The current sequential election system results in the highest probability that the Condorcet winner is elected and the highest expected quality of the nominee. Sequential primaries allow voters to narrow down the field of contenders, avoiding vote-splitting among similar candidates.
Researchers found that reminding skeptics about the importance of vaccines and the risks associated with not being vaccinated can change their attitudes positively. The study tested three groups of participants and showed that even the most skeptical individuals were influenced by the intervention.
A new study reveals that parents with low health literacy are less likely to choose government-recommended weight-loss strategies for their children. Parents with higher health literacy select more weight-control strategies, including neutral methods like counting calories.
Researchers have successfully developed chill-tolerant sugarcane hybrids that can grow at lower temperatures, similar to Miscanthus grass. The miscanes outperform sugarcane in cooler conditions, maintaining productivity without losses, offering a promising alternative for sugar and biofuels production in the US.
A new survey of over 850 US women found that relaxing beach vacations are perfect for sexual experimentation with a steady partner, while group tours and sightseeing trips are ideal for casual sex with acquaintances or strangers. Women tend to underestimate risks in non-penetrative activities and overestimate condom protection.
Researchers found that mowing down cattails and phragmites in stormwater basins leads to a boom in mosquito populations and an increased risk of West Nile virus transmission. Mowing also disperses bird species, which are natural reservoir hosts for the virus, contrary to initial expectations.
Researchers discovered that a yeast byproduct can inhibit the white-nose syndrome fungus, which has killed millions of bats. The compound, tt-farnesol, is produced by Candida albicans and targets the fungus specifically without disrupting other cave ecosystem components.
A massive study of 377,000 high school students found that first-borns have a one-IQ-point advantage over later-borns but the differences are statistically insignificant. First-borns tend to be more extroverted and conscientious, while later-borns have less anxiety, but these effects are infinitesimally small.
Research suggests that fathers who read to their infants with autism and take active roles in caregiving activities can reduce mothers' depression and stress. The study found that when fathers engage in literacy and responsive caregiving activities, mothers report fewer depressive symptoms and improved well-being.
Children learn general facts about broad categories effortlessly and may struggle to recognize when they learn something new. This 'knew-it-all-along' illusion suggests that kids' minds absorb information about categories more readily than specifics.
A study by researchers at University of Illinois found that groundwater from three major aquifers is crucial for food security, with 91% of embodied water staying within the US. Unsustainable usage threatens domestic food supply and global markets.
As genome-sequencing technologies improve, the amount of genomics data is projected to grow exponentially, requiring significant advancements in computing infrastructure. Genomics data will surpass even YouTube's storage capacity, highlighting the need for innovative solutions to handle the deluge of genomic information.
A study by University of Illinois professor Ruopeng An found that eating at restaurants consumes more calories, fat, and sodium than eating at home. African-Americans who dine out take in more total fat, saturated fat, sodium, and sugar.
A new study found that different plant species in standing water influence mosquito larvae growth, survival and egg-laying habits. Native blackberry leaves seemed to attract mosquitoes but hindered larval development, while non-native plants like Amur honeysuckle increased adult mosquito populations.
Researchers find striking similarities between snake fungal disease and white-nose syndrome in bats, both persisting across habitats and infecting multiple species. The snake fungus, Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola, is highly virulent and can spread through pet trade and animal release.
The new approach generates carbon nanoparticles in a few hours using store-bought molasses and only a handful of ingredients. The nanoparticles are coated with polymers that fine-tune their optical properties and release drugs at body temperature, making them ideal for targeted therapy.
Researchers are using pet dogs with naturally occurring tumors to test new cancer drugs, which could lead to innovative therapies for both humans and animals. The dogs' physiological similarities to humans and conserved genetics between some dog and human cancers make them an ideal model for studying new treatments.
A new study found that many older adults are participating in online communities to discuss and learn about sex, swapping advice on keeping their sexuality active into old age. These online forums provide a safe space for seniors to share their thoughts and experiences without fear of judgment.
Researchers found that western corn rootworm beetles develop resistance to crop rotation through gene expression changes in their guts, involving immune regulation and antimicrobial functions. The study sheds light on the complex interplay of forces behind rotation resistance and could help develop more sustainable agricultural practices.
Researchers observed genome-editing proteins using a combination of sliding and hopping to navigate the vast genome. The discovery provides insight into how these proteins can be engineered for improved efficiency and reduced off-target binding, potentially leading to more effective gene therapies.
A study by University of Illinois experts found that Illinois' guaranteed-tuition law has led to a 26-30% increase in annual tuition rates and a 6-7% increase in four-year tuition rates compared to trends at other institutions. This trend suggests that the policy may not be effective in promoting affordability.
Researchers have developed new anti-microbial compounds that specifically target fungal infections without harming human cells. These derivatives of the antifungal drug amphotericin B are highly effective in killing invasive yeast infections while showing minimal toxicity to humans.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed heat-triggered self-destructing electronic devices that dissolve into their molecular components. This technology reduces electronic waste and boosts sustainability in device manufacturing.
A study found that consuming omega-3 fatty acids, such as DHA and EPA, improved cognitive flexibility and increased the size of the anterior cingulate cortex in older adults at risk of Alzheimer
The SAWBO Deployer app allows users to view, download, and share animated educational videos on Android devices, covering topics such as health and agriculture in developing countries. The app enables offline access and sharing through Bluetooth connections, making it an essential tool for outreach workers and community organizations.
