Articles tagged with Scientific Foundations
A Wayne State University professor has received a $330,000 NSF grant to explore a novel method for manufacturing nanoscale devices using solution-based processes and inexpensive raw materials. The research aims to overcome the current bottleneck in scaling up nanotechnology by connecting different functional materials into one device.
LUX-Zeplin (LZ) will boost the size and effectiveness of the original LUX technology with a larger xenon detector, aiming to spot Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) as they move through liquid xenon.
The PandaX experiment at the China Jinping underground laboratory is using a liquid xenon dual-phase technology to detect dark matter and neutrinoless double beta decay. The facility has been optimized for low background radiation, with a shielded environment protecting against cosmic muons.
Eranda Nikolla's research aims to improve energy efficiency and lessen environmental pollutants by developing robust solid-state electrochemical systems. Her project will utilize a combination of experimental and theoretical techniques to design efficient electrocatalysts for CO2 conversion, producing syngas.
The I-Corps at NIH pilot program aims to train business-minded biotech researchers to evaluate their scientific discoveries for commercial potential. The program will provide tools and resources to prospective entrepreneurs, including real-time interactions with potential customers and supplemental funding.
A team of researchers at UT Arlington has developed an affordable and environmentally friendly field analyzer for detecting arsenic levels in water. The device can detect sub-part per billion levels of arsenic without using toxic chemicals, addressing a major public health concern worldwide.
A meta-analysis found that people with higher protein diets, especially from fish, may have a lower risk of stroke. The study analyzed data from seven studies involving over 254,000 participants and found that moderate protein intake was associated with a 20% lower risk of stroke.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio have identified a protein called Grb10 as the on-off switch for converting unhealthy white fat into beige fat, a process that increases energy expenditure and reduces obesity. The finding could lead to the development of novel diabetes and obesity drugs.
Researchers studied the basic motion of tear film traversing the eye to develop a potential cure for dry eye. The simulation found that blinking is necessary to stop the thinning of the tear film, and flooding the eye with liquid does not relieve the issue.
The Mosers' groundbreaking discovery of specialized neurons called grid cells has been recognized with the €750,000 Körber prize. The prize money will support their research on grid cell formation and interaction with the environment.
Carnegie Mellon researchers will test the eXpressive Internet Architecture (XIA) in vehicular networks and for delivering online video. The deployment aims to eliminate bottlenecks in video transmission, which accounts for most internet traffic.
A recent study by Ohio State University found that viewing partisan news from both conservative and liberal viewpoints does not increase acceptance of citizens on the other side of the political fence. Instead, it amplifies polarization, making people more critical of opposing views and less accepting of those who hold them.
The researchers developed Amulet, an electronic bracelet that supports mobile health applications with usability, manageability, interoperability, availability, security, and privacy. It tracks medication use, sends reminders, and provides critical health data in emergency situations.
The 8th edition of Scientific Style and Format, a definitive resource on scientific editorial style and publishing practices, is now available online. The new edition features updated coverage of technologies, plagiarism, and copyright law, as well as changes in stylistic recommendations.
The international research team has discovered and named the earliest and most primitive pterodactyloid species, Kryptodrakon progenitor, which lived above the earth 163 million years ago. The fossil was found in northwest China and revealed that pterodactyloids originated and evolved in terrestrial environments.
Researchers at Harvard's SEAS discovered a hemihelix shape, rarely seen in nature, by stretching and joining rubber strips. The shape has a predictable and deterministic growth from a two-dimensional state to a three-dimensional state.
Researchers fabricate hemihelix shapes from flat parts using rubber strips and discover a critical aspect ratio for their formation. This phenomenon may lead to creation of new molecules with unusual properties.
A family of tri-diagonal compact schemes with independent dispersion and dissipation properties are developed to resolve flow fields with a wide range of length scales. The proposed scheme optimizes dispersion while controlling dissipation, allowing for more accurate simulations of compressible flows.
The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and Society for Science & the Public announced winners of the Science, Play and Research Kit (SPARK) Competition. A microfluidics 'lab on a chip' prototype developed by Manu Prakash and George Korir took first prize, while Robijanto Soetedjo's toy set that explores electrical signals won second pri...
Roxana Geambasu, a Columbia University computer science professor, has won a $499,000 NSF CAREER Award to create new data protection mechanisms for mobile and cloud devices. Her research focuses on ensuring data security and privacy in an era of increasing threats and irresponsible data management practices.
