blog posts Genomic survey uncovers evolutionary origins of secretoglobin proteins May 7, 2025 1:00 pm These new findings, published in Genome Biology and Evolution, suggest that secretoglobin proteins evolved earlier than dinosaurs and share a basic function that has not yet been discovered. Single dose breast cancer treatment induces complete tumor regression Mar 5, 2025 10:45 am 'I have never seen a paper with a single dose efficacy, and that’s what I find extremely novel about this; a single dose and the subsequent regression is remarkable,' said Michael Mulligan, grad student researcher and first author. Flying squirrel documented in U. of I.'s Brownfield Woods Jan 6, 2025 11:00 am A student researcher recently identified a Southern flying squirrel in Brownfield Woods. Flying squirrels are native to Illinois, but this was the first time one has been documented in the area in recent memory. Study offers insight into chloroplast evolution Dec 10, 2024 8:00 am Illinois chemistry researchers found evidence indicating that chloroplasts may have originated as energy-generating organelles and later evolved to support carbon assimilation in plant cells. Visible light energy yields two-for-one deal when added to CO2 recycling process Oct 16, 2024 1:15 pm Researcher have discovered that visible light significantly improved a chemical attribute called selectivity, which may enhance CO2 conversion as well as other chemical reactions used in catalysis research and chemical manufacturing. Endangered salamander mussel found alive in Illinois after nearly 120 years Oct 9, 2024 10:30 am For the first time in nearly 120 years, U. of I.researchers confirmed the presence of live individuals of the state-endangered salamander mussel in Illinois, marking a major biodiversity milestone for the state. Team discovers naturally occurring DNA-protein hybrids Sep 17, 2024 9:15 am Researchers discovered a new class of DNA-protein hybrids and determined how they are formed in bacterial cells. The findings will speed the process of finding and developing new DNA-protein hybrid molecules for therapeutic use. Researchers identify compound that may help immune system slow, stop tumor growth Sep 13, 2024 10:00 am 'We must target cancer cells and engage the immune system to move toward curative treatments.' The researchers have identified a protein that can potentially stop or slow regulatory T cells from suppressing the immune system. Gravitational waves unveil previously unseen properties of neutron stars Sep 9, 2024 11:00 am Illinois researchers used computer simulations, analytical models and sophisticated data analyses to verify that forces within binary neutron star systems are detectable via gravitational waves. NSF funds new iBioFoundry at Illinois Sep 3, 2024 3:00 pm A newly funded iBioFoundry at the U. of I. will build on a decade of Illinois research to integrate synthetic biology, laboratory automation and artificial intelligence to advance protein and cellular engineering. ISGS receives $10 million in funding for abandoned mining site research Sep 3, 2024 4:45 pm The Illinois State Geological Survey at the Prairie Research Institute received a $10 million award to inventory abandoned mining sites that could be reclaimed to improve community safety and the environment in Illinois. Researchers clarify how soft materials fail under stress Jul 18, 2024 1:15 pm A new study clarifies how soft materials, both natural and synthetic, fail under stress. The U. of I. research addresses a wide swath of engineering challenges including natural disasters such as landslides. 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. By listening, scientists learn how a protein folds May 20, 2024 3:45 pm By converting their data into sounds, scientists discovered how hydrogen bonds contribute to the lightning-fast gyrations that transform a string of amino acids into a functional, folded protein. Earliest-yet Alzheimer’s biomarker found in mouse model could point to new targets Mar 5, 2024 11:30 am 'We know that Alzheimer's is irreversible. But if we can slow down the progression or even delay the onset of the disease, we can improve the quality of life for patients,' said Nien-Pei Tsai, a professor of molecular physiology. Back from the dead: Tropical tree fern repurposes its dead leaves Jan 29, 2024 9:15 am Plant biology professor James Dalling and his colleagues discovered that some tree ferns recycle their dead fronds into roots. The researchers call these repurposed fronds 'zombie leaves.' Team discovers how to fight tough-to-treat bacterial infection Nov 27, 2023 8:30 am A U of I research team has discovered the physical and chemical rules for overcoming the defenses of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium responsible for tens of thousands of hospital infections every year in the U.S. New antifungal molecule kills fungi without toxicity in human cells, mice Nov 16, 2023 10:15 am A new antifungal molecule, devised by tweaking the structure of prominent antifungal drug Amphotericin B, has the potential to harness the drug’s power against fungal infections while doing away with its toxicity. Single model predicts trends in employment, microbiomes, forests Oct 25, 2023 2:45 pm U. of I. plant biology professor James O’Dwyer reports the development of a single model that can predict patterns of population fluctuations in social and biological realms. Specific interneurons are important in aging-associated cognitive decline, study finds Sep 28, 2023 10:00 am Normal aging is usually associated with a decline in memory, although it is unclear what factors play a role. In a new study, researchers studied specific interneurons in the regions of the brain that are important for learning and memory. T-cells infiltrate brain, cause respiratory distress in condition affecting the immunocompromised Aug 30, 2023 11:15 am The pulmonary distress associated with C-IRIS, an inflammatory condition that can affect immunocompromised patients, is caused not by damage to the lungs but by T-cells infiltrating the brain, U of I researchers discovered. 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. 