Research News

March 14, 2024

SIU researcher mines social media for data on eclipse tourism

A total solar eclipse is an opportunity to witness one of nature’s greatest wonders, but for a researcher at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, it’s also a chance to study tourism in smaller communities where not much data exists.

February 06, 2024

SIU experts search abandoned coal mines for rare earth elements used in green energy

Rare earth elements are key to the energy sources that power many modern technologies, and a Southern Illinois University Carbondale researcher is trying to find ways to glean them from the remnants of yesteryear’s energy source.

February 01, 2024

Student team led by SIU prof seeks to use algae to grow out-of-this-world crops

A team of students led by a researcher at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is one of just 15 nationwide finalists for the U.S. Department of Energy AlgaePrize 2023-2025 Competition. And if the Carbondale team succeeds, its project could be used to grow crops in off-Earth environments such as its moon and Mars.

January 29, 2024

SIU researchers work to place Southern Illinois Black heritage sites on National Register

Work by Southern Illinois University Carbondale researchers in recognizing significant Black heritage properties in the region could also reveal more information about a Union Army military camp that hosted up to 5,000 freed Blacks in Cairo at one point during the Civil War.

January 11, 2024

SIU gets $2.6M grant to use celestial marvels as inspiration to study the sun

Of all the objects in Earth’s sky, nothing impacts humans more than the sun. Researchers at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are playing a key role to inspire curiosity about our fiery celestial neighbor.

January 08, 2024

SIU medical researchers seek causes, solutions for pituitary-related conditions

About one in 4,000 children are born with a deficiency of one or more pituitary hormones that results in a wide variety of health issues including growth insufficiency, metabolic imbalances, infertility and in some cases, infant death.

December 12, 2023

SIU prof named fellow of National Academy of Inventors

A longtime Southern Illinois University Carbondale faculty researcher has been named a fellow by the National Academy of Inventors for its 2023 class.

December 11, 2023

SIU researchers lead $465K project to bring 2024 eclipse to schools outside moon’s shadow

Young students in Southern Illinois will have their second chance to witness an awe-inspiring total solar eclipse, being fortunate enough to live near its path. Faculty at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, however, are planning to bring the celestial event to many other youngsters who are not in the shadow this time around.

December 04, 2023

SIU prof explores how to use AI to prevent and fight crime

Even as artificial intelligence rises as a new technology, a Southern Illinois University Carbondale researcher is looking at how, when it comes to crime, some things never change.

November 22, 2023

Talk at SIU to focus on link between eclipses and societal upheaval

A Southern Illinois University Carbondale researcher with a background in geology, chemistry and the humanities, and an interest in interdisciplinary studies, will give the December “Journey to the Eclipse” talk, focusing on times when, according to the historic record, the sun did not behave as it should.

November 08, 2023

SIU researchers explore virtual training to foster faster, better decisions in sports and more

Split-second decisions frequently determine the outcome of a game, a medical procedure, a military battle or a law enforcement situation. Scott Boatright, a doctoral candidate at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, is conducting research to see if people can train with simulation and extended reality to make judgments more quickly and effectively.

November 07, 2023

SIU-led delegation explores getting crops and solar energy from the same plots

Humans need energy almost as much as they need food. A team from Southern Illinois University Carbondale is helping explore ways to harvest both from the same plots of ground.

October 26, 2023

SIU external awards spike to $95.7M in 2022-23

Funding from outside sources skyrocketed at Southern Illinois University Carbondale during the last fiscal year, according to records from the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research.

October 23, 2023

SIU researchers get $194K grant to stop algae from making toxins

A team of researchers at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is working on a new technology aimed at ordering a common water algae that produces a toxin to knock it off.

October 04, 2023

SIU’s plans for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse

On Monday, April 8, 2024, SIU Carbondale will be in the international spotlight once again, thanks to the second total solar eclipse in seven years. In fact, our region is the only location in the world to be the site of both eclipses! Check out the award-winning documentary, “In the Shadow,” about the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse on campus.

October 04, 2023

SIU prof receives $200K to study mechanisms of inflammation, which may lead to new therapies

A researcher at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is trying to find ways to better understand and control the inflammation process, an important biological dynamic in human health.

October 02, 2023

SIU plans activities for annular solar eclipse on Oct. 14

A naturally occurring warm-up for the total solar eclipse in April will happen in October, and Southern Illinois University Carbondale is planning activities that will help the public enjoy and learn from it.

September 14, 2023

SIU researcher seeks to stabilize complex, uncertain water supply systems

Everyone knows that sinking feeling when you turn on the faucet and nothing comes out. A Southern Illinois University Carbondale researcher’s work aims to provide a water system design to avoid such crises.

News Archive>>