The study reveals that the U.S., Brazil, and China are top suppliers of global plastic packaging waste, with North and South America responsible for most production and consumption. The researchers emphasize the need for producers and consumers to share responsibility and costs to reduce plastic use.
Researchers linked dietary cholesterol to exacerbation of viral infections in mice, showing that high levels of cholesterol made mice sicker when infected with influenza. The study found that dietary cholesterol increased the number of cytokine-producing immune cells in the lungs, contributing to excessive inflammation.
Researchers explored potential policies to reduce nitrogen loss while protecting farmers' bottom lines. The study found that a nitrogen leaching fee policy showed the best outcome, with estimated cost savings of $524 million per year.
A new study found that Portland residents are willing to pay $442.40 per household for green roofs that reduce stormwater runoff by three times per year, decrease urban heat island effect by over one degree, and bring in a significant amount of bees, birds, and butterflies. The cost would be added to sewage and stormwater utility bills.
Research finds that bat box design and landscape placement significantly impact the energetic balance of endangered Indiana bats. A study by University of Illinois researchers tested five bat box designs and four landscape placements to determine their effects on bat metabolism, development, and survival.
A new study found that partner support significantly influences changes in depressive symptoms over time, but relationship satisfaction and effective arguing have a weaker effect. The research suggests strengthening partner support can improve mental health for individuals in committed relationships.
A comprehensive review of scientific literature on sodium reduction strategies in food production identifies five main approaches: salt reduction, salt replacers, flavor modification, physical modification, and functional modification. These methods can help food companies reduce sodium content while maintaining palatability.
Research reveals that climate change and drought can cause significant yield losses in soybeans, even with high levels of weed control. To mitigate this, farmers need to adopt integrated weed management strategies, including the use of soil-residual herbicides and late-maturing soybean varieties.
A new study analyzes knowledge transfers across 853 US counties in five manufacturing industries, revealing the importance of local environment, university research, and industry structure for innovation. The findings provide insights into inter- and intra-regional flows, as well as the role of external factors in knowledge output.
A University of Illinois-led study reveals a significant decline in tropical forest bird populations, with 70% of understory bird species experiencing a drop of half or more since 1977. The findings highlight the importance of long-term studies and the need to address the lack of data on tropical bird populations.
Researchers have identified avocado meal as a safe and palatable fiber source for dogs, rivaling industry standards in digestibility and energy intake. The study found that persin levels were undetectable in processed meal, contradicting long-held concerns about avocado toxicity in pets.
A University of Illinois study found that neighborhoods with fewer trees have higher medical costs and poorer health outcomes. Residents in areas with more tree cover incur $374 less in medical costs per year, a difference that translates to approximately $194 million annually.
A University of Illinois review examines how food deserts, poor diet, and racial disparities affect bile acids, gut microbes, and cancer incidence. The study suggests that Western diets contribute to the development of colorectal cancer, particularly among Black Americans.
Illinois researchers identified two tropical corn germplasm lines showing promising levels of tar spot resistance, regardless of location. The study developed a new method for scoring tar spot incidence and severity, which will aid breeding programs. The findings suggest resistant hybrids are key to managing the disease long-term.
Scientists at University of Illinois and Mie University develop monoclonal antibodies to prevent lung cell death in mouse models of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and acute respiratory disease syndrome. Non-invasive diagnostic tools also presented could aid in predicting disease progression and identifying patients at risk.
Researchers at the University of Illinois created quantum dots to visualize macrophages in fat tissue, shedding light on chronic inflammation's role in diseases. The new technology enables accurate cell counting and tracking over time, offering a potential diagnostic tool for insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.
A new study from the University of Illinois suggests that whether adolescents believe drug use is wrong has twice the magnitude of impact compared to other risk and protective factors. This finding highlights the importance of instilling a negative belief about drug use in young people as a key strategy for preventing substance use.
A study found that adolescents with insecure toddler-mother attachment overestimate the trustworthiness of strangers and have reduced brain activity when viewing untrustworthy faces. Securely attached youth, on the other hand, are more open to processing negative social cues.
Researchers at University of Illinois develop new method to accurately estimate soil organic carbon using airborne and satellite hyperspectral sensing. The study leverages machine learning algorithms with a comprehensive soil spectral library, enabling large-scale monitoring of surface soil organic carbon.
University of Illinois researchers found a key gene responsible for increasing soybean protein content by approximately 2%. The discovery could lead to significant increases in protein production, addressing global food security issues. However, the gene's function is unclear and may involve the plant's circadian machinery.
A study by University of Illinois researchers found that applying dicamba at the latest growth stage and using a safener can help minimize injury to sweet corn. The results suggest that dicamba could be used safely in sweet corn with proper application timing and formulation, offering practical guidance for farmers.
Researchers found pedal bikes increased bus rides by 1%, while electric bikes took that to 2.1%. The system supported ridership, particularly for socioeconomically disadvantaged and young people.
Researchers found that soil pH and total cadmium are key factors controlling cadmium uptake in cacao beans. Liming soils can increase yield while reducing cadmium content, but access to lime may be limited for smallholder farmers.
Researchers found that machine learning models can help predict village food insecurity outcomes in Sub-Saharan African countries. The models incorporate publicly available data on weather, geography, and food prices to capture a wide variety of factors that can influence food insecurity. Key takeaways include the need for interpretabl...
Research shows that cow-calf pairs can be managed in drylots throughout the summer grazing period without significant negative effects on growth performance, lactation, and reproductive rates. Calves raised in drylots had increased performance compared to pasture-raised calves, but still showed signs of stress during weaning.
