Global analysis suggests COVID-19 is seasonal
URBANA, Ill. – With cities around the globe locking down yet again amid soaring COVID-19 numbers, could seasonality be partially to blame? New research from the University of Illinois says yes.
In a paper published in Evolutionary Bioinformatics, Illinois researchers show COVID-19 cases and mortality rates, among other epidemiological metrics, are significantly correlated with temperature and latitude across 221 countries.
Online smell, taste challenge offered as early detection tool for COVID-19
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Abrupt changes in the senses of smell and taste are commonly reported by people who contract COVID-19 and may be an early warning sign that a person has been infected.
Distinguished Illinois alum makes personal gift to Feed Technology Center
URBANA, Ill. – Construction on the University of Illinois’ new Feed Technology Center may be complete, but donations are still arriving to sponsor the facility’s $20 million price tag. For Ed McMillan and his family, the first individual donors, the choice to give to the Feed Technology Center was simple.
Illini Fuel gives ACES students hands-on experience in sports dietetics
Students at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are not lacking in U of I pride, and it’s not uncommon to see Memorial Stadium or the State Farm Center packed with students cheering on Illini athletes. What many people might not know, though, is behind the scenes and on the sidelines at U of I sporting events, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) students are working hard to help fuel and hydrate players during games and practices.
Dairy calves benefit from higher-protein starter feed, Illinois study says
URBANA, Ill. – Dairy producers know early nutrition for young calves has far-reaching impacts, both for the long-term health and productivity of the animals and for farm profitability. With the goal of increasing not just body weight but also lean tissue gain, a new University of Illinois study finds enhanced milk replacer with high crude-protein dry starter feed is the winning combination.
Gut bacteria help digest dietary fiber, release important antioxidant
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Dietary fiber found in grains is a large component of many diets, but little is understood about how we digest the fiber, as humans lack enzymes to break down the complex molecules. Some species of gut bacteria break down the fiber in such a way that it not only becomes digestible, but releases ferulic acid, an important antioxidant with multiple health benefits, according to a new study led by Department of Animal Sciences researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Illinois RapidVent research published
URBANA, Ill -- The design, testing, and validation of the Illinois RapidVent emergency ventilator has been published in the journal Plos One. The article, “Emergency Ventilator for COVID-19,” by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign researchers, is the first of its kind to report such details about an emergency ventilator that was designed, prototyped, and tested at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
New companion animal certificate draws pet professionals, enthusiasts
URBANA, Ill. – When Lizzy Geary began contemplating graduate programs for companion animal nutrition, she knew she needed an edge. As an undergraduate in the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois, she heard of a new certificate program that would set her apart from the rest.
Illinois residents value strategies to improve water quality
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois residents value efforts to reduce watershed pollution, and they are willing to pay for environmental improvements, according to a new study from agricultural economists at the University of Illinois.
No-till practices in vulnerable areas significantly reduce soil erosion
URBANA, Ill. – Soil erosion is a major challenge in agricultural production. It affects soil quality and carries nutrient sediments that pollute waterways. While soil erosion is a naturally occurring process, agricultural activities such as conventional tilling exacerbate it. Farmers implementing no-till practices can significantly reduce soil erosion rates, a new University of Illinois study shows.