Advancing Health

The Percival Bailey Brain Collection, located in UIC’s Neuropsychiatric Institute.

UIC brain bank leads citywide effort to study epilepsy, brain cancer

Nov 27, 2023 11:15 am

A new virtual brain bank spanning five Chicago academic medical centers and led by University of Illinois Chicago will create a powerful new resource for clinical care and research on epilepsy, brain tumors and neurological disorders.

UIC study: intermittent fasting effective for people with Type 2 diabetes

Nov 13, 2023 1:15 pm

Time-restricted eating, also known as intermittent fasting, can help people with Type 2 diabetes lose weight and control their blood sugar levels, according to a new study published in JAMA Network Open from University of Illinois Chicago researchers.

UI Health Mile Square Health Center at Wood and Roosevelt in Chicago, Illinois.

UIC, Mile Square join national trial of blood test for multi-cancer screening

Oct 30, 2023 9:45 am

The University of Illinois Chicago will be the first site in the state to participate in a national study of a clinical test that screens for a shared cancer signal in a sample of patient blood. The test screens for a signal shared by more than 50 types of cancers, including pancreatic and blood cancers which do not currently have recommended screening tests and often go undetected until later stages.

UIC-developed compound could replace injections with eyedrops

Oct 16, 2023 10:15 am

A new paper in Cell Reports Medicine led by UIC researcher Yulia Komarova finds that a small-molecule inhibitor can reverse damage from age-related macular degeneration and promote regenerative and healing processes.

Chancellor Marie Lynn Miranda with the UIC College of Dentistry team at the Pilsen Center for Oral Health Promotion opening.

UIC College of Dentistry opens Pilsen Center for Oral Health Promotion

Oct 2, 2023 10:00 am

The new center will provide community-based oral health care and educate dental students. The space has three dental chairs, two rooms for patient education, and an area in which dental students and students from other UIC health sciences colleges will provide group health education for patients.

Women with hypertension, obesity show benefits from UIC cooking class

Sep 11, 2023 10:30 am

Women who participated in a 12-week program called “Food is Medicine: Healing Together” say the cooking classes and nutrition seminars helped turn their health around.

Speech Accessibility Project aims to make voice recognition tech more useful

Aug 29, 2023 2:15 pm

Researchers at the University of Illinois are working on a critical project to help make voice recognition technology more useful for people with a wide range of speech patterns and disabilities, and they're seeking participants to assist their work.

A test tube containing golden liquid in a lab setting

UIUC team uncovers key driver of necrosis in cancer cells

Aug 14, 2023 10:30 am

Their study identifies a specific protein that plays a pivotal role in promoting cell death, which may allow the development of new immunotherapies against solid tumors and other challenging cancers.

A nurse and a doctor hand a face mask to a child, outside.

UIC medical students, doctors form Mobile Migrant Health Team

Aug 7, 2023 2:15 pm

Since the first week of May, more than 3,000 migrants have received medical attention from the UIC student-driven group, which has volunteered at nearly a dozen Chicago police stations where migrants are being sheltered.

Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived heart cells (cardiomyocytes) show the cardiac proteins actinin (red) and troponin T (green) as well as the nucleus (blue).

Mitochondrial proteins protect heart cells from chemotherapy damage

Jul 24, 2023 1:45 pm

University of Illinois Chicago researchers have found that when heart cells are put under stress from certain types of chemotherapy drugs, some enzymes move from the cell's mitochondria into its nucleus, where they are able to keep the cells alive.

University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria research team members are (from left) Dr. Krishna Kumar Veeravalli, Dr. Casimir Fornal, Dr. Billy Wang, M.D. student Vinay Sama, M.D. student Claire Schaibley, and Dr. Sivareddy Challa

UICOMP team developing stroke treatment that can reduce brain damage

Jul 17, 2023 12:00 pm

The University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria researchers are studying how to control a protein called MMP-12 that increases in the brain after a stroke. They are attempting to create antibodies that specifically inhibit or suppress that protein.

