News from the institutes and societies that organize science. Covers scientific medals, university-hospital partnerships, oncology cooperatives, and society leadership.
The European Research Council has awarded €1.5 million to Dr Krasileva's research team to investigate plant immune receptors and develop new methods to protect crops from pests and disease. The grant aims to help generate ways for vital crops like wheat, rice, and maize to withstand ever-persistent diseases.
A new RAND Corporation report highlights the need for clearer US rules on targeted killing using drones. The study proposes a framework that balances protection of civilians and human rights with flexibility in the fight against terrorism. By adopting such an approach, the US can build public support at home and abroad.
Dr Diane Saunders has been awarded a prestigious European Research Council starting grant to investigate the molecular mechanisms driving host adaptation of yellow rust on cereal crops and grasses. The goal is to develop new varieties of wheat with enhanced resistance to yellow rust.
Researchers from UK universities are launching a project to digitally reconstruct archaeological sites destroyed or damaged due to conflict, cultural vandalism, and natural disasters. The 'Curious Travellers' initiative aims to collect publicly donated content to recreate 3D models of monuments and ancient sites.
The European Research Council has awarded €485 million in grants to 325 early-career researchers across Europe. These grants will enable them to pursue innovative ideas, including improving cancer treatment and developing sustainable hydrogen fuel.
SPRU marks 50 years by launching a new global consortium to tackle pressing issues like climate change and inequality. The Transformative Innovation Policy Consortium aims to rethink innovation policy and its contribution to sustainable development, economic growth, and social justice.
Teresa Mastracci, a researcher at the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute, has received a $750,000 JDRF grant to study polyamine and hypusine biosynthesis for reversing the progression of type 1 diabetes. The goal is to identify new drugs that preserve or regenerate healthy beta cells.
Teresa Mastracci, a Senior Scientist at IBRI, has received a $750,000 JDRF Career Development Award to investigate polyamine and hypusine biosynthesis in reversing type 1 diabetes. Her research aims to identify new drugs that preserve or regenerate healthy beta cells, slowing or halting disease progression.
Researchers developed a novel simulation technique called eBDIMS to predict protein movements, which can be done on standard PCs. This approach uses low-resolution models, simplifying the structure of proteins, allowing for precise predictions in minutes, not months.
Anna Rieckmann at Umea University has received a 5-year ERC Starting Grant to study the neural basis of cognitive functions using a new imaging technique combining fMRI and PET. This project aims to understand biological processes underlying brain activity, with potential implications for aging-related cognitive decline.
A unique health survey of Finnish cats has identified common health issues such as mouth, skin, and kidney problems, as well as nearly 60 breed-specific illnesses. The study provides valuable information for preventing disease and developing breeding programs, highlighting the importance of genetic research and improving cat welfare.
Mole rat castes were previously believed to be fixed throughout their lives, but a new study shows that individuals perform different roles at different ages. As they grow older, mole rats become more generalists, participating in various activities and contributing to cooperative efforts.
Max Frenzel estimates that the annual global production of gallium and germanium could be at least 7 times higher than it is currently. Gallium production could reach 2,900 tonnes per year, while current production is 440 tonnes, and germanium production could reach 1,200 tonnes.
Researchers found that people are biased towards team members physically located with them, making it harder for remote workers to be seen as leaders. To avoid power struggles and communication issues, companies should ensure leaders are either physically located with the majority of the team or everyone is telecommuting.
Researchers found that activating cannabinoid signaling increases activity in retinal ganglion cells, allowing tadpoles to detect dimmer objects in low light. This discovery challenges previous understanding of cannabinoids' role in vision and provides a potential mechanism for their therapeutic use.
A UBC research team created a comprehensive model of creping to improve the quality of tissue paper. The new model allows manufacturers to tailor the creping process for optimal softness, flexibility, and strength.
A pair of lab experiments by Cornell University researchers found that happy music increases cooperative behavior among team members. Contributions to the group's value were approximately one-third higher when upbeat songs were played compared to less pleasant music.
A new RAND Corporation study reveals that opponents of ISIS outnumber supporters 6 to 1 on Twitter. Despite this, ISIS supporters are more active online, producing 50% more tweets than opponents on a typical day. The study suggests that U.S. officials should support opponents of ISIS on Twitter with social media trainings and engagements.
A recent study published in JAMA found that the proportion of advanced dementia patients receiving feeding tubes decreased from 11.7% to 5.7% between 2000 and 2014. The decline was observed across both white and black patient groups, with significant racial disparities initially present.
