Researchers found that children with higher lutein levels in the eye tended to perform better on tests of cognition and academic achievement. The studies, conducted at the University of Illinois, also suggested that lutein may play a role in brain development and overall brain health.
Researchers at the University of Illinois used a new technique called eDNA to detect and monitor the Hay's Spring amphipod, an endangered species found in seepage springs in Rock Creek Park. The method successfully detected the creature's DNA in water samples from three sites where it had been previously seen.
Researchers at University of Illinois find ancient fungal specimen with gills under cap, revealing insights into fungal evolution and adaptation to terrestrial environments. The oldest known fungus fossil, Gondwanagaricites magnificus, pushes the timeline for fungi's existence by millions of years.
A recent genetic study has challenged long-held assumptions about the relationship between extinct and living elephant species. The research found that a species of giant elephant, Palaeoloxodon antiquus, is more closely related to African forest elephants than previously thought.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new method to produce plastics precursors using environmentally friendly catalysts and hydrogen peroxide. This approach can reduce the use of olefin molecules derived from fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Research by M. Teresa Cardador found that women in managerial roles in engineering firms experience mixed identification with the profession, feeling they don't belong in technical roles. This can lead to stereotypes about women's suitability for technical work and increased work-life balance tensions.
A study by the University of Illinois found that herbs and spices on vegetables can make them more appealing to men and younger adults. Participants were more likely to choose seasoned options, especially if they were male and under 50 years old.
Researchers have developed a chemical array technique that can identify and culture malignant stem-like cells within melanoma tumors. This allows for the creation of patient-specific models for individualized cancer treatment.
A new study suggests that gang membership and criminal acts serve as deviant leisure activities for young people, filling their needs for excitement and a sense of belonging. The researchers found that many participants enjoyed the violence and experienced a rush during violent incidents, with some likening it to a drug addiction.
A new study found that DNA testing has a modest impact on sexual assault arrest rates, with most arrests occurring before laboratory results are available. In 7.6% of cases, DNA matches were made to suspects in the FBI's Combined DNA Index System database.
Brown-headed cowbirds prefer larger host nests with smaller-than-average eggs to increase their offspring's chances of survival. Researchers found that female cowbirds adjust the allocation of resources in their eggs based on perceived environmental conditions, but not host species or size variations.
A University of Illinois study reveals that college students perceive a stronger risk than benefit from online behavioral advertising, driving them to avoid ads. The research suggests the industry should educate consumers and make tracking processes more transparent to maintain trust.
Researchers found correlations between blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids and fluid intelligence in healthy elderly adults, suggesting a potential role for dietary intake of these nutrients. The studies also linked the balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to memory preservation and brain structure.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a sensor that detects ammonia in breath, a sign of kidney failure. The device is sensitive enough to detect low levels, making it suitable for portable, disposable use.
A new study by University of Illinois researchers found that higher mass transit use is associated with lower obesity rates in counties across the US. The study controlled for various factors and found a 0.2% drop in obesity rates for every 1% increase in public transit usage.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have created a lithium-ion battery with improved durability using a self-healing material. The new material helps maintain the electrode's ability to store energy, increasing overall performance and lifespan.
Electroplating enables the production of high-quality, high-performance battery materials, opening doors to flexible and solid-state batteries. The new method bypasses traditional powder and glue processes, resulting in 30% more energy storage and faster charging.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have discovered a small molecule called hinokitiol that can transport iron in human cells and animals when proteins are missing. This breakthrough could potentially treat diseases such as anemia, cystic fibrosis, and certain types of heart disease.
Scientists have developed a new broad-spectrum antibiotic that can target gram-negative bacteria, which are increasingly resistant to most available antibiotics. The breakthrough was achieved by modifying a drug that kills only gram-positive bacteria and discovered key traits required for access to the bacterial cell.
Engineers have created a transistor that can form an optical-electric switch, enabling faster processing speeds. The device can communicate without interference, overcoming the bottleneck formed by electronic data transmission.
A computer-generated physician is being developed to explain medical test results to patients in layman's terms, using graphics and videos. The system aims to improve health literacy and patient engagement, particularly among older adults with lower health literacy levels.
A new analysis reveals that people with indigenous backgrounds are less likely to be identified after death due to inadequate family involvement and trust issues with government institutions. Non-governmental organizations can serve as bridges between families and authorities to improve identification rates.
Researchers discovered that oxytocin and isotocin signaling molecules play a crucial role in regulating anemonefish paternal behavior. Blocking these hormones led to decreased aggression but increased attention from the dads towards their offspring.
A new invasive Asian clam species has been discovered in the Illinois River near Marseilles, Illinois. The researchers used genetic tests to confirm its uniqueness, raising concerns about the impact on native clams and the ecosystem as a whole.
Researchers discovered that the microstructure of the hippocampus, particularly its viscoelasticity, is correlated with fitness and memory performance. The study used magnetic resonance elastography to measure the structural integrity of the hippocampus in healthy young adults.
A new study in mice reveals how the protein Brd4 boosts the inflammatory response, with both beneficial and harmful effects. The findings suggest that Brd4 can protect the body from infection but also contribute to chronic inflammatory diseases.
