News from the institutes and societies that organize science. Covers scientific medals, university-hospital partnerships, oncology cooperatives, and society leadership.
Dr. Christine Faulkner has been awarded a European Research Council Consolidator Grant to investigate how plant cells communicate and coordinate responses to pathogen threats. The grant will support large-scale research on defence signals triggered by single cells and their transmission through whole plants.
A consortium of researchers will assess various interventions, including bovine colostrum and elemental diets, to improve gut health and reduce mortality rates. The research aims to address the high mortality rate of severe acute malnutrition, particularly among children in low-income countries.
The VIRCA Plus consortium aims to improve agricultural productivity and enhance nutrition for smallholder households in East and West Africa by developing disease-resistant and nutritionally-enhanced cassava varieties. The project will address challenges such as plant viral diseases, which can destroy up to 100% of a cassava crop yield.
Researchers are developing new technologies to help patients with chronic conditions such as COPD and diabetes manage their health at home. The £10 million project will explore the use of wearable devices and data analytics to improve healthcare services. Seven UK universities and over 30 partners are involved in the research.
The EMBO Installation Grants program supports talented researchers in establishing independent research groups across Europe. The grants provide financial assistance, networking opportunities, and practical support to help scientists advance their research.
Researchers in Frankfurt confirm the quantum-mechanical tunnel effect in deep-frozen helium molecules. The study reveals that over 75% of bonding time can be explained by this effect.
Scientists at ANU have designed a nano crystal that turns darkness into visible light, enabling the creation of lightweight night-vision glasses. This innovation has potential applications in anti-counterfeit devices, medical imaging, and holographic displays.
The study will examine the degree of damage caused by agricultural land management practices to the local environment and explore ways to lessen such damage. It aims to identify means to mitigate the effects of soil erosion on economic, health, and societal perspectives.
A research group led by Prof. Dr. Benjamin Judkewitz is working on a new approach to overcome light scattering limitations in optical microscopy, enabling images of deeper tissue layers. The European Research Council has allocated €1.49 million over five years to fund this endeavor.
Research from NC State University and American University found that capacity grants stimulate long-term financial growth for nonprofits. However, specific financial capacity grants do not provide additional benefits compared to other types of capacity grants.
Researchers at the University of Konstanz are developing nano factories that can prevent bacterial colonization on surfaces. The team, led by Sebastian Polarz and David Schleheck, plans to create a cocktail of chemical compounds that specifically target bacteria, reducing the need for antibiotics.
Researchers have developed a new method to detect bacterial biofilms using molecular chameleons, which emit a unique optical fingerprint. This breakthrough could lead to improved understanding of biofilm formation and its applications in medical care and the food industry.
Researchers found that a cavity formed beneath the glacier prior to the mid-1940s, allowing warm sea water to flow under it and cause retreat. The study provides direct evidence of the timing of glacier retreat before satellite measurements were available.
Researchers develop optical fingerprint to study Salmonella biofilms, providing new tool for understanding mechanisms of biofilm formation. The method is specific and non-toxic, allowing for the detection of biofilm components without harming bacteria.
Microorganisms like fungi and bacteria produce volatile compounds that boost plant growth, flowering, and reserve substance accumulation. This discovery could lead to eco-friendly alternatives to conventional agrochemicals.
A study by CSIC researchers has discovered that volatile biostimulant compounds emitted by phytopathogenic microorganisms boost plant growth and flowering. The findings could lead to sustainable improvements in crop yields and encourage plant interactions.
The Biogerontology Research Foundation and collaborators announce the development of a novel approach to analyzing transcriptomic data sets, titled iPANDA. The system applies deep learning algorithms to identify patient-specific pathway signatures associated with breast cancer patients.
A study at McGill University found significant differences in how people from different cultures perceive and react to the same scents. Providing odour names reduced these cultural differences, suggesting that mental representations activated by sensory information are more diverse than those activated by knowledge of what the scent is.
A new study by the University of Leicester reveals that small amounts of damage to salad leaves in bagged salads encourage the presence of Salmonella enterica. Juices released from damaged leaves also boost the pathogen's ability to attach to the salad's plastic container, doubling its motility and allowing it to multiply rapidly.
