Research from the University of Illinois Chicago shows that pharmacies closing leads to decreased adherence to heart medications like statins and beta-blockers. People living in low-access neighborhoods or using independent pharmacies are most affected.
Researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago found that injured miners who worked shifts longer than 9 hours tended to have irregular schedules or less than two years on the job. Long work shifts were associated with a 32% increased risk of injury resulting in death and a 73% increased risk of multiple worker injuries.
A recent study published in Science found that a year-long mission to the International Space Station has a small but significant impact on the gut microbiome. The researchers discovered that the ratio of two dominant phyla of bacteria shifted during flight, but returned to normal after Scott Kelly's return to Earth.
Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago found that graphene coating can reduce lithium battery fires by preventing oxygen release from cathode decomposition. The coating showed significant reduction in oxygen release under high heat, maintaining battery performance even after rapid cycling.
Scientists at the University of Illinois Chicago are developing functional optical coherence tomography and OCT angiography to study minute changes in the retina indicating early stages of brain diseases. The technique, led by Xincheng Yao, aims to detect neurovascular coupling changes that precede clinical symptoms.
A study published in EClinicalMedicine found that preterm babies born without the haptoglobin protein have a higher risk of brain bleeding, cerebral palsy, and death. The absence of the protein may serve as a potential biomarker for increased monitoring or preventive interventions.
A new report found that white individuals produce an average of 680 kg of carbon dioxide per year from their food choices, while Latinx individuals produce 640 kg and blacks produce 600 kg. White diets require 7% more water than Latinx diets due to higher consumption of resource-intensive foods.
Scientists at UIC identified alternative start sites within bacterial genes, finding over 100 E. coli genes with multiple protein-coding potential. This discovery opens new avenues for research into antibiotic action and pathogenicity.
Materials known as phase-switching liquids, or PSLs, can delay ice and frost formation for a long time, promising a new generation of anti-icing materials. PSLs are solids at low temperatures and can trap heat, delaying the formation of frost even under high humidity conditions.
Research suggests that adolescent binge drinking increases risk for anxiety later in life by altering brain connectivity and epigenetic programming. Abnormal epigenetic changes in the amygdala, a key emotional regulation center, can lead to lasting susceptibility to psychological issues.
An integrated therapy combining behavioral weight loss treatment and problem-solving therapy with antidepressant medication improved weight loss and depressive symptoms in patients with co-occurring obesity and depression. The study showed that participants receiving integrated therapy experienced a decline in body mass index and depre...
Researchers developed a microfluidic device that can isolate individual cancer cells from patient blood samples using size separation. The device has high efficiency and reliability, with recovery rates of up to 93% for small-cell-lung cancer cells.
Researchers find that a peripheral nerve injury can trigger the onset and spread of ALS in an animal model, with inflammation spreading from the site of injury. The study uses genetically-engineered rats with ALS-like symptoms to demonstrate the link between nerve injury and disease progression.
Artificial leaves have been designed to mimic photosynthesis and convert carbon dioxide into fuel, with a proposed design using semi-permeable membranes to collect CO2 from the air. The system could produce significant amounts of carbon monoxide for synthetic fuels and reduce atmospheric CO2 levels by 10% within 100 meters.
The University of Illinois Chicago will lead a $3 million project to design and develop GAMEPLAY, a system that identifies security vulnerabilities in web software. Once identified, the system will generate patches for these vulnerabilities, known as exploits, to improve software security.
Researchers found epigenetic changes in the brain's emotional center that last a lifetime, leading to increased risk of psychological problems and addiction. Early-onset drinkers showed reduced BDNF levels, which can impair normal brain development.
The University of Illinois Chicago will continue its role as the Chicago field center for the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos, a multi-site study of health issues and risk factors among Hispanic/Latino adults. The new funding will support phase III of the study, which aims to bring back participants for a follow-up exa...
Researchers at UIC will study mangosteen's phytochemicals and their impact on prostate cancer cells, with the goal of developing a new treatment approach. The $1.7M grant from NCI aims to investigate the unique xanthones in mangosteen that promote androgen receptor degradation.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed 15 new types of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides that can act as catalysts in lithium-air batteries. These materials enable batteries to store up to 10 times more energy and charge faster, potentially increasing electric vehicle range to 400-500 miles on a single charge.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a new technique to increase omega-3 fatty acid levels in the brain, with significant implications for the treatment of Alzheimer's and depression. By using a lysophospholipid form of EPA, the team was able to boost levels by 100-fold in mice, with minimal side effects.
Researchers found that while some peer crowds remain constant, new groups like 'anime/manga' fans and 'loners' have emerged, reflecting changing times. Academic anxiety is on the rise among high-achieving students, who fear disappointing their parents.
A new study published in the journal Heart found that Latinos exposed to pesticides at work are twice as likely to have cardiovascular disease. The study, based on survey responses from 7,404 employed Latinos, also found increased risk of atrial fibrillation among those with occupational exposure to metals or pesticides.
Researchers discovered a way to manipulate the Tat gene circuit to activate latent HIV in cells, making them susceptible to immune system destruction or drug therapies. This could lead to a cure for HIV by targeting the latent reservoir.
Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago used graphene to identify cerebrospinal fluid from patients with ALS, multiple sclerosis, or no neurodegenerative disease. The study found unique changes in graphene's vibrational characteristics depending on the patient's condition.