Researcher Indrajit Srivastava, left, and Prof. Viktor Gruev hold vials of new imaging agents developed by their research team that help surgeons to better see cancer tumors

Urbana-Champaign researchers work to improve cancer imaging

Jul 10, 2023 1:00 pm

Doctors have used nanoparticles in cancer patients to locate tumors during imaging scans more easily. But they tend to collect in the liver, not on the tumor. A new approach developed at UIUC looked to solve this problem.

UICOM students volunteer time, effort to meet migrants' health needs

Jun 26, 2023 10:15 am

The volunteers have been making the rounds across Chicago, screening asylum-seeking migrants at temporary housing locations for public health concerns, and also providing immediate and preventative medical care.

a diagram showing the process by which the peptide exits the fruit flies

Compound found in fruit flies could lead to new antibiotics

Jun 14, 2023 11:15 am

UIC scientists have found that a peptide from fruit flies could lead to new antibiotics. The natural peptide, called drosocin, protects the insect from bacterial infections by binding to ribosomes in bacteria.

two scientists observe their prototype device

Award-winning breakthrough tech senses viruses like smoke detector

Jun 5, 2023 3:00 pm

Two University of Illinois Chicago scientists have collaborated on a device that could detect SARS-CoV-2, influenza, RSV and other pathogens. The technology, called BioAerium, could dramatically improve disease surveillance for public health as well as research on how viral particles move through the air.

Beckman researchers link regular, moderate yoga to lower stress, better memory

May 22, 2023 10:30 am

Participants who practiced medium-intensity yoga for 50 minutes, three times per week “had significantly lower stress and anxiety, and higher accuracy on working memory tasks.”

a woman and a man walking down a farm's dirt road

FarmDocs program gives med students dose of agricultural life

May 8, 2023 10:00 am

Because rural life can be foreign to many first-year medical students who hail from urban areas, the program exposes students to topics like farm safety, delivery of health care in a rural setting, and specific stresses in the farming community.

a doctor confers with a patient in her office

UI Health’s clinic aids Spanish speakers seeking kidney transplants

May 1, 2023 10:00 am

UI Health has a long history of treating Spanish-speaking patients and is the leading hospital to provide transplant services to this population. With growing numbers of Latino patients on transplant lists, UI Health officials decided that a clinic serving the population in their native language was due.

a person drawing water from a home faucet

UIUC researchers develop filter technology to combat 'forever chemicals'

Apr 24, 2023 10:15 am

PFAS, or per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, are human-made chemicals linked to a broad spectrum of health problems, including cancer and thyroid issues. They're also known as "forever chemicals" because they don't break down and accumulate in the environment and in humans.

UIC Nursing program now available in six campuses across Illinois (video)

Apr 18, 2023 12:45 pm

From its roots in Chicago, the UIC College of Nursing is now educating nurse leaders in five additional cities throughout Northern and Central Illinois, including Urbana.

a scientist is using a microscope in a lab

With $13M grant, UIC scientists will study lung inflammation mechanisms

Apr 10, 2023 11:45 am

The researchers hope to find new, more effective treatments for chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, pulmonary fibrosis, and acute respiratory distress disorder, a common and serious complication of COVID-19.

UIC team creates new fatty acid that could reduce vision loss

Apr 3, 2023 10:15 am

Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago developed an omega-3 fatty acid called docosahexaenoic acid, which they say can cross into the retina of an eye to reduce visual declines among people with Alzheimer’s disease.

UIC researcher Kuei Yuan Tseng poses for a portrait at his laboratory

UIC researcher examines effects of cannabis on adolescent brains

Mar 27, 2023 10:30 am

Professor Kuei Tseng is one of the country’s foremost neuroscientists, and his lab rats are aiding our understanding of the long-term effects of cannabis on the teen brain.

Four young women practice CPR on female and Black and brown mannequins

Real Impact: Heart-focused agency advances neighbor helping neighbor

Mar 21, 2023 10:00 am

When the five-year grant that launched Illinois Heart Rescue in 2012 expired, the State of Illinois recognized the results-driven program’s impact and took over funding. The University of Illinois System again is advocating for the program’s funding as part of its annual state budget request.

