Scientists at the University of Illinois have discovered a single-layer sheet of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) that can sequence DNA more accurately and quickly than existing materials. The new material outperforms graphene, which had limitations due to DNA sticking to it.
Cancer cells that break away from tumors can prefer soft environments for growth and proliferation, researchers at the University of Illinois found. The study suggests that this preference may explain why soft tissues are more vulnerable to cancer metastasis and recurrence.
Researchers have discovered that interfering with a basic metabolic pathway in insect brains can increase aggression in fruit flies and honey bees. The team found that suppressing key genes involved in energy generation leads to increased aggression, but this effect is lost in chronically stressed individuals.
A massive 20-million-year-old Dominican amber collection is yielding fresh insights into ancient tropical insects and their habitats. The discovery of a pygmy locust represents an intermediate stage of evolution in its subfamily, revealing vestigial wings that had lost their primary function.
Researchers studied Vietnam War veterans' brain injuries to understand how the brain works. They found that brain regions contributing to social functioning also support general intelligence and emotional intelligence.
Research from University of Illinois expert Ravi Mehta found that people are self-controlled in everyday behavior, but indulge when thinking long-term. Abstract thinking can lead to feelings of missing out, regret, and corrective overindulgence, contradicting common consumer psychology literature.
Researchers tracked hundreds of honey bees using RFID tags, discovering that some foraging bees are much busier than others. When these busy bees disappear, others take their place, forming a 'reserve force'. The study, published in Animal Behaviour, sheds light on hive dynamics and the role of individual variation.
Researchers found that mesenchymal stem cells help rejuvenate skeletal muscle after resistance exercise, increasing the rate of repair and enhancing growth and strength. The study's findings may lead to new interventions to combat age-related declines in muscle structure and function.
Researchers tracked changes in gene activity when Western honey bees eat different diets, finding significant differences between those eating honey and those consuming sucrose or high-fructose corn syrup. Gene expression changes support the potential role of diet in maintaining bee health.
A survey of 142 men and 516 women in scientific disciplines reveals that many experienced sexual harassment or assault while conducting field research. The majority of respondents reported experiencing inappropriate remarks or comments about physical beauty, with over 20% reporting unwanted physical contact.
A study by University of Illinois researchers found that TB-infected elephants have different immune responses to the infection compared to those without it. The team developed a new method to detect cytokine mRNA in elephants, which could lead to faster and more accurate diagnosis of tuberculosis in captive elephants.
Researchers have created a new test to quickly identify snakes infected with Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola, a fungus killing snakes in the Midwest and eastern US. The test allows for early intervention and potential treatment of infected snakes.
Research by University of Illinois expert T. Brad Harris finds that boomerang employees have distinct experiences, often leaving due to personal shock rather than job dissatisfaction. Organizations can improve re-employment performance by considering previous performance histories, exit terms, and individual circumstances.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed a new class of walking 'bio-bots' powered by muscle cells, controlled with electrical pulses. The breakthrough allows for unprecedented control over their function, opening up possibilities for environmental and medical applications.
People with tinnitus process emotions differently in the brain from those with normal hearing, according to a study led by University of Illinois professor Fatima Husain. The study found that patients with tinnitus showed more activity in two brain regions associated with emotion, while having lower activity in the amygdala.
Researchers at the University of Illinois are using drones to take aerial pictures of crops, allowing them to detect areas of stress and nutrient deficiencies more efficiently. The drones equipped with multispectral cameras can identify problem areas, enabling farmers to target scouting in those specific areas and optimize crop yields.
Children who are physically fit have faster and more robust neuro-electrical brain responses during reading, corresponding to better language skills. The study found higher amplitude N400 and P600 waves in fitter children, suggesting they processed information more quickly and efficiently.
Researchers report Palmer amaranth is invading Illinois fields, reducing soybean yields by 78% and corn yields by 91%. The plant's rapid growth and resistance to common herbicides make control challenging. Illinois farmers must take action before the weed takes over.
A study by researchers at the University of Illinois found that severe hurricanes with feminine names result in a greater death toll due to people taking fewer protective measures. The analysis of over six decades of US hurricane deaths shows that storms with feminine names are seen as less foreboding, leading to increased vulnerability.
University of Illinois researchers develop new technique to induce mouse embryonic stem cells to form three distinct germ layers, a crucial step towards regenerative medicine. The study provides insights into the biological process controlling tissue development and opens doors for efficient organ generation.
Researchers developed a new cognitive test that can accurately distinguish between memory impairments caused by very mild Alzheimer's disease and those due to normal aging. The test assesses relational memory abilities and reveals unique impairments specific to Alzheimer's, allowing for more precise diagnosis.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have found that thousands of polyene compounds can be built from just 12 different chemical building blocks. This breakthrough could accelerate the discovery and development of new medicines by making synthesis more efficient and cost-effective. The team's findings, published in Nature Chemistr...
A genetic study has identified an ancient girl as part of a genetic lineage shared by modern Native Americans, resolving years of speculation about the Americas' first inhabitants. The study, published in Science, used mitochondrial DNA from her tooth to confirm that she came from the same source population as living Native Americans.
A University of Illinois initiative, Scientific Animations Without Borders (SAWBO), uses cellphones and local languages to educate farmers about efficient teff cultivation techniques. The project resulted in a massive reduction in teff seed waste, allowing for increased crop yields and food availability.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed materials that can heal and regenerate, filling in large cracks and holes by regrowing material. This technology has the potential to transform commercial goods and aerospace applications, enabling self-repairing plastics with vascular networks filled with regenerative agents.
