Flashes of light on the dark matter
Researchers analyzed the interaction of cosmic web with distant quasar light to reveal properties of dark matter. The results support Cold Dark Matter theory and reject Fuzzy Dark Matter model.
Basic Research
Articles tagged with Basic Research
Researchers show how to make your own supernova
Scientists at the University of Oxford are recreating supernovae in a laboratory using lasers, allowing them to study the properties of these explosive events. This research is helping scientists better understand the origins of our universe and the formation of elements heavier than hydrogen and helium.
Does dark matter annihilate quicker in the Milky Way?
Researchers propose a theory that predicts dark matter annihilation rates vary by galaxy size and time. This study suggests dark matter could consist of multiple particles interacting through a yet-undiscovered low-mass particle.
Sound waves direct particles to self-assemble, self-heal
Scientists at Berkeley Lab demonstrated how particles synchronize in response to acoustic waves, exhibiting a phononic bandgap that emerged only when collectively organized. The study provides a simple platform to study non-equilibrium systems and could lead to the development of intelligent networks with sentient-like decision making.
Analysis for the seismotectonics of the 2016 MS6.4 Menyuan earthquake
The study found that the Northern Lenglongling fault was a more suitable seismogenic structure for the MS6.4 Menyuan earthquake. This is supported by field geological mapping and tectonic geomorphology analysis, which indicate the LLLF has been active since the Holocene.
Super-resolution microscopy of hydrogels
Hydrogels, jelly-like materials with water-based properties, require a better understanding of their structure and mechanical properties. Professor Ullal will use super-resolution microscopy techniques to characterize the structure of hydrogels and develop new materials.
NIA awards $1.3 million, multi-year grant to AFAR as the first Nathan Shock Centers Coordinating Center
The National Institute on Aging has awarded $1.3 million to the American Federation for Aging Research as the first Nathan Shock Centers Coordinating Center. This center will coordinate activities among six basic biology of aging centers, enhance external communication with researchers and the public, and facilitate data sharing.
156 early career engineering researchers to journey to frontiers of their fields
The National Science Foundation has awarded 156 early career engineers with a total of $78 million in grants, covering fields like smart materials, advanced robotics, and secure communications. These awardees will conduct five-year research projects and are expected to make significant advances in their respective areas.
Baraniuk wins Defense Department's Vannevar Bush Fellowship
Compressive-sensing pioneer Richard Baraniuk has won a five-year, $3 million fellowship to explore new technologies using the field of signal processing. The grant will help broaden the applicability of compressive sensing and enable radically new sensing capabilities.
Jefferson Lab accomplishes critical milestones toward completion of 12 GeV upgrade
The CEBAF accelerator has successfully delivered upgrade-energy electron beams into two of its experimental areas, Halls B and C. The upgrades mark progress toward the final DOE approval step for project completion.
Unraveling the functional diversity of longevity gene SIRT1
Researchers at TIFR have identified a specific region within SIRT1 that determines its interaction with other cellular regulators, enabling it to choose which factors to interact with. This discovery provides new insights into the longevity factor's functional diversity and may lead to targeted therapies against age-related diseases.
Canada funds $125 million Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy
The Canadian government is investing $125 million in a Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy to attract and retain top talent, promote collaboration among AI research centers, and drive innovation. The strategy aims to cement Canada's position as a global leader in AI.
NSF awards $6.1 million to accelerate advanced wireless research, push beyond 5-G
The NSF has awarded a $6.1 million grant to US Ignite, Inc. and Northeastern University to establish city-scale testing platforms for advanced wireless research. This collaboration aims to develop faster and more robust wireless networks, addressing the growing demand from devices such as smartphones and wearable technology.
Northeastern researcher to co-direct NSF initiative to advance wireless communication
PAWR will provide unprecedented capabilities for wireless platform experimentation, potentially revolutionizing the nation's wireless infrastructure. The project aims to develop best practices and reference architectures for next-generation wireless technologies, including millimeter wave, to enable groundbreaking research.
