A team of divers has been mapping freshwater pools in Cara Blanca, Belize, which were important to the ancient Maya. The divers found fossilized animal remains, bits of pottery, and an enormous underwater cave in the largest pool explored.
University of Illinois engineers developed a novel direct-write technique to manufacture metal interconnects, enabling smaller chips and more complex functions. The technique reduces wire bonding area by two orders of magnitude, allowing for faster and more efficient manufacturing.
A new study found that those who expect unexpected events are no better at detecting them than those who don't, and may even be worse. The study used a video featuring basketball players and a gorilla, and showed that familiarity with the original experiment did not improve detection of other unexpected events.
Topology optimization enables creation of patient-specific, case-by-case designs for tissue-engineered bone replacements in facial reconstruction. The technique accounts for variables like blood flow and chewing forces to optimize structure and function.
Research by University of Illinois marketing expert Cele Otnes found that businesses' attempts to create memorable experiences through rituals can have negative consequences for customers, making them feel trapped or embarrassed. Optional rituals offer leeway to satisfy customers' comfort zones, but embedded rituals can deter repeat bu...
The study found that histone H1 phosphorylation is associated with changes in gene activity, particularly in active genes during interphase. H1 phosphorylation also controls ribosomal RNA gene transcription in the nucleolus, a novel discovery that could lead to new treatments for diseases.
A global survey of 136,000 people found that life satisfaction increases with income, but positive feelings are strongly associated with other factors like feeling respected and having autonomy. The study suggests that material prosperity predicts life evaluation, whereas psychosocial prosperity predicts positive feelings.
A new study suggests that restricting speculative trading in futures markets could destabilize commodity prices, rather than reduce volatility. The research found that the influx of cash from index traders provided a deep pool of liquidity that held price increases in check.
A multi-institutional team has sequenced the human body louse genome, revealing its unique characteristics and potential applications in understanding lice-borne diseases. The tiny parasite's pared-down genetic profile makes it an attractive organism for studying resistance to insecticides.
Research by University of Illinois expert Janet Liechty finds that body-image distortion is a better screening tool to identify non-overweight girls at risk for unsafe weight-loss practices. Girls with distorted body-image are more likely to resort to dieting and extreme methods, increasing their risk of continued use.
Scientists have found antibiotic-resistant bacteria in seven species of sharks and redfish, with the highest occurrence rates in nurse sharks from Belize and Florida Keys. The study highlights a growing problem for human health due to the presence of multidrug-resistant bacteria in marine environments.
A University of Illinois study found that relying too much on e-mail and videoconferences can lead to a lack of trust among team members, which is critical for successful collaboration. The research suggests that businesses should balance the use of technology with face-to-face meetings to recharge relationships and maintain trust.
A study by University of Illinois professors found that those who ask themselves whether they will complete a task tend to do better than those who tell themselves they will. This phenomenon has implications for cognitive, social, and clinical psychology, as well as education and work settings.
A new approach calculates the change in greenhouse gas emissions resulting from changes in land use, taking into account factors such as plant density and ecosystem vulnerability. This comprehensive method provides a more accurate assessment of land-use projects' impact on climate change.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new method to manufacture thin films of gallium arsenide, a highly efficient semiconductor material, that could expand its applications in solar devices. The technique allows for the production of bulk quantities of material more rapidly and cost effectively.
Researchers have rewritten Kirchhoff's current law to accommodate the unique properties of the transistor laser, enabling better understanding of photons, electrons, and semiconductors. The modified law fits data from the device, predicting properties for integrated circuits and supercomputing applications.
A new study by University of Illinois labor expert John Dencker found that restructuring shifts workplace power towards firms, leading to performance-based bonuses that slow payroll growth. The shift creates fears of termination for managers, affecting their wages and career stability.
Researchers developed a novel microscopy technique that reveals the mechanics of blood cell membranes, leading to a better understanding of deformability and its relation to morphology. This discovery has important implications for screening and treatment of blood-cell-morphology diseases such as malaria and sickle-cell disease.
Researchers found that paper wasps and honey bees rely on the same network of genes to guide their social behavior, including division of labor and brain activity. The study identified over 4,900 genes active in the wasp brain, confirming a genetic toolkit shared by both species.
Researchers found that universities cut faculty and staff when endowment investments decline, but not administrators. Universities with larger endowment declines make deeper cuts to non-administrative positions.
A study by University of Illinois professor Brendesha Tynes found that white students with color-blind racial attitudes were more likely not to be offended by racially themed party images, while African-Americans were more likely to be bothered. The research suggests that color-blind racial ideology is detrimental to race relations on ...
A team of researchers at the University of Illinois has identified a promising new drug target for Alzheimer's disease: the beta-2 adrenergic receptor. The receptor is activated by amyloid-beta, leading to increased activity in affected neurons and eventual cell death.
A University of Illinois professor argues that teaching young children to write without borrowing from popular culture is problematic and contradictory. She advocates for allowing children to copy or borrow plotlines, narratives, and characters from media stories to prepare them for a highly mediated world.
A study of Classic Maya homes in Belize reveals the commoners' method of recording their own history, not just family history, but also their place in the cosmos. The analysis found human remains, artifacts, and color symbolism used to signify important dates and the cyclical nature of life.