Researchers discovered that alligators use air-filled channels in their ear canal to amplify pressure differences, allowing them to pinpoint the source of sounds. This mechanism is similar to birds' interaural canals and may be an evolutionary adaptation from dinosaur ancestors.
Richard Tapia, a mathematician and mentor, is the 2014 recipient of the Vannevar Bush Award. He has increased opportunities for underrepresented minorities in science and mathematics through his work at Rice University. Tapia's efforts have led to significant progress in producing women and minority Ph.D.s in mathematical sciences.
Dr. Ed Cackett has received a $550,000 NSF CAREER Award to study neutron stars and accretion in binary systems. He will also develop a program to bring solar telescopes to local schools, enhancing hands-on science education.
A new study by American Sociological Association found that social ties play a significant role in determining who wins certain Hollywood movie awards. The research suggests that peers tend to favor award candidates who are heavily embedded in the film industry, while critics show no such favoritism.
Researchers found that brain pathways adaptively change between detecting and discriminating sensory inputs, such as headlights in the distance. The study used animal models and optical imaging to directly assess how acuity is controlled in the brain.
Two NYU faculty members, Roozbeh Kiani and Nicholas Stavropoulos, have been awarded Sloan Foundation fellowships for their innovative research in neuroscience and sleep. Their work has the potential to lead to new medical interventions for mental and cognitive disorders and improve understanding of human sleep and its regulation.
Despite a lack of basic scientific knowledge, most Americans have a positive view of science and scientists. The survey found that over 90% of respondents believe scientists are dedicated to humanity's good, and nearly all think the benefits of science outweigh potential dangers.
The UC Riverside lab, led by Professor Zhenbiao Yang, received an honorable mention for their short movie 'Visualizing Leaf Cells from Within' in the International Science & Engineering Visualization Challenge. The challenge, sponsored by NSF and Science magazine, selected the top winners from 227 submissions across 12 countries.
The National Science Foundation and Science journal announced 18 winners of the 2013 International Science & Engineering Visualization Challenge. The contest showcased captivating visualizations of complex scientific concepts, including wearable energy storage and brain mapping.
Researchers at Clemson University are developing a new method of studying breast cancer cells by building 3D structures that mimic the complex behavior of cancer cells in human tissue. The 3D structures allow for the testing of various treatments and can be customized to represent different stages of cancer.
A new national study reveals that cohabitation significantly contributes to the number of long-term relationships lasting eight years or longer. The research found that couples who start out cohabiting are more likely to form and maintain long-term unions, especially among women as they get older.
A UT Arlington chemist has discovered that mutations outside the CDO enzyme's outer coordination sphere can lead to high levels of ROS, increasing the likelihood of age-onset diseases. The findings could be applied to other oxygen-dependent enzymes, potentially screening for genetic dispositions for ROS-related diseases.
A collaborative project between five Michigan universities aims to increase the academic success of underrepresented minority graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in STEM fields, as well as women graduate students. The project will strengthen mentoring relationships and engage students in interdisciplinary learning communities.
John Jelesko, an associate professor of plant pathology and physiology at Virginia Tech, has been recognized as an AAAS Fellow for his distinguished contributions to the field of plant specialized metabolism. His research has led to a better understanding of plant metabolism with significant implications for the pharmaceutical industry.
NASA's Operation IceBridge is conducting a daily survey flight through Nov. 26, collecting data on Antarctic land and sea ice. The mission aims to track changes in polar ice, including the Siple Coast and Ross Sea areas.
A Clemson University scientist is studying the impact of environmental changes on lucinids, a common species of clam found in Southern coastal marine sediments. The research aims to understand how these clams contribute to coastal biodiversity and develop strategies to manage natural resources.
The Center for Environmental Implications of NanoTechnology (CEINT) at Duke University has been awarded a $15 million grant renewal to continue studying the environmental impact of nanoparticles. The research focuses on understanding where nanoparticles accumulate, how they interact with other chemicals, and their effects on ecosystems.
The BioXFEL center will focus on developing new bio-imaging techniques using x-ray lasers to analyze biological molecules. Researchers will use this technique to study drug development, disease occurrence, and the structure of individual viruses.
