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University of Illinois Chicago


HIV risks reduced when mothers teach daughters about disease

A study by University of Illinois Chicago found that mothers teaching their daughters about HIV and sexual health can significantly reduce high-risk behavior. The Mother/Daughter HIV Risk Reduction program, which included joint mother/daughter homework assignments and abstinence agreements, was more effective than other interventions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved·DateFeb 8, 2006

Brain protein linked to alcoholism and anxiety

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found a link between a brain protein called CREB and anxiety-related behaviors in rats. Lower levels of CREB were associated with high anxiety and increased alcohol consumption in genetically predisposed rats, suggesting that drinking may be used as a self-medication strategy.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 3, 2005

Birds and bats sow tropical seeds

A team of scientists, led by Henry Howe from the University of Illinois Chicago, will conduct a multi-year test to restore diversity to agricultural landscapes in Veracruz, Mexico. They aim to demonstrate that bird- and bat-dispersed seeds can connect isolated tree species, promoting species diversity.

Raisins fight oral bacteria

The study found that oleanolic acid and other compounds in raisins inhibited the growth of oral bacteria associated with caries and gum disease. Raisin phytochemicals were effective against Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis at concentrations ranging from 200 to 1,000 micrograms per milliliter.

US life expectancy about to decline, researchers say

A recent study suggests that obesity may be overestimating Social Security forecasts, with a potential decline in life expectancy of four to nine months. The researchers attribute this effect to the growing obesity epidemic, particularly among children and teenagers, which could lead to increased mortality rates and healthcare costs.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 16, 2005

Sea-level clue to climate change

Researchers have discovered an 8,200-year-old sea-level record that suggests a catastrophic freshwater flood into the North Atlantic 8,200 years ago led to a sudden climate change. The finding provides new evidence for ocean current disruption and adds credibility to a popular theory.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 1, 2004

Grant to study why teens smoke

A multidisciplinary team of investigators will track adolescent smoking patterns and predictors, including emotional well-being and social interactions, to identify factors influencing teen smoking behaviors. The study aims to improve prevention and treatment programs for teen smokers.

Actin muscles in on DNA transcription

Researchers have discovered that actin acts as a binding protein in the nucleus, recruiting other proteins to facilitate DNA transcription. This process is crucial for cellular activity and understanding its dysregulation is essential for developing new treatments for diseases like cancer.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateOct 29, 2004

Delta digs show sea is rising

Research by University of Illinois Chicago scientists reveals steady rise in sea level over the past 8,000 years, challenging a hypothesis that sea levels were higher 5,000 years ago. The study uses peat deposits to confirm steady sea level rise and emphasizes the need for better predictions to prepare for coastal erosion.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateJul 27, 2004

Gene linked to alcoholism

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago discovered a gene, CREB, that regulates brain function during development and learning. Mice with only one copy of the CREB gene exhibited increased anxiety-like behaviors and consumed more alcohol than normal littermates.

Seabed secrets in English clay

Researchers found fossils of green sulfur bacteria and oxygen-breathing sea reptiles coexisting in Oxford Clay sediment, challenging the standard interpretation of the fossil record. The team's discovery suggests that environmental conditions were dynamic during deposition, possibly due to climatic changes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalGeology·DateApr 23, 2004