Researchers developed GaitTrack app that uses eight motion parameters to analyze a person's walking pattern, providing valuable insights into cardiopulmonary, muscular, and neurological health. The app has shown promising results in monitoring chronic lung disease patients, predicting lung function with high accuracy.
Researchers found that high CO2 levels reduce zinc and iron content in key crops like wheat, rice, and soybeans. Nutrient deficiencies affect at least 2 billion people worldwide, highlighting the need for more research on crop responses to elevated atmospheric CO2.
A recent study of New York Times war coverage reveals that casualties get little mention in daily war reporting, despite major conflicts going back a century. The study finds that when casualties are covered, they are often presented in ways that minimize or downplay their human costs.
A new study suggests that adolescents who find pleasure in pro-social activities are less likely to become depressed than those who engage in risk-taking behaviors. The research found that activity in the ventral striatum brain region predicted whether depressive symptoms would worsen or lessen over time.
Researchers discover multitarget TB drug SQ109 that attacks tuberculosis and other pathogens, reducing the risk of resistance. The team created chemical analogs with improved effectiveness against various diseases, including malaria and parasites.
Pediarix is the most cost-effective combination vaccine, but Pentacel's sales are higher due to overlooked factors. Health care providers often overlook extra immunizations required for certain vaccines.
Scientists have solved a decades-old medical mystery by understanding the mechanism of action of amphotericin, an antifungal drug that has been in use for over 50 years. The researchers found that most of the drug aggregates on the exterior of membranes, extracting sterols out of membranes like a sponge, leading to cell death.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have found that indoor rabbits can develop a vitamin D deficiency due to lack of UVB radiation exposure. This deficiency can lead to various health problems, including dental issues and weakened immune systems.
Engineers at the University of Illinois and Northwestern University have developed thin, soft stick-on patches that incorporate commercial chip-based electronics for sophisticated wireless health monitoring. The patches are wirelessly powered and can send high-quality data about human body to a computer in real-time.
Researchers developed a new computer model to help plant scientists breed better soybean crops, achieving 8.5% productivity gains while reducing water usage by 13%. The model uses numerical optimization to explore structural traits like leaf distribution and reflectivity.
A recent study found a strong correlation between states' core political characteristics and collective personality traits. States with lower conscientiousness or higher agreeableness tend to have a positive view of government, while those with higher openness to experience are more likely to be ideologically liberal.
New research from University of Illinois economics professors Stefan Krasa and Mattias Polborn shows that economic issues have a greater impact on swing voters. Candidates compete for moderate voters in the middle who are virtually indifferent between rival candidates, leading to incentives to cater to their interests.
Researchers found that western corn rootworm beetles resistant to crop rotation are less vulnerable to RNAi treatment, surviving longer on soybean leaves. The study suggests targeting a single gene may not be the best strategy for controlling pests.
A team of researchers used a computer model to simulate the effects of adding genes from cyanobacteria on photosynthetic efficiency in crops. They found that certain genes enhanced, while others hindered photosynthesis. The study suggests potential for a 60% increase in efficiency and a 40% boost in yields.
Researchers found that immigrants formed a sizable portion of Cahokia's population, contradicting traditional models of Native American groups. The analysis used strontium isotope ratios in teeth to determine the location of origin for individuals buried at the site.
A study by University of Illinois researchers found that a single polymorphism in the BDNF gene affects intelligence after traumatic brain injury. Individuals with a specific genetic variation showed improved cognitive function, while those without it experienced impaired recovery.
Researchers successfully increased photosynthetic rate by 30% and turned sugarcane into an oil-producing crop. The team hopes to integrate these attributes into sugarcane to make it more productive with more photosynthesis and cold-tolerant.
Research by T. Brad Harris and colleagues found that perceived job insecurity is linked to lower use of workplace support programs, increased work-life conflict, and emotional exhaustion. To address this issue, organizations should communicate the value of these programs and help employees recognize their worth.
A new study reports that the ribosome's small subunit assembles itself through a dynamic interaction between proteins and RNA. The team discovered that a specific protein plays a crucial role in this process, allowing for the binding of subsequent proteins.
A new study by University of Illinois researchers finds that plastic shopping bags can be converted into diesel fuel, producing significantly more energy than required. The conversion process produces usable petroleum products, including natural gas and gasoline, making it a potential sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels.
A new study by University of Illinois professor Ruopeng An found that the prevalence of adult obesity has been slowing, but only slightly, with increases seen in those classified as morbidly obese. The study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to analyze BMI trends between 2000 and 2012.
New dynamic polymer created with commercially available ingredients shows promise for healing cracks and breaking down, with potential applications in coatings and paints. The breakthrough enables mass production of self-healing materials at low cost and without catalysts.
Researchers found that practicing intuitive numerical exercises can enhance children's ability to solve math problems. Children who practiced evaluating the number of objects performed better on arithmetic tests immediately afterward than those who evaluated other qualities.
Researchers found numerous bird nests and a greater diversity of species in no-till soybean fields compared to tilled fields. The study highlights the importance of agricultural practices in supporting bird abundance and diversity.
A new imaging technique called white-light diffraction tomography (WDT) provides high-resolution, three-dimensional images of living cells without the need for dyes or chemicals. This allows researchers to study cellular processes and dynamics in a non-invasive manner, enabling unprecedented insights into cell function and behavior.