News on R&D across science and industry. Covers R&D awards, applied studies, quantum institutes, and university research initiatives.
A study of 1,000 stroke survivors found high levels of disability immediately post-stroke, with a significant proportion experiencing moderate to severe disability up to 10 years later. The research highlights the importance of long-term management strategies for stroke survivors.
TDR, a UN program, has won the 2011 Gates Award for its impact in advancing research efforts worldwide to fight neglected diseases. It supports and advocates research, reducing leprosy to elimination and river blindness, and continues work on dengue, tuberculosis, and other diseases.
New research finds that teens use peers as a metric for autonomy, with younger girls wanting more freedom than older boys. Teens consistently overestimate their peers' levels of autonomy, assuming they have more freedoms than themselves.
A new organocatalyst, Hua Cat, developed at Oregon State University is now available for commercial use, promising to make new drug development less costly and more environmentally friendly. The catalyst has shown great promise in various applications, including the treatment of cancer, heart disease, and infectious diseases.
The 3D TESTBENCH project aims to overcome complexity in software-intensive systems by developing an adaptive tool for the integrating phase. The system, featuring a 3D wall display, highlights potential conflicts and optimizes workflows for collaborative engineering environments.
The new PaperPhone prototype boasts a flexible iPhone-like design, allowing users to interact with it by bending or flipping corners. This invention heralds a paperless office era, where lightweight and thin-film computers replace traditional devices, offering a power-efficient and interactive experience.
A consortium of experts has developed a web-based platform to share tools and knowledge in hardware security and trust, aiming to establish criteria for determining IC trustworthiness and develop universal solutions for IC security.
Researchers have developed a genetic model of premature aging disorders in zebrafish, which can be used to screen and develop compounds to treat these conditions. The model reveals that a specific gene mutation leads to accelerated aging in the fish, providing new insights into age-related diseases.
A study by UC Riverside finds that managers' conceptions of employees can be self-fulfilling prophecies affecting job satisfaction, relationships, and trust. Leaders with positive conceptions tend to treat their employees positively, while those with negative conceptions have a negative impact on followers.
The NYU Courant Institute is developing a bird-sized, self-flying plane with AI-powered vision for navigation. The plane will use convolutional networks to quickly interpret its environment and navigate through forests and urban environments.
Biochemist Yingfu Li and his research team have developed a universal test that can quickly identify any bacteria, reducing the time for detection from days to hours. This breakthrough could help safeguard the health of Canadians and supply industry with a reliable means to bring safe food products to consumers.
The Infectious Diseases Society of America warns that antibiotic-resistant super bugs threaten public health, citing a need for urgent action. The organization recommends initiatives to combat resistance, including incentivizing R&D, recalibrating FDA requirements, and promoting judicious use of antibiotics.
Scientists at the University of Southampton have developed three new technologies to aid in stroke rehabilitation. The 'tactile' devices mimic everyday sensations, such as holding a hot cup of tea, to help patients regain movement in their arms and hands.
Extracurricular activities affect children's and adolescents' mental health, with excessive involvement linked to depression, loneliness, and risky behavior. Research explores the threshold effect beyond which benefits stabilize or decline.
Researchers found optimal light and temperature conditions for Tecoma stans, a flowering shrub native to Central and South America. The plant requires 14+ hours of light per day and supplemental lighting, making it an energy-intensive crop.
The Human Frontier Science Program has awarded 85 Fellowships to young scientists from around the world. The Long-Term and Cross-Disciplinary Fellows will receive training in 12 different countries, while Career Development Awards support their transition to independence.
A new study finds that corruption can help companies develop organizational capabilities to operate successfully in corrupt environments, leading to more success when investing internationally. The study identifies various strategies firms use to capitalize on corruption, including political networking and joint venturing.
A new model developed by Sheldon Jacobson predicts the most likely Final Four combinations based on seedings, rather than team performance. The model suggests that choosing a combination of two top-seeded teams, a No. 2 seed, and a No. 3 seed is the best bet for winning the office pool.
The new instrument, developed at UCSB, can detect nanoparticles in fluid at rates of up to half a million particles per second. It measures the volume of each nanoparticle for rapid and precise size analysis of complex mixtures.
Cold plasma technology is being used to keep mould at bay for longer in soft fruit, with results showing an extra five days of shelf-life. This innovation has the potential to reduce waste and losses in the industry, benefiting producers and customers alike.
