Researchers have developed biodegradable electronics that can dissolve in water or bodily fluids, opening new design paradigms for medical implants, environmental monitors and consumer devices. The technology harnesses techniques for making tiny electronic systems out of ultrathin sheets of silicon, which can completely dissolve in a f...
Researchers identified miR-34a's role in fatty liver disease and Type II diabetes. Blocking miR-34a improved metabolic outcomes, including decreased liver fat and improved blood glucose levels.
A new study suggests that the shape and vibrational characteristics of odorant molecules play a crucial role in our ability to detect different smells. Researchers found that the vibrations of an odorant molecule's chemical bonds contribute to electron transfer, which sends signals to the receptor, enhancing detection.
A new study adds giant viruses to the universal family tree, revealing they are ancient living organisms. The research found that many of the most ancient protein folds were also present in giant viruses, suggesting they appeared early in evolution.
A University of Illinois economist warns that cutting SNAP benefits would exacerbate food insecurity in the US. Restricting food choices through programs like New York City's sports drink ban also discourages participation and leads to more food insecurity.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have successfully infected various types of canine cancer cells with a pox virus while sparing healthy cells. The study's findings suggest that viral therapies could complement or replace standard cancer treatments, making it a promising approach for treating dog cancer.
Scientists have found that a type of ocean microbe, Nitrosopumilus maritimus, produces methylphosphonic acid, which is a key component in the production of ocean methane. This discovery helps explain the 'methane paradox' and has implications for climate change modeling.
A new study reveals that brain clock oscillations are driven by cellular metabolism, which affects the production and flow of chemical energy in cells. The researchers found that redox reactions in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) oscillate on a 24-hour cycle, opening and closing channels of communication in brain cells.
College football players participate in an invisible labor market, with the NCAA monopolizing their services. Research suggests a credible threat of unionization could lead to better financial treatment and more say in interests. An 'invisible union' is proposed as a middle-ground approach.
A 63,000-year-old skull found in a cave in northern Laos is the oldest modern human fossil discovered in Southeast Asia. The discovery challenges previous theories on modern human migration, suggesting that ancient wanderers left Africa and inhabited diverse habitats earlier than thought.
A recent analysis of avian feather lice reveals that their ancestors first colonized a particular group of birds and then radiated to different habitats, evolving into distinct species. The study found striking similarities in the adaptations of lice living in specific habitats on birds, which are attributed to convergent evolution.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered a DNA 'genetic code' that can shape gold nanoparticles into various forms, such as hexagons, stars, and discs. The code is based on the sequence of four DNA bases - A, T, G, and C - which bind to different facets of gold nanoseeds and direct their growth pathways.
A study from University of Illinois economics professors demonstrates a new method to analyze relationships among voters' issue preferences, candidates' policy positions, and voter behavior. The researchers found that policy divergence has increased significantly since the 1970s, particularly on cultural issues.
Scientists have found proof of a caffeinated brew made from the leaves of a holly tree, dating back 700-900 years to the Cahokia settlement. This 'black drink' was used in rituals and was part of a broader cultural and trade network in North America.
Researchers studying papaya's sex chromosomes have found that the X chromosome has undergone significant changes since its emergence, including rapid expansion and gene loss. These findings challenge previous assumptions about the early stages of sex chromosome evolution and provide insights into the human X chromosome.
A new study found that fruit flies on methamphetamine drastically reduce their food intake and increase physical activity. The flies' energy reserves and metabolism are severely impacted, leading to a primary driver of methamphetamine-related death in the insects. Adding glucose to the diet slows the damaging effects of meth exposure.
A study by Cele Otnes and Linda Tuncay Zayer found that six themes emerge from the analysis, with half being negative, including skepticism, avoidance, and indifference. Men tend to react negatively to hyper-masculine stereotypes in advertising, experiencing feelings of inadequacy and vulnerability.
A study by Clara Xiaoling Chen and Tatiana Sandino found that higher wages are associated with lower levels of employee theft, even after controlling for other factors. The researchers suggest that paying relatively higher wages discourages employee theft as employees wish to retain their job or exhibit positive reciprocity.
A study published in Nature Geoscience found that a significant percentage of the Mississippi River's sand load is diverted into the Bonnet Carre spillway wetlands, rather than flowing into urban areas. This discovery offers new insights into the potential for controlled diversion to mitigate land loss in coastal Louisiana.
A multi-institutional initiative seeks to improve the genetic basis of drought resistance in a grass closely related to current biofuels feedstocks and food crops. Researchers will dissect the genetic basis of drought tolerance in these plants, with the goal of developing crops that can endure harsh conditions.
A new study reveals that the western corn rootworm's resistance to crop rotation is linked to increased levels of protein-degrading enzymes in its gut. The insects can survive longer on soybeans and cause more damage than their non-resistant counterparts, allowing them to lay eggs in bean fields.
A new study found that long-term treatment with estrogen and MPA increased levels of a protein marker for synapses in the prefrontal cortex of aged rats. This contradicts previous research on human hormone therapy, which linked hormone replacement to an increased risk of stroke and dementia.
A new microscope probe-sharpening technique has been developed to improve imaging resolution and durability for researchers studying tiny structures. The technique, described in Nature Communications, uses a matching voltage to deflect ions and sharpens the probe around the tip, preserving the point and increasing stability.
Researchers from the University of Illinois discovered that low rainfall and high temperatures increase the numbers of larvae in storm water catch basins. The study, published in Journal of Medical Entomology, highlights the importance of monitoring mosquito populations in these areas to track West Nile Virus disease cases.