A new approach to improving lithium-sulfur batteries
Lithium-sulfur batteries show promise for high-energy storage, but rapid capacity fade hinders their use. A new approach using ferroelectric nanoparticles improves cycle stability by entrapping polysulfides.
Columbia University Professor among 2017 Sloan Research Fellowship Recipients
Sebastian Will, a Columbia University assistant professor, has been awarded a $60,000 fellowship to investigate the fundamental understanding of quantum many-body systems. The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation recognizes his unique potential to make substantial contributions to physics.
Girls with poorer motor skills more likely than boys to be obese
Research found girls with low fundamental movement skills exhibit higher body fatness compared to boys, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies to enhance motor proficiency in girls. The study aims to understand the relationship between motor skills and obesity, suggesting that developmental delays may be a contributing factor.
UNIST receives Minister of Public Safety and Security commendation
A UNIST research team led by Professor Joonbum Bae received a commendation from the Minister of Public Safety and Security for their groundbreaking collaborative rescue robots. The award recognizes their work on humanoid avatar robots with a teleoperating system that can be deployed in disaster response.
Raju Venugopalan awarded prestigious Humboldt Research Award
Raju Venugopalan, a Brookhaven National Laboratory physicist, has been awarded the Humboldt Research Award for his work on quark-gluon plasma and ultra-cold atomic gases. The award will enable him to continue collaborations with German researchers and further explore connections between these systems.
Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz obtains approval for Humboldt Professorship in Biology
Peter Baumann, a renowned chromosome researcher, joins Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz as Professor of Molecular Biology and Adjunct Director at IMB. His research focuses on telomeres and genetic diversity, aiming to understand the molecular and cellular principles behind chromosome biology.
RNA, gravitational waves focus of two new grants
Four Penn State researchers have been awarded a total of $450,000 by the Charles E. Kaufman Foundation to study RNA and its processes, as well as real-time gravitational wave detection. The research aims to advance methods for determining RNA structure in living cells and improve prospects for multi-messenger astrophysics.
Basic research fuels advanced discovery
UCSB neuroscientist Kenneth Kosik advocates for fundamental cell biology research into neurodegeneration, which may accelerate understanding of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. He argues that basic science provides a foundation for treatments beyond single diseases and early detection.
NSF invests $12 million in quantum technologies for secure communication
The NSF has awarded $12 million to develop systems that use photons in pre-determined quantum states for encrypting data. Researchers will engineer a quantum communication system on a chip, which could operate at room temperature with low energy.
New robot overcomes obstacles
The 'Ourobot' robot, developed by four bachelor students at Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences, features pressure sensors in its chain segments that enable it to detect and overcome obstacles. The project is a feasibility study, focusing on basic research and exploring the potential for future applications.
NSF leads federal effort to boost advanced wireless research
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is investing over $400 million in fundamental wireless research and infrastructure development. This support will enable novel technologies, applications, and services that can transform daily life through ultra-high-speed, high-bandwidth, and low-latency connectivity.
Flight of the RoboBee
Researchers developed innovative solutions for autonomous flight, sensing and swarm coordination. The team's breakthroughs include new manufacturing methods, ultra-low power computing architectures and adhesives for agile robots.
Scientists receive grant to sequence Cowpea genome
The University of California, Riverside, has received a nearly $1.6 million grant from the National Science Foundation to sequence the genome of the cowpea, a legume crop crucial for global food security. The research aims to develop high-yielding and disease-resistant cowpea varieties using genetically informed breeding strategies.
The 2016 HFSP Career Development Awards
The International Human Frontier Science Program has selected eight researchers to receive Career Development Awards, worth $300,000 over three years. The award supports the launch of their first independent laboratory and enables fellows to return home or move to another HFSP member country.
Educating community research facilitators helps protect integrity of study results
A recent study by University of California, San Diego School of Medicine reports that educating Community Health Workers (CHWs) and other 'citizen scientists' can boost the integrity of scientific research. The Building Research Integrity and Capacity (BRIC) program uses eight modules to teach research ethics and concepts.
