A rare fungus has been identified as the cause of mass deaths among eastern massasauga rattlesnakes in southern Illinois and similar cases in the northeast US. The fungus, Chrysosporium, is not normally seen in free-ranging animals but has been linked to disease in captive reptiles.
The Illinois Basin – Decatur Project injects 1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide into sandstone 7,000 feet beneath Decatur, Ill., using innovative science and engaging outreach. The project aims to evaluate the potential of carbon capture and storage techniques and assure public safety.
Researchers used fMRI to track brain activity in competitive game players, finding differing patterns of activity during social interactions. The study sheds light on how the brain processes information in competitive settings and may aid understanding of neuropsychiatric illnesses.
Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that exercise can trigger adult stem cells in muscle, releasing growth factors that promote muscle regeneration. The findings may provide a link between exercise and muscle health, with potential applications for rehabilitation and preventing age-related muscle loss.
Researchers from the University of Illinois developed three algorithms to assess risk uncertainty in the passenger population, finding that risk-based screening increases overall expected security. This approach allows more resources to be devoted to passengers with high risk relative to the passenger population.
A new study reveals that a simple circuit in the sea slug's brain links hunger and pursuit, allowing it to make decisions based on how information makes it feel. The researchers found that hungry animals turn towards stimuli that smell like food, while satiated animals turn away or do nothing.
Researchers have discovered patterns of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in Galapagos reptiles living close to human settlements. Feces collected from these sites harbored resistant Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica bacteria, highlighting the potential exposure of vulnerable species to human pathogens.
A study by University of Illinois economist Kathy Baylis found that Quebec's fast-food ad ban reduced fast-food purchases among French-speaking households by 13% per week, leading to 11-22 million fewer meals eaten per year. The ban was most effective in isolated media markets, and the study suggests a nationwide U.S. ban could be succ...
A new study found that cognitive training can increase openness to experience in older adults, a trait previously thought to be fixed. Participants showed significant improvement in pattern recognition and problem-solving skills, as well as increased openness.
A new computer model developed at the University of Illinois can simplify the transition from field to biorefinery by optimizing operations to reduce costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The model takes into account regional attributes such as weather, crop yield, farm size and transport distances, and can run millions of simulations.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have debunked a widely held misconception about an often-prescribed drug, discovering that it works by binding to a lipid molecule essential to yeast's physiology. This finding could lead to better treatments for fungal infections and diseases caused by ion channel deficiencies.
The University of Illinois has created a reactive silver ink that can print small, high-performance electronics on flexible plastics, papers, or fabrics without the need for metal particles. The ink is faster to make, more stable, and suitable for smaller nozzles, making it ideal for printed microelectronics.
A team of scientists has identified a molecular 'culprit' in the emergence of oxygen on Earth, dating back to 2.9 billion years ago. Manganese catalase, an enzyme that generates oxygen as a byproduct, is believed to be responsible for the rise of planetary oxygen.
A new study in Nature Climate Change presents a more complete picture of the climate costs of land use changes by incorporating biophysical effects beyond greenhouse gases. The researchers found that tropical rainforests are highly valuable for protecting against climate warming, while boreal forests have lower climate regulation values.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a method to chemically etch patterned arrays in gallium arsenide, used in solar cells and lasers. The new technique, called metal-assisted chemical etching (MacEtch), is faster and less expensive than traditional dry etch methods.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a self-healing system that can restore electrical conductivity to cracked circuits in less time than it takes to blink, allowing devices to work longer and reducing waste. The system uses microcapsules that break open and release liquid metal to fill in gaps in the circuit.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed spiral-shaped proteins that can efficiently deliver DNA segments to cells. The polypeptides outperform commercial agents in terms of efficiency and control toxicity, offering a promising new approach for clinical gene therapy.
A team of researchers has designed a microvascular stamp that uses living cells to deliver growth factors to damaged tissues in a defined pattern. After a week, the resulting network of new blood vessels mirrors the pattern of the stamp's channels, demonstrating controlled growth and spacing.
Researchers mapped over 100 molecular clouds in the LMC and found many low-mass clouds, contradicting conventional wisdom. The team hopes to learn more about the metamorphosis of gas clouds into stars.
The review found consistent patterns of reproductive dysfunction in animals exposed to atrazine, with effects observed in amphibians, fish, reptiles, and mammals. Atrazine has been shown to disrupt hormone function and sexual development, leading to feminization of male gonads in many species.
A new analysis of ancient midge larvae reveals that the region was significantly cooler than expected during the early Holocene epoch. The findings offer a detailed record of temperature variation over the last 10,000 years in Alaska and have important ecological and societal implications.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a technique to integrate compound semiconductor nanowires on silicon wafers, enabling high-performance solar cells. The approach uses densely packed arrays of tiny strands of III-V semiconductor that grow up vertically from the silicon wafer.
A team of experts used cutting-edge diagnostic tools to analyze the ancient Egyptian mummy, discovering that it was a child from a wealthy family during the Roman period. The scans also found evidence of embalming techniques and the brain, heart, and lungs being left in the body.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals how Helicobacter pylori bacteria disrupts mitochondrial function to induce cell death. The researchers found that the bacterial toxin VacA recruits a host protein to activate apoptosis, a process linked to cancer development.
