Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago engineered ribosomes to specialize in one protein, introducing a new platform for synthetic biology. The platform, Ribo-M, physically links a ribosome to messenger RNA, enabling efficient production of unusual proteins, therapeutic molecules, and other engineered products.
A new study by the University of Illinois Chicago found that time-restricted eating may be a safe and effective tool to control blood sugar levels in adults with Type 1 diabetes. The study, led by Krista Varady, showed a significant reduction in blood sugar levels after six months, with no increased risk of extreme highs or lows.
Researchers have discovered that proteins released from mitochondria can activate the immune system in a similar way to invading bacteria. Elevated levels of mitochondrial proteins were found circulating in the bloodstream even when no live bacteria were present, leading to excessive inflammation.
The University of Illinois Chicago's UI Health ophthalmology program has earned a top national ranking and another regional ranking in U.S. News & World Report's 2026-27 Best Hospitals rankings. The hospital's cancer care also received top recognition, with the ophthalmology department being ranked No. 16 in the nation.
Researchers at UIC identified KCNMB1, an ion channel protein that helps regulate cell movement. Activating this pathway increases cell stiffness, making cancerous cells more susceptible to immune attack. The discovery points to a promising new therapeutic target for metastatic cancer.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a new imaging method that allows scientists to see previously hidden enzyme activities in small regions across the whole cell. The technique, dubbed Fluctuation Increase Negated by Intra-Chain (FINICI), flips the optical readout of negative biosensors into positive, reada...
Researchers found that macrophages and monocytes in the gut mesentery interact to prevent salmonella from spreading. Removing macrophages allows monocytes to flood the organ, highlighting the role of these immune cells in regulating tissue damage.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open has found an association between cardiovascular disease risk factors and visual impairment in Hispanic/Latino adults. The research suggests that individuals with three or more risk factors, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension, are more likely to experience visual impairment.
Researchers developed nanotube membranes that enable ultrafast ion transport, opening new pathways for high-efficiency clean energy generation and lithium recovery. The discovery shows boron nitride nanotubes selectively move lithium ions faster than expected, with potential applications in blue energy generation and battery recycling.
UI Health received national recognition for its strong commitment to caring for hospitalized people living with diabetes. The institution was recognized by The Leapfrog Group and the American Diabetes Association for implementing evidence-based protocols and reliably delivering high-quality care.
Scientists discovered a new antibiotic called manikomycin that binds to the ribosome, halting protein synthesis and blocking an important molecule from exiting. This action makes it harder for bacteria to develop resistance, as they need to jump through hoops to find resistance.
UI Health received an "A" hospital safety grade for its commitment to protecting patients from harm. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade program assesses preventable medical errors, infections, and injuries.
A randomized control study found that kids in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program reported lower rates of violent behavior, substance use, and depressive symptoms compared to non-participants. The program also improved their self-esteem and overall mental health.
Researchers at UIC developed an anti-cancer therapy using a bacterial protein called aurB, which prevents energy production in tumor cells' mitochondria. The treatment was tested in combination with radiation and showed highly effective results in animal models of prostate cancer, effectively shutting down tumor growth.
A new study led by Krista Varady found that intermittent fasting reduces testosterone levels and improves female hormone levels in women with PCOS. The study tested time-restricted eating and calorie counting methods, showing that intermittent fasting had additional benefits over calorie counting.
Researchers successfully treated drug-resistant strains of herpes using doxorubicin, a known anticancer drug. The treatment works by targeting a pathway used by the virus, preventing infection and potentially saving lives for vulnerable patients.
A recent study found that superagers' brains exhibit increased neurogenesis, with active production of new neurons. This 'resilience signature' is linked to superior memory formation and processing. The study's findings have implications for understanding healthy aging, cognitive resilience, and the prevention of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have developed a new way to produce ammonia, a common fertilizer, that is cleaner and more efficient than traditional methods. The process uses calcium nitride and hydrogen atoms to create ammonia without emitting carbon dioxide, and can be scaled up for widespread use.
Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago have developed a microfluidic device that can isolate pancreatic cancer cells from blood samples with high accuracy. The lidocaine infusion method has shown promise in reducing the aggressiveness of circulating tumor cells and may help lower the risk of metastasis.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a novel multiple sclerosis treatment that utilizes nanoparticle-boosted myeloid-derived suppressor cell therapy. This innovative approach aims to reprogram the immune system and promote tolerance in patients with MS.
Researchers at UIC discovered that platelet factor 4 helps regulate hematopoietic stem cell division and proliferation. Adding the protein to old blood cells reversed signs of aging in mice and human stem cells, suggesting a promising therapeutic target for preventing or improving age-related disorders.
The Sahara Desert is expected to see a significant increase in rainfall by the second half of the 21st century, with some regions experiencing up to 25% more precipitation. Researchers warn that this change will have far-reaching consequences for billions of people in Africa and beyond.
Despite a 50% decrease in total local anesthetic poisonings, lidocaine-related incidents have increased by over 50% since 2016. The findings highlight the need for updated recommendations to mitigate risks associated with high-dose delivery methods and accidental overdose.
A yeast commonly found in the gut, Candida albicans, can make salmonella infections worse by binding to bacteria and triggering a chain reaction that allows it to invade cells. Removing Candida's ability to create arginine, an amino acid involved in protein synthesis, also reduces salmonella's ability to infect.
A UIC researcher team led by Dr. Subhash C. Pandey will investigate how long-term alcohol use affects the structure and function of brain cells, aiming to improve targeted treatments for alcohol use disorder. The grant renewal aims to fuel cutting-edge research into cellular interaction in areas key to alcohol addiction.
