Articles tagged with Scientific Foundations
Will Pearse, a USU biologist, has been awarded a $300,000 NSF grant to study the impact of invasive species like cheatgrass. His project aims to use evolutionary history to model practical ecological challenges and engage students in real-world research.
The University of Texas at Austin will build the nation's fastest academic supercomputer with a $60 million NSF grant, expected to enable major scientific discoveries in fields like astrophysics and zoology. The system, known as Frontera, will begin operations in 2019 and be twice as powerful as its predecessor.
Researchers found that ant colonies with as few as six individuals experienced significant benefits from group living, including better-surviving babies and faster growth. The study suggests that increases in group size alone can create benefits for small colonies, challenging the idea that strong groups require strong leaders.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison created a robot named Minnie to serve as a reading buddy to middle school kids, resulting in increased excitement about books and attachment to the robot. The study showed that social learning through interaction with the robot improved comprehension and motivation for reading.
Scientists have unraveled the behavior of electrical discharges on extremely small scales, revealing new insights into gas breakdown mechanisms. The study found that at these microscopic gap distances, no obvious discharge channel formed, and the voltage necessary for breakdown decreased linearly with decreasing gap distance.
A study by Georgia Institute of Technology researchers found that 30% of ants do 70% of the work in fire ant colonies, optimizing digging without clogs. Robots programmed to mimic ant behavior outperformed their human-made counterparts, demonstrating the efficiency of unequal work distributions and reversal behaviors.
The grant enables researchers to detect and identify a wide range of molecules from diverse samples. The instrument will also support the university's goal of increasing participation by underrepresented groups in STEM education and research.
A single-celled protozoan achieves incredible acceleration by contracting its body and utilizing supramolecular springs. The creature can shorten its body by 60% in a few milliseconds, reaching speeds of up to 200 meters per second squared.
Researchers observe light echoes from Eta Carinae and its surroundings to decode the extent of a historic stellar blast. The team determines that the star released almost as much energy as a typical supernova explosion, but a double-star system remained intact.
A research team at USTC developed a facile method for preparing functional carbon materials from small organic molecules. The transition metal-assisted carbonization process produces CMs with high carbon yield, desired microstructures, and abundant heteroatoms.
The Republic of Korea has become a full Participant in the International Gemini Observatory, allowing Korean astronomers to access the twin 8-meter telescopes. This partnership is expected to yield new scientific discoveries and collaborations with other international partners.
Colorado State University researchers will use a new grant to create nanoscale spin waves with uncommonly short wavelengths, enabling unprecedented control of electron spins. A tabletop soft X-ray microscope will be developed to study these waves, laying the groundwork for low-power storage and quantum computing applications.
Researchers discover pyrosomes, known as 'sea pickles,' are thriving in colder waters off the Oregon coast, potentially disrupting regional fishing operations and food webs. The invasive species may be capitalizing on nutrient-poor conditions to feed on plankton, leading to systemic changes in the ecosystem.
Researchers have developed a new, less destructive teeth whitening method using blue light-activated nanoparticles. The treatment showed similar whitening levels to hydrogen peroxide-based agents without enamel damage or cytotoxicity. Additionally, the therapy demonstrated antibacterial activity against certain bacteria.
Researchers have discovered that cells use diverse building materials and proportions to create structurally different antennae with unique functions. This study sheds light on genetic diseases associated with cilia, explaining why some patients exhibit only one type of symptom.
Researchers developed a direct nano-kirigami method to create complex 3D shapes using flat films at the nanoscale. The technique enables precise manipulation of light and can be used for sensing, computation, and biomedical devices. A multidisciplinary connection between nanomechanics and nanophotonics has been established.
Astronomers have found a quasar with the brightest radio emission ever observed in the early universe, providing unprecedented insight into the universe's youth. The discovery allows researchers to study the early galaxy formation process, which is crucial for understanding the evolution of the cosmos.
Researchers have created a window-compatible material that can generate electricity and insulate against heat, leading to potential savings of over 50% on household energy costs. The dual-function material could pave the way for new technologies such as self-powered greenhouses.
Boson sampling with photons faces major obstacle due to unavoidable photon loss, but researchers from USTC have confirmed experimentally that lost photons still produce useful output. This discovery allows for exponentially faster sampling rates and brings demonstration of quantum supremacy closer to reality.
Researchers have developed a new type of e-textile that is highly sensitive to human touch and can generate electrical signals to control household objects. The e-textile is breathable, washable, and inexpensive to produce on a large scale.
