Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology

Our outreach team had a great time hosting Next Generation Preschool & Early Education preschoolers and TK students last week! Students made their own nectar guide flowers, investigated bugs using our ZEISS Microscopy microscope collection, interacted with live insects, and played some of our insect-themed games!

To book a field trip or visit from our outreach group, head to the link in our bio. We are currently booking for early 2027!

Join us in October for the first international summit focused on , the next-generation biomass crop transforming renewable , clean bioproducts, regenerative , and a circular . 🌾

The International Miscanthus Summit 2026 brings together leaders from research, policy, and industry for four days of networking and innovation, including a two-day scientific conference and a two-day industry trade show. Register for the two days that fit your focus or all four!

The summit is open to anyone interested in miscanthus – industry, academia, government, NGOs, farmers, and beyond!

🔗 Register: https://loom.ly/5IMMMgg

University of Illinois College of ACES | Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology

With heat indexes reaching over 100 and dew points in the 80s, central Illinois weather doesn’t play around in July. But, did you know that corn is partly to blame? 🌽

Stay cool and swipe through to learn more!

Almost three decades ago, a landmark court ruling helped to bring a class of industrial waste to public and scientific attention. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, referred to as PFAS, are noteworthy for their stability and longevity. But over time, these manufacturing chemicals have led to a quiet health and environmental crisis. How are IGB researchers working to understand and combat the impacts of PFAS?

In the 2025 IGB Annual Report, we look back at meaningful long-term projects, the trajectory they have taken, and the dedicated researchers who have devoted years or even decades of work to move them forward. Learn more about the work on PFAS and other IGB research projects in the 2025 Annual Report at igb.illinois.edu/aboutIGB/annualreport (Link in bio)

Find us at Urbana's Market at the Square now til 12 pm!

How can genomics help us find cancers before they spread? Join us on Translating Science as we explore how IGB scientists are revolutionizing the detection of cancer biomarkers with a device you can fit in the palm of your hand. Read now at www.igbillinois.substack.com (link in bio)

Sick of analyzing microscopy z-stacks? Check out these IGB-stacks instead.

Science is here.

Want an exclusive look at the IGB’s 2025 Annual Report? Head over to igbillinois.substack.com and appreciate the years of work that build to a scientific achievement.

Congratulations to the first cohort of our Summer of Intensive Microscopy Training 🔬 (SOMIT). This week-long workshop for incoming graduate students and advanced undergraduates provided students with hands-on, comprehensive experience in microscopy. Each day, students completed lectures and lab sessions covering topics like tissue preparation and immunohistochemistry, software and AI data tools, and even building their own microscope! 😮 The IGB Core facilities is proud to offer a variety of training opportunities for trainees and senior scientists alike. For more details visit our website (igb.illinois.edu)! 🧬

The July Core Image of the Month depicts collagen found in the uterus of a 9-month-old mouse, obtained by staining the collagen with Picrosirius red and visualizing it under polarized light. Owing to their inherent birefringent properties, collagen type I fibers appear as thick red-orange fibers, whereas collagen type III fibers appear as thin green-yellow fibers.

Using this method, the researchers assess collagen deposition and tissue fibrosis of the uterus, while studying how certain chemicals can impact reproductive health and aging.

👥: Sarah Ibrahim in the Nowak Lab
🔬: ZEISS Microscopy Axioscan.Z1