News from the institutes and societies that organize science. Covers scientific medals, university-hospital partnerships, oncology cooperatives, and society leadership.
Researchers at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin aim to develop new treatment strategies for chronic and acute kidney diseases through a €10.5 million funded Collaborative Research Center. The project focuses on identifying common pathways of kidney injury and developing tailored treatments.
The European Research Council awarded €573 million in funding to 291 top mid-career researchers from 40 countries, with a focus on building teams and pursuing innovative ideas. The grants will support research projects across various domains, including physical sciences, life sciences, and social sciences.
Researchers have developed an ointment to counter the effects of brown recluse spider bites, which can cause skin necrosis and renal failure. The trial has started in Brazil with 240 participants, comparing the effects of the ointment with a placebo.
Physicists at the University of Warwick have developed a new test to spot quantum coherence in nature, which could lead to breakthroughs in quantum technologies like computers and sensors. The test clarifies the conditions under which biological systems may exploit quantum mechanics.
A team at the University of Freiburg has successfully applied 2D-spectroscopy to isolated molecular systems, allowing for more precise study of atomic interactions. This breakthrough enables a better understanding of processes in photovoltaics and optoelectronics.
Surjo Soekadar, a renowned neuroscientist, has been appointed Germany's first Professor of Clinical Neurotechnology at Charité. He aims to enhance brain functions such as attention, memory, and emotional control using innovative brain-computer interfaces.
Researchers from INRS and University of Sussex create an AI-optimized photonic chip to customize the properties of broadband light sources, also known as supercontinuum. This innovation enables new imaging technologies and fundamental research into light-matter interactions.
Astronomers have discovered a cold Super-Earth orbiting around the Barnard's star, which is about six light-years away from Earth. The planet candidate has a minimum of 3.2 Earth masses and orbits its red star every 233 days near the snow-line.
David A. Sinclair and Laura Niedernhofer received the Irving S. Wright Award of Distinction and Vincent Cristofalo Rising Star Award in Aging Research, respectively, for their groundbreaking work on age-related processes and DNA damage. The awards recognize their contributions to advancing the field of aging research.
The FIT project aims to address high youth football injury rates in Sweden by combining biomedical and social science disciplines. The study analyzes multiple datasets to identify risk factors, including growth, training intensity, and pressure to perform.
Researchers have developed a new method to calculate the behavior of chromium nitride, a magnetic material used in industry and thermoelectric systems. The study found that spin-lattice coupling causes an anomalous shortening of phonon lifetime, leading to poor heat conductivity.
The EPSRC has announced a £8 million capital investment in research equipment for 36 UK universities, supporting Early Career Researchers and enhancing their career development prospects. The institutions will use the funds to acquire specific equipment, host internal competitions, or invest in targeted groups or individuals.
Researchers at CRAG have successfully generated plants with enhanced drought resistance by modifying steroid hormone signaling, a major breakthrough in agriculture. These drought-resistant plants exhibit improved water-stress tolerance without compromising growth.
A study published in Neuron demonstrates that neurons with the same projection target are more likely to connect with each other, despite being neighbors. This 'exclusion' principle of connectivity highlights a new rule of connectivity in the neocortex.
Researchers identified the function of a protein controlling allergic diseases, which can lead to medication development for autoimmune disorders and certain cancers. Increasing this protein blocks CD4+ T lymphocytes responsible for producing cytokines triggering allergic reactions.
The Italian team aims to extract ice cores from glaciers threatened by global warming, providing centuries of historical climate data. The project involves an international governance to conserve and utilize the samples for future scientific analyses.
Researchers at UAlberta developed a new technique for storing quantum information in ultracold rubidium atoms, enabling efficient quantum communication and scalable technologies. The novel method uses clouds of atoms to store pulses of light, with significantly reduced technical requirements.
The ORA project investigates the connection between citizens and parliament, essential for democracy. The team, led by Professor Thomas Zittel, will analyze legislators' behaviors to understand if geographic ties offer an alternative to collective representation by political parties.
Researchers have found that the unique bird species on Inaccessible Island has its origins in South America, rather than Africa or Asia. The birds likely arrived on the island via debris or flying, and over time evolved into a flightless species due to abundant food sources and predator-free habitats.