A new genomic study of bee species found that gene regulation and network complexity are linked to the evolution of social complexity. The research revealed changes in gene activity and DNA methylation as social behavior increased, indicating a 'collective genome' less vulnerable to environmental changes.
Researchers found that trap-jaw ants use their spring-loaded mandibles to jump out of harm's way when an ant-trapping predator stalks, doubling their survival rate. The study verifies that the mandibles aid the ants' survival by allowing them to eject themselves from a dangerous predicament.
A new study found that accountability sanctions in Texas led to a decline in college readiness, as schools focused on improving test scores rather than academic rigor. The researchers discovered that students were stigmatized by their school's negative reputation and faced limited social support from inexperienced teachers.
Plant breeder Ram Singh has successfully developed a soybean variety resistant to multiple pathogens, including soybean rust and cyst nematode. The new plants have also shown improved yield and protein content compared to existing varieties.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new method for making tiny silicone microspheres, which could enable targeted drug delivery and improved medical imaging. The breakthrough uses technology found in household humidifiers to create ultrafine droplets that solidify into small spheres.
Researchers found that education reform in New Orleans exacerbated economic and cultural inequities for black students, parents, and educators. The takeover of public schools by charter operators led to the loss of beloved neighborhood schools, jobs, and a black veteran teacher at one school.
Traumatic brain injury affects millions worldwide, with little use of new scientific discoveries about brain workings. Researchers propose therapies targeting specific cognitive control processes, such as attention, memory, and thought.
Researchers mapped human genes triggered by soy phytonutrients, revealing a complex role in breast cancer prevention and promotion. Soy flour stimulates tumor-suppressing genes, while purified isoflavones stimulate oncogenes, promoting tumor growth.
A new study suggests that higher education's focus on individual access for underrepresented populations does not address systemic inequalities and marginalizing attitudes in STEM fields. Colleges must tackle complex challenges of changing campus culture to improve student outcomes.
Researchers found that teens are more likely to make risky decisions when driving alone, but with a mother present, they become less likely to take risks. The brain regions responsible for this behavior include the ventral striatum and prefrontal cortex.
Research in mice exposes pregnant females to phthalate DEHP, leading to male-to-female sex ratio imbalance and altered pup reproductive outcomes. Adult ovaries are also disrupted, with decreased follicle growth and steroid hormone production.
Researchers at the University of Illinois found that BPA exposure can cause reproductive problems in mice for three generations. The study reveals that low doses of BPA can have a profound impact on fertility and pregnancy success, contradicting the common assumption that higher doses are more harmful.
A study found that young children's aversion to opposite-sex peers (the 'cooties' effect) is encoded in the amygdala. As children enter puberty, interest in opposite-sex peers blooms anew, with some becoming infatuated with a member of the opposite sex.
Researchers have discovered two ancient human fossils in Laos that show early modern humans were physically quite diverse, with one jawbone exhibiting both archaic and modern human traits. The discovery adds to the evidence that early modern humans migrated through Southeast Asia earlier than previously thought.
A three-year study found that students with disabilities who participated in a social-emotional learning program experienced a 20% decrease in bullying perpetration. The researchers suggest that the program helped these students better manage their impulses, reducing reactive aggression and improving overall behavior.
Researchers have developed an experimental drug, BHPI, that rapidly shrinks most tumors in a mouse model of human breast cancer. The drug works by hyperactivating the unfolded protein response pathway, driving cancer cells from using it for protection into making it a lethal pathway.
Boosting crop yields through high-performance computing, genetic engineering, and modifying plant anatomy may be the solution to increasing global food demand by 2050.
Researchers developed a new imaging technique that enables fast and broad diagnostic assessments using infrared light, eliminating the need for chemical stains. This allows pathologists to obtain precise information from tissue samples without damaging them.
A new project at the University of Illinois is using tablet computers to provide perinatal depression screenings to low-income mothers. The mHealth technology allows women to complete the screening in their preferred language and provides a paperless alternative to traditional screenings.
Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that the hermaphrodite version of the papaya plant, essential for commercial fruit production, arose from human selection by the ancient Maya around 4,000 years ago. This genetic study could lead to the development of a new, more efficient papaya variety.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's SAWBO initiative uses animated educational videos to teach subsistence farmers how to construct raised planting beds and install drip irrigation systems. These techniques can increase agricultural productivity, conserve water, and even combat desertification.
Researchers have developed a molecule-making machine that can assemble complex small molecules at the click of a mouse, automating a process previously done by highly trained chemists. This breakthrough has the potential to greatly speed up and enable new drug development and other technologies.
A recent study found that nearly 290,000 older adults from the US volunteered abroad in 2012, a 60% increase from the previous decade. Host organizations are clamoring for baby boomer volunteers with professional skills to offer. The average age of these volunteers was over 64, and they spent an average of 13 weeks abroad.
A new study reveals that female killifish avoid mating with males of closely related species and also tend to shun males of their own species if they come from an unfamiliar population. This phenomenon, called cascade reinforcement, can lead to the early stages of speciation.
A new cancer drug called PAC-1, which targets cancer cells by restoring an enzyme's activity, is now entering phase I clinical trials in humans. The drug was first tested in pet dogs with spontaneously occurring cancers and showed promising results.