Florida State University has been awarded a $6-million grant from the federal government to conduct research on learning disabilities and dyslexia in children. The center will enable FSU researchers to conduct behavioral and genetic studies involving thousands of Florida children with dyslexia.
Florida State University will use a $6.2 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to build a more accurate hurricane prediction model. The new model, developed using FSU's supercomputer, aims to improve long-range hurricane forecasts and estimate the number of tropical storms in a season.
A Florida State University researcher is creating unmanned ground vehicles to patrol areas without putting soldiers in harm's way. The Center for Intelligent Systems, Control, and Robotics is also working on algorithms that enable autonomous devices, such as wheelchairs and self-parking cars.
Researchers at FSU have produced high-resolution images of the HIV virus, revealing its complex molecular surface architecture and enabling the development of more effective vaccines. The study, published in Nature, provides valuable insights into the virus's structure and behavior, which could lead to breakthroughs in vaccine design.
A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that verbal abuse in childhood can lead to increased symptoms of depression and anxiety in adulthood. The researchers studied data from over 5,600 participants aged 15-54 and found a strong correlation between verbal abuse and self-criticism.
Hong Li's research on biomolecules has yielded new insights into RNA recognition and cleavage by a splicing endonuclease. The study provides critical information on the functioning of biomolecules, which could lead to new treatments for various health problems.
The STARS Alliance aims to broaden the appeal of computer science and information technology by recruiting a diverse group of students. The program will establish a web site, Student Leadership Corps, and a targeted marketing campaign to shatter stereotypes and promote diversity in computing careers.
Researchers found that exposure to hurricane-related stressful events can lead to long-term mental health problems, particularly for those with prior stressful experiences or pre-existing symptoms. The study suggests that assessment of prior experiences and psychological well-being is crucial for identifying disaster victims at risk.
Fire ant expert Walter R. Tschinkel's new book reveals the fascinating world of S. invicta, dispelling misconceptions and showcasing the creature's vital role in ecosystems. The fire ant thrives in disturbed habitats, controlling pest populations and adapting to human activities.
Researchers found that low self-esteem in children aged 11 is linked to an increased risk of developing drug dependence by age 20. The study also highlights the importance of identifying at-risk children and intervening early to prevent addiction.
A FSU study suggests that Jesus could have walked on ice in the Sea of Galilee due to a rare combination of optimal water and atmospheric conditions. The researchers calculated the odds of such an event occurring as roughly once in 1,000 years.
Researchers found that children with ADHD or conduct disorder display more extreme personality profiles, including aggressiveness and thrill-seeking behavior. The study suggests a strong connection between personality traits and these disorders, highlighting the importance of considering personality in initial assessments.
Researchers discovered ancient ship timbers at Wadi Gawasis site, dating back approximately 4,000 years, indicating a 2,000-mile round-trip voyage to Punt, a southern Red Sea trading center. The findings confirm the Egyptians had the naval technology to travel long distances by sea.
The study uses a Fourier transform ICR mass spectrometer to analyze protein molecules and measure changes in receptor dynamics upon binding. This technique enables highly accurate pictures of tiny amounts of protein molecules, offering a powerful way to probe drug-protein interactions.
Researchers identified a new dinosaur species, Guanlong wucaii, as the oldest known cousin of Tyrannosaurus rex, pre-dating its branch by about 100 million years. The discovery sheds light on early evolution and geographical distribution of tyrannosaur ancestors.
Researchers at Florida State University have identified a gene called BDNF as playing a key role in social aversion, leading to the development of a potential new treatment for depression. Long-term use of antidepressants was successful in reversing social withdrawal, but a gene therapy approach showed promise with fewer side effects.
Researchers at Florida State University have discovered a molecular mechanism that inhibits HCV replication in vitro after host cells become crowded. The study's new test can quickly monitor HCV replication and has the potential to lead to better, targeted treatments for this complex virus.
A new study by Florida State University researchers suggests that depression is a lifelong parent trap. The study found that no type of parent reports less depression than non-parents, and certain types of parenting have higher levels of depression. Parents living with minor children tend to have the least symptoms of depression.
A team led by FSU physicist Sam Tabor has discovered a novel form of radioactive decay in which two protons are ejected simultaneously from a silver atom. This unexpected finding expands knowledge of nuclear physics and has implications for astrophysics and the production of elements on Earth.
Researchers found that parents of 3-year-olds worry about their sons' and daughters' body size and eating habits, perpetuating gender stereotypes. This study suggests that parents may be buying into media ideals of thinness for girls and physical strength for boys as early as 36 months.
Researcher Steven W. Van Sciver is investigating the properties of liquid helium to develop a cryogenic technique for separating particles at the submicron level. This could lead to more efficient medication delivery, particularly for respiratory medications that require precise particle sizing.