Researchers found that men with chronic kidney disease experience faster disease progression and higher death rates compared to women. The study analyzed over 4,000 participants and discovered a 17% lower risk of end-stage renal disease in women.
People with epilepsy living in high-crime Chicago neighborhoods have three times as many seizures as those in low-crime areas, a new study finds. The researchers used data from 63 participants and found that those in high-crime neighborhoods experienced an average of seven seizures over 90 days.
Researchers at UIC aim to recreate Titan's oceanic conditions in a laboratory growth chamber to detect potential biosignatures of life on the moon. They plan to grow microorganisms under high pressure and extreme cold to identify characteristic chemical and biological signatures.
Researchers used single-cell RNA sequencing to study gene expression in individual cells and identify unique therapeutic targets for cancers that form in specific cell types. The study found that mutations in certain genes can make cells vulnerable to apoptosis, providing a potential way to prevent or treat cancer.
Parents and adolescents largely agree on preventive care and confidentiality, but doctors have a different opinion. The study suggests that providing opportunities for private conversations with a doctor can lead to better health outcomes.
Researchers found that adolescent marijuana use reduces perineuronal net formation around inhibitory cells, affecting decision-making and self-control. This alteration may have long-term consequences for brain function and behavior.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago conducted a multicenter, randomized clinical trial evaluating an online intervention called CATCH-IT. The study found that high-risk adolescents who participated in the CATCH-IT program demonstrated significant risk reduction for depressive episodes, with up to 80% reduction in risk.
Researchers are developing an automated virtual health coach using data from human health coaches to help participants set SMART goals and stay on track. The system will learn to automate interactions and notify human health coaches when needed, aiming to improve health behaviors among underserved populations.
Scientists have discovered that alcohol blocks a potassium channel called KCNK13 in the brain, leading to increased dopamine release and pleasure. This finding presents an exciting new target for developing drugs to treat alcohol use disorder.
Researchers found that fostering gratitude among adolescents can decrease materialism and increase generosity. By keeping a daily journal, teens showed significant decreases in materialism and increases in gratitude, demonstrating the potential of this simple strategy to curb materialistic tendencies.
Residents in for-profit nursing homes are more likely to experience health problems due to substandard care compared to those in not-for-profit facilities or community-dwelling adults. A new study found that for-profit residents face a higher risk of severe dehydration, bed sores, and medication mismanagement.
Researchers found that cancer cells from the fallopian tube affect ovary's chemical signaling, leading to increased norepinephrine levels, which drive cancer cell migration. This study highlights the importance of understanding chemistry in ovarian cancer development and treatment protocols.
A randomized controlled study found that a sexual education and skills-building program reduced the risk of new STIs by 45% among black girls aged 14 to 18. The adapted program, IMARA, will be tested in South Africa with 525 daughter-female caregiver pairs.
A study by UIC researchers found that long-term exposure to periodontal disease bacteria causes inflammation and degeneration of brain neurons similar to Alzheimer's disease. Chronic infection leads to neural effects, including senile plaque formation and brain inflammation.
Researchers at UIC have discovered a way to treat boron nitride, making it bind to other materials like electronics, biosensors, and airplanes. This breakthrough could significantly improve their performance.
Researchers have identified a genetic predisposition to early-onset atrial fibrillation in black and Latino populations. A large registry of patients found that there is a significant family history of AFib in these groups, particularly among younger patients.
Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago caution against adopting smart pill technology due to concerns over patient privacy and consent. The technology, which tracks drug regimen compliance, may not improve patients' lives as promised.
A University of Illinois Chicago study reveals that patients treated in for-profit hospitals have higher readmission rates compared to those in public or non-profit institutions. For-profit hospitals had the highest mean and median readmission ratios across six major diseases.
Researchers recommend focusing on healthspan instead of life extension to address frailty and disease towards the end of life. Olshansky advocates for prioritizing health over extending lifespan, citing the need to address disparities in healthcare access and nutritious living.
Researchers are developing portable sensors that can detect toxic metals like manganese in a single drop of blood. The sensors will enable faster and cheaper research as well as rapid detection of neurotoxins affecting cognitive development and neuromotor function.
A new $3 million grant will test a unique program educating people with uncontrolled hypertension about getting their blood pressure under control. Participants will receive either usual care or view a video and ultrasound images to empower themselves.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago developed a nano-sandwich technique to improve heat transfer between two-dimensional materials and silicon bases, reducing component failure due to overheating. By adding an ultra-thin layer of aluminum oxide, they were able to double energy transfer between the materials.
NETenergy will commercialize its hybrid thermal energy storage technology to reduce cooling costs in commercial buildings. The $500,000 grant from the DOE will help construct a hybrid HVAC prototype and develop it for commercialization.
Perimenopause is a window of vulnerability for depressive symptoms, with hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and life stressors contributing to its development. The new guidelines recommend using proven therapeutic options like antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy as front-line treatments.
A new study aims to tailor behavioral therapy for co-occurring depression and obesity by analyzing how the brain responds to the intervention. The researchers will adapt an integrated behavioral therapy to target changes in brain function and health behaviors associated with better weight loss and depression outcomes.
Researchers will evaluate the use of negative pressure wound therapy in obese and/or diabetic patients at five university-associated hospitals. The goal is to determine if this technique can help reduce incision site infections, a significant complication that can prevent proper wound healing and even lead to death.