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University of Illinois Chicago


How many drinks is too many?

A new rodent study found that low doses of alcohol can trigger epigenomic and transcriptomic changes in the brain, creating an epigenetic pathway for addiction. The research suggests that even small quantities of alcohol can prime the brain for addiction, regardless of sex or quantity.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2022

A breakthrough discovery in carbon capture conversion for ethylene production

Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago developed a method to convert 100% of captured carbon dioxide into ethylene, producing hydrocarbons with high purity. The process uses electrolysis and can recycle almost all carbon dioxide captured, making it carbon negative when powered by renewable energy.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2022

Arsenic in private well water contributes to low birth weight even at low levels

Researchers found an association between estimated groundwater arsenic concentration and risk of low birth weight, suggesting efforts to reduce arsenic in private wells could help more babies be born at healthy weights. The study used machine learning algorithms to estimate arsenic levels in nearly all US counties.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalEnvironment International·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 24, 2022

UIC joins national quantum computing center

The University of Illinois Chicago has joined the Co-design Center for Quantum Advantage, a US Department of Energy-funded center focused on building scalable quantum computer systems. The partnership will open new opportunities for UIC students in quantum engineering and collaboration with researchers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 9, 2022

A ‘factory reset’ for the brain cures anxiety, drinking behavior

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found that gene editing can reverse epigenetic changes in the brain caused by adolescent binge drinking, leading to a decrease in anxiety and excessive drinking behavior. The study used CRISPR-dCas9 technology to manipulate histone acetylation and methylation processes at the Arc gene.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2022

Scientists develop environmentally safe, frost-resistant coatings

Scientists at the University of Illinois Chicago have created a new family of environmentally safe, frost-resistant coatings that can delay the formation of frost for extended hours. These coatings can be applied to various surfaces without preconditioning or expensive surface treatments, reducing pollution and ice-related problems.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2022

Early, persistent activation of specific immune cells may be a predictor of severe COVID-19

Researchers found early and persistent activation of neutrophils in patients who developed severe COVID-19. The study suggests that identifying specific gene signatures could lead to effective treatments targeting high-risk patients. This discovery may also inform the development of simple blood tests to prioritize treatment.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJCI Insight·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 14, 2022

Scientists uncover new information about cellular death process, previously thought to be irreversible

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a new method for analyzing pyroptosis, a process of cell death previously thought to be irreversible. By using optogenetic gasdermin, they found that certain conditions can trigger pores to close within tens of seconds, suggesting the process dynamically self-regulates.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2022

A potential at-home COVID-19 test is just as good as laboratory PCR tests, according to preclinical data

Researchers have developed an at-home COVID-19 test with a high-quality assay that can detect the virus with similar reliability to laboratory-based molecular tests. The new test uses loop-mediated isothermal amplification and has unique advantages, such as speed and direct detection of viral RNA in saliva.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 2022

Are pandemic-related stressors increasing young women’s vulnerability to STIs?

A recent study published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology found a significant increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among girls and young women in western Kenya, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers attribute this rise to increased stress-related changes in the vaginal microbiome.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 2, 2021

Research reveals new evidence that sugary beverage tax impacts are sustainable, effective

Two new studies published by researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago show that sugar-sweetened beverages taxes are effective and sustainable in reducing consumption. The Seattle data analysis found a 59% tax pass-through rate, a 22% reduction in volume sold of taxed beverages, and a net 19% reduction in grams of sugar sold fr...

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 1, 2021

Researchers identify protein that prevents serious brain damage, reduces risk of fatal HSV-1 infection

University of Illinois Chicago researchers discovered a function of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 in an antiviral defense mechanism, limiting HSV-1 virus infection through rapid activation of antiviral immunity. The protein complex protects the host by preventing encephalitis and possible death due to HSV-1 infection.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 14, 2021

Mitigating lung damage, mortality due to SARS-CoV-2

A pre-clinical study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers shows that a drug targeting specific immune pathways can prevent lung damage and death in mice infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The study suggests targeted treatments may be more suitable for COVID-19 patients than broad immune suppressants.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalArteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2021