Lantidra, the only FDA-approved therapy for brittle type 1 diabetes, allows patients to stop taking daily insulin injections. The treatment has been shown to preserve health and prevent complications associated with diabetes.
Researchers found that heat waves across Africa are now hotter, longer, and more frequent, mainly due to human activities. The study aimed to fill the knowledge gap on climate extremes in Africa and provide insights for mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Researchers discovered that aging brains experience a leaky blood-brain barrier due to decreased levels of N-cadherin and occludin. This results in cognitive decline, starting as early as middle age. The study suggests a larger therapeutic window for treatment of age-related cognitive decline.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have uncovered the detailed chemical mechanism behind preventing premature protein release. The discovery sheds light on how cells execute protein production, one of life's most essential processes, and clarifies the role of the release factor.
A new study from University of Illinois Chicago researchers suggests that poorly functioning blood vessels may be the cause of muscle wasting in cancer patients. The discovery could lead to the development of targeted therapies to restore blood vessel health and improve muscle strength.
A study from the University of Illinois Chicago found that simple consultations during emergency room visits can significantly lower blood pressures and improve hypertension management. The intervention, which included smartphone-paired blood pressure monitors, was particularly effective for patients from underrepresented backgrounds, ...
Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago developed a powerful new antibiotic, Lariocidin, which targets ribosomes to prevent bacterial protein production. Its unique structure allows it to evade common bacterial defenses and transporters, making it a promising candidate for treating deadly infections.
Researchers developed SenePy, a powerful new software platform that identifies aging cells in organs and tissues. The tool helps analyze genetic signatures distinguishing senescent cells from their healthier neighbors, enabling the study of cellular senescence and its role in diseases such as cancer, heart attacks, and brain inflammation.
A University of Illinois Chicago study reveals that intranasal herpes infection can cause severe neurobehavioral symptoms, including anxiety and cognitive issues. The research suggests that the virus exploits a cellular enzyme to produce behavioral symptoms, emphasizing the need for prevention and treatment.
Researchers created a new biologic compound using protein engineering to maximize therapeutic effects while reducing toxicity. The modified enzyme effectively destroyed leukemia cells in mice without common side effects, shrinking tumors in additional cancer models.
Lantidra is the only FDA-approved treatment for brittle type 1 diabetes, a more severe form of the disease. The therapy involves pancreatic islet cell transplantation and has shown promising results in clinical trials, with most patients no longer requiring insulin one year after the procedure.
A UIC graduate student has proposed three promising new designs for superconducting materials that could achieve high-temperature superconductivity at room temperature. The designs were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and demonstrate properties needed for very high-temperature superconductivity.
A recent study published in Nature Aging suggests that life expectancy gains are slowing down due to the detrimental effects of aging. The study found that life expectancy has increased only an average of six and a half years since 1990, contradicting some scientists' expectations.
A new study led by University of Illinois Chicago scientist Akintomide Akinsanola found that most Americans can expect wetter winters in the future due to global warming. Winter precipitation and extreme weather events are expected to increase across most of the country, with six regions experiencing more frequent very wet winters.
A new study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found that high levels of toxic metals in urine predicted faster increases in blood sugar. Individuals with highest arsenic exposure qualified as prediabetic 23 months earlier and diabetic 65 months earlier than those with lowest exposure.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have identified a cellular pathway essential to obesity-induced atrial fibrillation. Blocking NOX2, an enzyme that produces reactive oxygen species, may prevent and reverse changes in heart structure and function caused by high-fat diets.
A study found that despite a decline in TV ads during kids' shows, children under 12 still see over 1,000 food-related ads annually, mostly for unhealthy products. The exposure primarily comes from watching shows with lower child-audience shares.
A new study from the University of Illinois Chicago proposes an alternative theory for the formation of Earth's continents, challenging the long-held leading theory. The researchers used computer models to investigate the origin of Archaean zircons, which date back to 2.5-4 billion years ago.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a new dual-action antibiotic that targets two different cellular targets, making it nearly impossible for bacteria to evolve resistance. The antibiotic works by disrupting protein production and DNA structure, rendering random mutations ineffective.
Research from the University of Illinois Chicago found that oil drops can break into smaller droplets at the surface, spreading pollution throughout the ocean. Increasing water viscosity may help prevent this process, making cleanup easier.
A new study is testing whether digital tools can help predict which patients with depression will benefit from specific treatments and deliver them on demand. The researchers hope to use these tools to broaden access to psychiatric care and realize the promise of precision psychiatry.
Research debunks four common myths about intermittent fasting: it does not lead to a poor diet, cause eating disorders, excessive lean muscle mass loss, or affect sex hormones. Studies show both types of intermittent fasting (alternate-day and time-restricted) are safe despite popular misconceptions.
University of Illinois Chicago engineers have designed a new method to make hydrogen gas from water using only solar power and agricultural waste, reducing the energy needed to extract hydrogen from water by 600%. This process creates new opportunities for sustainable, climate-friendly chemical production.
Residents of all races are more likely to sustain injuries if they live in economically under-resourced areas, but rates decrease with greater racial diversity. Injuries also increase in disadvantaged communities across all three regions of Illinois.
A new study from the University of Illinois Chicago found that Americans are poor at identifying conspiracy theories when they personally believe in them. Despite this, the study's author argues that recognizing the prevalence of conspiracy theories can help alleviate feelings of isolation and disconnection.