Illinois historian says Midwest played a crucial role in Black freedom movements worldwide
The Midwest played a crucial role in the growth of Black freedom movements in the 20th century, says University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign African American studies and history professor Erik S. McDuffie in his new book.
How can we peacefully talk politics with people who have differing views?
Deciding in advance what one’s boundaries will be — and whether to discuss political issues at all — can be helpful prior to attending holiday gatherings that may bring together people who have vastly different views, said communication professor Emily Van Duyn.
Study offers insight into chloroplast evolution
Illinois researchers have found evidence indicating that chloroplasts may have originated as energy-generating organelles and only later evolved to support carbon assimilation in plant cells.
How should we view the national decline in drug-overdose deaths?
Rachel Hoopsick, an epidemiologist who studies mental health challenges and substance use in populations at risk, weighs in on the many factors at play in national drug-overdose deaths.
Illinois researchers to kick off new phase of program to explore space-based manufacturing
What is being billed as the most exciting phase of a space manufacturing project called Mission Illinois is set to kick off this month. The project is currently gearing up to send a specialized construction apparatus to the International Space Station for demonstration of space-based or on-orbit manufacturing during the summer of 2026. The mission is backed by four and a half years of Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency-funded research in space materials, manufacturing and structural design at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Can birthright citizenship be repealed?
President-elect Donald Trump campaigned on a promise of eliminating birthright citizenship on his first day back in office. But birthright citizenship was enacted as part of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and no president has the authority to eliminate or modify a constitutional amendment, says Michael LeRoy, an expert in immigration law and labor issues at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Illinois researchers examine teens’ use of generative AI, safety concerns
Information sciences professor Yang Wang and doctoral student Yaman Yu examined teens’ use of generative AI and found parents had little understanding of how their children used it and that GAI platforms offer insufficient safety protections.