The grant will support two graduate and five undergraduate students at Prairie View A&M University in Texas, as well as a postdoctoral position at North Carolina A&T University. The magnet lab will provide hands-on research experience for minority researchers, aiming to increase their participation in extreme conditions research.
The Florida State University magnet lab has collaborated with Keithley Instruments to develop a more accurate system for measuring extremely small currents and voltages. The new AC and DC Precision Current Source with Nanovoltmeter will help engineers create breakthrough consumer products and medical devices.
A Florida State University research team has developed a biomedical device called a perfusion bioreactor that allows for the large-scale growth of adult stem cells from bone marrow. The device mimics the body's circulatory system and delivers nutrients to stem cells, enabling controlled differentiation into various tissue types.
Florida State University research physicist Edmund G. Myers is using a state-of-the-art Penning trap to measure the precise difference in mass of tritium and helium-3 atoms, which will help pin down the mass of the electron neutrino.
Anke Meyer-Baese is developing computer software to mimic the way a radiologist analyzes all of that information -- and to do it better and faster. The goal is to provide doctors with a new tool to better diagnose breast cancer using MRI technology, which holds promise in detecting hard-to-find cases.
FSU researcher Ben Wang is pushing the boundaries of buckypaper, a material made from carbon nanotubes that's twice as hard as a diamond. The potential applications are vast, including developing stronger aerospace structures, more-effective body armor and next-generation computer displays.
A FSU professor has been awarded a major grant to research the synthesis of roseophilin, a naturally occurring compound that kills cancer cells. The grant will enable fundamental research to bring down the cost and increase the effectiveness of future pharmaceutical drugs.
Researchers discover that Cut, a DNA-binding protein, plays a crucial role in regulating cell proliferation by accurately transcribing Notch signals. Inaccurate transcription leads to unregulated growth and can be linked to various diseases such as Alzheimer's, cancer, and genetic disorders.
A $2.25 million NSF grant will enhance MorphBank, a morphology database, to facilitate international collaboration and improve image retrieval with advanced search techniques. The system aims to change scientist habits by providing a platform for depositing images, commenting on research results, and accessing relevant information.
Researchers discovered an isotopic anomaly in osmium from a primitive meteorite, shedding light on the star types that contributed elements to the solar system. The findings challenge previous theories of incomplete mixing of different dust sources and instead suggest presolar stardust may have survived and preserved its signature.
Yun-Hwa Peggy Hsieh's patented immunoassay assays detect BSE and Scrape diseases in animal feeds, improving trade relations with China. Her Reveal Ruminant test kit has been widely adopted globally.
The North Atlantic right whale is facing extinction due to the failure of government protections, with at least 50% of deaths attributed to ship collisions and fishing gear entanglements. The species has seen a significant increase in mortality rates over the past 16 months, including six adult females with near-term fetuses.
Researchers found that ozone levels are closely related to the formation, intensification and movement of hurricanes. The study's findings can help improve predicted tracks and lead to better tracking of storms. Ozone data can provide a clearer view of a hurricane's eye, aiding in storm position pinpointing.
Researchers discovered a significant swelling of the frontal lobe and other features consistent with higher cognitive processes in the brain of Homo floresiensis, nicknamed the 'hobbit'. The study refutes skeptics' suppositions that the species was a pygmy or microcephalic.
The Florida State University-led project aims to improve the nation's electric delivery system by identifying vulnerabilities and exploring new technologies, including superconducting materials. The initiative will also focus on making the grid more reliable and less susceptible to power outages caused by events like terrorism.
Research by FSU scientist Cathy Levenson reveals that dietary iron imbalances trigger a chain of cellular events increasing the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Excessive iron levels precipitate symptoms in healthy mice, while low levels delay onset and slow disease progression in those already infected.
Researchers found a 10% higher concentration of iron in lava samples from Hawaii compared to other volcanic regions, providing new insights into the Earth's mantle. The discovery could help scientists study the iron-rich core below the mantle using this method.
Researchers used growth line counts on T. rex and other relatives to estimate accelerated growth from age 14-18, gaining insight into how these dinosaurs became gargantuan. The study compares T. rex's growth rate to modern-day elephants.
The new magnet features a uniform field of 21.1 Tesla in a volume 64 times larger than typical NMR systems, allowing for a wider range of scientific experiments. Scientists can now explore new avenues in chemical and biomedical science using this unique national resource.
Researchers at FSU have developed sensitive techniques to detect minute traces of nuts in seemingly nut-free processed foods. The findings could help protect sensitive consumers and improve food industry practices.
The Madison/Swanson and Steamboat Lumps marine reserves in the Gulf of Mexico have been given a new life after a two-year extension. Larger fish with greater egg-producing potential were found within the protected sites than outside them, indicating the reserves are working as designed.
Researchers isolate three strains of yeast prions that transmit life-changing information in yeast cells without DNA or RNA. These protein-only particles act like genes, disrupting normal cell function and leading to the formation of amyloid plaques associated with neurological disorders.