A University of Illinois study found that cleanliness of seeds is crucial in preventing foodborne pathogens in radish, broccoli, and alfalfa sprouts. The study suggests that industry attention to seed cleanliness can help eliminate E. coli and other microorganisms during germination and sprouting.
A University of Illinois study found that smaller largemouth bass recover from exertion faster than larger fish. The researchers simulated angling situations and measured the physiological responses of small and large fish.
Researchers found that soy peptide lunasin binds to receptors in highly metastatic colon cancer cells, preventing them from attaching to the liver. Combining lunasin with chemotherapy drug oxaliplatin resulted in a sixfold reduction in new tumor sites.
A new study from the University of Illinois found that pairing broccoli with spicy foods containing myrosinase significantly enhances its individual cancer-fighting power. This is achieved by ensuring absorption takes place in the upper digestive system, where sulforaphane can be quickly and effectively released.
University of Illinois scientists develop a new strain of yeast that converts seaweed into biofuel more efficiently, cutting production time in half. This breakthrough improves the economic feasibility of marine biofuels and offers a healthier product.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified 25 microRNAs associated with glioblastoma survival and discovered 20 new microRNAs linked to initiation or growth of other cancer types. These findings suggest common pathways that can be targeted with similar drugs, offering hope for improved treatment options.
Researchers found diverse bacterial communities in infant saliva associated with early childhood caries, supporting the need for proper oral hygiene practices and dietary habits from birth. The study identifies minimizing fermentable sugars and wiping gums without teeth as crucial preventive measures.
A six-month double-blind study found that higher protein intake during weight loss can offset negative effects on muscle mass by maintaining more muscle relative to the amount of weight lost. Women who ate more protein lost 3.9 percent more weight and had a relative gain of 5.8 percent more thigh muscle volume than woman who did not.
Researchers found that mannan oligosaccharides increase the total number of immune cells in pigs infected with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus. MOS also alleviates the overstimulation of the immune system, reducing fever and improving feed efficiency.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered that sugar decomposes rather than melts, offering new insights into food science and technology. This breakthrough enables food scientists to manipulate sugars for improved flavors and textures, as well as pharmaceutical companies to enhance excipients.
Regular family meals can safeguard teens' health, reducing the risk of disordered eating by 35% and promoting healthy habits. Family members should prioritize three meals a week to foster connection and encourage open conversations about unhealthy behaviors.
Researchers identify top biotic constraints affecting soybean production, including aphids, rust, nematodes, and exotic pathogen red leaf blotch. Genetic resources, biosecurity measures, and resistant cultivars are needed to combat these threats.
A University of Illinois study found that obese dieters face challenges in losing weight due to changes in their brain chemistry, triggered by a fast or near-fast diet. This can lead to reduced motivation and depression-like behaviors.
A University of Illinois study found that high-quality youth arts and leadership programs help teens develop strategic thinking skills, including learning to anticipate unexpected twists and turns. Teens who participated in these programs reported improved time management, goal-setting, and critical thinking abilities.
The study examines various factors that contribute to childhood obesity, such as genetic predisposition, breastfeeding, TV watching, neighborhood environment, and cultural influences. The researchers have collected data from approximately 400 families and are beginning a third wave of data collection.
A new University of Illinois study published in the Journal of Physiology found that a high-fat diet during pregnancy programs a woman's baby for future diabetes. Exposure to such a diet modifies gene expression in the livers of offspring, increasing the likelihood of early insulin resistance and diabetes.
A new Q-PCR assay technique enables precise quantification of fungal DNA in soybean leaf tissue to assess resistance to soybean rust. This method improves upon traditional visual assessments, allowing for more accurate mapping of quantitative resistance genes.
Researchers warn that seed mixtures could increase the risk of pest resistance and reduce choices for growers, highlighting concerns over integrated pest management. The use of biotechnology in seed mixtures may lead to increased pressure on the soil insecticide market as resistance develops.
The University of Illinois has established an innovative research-based program, the Illinois Transdisciplinary Obesity Prevention Program (I-TOPP), to tackle child obesity prevention. I-TOPP combines a Ph.D. and master's in public health degree to develop novel hypotheses and approaches.
A University of Illinois professor chaired a committee that recommends providing at least 50% of normal caloric intake, including higher protein, to reduce inflammation and promote brain repair in TBI patients. The guidelines aim to improve recovery rates for veterans and individuals with other traumatic brain injuries.
A University of Illinois study suggests that increasing dietary calcium and vitamin D or taking supplements can significantly increase bone mineral density and reduce hip fracture risk. The researchers recommend a 'portfolio diet' with adequate protein, less sodium, and more magnesium and potassium for optimal bone health.
Agricultural companies have shown a stable and profitable performance over the past several years, outperforming the S&P 500 index with an 8.6% market value increase from 2007 to 2011. The top-performing sectors were fertilizer, equipment, and seed and genetic companies.
The University of Illinois has sequenced the genome of the woodland strawberry, a close relative of the apple, to aid in researching complex fruits. This will help improve strawberry quality and characteristics, as well as enhance the development of desirable traits in apples.
Researchers identified resistant soybean accessions in the southern US, with Rpp1 and Rpp3 genes proving effective. The findings suggest a different origin for US soybean rust than previously thought.
