Researchers unveil previously unseen properties of neutron stars through gravitational wave analysis, providing insight into internal composition and dynamic material properties. The study places observational constraints on viscosity within neutron stars.
Entomology professor Esther Ngumbi is studying how flooded conditions affect tomato plants, including changes in microbial community, volatile organic compounds, and gene expression. She warns that increased flooding can undermine climate-resilient crop research.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a method to understand and improve light-harvesting molecules for solar energy applications. By combining AI with automated chemical synthesis and experimental validation, they were able to produce molecules four times more stable than traditional ones.
The University of Illinois has been awarded $15 million from the NSF to establish a new iBioFoundry, which will integrate synthetic biology, laboratory automation, and artificial intelligence. This facility aims to advance protein and cellular engineering, promoting sustainable biomanufacturing processes.
Researchers engineered bacteria-yeast hybrids to perform photosynthetic carbon assimilation, generating cellular energy without traditional carbon feedstocks. The hybrids can produce important hydrocarbons, paving new biotechnical pathways to non-petroleum-based energy and synthetic biology applications.
A study found that participants who consumed greater amounts of protein and fiber had the greatest success at losing weight. Personalization and flexibility were key in creating plans that dieters could adhere to over time.
Research found social media polls to be biased in terms of content, authorship, and audience. The polls' accuracy is further compromised by the use of bot farms and astroturfing campaigns to manipulate results.
A new study found that full-time wheelchair and motorized scooter users encounter obstacles that cause them to fall, resulting in scrapes, bruises, or more serious injuries. The researchers also discovered a 'disuse disability cycle' where limited activities lead to physical decline, increasing the risk of future falls.
The study analyzed four biofuels crops and found that each feedstock performed best in a specific region of the rainfed United States. The researchers identified miscanthus and switchgrass as the most environmentally friendly options, while energy sorghum was the cheapest to produce.
A virtual reality training program is being developed to heighten physicians' awareness of implicit bias in patient care and cultural competency skills. The program, tested with medical students and resident physicians, showed significant increases in awareness of implicit bias and attitudes toward culturally competent communication.
A new study links various soft material behaviors, revealing a critical parameter called the brittility factor that simplifies failure behavior. This finding helps engineers design better materials for future challenges.
Researchers develop optogenetic system to precisely target cancer cells using light, inducing inflammatory cell death and triggering immune response. The approach aims to modulate the immune suppressive environment around cancer cells, helping T cells recognize and attack the disease.
Researchers found that caregivers' supportive responses can prevent emotional overeating by teaching children to regulate their emotions, while non-supportive responses may contribute to the behavior. The study suggests that parents should be aware of the complex factors influencing emotional overeating in young children.
Researchers discovered a step-by-step process of calcification in aortic valves, revealing two defense mechanisms: osteopontin and collagen fibers. The study provides new insights into understanding cardiovascular calcification and potential therapeutic applications.
Scientists have developed an AI that can navigate new environments, seek rewards, map landmarks and overcome obstacles using a novel approach inspired by the brain circuits of sea slugs and octopuses. The new AI, called CyberOctopus, has the ability to explore and gather information while learning on the job.
Researchers found that stress responses differ between patients living in high-violence areas and those in lower-crime zones. The study suggests glucocorticoid receptors play a key role in driving adverse tumor outcomes in patients with chronically high environmental stress.
Researchers found that aged mouse gut microbes increase inflammation in young mice, suggesting a link between microbiome changes and aging-induced inflammatory processes.
The 2024 Olympic Games may face social justice protests due to the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) rule on neutrality. Human rights activists argue that the IOC's Rule 50 creates a systemic barrier to racial justice, despite team members participating in Racial and Social Justice initiatives.
Researchers developed lolamicin, an antibiotic that selectively targets and kills gram-negative pathogens like E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae while preserving beneficial gut microbes.
New research from the University of Illinois found that social networks can influence flood insurance sign-ups nationwide depending on how socially connected a county was to flooded areas. Exposure to disaster information through social media feeds prompts people to update their views on climate change risks, leading to changes in loca...
Urban green infrastructure projects can bring health and climate benefits, but their distribution is unequal in urban landscapes. Researchers recommend a justice-oriented approach that considers historical development patterns and existing power structures to ensure equitable access to environmental amenities. This includes building re...
Engineers developed a material that mimics human bone for orthopedic femur restoration, providing optimized support and protection from external forces. This innovative approach uses machine learning, optimization, and 3D printing to create a fully controllable computational framework.
Researchers use data sonification to convert molecular data into sounds, revealing how hydrogen bonds contribute to protein folding. The process involves complex interactions between water molecules and amino acids, with faster bonds speeding up folding and slower ones slowing it down.
Researchers found that large language model-based chatbots fail to recognize users' motivational states when they are hesitant about making healthy behavior changes. However, the chatbots can provide relevant information and support users who have established goals and a commitment to take action. The study highlights the limitations o...
Researchers found that public parks and backyard spaces host diverse bird species in summer, while backyards play a crucial role in supporting winter bird populations. The study highlights the importance of conservation efforts and habitat restoration in increasing bird diversity.