The American Thoracic Society's new report highlights the need for research on incorporating ambulatory management of obstructive sleep apnea into healthcare systems. Portable monitor testing is limited by lack of standardization and high costs, with studies needed to demonstrate its efficacy and cost-effectiveness.
Steve Plimpton's development of LAMMPS molecular-dynamics software has led to over 65,000 downloads and 1,000 journal articles citing the code. The open-source software can model materials at various scales, from atomic to macroscopic systems.
The University of Washington is developing design tools and using commercial nanofabrication tools to create inexpensive next-generation silicon-based electro-optical chips. The Air Force Office of Scientific Research is funding this effort to improve data communications, lasers, and detectors.
EUREKA's High Level Group Representatives approved 25 viable technologies and products, totaling €33 million investment. Israel is a key player, with six Israeli partners representing nearly 25% of the total.
A global shift in research will reposition the US as a major partner but not leader, according to Penn State researcher Caroline Wagner. The US could benefit from this shift by adopting knowledge-sharing policies with emerging global researchers.
Three Canadian researchers present innovative findings on the cognitive benefits of bilingualism, the early stages of language acquisition, and the neurological basis of stuttering. Their work has significant implications for our understanding of human brain function and development.
Rep. Rush Holt is recognized for his strong support of investments in research and development, education, and expanding America's scientific workforce. He has advocated for scientists, students of STEM fields, and promoted economic growth through initiatives like Einstein's Alley.
The Fraunhofer Institute's Government Mashups research project utilizes mobile applications and GPS coordinates to facilitate the reporting of problems, such as potholes, to government departments. This allows for real-time tracking of communications and identification of duplicate reports, streamlining issue resolution.
The STABCON project developed a cost-effective solution for treating polluted sediments in ports, using the stabilisation and solidification method. The method involves mixing contaminated sediments with products that bind them to create a solid material containing hazardous substances, reducing environmental harm and costs.
Scientists at University of Nottingham investigate how microorganisms in blue cheese develop distinctive taste, texture, and smell. They aim to improve quality, consistency, and reduce defects in manufacturing process.
Hal Caswell has been awarded the 2010 Humboldt Research Award for his significant contributions to understanding population dynamics and demography. He will use this award to collaborate with researchers in Germany, focusing on evolutionary biology and human aging.
The MalERA initiative outlines priority research areas for eight thematic areas, including basic science and enabling technologies; drugs; vaccines; vector control; health systems; and more. The collection identifies common research priorities across themes, providing a roadmap for malaria eradication.
Grand Challenges Canada and Canadian partners have joined forces to tackle Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) affecting over 1 billion people worldwide. Researchers will develop new drugs using compounds from African botanical and microbial sources, collaborating with African scientists.
A Concordia University study reveals that younger adults are quicker to respond when faced with an unexpected event, whereas older adults take longer to adapt. This finding has implications for educators and older adults in situations where performance is crucial.
The new simulator will take into account the unique physics of fluid flow and storage in shale gas reservoirs. OU researchers aim to address concerns about water production and its impact on shallow aquifers.
Researchers found that business-to-business products firms and consumer services firms benefit from increased R&D spending during recessions. Consumer goods firms do not obtain positive stock returns from R&D spending, while those with high market share and low financial leverage decrease their profits with increased advertising spending.
Researchers at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center analyzed 42 northeastern US cities, finding that densely-developed cities with compact cores produce strong urban heat islands. The study also showed that forested regions and dark city infrastructure contribute to the development of heat islands.
A Purdue University research team developed a nanoparticle that can hold and release an antimicrobial agent, preserving its effectiveness against Listeria monocytogenes for up to three weeks. The nanoparticle attracts and stabilizes nisin, a food-based antimicrobial peptide, allowing for extended use in foods susceptible to Listeria.
The DFG is establishing ten new Research Training Groups to provide doctoral researchers with a structured research and qualification programme. The groups cover topics such as cellular responses to ionising radiation, interactions during market regulation, and psychological development risks in children and adolescents.
A team of researchers developed a dual scanning tunneling and microwave-frequency probe to study nanoscale interactions, enabling the measurement of physical, chemical, and electronic interactions between single molecules and substrates. The probe can locate and switch single molecule switches on substrates with high resolution.