Adapting training to age
A study by the University of the Basque Country found that larger pitches and more players per team increase physical and physiological demands on young footballers. The research suggests adapting competition models to match the physiological development of participants, particularly for the U12 age group.
International research team achieves controlled movement of skyrmions
Researchers have achieved controlled movement of individual skyrmions along a magnetic wire using electrical impulses at room temperature. This breakthrough is a significant step towards the development of new data storage technologies, offering improved energy efficiency and high storage density.
Clinicians’ exposure to basic science articles has significantly declined
A recent study in The FASEB Journal found that the number of articles dealing with basic scientific research in top medical journals has decreased dramatically over the past two decades. This decline is likely to reduce doctors' exposure to science, which could have implications for advances in medicine.
How does neurodevelopment affect diseases in adulthood?
A new DFG Research Training Group at FAU will investigate the relationship between brain development and adult diseases. The group aims to uncover how development processes affect disease susceptibility and identify new targets for therapy.
National Science Foundation and federal partners award $37M to advance nation's co-robots
The National Science Foundation has awarded $37 million to fund research on co-robots that can collaborate with people, advancing the development of robots for critical tasks like infrastructure inspection and manufacturing. The awards support projects across various fields, including healthcare and search-and-rescue operations.
A molecular light switch?...Just add water
A team of scientists has discovered a way to control ultraviolet light emission from a complex oxide material by adding a water molecule to its surface. This discovery enables the potential for improving chemical sensors, computing, and information storage.
New mood disorders program aims to advance treatments, erase stigma
A $20 million gift from the Dolby Family Fund will support UCSF's Department of Psychiatry in its research on depression, bipolar disorder, and related illnesses. The goal is to rapidly advance treatments and eliminate stigma surrounding mental illness.
Scientists produce beneficial natural compounds in tomato -- industrial scale-up potential
Researchers at the John Innes Centre have developed a method to produce large quantities of useful natural compounds efficiently by growing them in tomatoes. The study found that one tomato can produce the same amount of Resveratrol as exists in 50 bottles of red wine, and Genistein equivalent to 2.5kg of tofu.
A quantum simulator of impossible physics
A team of scientists at the University of the Basque Country has successfully simulated actions that contradict the fundamental laws of quantum physics in a laboratory setting. Using trapped atoms, they have reproduced symmetry operations previously thought to be impossible in the atomic world.
UC Davis granted $15.5 million to build world's first total-body PET scanner
A UC Davis research team has been awarded $15.5 million to develop the world's first total-body PET scanner, which could revolutionize cancer tracking and treatment. The new technology allows for simultaneous imaging of the entire body, reducing radiation dose by a factor of 40 and scanning time from 20 minutes to just 30 seconds.
MSU partners with ExxonMobil to advance biofuel research
Michigan State University has partnered with ExxonMobil to improve the efficiency of photosynthesis in microalgae to produce biofuels and bioproducts. The project aims to determine which algae are most efficient under various conditions, leveraging new technologies developed by MSU researchers.
Launch of Astrosat first Indian astronomy satellite
Astrosat observes cosmic objects in visible light, ultraviolet waveband, and X-ray wavebands from very low to high energy. The satellite addresses fundamental scientific problems like testing Einstein's general theory of relativity and studying superdense cold matter.
First new cache-coherence mechanism in 30 years
Researchers at MIT have developed a new cache-coherence mechanism that significantly reduces memory usage in multicore chips. The Tardis system uses time stamps and lease management to enforce logical-time order, eliminating the need for invalidation messages and saving space in shared caches.
At the origin of language structure
A study by Hanna Marno and colleagues found that languages with SVO structures prefer simplicity due to cognitive load constraints. In experiments where participants were not required to invent their own gestures, a preference for the SVO form emerged in both Italian-speaking and Farsi-speaking groups.
CMU BrainHub engineers receive NSF grant to study neuron variability and motor learning
The researchers will investigate how variability in neuronal responses contributes to learning and performance in motor tasks. By understanding this connection, they aim to uncover the fundamental mechanisms underlying neural variability and its role in brain function.
