The University of Illinois and Syngenta have signed an agreement to implement a commercialization strategy for the 'RIPE' project, which aims to improve photosynthetic efficiency in food crops. The partnership brings together academic groups with industry partner Syngenta to advance technologies developed under the project.
The University of Illinois aims to increase the water use efficiency of sorghum by reducing transpiration through stomata and shifting photosynthetic activity. The project predicts a 40% improvement in water use efficiency, unlocking over 9 million new acres for energy crop production.
A team led by Professor Andrew Belmont is using a combination of cytological, genomic, and functional mapping techniques to understand the organization and function of the nucleus. The research aims to uncover how changes in DNA positioning affect gene activity and overall genomic function.
A new mathematical model developed by University of Illinois physicists suggests that homochirality can be used as a universal biosignature. The model, based on self-replication and disequilibrium, shows that homochirality appears when self-replication is efficient enough.
Researchers explore gene network that guides limb development in mammals, finding it varies little in early stages and more widely later on. This pattern makes it easier for evolution to tweak rather than remodel limb structure.
A study of ancient and modern genomes clarifies the history of Native American migration to the Americas, tracing their ancestry back to a single late Pleistocene event. Genetic analysis reveals two distinct populations: Athabascans and northern Amerindians, diverging from shared ancestors at around 23,000 years ago.
Researchers have created a new microbial 'family tree' that displays sudden bursts of diversification, potentially helping understand how harmful microbes evolve. This breakthrough uses coarse-graining and Λ-coalescent models to condense short branches into larger nodes, revealing patterns of ecological processes.
Researchers at the University of Illinois will develop a Big Data platform to automate plant breeding using cameras, sensors, and drones. The platform aims to reduce manual measurement costs and increase efficiency in identifying high-yielding sorghum strains.
New grant funds development of efficient genomic data compression software to handle large volumes of genomic data, addressing challenges in data storage and transfer. The project aims to identify commonalities in compression strategies across different types of genomic data.
The University of Illinois will lead a $3.1 million project to develop all-terrain automated ground rovers for high-throughput field phenotyping. These rovers will measure crop growth using 3-D reconstruction and various sensors, enabling faster breeding of energy sorghum and other bioenergy crops.
A study of travertine deposits in the Anio Novus aqueduct revealed an actual estimate of its flow rate, significantly lower than previous estimates. The aqueduct's average water level indicates it was almost always full of water, supplying Rome with a reliable water supply that enabled urbanization during the first century AD.
Researchers developed a novel approach to deciphering gene regulation networks by leveraging biological knowledge and computational algorithms. They found that combining laboratory experiments with motif information can accurately predict DNA-binding behavior of transcription factors.
Researchers discovered that Escherichia coli bacteria can cooperatively share resources by breaking down glucose into acetate and exchanging it with other cells. This behavior emerged spontaneously in simulated colonies as oxygen levels decreased, allowing cells to adapt and thrive.
Researchers used high-throughput sequencing to analyze fecal DNA of saddleback tamarins, identifying 20 families and genera of invertebrates consumed. This study complements behavioral observations and ecological sampling, providing insight into the monkeys' foraging strategies.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified a new mastrevirus, SgMaV-1, infecting switchgrass in North America. The virus is closely related to known pathogens in Australia and may be transmitted by leafhoppers, posing risks to staple food crops like corn and wheat.
Recent study reveals that microbes like Sulfolobus islandicus can freeze in place when infected with a harmless virus, such as Sulfolobus spindle-shaped virus 9 (SSV9), to protect themselves. The dormant microbes recover if the virus is removed within 24-48 hours, otherwise they die.
Researchers found DNA uncoils asymmetrically from nucleosomes like a yoyo, affecting protein production and genetic mutations. This discovery reveals the importance of DNA flexibility in cellular processes.
Scientists discovered 39 different koala retroviruses passed down from parent to offspring, offering insights into the human viral lineage and koala conservation. The study found that these retroviruses integrated into the host genome less than 50,000 years ago and are linked to health issues in koalas.
Researchers will develop the KnowEnG tool, integrating multiple analytical methods for intuitive genome-wide data analysis. The center aims to create a powerful computational tool that offers new functional insights for genes being studied.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a database that analyzes microbial genomic data to speed up the discovery of new therapeutic drugs. The database allows scientists to identify promising gene clusters and predict the production of natural products, enabling them to target specific bacterial strains for study.
A new ecological model, called a mean field model for competition, incorporates the 'Red Queen Effect' and improves understanding of species evolution. The model predicts that new species with competitive advantages will evolve and outcompete current species.
Researchers develop new technique to quickly uncover novel products produced by bacteria, reducing screening time from thousands to just a few dozen. The method uses genomics and mass spectrometry to detect reactive compounds, enabling the discovery of new antibiotics and anticancer drugs.
Researchers from Illinois and Kyoto University collaborate on a global effort to improve rice productivity through increased photosynthetic efficiency. The study aims to enhance drought tolerance in rice crops, which are critical for food security globally.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have designed a new nanoparticle that combines weak chemical forces to improve MRI imaging. The innovation, inspired by cell membranes, has led to clearer images and paved the way for better diagnostic tools.