Robert Tampé's €1.5 million Koselleck project aims to elucidate key mechanisms of antigen processing in MHC-I complexes, which could lead to new therapy options for infections and autoimmune diseases.
A study published in Scientific Reports found Zika virus in dead monkeys in Brazil, indicating a potential sylvatic transmission cycle. The infected animals were more vulnerable to attack by humans, highlighting the need for further research on the role of wild animals in maintaining the urban cycle of Zika.
Researchers uncover two new species of gigantic subterranean campodeid diplurans in Japan, one measuring over 10mm in length and named after the giant yökai creature Daidarabotchi. The discovery sheds light on the physical connection between Asia and America via a genus previously unknown in Japan.
A recent study reveals that employee anxiety, self-esteem, and leadership behavior perception can impact a leader's influence on organizational functioning. Followers and leaders can buffer against undesirable effects of dark-side traits like dishonesty, disagreeableness, and carelessness.
Researchers developed a smartphone app to help people with OCD manage their symptoms, reducing obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. After just one week of using the app, participants showed significant improvements in cognitive flexibility and reductions in OCD symptoms.
Researchers found that volunteers with dyslexia read faster when using green filters than without, while those without dyslexia showed no difference. The study suggests that the filters may attenuate cortical hyperexcitability in the brain, leading to improved reading performance.
A new algorithm called SleepGuard tracks sleep patterns using multiple smartwatch sensors, estimating sleep quality and providing users with practical advice. The technology captures key factors such as body movements, ambient lighting, and sounds related to sleep disorders.
For Syrian refugees in Brazil, food serves as a bridge to their past, recreating memories of Damascus, Homs, and Aleppo. It strengthens their sense of identity as Syrians, providing a connection to their homeland and a sense of belonging in their new life.
Pax5 helps maintain immune health by efficiently organizing genetic information in immune cells. The protein's organization skills are crucial for cells to access specific instructions and function properly, with disruptions linked to increased cancer risk.
Researchers at NIMS Japan developed an ionic device that can make decisions quickly and adapt to changing situations without relying on computer memory. The technology has the potential to develop novel AI systems processing analog information using hardware, addressing issues with current digital-based systems.
Researchers at Purdue University have discovered a light-active version of heme that can help inactivate methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. The technology uses a simple LED array to activate the photosensitizer, which rapidly kills MRSA strains.
A study of fruit flies found that females with better access to resources invest more energy into maintaining their bodies, allowing them to continue reproducing longer. In contrast, males prioritize short-term mating success over long-term survival.
A ground-breaking UK Biobank paper describes the release of whole genome genetic data from 500,000 participants. This will enable researchers to understand the underlying genetics of disease and interactions between genetic and lifestyle factors.
A new study reveals a significant increase in plastic waste reaching remote South Atlantic islands, with over 90% of beach debris being plastic. The researchers found high concentrations of plastic on beaches and up to 300 items per meter of shoreline, approaching levels seen in industrialized North Atlantic coasts.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have discovered a way to select the outcome of chemical reactions by manipulating the 'impact parameter', a key factor in reaction dynamics. By directing reagent molecules towards targeted molecules with controlled accuracy, chemists can now control the products of chemical reactions.
A new AI algorithm can accurately predict cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease, enabling early intervention and prevention strategies. The algorithm learns from MRI, genetics, and clinical data to identify individuals at risk, potentially delaying or preventing the onset of Alzheimer's.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation has awarded over $13.8 million in Young Investigator Grants to 200 promising young scientists studying various psychiatric disorders, including addiction and depression. The grants support innovative ideas for groundbreaking neurobiological research.
Dr. Hyungbae Kwon of Max Planck Florida Institute has received a $6.8 million Pioneer Award to study neuromodulators using light, aiming to understand internal brain state and its effects on sensation, perception, and cognition. The grant will help develop novel optogenetic approaches to dissect animal sensations and behaviors at highe...
Researchers found that male mosquitoes amplify female wingbeats using a phantom tone, creating an auditory illusion that helps them locate mates. The study's findings could lead to the development of acoustic lures for controlling disease-carrying mosquito populations.
Researchers have identified cocoa as a new source of vitamin D2, found in higher amounts in dark chocolate. Vitamin D2 is crucial for the human body and can be obtained through food sources, reducing the risk of deficiencies.
