News Archive

[ 2022-12 ] Infectious diseases are some of the strongest selective pressures in human evolution, selecting for genetic variants that increase resistance to infection. In the face of a…

[ 2022-11 ] The brains of all higher order animals are filled with a diverse array of neuron types, with specific shapes and functions. Yet, when these brains form during embryonic…

[ 2022-11 ] Researchers have developed a new strategy to help build materials with unique optical, magnetic, electronic and catalytic properties. These pinwheel-shaped structures self-…

[ 2022-11 ] Pancreatic islets are mini-organs that make and release insulin and several other peptide hormones to control our glucose levels. Although various studies have previously looked…

[ 2022-11 ] The Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology is excited to announce the new Center for Indigenous Science, which aims to create a place for cutting edge research and training…

[ 2022-11 ] Science storytelling organization The Story Collider develops “true, personal stories about science” as part of their mission to reveal the vibrant role that science plays in all…

[ 2022-11 ] In light of long-standing inequities in STEM representation, many universities are now recognizing the value of diversity in higher education. Achieving such diversity involves…

[ 2022-11 ] Nine researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have been named to the 2022 Clarivate Analytics Highly Cited Researchers list, with four from the IGB. The list…

[ 2022-11 ] One of the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology’s main goals is fostering partnerships between departments across campus to encourage more trans-disciplinary research.…

[ 2022-11 ] Encapsulating cells—both prokaryotic and eukaryotic—allows researchers to carry out experiments in hydrated environments over prolonged periods of time. However, cell growth under…

[ 2022-07 ] Over the past century, our understanding of cells—the basic building blocks of living organisms—has progressed largely due to microscopes. The invention of fluorescence microscopy…

[ 2022-11 ] Students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign once again hosted “Owl Night,” a public outreach event where people of all ages can learn about owl behavior and ecology,…

[ 2022-11 ] Honey bee workers collect pollen and nectar from a variety of flowering plants to use as a food source. Honey bees typically forage from up to 1-2 miles away from the hive, though…

[ 2022-11 ] Miscanthus is one of the most promising perennial crops for bioenergy production since it is able to produce high yields with a small environmental footprint. This versatile grass…

[ 2022-10 ] Artificial intelligence, “building-block” chemistry and a molecule-making machine teamed up to find the best general reaction conditions for synthesizing chemicals important to…

[ 2022-10 ] There are several daunting challenges that our society has to collectively face in the coming decades, including climate change, food insecurity, and the spread of infectious…

[ 2022-10 ] Advances in genomic studies have now permeated all aspects of our lives from agriculture to health and wellness. It is therefore becoming increasingly important to help the…

[ 2022-10 ] Many of the drugs we utilize in modern medicine are naturally produced by microbes. Penicillin, an antibiotic derived from certain molds, is one of the most notable natural…

[ 2022-10 ] The IGB is once again offering fellowships for truly exceptional young scholars who have completed their PhD or other relevant terminal degree within the last two years, who are…

[ 2022-10 ] Healthcare professionals have long recognized the association of physical activity with mortality risk—those who engage in more moderate-to-vigorous activity have lower mortality…