A new study suggests that reading supportive comments from online friends prior to taking a test can help college students with high levels of test-anxiety reduce their nervousness. Undergraduate students who received social support from their online friends reduced their anxiety levels by 21%, performing as well on a set of computer p...
A recent landslide in Washington killed 43 people, prompting researchers to investigate the disaster. The study found that the landslide's height and potential energy were primary factors, but also revealed the importance of sediment type, precipitation, and erosion.
Researchers found that nutrition label users tend to select healthier foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and beans, while avoiding refined grains and fried foods. The study suggests that dining facilities can encourage healthy eating behaviors by increasing nutrient-dense food options and product reformulations.
Researchers found that healthy college students with smaller inferior frontal cortex tend to experience more anxiety and display a stronger negative bias. The study suggests that larger IFC volume confers resilience against negative bias through lower levels of trait anxiety.
A new study by University of Illinois researchers describes a method to detect and map tiny additions to DNA called methylations, which can be a warning sign of cancer. The method uses nanopores with an electrical current running through an atomically thin sheet of material.
A study of 35 popular phone-based sleep apps found that most help users set sleep-related goals and track their sleep patterns, but few provide general information about sleep or its benefits. The analysis suggests that there is room for improvement in the development of these apps to educate users about the importance of sleep.
Biologists and veterinarians across the US are working with Illinois researchers to identify, understand and treat snake fungal disease. The team has developed a nebulizer treatment that shows promise in preventing the spread of infection, but more research is needed to determine its effectiveness.
Researchers use CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology to activate silent genes in Streptomyces bacteria, revealing potential new compounds with distinct structures that could lead to novel classes of drugs. The study aims to combat antibiotic resistance and cancer by identifying new chemical scaffolds.
A new study of ancient DNA from northwest North America finds evidence of genetic continuity spanning over 10,000 years. The research suggests that indigenous groups living today in southern Alaska and British Columbia are descendants of the first humans to inhabit the region, supporting their oral traditions.
A new study by University of Illinois experts finds that experienced auditors can detect fraud more accurately when prompted to look for signs of guilt in the CEO's voice. The researchers compiled judgments from 31 veteran auditors, who improved their accuracy rate from 43% to 70% with the cue. This suggests that even seasoned auditors...
A new study suggests that generic sexual health messages are insufficient for young female tourists, as their motivations and perceptions of risk vary greatly. The research identified five clusters of sexual risk-takers, each with unique characteristics and needs, highlighting the need for targeted and tailored health messages.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new technique to deliver RNA to soybean aphids using nebulization, which appears to block the function of specific genes. The technique has shown promise in improving the uptake of RNA through tiny breathing tubes and may aid in the development of new pest-control systems.
Researchers found a significant association between sulfide-producing bacteria and increased risk of colon cancer in African-Americans. The study also revealed that Bilophila wadsworthia, a bacterium producing hydrogen sulfide, was more abundant in African-Americans with colon cancer than healthy counterparts.
A new study reviews decades of monarch research and finds that milkweed numbers have dropped by about 95% in cropland over the last 20 years, but natural areas show a smaller decline. The researchers suggest other factors such as habitat loss, disease, parasites, and climate change may also be contributing to the decline.
A new study found that Medicare Part D reduced elderly mortality by 2.2 percent annually since 2006, primarily driven by a 4.4 percent reduction in cardiovascular mortality. The program's social value is estimated at $5 billion per year, accounting for a significant fraction of its total expenditures.
Researchers have developed a mathematical model to determine the optimal time for transporting strawberry crops, reducing spoilage and increasing market value. The findings suggest that precision agriculture techniques can be applied to high-value fresh produce, motivating growers to explore new opportunities.
Researchers found that Illinois' remaining prairie chicken populations are genetically isolated and lack sufficient habitat. Periodic human interventions, such as translocations of birds from other states, are necessary to preserve the species.
The agricultural robot is a semiautonomous system that gathers and transmits real-time data on crop growth and development. It uses various sensors and cameras to capture phenotypic information and assess environmental conditions, enabling crop breeders to make actionable decisions and improve yields.
Scientists have developed biomaterials that can mimic the characteristics of bone marrow, allowing them to alter blood cell development. The study's findings hold promise for treating hematopoietic cancers such as leukemia and improving our understanding of bone marrow failure.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed superionic solid nanoclusters that could replace liquid electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries. The nanoclusters' unique structure enables ions to move through them like a liquid, improving thermal and mechanical stability.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have created small biological robots called bio-bots that can move on their own using muscle cells. The researchers developed a method to seed cells into a scaffold and direct their behavior using electrical or light signals.
Researchers refuted the notion that Indian corn was cultivated hundreds of years before its widespread adoption at around 1000 A.D. in the American Bottom region. The study used accelerated mass spectrometry to directly date plant fragments, revealing that corn was not widely consumed until 900 or later.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new tumor-targeting system that harnesses cancer cells' metabolism to deliver targeted treatments. The system, led by Jianjun Cheng, uses small-molecule sugars called azides to mark cancer cells and deliver therapeutic agents.
Researchers developed dual-function nanorod LEDs that can emit, detect, and respond to light. These LEDs can be used in display arrays that adjust brightness based on ambient light conditions and recognize objects through touchless gestures or laser stylus input.