Articles tagged with Basic Research
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A special issue of the American Journal of Botany highlights the importance of basic plant science for pressing global issues like applied agriculture. Research fields include plant ecology, evolution, and phylogenetics, which provide tools for cultivated plant production and sustainable agriculture.
Professor Daniel G. Cyr, a renowned toxicologist at INRS, has received the Gabriel L. Plaa Award of Distinction for his pioneering work on the effects of environmental contaminants on male reproductive health. His research aims to understand the underlying cellular mechanisms of male infertility, with a focus on endocrine disruptors.
Eight researchers will be celebrated at the third annual Golden Goose Award ceremony for their work in improving the health of premature infants. Their research, including touch therapy, led to groundbreaking discoveries with significant impacts on society.
A new study reveals that better communication of basic research results during the discovery stage can lead to faster commercialization. Biotech firms often give up on inventions and transfer technology to other firms for repurposing in a new disease category, causing time losses earlier in the pathway.
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have discovered a new class of hybrid perovskites with exceptional performance in solid-state thin film solar cells. The materials demonstrate high light-to-electricity conversion efficiencies approaching 20% and are easy to process using coating and printing techniques.
Robert Wilson, Paul Milgrom, and R. Preston McAfee will receive the Golden Goose Award for their basic research on game theory and auctions that enabled the FCC to auction spectrum licenses in 1994. Their work has resulted in over $60 billion raised for the U.S. Treasury and enabled the proliferation of wireless technologies.
The 64th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting stressed the importance of supporting basic research to inform applied science. Young scientists called for increased investment in their generation to address global health challenges. The event highlighted the need for tailored approaches and collaboration among governments, industry, and science.
Carnegie Institution has been awarded $10 million over four years to support basic research in energy materials, which could lead to new discoveries and solutions to major energy challenges. The program aims to design and synthesize revolutionary materials for energy conversion, storage, and transport.
Scientists have found a constant ratio between excitatory and inhibitory neurons that maintains the brain's internal balance. This E/I ratio allows for subtle control over response to stimuli, preventing runaway firing or permanent quiescence.
Boston Medical Center (BMC) has been awarded a five-year $861,000 grant to train Ugandans in basic research on tuberculosis and emerging infectious diseases. The program will provide rigorous training in basic research approaches and enable Uganda's Makerere University to build capacity for conducting basic sciences research.
University of Pittsburgh physicist Sergey Frolov has received a $3 million grant to explore the use of Majorana fermions in quantum computing. Theoretical findings suggest that these particles could enable the creation of novel, incredibly powerful quantum computers.
The American Society of Plant Biologists announced its 2014 award recipients, recognizing outstanding contributions to plant biology research, education, and service. The Charles Albert Shull Award went to Libo Shan for her work on plant-microbe interactions, while the Charles Reid Barnes Life Membership Award was awarded to James N. S...
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft has established 16 new Priority Programmes, investigating fundamental scientific questions in emerging areas of research. The programmes cover various disciplines and have a total budget of €89 million for the first three-year period.
Researchers have observed Guam mantas gathering around fish spawn, which is a previously unknown behavior. The mantas react to the presence of surgeonfish by trying to evade them. This study highlights the importance of understanding manta behavior for conservation efforts in Micronesia.
Scientists at University of Calgary's Libin Cardiovascular Institute have discovered a calcium-sensing-gate mechanism responsible for initiating calcium waves and arrhythmias. This breakthrough may lead to new drug interventions for treating calcium-triggered arrhythmias.
A study at Oak Ridge National Laboratory used neutron scattering and supercomputing to demystify the forces behind pretreatment processes in biofuel production. The research revealed unexpected findings about water molecules trapped between cellulose fibers, which can either dehydrate or separate into different phases when heated.
Five Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP) grantees were awarded Nobel Prizes in Physiology or Medicine and Chemistry for their groundbreaking work. This achievement underscores the value of supporting innovative research projects and fosters collaboration among scientists.
The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS) has presented 12 new Fellows, acknowledging their groundbreaking contributions to analytics, operations research, and management science. The recipients include experts in education, healthcare, research, and service to INFORMS.
The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation is providing $90 million over five years to support basic research in condensed matter physics, focusing on emergent phenomena in quantum materials. This initiative aims to advance understanding of complex quantum systems and fuel new discoveries through conceptual breakthroughs and innovations.
