Articles tagged with Research and Development
The Woods Institute has awarded five faculty planning grants to develop long-term research programs at Stanford, focusing on solving the world's water demands. The grants aim to identify promising solutions to freshwater challenges and facilitate partnerships among academics, businesses, and policymakers.
The J. Paul Sticht Center on Aging at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center has been renewed as one of 11 nationwide Claude D. Pepper Older American Independence Centers. The center will receive almost $1 million each year to support clinical research in aging and promote functional independence among older adults.
A new study from Stanford University School of Medicine tracked 500 older runners for over 20 years, finding that regular running delays disability and reduces the risk of early death. The study's findings support the theory that 'comparing morbidity' - compressing the period of declining health - can extend high-quality life.
Clinician-scientists in the UK are struggling with a lack of career support, limited research training opportunities, and significant medical school debts. However, new funding and mentorship programs may help alleviate these challenges and preserve this vital profession.
The Iowa Corn Promotion Board and NJIT have jointly agreed to license four patents for corn-derived isosorbide, a chemical with applications in plasticizer, UV-absorbing product, and epoxy coating. This alternative has been shown to be safe for use in baby bottles, infant toys, and other children's products.
A research team at Georgia Tech is developing foundational research in massive data analysis and visual analytics. The project aims to improve the visual analytics of massive data sets through machine learning, numerical algorithms, and optimization.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have won two R&D 100 Awards for their work on ultra-high power lithium-ion batteries and ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) mechanical seals. These innovations demonstrate the scientific know-how and innovative spirit of Argonne researchers.
A new study by researchers at the University of Utah found that Colombian children living in war zones exhibited a complex moral understanding, with most rejecting theft and harm but accepting it as a means to an end. The study highlights potential vulnerabilities in children's moral lives during times of conflict.
Researchers have created a microbe-based solution to clean up leftovers from ethanol production, saving producers millions in energy costs. The technology can recycle 80% of the organic material, reducing waste and producing valuable co-products worth $400 million annually.
The partnership aims to improve decision-making by incorporating the value of ecosystem services into policy. Researchers will use computer models to predict impacts on ecosystem services from development options.
The article proposes merging NOAA and USGS to create an independent Earth Systems Science Agency (ESSA) to address climate change, freshwater availability, and biodiversity loss. The new agency would have a comprehensive perspective on both environmental and resource systems.
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev has reached a strategic cooperation agreement with Microsoft's R&D Center, enabling joint research projects and internships for outstanding students. The partnership aims to create a talented group of programmers and develop next-generation technology innovations.
Research using Magnetic Resonance Imaging technology has confirmed Huntington's disease before symptoms appear, allowing for early treatment. The study identified extensive white matter degeneration, a hallmark of the disease, which can help explain its complex motor and cognitive problems.
The US remains the dominant leader in science and technology worldwide, with 40% of global R&D spending, but faces challenges from increasing competition, particularly from China. The study recommends establishing a permanent monitoring body and improving K-12 education to maintain the nation's lead.
The Gerontological Society of America has selected twenty recipients for the 2008 Hartford Doctoral Fellows Pre-Dissertation Award. The awardees will receive funding and attend workshops to develop their research skills at the GSA's Annual Scientific Meeting.
Alogliptin demonstrated significant reductions in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, particularly when used as monotherapy or added to existing oral anti-diabetic treatments. The study results suggest alogliptin is a effective treatment option for patients with inadequate blood sugar control.
Researchers develop model predicting disease outbreaks based on weather patterns and climate variability. The study shows an association between high temperature and daily incidence of cryptosporidiosis in Massachusetts, highlighting the need for better understanding of how climate affects disease spread.
A lifestyle intervention trial will determine optimal ways to translate research-developed programs to real-life settings in Chennai, India. The study aims to promote health behaviors, improved diet, weight loss, and increased physical activity to prevent diabetes in those at risk.
A pivotal Phase III clinical trial demonstrated that rivaroxaban was superior in preventing venous blood clots in patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery. Rivaroxaban provided a statistically significant 31% relative risk reduction in total venous thromboembolism events compared to enoxaparin.
The L'Oreal USA Fellowships recognize women scientists conducting innovative research across various disciplines, including neuroscience, oceanography, and aerospace engineering. The recipients will receive $40,000 for independent scientific research and participate in professional development workshops.