Professor Brian Monson in a soundproof room

Study compares third-trimester sound exposures in fetuses, premature infants

Mar 13, 2023 2:30 pm

The study is the first to compare sound exposures of fetuses in the last 16 weeks of pregnancy with their age-matched premature peers. The analysis reveals profound differences in their exposures to noise, language, and the biological sounds of the mother, with implications for the infants’ development.

three researchers in a laboratory setting

UIUC team finds soybean protein that blocks 'bad' LDL cholesterol production

Mar 6, 2023 12:30 pm

Consuming soy flour rich in the protein B-conglycinin has the potential to reduce LDL cholesterol levels and lower the risk of metabolic diseases, such as atherosclerosis and fatty liver disease.

Alternate-day fasting a good option for patients with fatty liver disease

Feb 27, 2023 10:15 am

Nutrition researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago studied 80 people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and found that those who followed an alternate-day fasting diet and exercised were able to improve their health.

Benét DeBerry-Spence and Lez Trujillo Torres

Marketing study finds effects of racism on sickle cell patients, adopting new treatments

Feb 13, 2023 11:15 am

University of Illinois Chicago researchers in the College of Business Administration analyzed how racism and discrimination in health care affect the adoption of innovative medical technologies.

The front of a UICOMP building in Peoria

Rural Student Physician Program aims to attract doctors to underserved areas

Feb 6, 2023 11:30 am

The decline of professionals practicing medicine in rural America isn't a new one, and rural hospitals around Illinois and the nation are eliminating services or closing altogether amid staffing and financial difficulties. The Rural Student Physician Program at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria is working to solve this problem.

childrens' hands pointing at computer viewed from above

New AI institute focuses on children's speech language pathology needs

Feb 2, 2023 3:00 pm

The AI Institute for Exceptional Education will advance foundational AI technologies, human-centered AI design, and learning science that improves educational outcomes for young children. The institute will also focus on serving the millions of children nationwide who require speech and language services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Student cconduct a simulated exam involving a manikin and a standardized patient played by Bridget Brown in the UIC Nursing Schwartz Lab. Brown’s mom, Nancy (far right), acts as the patient’s health coach.

Actors help UIC students learn about serving patients with disabilities

Jan 6, 2023 10:45 am

As part of the new program, UIC pharmacy, dental and nursing students do a series of online modules about caring for people with disabilities. Then they get assigned to work together on simulation cases in-person or via telehealth.

New collaborative focuses on equity for those with chronic diseases

Jan 6, 2023 10:30 am

Chicago ARC partners "aligned on a vision to create a community of health innovation in Chicago and across Illinois and the Midwest, accelerating community-relevant innovation, technology, and partnerships, as well as positioning the region as a global destination for innovators and startups looking to transform healthcare and impact society."

Second-year medical students Nicholas Nguyen (Co-Director of Avicenna Lifestyle) and Claire Lee (Co-Director of Avicenna Lifestyle), senior Haihley Connors (Co-Director of Avicenna Outreach), second-year medical student Anisha Mittal (Co-Director of Avicenna Outreach) and sophomore Isela Villaseñor (Avicenna Interpretations volunteer) from the Lifestyle, Outreach, and Interpretations team volunteer at the Campana de Salud Health Fair, promoting Avicenna, educating about healthy nutrition, and offering blood pressure screenings.

Carle Illinois students earn grant to improve local healthcare access

Dec 12, 2022 8:15 am

Carle Illinois College of Medicine (CI MED) students received the Family Medicine Cares USA existing clinic award grant from the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).

Dr. Lauren Forsythe holds Duchess the cat, and Dr. Alex Gochenauer holds Loki the corgi in the Illinois Veterinary Hospital Medication Dispensary

Pawsitively Collaborative: A new partnership in veterinary pharmacy

Dec 9, 2022 3:00 pm

A new veterinary pharmacy residency program serves as an example of the collaborations that unite University of Illinois System entities around advancing health and other missions.

