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Institute for Genomic Biology announces five themes for research
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Although the doors of the Institute for Genomic Biology won’t open for two years, 31 faculty and 35 affiliates from 25 campus units have been chosen to be in five newly named research themes in the state-of-the-art facility under construction at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The five themes – chosen […]
Gene that plays key role in replicating viruses also halts inflammation
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Scientists at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign studying vaccinia virus, a close relative of smallpox, have determined that a gene necessary for virus replication also has a key role in turning off inflammation, a crucial anti-viral immune response of host cells. The discovery, reported this month in the Journal of Virology, […]
Fatty acid pathway, glucose produce triacetic acid lactone
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Scientists at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have designed a potential roadmap to use a biosynthetic pathway taken from a common microorganism to produce compounds that could serve as precursors to explosives or components in everyday devices such as liquid crystal displays or anti-cancer agents. In a presentation April 1 at […]
Biotechnology ‘investment visionary’ to speak at Illinois
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – A longtime leader and promoter of biotechnology will speak about the potential for state and regional development of the industry at 2 p.m. Wednesday (March 17) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. G. Steven Burrill, chief executive officer of Burrill & Co., will speak in Room 102B of the Chemical and […]
Toxin combination common in fish appears capable of impairing motor skills
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Pups of female rats exposed to a combination of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and methylmercury (MeHg) slip and fall more often trying to maneuver on a rotating rod than do pups from non-exposed moms, scientists say. The findings, published in the February issue of the journal Toxicological Sciences, come from a study focusing […]
Insights gained from molecular modeling may lead to better insecticides
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – One of the most damaging crop pests, the corn earworm, may be outwitting efforts to control it by making structural changes in a single metabolic protein, but new insights uncovered by molecular modeling could pave the way for more efficient insecticides, say researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In a […]
Exercise sharpens focus, decision-making among aging adults
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Aging adults who give up a sedentary lifestyle and replace it with a cardiovascular fitness regimen as simple as brisk walks reap greater focus and reduced decision-making conflict as they perform a variety of tasks, scientists say. That conclusion comes from a study that utilized functional magnetic resonance imaging to measure changes […]
Human evolution at the crossroads: Integrating genetics and paleontology
Champaign. Using her own research on the teeth of baboons as a case in point, Leslea J. Hlusko said that some of the traits considered important to human evolution, such as the thickness of molar enamel, may be too simplistically interpreted by some paleontologists. Hlusko organized a Monday symposium on human evolution at the annual […]
Run for your popcorn: Mutant insects expected to take over Illinois campus
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The world’s latest most-feared technological nightmare comes true Feb. 28, but only for about six hours. Genetically engineered insects will be running amok – though just on the big screen – during the 21st annual Insect Fear Film Festival at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The festival is an evening of […]
Out-of-balance ecosystems play role in demise of amphibian populations
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – During the last decade, Val Beasley of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine has led a team wanting to know why the world’s amphibian populations have been dwindling or riddled with limb deformities. Evidence from his and other teams points to increasing numbers of common parasites as an important cause. […]
Two-drug approach might shorten painful labor, reduce Caesarean sections
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The nationwide rise in induced labor and Caesarean deliveries could be eased by an experimental dual drug approach that not only safely jump-starts labor but also remodels the cervix to allow for speedy natural delivery, scientists report. A combination of RU 486 (mifepristone) and relaxin successfully hastened labor and promoted healthy delivery […]
Molecular level discovery could play role in development of new antibiotics
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Chemists at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have uncovered the molecular activity of an enzyme responsible for naturally turning a small protein into a potent antibiotic known as a lantibiotic. The finding is described in the Jan. 30 issue of the journal Science. The research details how the enzyme performs two […]