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Researchers investigate neuron differentiation in fruit fly brains

Shelby Lawson

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…

Organizing nanoparticles into pinwheel shapes offers new twist on engineered materials

Lois Yoksoulian

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

Understanding the differences between healthy and type 2 diabetes-affected pancreatic islets

Ananya Sen

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…

New IGB center uses Indigenous Science frameworks for equitable and inclusive research

Shelby Lawson

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…

Heng Ji and Brendan Harley to feature on Story Collider Podcast “Unlikely Paths”

IGB Comms

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…

Cluster hires facilitate long-term institutional success

Ananya Sen

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…

Nine Illinois scientists rank among world's most influential, four from IGB


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…

15 Years of IGB: Collaborative initiatives at the forefront of science

Shelby Lawson

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.…

Developing alginate hydrogels that can support cell growth

Ananya Sen

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