Global collaboration promotes advances in mind-body research
Medical practices focusing on the relationship between the nervous system (mind) and the immune system (body) are explored in the relatively new biomedical research field of psychoneuroimmunology. Significant discoveries in areas like stress, mindfulness, ancient exercise (tai chi), and dietary interventions are just some of the work pioneered in this field.
How machine learning can improve food insecurity predictions
URBANA, Ill. – Food insecurity in low-income countries is on the rise as climate variation and economic shocks, including the COVID-19 pandemic, take their toll. Accurately predicting when and where hunger crises occur is critical to effective humanitarian aid response. A new study from the University of Illinois explores how machine learning can help improve forecasting when used appropriately.
Four ACES grad students awarded Global Food Security Fellowships
The ACES International Global Food Security Fellowship, now in its third year, supports exceptional ACES graduate students who wish to conduct their thesis research in a developing country.
Sixth annual International Food Security Symposium at Illinois highlights global efforts
An international audience joined Illinois Extension and ACES International for the Sixth International Food Security Symposium, “Comparative Extension Models: Perspectives from the Field" on Oct. 11-12, 2021.
Tanzania field trial finds soil testing and subsidies can increase fertilizer use and maize yields
URBANA, Ill. – The right mineral fertilizers applied appropriately can alleviate nutrient deficiencies in soils and increase crop yields, but most small-scale farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa do not have their soils tested to reveal these deficiencies.
New summer program offers ACES undergrads hands-on rice research in the Philippines
A new summer program will allow College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) undergraduates to spend six weeks in the Philippines conducting hands-on research in rice science at the International Rice Research Institute.
ACES hosts Indonesian delegation, plans future collaborations and exchanges
A distinguished delegation of Indonesian officials visited the University of Illinois campus in October to begin discussions towards future student exchanges and faculty research partnerships.
The delegation included representatives from the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investment, Del Institute of Technology, Government of North Sumatra, and the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Chicago.
Measuring financial and digital literacy in vulnerable populations
URBANA, Ill. – Financial inclusion is key to improving economic and social welfare, reducing inequality, and promoting economic growth. Globally, 1.7 billion people have limited access to financial services, especially in the developing world. As governments and NGOs work to strengthen financial resilience, digital technology has become a crucial component.
Fintech can promote financial inclusion in emerging economies
URBANA, Ill. – Financial technologies – fintech – are rapidly expanding and providing easier access to financial services worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the need for contactless transactions.
A new study from the University of Illinois evaluates fintech systems in 16 emerging markets. The researchers conclude digital technologies overall provide greater access to financial services, but some barriers to usage remain for vulnerable populations.
ACES alums celebrate impactful international internship program
Dozens of ACES alumni returned to the University of Illinois campus in September to celebrate the impacts of an international internship experience and reconnect with a mentor, professor emeritus Lowell Hill.
For over two decades, agricultural economics students under Hill’s supervision covered the globe to shed light on practices and standards in international grain trade.