Experts boost activity of potential therapeutic target in triple-negative breast cancer

Dec 2, 2022 2:45 pm

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign researchers found that stimulating estrogen receptor beta in triple-negative breast cancers alters the activity of cancer-related genes and reduces the growth and metastasis of these breast cancers.

Are older women being over-screened for cervical cancer?

Dec 2, 2022 2:45 pm

A new UIC study suggests that women over the age of 65 may be undergoing unnecessary cervical cancer screenings and that more public health data is needed on the utilization of cervical cancer screening-associated services among older women to prevent potential harm and unnecessary costs.

A child shown from behind with a backpack walks down a city street with fall leaves all around

University of Illinois Chicago helps launch youth mental health program

Nov 4, 2022 10:45 am

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration is funding the Illinois Pediatric Mental Health Care Access Expansion as part of the American Rescue Plan and the Safer Communities Act.

A smiling young man with a smiling toddler on his shoulders

New Family First Act Summit gathers state agencies, helpful partners

Nov 4, 2022 10:45 am

“The Family First Act allows Illinois to invest more resources into addiction treatment, mental health services and parental skill building that will help strengthen families so children can remain safely at home,” said Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

A diverse group of enthusiastic students collaborate outside around a laptop with a University of Illinois Chicago sticker on the lid

UIC grant will increase public health ‘boots on the ground’ in underserved areas

Nov 4, 2022 9:45 am

Health disparities prompted the Health Resources and Services Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to award the University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health $1.5 million in scholarship funds from the American Rescue Plan.

HIV, AIDS training center at UIC goes national with help of $3M grant

Oct 26, 2022 2:15 pm

The Midwest AIDS Training and Education Center at the University of Illinois Chicago will expand its services nationwide with the help of a new $3 million grant.

Illustration of molecule enzyme inhibitor

New enzyme inhibitor shows promise for treating cancers, autoimmune diseases

Oct 26, 2022 2:00 pm

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have found a small molecule capable of manipulating an immune process that plays an important role in cancers and autoimmune diseases.

Carle Illinois-led research unlocks clues to healing damaged hearts

Oct 14, 2022 10:00 am

Research led by a Carle Illinois College of Medicine faculty member could give scientists new tools to prevent further damage and promote healing after a heart attack.

Portrait of Hana Hinkle, College of Medicine Rockford director, on rural background

Rural health education center in Illinois gains $6.5M

Oct 10, 2022 8:00 am

The National Center for Rural Health Professions at the University of Illinois Chicago College of Medicine Rockford will receive nearly $6.5 million over the next five years to fund the Illinois Area Health Education Centers Network program.

Person walking in park area with cityscape far off in the background

UIC teams with Argonne, partners in urban climate change study

Oct 10, 2022 7:00 am

As the largest contributing collaborator, UIC’s work is backed by about $5 million of the overall award to lead a biogeochemical observation network across the city, collaborate with community groups, and grow educational and workforce development opportunities for educators and students.

exterior of the UI Health Specialty Care Building

Specialty Care Building at UI Health opening up access to care, jobs

Sep 20, 2022 1:00 pm

The newest clinical building on the University of Illinois Chicago’s health sciences campus will open to patients Sept. 26. Leadership from UIC and its health system, UI Health, marked the occasion with a ribbon-cutting event outside the $194 million building Sept. 14.

New mobile health unit for underserved teens in Illinois

Sep 20, 2022 12:00 pm

The UIC College of Nursing has secured a $3.1 million grant from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration to run a mobile health unit for underserved teens in Illinois.

Federal center for farmworker health and safety to open in Chicago

Sep 13, 2022 10:30 am

UIC will receive $6 million from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to establish the newest Agricultural Safety and Health Center in the U.S. The new center, called the Great Lakes Center for Farmworker Health and Wellbeing, will be housed at the UIC School of Public Health.

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