Researchers affiliated with São Paulo State University have identified four extremely young asteroid families using a numerical simulation method. The newly discovered families are estimated to be less than 7 million years old and were dated using the backward integration method, which is precise for young families.
A recent study published in BMJ reveals that European Union clinical trial registrations are incomplete, with universities struggling to meet regulatory requirements. Pharmaceutical companies, however, show relatively good compliance with EU regulations.
Researchers at RMIT University and UNSW have developed a rapid nano-filter that can clean dirty water up to 100 times faster than current technology. The filter harnesses naturally occurring nano-structures on liquid metals, making it sustainable, environmentally-friendly, scalable, and low-cost.
Researchers from Aarhus University have developed a simpler and safer way to introduce sulfur-containing fragments into chemical compounds. The new method uses a gold-based catalyst to promote the hydrothiolation of olefins, providing high yields and avoiding the need for handling flammable gas.
A new study reveals that protein galectin-1 has anti-inflammatory properties capable of minimizing damage to kidney cells by hypoxia and reperfusion, common processes in transplants. Galectin-1 may provide an alternative to corticosteroids for ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Researchers found that for 85% of genes, noise magnitude is higher in the last step compared to the first. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption of a streamlined process and may impact disease treatment strategies.
Research from the University of Exeter found that procrastinating managers can lead to a contemptuous attitude amongst their staff, resulting in anger, frustration, and abuse. Employees who have good relationships with their leaders are less likely to be frustrated by their behavior.
A four-year grant funds a collaborative study with 11 centers worldwide to assess the efficacy of cognitive rehabilitation and aerobic exercise on cognitive function in people with progressive MS. Researchers aim to demonstrate improved brain activity in regions responsible for memory, learning, and executive functioning after treatment.
Tau Flow's computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technology creates virtual prototypes of processes or environments, reducing time and money spent on trial and error methods. The company has successfully implemented its solution in various industries, including Formula 1, cosmetics, and mining.
A new study found that young pheasants who strongly favored using their left or right leg to step over a barrier died at a significantly lower rate than those with weaker preferences. The research suggests that favouring one side of the body may bring advantages, but also explains why low levels of 'footedness' exist among pheasants.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet identified four types of neurons in the peripheral auditory system, three of which are new to science. The study shows that these neurons play a crucial role in decoding sonic intensity and may lead to new therapies for hearing disorders.
New UK reports summarize scientific evidence on Natural Capital, providing insights into valuing the nation's natural assets. The reports cover floodplains, soil, afforested peatlands, private sector assessments, and temporary rivers.
Researchers surveyed 1400 Kenyans affected by drought, finding that those who relocated are more likely to experience violence. However, migrants themselves do not express increased support for violence, suggesting a complex relationship between migration and conflict.
A high-throughput screening study has identified six potent small-molecule inhibitors of α-synuclein aggregation, which could potentially halt Parkinson's disease development. The compounds target the monomeric state of αSN and share a common core structure.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo's Physics Institute have successfully entangled six light waves using an optical parametric oscillator. This achievement could lead to faster processing speeds and improve the feasibility of quantum computing by enabling the creation of systems with multiple entangled components.
A study by international female scientists found that women represent 30% of the CGE community but only 15-18% in prestigious roles. The researchers identified common barriers including gender stereotyping, the 'maternal wall', microaggressions, and harassment, which can hold women back in their careers.
The SES (Synthetic Expression System) toolbox enables efficient expression of genes in yeasts and fungi with better control. It provides solutions for bio- and circular economy challenges by developing novel microbial production processes for waste material valorization.
A new study published in Scientific Reports suggests that severe trauma from war, torture, and natural disasters may not necessarily lead to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in refugees. However, those who struggle to control their memories are more likely to exhibit symptoms of PTSD.
Finnish research reveals that bodily sensations play a crucial role in shaping conscious feelings, with emotions influencing both physical and mental states. The study identifies five major categories of subjective feelings, including positive emotions, negative emotions, cognitive functions, somatic states, and illnesses.
Researchers at Charité are investigating how certain genomic mutations contribute to childhood cancers, using advanced DNA sequencing technologies. They aim to develop personalized cancer therapies for pediatric patients.
Lipsitz has received the prestigious award for his professional leadership in teaching, service, and interpretation of gerontology to the larger society. He is recognized for his contributions to the study of aging and dissemination of information among scientists, decision makers, and the general public.