Researchers explore the role of 'cognitive offloading' in managing information and retention, finding that people use physical actions to reduce mental effort when performing tasks. This strategy can have both benefits, such as increased confidence and ability, and drawbacks, including reduced memory for stored information.
A study using brain scans of musician Sting found unexpected connections between seemingly disparate songs, including Beatles' "Girl" and Piazzolla's "Libertango". The research employed novel techniques to analyze brain activity patterns, revealing rich representations of desired soundscapes in great musicianship.
According to a Virginia Tech researcher, replacing just one calorie-laden drink with water can have significant benefits for overall health. By reducing daily calories from sugary beverages, individuals can lower their risk of weight gain, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
New research on brown dwarfs has found that atmospheric properties may be behind their incredible variation in size, temperature, chemistry, and more. The discovery may also apply to planets outside the solar system, making brown dwarfs a valuable tool for studying exoplanet evolution.
Researchers found that virus replication increases at certain times of the day, with peak replication occurring in the morning. This suggests that shift workers, whose body clocks are disrupted, may be more prone to viral diseases.
A new company, Validere, has commercialized a sensing technology invented at Harvard University that can perform instant characterization of unknown liquids. The technology, called Watermark Ink (W-INK), exploits nanostructured materials to distinguish liquids by their surface tension.
The RAND Corporation has launched a web-based guide to support community leaders in planning and implementing teen pregnancy prevention programs. The Getting To Outcomes Guide for Teen Pregnancy Prevention offers tools and instructions to assess program needs, select goals and outcomes, and evaluate program effectiveness.
Research reveals that obese individuals' brains display differences in white matter similar to those in lean individuals ten years older, from middle-age onwards. Obesity may affect the onset and progression of brain aging, with potential implications for health and cognitive abilities.
A new study from Northeastern University found that people are more likely to delegate decisions when faced with choices affecting others, rather than themselves. Researchers discovered that individuals tend to avoid delegating unappealing choices on their own behalf, but will do so for someone else to minimize blame.
Researchers at KIT have created a novel type of photodetector that can transmit information at speeds of up to 40 gigabits per second, using surface plasmon polaritons to combine optics and electronics on a tiny space. The smallest photodetectors worldwide for optical data transmission can be used for integrated optical circuits.
Scientists discovered protected areas contain 15% more individuals and 11% more species than unprotected sites. Better management can double protection effectiveness.
Researchers at the John Innes Centre have identified a previously unidentified step in plant flowering initiation, linking an important gene to protein regulators. This breakthrough uncovers how plants 'remember' low-temperature conditions to control flowering timing.
Researchers found that unorganized and semi-organized groups use Twitter to develop stances toward organizations during crises. The study suggests that PR professionals can diagnose different publics' attitudes using Contingency Theory, allowing them to craft messages for specific audiences.
A new study by Lehigh University researchers finds that organizational after-hours email expectations can lead to emotional exhaustion, burnout, and diminished work-family balance. The study suggests that modern workplace technologies may be hurting the employees they were designed to help.
The 6th annual Cycle for the Cure raised a record $248,725 for TGen cancer research, including $100,000 in donations from Guarantee Trust Life. The event supported groundbreaking research on 'liquid biopsies' and other life-changing projects.
Marilyn Rantz, PhD, RN, FAAN, receives the 2016 Doris Schwartz Gerontological Nursing Research Award for her pioneering work in quality measurement and research programs to improve care of older adults. Her extensive research funding exceeds $60 million.
Researchers developed functionalized surfaces with tailored wetting characteristics that reduce or eliminate Influenza A virus infectivity. The study provides insights into the role of surface wettability on viral transmission.
INRS researchers have received over $3.8 million in NSERC grants to advance wireless communication technology. Their research programs aim to revolutionize key sectors of the Canadian economy, including machine intelligence and high-speed mobile ecosystems.
Researchers at ICIQ and IMDEA Nanoscience introduce a new surface-confined thermally tunable reaction pathway to selectively synthesize monomeric or low-dimensional phthalocyanine polymers. The discovery presents an interesting alternative for developing polymeric materials with technological applications.
Researchers from the University of Sydney and the University of Potsdam have uncovered a distinct two-phase separation process for continental breakup, involving gradual rifting and eventual rapid subsidence. The study highlights a phenomenon difficult to explain within conventional plate tectonics, shedding new light on the process.
