A new study led by UNCG researchers found first-year female college students are experiencing slower academic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic compared to males. 

UNCG mobilizes a new defense research institute – iCOMMAND – benefiting military members from the battlefield to classroom.

In this issue, follow UNCG researchers' search for cancer-killing compounds found in fungi. Explore innovative, immersive tools transforming the arts. Learn about new initiatives positioning N.C. as a...

Structural drawings of secondary metabolites encapsulate a wealth of information, but their static nature hinders their sharing and reuse. At a time when research increasingly relies on, and benefits from, access to comprehensive natural products “big data”, this hindrance is contrary to the norms of science. This Perspective discusses current challenges in sharing and accessing structure data and offers a simple solution, namely, publishing machine-readable text descriptors for new secondary metabolites. Requiring such descriptors will be straightforward to implement for both authors and publishers and will help derive even greater value from the efforts expended to understand the chemistry of Nature.

The next council will play a critical role in making the plan to add 10,000 new units by 2030 a reality.

Background Perylenequinones, such as hypocrellins and hypomycins, are fungal secondary metabolites with potential for pharmaceutical and industrial applications due to both their physical and biological properties. This study focused on their sustainable production. Additionally, stable isotope labeling was used to probe the biosynthesis of these compounds, demonstrating how sugars are likely incorporated into the perylenequinone scaffold. Methods Shiraia sp. (strain MSX60519; Shiraiaceae, Pleosporales) was cultivated under varying nutrient conditions to evaluate the production of perylenequinones, with sugars serving as primary carbon sources. Five metabolites were isolated (from oatmeal cultures) using environmentally friendly solvent-based techniques, and the process was further optimized to maximize yields. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC–HRMS) were employed to detect, characterize, and quantify the major compounds. Furthermore, feeding experiments were performed using 13C-labeled glucose, with droplet probe mass spectrometry used to monitor stable isotope incorporation in situ. Results This study yielded three key findings. First, the production of perylenequinones was significantly enhanced by supplementing fermentation media with sugars, and disaccharides significantly enhanced the production of perylenequinones compared to monosaccharides. Optimizing sugar concentrations during the fermentation further influenced the profile of secondary metabolites. Second, stable isotope labeling experiments confirmed that sugars are the primary building blocks of perylenequinones, as noted by tracing 13C-labeling into ent-shiraiachrome A (1). Finally, a green, scalable, and sustainable strategy for producing these compounds on the gram scale was developed by optimizing fermentation conditions, refining purification methods, and improving extraction efficiency. Conclusion These findings provide critical insights into optimizing fermentation conditions for the scaled and sustainable production of perylenequinones. This approach offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly pipeline for harnessing these valuable compounds, paving the way for broader pharmaceutical and industrial applications. Graphical abstract

The first comprehensive international study of donor human milk, led by Dr. Maryanne Perrin, reveals significant variations in nutritional composition, with important implications for how hospitals su...

Even during summer, research continues to grow across UNCG – a garden in the park or a ginger plant and fungal sample in the lab. Students are also growing in knowledge, using these as springboards for independent research made possible by URSCO.

As jackpots for Powerball and Mega Millions begin to swell, what are the odds of you actually winning it all?

Wasserberg lab study finds ticks carrying Lyme disease moving into more counties in western North Carolina – and a dramatic increase in their densities.

Peeling back the comb on a new technology that’s finding bees who know how to fight.

2024 Research Excellence awardee Maher discusses what motivates aging adults to be physically active, new methods, mentorship, and more.

UNCG researcher finds just nine minutes of exercises appropriate for a classroom setting can improve children's academic performance.

UNCG's new Google-funded cybersecurity clinic is protecting small businesses and non-profits from emerging online threats while preparing students for high-demand careers. It is close to reaching its ...

Kochmanski at UNCG aims to improve instructional coaching for math teachers with new, highly competitive funding from the Gates Foundation.

Let’s explore how Africa is shaping the future of global research! Join us for a compelling conversation with Dr. Elsie S. Kanza, Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania. This talk will explore ...

Collaboratory®, the UNCG-developed platform for tracking higher education engagement has won the 2025 ARIS Impact Innovation Award.

Dr. Noah Lenstra's "Let's Move in Libraries" initiative is inspiring libraries in America and around the world to boost healthy living in their communities, as part of the growing library health movem...

UNCG program collaborates with teachers, parents, and students to create gardens at Guilford County child care centers, and connects them with local farmers, to promote healthy living from early child...

The institute identifies three pillars critical to supporting service members and their families, with each one tailored to their individual experience.