Researchers found that exclusive licensing deals are a tool for collaboration and risk management in product development, allowing innovators to manage risks while leveraging cooperation. The study analyzed over 200 exclusive licensing deals and suggests that granting rights to a sole partner can curb risk and incentivize cooperation.
The University of Illinois team developed a novel method for creating complex three-dimensional structures using printed origami techniques. The technique allows for the rapid assembly of biocompatible devices, microscaffolding, and other microsystems, with potential applications in biomedical devices, electronics, and more.
A University of Illinois study found that a lack of omega-3 fatty acid is linked to male infertility. Sperm counts were extremely low and sperm shape was abnormal, but fertility was restored when DHA was introduced into the diet. The study suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may play an important role in male fertility.
A University of Illinois study found that a specific omega-6 fatty acid is critical for maintaining healthy skin. Without this acid, mice developed severe ulcerative dermatitis, which was reversed when the acid was added to their diet.
A University of Illinois legal expert warns that court privacy rulings could have a chilling effect on mainstream journalists, restricting disclosures of scandals and corruption. She proposes a standard holding journalists liable only when their peers widely agree that coverage has crossed the line.
The US Department of Health and Human Services has awarded $15 million to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's Information Trust Institute to improve patient outcomes while limiting access to electronic health records, health information exchange, and telemedicine. The project aims to address security and privacy barriers i...
Researchers found that online communication reinforces local relationships, builds networks of interacting individuals, and forms ties that bind for offline communities. The intersection between online and offline worlds creates a vibrant platform for community communication and information exchange.
Researchers have discovered a type of soy protein that inhibits fat accumulation and reduces inflammation. Soybeans with high levels of beta-conglycinins are found to limit lipid accumulation in fat cells by suppressing an enzyme called fatty acid synthase.
Researchers analyzed the zebra finch genome, finding large and complex gene regulatory networks in the brain activated by song communication. The study also discovered non-coding RNAs play a crucial role in regulating gene expression.
A new University of Illinois study suggests that technical, tough-to-decipher advertising claims can turn consumers away. Consumers who consider themselves well-informed about a product react negatively to 'puffery', viewing it as an effort to trick them with meaningless information.
University of Illinois researchers tested foliar fungicides on hail-damaged corn and found no significant improvement in yield. The study simulated hail damage to corn and applied fungicides, but results showed no differential reaction where the fungicide improved damaged corn.
Researchers at University of Illinois have identified a new soybean aphid biotype that can overcome resistance genes in currently available varieties. This discovery highlights the need for breeders and seed companies to keep pace with evolving pest populations.
Researchers have developed biocompatible flexible electronics that can map large areas of tissue at once, monitoring electricity coursing through a beating heart. The technology has the potential to redefine design strategies for advanced surgical devices and implants.
A recent survey found that plant-parasitic nematodes are present in both Miscanthus and switchgrass, which are used for biofuels. The most prevalent species included lesion, root-knot, and needle nematodes, which can cause significant damage to the crops.
Actin filaments, key components of cell structure, display snakelike movement but are limited by crowding; researchers created a novel approach to track individual filament motion, revealing their movement is more like a conga line on a crowded dance floor
A new study found that regular family mealtimes can help reduce separation anxiety and improve lung function in children with asthma. The researchers identified supportive interaction during mealtime as a key practice that increases a child's sense of security.
After the Sweet Sixteen round, a team's seeding becomes statistically insignificant in predicting its chances of winning. Teams that make it past this point can be predicted based on other factors such as player match-ups and style of play.
A growing trend in vacation travel, genealogical tourism provides authentic experiences, allowing individuals to feel connected to their past and explore their identities. The study highlights the importance of this movement, driven by contemporary tourists' preference for meaningful experiences over relaxation.
Researchers are exploring the use of synthetic biology to enable corn plants to fix their own nitrogen, eliminating the need for fertilizers. This technology has the potential to increase crop yields while reducing environmental degradation and promoting sustainable agriculture.
A new University of Illinois study shows that soluble fiber can strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation. The research found that mice fed soluble fiber were less sick and recovered faster from illness compared to those fed insoluble fiber.
A new technique called Fast Relaxation Imaging enables real-time observation of protein folding and unfolding in living cells. The method reveals that proteins are more stable and their thermal denaturation is more gradual in a cellular environment compared to an in vitro setting.
Mammals that spend most of their time in trees have longer lifespans than those on the ground, according to a new study. The researchers found that arboreality reduces extrinsic mortality, leading to longer lifespans.
A University of Illinois marketing study found that companies emphasizing technology tend to generate fewer innovative products. In contrast, firms focusing on customer needs or competitors produce more new product suggestions, but these often lead to minor advances rather than breakthroughs.
A University of Illinois study identified five consumer segments at farmers' markets, including enthusiasts, recreational shoppers, and serious buyers. The research found that each market's personality attracts specific people and can be replicated by changing the location or time of day.
Corn nematode populations are widespread in Illinois, with over 90% of fields sampled having lesion nematodes that can cause significant yield reductions. Experts recommend taking soil samples and using specific management strategies to mitigate the issue.
A new study found that women overwhelmingly choose to read true stories about serial killings and random murders, whereas men are more likely to choose books about war or gang violence. Women prefer true crime stories over violent nonfiction because they provide information that could help them avoid potential attackers.