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News about research advances, awards, and more.
To overcome antibiotic resistance, new research says to let it flow
Some notoriously difficult to treat infections may not be as resistant to antibiotics as has been thought, according to new research using a microfluidic device that more closely duplicates the fluid flow found in the body than standard cultures.
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign...
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Genome map of yerba mate reveals insights into caffeine biosynthesis, paves way for new varieties
A recent biochemistry PhD graduate was part of the team of researchers to generate the first genome assembly of Yerba mate, a plant species and herbal tea native to South America. The resulting structural data, published in eLife, provides...
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Cholesterol and cancer: Q&A with the Nelson Lab
Cholesterol is an essential lipid that plays a critical role in hormone production, digestion, and immune function. The ability to maintain a balanced level of cholesterol — known as cholesterol homeostasis — can influence tumor growth, progression, and immune response. High cholesterol levels have...
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RNA binding protein implicated in brain development, fear memory
Researchers from the University of Illinois have identified an RNA binding protein called MOV10 as a critical factor in memory formation and learning. Their findings, published this month in BMC Biology, will...
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New study sheds light on liver maturation, specialization
Researchers from the University of Illinois have identified a key process coordinating liver maturation and polyploidization, a state in which cells carry more than two sets of chromosomes. Their findings, published in Genes and Development,...
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Meet MCB: Dr. Sayee Anakk’s research journey
Dr. Sayeepriyadarshini “Sayee” Anakk is newly promoted professor of molecular and integrative physiology whose research program focuses on understanding liver metabolism in normal and diseased states...
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MCB researchers investigate ways to weaponize bacterial viruses to combat superbugs
Researchers from the University of Illinois have reported complementary discoveries that will improve scientists’ understanding of immune systems in bacteria and equip clinicians with more effective options for treating antibiotic-resistant infections.
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria known as...
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Can bacteria handle stress? Study reveals how combined stressors overwhelm harmful bacteria
The human body is a stressful place for bacteria to live. They must defend against many chemical and physical stressors, in addition to the immune system. One major physical stressor is fluid flow, which constantly circulates in the bloodstream, urinary tract, and lungs. Research has...
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Illuminating signal transduction mechanisms in Cys-loop receptors
Researchers from the University of Illinois have discovered a key factor responsible for facilitating signal transduction in Cys-loop receptors, providing insight into a longstanding question in the field of ion-channel physiology and contributing to rational drug design. Their findings appear in...
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Gut microbiome research sheds light on oligosaccharide breakdown, prebiotics
The human gut is a diverse and densely populated environment filled with bacteria and other microbes in fierce competition for resources. One major colonizer in the human colon is Bacteroides, a genus of bacteria that can break down a wide variety of complex carbohydrates indigestible by...