Researchers have successfully detected conical intersections in polyatomic molecules, a crucial step towards understanding energy flow in large molecules. The breakthrough uses ultrafast X-ray spectroscopy and offers new insights into the behavior of critical biological processes.
A new Michigan State University study found that disaster recovery policies must consider the livelihood portfolio of families to avoid long-term devastation. The research focused on the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake in China, where rebuilding efforts inadvertently worsened poverty and environmental degradation.
The NSF-Simons Center for Mathematical and Statistical Analysis of Biology at Harvard University will focus on three fundamental questions: molecular networks, sophisticated structures, and organisms' adaptability. The center aims to integrate mathematical, statistical, and engineering approaches with biology.
A new study found that over 67% of researchers disclose their findings before publishing or presenting the work publicly. The motivation for sharing research findings varied widely across fields, with common reasons including soliciting feedback from colleagues and attracting other researchers to the field.
A new study measures regional job creation due to native predators' regulating services, finding that American kestrels can save farmers up to $357 of cherries per dollar spent on nest boxes. Building these boxes is estimated to generate 46 to 50 jobs and over $2 million in increased revenue for Michigan's economy.
The Q-weak experiment measures proton's weak charge with high precision, narrowing possibilities for new particles and forces beyond current knowledge. The result provides insight into predictions of hitherto unobserved heavy particles.
A new nationwide graduate student training program for quantum science and engineering has been launched, pairing students with industry partners to address pressing research questions. Funded by $1.6 million from the NSF, approximately 20 students will receive four years of funding to pursue leading-edge science and engineering.
The University of Texas at San Antonio has received a nearly $1 million, five-year grant to support high-achieving, low-income students in computer science. The program aims to improve retention and graduation rates among underrepresented female and minority students.
Astronomers have observed a gargantuan cosmic collision of 14 young galaxies, poised to merge and form a colossal galaxy cluster. This protocluster is located 12.4 billion light-years away, offering an unprecedented opportunity to study the early stages of cluster formation.
Researchers use rabies virus machinery to deliver deferoxamine, a metal-grabbing compound, directly to brain cells, reducing iron buildup and reversing disease symptoms. The therapeutic agent is composed of nanoparticles stuffed with deferoxamine and is already approved for use in the clinic.
Researchers found that users consider personalized apps more trustworthy when consulted about store preferences, leading to better usability and engagement. Higher perceived transparency reduces privacy concerns and boosts user involvement.
A fossilized monitor lizard from the Cretaceous period was found to have a fourth eye-like structure, consisting of both pineal and parapineal organs. This discovery confirms that the third eye in lizards evolved independently of other vertebrate groups.
Researchers have created a rechargeable yarn battery that can be twisted, stretched, and cut into multiple pieces, each powering a device. The battery maintains its charge capacity, is waterproof, and shows promise for wearable electronics.
Researchers developed a new measurement called Radiated Energy Enhancement Factor (REEF) to capture variations in earthquake rupture complexity, revealing regional patterns and differences in fault properties. This improvement could help seismologists better understand earthquake mechanics and hazards.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that smiles meant to convey dominance are associated with a spike in stress hormones, while reward smiles appear to physically buffer recipients against stress. This suggests that subtle differences in facial expressions can fundamentally change our experience and physiological response.
Brown dwarfs, larger cousins of giant planets, undergo atmospheric changes as they age and cool. Astronomers measured the temperature at which this shift happens in young brown dwarfs, finding it occurs around 1,150 degrees kelvin for objects 150 million years old.
Astronomers discovered a powerful stellar flare erupted from Proxima Centauri, making the habitability of its exoplanetary neighbor Proxima b uncertain. The flare was 10 times brighter than our sun's largest flares and could have evaporated any atmosphere or ocean on Proxima b.
Judy Wu's research proposes connecting aromaticity and hydrogen bonding to control material properties. Her work may lead to the development of new materials with novel properties.
A team of engineers at UC San Diego used data mining and computational tools to discover a new phosphor material that is inexpensive, easy to make, and produces high-quality white LEDs. The new material, dubbed SLAO, has better color quality than many commercial LEDs and can be manufactured using industrial methods.
A ground-breaking partnership between Congenica and FutureNeuro aims to improve diagnosis accuracy in genetic epilepsy. The new software will work with electronic health records to provide clinicians and patients with tailored treatment decisions.
