DISCOVER
Research that matters from the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
Research within the College of ACES impacts all our lives. With expertise in agriculture and the environment, data and technology, family and communities, and health and wellness, our reach is both broad and deep. Uniting us is a deep commitment to solving real-world problems affecting Central Illinois, the United States, and the globe.
Here, we highlight a fraction of our world-class research in the area of health and wellness, revealing impactful new findings in the areas of gut health, allergen testing, COVID-19 evolution, and the mental health of farm families.
DIET QUALITY AFFECTS THE GUT MICROBIOTA TO PROMOTE HEALTH
Our gastrointestinal tract is home to trillions of microorganisms that contribute to many physiological processes. Illinois researchers investigated the role of diet in supporting a healthy gastrointestinal microbiota. They analyzed data from the American Gut Project, which includes fecal samples from thousands of people across the U.S. Their findings showed that individuals who most closely followed the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, via MyPlate, had the highest gut microbiota diversity and a larger presence of beneficial bacteria. Thus, eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber, as outlined in MyPlate, is not just good for your overall health, it also nourishes your gut microbes. As we understand more about the interaction of diet, microbiota, and health, some gut microbes may become targets of dietary recommendations in the future, the researchers said.
A diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and fiber supports a healthy gut microbiome.
EXPLORING MENTAL HEALTH AMONG FARM FAMILIES
In a five-year study, Illinois researchers found stress on the farm extends to adolescent children. Although most anxiety stems from economic sources in agriculture, adolescents understand struggles within the farming community. Researchers found 60% of farmers and their children have symptoms of mild depression as a result, despite self-diagnosing emotional health at normal levels. In response to these findings, the University of Illinois is expanding its mental health resources for farming community families. For example, Illinois Extension’s North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Center offers mental health resources to various states, providing face-to-face health intervention and support. With two years of data collection left, researchers are working to provide a better standard of mental health to farmers now and in the future.
60% of farmers and their children have symptoms of mild depression compared to 17-18% of the general public.
DISCOVER : Health & Wellness
NEAR-INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY PROVIDES QUICK, EASY METHOD TO DETECT FOOD ALLERGENS
Food allergies pose a significant health risk, and even trace amounts of allergens can trigger severe reactions. Illinois researchers explored the use of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to identify the presence of three common allergens – peanut, sesame, and wheat – in quinoa flour, a gluten-free grain that is often used as a wheat substitute. NIR spectroscopy uses near-infrared light to measure the absorbance of different wavelengths. The information is analyzed through machine learning to identify the allergens and quantify their concentration. Conventional allergen detection methods involve complex laboratory testing, but NIR spectroscopy is fast, non-invasive, inexpensive, and highly accurate. The researchers said it will not be difficult to develop low-cost miniature NIR sensors that can be used in industry facilities, restaurants, and even homes.
Global patterns show SARS-CoV-2 is more infectious, deadly, and likely to mutate in colder climates
FUNDING SOURCES
Illinois researchers used NIR spectroscopy to detect three common allergens in quinoa flour.
ILLINOIS RESEARCHERS ADD TO EVIDENCE FOR COVID SEASONALITY
In multiple recent studies, Illinois researchers with expertise in viral evolution and bioinformatics analyzed global mutation patterns in SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Their results provide genetic and mechanistic clues explaining the seasonal behavior of the virus. The team examined mutation and evolution patterns in 12 million genomic sequences of the virus to reveal interconnected, genetically linked bursts of evolutionary change associated with colder latitudes across the world. Additionally, they found countries with colder average temperatures were correlated with higher incidence and mortality rates across the pandemic, regardless of vaccine uptake or behavioral mitigation strategies. Taken together, these studies help explain the genetic and environmental factors contributing to SARS-CoV-2’s seasonal behavior and can help inform public health strategies and vaccination campaigns to better manage future outbreaks.
Gut Microbiota: USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture; Margin of Excellence Program, Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois
Hannah Holscher, Food Science and Human Nutrition
Alexis Baldeon (doctoral student), Division of Nutritional Studies
Contact: Hannah Holscher, hholsche@illinois.edu
Farmer Mental Health: National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Safety and Health via the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Josie Rudolphi, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Illinois Extension
Contact: Josie Rudolphi, josier@illinois.edu
Detecting Food Allergens: The University of Illinois Office of Undergraduate Research and the College of ACES
Mohammed Kamruzzaman, Agricultural and Biological Engineering
Lisa Wu (undergraduate student), Agricultural and Biological Engineering
Contact: Mohammed Kamruzzaman, mkamruz1@illinois.edu
COVID Seasonality: USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA) Bioproduct Pilot Program, $2.5M
Gustavo Caetano-Anollés, Crop Sciences, IGB
Nicolas Hernandez (undergraduate student), Animal Sciences
Tre Tomaszewski (graduate student), School of Information Sciences
Contact: Gustavo Caetano-Anollés, gca@illinois.edu