Researchers found that Jewish and Arab teenagers who valued universalism and low power reported less violent behavior than their peers. In high-risk schools, these adolescents were relatively protected against engaging in violent behavior.
A new method for handling rape kit evidence developed by Jessica Voorhees Norris reduces DNA analysis time and improves sperm cell recovery rate by 100 percent. This could potentially reduce the nationwide backlog of unanalyzed samples in US forensic laboratories.
Researchers have identified a small molecule that can reversibly activate the human epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), leading to increased sodium flow and improved salt balance. This breakthrough opens avenues for developing drugs to treat conditions like hypertension, neonatal pulmonary edema, and renal salt wasting disorders.
The Miami Youth Development Project is a community-supported program that targets risky behaviors while promoting positive self-development. The research draws on Developmental Intervention Science, which aims to promote both short-term and long-term life course changes.
Researchers at Purdue University found that discrete skills like typing are controlled differently than continuous skills like scribbling. This discovery could have implications for physical therapy and humanoid robotics.
The University of Washington is leading a $6.25M project to develop an electronic Sherlock Holmes system for complex data analysis in the military. The system will integrate various types of sensor data to predict behavior and make decisions, addressing the challenge of handling high degrees of complexity and uncertainty.
Tanzania has made significant progress in reducing child mortality, with a 24% decline between 2000 and 2004. Key interventions such as increased funding for healthcare, decentralization of financing, and coverage of essential child-survival services have contributed to this success.
A clinical trial using IVUS technology found that Actos reduced the atherosclerotic burden in coronary arteries compared to glimepiride, and prevented progression. The study adds to the body of cardiovascular data for Actos, showing no evidence of increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
The George Institute is tracking global funding for R&D of neglected diseases in developing countries through a 5-year survey. The study aims to provide donors with an updated overview of investment gaps and prevent duplication of efforts.
Researchers at Iowa State University are developing an integrated system of thermochemical and catalytic technologies to efficiently produce ethanol from plant biomass. The new nanotechnology-based catalyst addresses selectivity and control issues in the old chemistry, enabling efficient production.
A study published in Contraception reports that the Standard Days Method brings new women to family planning, with over half having never used a method before. The method's effectiveness and ease of use led to increased contraceptive use among participants.
A new technique called Scan and Solve uses 3-D data analysis to predict stress points in objects like Michelangelo's David and human bones. The approach could aid engineers in developing protections for heavily used components, such as ancient artifacts and implants.
A recent survey reveals that 22% of new R&D centres will be located in China and 19% in India, as multinational firms tap into emerging economies' resources and markets. This trend raises significant challenges, including managing research and development in foreign countries.
Erin Lavik, an assistant professor of biomedical engineering at Yale University, was recognized as one of the Connecticut Technology Council's 2008 Women of Innovation. Her research focuses on developing new therapeutic approaches for spinal cord injury and retinal degeneration.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new anode coating strategy that significantly enhances the efficiency of solar energy power conversion. The breakthrough could lead to cheaper, more manufacturable, and easily implemented solar cells, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and carbon dioxide emissions.
A new study reveals that zigzagging provides the most efficient way for humans to ascend steep slopes, with a mathematical model supporting its advantages. The research suggests that this pattern of movement emerged as a compromise between energy efficiency and the physical limitations of human physiology.
Dr. Caroline Wagner discusses how self-organizing networks have transformed scientific research, enabling global collaboration among researchers with complementary skills and expertise. Her work emphasizes the importance of adaptability and flexibility in institutions and knowledge systems.
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a new type of sensor that uses T-rays to detect explosives and poisons. The technology guides the radiation along a specially designed surface, increasing detection sensitivity and potentially revolutionizing security screening.
The MIT Energy Initiative has partnered with ABB to develop green technologies and improve energy efficiency. The five-year, $5-million partnership will support research in areas like nanofluids, power electronics, and intelligent robotics.
The AAAS analysis reveals that Congress inserted nearly $4.5 billion in federal research and development earmarks in spending bills for fiscal year 2008. The earmarks totaled 2,526 projects, with $939 million allocated to non-defense projects and $3.5 billion to Defense Department projects.
