Articles tagged with Basic Research
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The National Science Foundation has awarded $31.5 million to develop and use co-robots that work cooperatively with people, advancing fundamental understanding of robotic sensing and motion. These robots will perform critical tasks safely and resiliently near humans.
EBioMedicine brings together worlds of basic research and clinical science in an open-access journal with Cell Press and The Lancet editorial influence. The journal prioritizes rapid publication and publishes a range of research study types, including commentaries and viewpoints.
A global research effort has resolved a major biosecurity issue by identifying four destructive fruit fly species as one, Bactrocera dorsalis. The combination of these species will lead to improved international cooperation in pest management and enhanced food security for some of the world's poorest nations.
New research shows that female rhesus monkeys exhibit a bias toward images of the opposite sex when surrounded by red frames, mirroring human responses. This finding suggests an evolved biological mechanism underlying the 'red effect', which may not be unique to humans.
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.