College of Engineering faculty members honored

Brendan Harley, a professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering, has been selected to participate in the National Academy of Engineering’s 22nd annual U.S. Frontiers of Engineering symposium. Each year the academy invites engineers ages 30 to 45 who are performing exceptional engineering research and technical work in a variety of disciplines to attend the event.
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Jennifer T. Bernhard, the associate dean for research in the College of Engineering, has been elected to the Engineering Research Council Executive Board of Directors for 2016-19. As part of the American Society of Engineering Education, the Engineering Research Council is composed of representatives from engineering colleges, industry and government as a forum for discussion of problems and exchange of information pertaining to the research activities of ASEE members.
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‘The Chemical History of a Candle’: The Engineer Guy’s new book and YouTube series on Faraday lectures  published “There is no better, no more open door by which you can enter into the study of science than by considering the physical phenomena of a candle,” said British chemist Michael Faraday in 1848. Even now, over 150 years later, one would be hard-pressed to find an object of study that would equal the candle, said Bill Hammack and Don DeCoste in their new companion book to the YouTube series “The Chemical History of a Candle.”

Hammack is “The Engineer Guy,” creator of the popular YouTube channel about the fascinating engineering behind everyday objects. He also is a professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at the U. of I., where he focuses on educating the public about engineering and science. DeCoste is a specialist in education in the department of chemistry, where he teaches freshmen and pre-service high school chemistry teachers.
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Alzheimer’s gene boosts seizures, but pathway can be targeted, study finds

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The gene most strongly correlated with Alzheimer’s disease also boosts seizure activity by decreasing levels of ions pumps and energy-producing enzymes in neurons, a new study by researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign found. Furthermore, the energy-making pathway was stimulated and seizures reduced in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease by administration […]

Health and Medicine Photo of Jacob S. Sherkow, a professor of law and of medicine at Illinois.

Paper: FDA-required drug labels shouldn’t be treated as evidence of patent infringement

Drug labels required by the U.S. FDA are intended to guide the safe and effective use of prescription drugs, but the hyperbolic claims of patent infringement by drug companies is tantamount to “patent gamesmanship,” said Jacob S. Sherkow, a professor of law and of medicine at Illinois.

Social Sciences Line drawing of a couple embracing while watching fireworks in the sky

Savoring pleasurable moments strengthens couples’ bonds

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Couples who spend more time savoring the pleasurable moments they share are happier together, argue less and are more confident their relationship will last, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign researchers say in a new study. “Savoring involves slowing down to become aware of and focus on positive experiences,” said first author Noah Larsen, […]

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Alzheimer’s gene boosts seizures, but pathway can be targeted, study finds

Paper: FDA-required drug labels shouldn’t be treated as evidence of patent infringement

Savoring pleasurable moments strengthens couples’ bonds