ISTC News

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Cradle turns smartphone into biosensor

6.12.13

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Abstract: CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Researchers and physicians in the field could soon run on-the-spot tests for environmental toxins, medical diagnostics, food safety and more with their smartphones. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign researchers have developed a cradle and app for the iPhone that uses the phone's built-in camera and processing power as a biosensor to detect toxins, proteins, bacteria, viruses and other molecules.

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Archives of GLRPPR webinars now available

6.5.13

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Abstract: Archived webinars and related information are now available on GLRPPR's Conferences & Webinars page.

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Can Snyder and Quinn revive dormant Great Lakes governors?

6.4.13

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Abstract: MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. -- After eight years on the sidelines during one of the most dynamic periods for the Great Lakes, two governors took the first step aimed at getting their gubernatorial colleagues to engage on the Great Lakes. Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder and Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn last weekend hosted a long overdue Great Lakes "summit" on Snyder's pristine home turf, Mackinac Island. The executives were last together to sign the Great Lakes Compact in 2005. For perspective, President George W. Bush was just beginning his second term. The event is Snyder's brainchild, emerging last year from his Energy and Environment position paper. He had noted the need for governors to engage on Great Lakes environmental issues, primarily fighting Asian carp and other invasive species. Over time the priority morphed from the environment to three themes: economic development, regional collaboration and protecting the Great Lakes -- specifically combating invasive species. The discussion over two days proceeded in that priority order.

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University of Illinois to build $23 million biofuel research lab

5.31.13

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Abstract: The University of Illinois-Urbana will begin construction this fall on a new bioprocessing laboratory to research biomass-derived biofuels, such as cellulosic ethanol.

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IEPA Annouces Spring Household Hazardous Waste Collections

5.31.13

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Abstract: One day events will be held in Richton Park, Morris, and Galesburg.

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Miscanthus for biofuels: Scientists develop 'green' pretreatment

5.30.13

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Abstract: URBANA, Ill. -- Two University of Illinois scientists have developed an environmentally friendly and more economical way of pretreating Miscanthus in the biofuel production process. "We pretreat the biomass with switchable butadiene sulfone in the presence of water to break down the plant cell wall, which consists of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, the source of biofuels and value-added products," says Hao Feng, a University of Illinois professor of food science and human nutrition who also has extensive research experience with biofuels. The new technique is a green alternative to current industry practices because butadiene sulfone can be recovered at potentially high yields since the solvent's decomposition gases are also the raw materials for its production. This means that butadiene sulfone can be re-used after pretreatment, he says. The commercial availability for both production and recovery of this chemical should allow for a transfer of these operations into a biorefinery, Feng says.

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Apply for the National Pollution Prevention Roundtable 2013 MVP2 Awards

5.28.13

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Abstract: The National Pollution Prevention Roundtable's MVP2 awards are designed to recognize outstanding and innovative pollution prevention and green chemistry projects and programs. The application deadline for the 2013 MVP2 Awards is Monday, July 1, 2013.

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Medication disposal to be available in Champaign-Urbana

5.23.13

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Abstract: The C-U Area Medicine Take-back Program will give area residents the opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted or expired medications 24 hrs. a day, 7 days a week, via collection boxes in the lobbies of the Champaign, Urbana, and University of Illinois Police Departments. The program is a partnership between the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, Champaign Police Department, Urbana Police Department, University of Illinois Police Department, Champaign County sheriff's office, the National Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal Program, the cities of Champaign and Urbana, Illinois American Water, the University of Illinois Student Sustainability Committee, the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, Champaign County Regional Planning Commission, Champaign-Urbana Public Health Department, WCIA and the Prairie Rivers Network.

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Trilateral Partnership: Zomba, Malawi -- Urbana, U.S. -- Haizhu District, Guangzhou, China

5.15.13

Contact: Wei Zheng at weizheng@illinois.edu

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Abstract: Project: Compost and Waste Management The Zomba-Urbana-Haizhu district trilateral partnership will focus on a waste management project. In Zomba, the partnership will restore the sewer lines and sewer plant, construct new communal refuse bankers, and procure small, waste transport vehicles and tools for composting. Zomba will also hold community sensitization and clean city campaigns to encourage better waste management in the community. Included in the project are professional waste management training exchanges between the three cities' city waste management offices, private trash haulers, and professors, and a mayor and business delegation exchange. Currently, the district government of Haizhu District, Guangzhou is still in the process of approving this project; however members of the Haizhu District community, including a professor at Sun Yat-sen University, will be involved

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Federal Agencies Seek Input to Update Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Action Plan

5.13.13

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Abstract: The federal agencies and departments of the Great Lakes Interagency Task Force today announced opportunities for the public to provide input to a planned update of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Action Plan.

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