A study funded by the Motor Neurone Disease Association has identified a common signature of nerve damage in MND patients' brains, using advanced MRI techniques. This finding holds promise for a biomarker that could improve diagnosis speed and accuracy, as well as assess future treatments.
A new report from the Energy Biosciences Institute projects that developing cost-competitive algae biofuel production will require long-term research and development. Several non-fuel applications of algae could advance the industry, but achieving economic viability will require additional income streams.
A new method for extracting and archiving CT radiation dose information enables providers to track estimated radiation doses, make informed health care decisions, and improve patient safety. The automated extraction pipeline can process both retrospective and prospective studies.
A new assessment warns that current imbalances in energy technology R&D portfolios will hinder climate change mitigation unless investments in energy efficiency are increased. Energy efficiency accounts for up to 50% of potential GHG emissions reductions, yet receives less than 10% of overall public sector investment.
Researchers have developed a new technique using Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) to detect and differentiate explosives. This technology provides rapid identification of components in explosives like C4, including the explosive active components, additives, binders, and contaminants.
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is establishing a collaborative organization to focus on neurodevelopmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders and ADHD. The Network will bring together experts from leading pediatric programs to develop effective treatments and interventions.
The US Department of Homeland Security is developing a national standard for bomb suits to provide sufficient protection for first responders. The proposed standard outlines minimum performance requirements, including blast and thermal heat protection, freedom of motion, and defogger performance, to ensure the safety of bomb technicians.
The award recognizes the university's portable, scalable self-contained wastewater-treatment system that converts wastewater into effluent meeting EPA standards in under 24 hours. The technology has been adapted for potable water production with minor modifications.
The USDA has signed a partnership with TechComm to facilitate agricultural research collaborations between businesses and universities in the Southwestern US. The agreement aims to commercialize USDA-developed technologies, creating new business ventures and job opportunities.
A Princeton University-led team has developed a system to produce realistic movie simulations of earthquakes based on complex computer models. The movies will be made available worldwide within hours of an earthquake, providing researchers with enhanced understanding and tools to improve maps of the Earth's interior.
The formation of AVAN, the AIDS Vaccine for Asia Network, aims to accelerate research and development of an AIDS vaccine through government advocacy and improved coordination. With over 5 million people infected and 500 million at risk, regional efforts must be strengthened to combat HIV in Asia.
A team of researchers identified a way to preserve nerve cells in motor neuron disease by preventing symptom onset, weight loss, and paralysis. This discovery provides a new avenue for the development of therapeutics for ALS and other motor neuron diseases.
A University of Missouri research team created a soybean that produces oil rich in oleic acid, a stable component that reduces saturated and trans fats. The new soybean results in healthier oil with increased omega-3 fatty acids.
The Neurophotonics Research Center aims to develop a two-way fiber optic communication link between prosthetic limbs and peripheral nerves, enabling realistic movement and 'feeling' sensations. Successful completion will allow for revolutionary freedom of movement and agility for amputees.
Drs. De Clercq and Fauci are recognized for their pioneering work in understanding and combating HIV/AIDS. They have made significant contributions to the development of antiviral drugs and treatments.
A $250,000 grant from the Sophia's Cure Foundation via the Pepsi Refresh Project will support SMA research and clinic development at Nationwide Children's Hospital. The grant will help Dr. Kaspar's team develop gene therapy methods for scalable production and purification to advance their program to clinical trials.
A Rutgers-led research team will design a 'clean-slate' network architecture to accommodate the shift of Internet traffic to smart cellular phones, tablet computers and emerging mobile data services. The goal is to make the mobile Internet reliable, available, secure and trustworthy.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse is awarding over $4 million in grant funding to examine substance abuse related to deployment and combat-related trauma. Researchers will explore treatment strategies, including cognitive behavioral therapy and Web-based approaches, to help veterans who have co-occurring disorders.
The NIH has renewed a research program to develop medical countermeasures for radiation exposure after a radiological or nuclear attack. The program will support research at seven institutions nationwide and provide an estimated $105 million in funding.
To eradicate malaria, it is essential to comprehend the private lives of mosquitoes beyond their usual habitats. The authors emphasize that current vector control measures are insufficient to break the Plasmodium falciparum transmission cycle in highly endemic areas.