations, while preserving Illinois’ physical, biological, natural, and cultural resources.

Stephen Long, a professor of plant biology and of crop sciences at the U. of I. Photo by Fred Zwicky

Stephen Long describes three photosynthetic changes that boost crop yields

Nov 29, 2023 11:45 am

In a TED Talk, Professor Stephen Long describes his and his colleagues’ work to improve photosynthetic efficiency in crops. Multiple published studies demonstrate their innovations dramatically increase crop yields.

female African lion. Photo by Relic38 via Wikimedia Commons

Poachers beware: New online tool traces illegal lion products back to source

Nov 13, 2023 12:30 pm

A new conservation tool from the U of I is helping protect lions across Africa, allowing authorities to examine the geographic origin of illegally traded teeth, claws, bones, and other body parts from poached animals.

Entomology professor Brian F. Allan led a graduate course on planetary health that inspired several graduate students to conduct a study on state science learning standards for K-12 students and how topics such as climate change are shaded by state politics. Photo by Michelle Hassel

State politics, major industry drive planetary health education for K-12 students

Sep 27, 2023 3:15 pm

What K-12 students learn about planetary health issues varies widely across the U.S. and reflect the states’ and territories’ dominant political ideology, major industries when they adopted their science standards, researchers found.

Starlink satellites pass overhead near Carson National Forest, New Mexico, photographed soon after launch. Credit: M. Lewinsky

Study quantifies satellite brightness, challenges for ground-based astronomy

Oct 2, 2023 12:15 pm

Although bright satellites won't necessarily damage telescopes, they will still cause data loss from the streaks. Extremely bright satellites could ruin the entire field of view, like trying to stargaze when someone shines a flashlight into your eyes.

Knox to testify before Senate judiciary committee

Sep 11, 2023 11:45 am

Emily Knox, a professor of library and information sciences, will testify before the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary on Tuesday, Sept 12.

New law fosters farmers’ fresh produce donations to Illinois food banks

Aug 17, 2023 3:15 pm

With Governor Pritzker’s signature on House Bill 2879, the Farm to Food Bank Program has been established in Illinois to help farmers donate their surplus produce to local food banks and assists more than 1 million Illinoisans facing food insecurity.

Illinois pathobiology professor Ying Fang and her colleagues developed a reliable coronavirus test that can be used to detect and monitor infection in wild and domesticated animals. Photo by Fred Zwicky

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.

New campus building named in honor of alumnus Steven Wymer

Apr 14, 2023 12:45 pm

Set to open in 2025, this state-of-the-art building will help prepare Illinois students for futures of purpose and impact.

image from the SwaTaleem organization appears to show a woman and girl walking toward (presumably) a school.

Grad student's nonprofit brings educational tools to young women in India

Mar 29, 2023 12:15 pm

Bringing education to historically marginalized girls between the ages of 10 and 18, SwaTaleem co-founder Ananya Tiwari is dedicated to helping women across India connect to technology, overcome language barriers, and achieve financial freedom.

The University of Illinois’ Research and Innovation Laboratory (RAIL) houses multiple testing frames which provide the ability to conduct a variety of industry standard and custom experiments on railway infrastructure and mechanical, such as this Track Loading System.

U of I team helps DOD develop better analysis, design procedures for rail, roads

Feb 22, 2023 11:30 am

Civil and Environmental Engineering researchers will help the Department of Defense develop better systems to evaluate the structural health of rail lines and modernize pavement design and evaluation procedures.

From left, Lisa Ainsworth, Stephen Long and Donald Ort continue to lead the Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency project with new funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Agricultural Innovations initiative.

Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE) project's success draws $34M grant

Dec 13, 2022 8:45 am

Bill & Melinda Gates Agricultural Innovations has awarded a $34 million grant to the RIPE project, an international research effort led by scientists at Illinois. RIPE has already realized large increases in crop productivity in field trials.

The White House bathed in rainbow colored lights landmark Supreme Court ruling that allows same-sex couples nationwide to marry, the White House was illuminated in rainbow colors on June 30, 2015, a nod to the achievement of the gay rights movement.

U of I College of Law represented at signing ceremony for Respect for Marriage Act

Dec 13, 2022 3:15 pm

The contributions of Robin Fretwell Wilson and her colleagues proved to be quite influential. Their letter to Senators Collins and Baldwin urging Republican support was cited on numerous occasions during the Senate debate.

Special education professor Catherine Corr. Photo by Fred Zwicky

New state law improves access to services for young children with disabilities, delays

Nov 1, 2022 1:45 pm

Special ed professor Catherine Corr was a member of a working group whose policy recommendations went into an Illinois law that streamlines access to early intervention services for children involved with the state’s child welfare system.

social work professor Moses Okumu. Photo by Fred Zwicky

Refugee teens in Uganda who 'sext' more likely to use condoms, studies find

Nov 2, 2022 11:00 am

'To promote sexual health equity, especially for young people, we need to go where they’re at, use the tools that they’re using and take more of a sex-positive approach – one that strives for ideal experiences and making informed choices.'

A Cambodian girl proudly displays her work on a chalk tablet.

