Science Sparks

Dive into short stories about UIC’s innovative research and brilliant minds, and how UIC creates reasons for hope by solving the world’s most pressing problems.

A green circle on a light blue hexagon surrounded on four sides by needles made of diamond.

Elemental superconductor reveals new physics under pressure

Condensed sulfur could help study the fundamental nature of superconductivity

Two crystal structures made up of blue and gray polygons connected by red dots.

Experiments verify high-pressure properties of materials used in many technologies

Study could boost design of materials used for medical imaging, sonar and other devices

A woman in a white doctor coat with a stethoscope around her neck holds her hand to her forehead while looking at a laptop.

Antisemitism aimed at health care professionals has grown since 2023, study finds

Research also found increased antisemitic language in health care community on X

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Zinc deficiency increases risk of drug-resistant pneumonia

Shortage of dietary metal leads to allergy-like response, increased mortality

How protein disposal enzymes maintain metabolic health

Protein degradation pathway could help development of therapies to target cell “powerhouses”

A blue cartoon man and a red cartoon man are separated by a thick black line.

UIC video excels in Science megastudy on political polarization

Researchers explore media interventions to reduce partisanship

A row of satellite dishes pointed up at an orange and blue sky filled with stars, galaxies and straight lines.

UIC computer scientist will be ‘conscience’ of AI astronomy project

Lu Cheng will develop socially responsible AI for astrophysics