Professor Alan Cowman has been recognized for his substantial contributions to understanding malaria development and drug resistance. His work has led to the development of two potential malaria vaccines, one in clinical trials and the other in preclinical development.
Researchers are developing a general framework for secure, privacy-preserving wearable mHealth devices that complement smartphone capabilities. The Amulet project aims to provide seamless integration of health data into everyday life.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded funding for three projects developing innovative robots that enhance mobility for visually and physically impaired individuals. These co-robots aim to improve treatment for atrial fibrillation by adapting to changing environments and ensuring accurate contact with the heart during procedures.
Researchers will engage students in studying an extinct supervolcano in northwest Arizona, exploring questions about supervolcano behavior and comparisons with typical-scale magmatism. The project aims to foster hands-on learning and contribute to the understanding of supereruptions.
A new iPad application is being used to examine how young children learn through their interactions with nature. The app allows researchers to track behaviors, movements, engagement, and probable science learning in natural settings such as PlayScapes.
Dr. Xiuren Zhang has been awarded a $1.3 million National Science Foundation CAREER grant to further his research on RNA silencing and plant stem cells. His team's discovery of bidirectional processing of microRNAs in plants could lead to more productive breeding practices.
Chemist Elad Harel at Northwestern University has been awarded a Packard Fellowship to develop optical analogs of MRI technology for studying protein misfolding. Misfolding is linked to diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and diabetes.
Microbiologists at UNH are investigating the evolution of beneficial microbes in bioluminescent squid, seeking to understand how these relationships form and function. The researchers will study the genetic basis of adaptation and explore how selection acts on bacteria with different evolutionary histories.
Researchers at the University of Houston will gain faster data upload and processing capabilities, enabling innovation in education and healthcare. The upgrade aims to facilitate the creation, sharing, and analysis of large datasets.
The new institute explores basic science of energy conversion on nanoscale, with potential to discover new ways of generating energy. Scientists will explore biological systems and build hybrid/artificial systems to revolutionize energy science.
Astronomers discovered a neutron star that can transform from a radio pulsar into an X-ray pulsar and back again, with its behavior fueled by a nearby companion star. The unusual behavior provides new insights into the birth of millisecond pulsars.
The NC State program aims to develop teaching tools for global use, recruiting 10,000 teachers from around the world to participate. Initial projects include urban wildlife, soil microbial life, and paleontology, with modules incorporated into middle school science classes in North Carolina schools.
Wayne State joins other universities in improving STEM teaching methods to support high-talented students and increase graduation rates. The project aims to enhance faculty skills and track student progress to address attrition from STEM majors.
Researchers at the University of Delaware are creating a fundamentally new approach to modeling hurricanes, integrating storm surge, wind speed, and flooding maps to inform evacuation decisions. The team hopes to reduce deaths and injuries by improving management of evacuation and shelter for hurricanes.
The Center for Brains, Minds and Machines aims to foster collaboration across disciplines to understand intelligence and develop intelligent machines. The center will focus on four main research themes: integrating intelligence, circuits for intelligence, developing intelligence in children, and social intelligence.
NASA's Operation IceBridge will now operate from McMurdo Station in Antarctica, expanding its reach and measuring previously inaccessible areas. The new setup aims to improve knowledge of the continent's ice mass balance.
A new study by MIT professors found that online ratings can heavily influence people's judgments, with positively rated comments becoming increasingly popular and negatively rated comments triggering skepticism. However, the researchers also discovered limitations in this phenomenon, such as topical constraints.
Novice and experienced drivers show distinct differences in lane keeping performance, with experienced drivers better controlling vehicle position. The study suggests that driving experience affects cognitive skills such as perception, decision, and memory.
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.
The APS Foundation has awarded a $20,000 grant to the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) to support its TGen2School initiative. The grant will provide science kits and instructional materials for teachers, helping to improve overall scientific literacy and prepare students for careers in STEM fields.
Databrary aims to accelerate scientific discovery by enabling widespread data sharing in the developmental and behavioral sciences. The platform will facilitate access to rich video data from studies around the world, allowing researchers to build on each other's efforts and pursue new lines of inquiry.
Harvard researchers discovered that humans store and release energy in the tendons and ligaments crossing the shoulder, allowing for rapid throws. The team used a 3D motion-capture camera system to analyze collegiate baseball players' throws, finding that elastic energy storage occurs during the 'cocking' phase.