Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed microspheres that enhance contrast in optical coherence tomography, allowing for improved imaging of individual cells and early tumor detection. The microspheres can be targeted to specific tumors, enabling enhanced OCT imaging for surgical guidance.
Researchers will study the health impact of chemicals in fish on refugees' children, as well as educate communities about safe fishing practices. The center aims to address the effects of combined PCB-methyl mercury exposure.
A new analytical platform has been developed to rapidly identify and characterize proteins. The system uses Fourier-Transform Mass Spectrometry and a liquid-helium cooled superconducting magnet to analyze protein data, enabling efficient processing of multiple proteins simultaneously.
Researchers found that forager bees have lower activity levels of a protein called acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in their brains, which may lead to enhanced cognitive performance. A study led by Gene E. Robinson at the University of Illinois showed that reducing AChE activity improved learning abilities in foragers.
Researchers found that caterpillars produce distinct sounds when encountering intruders, which helps them defend their nests and attract predators. In 87% of tests, resident caterpillars successfully repelled intruders using these acoustic signals.
A new study by UI atmospheric scientists reveals a 54% chance that climate sensitivity exceeds the IPCC's upper bound, posing significant risks to humanity. The researchers propose an adaptive-decision strategy to mitigate uncertainty and facilitate robust climate-change policy.
Researchers at the University of Illinois and Wisconsin detected a Y-shaped ionized gas filament near the Big Dipper, believed to be produced by radiation from a white dwarf or low-luminosity source. The object's properties differ from other examples, making it difficult to identify its origin.
Scientists successfully inserted a gene into chloroplasts, increasing tryptophan production by 10 times in tobacco plants. This approach could lead to improved yield and value in crops, as well as the production of pharmaceuticals like edible vaccines.
Researchers found that black swallowtail caterpillars fed on Bt corn pollen experienced significant growth rate reduction, varying up to three times smaller in distance from the crop. The discovery suggests sublethal effects of Bt corn pollen on non-target species and emphasizes the need for careful event selection by producers.
Researchers found that antioxidants like vitamin C can significantly reduce free radical generation and skin damage. Vitamin C was the most effective quencher, accumulating in the skin to neutralize free radicals.
Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that fluids with high enough speed can slip over smooth solid surfaces, unlike textbook predictions. This phenomenon has significant implications for applications such as microfluidic devices and lubrication in computer hard drives.
A study of 100 middle-class Indian fathers found they are more socially connected to their families, engaging in lengthy discussions with their children on various topics. In contrast, American fathers tend to be less engaged and absorbed in their work lives.
A new study suggests that Asian Americans' higher anxiety scores on social phobia and anxiety tests may be a result of their culturally adaptive sensitivity in social situations. The researchers found that perceptions about norms were not related to the anxiety inventory scores among white Americans, but were related to those among Asi...
Researchers found that ultrasound-induced lung damage is dependent on beamwidth, pulse duration, and exposure duration. The air-blood barrier near the surface of the lung may be the principal target for ultrasound-induced lung damage.
Researchers successfully tested a corn-based activated carbon for removing mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants, achieving results comparable to commercial products. The technology demonstration marked the first time this approach was applied to high-sulfur Illinois coal flue gas.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed a novel laser technique to study chromatin movement in living cells. By measuring the movement of DNA, they found evidence of subdiffusion within the cell nucleus, suggesting that molecular crowding is crucial for life.
Researchers analyzed lake sediment samples to find two naturally occurring warm periods in Alaska spanning 2,000 years. The initial period occurred from A.D. 0-300 and was accompanied by drier conditions; the second period corresponded to the Medieval Climatic Anomaly, a global warming event.
A study by University of Illinois researchers has identified a mechanism that determines whether pigment moves within cells. The discovery reveals that the motor protein is disengaged as a result of phosphorylation during cell division. If confirmed, this finding could lead to new cancer treatments targeting specific mechanisms.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive optical technique to measure blood flow and oxygen consumption in the brain, allowing for simultaneous detection of both blood profusion and neural activity. This breakthrough could lead to new diagnostic, prognostic, and clinical applications.
Researchers at University of Illinois dispute extensive trade theory for prehistoric society Cahokia, citing new evidence that local red flint clay was used instead of catlinite. The study uses a new mineral analyzer technique to identify the stone's mineral composition and find no connection between catlinite and the culture.
The discovery of 70 prehistoric stone ax heads at the Grossmann site near O’Fallon, Illinois, sheds new light on Cahokian society. The pristine ax heads, made from St. François basalt, suggest a possible connection to social status and wealth.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have devised a process called nanoparticle haloing that imparts stability to complex fluids, enabling control over phase behavior and structure. This approach allows for the creation of designer colloidal fluids with tailored properties.
Researchers applied game theory to assess the feasibility of a proposed national missile defense (NMD) system. They found that protection may be a placebo if widely believed to be effective, prompting a cautious approach to deployment. The study suggests focusing on research and development and exploring alternative credible alternatives.
Researchers at University of Illinois developed a new microchannel heat exchanger design to improve ammonia refrigerant efficiency. The new system significantly reduces refrigerant charge while increasing heat transfer capability.
A new study published in the Journal of Animal Science reveals that early weaning and high-energy diets can produce higher-quality beef with increased marbling and reduced waste fat. This approach may help cattle producers achieve consumer demand for leaner beef while reducing feed costs.