Researchers develop a new method to isolate and grow cancer cells, which can aid in understanding how cancer spreads and ultimately fighting it. The soft fibrin substrate promotes the growth of tumorigenic cells, making them more efficient at causing tumors.
A new microscopy technique called trolling AFM allows researchers to study soft biological samples in liquid with high resolution and high quality. The technique uses a thin, long nanoneedle to extend the tip of an atomic force microscope, reducing hydrodynamic drag and allowing for minimal disturbance of the sample.
Researchers found that estrogens convert from one form to another in anoxic conditions, stalling biodegradation and complicating detection. The study reveals a reverse transformation process, where estrone reverts to alpha- and beta-estradiols, inhibiting further degradation.
A new medical imaging device has been developed to diagnose and treat chronic ear infections by detecting biofilms behind the eardrum. The device uses optical coherence tomography and can identify biofilms in patients with chronic infections, but not those with normal ears.
A new study by a University of Illinois expert reveals that operational routines tend to move towards higher entropy due to complacency and lack of checks and balances. The research also found that mergers can cause decay in adherence to routines, while acquisitions by healthier firms can serve as a renewal.
A new study found that emissions from cookstoves are highly dependent on how they are used, and laboratory tests do not accurately reflect real-world operations. The research team developed a real-time analysis technique called Patterns of Real-Time Emissions Data (PaRTED) to measure emissions under different operating conditions.
A study from the University of Illinois demonstrates that adapting Modern Portfolio Theory for conservation purposes can help reduce outcome variation under climate change. By diversifying strategically across space, conservationists can achieve a 15% higher value of the conservation-objective-per-dollar-spent while reducing uncertainty.
Two studies have produced independent chromosome maps of Miscanthus sinensis, revealing the process of genetic duplication and fusion that led to its emergence. The findings provide insights into the evolution of grasses and their desirable traits.
A new study found that broad generalizations about social groups can undermine both boys' and girls' performance on challenging activities. Researchers tested how sweeping pronouncements about skills or likely success of social groups influence children's performance.
Researchers developed a computational technique to correct aberrations in optical tomography, enabling faster, less expensive and higher resolution tissue imaging. The technique was demonstrated using gel-based phantoms and rat lung tissue, resulting in sharp points and clearer tissue structures.
The researchers demonstrated that a single layer of atoms can disrupt or enhance heat flow across an interface between two materials. By adjusting the composition of molecules in contact with the gold layer, they observed a change in heat transfer depending on how strongly the molecule bonded to the gold.
Researchers developed models to address complex interactions among multiple stakeholders in the biofuel supply chain. They found that diverting corn crops to ethanol can affect food prices, but overall system welfare improves, with farmers as primary beneficiaries. The study's holistic model provides guidelines for optimizing the biofu...
A new study from the University of Illinois concludes that learning-by-doing played a significant role in reducing the processing costs of corn ethanol in the US. The study found that biofuel policies, which induced ethanol production beyond free-market levels, contributed to increased industry competitiveness over time.
A new study examines the relationship between personality traits, emotional strategies, and gender in memory recall. Researchers found that men who were high in extroversion remembered more positive life events, while women who were high in neuroticism ruminated on negative memories.
Scientists have mapped the physical architecture of intelligence in the brain using a large pool of volunteer participants with brain injuries. The study identified specific brain regions and connections essential for general intelligence, planning, and executive function.
A new genetic study reveals that head and body lice are the same species, despite their distinct characteristics. The research compared protein-coding genes expressed during both life cycles, finding only minor differences in sequences.
A new molecule discovered at the University of Illinois has the potential to treat bovine mastitis and make food safer. Geobacillin, an analog of nisin, is more stable than its predecessor and shows promise as a treatment for both dairy industry and human disease.
Researchers discovered how bacteria modify an enzyme to recognize and disarm a potent antibiotic. The adaptation allows bacteria to protect themselves from toxins while still being susceptible to certain antibiotics, offering new insights into treatment strategies.
A new study found that individuals motivated to actively change bad habits are more likely to make impulsive decisions that undermine their long-term goals. In contrast, those primed with words suggesting inaction found it easier to avoid such decisions.
Researchers found that proteins and RNA molecules evolved together, contradicting the long-held 'RNA World' hypothesis. The study suggests that proteins were present before ribosomal RNAs were recruited to aid in protein synthesis.
A study by University of Illinois professor Gene Robinson found that honey bees differ in their desire to perform tasks, with certain individuals more likely to seek adventure. The research suggests that these differences may be due to variability in personalities.
A University of Illinois expert calls for embedding sustainability practices in business education, marrying managerial, ecological and social values. The approach aims to bring about a better world by understanding the associated challenges with realizing that vision.
The initiative aims to increase photosynthetic power, cold tolerance, and oil production in sugarcane and sorghum, making them suitable for biodiesel and jet fuel production. Sugarcane and sorghum can potentially replace traditional oil-producing plants like soybeans, offering significant energy security and economic viability.
Researchers found low densities of key insect pests in Illinois corn and soybean fields due to environmental conditions and widespread use of Bt-corn hybrids. This practice goes against integrated pest management advice, leading to concerns about insect resistance.
Researchers have discovered a modified bone drug that can effectively kill the malaria parasite in infected mice, working at very low concentrations with no toxicity observed. The new compound, BPH-703, targets a key enzyme essential for the parasite's survival and immune evasion.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered two distinct groups of Sulfolobus islandicus, a heat-loving organism, that are already separate species despite sharing the same habitat. The microbes exhibited slight genetic differences and decreasing gene exchange between the two groups, indicating sympatric speciation.