A team of international researchers has developed a scheme to protect groups of quantum particles and enable their coherent transportation. The proposal, based on the ideas of physicist David J. Thouless, utilizes topological pumping to move quantum states along a line of miniature quantum circuits.
A team of researchers has discovered thousands of disease-related genes by analyzing the connections between genes and remote regulatory regions in blood cells. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and Crohn's disease.
Researchers study how male Syrian artisans adapted to exile, impacting finished products and preserving cultural traditions. Training programmes will support sustainable social enterprises among refugee communities.
The need for innovation is driving a surge in global research funding, with governments investing heavily to secure economic growth and sustainability. Nations are racing to keep up, with Asia experiencing significant growth in research spending.
Researchers reveal that cartilage has a more complicated zonal organization than previously thought, with at least six identifiable zones. This discovery could help scientists develop better engineered cartilage materials to treat joint disorders.
A new study by TSRI researchers suggests that disruptions in circadian rhythms may leave levels of an important cancer-linked protein, called cMYC, unchecked. This connection has significant implications for the link between daily rhythms and cell growth.
The IPERION CH project brings together European researchers and institutions to create a single infrastructure for scientific research on cultural heritage. The initiative provides access to high-quality scientific instruments, innovative equipment, and unique data, making it easier for researchers to advance their projects.
Researchers at Tohoku University found that visual attention has multiple functions and stages, including early visual processing and selective extraction of information. The study proposes a model of spatial attention that can predict different attention effects for various visual processes, which is useful for complex tasks like driv...
The German Research Foundation has approved funding for three graduate schools at TU Dresden, focusing on making existing buildings more resilient through innovative materials, developing new treatments for type 1 and 2 diabetes, and advancing computer science modeling.
The Gerontological Society of America has selected 16 distinguished reporters for the Journalists in Aging Fellows Program. The fellows will develop major aging-focused stories or series during GSA's Annual Scientific Meeting, exploring concerns such as elder isolation, homeless seniors, and the digital future.
Researchers found that group emotional intelligence and peer attachment positively relate to adolescent psychological well-being. Classrooms with greater emotional intelligence see stronger relationships between attachment and well-being, offering a potential tool for identifying classrooms in need of intervention.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed a tiny optical cavity, known as a pico-cavity, that focuses light down to single atom scales. This innovation enables real-time observation of atomic movement and opens up new possibilities for studying light-matter interactions.
A new study finds that employees who balance cultural fit and network cliqueness are more likely to succeed. The researchers identified four organizational archetypes: doubly embedded actors, disembedded actors, assimilated brokers, and integrated nonconformists.
Researchers at Osaka University have created rigid self-healing materials that can recover up to 99% of their strength in semi-dry conditions. The materials use a combination of physical and chemical approaches to facilitate self-healing, utilizing polyrotaxane structures and reversible bonds.
A new UCL study found that mismatched light and heat levels can cause major disruptions to body clock function, leading to behavioral changes and molecular signals. The research suggests that a moderate time lag between light and temperature causes the clock to break down, with significant effects on behavior.
A study presented at TCT 2016 found the Watchman device had a successful procedure rate of 95.6% with low major complications, including pericardial effusion and embolization. New operators performed 50% of procedures, yet complication rates remained favorable.
In a study by University of Leicester researchers, male stickleback fish change the design of their nests depending on oxygen content, while females also adjust their nest preferences accordingly. This flexibility might give sticklebacks an advantage in rapidly changing environments.
Researchers analyzed tree-ring evidence with climate data, finding a pattern of fires over 500 years that intertwined El Nino patterns and human activity. The study suggests that indigenous populations used fire for resource management, creating dry firewood for various needs.
Researchers are developing a system using phase-contrast imaging and mathematical analysis to identify the best-fitting sperm, leading to improved fertility treatment decisions. This new approach aims to reduce distress and expense associated with infertility treatments like IVF.
Scientists at the John Innes Centre have developed a new MutChromSeq technique that reduces the complexity of searching for specific genes in wheat and barley genomes. This method uses chromosome flow sorting to narrow down the search area, making it faster and cheaper to sequence just one chromosome.
The ILUMIEN III trial found that optical coherence tomography-guided PCI resulted in similar minimal stent area compared to IVUS-guidance, while also showing improved stent expansion and acute procedural success compared to angiography-guidance. Untreated major dissections were more common after IVUS-guided PCI than OCT-guided PCI.