A new study challenges long-held beliefs that humans evolved from chimpanzee-like ancestors into upright beings and thrived in tropical grasslands. Soil analysis reveals that early humans preferred humid forest environments, contrary to expectations.
Scientists investigated subducting lithosphere and deep earthquakes near Fiji, finding a group of deep earthquakes off to the side that cannot be connected to the actively subducting lithosphere. The researchers suggest that similar slabs may exist elsewhere, preserving a significant primordial component of the mantle.
The SoyFACE experiment is the first test of crop growth in the presence of both increased carbon dioxide and ozone. This summer, researchers will evaluate how soybeans respond to higher CO2 levels and ozone exposure on 40 acres with 24 experimental rings.
Researchers found that Shigella bacteria can survive for up to six days in refrigerated conditions and rapidly multiply at room temperature. Properly storing fruits and vegetables and thoroughly washing them are crucial to removing pathogens like Shigella from produce.
A study published in Cognitive Therapy and Research found that life experiences at home significantly influence a child's perception of control, academic performance, and relationships. Children whose parents promote original thinking and independence exhibit stronger feelings of control.
Researchers developed a new phased-array transducer system that enables electronic scanning of the prostate, reducing the need for mechanical adjustments. The design uses separate elements and adjusted signal timing to move the focus electronically.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found a direct positive relationship between lifetime female sexual partners and the risk of prostate cancer in middle-aged men. Men with 30 or more partners had over twice the risk of developing prostate cancer compared to those with fewer partners.
Researchers develop AI-powered system to provide real-time characterization of ice buildup on wings, enhancing pilot decision-making and aircraft stability. The smart ice-management system aims to improve safety for pilots flying in severe icing conditions.
A new study reveals that legumes, such as beans, lentils, and peas, are rich in dietary fiber and resistant starch, which can help prevent cancer. Legumes contain substantially higher percentages of both nutrients compared to cereal grains and heavily processed flours.
Research by Sunyna Williams found that people are more honest about health risks when in relationships, but less so about matters of the heart. Couples tend to dispense with precautions like condoms too quickly, especially during closer relationship stages.
Researchers found that college students reading the New York Times online were less likely to read national, international, and political news compared to their paper-reading counterparts. This resulted in significant differences in readers' knowledge about public affairs.
Researchers developed fiber-optic sensors to detect flaws in rails and wheels, improving train safety by pinpointing location, speed, and damage. The palm-sized sensors offer a fast and cost-effective method to detect deformities in rail-car wheels, reducing the risk of derailment.
A new superconducting magnet is being tested at the University of Illinois to enable precise measurements of the proton's magnetic moment and small-scale structures. The experiment, called G0, will use polarized electrons to scatter off liquid hydrogen and deuterium targets in the magnet.
Astronomers using the Chandra X-ray Observatory discovered a complex shape of the Cat's Eye Nebula, which is driven by hot gas. The team also found an unexpected X-ray source at the central star, sparking questions about its formation.
A new study reveals that the amygdala plays a pivotal role in initiating memory storage by deciding which experiences are important enough to store based on emotional significance. The research uses male rabbits and temporarily disables the amygdala, leading to a breakdown of learning-related changes in other brain regions.
Warmer tropical Pacific Ocean sea-surface temperatures are responsible for increased cloudiness and regional cooling in the central and eastern US. The effect is attributed to moisture transport, which generates additional cloud cover and reflects solar radiation back into space.
Researchers found that FRAP regulates a membrane-to-cytoplasm communication network, governing cellular response to outside stimuli. The protein must shuttle between the nucleus and cytoplasm to function properly.
Scientists have calculated a lower strange quark contribution and discovered evidence for the proton's anapole moment, a parity-violating electromagnetic effect. The findings suggest less than 6% of the proton's magnetic moment arises from the strange quark.
A new study found that teens and young adults share similar secrets regardless of their family structure, with no significant differences between single-parent, blended, and original families. The study suggests that keeping secrets is a normal part of growing up and doesn't imply dysfunction in stepfamilies.
Research suggests that even small amounts of physical activity, such as short walks or gardening, can be beneficial for seniors. A leading expert advises people to choose activities they enjoy and increase intensity gradually, rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach.
The development of 'smart' flaps could significantly improve the efficiency of supersonic engines by minimizing flow separation. By recirculating air within the boundary layer, these flaps prevent turbulence and increase engine performance.
Researchers at University of Illinois used polymerase chain reaction to detect microbes in water, rock, and air samples from hot springs. They found evidence of life in new springs, suggesting microbes may have been transported by wind-borne steam or existing waters.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new description of microbial kinetics based on chemiosmotic theory, providing a fundamental explanation for microbial metabolism. The unified theory predicts results from experiments under various conditions and offers a simple explanation for threshold substrate concentrations.
Researchers found that male mice genetically altered to lack estrogen receptors became obese, with up to 170% increase in fat storage. Estrogen was also linked to improved fat burning ability in both males and females, challenging previous understanding of its role in female physiology.
Studies at the University of Illinois have identified a brain pathway in which neurons activate during low oxygen, triggering increased breathing. Newborns may not have enough neurons to respond sufficiently, possibly contributing to sudden infant death syndrome.