New study reveals tradeoff between water quality and emissions on farms, highlighting potential environmental benefits of conservation practices. Researchers found that split nitrogen applications had no impact on nitrous oxide levels, but cover crops increased emissions by spikes in summer.
A new study from the University of Illinois reveals that nearly all soil samples in Chicago contain high levels of lead, with some areas reaching up to 3,000 ppm. The findings highlight the need for further monitoring and mitigation efforts to address environmental justice concerns.
Researchers from the University of Illinois developed a system using hyperspectral sensors on planes to quickly and accurately detect nitrogen status in corn crops. The technology achieved up to 85% accuracy and has potential for use in satellites, enabling farmers to make informed decisions about nitrogen side-dressing.
A new study reveals that Xanthomonas euvesicatoria has evolved to evade the immune system of tomato plants by changing a single amino acid in its flagellin proteins. This finding poses significant challenges for breeding disease-resistant tomato varieties, forcing farmers to rely on fungicides and copper treatments.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a new bat box design that provides more thermally appropriate roosting spaces for bats. The 'rocket box' style, with modifications to length and insulation, helps reduce the risk of overheating and provides space for bats to move and avoid extreme temperatures.
The study found that nitrogen fertilizer accelerated residue decomposition, producing more carbon dioxide and reducing the incorporation of residues into soil organic matter. This long-term problem can cause microbes to attack stable organic matter, leading to a decline in soil health.
Researchers identify a molecular culprit for COVID-19's seasonal nature, finding a galectin-like structure on the spike protein that responds to external seasonal patterns. This discovery could help predict future mutations and potentially pave the way for new therapeutics or vaccines.
Researchers have confirmed a Champaign County waterhemp population is resistant to dicamba, with a 65% control rate. The population shows signs of metabolic resistance, activating detoxification genes before the chemical can harm. This finding raises concerns about the potential for broader herbicide resistance.
Researchers found two prion gene variants in Père David's deer that may reduce susceptibility to CWD. The genetic variants were surprising given the population's small founder size and conserved prion protein gene. Studies are needed to confirm whether these variants provide protection against CWD.
A study from the University of Illinois examines how spatial proximity affects relationship dynamics in older adult couples. The researchers found that when partners are close to each other, their heart rates synchronize in a lead-lag relationship, indicating a complex interplay between physiological responses and interaction patterns.
Researchers found that when mothers and children are coordinated at the behavioral level, their physiological activity follows the mother's. The study highlights the importance of tuning in to a child's cues and being responsive to their behaviors during playtime.
A new Illinois study compares performance of static and dynamic nitrogen recommendation tools, finding that complex dynamic tools do not consistently increase profits but offer a 15% reduction in nitrogen leaching. The researchers highlight the need to refine these tools and prioritize environmental outcomes over economic gains.
A new study from the University of Illinois explores the use of near-infrared spectroscopy to measure moisture content in real-time during the drying process of coated and uncoated apple chips. The technology offers several advantages, including speed, accuracy, and sustainability, over traditional methods.
New research enables regionally relevant eating-quality traits to be selected early in breeding programs, saving time and effort. Genetic markers associated with 10 grain-quality traits have been identified, which can now be used by rice breeders in Latin America and potentially worldwide.
A team of scientists tracked individual endangered Indiana bats and northern long-eared bats to understand their foraging behaviors and habitat preferences. The results show that most timber harvest strategies are neutral or even positive for the bats, with smaller patch cuts and thinning being compatible with conservation.
Researchers have identified a novel estrogen compound that provides benefits similar to hormone replacement therapy but without the risk factors associated with it. The compound has been shown to reduce excess lipid deposition in the liver and prevent the progression of fibrosis, which can lead to liver failure and metabolic problems.
Researchers will test inexpensive techniques to increase asymbiotic nitrogen fixation, aiming to reduce reliance on expensive certified organic fertilizers. The project aims to provide evidence for a cheap, effective, and sustainable form of nitrogen for organically managed crops.
A new approach to measuring financial and digital literacy is proposed by a team of researchers led by Angela Lyons. The study finds that while promoting literacy is important, it may not be enough to ensure resilience, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women and those living in poverty.
Researchers found that most anglers weren't thinking about how invasive species could affect their own lives, highlighting the need for personalized messaging. Tailoring education campaigns to an angler's values and risk perceptions can motivate action, such as decontaminating boats or attending cleanup events.
Research from the University of Illinois found that high-oil corn has greater amino acid and energy digestibility than conventional corn, with increased phosphorus and fiber content. This could save producers money by reducing supplement needs.
A new study from the University of Illinois evaluates fintech systems in 16 emerging markets, finding that digital technologies improve access to financial services. However, vulnerable populations face barriers to usage due to digital literacy, cost, and limited consumer protections.
A study by the San Francisco Estuary Institute, the Nature Conservancy, and the University of Illinois suggests that access to nature may contribute to lower COVID-19 rates, regardless of racial or socioeconomic identity. The research team found a strong correlation between green spaces and decreased COVID-19 incidence rates.
Over an 80-year period, marketable ear mass in sweet corn hybrids grown at high densities increased by 2.85 tons per acre, while fresh kernel mass and recovery showed minimal changes. Modern hybrids were found to be more suitable for growth at high densities due to their compact plant architecture.
University of Illinois researchers discovered waterhemp's unique mechanism to detoxify the herbicide SA3, adding complexity to controlling this weed. This finding raises concerns about the potential for waterhemp to resist new herbicides before they are even commercialized.
A new study explores ways to make payments for hydrological services (PHS) programs more effective and financially sustainable in Mexico. Residents are willing to pay for improved water quality, regulated quantity, and biodiversity conservation, highlighting the potential of PHS to enhance ecosystem preservation.