Dr. David Foster, an assistant professor of neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, has been awarded the 2013 Freedman Prize Honorable Mention for his exceptional basic research on the neural basis of memory. His work combines advanced electrophysiological, computational, and behavioral approaches to investigate th...
The Air Force Office of Scientific Research granted $67.5 million in awards to 32 academic institutions for multidisciplinary research efforts. The MURI program supports teams of investigators from multiple disciplines to accelerate progress in various fields.
The new institute will offer sabbatical placements to top academics, advancing theoretical basic research and enhancing ETH's academic base. The fellows will work alongside experienced researchers, providing additional stimulation and enrichment.
A study by RIKEN Brain Science Institute researchers found that human babies and mouse pups relax when carried due to a combination of nervous, motor, and cardiac responses. This infant calming response is beneficial for both mother and child, reducing maternal burden and promoting interaction.
The US Energy Department has renewed funding for three Bioenergy Research Centers for five years. The centers will receive $25 million per year to develop next-generation biofuels, enhancing national energy security and creating new clean energy jobs.
The Thirty Meter Telescope will be the most powerful telescope ever constructed, allowing researchers to detect and study light from the earliest stars and galaxies. With NSF's support, the project aims to push the boundaries of scientific discovery in astronomy.
Daugulis develops new reaction methodology to transform C-H bonds into new compounds with higher yields and fewer steps. His work has advanced synthetic organic methodology and may lead to applications in drug preparation and polymer industry.
A NTU research team discovered massive earthquakes left clear ground scars in central Himalayas, hinting at a higher earthquake risk. The study challenges previous assumptions about blind quakes and suggests areas west or east of the 1934 Nepal ground rupture are now at greater risk.
Davide Gaiotto has won a $100,000 New Horizons in Physics Prize for emerging work as a young researcher, while Stephen Hawking received a $3 million Fundamental Physics Prize for his path-breaking discoveries about black holes. Perimeter Institute congratulates its researchers on these major international awards.
Scientists have discovered a way to control dielectrics using short and intense laser pulses, enabling extremely fast processing. This breakthrough could lead to the development of transistors that are 10,000 times faster than current semiconductors.
The Lupus Research Institute has awarded $1 million to University of Massachusetts Medical School faculty for research on toll-like receptors in lupus. The award will explore the role of TLR proteins in the disease and identify new targets for therapies.
Researchers Thomas Elsässer and Horst Weller recognized for detailed understanding of elementary processes on the sub-nanoscale. Their work has led to applications in photovoltaics, fuel cells, and drug delivery systems.
Dr. Mirkin showcased advancements in Dip-Pen Nanolithography (DPN) and spherical nucleic acids (SNAs), enabling high-resolution nanofabrication and massively parallel processing. He also introduced On-Wire Lithography, a technique for creating nanostructures on nanowires.
Stephanie Turner Chen has received the Larry Sandler Memorial Award for her research on the detection of carbon dioxide in fruit flies and mosquitoes. Her work provides a novel approach to mosquito control, revealing odors that inhibit their ability to detect carbon dioxide.
Jeremy Kahn and Vladimir Markovic receive the 2012 Clay Research Award for their groundbreaking contributions to the study of hyperbolic Riemann surfaces. The award is a testament to their innovative work on essential immersed hyperbolic Riemann surfaces and the Ehrenpreis conjecture.
The ICTP South American Institute for Fundamental Research (ICTP-SAIFR) will focus on areas like gravitation, particle physics, and field theory. The center will host visiting researchers, organize schools and workshops for PhD students, and hire permanent professors to promote scientific excellence in South America.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a nanotube-based terahertz polarizer that selectively allows 100% of a terahertz wave to pass or blocks 99.9%, making it effective for security, communication, and sensing applications. The device handles waves from 0.5 to 2.2 terahertz, surpassing commercial polarizers.
A recent study by Mars, Incorporated and partners reveals the extensive metabolism of flavanol compounds after consumption, challenging existing in vitro studies. This research provides a critical step forward in understanding how cocoa flavanols exert their circulatory and cardiovascular benefits.
The Office of Naval Research has selected five new basic research projects for significant funding, focusing on areas such as quantum computing, sensor arrays, and materials science. The programs will receive a four-year award worth approximately $1.5 million annually.
Scientists successfully transitioned fundamental research in autonomy to undersea gliders, demonstrating improved decision-making capabilities without human intervention. The new algorithm enables robots to collect more information and adjust their paths autonomously.