Campus Charitable Fund Drive 2022

Nov 2, 2022 10:45 am

In 2021, we raised almost $1.4 million and this year, we have a goal of $1.5 million in funds from our campus community. Please take a few minutes to learn about the agencies and causes, from local to international, that resonate with you.

freshman class poses in a 'Block I' pattern on the football field at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Fred Zwicky

Illinois welcomes second-largest freshman class

Sep 7, 2022 11:00 am

U of I's incoming class of 7,957 first-year students brings greater representation by gender, nationality and students who are the first in their family to go to college, while a change in the application process resulted in greater academic competition.

Illinois language justice collective helping to preserve Indigenous Mayan languages

Sep 1, 2022 8:00 am

A group of faculty members and students is working with the local Maya community to help preserve their Indigenous languages.

Paper: Train future psychologists to dismantle racism, injustice in society

Aug 30, 2022 2:15 pm

A team of psychologists, led by Illinois scholars, proposes a new training model that would prepare all practitioners in their discipline to respond to the social ills of racial discrimination and other forms of repression.

Illinois partners with Hope Chicago to support accessible education

Jun 6, 2022 1:30 pm

The partnership will support all incoming Hope Scholars to Illinois starting this fall, as well as future Hope Parent Scholars.

eruption of the Sierra Negra volcano in June, 2018

Great timing, supercomputer upgrade lead to successful forecast of volcanic eruption

Jun 3, 2022 1:15 pm

Professor Patricia Gregg, research professor Seid Koric, and a former graduate student led a team that produced the fortuitous forecast of the 2018 Sierra Negra volcanic eruption five months before it occurred.

large field of solar panels at the U of I's Solar Farm two-point-oh.

U of I earns fifth consecutive STARS Gold rating for sustainability

May 27, 2022 3:15 pm

New solar and geothermal energy projects, reduced water use, and wide-ranging sustainability research helped Illinois earn its fifth consecutive Gold certification from the nation’s most comprehensive sustainability rating system.

in these little brown bats, the most commonly observed symptom of white-nose syndrome is the white fungal growth on the muzzle. Photo by Nancy Heaslip/New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Fighting white-nose syndrome in bats benefits agriculture, study shows

May 16, 2022 9:45 am

'Lost bat populations have harmful ripple effects on food and agriculture,' says Professor Amy Ando,. 'Crop yields fall and input costs rise as farmers try to compensate for the services bats usually provide.'

The Hutsul Museum website is one of more than 3,500 sites that have been archived by the project.

U of I alumnae, professor preserving Ukrainian cultural heritage online

Apr 28, 2022 9:15 am

The Saving Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Online project aims to preserve digital records when web servers, physical records and objects are at risk of being destroyed by Russian attacks on Ukraine.

Social Work professor Liliane Windsor. Photo by L. Brian Stauffer

Project helps East St. Louis residents overcome barriers to COVID testing, vaccination

Mar 11, 2022 8:45 am

Social work professor Liliane Windsor investigates ways to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 among marginalized and hard-to-reach populations in East St. Louis, Illinois, using an adaptation of a public health model developed for HIV.

stock image of young man speaking with a counselor

New degree program builds strong base for mental health counseling

Mar 2, 2022 9:00 am

Professor Lisa Kinderman: 'We have leading scholars in the fields of multicultural diversity, developmental sciences, vocational psychology, and clinical practice. It’s a powerful place for a master’s student to land. We’re helping them launch careers.'

The SUPERLabs project is being led by Illinois Assistant Professor of Anthropology Jessica Brinkworth

U of I students fund effort to re-use research labs' single-use plastics

Feb 25, 2022 10:30 am

'We model how a robust research program incorporates rigorous plastics reuse and reduction protocols in its daily work, that part of being a 'serious' scientist is cleaning up after yourself,' says project leader Professor Jessica Brinkworth.

Stock photo of young teacher with early childhood student.

Helping to solve Illinois' early childhood teacher shortage

Feb 17, 2022 10:15 am

The College of Education wants to see an 80 percent increase in its Childhood Education program enrollment. 'That’s a massive increase, but...we believe the U of I should be the model,' says Associate Dean Nancy Latham.

stock image of high school students using tablets and laptops in class

Colleges of Education, Media to help teach media literacy to Illinois high schoolers

Feb 9, 2022 10:45 am

A new state law is requires public high schools to teach media literacy, so these U of I colleges formed the Initiative for Media Education Inquiry and Action to help fill educators’ needs for media literacy training and curriculum development.

Rohit Bhargava, Director of the Cancer Center at Illinois, with an unidentified colleague

Cancer Center at Illinois: 'This is revolutionary'

Feb 3, 2022 12:00 pm

'There are 71 National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers in the country -- all doing exceptional work...But as we look at the national landscape, there isn’t a cancer center that is centered on technology. And that is a missed opportunity...'

Erin Lentz, Hope Michelson, and Kathy Baylis conducted research on machine learning models for food insecurity predictions.

How machine learning can improve food insecurity predictions

Feb 2, 2022 2:15 pm

Accurately predicting when and where hunger crises occur is critical to effective humanitarian aid response. A new U of I study explores how machine learning can help improve forecasting when used appropriately.

Graduate student George Watson, first author on the study, holds a sign and a soil analyzer in a Chicago backyard.

Lead lurking in your soil? New Chicago project maps distribution

Jan 26, 2022 10:30 am

Lead exposure in early childhood can cause brain damage, developmental delays, and learning and behavioral disorders. Preventing these outcomes means avoiding lead, but that’s only possible if you know where to find it.

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How genomic research could rescue a species on the brink of extinction