A new study identifies 44 high-risk counties with high food insecurity and prices, requiring an estimated $56 monthly boost per person to meet food needs. The study highlights disproportionate impacts of hunger on Latino and American Indian populations.
The University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences has partnered with several institutions to receive a $9.6 million grant from USAID to increase agricultural production and food security in northern India.
Research suggests that punishing boys for their negative emotions can lead to increased anxiety and behavior problems. Parents who punish toddlers for becoming angry or scared can hinder their child's ability to regulate and express emotions.
Recent research from the University of Illinois found that different types of diets affect endogenous losses of fat in pigs. The study measured endogenous losses to determine true digestibility of both intact and extracted corn oil, revealing that intact fat was less digestible than extracted fat.
A recent study found that bankruptcy counseling and education requirements are effective in helping debtors change their behavior and recover financially. Participants showed improvements in financial behaviors such as saving money, tracking income and expenses, and managing credit wisely.
A study by University of Illinois professors reveals that lesbian moms who experience intimate partner violence are often reluctant to seek help due to fear of losing custody. The researchers found that these women assume people are prejudiced against them and may try to solve the problem alone or hide their abuse from others.
Researchers will collect and analyze data on carbon, nitrogen, and water movement to create models and evaluate crop management practices. The goal is to develop scenarios based on different practices and offer training for teachers and scientists to understand climate shifts and agriculture.
Researchers at the University of Illinois found that fermented and enzyme-treated soybean meals can replace fish meal in weanling pig diets without sacrificing digestibility. These new sources are cheaper alternatives to traditional fish meal, which has seen a significant price increase.
Research by University of Illinois scientist Barbara H. Fiese found that family mealtimes with three key ingredients - action, behavior control, and communication - can reduce asthma severity and increase quality of life in children. The study suggested specific guidelines for allocating time during mealtimes to each ingredient.
A University of Illinois study suggests that consuming broccoli with broccoli sprouts can enhance the vegetable's anti-cancer effect by almost twice as much. Preparing broccoli correctly, with intact myrosinase enzyme, is key to unlocking its health benefits.
Researchers confirm waterhemp's first evolution of resistance to HPPD-inhibiting herbicides, requiring a more integrated approach to management. The development of new options and changing practices are needed to combat the increasing threat of multiple-herbicide resistant weed populations.
The University of Illinois study found that swine diets can include up to 15% glycerin and achieve comparable performance to a conventional corn:soybean diet. However, the study revealed no effect of feeding glycerin on meat quality. The availability and cost of glycerin may impact its use as a feed ingredient.
A recent University of Illinois study shows that sweet corn can be grown successfully with reduced atrazine use, but may not often be able to do so. The study found that weed control falls apart quickly when atrazine is removed, increasing the risk of yield losses.
Research found that several herbicides used on corn are safe for Miscanthus x giganteus, a potential bioenergy feedstock. This discovery offers growers hope in managing weeds without harming the crop's yield and growth.
A new molecular tool helps researchers understand the mechanism of RF genes, leading to rapid advancements in plant breeding. This unified nomenclature allows for easy comparison of unknown gene functions to known ones, improving hybrid technology.
Researchers have discovered new triploid plants of Miscanthus species in Japan, which could improve the biofuel industry by providing alternative feedstocks. The new hybrids are expected to exhibit phenotypic traits similar to that of the high-yielding Miscanthus x giganteus.
African savanna and forest elephants are two separate species, differing in size and genetic diversity. The study used DNA analysis to prove their separation over millions of years, with implications for conservation efforts.
The USDA has awarded $5.5 million to a research program aimed at understanding the causes and consequences of childhood hunger in the United States. The program will explore policy solutions to alleviate food insecurity among low-income families.
A University of Illinois research team has developed a strain of yeast that can efficiently ferment galactose, a key component of seaweed, making it a viable option for biofuel production. The discovery improves the economic viability of marine biofuels by increasing fermentation rates and reducing production costs.
The University of Illinois has received a $662,836 NSF grant to establish a program mentoring Latino undergraduate students in quantitative biology and informatics. Four cohorts of students will participate in one-year research experiences, receiving fellowships for their work.
The new book, Illinois Birds: A Century of Change, explores the evolution of bird populations in Illinois over the past 100 years. Key findings include declining grassland birds like pheasants and meadowlarks, as well as increasing wood ducks and house finches.
University of Illinois scientists have discovered a method to reduce the bitterness of ginseng in energy drinks by over half using cyclodextrins. This innovation could improve the health benefits of these beverages and expand their market, particularly in the US energy drink industry.
University of Illinois scientists have developed a new tool to study the metabolism of carotenoids in tomatoes, which are believed to provide cancer-preventive benefits. The researchers will use isotopic labeling to trace the absorption and metabolism of three carotenoid compounds in human bodies.
Researchers have developed a faster-growing E. coli strain suitable for mass production of high-quality DNA for vaccines and gene therapy. The modified strain retains useful traits while growing as quickly as other industrial strains.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered a new virus in switchgrass that can cause mosaic and yellow streak symptoms, reducing photosynthesis and biomass yield. The virus, Marafivirus, is related to Maize rayado fino virus and has the potential to affect other crops.
Research reveals that immigrant Latino mothers in rural areas need culturally sensitive, affordable, and flexible child care options. Many struggle to communicate with English-speaking providers due to language barriers, hindering their ability to work outside the home.