Elephant conservation is a major priority in southern Africa, but habitat loss and urbanization mean the far-ranging pachyderms are increasingly restricted to protected areas like game reserves. The risk? Contained populations could become genetically isolated over time, making elephants more vulnerable to disease and environmental change.
A bad case of the flu during pregnancy can increase the risk for fetal neurodevelopmental disorders such as schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder. But it’s not the virus itself doing the damage; it’s the mother’s immune response.
Domesticated animals play a prominent role in our society, with two-thirds of American families enjoying the companionship of pets and many others relying on animal products for their nutritional needs. But the process of domestication remains a bit of a mystery. Convincing wild animals they are safe enough to coexist and mate in enclosures and in close proximity to humans and other animals is no small feat.
Professor Dan Shike has been appointed interim head for the Department of Animal Sciences (ANSC), p
Meet Kelly Anna Lucas, a junior majoring in Animal Sciences in the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. Kelly Anna studied abroad in Australia at the University of Sydney during the fall semester of this year and loved it so much that she decided to stay for the spring semester.
Imagine you are walking in a big city with a lot of people. There’s cars honking, people yelling, trash all over the streets, construction sites, and your Google Maps just took you in the wrong direction. You would probably be stressed out, right? Now think of this scenario from cattle or pigs’ perspectives when they are being transported to different locations, or corralled.
As she opened her email in class, Jacqueline Springer started shaking as emotions overwhelmed her. With tears in her eyes, she rushed outside of the classroom to call her dad. He was just as shocked as she was.
The phone line was silent as Jacqueline’s news sank in. Only her dad could understand how meaningful it was to receive the Jay Haning Scholarship.
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign each year presents Campus Awards for Excellence in Instruction to exceptional faculty and staff members, graduate teaching assistants and advisers campuswide. This year’s recipients, two of which are from the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES), are being honored at a ceremony.