Researchers at the Beckman Institute developed a technique to create chemically cross-linked carbon-nanotube-based fibers, significantly improving their electrical and mechanical properties. This breakthrough enables the creation of high-performance supercapacitors with potential applications in fields like aerospace.
A new study found that testing enhances both memory and the ability to make inferences about subject matter. The researchers tested participants with either rote restudy or testing, and found that testing improved long-term memory and inference over a period of 25 days.
A recent study published in Personality Neuroscience found that certain brain regions and personality traits can help protect against depression and anxiety. Researchers identified common factors in brain structure and personality that contribute to resilience against emotional distress.
Researchers developed a novel microscopy technique to analyze cellular focal adhesions, providing real-time information on dynamic processes. This breakthrough enables better understanding of cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration, which can aid cancer treatment and tissue engineering applications.
The study used FReI to investigate the folding stability and dynamics of proteins in hydrogels, revealing that hydrogels increase protein stability, speed up folding relaxation, and promote irreversible binding. The findings suggest that proteins may be destabilized when interacting with hydrogels.
The study uses label-free spatial light interference microscopy (SLIM) to image single microtubule dynamics without added dyes or stains. This allows for long-term imaging of cells, enabling the monitoring of protein movement and consumption of ATP.
A recent study demonstrates the integration of atomically precise graphene nanoribbons (APGNRs) onto nonmetallic silicon substrates, overcoming a significant challenge in chip manufacturing. The 'bottom-up' approach allows for atomic-level control and uniform electronic properties.
The researchers created synthetic materials that can react to their environment, recover from damage, and even self-destruct once their usefulness has come to an end. They developed microcapsules that contain a healing agent released automatically when exposed to specific environmental changes.
A comprehensive rat brain atlas has been created to guide stereotaxic surgery procedures, combining high-resolution MRI images with histological sections. The atlas features a standardized reference grid and precise coordinates, enabling accurate targeting of surgical targets.
Researchers developed a new method to identify microscopic damage in polymers and composite materials using turn-on fluorescence indicators. The system uses aggregation-induced emission (AIE) to detect damage as small as two microns, enabling early intervention and repair or replacement before catastrophic failure.
Researchers at the Beckman Institute found that positive stimuli, such as cute puppies, increase brain activity in areas involved in emotion control and working memory. Positive distractions do not interfere with task completion, unlike negative distractions like barking dogs, which decrease activity in these regions.
A new study found that higher cardiorespiratory fitness levels are associated with increased brain volume in key brain regions and enhanced executive function performance. The research suggests that exercising can improve brain health and cognitive abilities as we age.
Researchers constructed an atomic model of an immature retrovirus, revealing key structural features and a six-helix bundle domain that may be a target for blocking the virus. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new anti-retroviral drugs.
A recent study at Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology found that fructose causes significant weight gain, physical inactivity and body fat deposition when matched calorie for calorie with glucose. Fructose-fed mice displayed increased body weight, liver mass and fat mass compared to glucose-fed mice.
Researchers have developed a new screening method for prostate cancer recurrence using spatial light interference microscopy. The study found that disorganized connective tissue surrounding the glands is a key indicator of higher risk for recurrence.
Researchers developed a high-speed MRI technique to visualize laryngeal movement in detail. This breakthrough enables studies on the aging voice and potential interventions like vocal training.
Greater variability in neural activity may reflect more flexible information processing, supporting better cognitive performance in aging adults. Researchers found that greater BOLD variability was associated with improved memory and fluid intelligence tasks.
New technique reveals correlations between arterial health and cognitive decline in older adults, highlighting the importance of cerebrovascular well-being for healthy aging. The study also explores the impact of stress on arterial stiffness and its consequences for brain function.
Scientists at Beckman Institute use a new method to test brain waves and discover that alpha oscillations can inhibit visual processing, making it hard to see unexpected events. By targeting specific brain regions with electrical stimulation or feedback, they aim to improve attention and awareness in various situations.
Researchers found that thinking about non-emotional contextual details of a memory can alleviate the negative effects of these memories. This strategy, known as focusing on context, is a promising alternative to other emotion-regulation strategies.
Researchers at the Beckman Institute developed a vascular network system that heals fiber-reinforced composites autonomously through polymerization of healing chemistries. This technology overcomes long-standing challenges in composite materials, enabling repeated self-healing and increasing structural reliability.
Researchers developed a new technique using spatial light interference microscopy (SLIM) to measure human neural networks, showing how neurons grow, organize, and transport materials. The study provides insights into the formation of neural networks and could lead to advancements in understanding diseases like Alzheimer's.
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the behavior of graphene grain boundaries, which scatter electrons and hinder electronic performance. The study suggests that controlling grain boundary orientation could be key to improving graphene's electronic properties.
Researchers developed a new method to study cellular transport dynamics, providing more comprehensive information than existing methods. The dispersion-relation fluorescence spectroscopy (DFS) approach labels molecules of interest, analyzing spontaneous fluorescence intensity fluctuations to quantify mass transport dynamics.
A study by Beckman Institute researchers found that a firm, friendly handshake enhances the positive impact of approach and diminishes the negative impact of avoidance behavior on social interaction evaluations. The results demonstrate the importance of handshakes in making a good first impression.
Researchers at the University of Illinois's Beckman Institute used periodic visual stimuli and EEG recordings to demonstrate that the brain's natural oscillations can be precisely timed to future repetitions of an event. This entrainment leads to a heightened visual awareness of the next event, improving processing in critical environm...
Researchers at Beckman Institute developed a fast, non-invasive 3D microscopy method that visualizes E. coli sub-cellular structure in three dimensions without disturbing the specimen or using fluorescence or contrast agents.
Scientists at the University of Illinois' Beckman Institute have created an active pumping mechanism for microvascular systems, which greatly enhances the repair of damaged materials like cracks in coatings on buildings or bridges. The pressurized delivery system outperforms traditional capillary force methods by a significant margin.