A triboelectric nanogenerator tab can generate electricity from bending a finger and other simple movements, promising a new source of portable power. The UB and CAS team has developed a cost-effective and easily fabricable device that could serve as a power source for various wearable and self-powered electronic devices.
Researchers have found that lithium can eliminate periodic instabilities in plasma known as edge-localized modes (ELMs) when used to coat tungsten surfaces. This improvement has good news for future devices designed to work with lithium, which can damage the divertor and cause fusion reactions to fizzle.
A team of researchers found that frequent e-device users performed less well in a reading comprehension test after reading scientific articles. The study suggests that the way people read on electronic devices can hinder the holistic approach to reading required for understanding science concepts.
The IceCube detector has successfully measured Earth's absorption of high-energy neutrinos, confirming that the planet can block these particles. The study provides insights into neutrino interactions and is consistent with the Standard Model of Particle Physics.
The NSF grant will enable Lehigh to acquire an E-XPS instrument, giving researchers unparalleled access to surface elemental composition and chemical state information. This capability will overcome limitations of traditional XPS instrumentation, advancing the fundamental science and design of advanced functional materials.
A mathematician's study on 'swarmalators' reveals new class of math problems, finding rich patterns in time and space through coupling of synchronization and swarming. This research opens doors for various parts of science, exploring new areas and possibilities.
The Data Science Institute has developed a method to tap into available RF-spectrum channels using energy-efficient sensors. This will enable future communication systems to flexibly share the spectrum, reducing strain on the finite resource.
The Data Science Institute developed a novel statistical method to measure predictivity in big data analysis. The approach allows researchers to compare their predictions to a theoretical baseline, enhancing accuracy. The team will help the New York City Department of Transportation assess complex social problems using big data sets.
New observations reveal previously undetected regions where shocks accelerated subatomic particles, causing radio emission. Astronomers believe a North-South and East-West collision occurred, with possible third collision still to be analyzed.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has launched SciLine, a new service connecting reporters with credible scientists to provide evidence-based information on news-worthy topics. This initiative aims to advance quality reporting on science and technology issues, building trust between news outlets and audiences.
Professor Chunghun Lim has received the 2017 SUHF Young Investigator award for his groundbreaking work in the field of life sciences. The Suh Kyungbae Science Foundation supports young scientists through a maximum grant of 2.5 billion KRW over five years to nurture and promote creative research.
Researchers simulated 50 scenarios of a magnitude-9.0 Cascadia earthquake, finding that coastal areas would be hardest hit and locations in sediment-filled basins like Seattle would shake more. The intensity of shaking can vary by a factor of 10 depending on the scenario.
The KFU GIS portal offers detailed information on European Russia's 50 thousand river basins, covering 4 million square kilometers. The database includes 50 parameters, such as soil types, population density, and climate characteristics.
Scientists at Tel Aviv University utilize Nobel-winning research to detect gravitational waves produced by the merger of two ancient neutron stars. This discovery combines gravitational waves with light, producing a detailed model of the emission for the first time.
A Data Science Institute professor is leading a research team to develop an intelligent headphone system that detects sounds of approaching vehicles and sends audio alerts to pedestrians. The project aims to reduce pedestrian injuries and fatalities in crowded cities by providing a warning system for pedestrians wearing headphones.
A University of Oklahoma research team led by Elinor Martin will apply statistical and artificial intelligence methods to predict heavy rainfall events. The team aims to improve forecasting and increase communication between researchers, forecasters, and stakeholders to enhance societal resilience to extended periods of heavy rainfall.
Researchers computationally designed a new, metastable, and lightweight form of aluminum with a density of 0.61 gram per cubic centimeter, making it lighter than water. This discovery opens up potential applications in spaceflight, medicine, wiring, and more fuel-efficient automotive parts.
The Northwestern University Materials Research Science and Engineering Center has received a six-year, $15.6 million grant from the National Science Foundation to advance world-class materials research, education, and outreach. The center will support interdisciplinary research groups focusing on reconfigurable nanoelectronic materials...
The National Science Foundation's EPSCoR program awards $5.6 million to 30 non-tenured researchers across 20 states. The fellowships provide opportunities for extended collaborative visits, partnerships with complementary expertise, and access to sophisticated equipment.
Scientists at MIT and their collaborators have developed a new approach to ultrafast light pulses by coupling molecular aggregates with thin layers of metals like silver. This enhancement increases the material's response time tenfold, making it suitable for applications in photonic chips and signal processing.