A new study by University of Illinois expert Tiffany Barnett White found that branded access offers can damage parent brand image, particularly among hard-core brand adherents. Consumers with high group-brand connections react less favorably to these offers compared to traditional ownership models.
New study uses high-powered microscopy and mathematical theory to unveil nanoscale voids in three dimensions. The findings show a strong correlation between unique physical properties of random empty space and improved filtration performance.
A study analyzed over 2,000 tweets before and after Hurricane María made landfall, revealing insights into social media use during disasters. The research identified key categories of messages, including information about the disaster, emotional appeals for help, and solidarity efforts among marginalized communities.
Perinatal Mexican-American women discussed challenges facing their families during the pandemic, including accessing food, medical information, and mental health treatment. The study recommended actionable policies and programs to meet the needs of Latino communities during future emergencies.
Researchers propose seven comprehensive changes to healthcare and economic policies to mitigate the burden of undiagnosed and untreated perinatal mental health challenges. These recommendations include training programs, payment models, paid family leave, and access to reproductive justice services.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a novel electrochemical process to extract precious metals, including gold and platinum group metals, from discarded electronics and low-grade ores. This method uses less energy and fewer chemical materials than current methods, producing high-purity metals with minimal waste.
A recent study suggests that IMF lending policies, especially structural loans, lead to significant increases in greenhouse gas emissions in Global South countries. This effect is most pronounced with second or subsequent loans, which can result in immediate spikes in emissions.
Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have created a highly stretchable sensor that can monitor and transmit plant growth information without human intervention. The sensor is resilient to humidity and temperature and can send a wireless signal to a remote monitoring location.
A study found that default testing for COVID-19 in K-12 schools resulted in a 30% lower positivity rate and preserved more school days than voluntary testing models.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified a neural-specific protein, PSD-95, as an early biomarker for Alzheimer's disease. The study found that inhibiting PSD-95 slowed seizure activity in mice with amyloid-beta pathology, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for early-stage Alzheimer's.
A computational model of the more than 26 million atoms in a DNA-packed viral capsid has expanded our understanding of virus structure and DNA dynamics. The study found that the DNA formed switchback loops as it was pushed into the capsid, similar to how DNA is organized in eukaryotic cells.
A study by Rebecca Walker found that places with historic racial covenants had lower temperatures, more tree canopy, and less impervious surfaces, indicating reduced exposure to extreme heat. This is particularly pronounced in middle- and lower-income neighborhoods where the covenants have a significant impact.
A new mouse study reveals that the gut microbiome interacts with the loss of female sex hormones to exacerbate metabolic disease. The research suggests that the gut microbiome contributes to weight gain, fat in the liver, and inflammation, particularly in women after menopause.
A recent study suggests that reframing confrontation goals from changing beliefs to setting social norms increases white people's willingness to challenge racist online posts. The study found that participants were more likely to confront those they knew well, such as friends and family members, rather than strangers or acquaintances.
Research by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign suggests that phosphorus legacy in riverbeds can delay water quality improvements in the Gulf of Mexico. It may take years or even decades for the reductions to be seen at the Gulf, according to a study published in Science of the Total Environment.
Scientists have developed an artificial microbial community consisting of two engineered yeast strains to produce more ethanol per unit of plant sugars. The team discovered that adding the xylose-fermenting yeast specialist to the mixture first, followed by the glucose specialist, dramatically boosted ethanol production.
A recent study found that multistate foodborne illness outbreaks have a significant impact on restaurant stock prices and public perception. Single-state outbreaks were previously met with little attention and no financial losses, but after a multistate outbreak, they received national media coverage and financial losses.
A species of tree fern in Panama reanimates its dead leaf fronds, converting them into root structures that feed the mother plant. This novel adaptation allows the ferns to thrive in nutrient-poor volcanic soils.
A recent study found that young adults' misconceptions about older adults' sexuality are often rooted in ageist views, despite many having permissive attitudes towards sex. The study suggests that promoting a view of sex as a recreational activity can help develop sexual health education programs.
A new study links increased acetaminophen use during pregnancy, particularly in the second trimester, to noticeable increases in attention and behavior problems in 2-, 3- and 4-year-olds. The study found modest but notable increases in attention-related issues and ADHD-type behaviors with increasing acetaminophen use.
A study by University of Illinois professor Emily Van Duyn found that news media consumption can trigger conflicts in couples with differing political views. Couples often struggle to decide which media to follow, leading to disagreements over news sources and content. This conflict can also affect the relationship, causing individuals...
A new study found that increasing acetaminophen use during pregnancy is associated with language delays in early childhood, including smaller vocabulary scores and shorter mean length of utterance. The study suggests that fetal brain development is critical during the second and third trimesters.
Researchers found local rivers and streams to be the source of Salmonella enterica contamination after Hurricane Florence, contradicting assumptions about pig farms. The study has critical implications for disease control and prevention in coastal regions affected by tropical storms.
A new composite material, engineered using computer algorithms and 3D printing, can change its behavior in response to temperature changes. The material is designed to perform specific tasks depending on the environment, enabling future generations of autonomous robotics.
A team of researchers has found a way to get antibacterial drugs through the outer membrane of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, making it more vulnerable to treatment. By using machine learning and testing various compounds, they discovered how to create new compounds that can penetrate the bacterium's defenses.