Tendon, heal thyself!
A new study from TSRI researchers reveals the role of a gene called Mkx in maintaining and strengthening tendons in animal models. The findings may bring doctors closer to using gene therapies to grow and repair tendons.
Scientific Foundations
Articles tagged with Scientific Foundations
Feeding the world by rewiring plant 'mouths'
Researchers have discovered ways to harness the development of stomata in grasses to boost carbon dioxide uptake and water efficiency. By rewiring the systems regulating stomata formation, scientists can improve growth performance in crops like maize, rice, and wheat.
Rice University's nanosubs gain better fluorescent properties for tracking
The latest nanosubmarine model, USN-2, can be viewed by single-molecule microscopy for at least 1.5 seconds, allowing for the tracking of its trajectory. This advancement is expected to lead to a better understanding of how the vehicles move and potentially enable their use in delivering cargo or interacting with cells.
Future summers could be hotter than any on record
A study by scientists at the National Center for Atmospheric Research predicts that future summers could be hotter than any on record if climate change continues unchecked. However, reducing greenhouse gas emissions could lower the global probability of such extreme heat to 41 percent.
Tufts engineer earns NSF Career Award to study multidimensional data science
Shuchin Aeron, a Tufts University assistant professor, has received a five-year NSF CAREER award to develop new algebraic models and algorithms for multidimensional data science. His research aims to reinvigorate interest among researchers in using tools from linear and multilinear algebra.
Just what sustains Earth's magnetic field anyway?
Researchers discovered that iron's ability to transmit heat matches previous estimates, suggesting energy necessary for geodynamo has been available since early Earth's history. The study used a laser-heated diamond anvil cell to mimic planetary core conditions and study iron's thermal conductivity.
40-year math mystery and 4 generations of figuring
Mathematicians at Georgia Institute of Technology have finally solved the 40-year-old Kelmans-Seymour Conjecture in Graph Theory, a field used to model complex networks and optimize connections. The proof required collaboration from six mathematicians over four decades.
Burial sites show how Nubians, Egyptians integrated communities thousands of years ago
A new study published in American Anthropologist found that Nubians and Egyptians developed a cultural identity that combined aspects of both heritages. The research, conducted at the Tombos site in Sudan, revealed a community of Egyptians and Nubians who interacted, intermarried, and eventually became a single community.
SEISE tool uses semantic gaps to detect website promotional attacks
Researchers developed SEISE to detect semantic inconsistencies in content, identifying 11,000 infected sites across .edu, .gov, and .mil domains. The technique uses natural language processing to spot differences between expected content and malicious advertising code.
New species from the Pliocene of Tibet reveals origin of ice age mountain sheep
The discovery of Protovis himalayensis sheds light on the origin of Ice Age mountain sheep, suggesting that the Tibetan Plateau was their ancestral home range. The fossil finds indicate a C3 diet and adaptation to high-elevation cold environments during the Pliocene.
Robots could get 'touchy' with self-powered smart skin
Scientists developed a simpler and less costly smart skin that boosts sensitivity without increasing costs, enabling robots to feel and sense their environment. The skin harnesses mechanical energy and turns it into an electric current, eliminating the need for external power sources.
UMass Amherst geoscientists to reconstruct climate at old Norse settlements in Greenland
Researchers are reconstructing past temperature and hydrology records in southern Greenland using high-resolution quantitative methods. This project sheds light on climate variations during the period of Norse settlement, which had been abandoned by the early 15th century due to various factors.
Dynamic model helps understand healthy lakes to heal sick ones
Researchers created a dynamic model of microbial species interactions in Lake Mendota, understanding the effects of environmental factors on sub-communities and individual species. The model can predict interactions as conditions change, offering insights into healthy lakes and potential cures for sick ones.
Autism Science Foundation announces Spring 2016 grant recipients
The Autism Science Foundation has awarded $2.3 million in grants to support innovative autism research and training programs. The funding will go towards pre- and post-doctoral fellowships, undergraduate summer research grants, and other initiatives aimed at improving our understanding of autism and developing effective treatments.
Marshall University faculty member receives prestigious NSF CAREER award
Dr. Nadja Spitzer, an assistant professor of biological sciences at Marshall University, has been awarded a $508,708 NSF CAREER grant to study the effects of silver nanoparticles on brain health in children and adults. Her research aims to fill the knowledge gap regarding the use of these particles in consumer products.
Experiment shows magnetic chips could dramatically increase computing's energy efficiency
Researchers at UC Berkeley have shown that magnetic chips can operate with the lowest fundamental level of energy dissipation possible, leading to dramatic reductions in power consumption. This breakthrough is critical for mobile devices and cloud data centers, which demand powerful processors on small batteries.
