Bacterial chromosomal breakdown during isolation highlights the unusual regulation of the surface nucleases

A recent paper in PLOS ONE from the Kuzminov lab illustrated a novel phenomenon, RiCF, aka “RNase-induced chromosomal fragmentation.”

Brooke Lab: Certain Flu Virus Mutations May Compensate for Fitness Costs of Other Mutations

New research published in PLOS Pathogens finds that unexpected mutations help flu virus retain fitness by counteracting changes needed to dodge the immune system

Microbiology alumna wins the 2018 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences

La Jolla—Salk Institute scientist Joanne Chory, one of the world’s preeminent plant biologists who is now leading the charge to combat global warming with plant-based solutions, has been awarded a 2018 Breakthrough Prize for her pioneering work deciphering how plants optimize their growth,...

MCB graduate students present "Science on Tap"

The MCB Graduate Student Association (GSA), known as the MCBees, inaugurated a new outreach event, “Science on Tap,” on Sunday, November 19, 2017. Zach Costliow (Degnan Lab) presented, “Homebrewed Vitamins: What B1 and B. thetaiotaomicron are doing in your gut” at Riggs in Urbana.

Dr. Brenda Wilson honored with the Dr. Larine Y. Cowen Leadership in Diversity Award

The Celebration of Diversity program is an annual event that brings together campus and community leaders to affirm their collective support for an inclusive society and community. This event celebrates the achievements of faculty, academic professionals and civil service employees who make...

Study reveals how bacteria steal nutrients from the host

A new study, published in mBio, exposes a zinc-import system in bacteria that could contribute to their ability to cause infection.

Study reveals how thiamine affects the gut microbe, B. thetaiotaomicron

A new study, reported in the journal mSystems, contributes to understanding how vitamins may be used to modify or influence the microbial composition of the human gut.

Dr. Thomas Kehl-Fie Named 2017 Vallee Scholar

The Vallee Foundation supports original, innovative, and pioneering work by early career scientists. Kehl-Fie is one of five scientists chosen from an international pool of candidates.

Brooke lab and colleagues working to develop evolving antiviral therapeutics

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is funding the multi-investigator group focusing on eliminating influenza virus.