A US study estimates that 90 million cases of waterborne illnesses occur each year through recreational activities, costing $2.9 billion annually. The most common illnesses are gastrointestinal and respiratory in nature, with adults aged 20-54 experiencing mild illness and children under 10 experiencing moderate illness.
Researchers designed nanoparticles that mimic a cell surface protein to bind and destroy viruses, including herpes simplex virus and human papillomavirus. The new nanoparticles have shown irreversibility binding and lethal deformations to various viruses in vitro experiments.
Research from UIC suggests that antibiotics' ability to kill bacteria depends on their bond duration, not binding tightness. Bactericidal antibiotics, which can cure infections better than bacteriostatic ones, work by dissociating faster from the ribosome.
The University of Illinois Chicago has received a $4.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to evaluate and install highly efficient combined heat and power technologies. This technology produces both thermal energy and electricity, achieving typical efficiencies of 65-75% compared to conventional systems.
Researchers found that a brief test can predict which patients will respond better to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or antidepressant medication. Participants with enhanced error-related negativity (ERN) signals in their brain responded better to CBT, suggesting it may be more effective for them.
Researchers develop targeted delivery vehicles for multiple sclerosis drugs using extracellular vesicles, offering a potential treatment breakthrough. The new method uses naturally occurring vesicles to deliver small molecules of RNA that boost myelin production in oligodendrocytes.
Two distinct mechanisms have been identified by which Th17 and Th1 lymphocytes breach the blood-brain barrier in multiple sclerosis, targeting neurons and degrading myelin insulation. Understanding these pathways could lead to development of specific therapies to block immune cell entry.
A new study reveals that unequal exposure to environmental pollutants may drive higher diabetes rates among minority and low-income populations. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals can hinder insulin production, increasing the risk of diabetes.
A new study published in Personality and Individual Differences found that high cognitive ability is not a safeguard against believing in conspiracy theories and paranormal phenomena. People with strong motivation to form rational beliefs can still fall prey to these unfounded ideas.
A pilot project tests a community-level assessment tool from Cuba on reproductive-age women and their families in Englewood, aiming to enhance provider awareness of home life and environments. The goal is to address maternal health and infant mortality outcomes, such as low birth rate and pre-term births.
Women with anorexia nervosa and obesity have lower levels of allopregnanolone, a key player in regulating mood, compared to normal-weight women. Low allo levels are associated with greater severity of depression symptoms, suggesting a potential new target for treating these disorders.
Researchers found that neurons in the brain's 'reward center' fired more rapidly in response to alcohol when estrogen levels were high. This increased sensitivity may play a role in the development of addiction in women, particularly during certain stages of their menstrual cycle.
The University of Illinois Chicago has launched the 3/40 Blueprint website to address the lack of systematic research on LGBTQ youth homelessness. The site provides a user-friendly platform for professionals to access concise reports and original research, aiming to facilitate smooth transitions for these vulnerable youth.
Researchers developed a new method to create novel nanoporous materials with unique optical, magnetic, electronic and catalytic properties. The technique allows for the creation of tunable nanoporous materials with varying pore sizes by changing the composition of nanoparticles and liquids.
A two-week intervention program focusing on reducing risky behavior was found to be effective in reducing aggression and future incarceration rates among clinically aggressive juvenile offenders. The program, PHAT Life, taught youth to identify triggers for high-risk behavior and develop coping strategies.
Researchers found that 25% of web APIs pose high security and privacy risks, which can be blocked without breaking websites. Blocking these features reduces the amount of code a website accesses, making it safer for users.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have identified two asthma phenotypes linked to distinct lung microbiomes, suggesting a potential for more precise treatments. The study found that targeting specific bacterial compositions may help control asthma severity and development.
A new study suggests that physically active white men are at a higher risk of developing plaque buildup in their heart arteries by middle age. The study found that those who exercised the most were 27% more likely to develop this condition, compared to those who exercised less.
A new study found that pregnant women who get less than 6 hours of sleep per night have a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes. Average sleep duration of less than 6 hours was associated with a 1.7 fold increase in the risk of being diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
A comprehensive study led by Leslie Stayner aims to investigate the impact of maternal nitrate exposure on birth outcomes among one million babies born in Denmark. The research will analyze medical records, household nitrate levels, and maternal consumption habits to identify potential adverse effects.
Scientists at the University of Illinois Chicago developed a multiscale model to study carbon dioxide conversion to carbon monoxide. The discovery could lead to efficient production of synthesis gas for large-scale energy applications.
Researchers aim to discover whether acupuncture can treat vulvodynia, a women's chronic pain condition affecting up to 14 million Americans. Acupuncture has shown promise in reducing pain in various studies.
The University of Illinois Chicago has established a Center of Excellence in minority health and health disparities research, funded by a $6.75 million NIH grant. The center will investigate social determinants contributing to health disparities in marginalized groups.
The University of Illinois Chicago is conducting a $3 million study on inflammation's role in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which affects one in seven women. The research aims to test whether nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug salsalate can improve ovarian function and reduce inflammation.
Pyroptosis, an explosive form of cell death, contributes to the high mortality rate of bloodstream infections by triggering excessive tissue injury. Caspase-11 is identified as a key enzyme in this process, making it a promising target for development of new treatments.
