Topic: Science

Scientific research could deliver transformative technologies to the food system over the next decade, according to a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. Advances in things like gene editing, data sharing and microbiology could make crops more resilient to climate change and livestock more environmentally sustainable.

When the body metabolizes omega-3 fatty acids, it creates endocannabinoids, a class of compounds that help reduce pain and inflammation. New research from the University of Illinois finds one class of these metabolites shows anti-cancer properties in mice.

At the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, students will be immersed in clinical settings from the very start and will begin interacting with patients in their first year instead of waiting until later in their training. The idea is to prevent some of the problems that can arise when engineers and medical professionals do not work hand in hand.

Up to 20 percent of women experience perinatal depression, which occurs during pregnancy or after giving birth. Karen Tabb, social work professor at the University of Illinois, studies factors that put women at risk of perinatal depression, which is associated with worse outcomes for both mom and baby.

Gut bacteria are microorganisms in your body that help digest food known to play an important role in human health. University of Illinois researchers are among the authors of a new study in the journal mSystems that finds a link between a person’s diet and their gut microbes. 

Anecdotal reports suggest marijuana is helpful in managing symptoms of chemotherapy, like pain and nausea. But it's unlikely curious patients are getting clear guidance from their doctors on whether they should try marijuana, which form might work best and how much to take. A new survey of 237 oncologists from around the country finds that while roughly 80 percent talk with their patients about marijuana, fewer than 30 percent feel they have sufficient knowledge to advise them about its medicinal use.

A team of University of Illinois students has come up with a solution to help prevent storm water pollution on campus. Their design just won first place in a national EPA Campus RainWater Challenge. 

A document on alchemy from the hand of 17th century English scientist Isaac Newton is now part of the University of Illinois Rare Book and Manuscript Library.

During a time when many Americans are skeptical about scientific research, podcast host Sandra Tsing Loh says scientists need to step up and explain what they do in a way people can understand.

Roughly a third of all Americans live with chronic pain, and many of them become dependent on opioids prescribed to treat it. But there’s a growing consensus among pain experts that a low-tech approach focused on lifestyle changes can be more effective.