Researchers at John Innes Centre discover a key 'twist' in producing heteroyohimbine compounds, which could lead to new and effective pharmaceuticals. The study reveals the importance of specific amino acid sequences in controlling stereoselectivity during compound synthesis.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new method for extracting the content of single living cells, enabling scientists to study individual cells at the molecular level. The technique allows for precise extraction of intracellular material, preserving live cells for repeated sampling and analysis.
A new study found that constant artificial lighting leads to severe disruption of health parameters in mice, including pro-inflammatory activation of the immune system, muscle loss, and early signs of osteoporosis. However, the effects are reversible when the environmental light-dark cycle is restored.
A new study reports that species integrity has dropped below the safe limit on 58% of Earth's land surface, threatening ecosystem services like crop pollination and waste decomposition. The Biodiversity Intactness Index reveals a global biodiversity loss of 84.6%, with nine terrestrial biomes surpassing the suggested threshold.
A study by researchers at Georgia State University found that firms perform better when CEO leadership style differs from the organization's culture. CEOs who adopt a similar style as the culture have a negative impact on performance. Instead, companies benefit from having different leadership and cultural styles.
Researchers have successfully coupled the nuclear spins of distant atoms using just one electron, leveraging quantum theory to overcome limitations in spin qubit stability. The experiment, led by Prof. Richard Warburton at the University of Basel, demonstrates an unprecedented distance of up to five nanometers.
A nationwide study by Michele Eliason and colleagues found that group intervention is effective in improving health behaviors among aging lesbian and bisexual women. The study, which involved over 375 participants, showed significant increases in physical activity and improvements in mental quality of life.
The AGA Research Foundation and Pfizer Inc. are offering three research grants to support innovative research projects related to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The grants will provide $30,000 in funding for one-year pilot projects exploring new research directions.
Researchers at Osaka University have identified H4K20ac, a novel histone modification associated with gene repression. This finding has significant implications for understanding the development of metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.
A new study found that both limited and excess sleep may raise diabetes risk in men, with those sleeping too much or too little having impaired glucose metabolism. In contrast, women who slept less or more than average were more responsive to insulin and had enhanced beta-cell function.
Researchers discovered that serpentine-tolerant Arabidopsis arenosa plants have adapted to extreme conditions through natural selection and gene borrowing. This study provides valuable insights into the genetic basis of plant adaptation, which can be used to develop stress-resistant crop varieties.
The AGA Research Foundation has awarded $90,000 per year to three young investigators working on inflammatory bowel disease projects. The funding aims to improve patient care and advance the understanding of this serious digestive disease.
Researchers find intermediate state between gas and metal, allowing heat to escape from gas giant planetary interiors. The 'dark hydrogen' layer is metallic, conducting electricity poorly but playing a role in planetary magnetic field generation.
A study found that annual application of SDF solution arrests root caries in community-dwelling elders, with higher effectiveness in non-fluoridated areas. The background water fluoride level had no statistically significant influence on the effectiveness of SDF.
The OPPERA study reveals that jaw injuries are strongly associated with temporomandibular disorder (TMD), with increased incidence rates found for extrinsic events, sustained mouth opening, and yawning. Single injuries were sufficient to increase risk of developing painful TMD.
The Gerontological Society of America's Journalists in Aging Fellows Program supports award-winning coverage of aging issues by connecting reporters with experts and trusted sources. The program highlights the need to change attitudes and expand possibilities in storytelling about aging.
A Brazilian birth cohort study found that life-course overweight and obesity significantly increase the risk of unfavorable periodontal outcomes. The study suggests a cluster effect, where excess weight and unhealthy habits together exacerbate periodontitis risk.
Fluorides are effective in preventing caries, but their use alone cannot prevent the disease when combined with high sugars diets. The effects of reducing sugars intake are modified by fluoride, but the two approaches can work synergistically to reduce caries activity.
Researchers found that non-profit CEOs with higher 'warmth' scores tended to have lower total revenue and funding from private sources. In contrast, for-profit CEOs who appear more powerful are often associated with greater success in the corporate world.
Researchers developed a new analysis method using magnetic fields to quickly measure aluminum concentration in tap water. This can lead to more efficient and environmentally-conscious coagulants for water treatment.
CropQuant uses Raspberry Pi computers to control infield cameras capturing crop growth images, then analyzes data on high-performance computers to link environmental data with crop traits. This enables scientists to reduce farming costs and improve crop yields through field-based phenotyping methods.