The SIREN network pools resources to boost patient numbers for emergency medicine clinical trials, targeting vulnerable populations and life-threatening emergencies like heart attacks, lung disease, trauma, and more. The network aims to improve treatments and outcomes for patients in critical care situations.
Researchers are developing a medication adherence intervention to improve antiretroviral therapy coverage among released Indonesian prisoners. The intervention, adapted from an existing program, aims to increase treatment uptake and reduce HIV-related mortality in the country's prison population. With Indonesia's high HIV infection rat...
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago are working on discovering new 2D materials to manufacture improved and cost-effective batteries. The goal is to increase battery efficiency by about 1,000 times, enabling sustainable energy generation, chemical manufacturing, and pollution removal.
The UIC College of Engineering has received a grant to provide scholarships, mentoring and internship opportunities to academically-talented low-income engineering undergraduates. The program aims to improve graduation rates and job placements for students from low-income backgrounds.
A new study suggests science denial is not limited to the political right, but a desire to see the world fit one's personal preferences drives it. People of all political backgrounds can be motivated to participate in science denial, particularly when results contradict their existing attitudes.
Chronic kidney disease is characterized by gradual loss of kidney function over time. Poor sleep duration and quality are associated with steeper declines in kidney function and increased risk of developing kidney failure.
Patients diagnosed at high-volume centers are up to 40% more likely to receive treatment for glioblastoma and live approximately three and a half months longer than those treated at low-volume centers. The study suggests that patients benefit from care at hospitals treating a high number of brain tumor patients.
A new site in Australia has revealed up to 15 gloomy octopuses communicating and interacting with each other, challenging the idea that octopuses are solitary creatures. The discovery supports the notion that octopuses can congregate and socialize under certain conditions.
Researchers have uncovered a reason why semiconductors lose their ability to carry electricity as they become more densely doped. They found that transient bonding of dopant ions with the semiconductor base material impeds conduction, but now know how to design smarter systems to minimize this effect.
A new study by University of Illinois researchers found that people are more lenient towards politicians' lies when they align with a shared moral goal. The study suggests that lying to uphold a morally right stance is perceived as acceptable and necessary, even if it means compromising honesty.
Researchers developed a new combined PET-CT scan technique that diagnoses cardiac sarcoidosis more accurately, revealing secondary sites in 40% of patients. The technique uses a 72-hour high-fat diet to provide clearer images and better detect the disease.
Researchers have identified a unique metabolic signature associated with epileptic brain tissue that can be detected noninvasively using magnetic resonance imaging. This breakthrough allows for precise identification of small regions of abnormal brain tissue in early-stage epilepsy patients.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago are investigating a new biological agent that mimics the effects of cooling when given during and after CPR. The agent, TAT-PTEN9c, has shown promising results in reducing cellular stress and improving survival rates for heart attack patients.
Researchers have identified heparanase, an enzyme present in the cornea, as a key factor in promoting and sustaining inflammation after HSV-1 infection. Elevated levels of heparanase trigger damage to tissue junctions and lead to pro-inflammatory cytokine production.
A new study found stronger support for all forms of gun control among Latinos and blacks than whites, with significant predictors including racial prejudice and ideology. The researchers analyzed data from a 2015 survey on gun control conducted by YouGov.com.
A plant compound, patentiflorin A, has been discovered to be more effective against HIV than the widely used drug AZT. The compound inhibits an enzyme needed for HIV to replicate, making it a promising candidate for development into a new HIV treatment.
Researchers have discovered a new chemical method to incorporate graphene into various applications, maintaining its unique properties. The method allows for the attachment of nanomaterials without distorting graphene's arrangement, enabling integration with other systems.
A new study estimates that heroin users have a significant impact on society due to premature death, lost productivity, and chronic infectious diseases. Heroin use was estimated to cost US society over $51 billion in 2015, with the cost per user exceeding $50,799 per year.
A new study suggests that dronabinol, an old pharmaceutical product, could be a potential treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. Researchers found that the drug reduced the frequency of apneas and hypopneas during sleep, decreased subjective sleepiness, and improved overall treatment satisfaction.
A study by University of Illinois Chicago sociologist finds that parental infertility is associated with lower test scores and grade point average at age 16. The research suggests a cumulative physical and social experience of infertility affecting child outcomes beyond the point of birth.
A study by researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found that low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) reduce stress, while slightly higher doses cause increased anxiety. The study used a dose-dependent approach to investigate the effects of THC on stress in healthy volunteers.
Research at the University of Illinois Chicago found that linguistic styles making campaigns more understandable and relatable to the crowd significantly boosted social campaign success. Short stories with interactive styles are effective for social good campaigns, while commercial campaigns rely more on content.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered a natural compound in grape seed extract that can strengthen dentin and increase the life of resin fillings. The study found that the extract can make composite-resin fillings stronger, allowing them to last longer.
A new study found that older adults who experience physical abuse are more likely to be abused again if they live with their abuser. Repeat victims were often abused by a relative and faced broken reporting systems.
A new study found that counties with poor environmental quality have higher cancer incidence rates, with air and built environment factors strongly associated. Breast and prostate cancer were most closely linked to poor air quality, highlighting the need for policy changes to reduce pollution.