Research awards seen as milestone for Clemson University engineering and science
Five Clemson University researchers have won prestigious awards for their groundbreaking work in developing new medicines, making robots fly, saving buildings from demolition, and creating more efficient fertilizers. The awards bring $2.2 million in new research funding to the College of Engineering and Science.
Identity unearthed
A new study published in American Anthropologist reveals the transformation of Egyptian and Nubian culture through cultural entanglement. The researchers found that individual choices played a significant role in shaping the development of the Nubian state, allowing it to eventually conquer Egypt.
Mastering the art of ignoring makes people more efficient
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that giving people time to learn what's possible to ignore improves visual search performance. Participants who were told to ignore distracting colors on a computer screen found the target letters faster and more efficiently over time.
Too much salt could potentially contribute to liver damage
A high-salt diet has been found to contribute to liver damage in adult mice and embryonic chicks, with excessive sodium leading to cell death and decreased cell proliferation. Vitamin C treatment may partially counteract the negative effects of excess salt.
UM professor earns distinguished National Science Foundation CAREER grant
Orion Berryman, a UM assistant professor, has received a $675,000 CAREER grant to study multidentate halogen bond donors for supramolecular catalysis. He will use the award to design molecules that complement sulfur compounds and teach students about chemical concepts through 3-D printing.
Wearable robot transforms musicians into 3-armed drummers
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a wearable robotic limb that allows drummers to play with three arms. The smart arm responds to human gestures and music, enabling a more sophisticated and creative experience. The technology has the potential to be applied in various fields, including medicine and engineering.
Breaking the strongest link triggered Big Baja Earthquake
Researchers found that small faults can link together along a 'keystone' fault, triggering larger earthquakes. The El Mayor-Cucapah earthquake showed this pattern, with seven smaller faults activated by the breaking of a central stone-like fault.
Americans' support for science remains strong
A large majority of Americans (80%) agree that scientific research needs government funding, but many believe the country spends too little on it. Meanwhile, most respondents trust scientists, with high confidence levels in their leadership.
UM professor earns prestigious CAREER Award from National Science Foundation
Assistant Professor John McCutcheon receives $746,301 NSF CAREER grant to continue his lab's work on mitochondria and chloroplasts. The award aims to increase Montana students' competitiveness in handling complex data sets.
Vinegar could potentially help treat ulcerative colitis
Researchers found that vinegar suppressed inflammation-inducing proteins while improving the gut's bacterial makeup in mice with ulcerative colitis. The study also showed that treatment lowered levels of proteins that induce damaging inflammation, suggesting a potential therapeutic effect.
Mark Rosin receives 2015 AAAS Early Career Award for Public Engagement with Science
Mark Rosin, a physicist, has been recognized by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for his creative and sustainable public engagement strategies. He organizes interactive events that mix science with art, music, and play to reach diverse audiences.
Wayne State chemistry professor earns NSF CAREER Award to examine unusual chemical structure
Jennifer Stockdill, a Wayne State University assistant professor of chemistry, has received a $650,000 NSF Faculty Early Career Development Award to investigate the reactivity of neutral aminyl radicals. The award also supports outreach programs aimed at promoting diversity in STEM fields among middle school girls and graduate students.
Reconfigurable origami tubes could find antenna, microfluidic uses
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed reconfigurable origami tubes that can change cross sections to operate at different frequencies for antennas or switch liquids in microfluidic devices. The tubes employ the Miura-ori pattern and can be designed with exact properties needed for various users.
Pitt professor Dr. Paul Leu receives prestigious National Science Foundation CAREER award
Dr. Paul Leu's CAREER award will support research on flexible metals for thin, efficient solar cells. His work aims to develop new hierarchical structures for adaptive transparent conductors and solar cells.
Study shows large variability in abundance of viruses that infect ocean microorganisms
Researchers analyzed over 5,600 estimates of ocean microbial cell and virus populations, finding dramatic variations from location to location and depth. The study highlights the need for more accurate representations of viral populations in climate models and biogeochemical measures.
Work on the mystery of the glass transition receives NSF CAREER grant
Dr. David Simmons aims to develop a predictive understanding of the glass transition in strongly interacting polymers, which could lead to breakthroughs in materials science and technology. His research has the potential to improve human health, energy efficiency, and electronics.
Harnessing computers to create a sustainable future
A new research network, CompSustNet, aims to develop computational solutions for creating a sustainable future. Researchers from multiple institutions will collaborate on complex issues like smart electrical grids and renewable energy management.
President Obama honors nation's leading scientists and innovators
Nine leading American scientists, including those supported by NSF, receive National Medal of Science for outstanding contributions to science. The awards also recognize innovators who have made lasting impacts on America's competitiveness and quality of life.