The Alliance will develop a nationwide cohort of advocates with expertise in PCOR/CER to address under-representation of older adults and caregivers. The project aims to improve informed health care decisions and increase the usefulness of PCORI's information.
Researchers attached data loggers to common swifts to track their flight activity, confirming they spend over 99% of their non-breeding period in the air. The birds likely save energy during the day by soaring on upward currents and ascend at dawn and dusk.
A team of scientists has determined a more precise version of the second law of thermodynamics and applied it to small quantum systems. The study found that violations of the law are rare, but can occur with significant probability in small quantum objects.
Researchers found that unconscious increases in arousal affect participants' confidence in their visual decisions. This effect is counteracted by artificially increased arousal, suggesting a complex relationship between conscious introspection and physiological states.
Researchers at McGill University found that taking beta blockers can increase the success rate of dental implants by up to 89%, while avoiding heartburn medication may also improve results. The study involved over 700 patients and confirmed its findings in rat studies.
Plant breeders have struggled to combine high yield and resistance to Septoria in wheat varieties, but John Innes Centre researchers have found a genetic connection between the two traits. The study reveals that nearly 60 years ago, breeding decisions inadvertently linked increased susceptibility to Septoria with higher yields.
Researchers at ICFO have successfully imaged molecular bond breakup in acetylene using ultrafast mid-IR laser source and reaction microscope. The team observed a proton escaping the molecule, providing unprecedented insight into chemical reactions.
New research reveals that extraverts' ability to energize their teammates is key to their perceived advantage in team-based work. However, when there's high conflict, extraverts may be seen as dominating or aggressive, showing a less desirable side of being extraverted.
A study by University of East Anglia found that organisations with more creative employees enjoy higher levels of customer satisfaction. The study recommends investing in developing the creative capabilities of customer service employees through tailored HR practices, including workshops and training.
Dr. Karin Everschor-Sitte is setting up an Emmy Noether independent junior research group at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz to investigate new magnetic structures for spintronics applications. Her work focuses on skyrmions, which could make computer storage media smaller and more efficient.
The research initiative presents key findings on state and community tobacco control, including smoke-free home interventions and retail policies to reduce tobacco use. The papers provide evidence-based solutions for policymakers and advocates seeking to address the complex tobacco control landscape.
A 24-year study found that sudden blood pressure drops are associated with a 15% increase in long-term dementia risk. Orthostatic hypotension was linked to brief episodes of reduced brain blood flow, potentially leading to detrimental effects on brain tissue.
Despite previous concerns, a new review of evidence suggests that night shift work is unlikely to increase breast cancer incidence. A meta-analysis of three large UK studies and seven previously published studies found no significant association between night shift work and breast cancer risk.
A study on chimpanzees, bonobos and orangutans shows they can anticipate when someone else has a false belief. The apes' ability to grasp the concept of false beliefs is seen as a key milestone in human cognitive development.
International researchers have identified six main overarching themes in community initiatives that can potentially play a role in creating a future that is both more just and more sustainable. These include agroecology, green urbanism, future knowledge, urban transformation, fair futures, and sustainable futures.
The National Institutes of Health has expanded a five-year funding award to The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) from $120 million to $207 million. TSRI will lead the effort to engage one million or more U.S. participants in a historic medical research effort aimed at improving disease prevention and treatment based on individual diff...
The UK government is investing £17.7 million in four new healthcare technology research programmes to tackle the growing need for treatments of diabetes, dementia, and cancer. The programmes will develop innovative solutions for wound care, neural rehabilitation, cell therapeutics, and immunotherapeutics.
A new study found that people with a defective gene variant prefer high-fat foods over sugary ones, contributing to weight gain. Researchers tested participants with lean, obese, and MC4R-defective genes, showing a link between genetic variants and food choice.
A recent study reveals that invasive insects cause significant damage to agriculture, health care, and infrastructure, resulting in estimated annual losses of 69 billion euros. The majority of these damages are attributed to North America, with Europe and Asia also experiencing substantial financial losses.
A unique open science project has been developed to address the lack of commercial incentive for industry to develop drugs for neglected diseases like malaria. Over 50 researchers from 21 organizations contributed to the project, sharing data and collaborating on finding new antimalarial compounds.