The report 'INVENTION: Enhancing inventiveness for quality of life, competitiveness and sustainability' highlights the critical roles of invention and inventiveness in society. The National Science Foundation, along with the Lemelson-MIT Program, has examined the factors that drive invention.
Researchers have found that Earth's magnetic field reversal events occur within certain time-frames, regardless of the polarity of the reversal. The overall average duration is 7,000 years, but variation depends on latitude, with changes taking half as long at low-latitude sites.
Scientists have found that magnetic field reversal events occur within certain time-frames, regardless of polarity, with an average duration of 7,000 years. The variation in duration is influenced by latitude, taking half as long at low-latitude sites compared to mid- and high-latitude sites.
Researchers create maps of science from vast digital data collections, enabling exploration and analysis of interconnected scientific disciplines. The results provide insights into how scientists and their work are connected, with potential applications in education, funding, and industry.
Researchers found that ferns diversified in response to low-light conditions created by the rise of flowering plants, leading to over 10,000 living species. The study, funded by NSF, uses genetic and fossil analysis to reveal the evolutionary history of ferns and angiosperms.
Researchers have discovered that the breakdown of mineral serpentine can trigger earthquakes in Earth's deeply buried crust. At pressures above a few tens of kilometers, scientists expected faulting instability only if volume change during serpentine breakdown was positive. However, experiments have shown that even with a strongly nega...
The report highlights inconsistent data-access policies among nations and agencies, emphasizing the need for international efforts to promote open access. The authors call for an international framework to achieve this goal, making data sharing a rule rather than an exception.
Scientists have discovered that early oceans were devoid of oxygen for billions of years, with a team developing a method to detect signs of ancient oxygen in rocks. The study sheds light on the history of our planet's oceans and could have significant implications for understanding evolution and the origins of life.
Scientists found large and rapid sea-level changes during the Late Cretaceous greenhouse world, contradicting previous assumptions. The research suggests that ice sheets on Antarctica grew and decayed rapidly, significantly altering global sea levels.
A team of researchers discovered two new dinosaur species in Antarctica, one a carnivorous theropod and the other a sauropod. The theropod's primitive characteristics suggest it may have thrived in Antarctica due to its unique environment.
Researchers have discovered a new family of Atlantic corals using DNA analysis, revealing that about one-third of Atlantic corals are closely related but distinct from Pacific corals. This finding requires reevaluation of conservation priorities for threatened coral species in the Atlantic Ocean.
A single-chambered microbial fuel cell prototype has been developed to efficiently treat wastewater and generate electricity. The design reduces energy demands and creates a continuous flow-through system, making it a promising approach for affordable wastewater treatment.
NSF plans to develop new programs to attract underrepresented groups to science and engineering careers, including African Americans, Alaska Natives, and people with disabilities. The agency aims to ensure that the US has a skilled, technically literate workforce capable of meeting the demand for a knowledge-based economy.
The US National Science Foundation (NSF) is funding sensor research to monitor environmental factors, structural integrity, and health threats. Sensor networks will enable early detection of climate change, earthquakes, and biological hazards.
The AAAS panel on human-nature interactions examines six NSF-supported projects focusing on urban development, Polynesian culture, and shoreline development. Biocomplexity researchers discuss the linkages between human behaviors and natural systems, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and new technologies.
A new generation of researchers will unravel the Earth's complexity using powerful cyberinfrastructure tools. This includes advanced data analysis, intelligent sensing systems and collaborative platforms.
A team of researchers found nearly complete genomes of two organisms in a microbial community from a hot, acidic solution, revealing clues about metabolic activity and speciation. The study sheds light on how bacteria function collectively in acid-adapted environments.
Researchers discovered that a mineral gel formed during rock abrasion can reduce friction between rocks to near-zero levels at high shearing speeds. This finding has implications for understanding and predicting earthquake damage, as it could lead to more accurate simulations of seismic slip speeds and fault weakening processes.
The Protein Data Bank has expanded to accommodate nearly 24,000 proteins and other macromolecules, providing a comprehensive resource for biologists worldwide. The bank's growth is expected to revolutionize structure-informed research, driving breakthroughs in medicine and scientific discovery.
New research reveals that Siberian peat bogs originated suddenly around 11,500 years ago and have been absorbing vast amounts of carbon dioxide while releasing large amounts of methane. The findings suggest that thawing permafrost could release these trapped gases, leading to a significant shift in climate trends.
A study by Pace and colleagues found that 40-55% of lake plant production supports resident aquatic life, while 2250% of zooplankton is derived from terrestrial sources. The results suggest that aquatic food chains are supported not only by in-water production but also by organic matter from surrounding watersheds.
Researchers at Penn State have created a new form of supersolid matter by freezing helium-4, exhibiting properties of both solids and fluids. The discovery, funded by the National Science Foundation, suggests that under certain conditions, some fraction of the helium atoms can move through the lattice like a superfluid.
Researchers at Purdue University have identified the secret to nature's super glue, a strong adhesive mesh produced by bivalves using metal ions. The discovery has the potential to develop safer alternatives for surgical and household glues, as well as combat invasive species like the zebra mussel.
Astronomers have found evidence of rapid galaxy formation in the early universe, including ultra-massive black holes and mature galaxies that formed at an unprecedented rate. This discovery poses a significant challenge to the cold dark matter theory, which predicts galaxies formed through a bottom-up process.
Researchers have discovered an RNA lariat structure that may explain the long-standing mechanism of template shift in retroviral replication. The finding provides new insights into the process of reverse transcription and has potential implications for understanding HIV-1 replication and developing targeted therapies.
