News Archive
A unique combination of catalysts opens doors to making useful compounds
Emily Scott
Researchers have developed a new method that aids in the process of making valuable compounds by using a unique combination of catalysts.
A study published in Nature…
Ancient virus defends koalas against new viral attacks
Lauren Quinn
The human genome is riddled with endogenous retroviruses – little pieces of degraded and generally harmless retrovirus DNA passed down through the generations, along with our…
Donor Spotlight: Sandra Perry Sigman
Emily Scott
In 2009, Sandra Perry Sigman visited the University of Illinois campus with her husband David and son, Ryan. As an alumna of the School of Labor & Employment Relations…
Sequenced fox genome hints at genetic basis of behavior
Lauren Quinn
For nearly 60 years, the red fox has been teaching scientists about animal behavior. In a long-term experiment, foxes at the Russian Institute of Cytology and Genetics have…
Illinois iGEM team takes on CABBI-funded synthetic biology project
Emily Scott
This summer, a group of undergraduate students has teamed up with CABBI researchers to pursue an ambitious research project.
Their work is in preparation for the…
Genomic study ties insect evolution to the ability to detect airborne odors
Diana Yates
A new study reveals that all insects use specialized odorant receptors that enable them to detect and pursue mates, identify enemies, find food and – unfortunately for humans…
Molecular probe illuminates elusive cancer stem cells in live mice
Liz Ahlberg Touchstone
After a primary tumor is treated, cancer stem cells may still lurk in the body, ready to metastasize and cause a recurrence of the cancer in a form that’s more aggressive and…
In darters, male competition drives evolution of flashy fins, bodies
Diana Yates
Scientists once thought that female mate choice alone accounted for the eye-catching color patterns seen in some male fish. But for orangethroat darters, male-to-male…
Researchers first to sequence rare bacteria cause of rampant tooth decay
Laura Schmitt
The most prevalent chronic disease in both children and adults, tooth decay occurs when the good and bad bacteria in our mouth become imbalanced. The bad bacteria,…
Study explores risk factors linked to chikungunya and dengue outbreaks
Diana Yates
In one of the largest studies of its kind, researchers analyzed chikungunya and dengue outbreak data from 76 countries over a period of 50 years, focusing on regions across the…
Chemicals that keep drinking water flowing may also cause fouling
Lois Yoksoulian
Many city drinking water systems add softening agents to keep plumbing free of pipe-clogging mineral buildup. According to new research, these additives may amplify the risk of…
"Stable marriages" between microbes, nutrients they eat may explain diverse yet stable communities
Emily Scott
A mathematical model created by IGB researchers could help scientists better understand an intriguing characteristic of microbial communities: their ability to achieve…