A vial of Viral Transport Medium produced at the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology. The fluid is used to preserve patient test samples for COVID-19. (Image courtesy of the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology.)

Volunteers at Illinois produce supplies for 200,000 COVID-19 tests

A collaborative effort at the University of Illinois to support COVID-19 testing is winding down, but not before it produced enough materials to support some 200,000 coronavirus tests across the state.
Silhouette of Preeti Sharma holding up a 250 ml pyrex vial with a bit of liquid inside against a window.

Engineered immune cells recognize, attack human and mouse solid-tumor cancer cells

A method known as CAR-T therapy has been used successfully in patients with blood cancers such as lymphoma and leukemia. It modifies a patient’s own T-cells by adding a piece of an antibody that recognizes unique features on the surface of cancer cells. In a new study, researchers report that they...
Researchers used a variety of techniques, including genome mining, to identify bacteria that produce defensive compounds in response to hormone exposure. Their approach will help in the discovery of new antibiotics and other medically useful molecules.

New approach drives bacteria to produce potential antibiotic, antiparasitic compounds

Researchers have developed a method to spur the production of new antibiotic or antiparasitic compounds hiding in the genomes of actinobacteria, which are the source of drugs such as actinomycin and streptomycin and are known to harbor other untapped chemical riches. The scientists report their...
Benita Katzenellenbogen

MIP Professor Benita Katzenellenbogen named Senior Advisor for the Cancer Center at Illinois

Benita S. Katzenellenbogen, Professor of Molecular and Integrative Physiology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, has been appointed Senior Advisor to the Director of the Cancer Center at Illinois (CCIL), Rohit Bhargava.
Photo of two rows of pink test tubes in an orange test tube holder.

Finding a new link between cellular respiration and virulence in S. aureus

Due in part to COVID-19, more and more people realize the importance of taking early steps to understand the virulence mechanisms of pathogens, especially in the face of their widespread resistance to drugs. Doing so gives researchers and clinicians a head start in preparing against future...
Liqian Ma

Liqian Ma awarded Mead Graduate Fellowship

The University of Illinois School of Molecular and Cellular Biology is pleased to announce the inaugural recipient of the Julie and David Mead Graduate Fellowship.
Cyberslug was modeled on Pleurobranchaea californica, a sea slug with a simple nervous system.

Simulated sea slug gets addicted to drug

Rhanor Gillette and his colleagues simulated a sea slug brain in a computer model, added a few extra circuits, and gave it access to food and an intoxicating drug. The work offers insight into the process of addiction and will be a useful tool for further studies, Gillette said.
Headshot of Auinash Kalsotra.

Team deciphers how myotonic dystrophy generates lethal heart dysfunctions

Roughly 80% of people with myotonic dystrophy – a common form of muscular dystrophy – experience dangerous heart ailments, and heart rhythm defects are the second-leading cause of death in those with the condition. In a new study, researchers traced the molecular events that lead to heart...
Block I with text "MCB" below it

MCB's Commitment to Diversity and Equity

The School of Molecular and Cellular Biology would like to follow up on the statement sent out by the University of Illinois on Saturday. As noted by UI President Timothy Killeen, “The horrifying image of George Floyd dying as a police officer knelt on his neck is one that will be forever burned...
Chris Brooke, assistant professor of microbiology, recently spoke with The 21st public radio show about what scientists know about the virus that causes COVID-19, the emerging variants, and what they still have to learn.

MCB faculty join Congressman for discussion about COVID-19 testing, vaccines, treatments

Faculty in the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology shared the latest news and insights on COVID-19 testing, vaccines, and antibody research with U.S. Congressman Bill Foster this weekend as part of the representative’s Science Saturdays discussion on Facebook Live.