A multi-institutional team, led by Rachel Whitaker, studies host-viral interactions to understand how viruses can protect hosts from competitors and aid in survival. The research aims to develop a theoretical model of eco-evolutionary dynamics between viruses and microbes.
The Genomics for Judges seminar, offered by the University of Illinois, aims to educate judges on how genetic information affects court decisions. The two-day course covers DNA sequencing, gene function, and genome analysis, preparing judges to deal with legal questions involving genomics in the courts today and in the future.
A team of researchers at University of Illinois used DNA analysis to clarify the details of the Battle of Raphia, a historic battle between Asian and African elephants. The study found that the Eritrean elephants were actually savanna elephants with low genetic diversity, which is expected for such a small population.
Researchers have developed a novel DNA engineering technique to discover potentially valuable functions hidden within bacterial genomes. By reprogramming gene expression, they were able to increase the production of previously unknown compounds with useful biomedical applications.
The CompGen initiative brings together top faculty in genomic and computational sciences to analyze trillions of nucleotides and better understand the human genome. The facility will enable more accurate and efficient analysis of DNA, incorporating visualization components to visualize genetic data in real time.
A 300-year-old Asian elephant specimen has been reclassified as an African elephant due to genetic and physical evidence. The discovery confirms that the specimen, named Hansken, was likely from West Central Africa and challenges traditional understanding of the species' classification.
A multidisciplinary team will investigate production of social behavior in the brain using honey bees, mice, and stickleback fish. The study aims to identify shared gene actions guiding social behavior across species.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have characterized stem cells in larval schistosomes, which may help control the parasite's life cycle and potentially lead to its eradication. The study discovered molecular signatures similar to those found in free-living flatworms, allowing schistosome larvae to rapidly reproduce.
A novel theory, proposed by Michael Russell and colleagues, suggests that life arose from geochemical processes, including serpentinization, which produced essential components for life. This theory could provide insights into the origins of life and potentially shed light on its existence elsewhere in the universe.
University of Illinois bioengineers find way to permanently modify silicone polymer surface with organic material, resulting in stable adhesion for several months. The method enables practical applications in cell culture platforms, microfluidic devices, and tissue engineering.
Biotechnology and sustainable bioenergy crops are crucial to overcome challenges such as global atmospheric change, yield stagnation, and societal acceptance. The US has a unique opportunity to increase crop production and modify crops for rising CO2 levels.
The Institute for Genomic Biology will develop foundational synthetic biology technologies and computational platforms for genetic modification of plants and animals. The grant aims to address grand challenges in human health and environmental sustainability, with potential applications in crop yields and disease treatment.
The Institute for Genomic Biology has received a highly parallel shared memory supercomputer named Ember, bolstering its computing services. The system will enable larger projects in genomics and transcriptomics research, improving genome and transcriptome assemblies.
The University of Illinois is developing ozone-resistant corn strains with the potential to increase yields and reduce costs, as estimated losses due to ozone damage in US corn production could be around $700 million. The research aims to improve crop resilience to environmental stressors.
The University of Illinois has received a five-year, $25-million grant to boost the efficiency of key food crops like rice and cassava through improved photosynthesis. This project aims to increase crop productivity while reducing water and nitrogen usage, addressing the challenge of global food security.
A new $2 million grant will support a pan-continental bioinformatics research network in Africa. The H3ABioNet project aims to aggregate and analyze large datasets, establish collaborations among preexisting centers, and train African students and scientists in bioinformatics.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has been awarded a $8 million 5-year grant from NASA to study the origin and evolution of life on Earth. The research team will use genomics to explore deep evolutionary time, searching for signatures of early collective states of life.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed new microscopy techniques to analyze pollen grains, enabling better classification of prehistoric flora. The research highlights the importance of pollen morphology in understanding the evolution and diversity of ancient vegetation.
A new method called comparative epigenomics uses interspecies comparison to determine the purpose of genes. By analyzing epigenomic marks in pluripotent stem cells, researchers were able to identify conserved epigenetic markers that can annotate the genome and clarify its regulatory function.
Scientists have identified a promising maize hybrid that can produce ethanol from biomass, potentially reducing the need for fertilizers and creating a more sustainable feedstock. The hybrid combines beneficial traits of tropical and temperate maize, resulting in increased biomass production and ethanol output.
The IGB and University of Illinois have received a $3.2 million NSF grant to train up to 30 graduate students in vertically integrated training with genomics. Students will learn to integrate genomic tools with traditional taxonomic approaches to study grand challenges in biology.
Dr. Douglas A. Mitchell, an Illinois professor, has been awarded the $1.5 million NIH Director's New Innovator Award to develop a generalized toxin-disabling strategy against bacterial pathogens. His approach aims to create drugs that combat pathogenic microbes without promoting antibiotic resistance.
Paul Kenis and James Slauch have been recognized as University Scholars for their exceptional contributions to the field of chemical engineering and microbiology. Their research focuses on developing novel microfluidic tools and studying Salmonella bacteria to understand its virulence and develop new treatments.
A new tool has been developed to tackle tuberculosis by integrating genomic and metabolic data, enabling cell-scale simulations and biological strain design. The probabilistic regulation of metabolism (PROM) algorithm accurately predicts knockout phenotypes 95% of the time, paving the way for targeted research during dormancy.