Constant change
The determination of fundamental constants is becoming increasingly accurate, according to a review paper published this week. This will aid in the redefinition of standard scientific units, including the kilogram and the Kelvin, by 2018.
Nanospiked bacteria are the brightest hard X-ray emitters
Researchers at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research created bacteria to emit intense hard x-ray radiation. By using nanostructured bacterial cells and silver nanoparticles, they achieved a 10,000-fold increase in x-ray emission compared to plain glass slides.
UT Arlington physics professor wins esteemed Humboldt Research Award
Zdzislaw Musielak, a UT Arlington physics professor, has won the Humboldt Research Award for his exploration of extra-solar planetary systems, dark matter, and dark energy. The award provides him with the opportunity to work on research projects in Germany, furthering his cutting-edge achievements.
Research matters
Kasturi Haldar and Grant McFadden emphasize the importance of basic research in their articles on PLOS Pathogens. They share their personal experiences and highlight how fundamental research can lead to breakthroughs in fields like malaria, cancer, and inflammatory diseases.
BESC, Mascoma develop revolutionary microbe for biofuel production
Researchers at Mascoma and BESC have developed a revolutionary strain of yeast that can efficiently convert biomass sugars into fuel, setting a new standard for biofuel production. The microbe achieves 97% conversion of xylose and glucose in less than 48 hours, significantly increasing ethanol yield.
Research prompts rethink of enzyme evolution
Scientists at University of Otago challenge traditional understanding of enzyme evolution, finding evidence of rapid evolution and ancient catalysts. The research has implications for designing proteins with biomedical applications.
A pathfinder for optogenetics
A new priority program funded by the German Research Foundation will develop next-generation optogenetic tools with higher light sensitivity. The program aims to expand optogenetics' application in basic research and medicine, particularly for treating vision and hearing impairments, Parkinson's disease, and cardiac diseases.
Two INRS professors appointed to the Global Young Academy
INRS Professors Patrizio Antici and Tiago Falk have been appointed to the Global Young Academy for their groundbreaking research in health, materials science, and cultural heritage. Their work aims to develop new technologies and solutions for society's pressing challenges.
DFG to establish 1 clinical research unit and 5 research units
The DFG is establishing new Clinical Research Units and Research Units to investigate various topics, including pregnancy complications, particle physics, and nanotechnology. The research collaborations will focus on developing systematic design rules for nanoparticle synthesis and improving public transport planning.
Light as puppeteer
Scientists at OIST successfully demonstrated a more robust method for controlling single, micron-sized particles with light using higher order modes. The technique allows particles to move up to eight times faster along a microfiber, with applications in physics, biology, and quantum research.
NNI releases supplement to the president's 2016 budget
The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) has received a $1.5 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2016, with a focus on accelerating the transition of nanotechnology-based discoveries from lab to market.
Design and build of synthetic DNA goes back to 'BASIC'
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a new technique called BASIC for creating artificial DNA, which combines the best features of existing methods while overcoming their limitations. The system enables fast and flexible assembly of genes with high accuracy, making it suitable for industrial-scale use.
How the 'mute' cicada sings
Researchers found that 'mute' cicadas produce sound by banging their forewing costa against the operculum, a newfound mechanism. This discovery expands our understanding of acoustic signaling in cicadas without tymbal organs.
Scientists call for antibody 'bar code' system to follow Human Genome Project
Researchers aim to standardize antibody identification by defining them by their sequences, like genes. This would enable consistent results across experiments and reduce waste in the research pipeline.
Studies on exotic superfluids in spin-orbit coupled Fermi gases were reviewed
Theoretical studies have predicted the existence of exotic few-body correlations and interesting pairing states in spin-orbit coupled ultracold Fermi gases. Spin-orbit coupling modifies single-particle spectra, giving rise to these phenomena.
Ebola rapid response
The National Science Foundation has awarded rapid response grants to support researchers in understanding the fundamental nature of Ebola and its impact on public safety. The grants will fund projects that explore new methods for virus detection, disinfection, and medical response, as well as research into risk assessment and behavior.