The National Science Board has approved a $70 million award for the National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network (NNIN), which will create the world's largest and most comprehensive nanotechnology laboratory. The NNIN, led by Cornell University, will provide access to leading-edge tools and instruments, and contribute to developing a...
The new Little GLORIAD network increases bandwidth between the US and China to 155 Mbps and enhances research capabilities for scientists worldwide. The network enables joint responses to natural disasters, nuclear materials safeguards, and human genome studies.
The ICBG program supports 12 groups in identifying new drugs through screening of flora and fauna while protecting biodiversity. Projects include evaluation of traditional medicine practices, discovery of safe new agents and training for host-country scientific institutions.
Researchers analyzed features in mid-latitudes on Mars, similar to those in Antarctica's Dry Valleys, to indicate significant ice buried near the planet's surface. The study provides new insights into Martian ice ages driven by variations in the planet's orbit and tilt.
A recent study reports significant changes in ocean salinity levels, with tropical waters becoming saltier and polar regions fresher. These findings suggest an intensifying global water cycle, which could disrupt ocean circulation patterns and exacerbate global warming.
New evidence from south China suggests a massive methane release occurred about 600 million years ago, thawing the Earth's climate. Methane hydrates are believed to be the source of this release, which would have had a profound impact on global climate if it were to happen again.
A team led by Philip Benfey created a detailed mosaic of cells showing where and when 22,000 genes are activated within growing root tissue. The results provide the first global resolution of gene expression for any organism.
Scientists have successfully engineered mouse embryonic stem cells into sperm-like cells using laboratory techniques alone. These precursors were then used to fertilize mouse eggs, resulting in the formation of early-stage embryos. The research has potential applications for treating male infertility and studying cancer.
A new discovery of fossil mammals in Ethiopia's highlands sheds light on the evolution of African mammals during a long-standing gap in scientists' understanding. The findings, reported in Nature, show that mammals continued to evolve and produce new species on the isolated continent of Afro-Arabia.
A team of top scientists, including Thomas Karl and Kevin Trenberth, conclude that human activities are significantly impacting the global climate, with industrial emissions being the dominant factor. The study estimates a 1.7°C to 4.9°C temperature rise by 2100, with widespread impacts on society and the environment.
Researchers found a new type of ocean ridge where the sea floor splits apart by pulling up solid rock from deep within the Earth's mantle. These 'ultra-slow' ridges are characterized by widely spaced volcanoes and have implications for understanding plate tectonics.
Researchers have found that volcanic eruptions in the tropics may play a significant role in triggering El Niño events, with a nearly one-in-two chance of occurrence after an eruption. The study used paleoclimate records to reconstruct volcanic activity and El Niño events over a 350-year period.
A study using CT scans of two pterosaur skulls reveals key structures responsible for flight control and prey spotting were specialized and enlarged, revising views on vision, flight, and the brain's evolution. The research found significant differences between the vestibular apparatus and flocculus in the two species.
Researchers at the University of Missouri-Rolla have created a new material that can differentiate between chiral molecules, which is essential for creating new chemical sensors and catalysts. The stable and relatively simple catalyst could help sort biologically potent chemicals from less useful or toxic counterparts.
The National Science Foundation has announced the winners of its first-ever International Science and Engineering Visualization Challenge. Two hundred ninety-seven entries were qualified for judging, with the top prize awarded to Brandon Pletsch's 'Auditory Transduction Animation' and Dee Breger's colorized photograph 'Mongolian Frost ...
A recent study of five baboon groups found that male baboons overwhelmingly sided with their offspring in disputes, suggesting paternal care may be an ancient trait in primates. The study, which monitored 75 juvenile baboons for whom fathers were clearly identified, provides new insights into the evolution of complex social behavior.
Two NSF-backed public television science programs, 'Galileo's Battle for the Heavens' and 'The Secret Life of the Brain,' won Emmys in Historical Programming and Outstanding Science categories, respectively. The programs were funded under NSF grants and explored unique stories of science that would have taken volumes to tell.
Research reveals microbes under Colorado snowpack drive tundra ecosystem's short-growing season productivity, and are key to nitrogen cycling. The study also identifies previously unknown fungi species.
Research by Lehigh University engineer Wei-xian Zhang has shown that nanoscale iron particles can break down organic and heavy metals contaminants in the soil and groundwater. The treatment process is more effective and cheaper than traditional methods, making it a promising solution for cleaning up contaminated sites.
The book catalogs 211 NSF grants since 1993, featuring hands-on learning experiences that work, and emphasizes the importance of removing barriers to science and technology education. The resource is designed to be a toolkit for educators at all levels, with research-based ideas, contacts, and resources.
Researchers found that most hydrogen eliminated from atmosphere goes into ground, highlighting importance of understanding soil destruction. Soil uptake of hydrogen is estimated to be as high as 80 percent, suggesting microbes use it for biological functions.
The sequenced genome of Pseudomonas syringae provides a blueprint for understanding its virulence and pathogenesis, shedding light on the complex mechanisms behind bacterial disease
A team of researchers discovered a new microbe, Strain 121, that can survive and thrive in extremely hot temperatures, with growth possible up to 121 degrees Celsius. The discovery opens up possibilities for understanding life on a hot early Earth and the potential for life in extraterrestrial environments.
Researchers discovered a genetic signature that identifies genes targeted by RNA editing, which is primarily confined to the nervous system across species. This breakthrough improves the value of existing genome sequences and may hasten neurological research.
Scientists have inactivated almost three-quarters of all genes in the genome of Arabidopsis thaliana, creating a public database of genome-wide gene mutations. The study provides significant new information on the function of individual and groups of genes.