In a groundbreaking study, researchers discovered that anemonefish undergo male-to-female sex changes first in their brains before gonads are affected. The transition occurs independently of the gonads and can take months or years to complete.
University of Illinois researchers have developed a method to fabricate beta-gallium oxide, a potentially low-cost alternative to gallium nitride, using metal-assisted chemical etching. The process enables the production of 3D fin structures that can increase power handling and reduce chip size.
A new study finds that US shareholders suffer substantial costs due to domestic political corruption, with low-profit firms in competitive environments particularly vulnerable. The research suggests that state-level monitoring mechanisms and transparency can mitigate the negative effects of corruption on firm value.
A new study found that more than one-third of low-income pregnant women who reported suicidal thoughts did not have elevated levels of depression. The researchers suggest using instruments to screen for suicidal ideation as well, as it is a significant risk factor for suicide attempts.
A new study by University of Illinois researchers finds that the minimum wage has no discernible 'disemployment' effects on older workers and may even delay retirements. The study suggests that higher minimum wages increase earnings and financial resources for older households, offsetting any potential negative unemployment effects.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have found that sanitation systems can recover resources such as nutrients, water, and organic material, which can be used to improve ecosystem services. These services include water purification, nutrient cycling, food provisioning, and climate regulation, among others.
Researchers have developed a new laboratory technique to measure polymer flow at the molecular level, providing fundamental understanding of soft material behavior during rapid deformation. This approach has led to significant insights into designing biomedical, industrial and environmental applications.
Scientists at the University of Illinois found that three phenolic compounds in cocoa bean shells can repair damaged mitochondria, block inflammation, and restore insulin sensitivity in white fat cells. The study suggests that consuming these compounds could prevent mitochondrial dysfunction in adipose tissue.
A recent study reveals that non-native wetland plants have a broader ecological footprint, taking over regions and negatively affecting bird and insect populations. Dominant non-natives outcompete native species, reducing species richness and abundance more than dominant natives do.
Researchers tested different soils' responses to multiple biochar types but found no significant impact on plant growth. However, biochar did affect soil greenhouse gas emissions. The study's findings suggest that using biochar as an additive could prevent microbe-generated greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers used high-resolution microscopic techniques to fine-tune climate records, revealing a correction factor for coral-based sea-surface temperature measurements. The study improves the accuracy of global climate predictions.
A new study predicts that Midwestern corn growers will require irrigation as temperatures rise and crop yields increase, posing risks to local water sources. The researchers found that the warmer atmosphere will draw more moisture from plants, necessitating a significant expansion of irrigation to maintain current yields.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have created a faster and more efficient way to build amino acid chains, known as polypeptides. This breakthrough could enable mass production of protein chains used in various industries, including chemistry and biology.
Researchers found a significant amount of overlap between their data and citizen sightings, with roughly 65% for red foxes and 56% for coyotes. The study highlights the potential of citizen science to inform urban canid management and monitor human-carnivore interactions.
A recent study of 563 sexual assault cases in Massachusetts found striking similarities in the types of injuries and violence experienced by adult and adolescent victims. Teenage victims were more likely to experience violence, force, and choking, with significant increases in use of force as age increased.
Researchers have identified a bacterium, Sulfurihydrogenibium yellowstonense, as a potential sign of life on Mars. The bacterium can thrive in harsh environments with low oxygen levels and forms unique rock formations that resemble pasta, making it an easy target for detection.
Researchers found no herbicide-resistant mutants among over 70 million grain amaranth seeds, indicating a very low mutation rate. The study suggests that low-level herbicide application does not contribute to the onset of new mutations conferring resistance.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed an artificial process that converts carbon dioxide into fuel using visible light and electron-rich gold nanoparticles. The new process produces complex, liquefiable hydrocarbons from excess CO2 and sunlight, paving the way for green energy technology.
A new study reveals a 'threading' mechanism where linear molecules thread through ring polymers, causing shape fluctuations under fluid flow. This insight may lead to new processing methods for sustainable polymer materials.
Research by University of Illinois professor M. Teresa Cardador found that employees perceive their labor unions as supportive, leading to enhanced work meaningfulness and psychological benefits. This association persists even among those who don't strongly identify with the union.
A new study found that children participating in the BackPack food program missed fewer absences on Fridays than non-participants. The researchers also discovered that families struggling with multiple demands and limited resources often face food insecurity, which may be associated with poverty but is not equivalent to it.
High-intensity focused ultrasound waves can penetrate biological tissue and trigger chemical reactions on demand. The technology, developed by an interdisciplinary team, addresses challenges of noninvasive access to deep tissue for therapeutic purposes.
A team of researchers found that a protein called leucine tRNA-synthetase influences muscle regeneration and regrowth in an unexpected way. Lower levels of this protein enable mice to recover from muscle injury more quickly than those with normal levels, leading to stronger regenerated muscles.
A recent US study found that excessive rainfall can reduce corn yield by up to 34% relative to expected yields, similar to the impact of extreme heat and drought. The research highlights the need for improved crop insurance models to address climate change-driven extreme weather events.
A pilot study found that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy skills significantly decreased stress, anxiety, and worry among caregivers of veterans. The intervention was effective in reducing caregiver burden, but more research is needed to explore its benefits for the veteran population as well.
