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Minecraft players can now explore whole cells and their contents
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Scientists have translated nanoscale experimental and computational data into precise 3D representations of bacteria, yeast and human epithelial, breast and breast cancer cells in Minecraft, a video game that allows players to explore, build and manipulate structures in three dimensions. The innovation will allow researchers and students of all ages to navigate […]

Four Illinois researchers receive Presidential Early Career Award
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Four researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign were named recipients of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on young professionals at the outset of their independent research careers. The winners this year are health and kinesiology professor Marni Boppart, physics professor Barry Bradlyn, chemical and biomolecular engineering professor Ying […]

Book: Maya wisdom should guide humanity’s future
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — A new book takes readers on a guided tour of Maya history as narrated by an anthropologist who has spent more than 35 years salvaging and exploring the remains of ancient Maya cities, farms and sacred spaces. “Maya Wisdom and the Survival of Our Planet,” by Lisa J. Lucero, is also a […]

Gene editing tool reduces Alzheimer’s plaque precursor in mice
A new gene editing tool that helps cellular machinery skip parts of genes responsible for diseases has been applied to reduce formation of amyloid-beta plaque precursors in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease, researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign report.

Are climate-related calamities erasing Illinois’ cultural history?
In a new report, scientists with the Illinois State Archaeological Survey describe how increased flooding, erosion and other effects of human-induced climate change are degrading many of the state’s cultural sites. ISAS research archaeologist Andrew White, a co-author of the report, spoke with News Bureau life sciences editor Diana Yates about the scope of the […]

Study offers insight into chloroplast evolution
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — One of the most momentous events in the history of life involved endosymbiosis — a process by which one organism engulfed another and, instead of ingesting it, incorporated its DNA and functions into itself. Scientific consensus is that this happened twice over the course of evolution, resulting in the energy-generating organelles known […]

Study tracks PFAS, microplastics through landfills and wastewater treatment plants
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Most of the PFAS and microplastics that flow into wastewater treatment plants from sewers and landfills end up back in the environment, a new study finds.

Thin skin significantly blunts injury from puncture, study finds
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Being thin-skinned offers unexpected advantages against puncture wounds, a new study finds.

Enzyme-inspired catalyst puts chemicals in right position to make ethers
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Taking inspiration from enzymes, chemists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign developed a catalyst to simplify the synthesis of ethers, key functional components of many drugs, foods, personal care items and other consumer goods. The catalyst puts the two chemical ingredients in just the right proximity and position to come together, bypassing […]

Genomic study identifies human, animal hair in ‘man-eater’ lions’ teeth
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Hairs extracted from the broken teeth of two 19th century “man-eater” lions finds human, animal DNA.

Study: Good nutrition boosts honey bee resilience against pesticides, viruses
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — In a new study, researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign tackled a thorny problem: How do nutritional stress, viral infections and exposure to pesticides together influence honey bee survival? By looking at all three stressors together, the scientists found that good nutrition enhances honey bee resilience against the other threats.

Report: Conscientiousness, not willpower, is a reliable predictor of success
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — According to two psychologists, the field of psychological science has a problem with the concept of self-control. It has named self-control both a “trait” — a key facet of personality involving attributes like conscientiousness, grit and the ability to tolerate delayed gratification — and a “state,” a fleeting condition that can best […]