Researchers discover a new pathway that regulates inflammation

Inflammation, the body’s earliest response to damage or infection, can aid the healing process and trigger an immune response against invading pathogens. But inflammation gone awry can also undermine health, as in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or asthma. Read more

Wolfram|Alpha – Computation Knowledge Engine goes live

They’ve done it again.  Wolfram Research, the undisputed heavyweight champ of technical computing, has flipped the switch on Wolfram|Alpha.  The release is the first step towards Wolfram’s goal to build and make available a single online source that can provide answers to factual queries.  The general availability of Wolfram|Alpha, the world’s first computational knowledge engine, is offered for free on the web. Read more

Membrane penetrating nanoneedle developed at Illinois

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a membrane-penetrating nanoneedle for the targeted delivery of one or more molecules into the cytoplasm or the nucleus of living cells. In addition to ferrying tiny amounts of cargo, the nanoneedle can also be used as an electrochemical probe and as an optical biosensor. Read more

Cow genome sequenced

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — A new study reveals that – contrary to decades of evolutionary thought – chromosome regions that are prone to breakage when new species are formed are a rich source of genetic variation.

The functions of genes found in these “breakpoint regions” differ significantly from those occurring elsewhere in the chromosomes. This suggests that chromosomal organization plays an important evolutionary role, the researchers report. Read more

U. of I., Singapore establishing information technology center

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research, or A*STAR, a Singapore government agency that oversees 22 research institutes, consortia and centers, are establishing a major research center in Singapore. The Advanced Digital Sciences Center will be focused on breakthrough innovations in information technology that are expected to have a major impact in transforming human beings’ utilization of information technology. Read more