A study found that freshmen from low-income families who received Illinois Promise loan-replacement grants were significantly more likely to graduate within five years compared to peers without the program. The grant recipients had a 76.3% graduation rate, while non-recipient peers had a 67.1% rate.
Researchers have discovered that injecting cells called pericytes into muscles depleted by inactivity can help restore lost muscle mass. The treatment showed significant improvement in muscle recovery compared to those who regained mobility without injections, particularly in older adults and disabled individuals.
A new study reveals discrepancies in food insecurity estimates among college students, emphasizing the importance of accurate measurement to address hunger. Researchers found varying prevalence rates depending on survey protocols, suggesting that traditional methods may not capture the full scope of food insecurity on campus.
A new study by researchers at the University of Illinois found that combining two cancer drugs, selinexor and 4-OHT, may prevent endocrine resistance in breast tumors. The treatment protocol was more effective than either drug alone in reducing tumor cells' viability.
University of Illinois researchers have developed a new electrolysis technology that uses glycerol to reduce the energy consumption of converting CO2 waste into valuable resources. The process reduces energy requirements by 53% and has potential for carbon neutrality or negativity, depending on grid setup.
University of Illinois engineers found that adding salt to water triggers a multistep assembly process, allowing for complex architectures and reconfigurable materials. This discovery may enable the development of new technologies such as solar cells and catalysis.
Researchers developed a smart polymer that senses high oxidant levels and administers just the right amount of antioxidant to restore balance. The polymers successfully recovered water fleas' heart rates when exposed to sublethal concentrations of hydrogen peroxide.
A team of scientists measured the puncture performance of viper fangs using a custom-built machine. The study found that the angle of the fang's tip contributes most to its sharpness, with narrower tips performing better than wider ones.
A new strain of yeast can produce tagatose in much larger quantities than traditional enzymatic manufacturing techniques, making it a cost-effective alternative to sugar or high-fructose corn syrup. The glycemic index of tagatose is lower than that of sucrose and fructose, carrying a lower risk for developing Type 2 diabetes.
The study found that phenolic compounds in purple corn altered the development of fat cells and reduced inflammation and insulin resistance. Different combinations of anthocyanins showed varying effects on these biomarkers.
Researchers found evidence of gene sharing among human-associated bacteria, with 30% higher rates than natural occurrence. Gene transfer occurred between closely related organisms and across tissue boundaries, facilitating innovation at the microbe level.
A new study from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that counties with more forests and shrublands tend to have lower Medicare costs. The analysis revealed an average Medicare expenditure savings of $4.32 per person per year for each 1 percent of forest cover.
A new study finds that shoreline erosion can transform freshwater wetlands from carbon-storage pools to carbon sources, with a large mismatch between accumulation and erosion rates. The researchers developed a model to assess the impact of freshwater coastal erosion on global carbon budgets.
A new study by Leanne Knobloch and her team provides guidance on supporting military couples during the reintegration process, highlighting the importance of providing ample support for at-home partners, addressing mental health symptoms, and working with couples to address relationship questions and disruptions.
A new study suggests that consuming thermally abused cooking oil may trigger genetic changes that promote the progression of late-stage breast cancer. Mice fed thermally abused oil developed more tumors and aggressive growth than those fed fresh soybean oil, highlighting a potential link between diet and cancer recurrence.
The program allows existing property owners to buy up to two vacant residential lots on their blocks for $1 each. Residents report increased feelings of investment and pride in their community, as well as reduced crime and improved social interaction.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have found that free fatty acids in the blood promote proliferation and growth of breast cancer cells in obese women. The study suggests a potential link between obesity and an increased risk of ER-positive breast cancer after menopause.
Researchers found that chronic exposure to realistic soil concentrations of imidacloprid affects solitary bees' mass, immature development speed, and adult longevity. Ground-nesting bee species are more susceptible to pesticide effects due to their smaller nest sizes and prolonged underground stays.
Researchers have found that an approved drug can function as a molecular prosthetic, restoring infection-fighting properties in lung tissue and treating cystic fibrosis. The approach bypasses defective proteins and could benefit all types of CFTR mutations.
Researchers examine experiences of families with pediatric onset MS, finding complex diagnostic odyssey and high emotional toll. Disease-modifying treatments improve outcomes, but long-term emotional support needed for patients' families.
A team of researchers from the University of Illinois has discovered that a giant sloth found in Belize, which lived around 27,000 years ago, had a diverse diet that shifted between wet and dry seasons. The study reveals that the creature adapted to its environment by relying on plants more available during dry periods.
A global carbon tax would benefit low-carbon economies relative to high-carbon ones, creating winners and losers within each group. Countries with more hydropower or nuclear power would hold a distinct competitive advantage.
A recent study found that about half of US consumers have positive attitudes towards genetically modified food, while nearly 14% have negative perceptions. The survey also revealed that demographics such as age and education level play a role in shaping opinions on GM science.
A proposed U.S. advisory board for research integrity could standardize protocols and practices, providing resources to assess research environments and boost integrity.
Scientists found that Arctic cod developed their antifreeze gene by assembling tiny fragments of noncoding DNA, which were later duplicated and edited to create a functional protein. The study reveals an unexpected mechanism for the evolution of new genes.