A team of researchers at the University of Illinois has discovered a potent inhibitor for malaria parasites and disease-causing bacteria, including tuberculosis. The compound, PPP, is 1,000 times more potent than previous inhibitors and targets an enzyme called IspH, which promotes the synthesis of essential compounds.
A new study analyzing the impact of hand-held cell phone legislation on driving safety concludes that usage-ban laws had more of an impact in densely populated urban areas with a higher number of licensed drivers than in rural areas. The study found lower fatal accident rates and personal injury accidents in counties with high driver d...
A recent study by Feeding America found a 133% increase in the number of people served by emergency food programs in Eastern Illinois, including 33,198 children. University of Illinois faculty, such as Craig Gundersen, are involved in evaluating these programs and examining innovative initiatives like the BackPack Program.
A new study from the University of Illinois found that driving impairs language skills, including comprehension and speech production. Participants who drove while being told stories remembered only 20% of what was said to them.
A study found that nearly a quarter of the variability in achievement among video gamers can be predicted by measuring specific brain structures. Players with larger nucleus accumbens, caudate nucleus, and putamen performed better in training periods.
A new study by University of Illinois psychologists suggests that individuals with low achievement motivation actually perform better on tasks when they are framed as enjoyable. This finding challenges the common assumption that motivation is essential for success and highlights the importance of considering individual goals and prefer...
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new visible light photocatalyst that can kill bacteria and viruses, even after the light is turned off. The catalyst's unique catalytic memory effect allows it to continue killing pathogens for up to 24 hours.
Research suggests that siblings play a formative role in shaping children's social and emotional development, with positive relationships between siblings linked to better outcomes for teenagers and adults. Parents can foster a supportive sibling relationship from an early age, regardless of the age difference or gender of the siblings.
Researchers have found that Helicobacter pylori directly activates an enzyme in host cells associated with several types of cancer. Chronic H. pylori infection is a known risk factor for gastric cancer, and the discovery may lead to new treatments for this devastating disease.
The western corn rootworm beetle can survive on Miscanthus x giganteus, a potential biofuels crop grown alongside corn. This finding could impact corn production and lead to devastating consequences if the plant becomes a vast reservoir of rootworm beetles.
A three-year data analysis of 175 fields in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota revealed the most troublesome weeds and their relationships with sweet corn yield. The study identified factors such as interrow cultivation, planting dates, and water supply as key determinants of crop success.
A new miscanthus rhizome root harvester and planter will be unveiled at the Bioenergy Feedstocks Symposium, reducing harvesting and planting costs by 50%. The Rizomgen Harvester/Planter package has shown a 200% increase in rhizome collection over manual systems.
A new study found that physical activity increases self-efficacy, which in turn reduces disease-related depression and fatigue. Higher levels of physical activity correspond to higher self-efficacy and lower levels of depression and fatigue, but the effect is reduced when controlling for self-efficacy.
Incorporating technology in high school-level geometry classes makes teaching easier and empowers students to discover new geometric relationships. Students who used dynamic geometry software were more successful in discovering mathematical ideas than those using static diagrams.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have designed a synthetic protein that mimics both the structure and function of nitric-oxide reductase, a key enzyme in the nitrogen cycle. The protein, which uses myoglobin as a scaffold, provides an excellent model for studying this enzyme and creating biocatalysts.
A University of Illinois study suggests that connecting with workers' emotions and personal identity can produce powerful triggers for calling out wrongdoing in the workplace. The study found that half of employees who witnessed wrongdoing on the job failed to report it due to fear of retaliation, but those who did reported being drive...
Researchers found that broad differences in gene activity between humans and chimps are coordinated by about 90 transcription factors, which affect nearly 1,000 genes. This suggests a unique regulatory mechanism in the human brain that allows for larger brains and different organ functions.
A recent study at the University of Illinois found that much of rural America is prosperous, particularly in the Midwest and Plains. Prosperous communities have higher education rates, lower unemployment and poverty rates, and better housing conditions than other rural areas.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered that soy peptide lunasin may help fight leukemia by activating a protein called caspase-3. Lunasin also showed anti-inflammatory properties by blocking the activation of NF-kappa-B and reducing interleukin-1 and interleukin-6 levels.
A University of Illinois economist suggests reducing mail delivery to five days a week could help the USPS recover from financial losses. However, this move might also lead to a loss of lucrative business customers who rely on frequent deliveries for advertisements and promotions.
The studies used molecular dynamics flexible fitting (MDFF) to examine the interaction of the ribosome with EF-Tu and SecY, respectively. The researchers found structural evidence that when the ribosome recognizes the correct tRNA, it induces a change in the shape of EF-Tu, allowing chemical interactions to lead to protein assembly.
The researchers used photolithography to define shapes on a thin film of single-crystalline silicon, then applied water droplets to direct self-assembly. The resulting structures offer mechanical bendability and promise efficient solar energy harvesting with thin films.
Beta-blockers targeting both alpha- and beta-receptors offer the most benefit to cardiac patients, while those targeting only beta-receptors can harm the heart's structure and function.
Researchers developed a statistical technique to scan genomes for specific gene-regulatory regions without prior knowledge of transcription factors. The approach has been experimentally validated in mouse and fruit fly genomes.
Studies found that using a cell phone while walking can increase the risk of accidents, particularly for older adults. Hands-free cell phones did not pose the same hazard as listening to music or speaking on a mobile phone.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a wet ethanol production method that produces more gallons of ethanol and usable co-products. This process involves soaking corn kernels, resulting in higher ethanol concentrations and better quality co-products compared to conventional dry fractionation methods.