A study found that there is limited guidance and no consensus on optimal survey research reporting, leading to under-reported key criteria. The authors advocate for a well-developed guideline to ensure complete reporting and clearer review of results.
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine has received a $2.1 million grant from the National Center for Research Resources to develop additional basic research models for cystic fibrosis (CF). The researchers aim to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms causing CF and explore potential therapeutic approaches.
Researchers have developed a new treatment approach to Usher syndrome, a debilitating disease causing congenital deaf-blindness. A small molecule called PTC124 (Ataluren) has been shown to ignore stop signals in mutated genes, allowing for continued protein synthesis and potentially reversing sight loss.
Elliot Meyerowitz, a plant genetics expert at Caltech, has received a $5 million grant from the HHMI and GBMF to study computational morphodynamics in plants. This funding represents an unprecedented influx of cash for basic plant research, which is critical for food production, human health, and environmental protection.
The Center for Metamaterials, led by Dr. David Crouse, aims to improve metamaterials research and application in renewable energy and sensors. The center will conduct fundamental research on materials and devices with high commercialization potential.
Christine Aikens, assistant professor of chemistry at K-State, has received the two-year $50,000 award to support her research on sustainable energy and gold nanoparticles. The fellowship will allow her group to study fundamental problems not funded by other sources.
Dan Graur, a UH biologist, has received the Humboldt Research Award for his groundbreaking work in evolutionary biology and genomics. His research focuses on mutation processes and genome analysis, with potential applications in flu vaccine development.
A new policy paper by NSF and NIH experts proposes a system to assess the impact of science and technology investments. The system would gather inputs, outputs, and outcomes from various sources in an open fashion.
Ralph G. Nuzzo, an American chemist, has been awarded the Research Award of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation for his pioneering work on thiol-based SAMs. He will spend several months researching at KIT and Bielefeld University to advance Interfacial Systems Chemistry.
Dr. Arjun Deb received the prestigious Louis N. and Arnold M. Katz Basic Science Research Prize for his groundbreaking research on Wnt1-mediated dynamic injury response in epicardium activation and mammalian cardiac repair. His work has significant implications for understanding adult stem cell biology and organ regeneration.
William Ja, a Scripps Florida scientist, received $60,000 grant from the Glenn Foundation to continue his work on longevity-enhancing manipulations. He also received a two-year grant of approximately $200,000 for non-surgical sterilization methods for dogs and cats through the Found Animals Foundation.
Scripps Research scientists devise broad new technique for screening proteins, enabling efficient detection of functional sites. The method may have applications in basic research and drug development, allowing researchers to characterize unknown proteins and identify new functional sites on existing ones.
The Air Force Office of Scientific Research has awarded approximately $16.5 million in grants to 43 scientists and engineers who submitted winning research proposals through the Young Investigator Research Program. The selected recipients will conduct basic research in various areas of science and engineering.
Researchers enabled by AFOSR's YIP program developed state-of-the-art detection and evasion algorithms to block known and future attacks on Air Force computer networks and wireless systems. The new technology will enhance network security with high accuracy and speed.
Researchers are pioneering the use of wireless sensors to study a little-known phenomenon that affects glacier movement. They aim to measure the 'stick' and 'slip' phases of stick-slip motion, which cause ice sheet movement in glaciers.
Researchers led by Dr. Robert Wood at Harvard University are developing micro air vehicles (MAVs) to monitor hazardous environments like collapsed structures and chemical spills. The goal is to create agile devices that can perform tasks not achieved before using robotic devices on the scale of insects.
Dr. David Awschalom has been awarded the 2010 Materials Research Society Turnbull Award for his groundbreaking research in semiconductor spintronics, including fundamental discoveries of spin transport and coherence in the solid state.
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft is setting up six new Research Units to facilitate transregional and interdisciplinary cooperation among researchers. The new networks focus on topics such as neurophysiological processes, correlated solids, the Mamluk era, combustion processes and climate change.
Elsevier has launched a new pilot program called PeerChoice, which allows reviewers to choose articles they want to review based on their expertise and interest. This approach aims to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the peer review process, while maintaining high-quality reviews.
The VECTor device combines microPET and microSPECT techniques to provide higher resolution and enable simultaneous imaging. This allows for more detailed analysis of cell function and disease mechanisms in experimental animal models.
A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research reveals that different psychological processes drive consumer preferences, with 'projection' (predicting others' likes) and 'introjection' (considering others' preferences before one's own) underlying distinct motivations. Consumers who value uniqueness are more likely to like products ot...