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News about research advances, awards, and more.
“Buckle up and hold on tight!” Study discovers how bacterial pathogens stick to surfaces better when they encounter fluid flow
Host tissues and medical devices are ideal surfaces for bacterial pathogens to colonize and infect. Fluid flow is thought to flush bacteria off these surfaces, but University of Illinois researchers have found that some bacteria can strengthen their adhesion to the surface when flow is applied.
In...
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Sweeney Lab demonstrates how neurons with melanocortin-3 receptor regulate anxiety-related behavior
In a new study, University of Illinois scientists have shown how a specific group of neurons respond to information about an animal’s energy state and external challenges to regulate anxiety, fear, and similar behavior. The findings, published in the Journal of Neuroscience, suggest these...
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Xinzhu Yu receives NIH Director's New Innovator Award
Xinzhu Yu, a professor of molecular and integrative physiology in the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, is a recipient of the...
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Research sheds light on molecular pathway driving muscle weakness in muscular dystrophy
University of Illinois researchers have uncovered a molecular mechanism that influences muscle weakness in a mouse model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, the most common inherited neuromuscular disease and one of the most severe forms of inherited muscular dystrophies.
The genetic disorder causes...
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Protein p53 regulates learning, memory, sociability in mice
University of Illinois researchers have established the protein p53 as critical for regulating sociability, repetitive behavior, and hippocampus-related learning and memory in mice, illuminating the relationship between the protein-coding gene TP53 and neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders...
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Meet new biochemistry professor Chu-Young Kim
The School of Molecular & Cellular Biology and Department of Biochemistry are pleased to welcome Chu-Young Kim as a professor of biochemistry. We recently spoke with him about his research and teaching...
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Catherine Christian-Hinman honored for achievements in biomedical sciences
Congratulations to Professor Catherine Christian-Hinman, who was selected to receive the 2023 University of Virginia School of Medicine Distinguished Achievement Award in Biomedical Sciences. The award recognizes exceptional research and professional accomplishments, outstanding discovery and...
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Bringing cells to life … and to Minecraft: $30 million NSF grant supports whole-cell modeling research
A new research center at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will create whole-cell models that promise to transform our understanding of how cells function. With cutting-edge imaging and simulation tools, the center will advance the study of healthy and diseased cells; accelerate research...
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Meet Haiting Ma, new professor in cell and developmental biology
The School of Molecular & Cellular Biology and Department of Cell & Developmental Biology are pleased to welcome Haiting Ma as an...
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Meet Boxuan Zhao, new professor in cell and developmental biology
The School of Molecular & Cellular Biology and Department of Cell & Developmental Biology are pleased to welcome Boxuan Zhao as an assistant professor of cell and developmental biology. He...