The National Nanotechnology Initiative has released a new strategic plan aimed at achieving growing economic benefits and improved quality of life for US citizens. The plan reflects the consensus of participating agencies and provides guidance for investments and activities in nanotechnology R&D.
Researchers from IIBB-CSIC-IDIBAPS have discovered a method to stop and revert idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in animal models using pneumocytes transplantation. A clinical study will soon be conducted in humans to test the treatment.
The new NIST program will ensure that accredited laboratories perform tests on personal body armor in a reliable manner, reducing the risk of inaccurate or ineffective protection. Laboratories must submit applications and complete an assay process to demonstrate proficiency before receiving accreditation.
Researchers found that prenatal alcohol exposure can lead to a preference for alcohol's taste and smell, making young people more likely to abuse it. Prenatal exposure also affects the development of the olfactory system, which enhances the sensory impact of alcohol.
New software helps NASA's Spirit rover find a safe winter haven on Mars, called Von Braun. However, the path to get there is too treacherous, with no suitable bail out spots along the route. The software uses satellite images and rover images to map features on the surface.
Researchers at MIT have developed a system that uses beams of light to sort cells, allowing for precise separation based on specific cell characteristics. This technology could enable genetic screening, clinical testing, and cloning research with increased efficiency and reduced costs.
Carnegie Mellon's National Robotics Engineering Center has won a $14.4 million contract to develop an advanced, autonomous unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) for the US Army. The UGV will utilize lessons learned from the successful 'Crusher' platform and incorporate latest suspension, vehicle frame, and hybrid-electric drive technologies.
Researchers found significant developmental variation in vulva development across nearly 50 species of roundworms. The results show that evolutionary changes are unidirectional and orderly, contradicting the idea of random evolution.
A study by Michigan Medicine found that a pedometer program that counts every step, regardless of duration, is more satisfying for people with diabetes. This approach led to increased walking and better adherence compared to structured goals.
A study of over 7,500 websites found that webmasters intentionally favor Google over other search engines in robots.txt files, resulting in a strong correlation between the favored robots and market share. This bias may disadvantage consumers who prefer other search engines, as Google can index some information not available to them.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch developed an innovative artificial immune system that mimics the human body's response to disease. This technology will enable rapid screening of vaccine and therapeutic compounds, potentially saving millions in R&D costs.
A four-year study will investigate restoration practices in Hawaii's most degraded ecosystems, providing concrete information to restore remaining dry forests and break invasive species/wildland fire cycles. The project aims to improve Department of Defense land management in the Pacific region.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has awarded $138.7 million in funding to 56 innovative technology projects, including medical diagnostic techniques and alternative energy sources. The projects were selected through a competitive, peer-reviewed process and represent a total potential investment of up to $342.7 ...
Dr. Rajarathnam Chandramouli is leading a three-year project grant to research and develop software defined radio-based cognitive radio technologies for public safety radios to optimize spectral efficiency. The proposed protocols aim to create broadband connections for quality of service in public safety bands.
A pioneering study identified 13 key issues, including community engagement, cultural acceptability, gender inequality, affordability, corruption and poor governance. The research aimed to prevent these challenges from hindering global health research in developing countries.
According to the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Congress is expected to increase research budgets across major non-defense agencies, with significant funding increases proposed for environmental, energy and biomedical initiatives. The proposed new spending would add billions to the FY 2008 budget.
Argonne scientists have won three R&D 100 awards for groundbreaking innovations in teleconferencing software, chemical gas detection, and medical imaging. The Access Grid platform enables global collaboration, while Passive Millmeter-Wave Spectroscopy provides a new tool for fighting terrorism. The Ultra-High Resolution Mammography Sys...
The NanoSensor StageGate Accelerator will accelerate the development of innovative nanoscale-enabled products supporting the US Army's transition and applications in aerospace, energy, and transportation. Funding will enable commercialization opportunities and create high-tech jobs in New York State.
Researchers have successfully tested an experimental gas turbine simulator equipped with ultralow-emissions combustion technology called LSI using pure hydrogen as a fuel. This technology has the potential to eliminate millions of tons of carbon dioxide and thousands of tons of NOx from power plants each year.
A Virginia Tech mathematician is working on reducing the computational challenges associated with simulating large-scale dynamical systems by employing rational Krylov methods. This approach enables the creation of reduced-order models, which significantly shorten computation times while maintaining accuracy.