Researchers from the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois have developed an artificial muscle made of carbon fiber and rubber that can lift over 12,000 times its own weight.
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Serving counterfeit liquor is not only unethical, but depending on the contents of that liquor, can also be dangerous to the people consuming it. It was with this in mind that scientists recently developed a portable device that can tell fake booze from the real thing.
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Physicists have discovered a new form of matter called excitonium. First theorized almost 50 years ago, the Illinois researchers have found a “smoking gun” that they claim is the first definitive proof that excitonium exists.
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Two new studies led by researchers at the University of Illinois have delivered evidence that the composition of gut bacteria can be changed by exercise alone. The studies build on an increasing body of evidence affirming the role of exercise in determining the makeup of a person's gut microbiome.
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The sooner that you know an invasive species is present in your environment, the better the chances that you can control it before it becomes unmanageable. It was with this in mind that researchers recently detected a species of invasive freshwater clam, by looking for its cast-off DNA.
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Ordinarily, for the spectral analysis of peoples' blood, urine or saliva samples, lab-based machines costing thousands of dollars are required. Now, however, scientists have created a US$550 3D-printed device that works with a smartphone to do the same tests with just as much accuracy.
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When it comes to naturally repelling things, the humble cicada seems to have a few tricks up its sleeve. Now scientists have zeroed in on the insect's ability to repel water, which could provide inspiration for anti-icing and self-cleaning materials further down the track.
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If sepsis is addressed too late, it can result in organ failure and ultimately death. Scientists at the University of Illinois are working at detecting the harmful immune response quicker than ever, with a new lab-on-a-chip device.
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Scientists from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have created a new sound that we can't hear, but that is picked up by mics of all kinds. It could have some valuable applications, although there's also the potential for misuse.
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As any kid knows, brightly colored foods are more fun to eat. But the artificial dyes that give cereals, soda and snack foods their vibrant hues have been debated over safety issues for decades. The need for natural dyes has become clear, and researchers think blue and purple corn can pitch in.
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