The study reveals that certain copper crystal structures promote better graphene growth due to their atomic shape and arrangement. This finding could lead to more cost-effective and high-quality graphene production for consumer electronics applications.
A report by the University of Illinois sociology professor Rebecca Sandefur found that access to civil legal assistance depends on where you live, not your need. States with limited means often lack coordinated services nationwide or within communities.
Researchers at University of Illinois successfully localized quantum matter waves in three dimensions, a phenomenon theorized decades ago. The findings have implications for various electronics applications and could lead to better understanding and manipulation of materials.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have successfully created a catalyst that converts carbon dioxide into fuel using artificial photosynthesis. The innovation uses an ionic liquid to reduce energy requirements, making it more efficient.
Researchers found that the polyphosphate storage site represents the first known universal organelle, present in bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes. This discovery challenges traditional definitions of bacterial organisms, suggesting LUCA was more complex than previously thought.
Researchers have found that distinct gene regulatory networks in the honey bee brain contribute to specific behaviors, such as foraging and aggression. The study confirmed a close relationship between changes in gene expression and behavior, highlighting the importance of understanding the regulation of brain gene expression.
A chance viewing of a new channel forming in the Wabash River provided researchers with a rare opportunity to study dynamic river cutoffs. The event delivered massive amounts of sediment into the river system, changing its landscape and raising concerns about its impact on sediment transport and deposition processes.
A study of over 400 children with ADHD found a link between regular outdoor play in green settings and milder symptoms. Children who regularly played outdoors had better impulse control and concentration than those who played indoors or in built-outdoor environments.
Research highlights the need for firms to integrate their patent and business strategies to successfully commercialize multi-invention products. The paper provides a framework for addressing these challenges, including guidelines for choosing from among three types of business models: licensing, componentization, and integration.
Research from the University of Illinois and Rutgers University suggests that returning service members are at risk of depressive symptoms and relationship distress, often linked by uncertainty about relationships and interference from partners. Recognizing these issues can help prepare individuals for the transition home.
A new study found that children's social goals play a crucial role in how they respond to bullying. Children who are interested in developing relationships tend to have more positive perceptions and use proactive strategies to solve conflicts. In contrast, those who want to be perceived as 'cool' or competent may retaliate and engage i...
Researchers found that large-scale land conversion to bioenergy crops increases water use, reducing soil moisture and runoff but increasing atmospheric humidity. The study's results highlight the need to consider water demands in decision-making for energy production through bioenergy crops.
Researchers have engineered new sensors that can detect estrogenic compounds in human cells, which is crucial for understanding the potential health risks associated with these substances. The sensors, developed by a team led by Huimin Zhao, were found to reliably detect estrogenic compounds within hours, even at low levels.
Researchers have developed a new imaging method, spatial light interference microscopy (SLIM), that can measure cell mass with high accuracy. SLIM offers insights into the debated problem of whether cells grow at a constant rate or exponentially.
Researchers have developed a new theory to understand slow dynamics of polymers in liquids under fast-flow, high-stress conditions. The theory explains how polymer molecules respond and predicts tube confinement and reptative motion.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new set of building blocks for simple synthesis of complex molecules. They successfully synthesized synechoxanthin, an antioxidant molecule, using their iterative cross-coupling method, which enables the creation of a whole new class of building blocks.
A new study explores how cognitive strategies and abilities increase 'situation-specific self-confidence,' a quality that enhances exercise adherence. Participants who improved their executive function skills, such as multitasking and goal-setting, were more likely to stick with an exercise program.
A new study by University of Illinois marketing expert Tiffany Barnett White found that brand-conscious consumers view negative information about their beloved brands as a threat to their self-image. They defend the brand and re-write history to maintain a favorable self-evaluation, extending to multiple markets such as sports teams.
Researchers created a device platform that combines electronic components for sensing, medical diagnostics, communications, and human-machine interfaces on an ultrathin skin-like patch. The circuit bends and stretches like the skin, allowing for comfortable wear and freedom of movement.
Researchers report that certain forms of narcissism can be beneficial for young people, helping them navigate adolescence and early adulthood. In contrast, older adults with similar traits may experience lower life satisfaction and a poorer reputation.
A global survey suggests that religious people are happier than non-religious individuals in societies facing stress and hardship. However, in more affluent societies with social supports, the relationship between religion and happiness is less clear-cut.
A recent national survey found that many Americans hold incorrect beliefs about memory, diverging from scientific research. These misconceptions can impact legal proceedings and everyday life.
A new study reveals that only a small percentage of microbes in the colon are responsible for breaking down undigested food, with variations in abundance across different regions of the colon. The findings have implications for understanding inflammatory bowel disease and potential targets for treatment.
Researchers found that plants like Arabidopsis thaliana can speed up DNA duplication, leading to increased growth and seed production after being grazed. This process allows plants to increase their DNA content, protein production, and cell size, ultimately boosting their reproductive success.
Researchers at University of Illinois developed vascularized structural composites that are lightweight, strong and multifunctional. They achieved this by circulating fluids through tiny channels, creating materials that can regulate temperature, chemistry, conductivity and electromagnetism.
The team developed a method to fabricate 3D photonic crystals that are both electronically and optically active, opening new avenues for solar cells, lasers, and metamaterials. The discovery uses epitaxial growth of single-crystal semiconductor through a complex template.