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. Ancient katydid fossil reveals muscles, digestive tract, glands, testicle Jun 23, 2023 11:45 am “Now we know that about 50 million years ago, this genus had already evolved and already had a morphology that mimics the grass in which it lives and hides from predators,' said Sam Heads, director of the U of I’s Center for Paleontology. Lean body mass, age linked with alcohol elimination rates in women Jun 27, 2023 3:00 pm New research examines blood alcohol concentrations and how obesity and age affect the rate of absorption and elimination for women. U of I geologists challenge conventional view of Earth’s continental history, stability Jun 12, 2023 10:15 am This hypothesis defies decades of conventional plate tectonics theory and begs to answer why most cratons have remained structurally stable while their underbellies have experienced significant change. INHS researchers reveal 'virgin birth' in a crocodile Jun 12, 2023 2:30 pm 'It’s wild... There animals are out there in our world – even in Illinois – that can produce offspring without a mate, but this is the first time that anyone has confirmed this in crocodilians,' says Mark Davis, biologist at the Illinois Natural History Survey. Webb Space Telescope detects universe’s most distant complex organic molecules Jun 5, 2023 10:45 am Thanks to the capabilities of the recently launched James Webb Space Telescope and careful analyses from researchers, a new study lends critical insight into the complex chemical interactions that occur in the first galaxies in the early universe. Registration open for I-Ready, an online camp for college-bound students with autism May 25, 2023 10:15 am Rising sophomores, juniors and seniors at Illinois high schools and new graduates with autism are encouraged to apply. Brain circuits for locomotion evolved long before appendages, skeletons Apr 26, 2023 3:30 pm A new study finds parallels between the brain architecture that drives locomotion in sea slugs and that of more complex segmented creatures with jointed skeletons and appendages. New stellar danger to planets identified by NASA'S Chandra program Apr 21, 2023 9:30 am An exploded star can pose more risks to nearby planets than previously thought, initiating intense X-rays that can damage the atmospheres of planets up to 160 light-years away according to a study led by U of I scientists and colleagues. Hubble unexpectedly finds double quasar in distant universe Apr 5, 2023 7:45 pm These two gravitationally bound quasars existed when the universe was just 3 billion years old. 'We don't see a lot of double quasars at this early time... and that's why this discovery is so exciting,' said grad student Yu-Ching Chen, lead author of the study. Unique opportunity to learn how Illinois soils have changed over 120 years Mar 16, 2023 3:00 pm In a dusty U of I barn that was scheduled for demolition, soil scientist Andrew Margenot discovered a time capsule in the form of thousands of jars of soil from around the state, some dating as far back as 1862. Possible genetic basis found for severe nonalcoholic fatty liver disease Feb 9, 2023 2:45 pm A mutant or damaged gene may be a cause of a severe, mysterious form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease that affects an estimated 25% of Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health. Soy protein blocks LDL cholesterol production, reducing risks of metabolic diseases Jan 23, 2023 9:45 am U of I food scientists discover that soybean varieties with greater proportions of the protein B-conglycinin reduce plasma cholesterol levels and promote liver homeostasis, showing potential for preventing fatty liver disease and atherosclerosis. U of I team central to NSF project researching flow of Earth’s mantle Dec 22, 2022 11:15 am A National Science Foundation project is exploring the microphysical activities of rocks that affect the Earth's upper mantle. 'Our modeling sits at the intersection of all this work. It's at the heart of the scientific process behind this project.' Experts boost activity of potential therapeutic target in triple-negative breast cancer Nov 30, 2022 11:00 am Illinois researchers have found that stimulating estrogen receptor beta in triple-negative breast cancers alters the activity of cancer-related genes and reduces the growth and metastasis of these breast cancers. Team uses digital cameras, machine learning to predict neurological disease Oct 11, 2022 10:45 am Illinois researchers led the development of a new approach for identifying people with multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease. Scientists crack upcycling plastics to reduce greenhouse gas emissions Oct 3, 2022 9:45 am Researchers have developed a breakthrough process to transform the most widely produced plastic - polyethylene - into the second-most widely produced plastic, polypropylene, which could reduce greenhouse gas emissions. DNA nets capture COVID-19 virus in low-cost rapid-testing platform Sep 23, 2022 1:00 pm Tiny nets woven from DNA strands can ensnare the spike protein of the virus that causes COVID-19, lighting up the virus for a test – and also impeding the virus from infecting cells, opening a new possible route to treatment, study finds. Bringing science closer to the water Sep 2, 2022 1:00 pm The U. of I. RiverLab, the only one of its kind in the country, provides new insight into what's happening with our rivers Explore Vision 2030, a seven-year plan to enhance global learning & engagement Aug 23, 2022 3:45 pm Over the next seven years, the Global Strategy will serve as a roadmap to develop richer connections with current partners while pursuing new cooperative relationships in the Global South. U of I student’s research reveals signaling molecule key to activating hair regrowth Aug 3, 2022 10:30 am New research by a Carle Illinois College of Medicine student may unlock new naturally occurring treatments for patients with hair loss. 'The genetic basis for understanding how hair follicles can be reactivated has been a mystery until now.' 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. 10 year anniversary: Remembering U of I's contribution to the Higgs Boson discovery Jul 5, 2022 11:30 am The discovery of the Higgs boson at the Large Hadron Collider exactly ten years ago, and the progress made since then to determine its properties, have allowed physicists to make tremendous steps forward in our understanding of the universe Study explores coevolution of mammals and their lice Jul 5, 2022 9:00 am Lice first took up residence on a mammalian host tens of millions of years ago, thus beginning the long association between mammals and lice and setting the stage for their coevolution as new animal species developed. 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.