A University of Illinois study found that firms with heavy long-term debt that came due during the recent credit crisis slashed investment more than three times as much as companies whose paybacks dodged the meltdown. This can have a ripple effect on the overall economy, leading to reduced employment and profits in the future.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered a way to fine-tune the reduction potential of copper-containing proteins, enabling the creation of efficient water-soluble redox agents. This breakthrough allows for greater control over electron-transfer properties and extends the range of redox potentials.
A global collaborative effort has produced a first draft of the pig genome, offering insights into breeding practices, disease resistance and human health. The sequencing project involved an international team of scientists and provided a 98% complete sequence that will allow researchers to pinpoint genes useful for pork production.
Research led by a University of Illinois business professor finds that online sales could lead to lower prices, but also fewer product options. The traditional system of selling through retailers encourages longer product lines, which may dry up as manufacturers turn to direct sales online.
A team of researchers aims to create a new papaya variety with only hermaphrodite offspring, eliminating the need for costly and labor-intensive seed selection. This breakthrough could significantly improve papaya health while reducing fertilizer and water usage.
A University of Illinois professor proposes that the similarities between music, teaching, and research can improve educational outcomes. The article highlights how knowing an audience and being adaptable are essential for effective communication and making meaning.
A new study reveals that a single-stranded DNA-binding protein (SSB) moves back and forth along single-stranded DNA, gradually allowing other proteins to repair, recombine or replicate the strands. SSB's dynamic movement is independent of the DNA sequence and modulates the activity of critical DNA repair proteins.
Researchers at the University of Illinois found that rats exposed to high doses of amphetamines during adolescence displayed significant memory deficits as adults. The declines in short-term memory were most pronounced when exposure occurred during adolescence rather than adulthood.
Embryonic stem cells exhibit sensitivity to localized cyclic forces due to their softness, affecting gene expression and differentiation. The study suggests that applying controlled mechanical forces could be a new method for directing cell behavior, with implications for therapeutic cloning and regenerative medicine.
Bacteria have a novel RNA repair system that adds a methyl group to damaged RNA, making it impossible to cleave the site again. This discovery has implications for protecting cells against ribotoxins and understanding RNA interference in eukaryotes.
Scientists discovered that early hominid Ardipithecus ramidus took its first steps towards bipedalism in a wooded landscape, not the open savanna. The discovery was made using carbon isotope analysis of soil and teeth, which revealed a diet rich in woodland and forest ecosystem.
A new study finds that most stock repurchase programs are solid and well-intentioned, but a small number are rooted in attempts by companies to mislead the market. Firms announce buybacks when they perceive shares are undervalued, sparking bargain hunting and driving up prices.
Scientists have created a new approach to studying bacterial swimming, using optical traps, microfluidic chambers and fluorescence to track Escherichia coli movement. The method allows researchers to trap bacteria and modify their environment without hindering movement, providing insights into the mechanics of bacterial swimming.
A recent study at the University of Illinois used computer models PnET-II and LANDIS-II to simulate possible forest landscape scenarios up to 200-400 years in the future. The study found that temperature and photosynthetic active radiation are the most important variables predicting forest landscapes, with uncertainties increasing afte...
A new sensor array can detect multiple airborne toxins in a matter of seconds, providing essential monitoring for workers handling chemicals. The technology uses colorimetric sensors that are not affected by humidity, making it more reliable than previous electronic-nose technologies.
A team of experts will dive into the sacred pools of Cara Blanca in central Belize to investigate their cultural significance and environmental history. The expedition aims to determine if these cenotes have similar sacred qualities as other Maya sites.
Research indicates that family mealtimes can have numerous benefits for teens and children, including reduced substance abuse, improved vocabulary growth, and healthier eating habits. Fiese urges cities to support zoning laws, low-interest loan programs, and food labeling initiatives to make healthy food choices accessible to all.
Professor Brenda Trofanenko argues that elementary school students lack the historical knowledge and critical sensibility necessary to understand genocide. High school students are better equipped, both emotionally and intellectually, to deal with traumatic events in world history. The professor suggests a fact-based approach to learni...
Researchers at the University of Illinois have designed a small molecule that blocks an aberrant pathway associated with myotonic dystrophy type 1. The new compound, Ligand 1, binds tightly to its target, preventing the MBNL protein from binding to RNA and easing symptoms of the disease.
A nonagenarian researcher, Fred Kummerow, has filed a petition with the FDA to ban trans fats from the American diet. His research suggests that trans fats contribute to the two main causes of heart disease: blood clots and atherosclerosis. The FDA has 180 days to respond to his petition.
University of Illinois researchers found that prioritizing sites closer to people can increase financial support for conservation. The study suggests compromising on ecological value for locations near human populations can improve outcomes.
A University of Illinois study found that high-school put-downs contribute to a hostile climate, where good students struggle to learn and those behind fall further behind. Verbal harassment is prevalent in schools, with 70% of students experiencing disruptions.
A new study finds that garlic mustard's fungus-killing toxin levels decrease over time, undermining its invasive advantage. This decline enables native plants to return and outcompete the invasive species.
A genomic study has identified a plausible cause of colony collapse disorder in honey bees. The research found that the loss of ribosomal function, caused by viral infections and other stressors, contributes to the mysterious disappearance of American honey bees.