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Stoichiometric crystal could solve quantum memory issue
magnafied image of crystals from AT006-1

Stoichiometric crystal could solve quantum memory issue

Although classical memory—like the type used to store text messages between users—is relatively simple to facilitate, quantum information can't be stored, copied, or retained in this way. 

Model tackles key obstacle to efficient plastic recycling

Model tackles key obstacle to efficient plastic recycling

Researchers developed a better model for the catalytic depolymerization of plastics, addressing a key obstacle to widespread plastic recycling. 

Paper: FDA should develop labeling standards for AI-powered medical devices
Sara Gerke argues that the Food and Drug Administration should prioritize the development of labeling standards for AI-powered medical devices in much the same way that there are nutrition facts labels on packaged food. Photo by Fred Zwicky

Paper: FDA should develop labeling standards for AI-powered medical devices

The regulatory framework for AI-based medical devices needs to be improved to ensure transparency and protect patients’ health, says Sara Gerke, an expert in the ethical and legal challenges of artificial intelligence for health care. 

Musk’s xAI scrubs inappropriate posts after Grok chatbot praised Hitler
Elon Musk. (Leon Neal/Pool Photo via AP, File)

Musk’s xAI scrubs inappropriate posts after Grok chatbot praised Hitler

Associated Press (July 9) 'Fixing this is probably going to require retraining the model. All they can do at this point... are some more Band-Aids, like adding filters on responses and tweaking the prompt,' said U of I computer science professor Talia Ringer.
 

Flightpath Biosciences licenses U. of I.-developed microbiome-sparing antibiotic
Paul Hergenrother. Photo by Michelle Hassel

Flightpath Biosciences licenses U. of I.-developed microbiome-sparing antibiotic

Professor Paul Hergenrother's team developed a class of antibiotic agents that target pathogenic gram-negative bacteria without harming beneficial microbes. The new compounds are being licensed for further testing and development.  

Looking for Lincoln director helps Illinois communities promote heritage tourism
Sarah Seiler Watson, executive director of Looking for Lincoln and the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, at the Old Capitol Plaza in Springfield, Ill. (Image by Rich Saal)

Looking for Lincoln director helps Illinois communities promote heritage tourism

Sarah Seiler Watson coordinates the efforts of 43 Illinois counties with Lincoln sites to create a compelling portrait of Lincoln's time here. 'We’re helping our communities to tell their Lincoln stories and to prosper through heritage tourism.'

Self-driving lab: AI and automated biology combine to improve enzymes
With AI to guide enzyme improvement and automated synthetic biology to rapidly make and test new variants, Illinois researchers developed a user-friendly system to drastically improve enzyme performance. Pictured, from left: Nilmani Singh, Jingxia Lu, Stephen Lane and Professor Huimin Zhao with the BioAutomata, an AI-driven robotic biomanufacturing platform. Photo by Craig Pessman

Self-driving lab: AI and automated biology combine to improve enzymes

By combining artificial intelligence with automated robotics and synthetic biology, U. of I. researchers have dramatically improved performance of two important industrial enzymes — and created a user-friendly, fast process to improve many more.

Historical math models recreated by students using 3D printing
This moveable model offers a dynamic proof that the cross-section of a cone (at a suitable angle) is an ellipse. The spheres are called “Dandelin spheres.” Students 3D-printed a re-creation of the model, which the Illinois Mathematics Lab can use for its outreach activities to area schools. Photo by Fred Zwicky

Historical math models recreated by students using 3D printing

U. of I. has one of the world’s largest collections of math models from the late 19th and early 20th centuries - a time when advanced math was becoming more abstract - so students would have something to enhance their understanding of abstract concepts.  

Researchers capture nanoparticle movements to forge new materials
Remarkable materials, such as the rugged yet lightweight skeletons of this deep-sea sponge, have inspired engineers to develop highly advanced metamaterials that can adapt to extreme environments. Photo courtesy NOAA Okeanos Explorer Program

Researchers capture nanoparticle movements to forge new materials

Remarkable materials, such as the rugged yet lightweight skeletons of deep-sea sponges, have inspired engineers to develop highly advanced metamaterials that can adapt to extreme environments.  

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