Twisted magnetic fields give new insights on star formation
Scientists discovered twisted magnetic fields in dusty disks orbiting young stars, affecting disk growth. The study used the VLA radio telescope to observe a 750-light-year-old protostar in Perseus, finding millimeter- to centimeter-sized particles in the disk.
Clemson researchers receive NSF grant to examine impacts of conservation easements
A Clemson University team will study the effects of conservation easements on land-use patterns, public participation, and ecosystem integrity. They will compare outcomes for easements with differing purposes and levels of public oversight.
'Ornamental' faced ceratopsian found in China
Scientists have uncovered a new, 160 million-year-old ceratopsian dinosaur from China with an 'ornamental' texture on its skull. The fossil, named Hualianceratops wucaiwanensis, provides insights into the early evolution of Ceratopsia and suggests that at least five ceratopsian lineages may have emerged during this period.
VLA yields new insights on solar flares
Astronomers have confirmed a proposed explanation for how solar flares accelerate charged particles to nearly the speed of light using the upgraded VLA radio telescope. The new observations support the idea that a termination shock is responsible for accelerating electrons, with results closely matching computer simulations.
Research team finds detailed record of mysterious fast radio burst
Researchers have discovered a detailed record of an FRB, providing new insights into its origin and environment. The signal exhibited Faraday rotation and passed through two distinct regions of ionized gas, shedding light on the mysterious astrophysical phenomenon.
Gates Foundation supports KAUST with $1.5 million for parasitic weed research in Africa
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation approved $1.5 million funding for King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) to combat Striga hermonthica, a destructive parasitic weed in sub-Saharan Africa. The research aims to enhance food security for millions by providing lifesaving control methods.
Computational thinking in a fun scientific setting may help students learn chemistry
Researchers at Virginia Tech are developing computational models to teach chemistry in an interactive environment that encourages scientific discussion and argumentation. The project aims to integrate science, engineering, art, and design to transform K-12 education.
New UTA research will automatically check for bugs in cyber-physical systems
Researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington are using formal, methods-based testing to automatically discover bugs in development environments for cyber-physical systems. The technique, known as randomized differential testing, generates random programs and models, then translates and compiles them to identify defects.
'Healthy' foods differ by individual
A new study published in Cell Press found that the glycemic index of foods varies significantly between individuals, contradicting traditional dietary recommendations. The research, led by Eran Segal and Eran Elinav, used a large cohort of participants to demonstrate the power of personalized nutrition in managing blood sugar levels an...
Large-scale modeling shows confinement effects on cell macromolecules
Researchers used large-scale computer modeling to study the effects of confinement on macromolecules inside cells, finding that particles near cell walls linger for extended periods. This could improve understanding of cellular signaling and lead to new therapeutic designs.
Recreating a heavenly chorus of plasma waves on Earth
Physicists at UCLA's LAPD successfully recreated whistler-mode chorus waves, previously only observed in space, to study the excitation process and its implications for satellite safety. The experiment reveals a complex interplay of plasma parameters and wave signatures that provide an unprecedented constraint on theoretical models.
Dartmouth, NSF aim to turn America's rural libraries into STEM centers
A new NSF-funded project aims to develop rural libraries and librarians into informal STEM learning centers, providing access to science education for small towns and rural areas. The initiative builds on a previous Dartmouth-led project that reached over 100 libraries and aims to involve another 110.
OU research team selected to develop aeroecology national research training program
AOU is developing an aeroecology training program that will train graduate students in data science and its application of Earth-observation data for societal benefits. The program, supported by the National Science Foundation, aims to recruit and retain diverse high-quality graduate students across disciplines.
Nuclear Science Advisory Committee issues plan for US nuclear physics research
The US Nuclear Science Advisory Committee has released a new long-range plan for nuclear physics research, prioritizing investments in particle accelerators and neutrino studies. The plan recommends focusing on existing facilities like Jefferson Lab's 12 GeV Upgrade to unlock new scientific opportunities.
Solving the internet's identity crisis
Researchers are working on a multi-year project to help end Internet trickery by verifying true network owners and legitimate traffic paths. The team will deploy new protocols such as RPKI, updating router software and adding servers to the routing infrastructure.
OU engineering professor leads NSF grant on infrastructure resilience
University of Oklahoma School of Industrial and Systems Engineering researcher Kash Barker is leading a project to evaluate the impact of analytics on infrastructure resilience. The goal is to design resilience into infrastructure systems, such as transportation and electric power networks, to withstand disruptions and recover rapidly.
Grant for natural hazards research at UC Davis centrifuge
The National Science Foundation awards UC Davis a five-year, $5 million grant to utilize the large earthquake-simulating centrifuge for natural hazards engineering research. Researchers can build complex models and conduct accurate scale-model studies of soils and soil-structure systems.
$81 million to support new National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure
The NSF will provide funding for 16 sites and a coordinating office to advance nanoscale science, engineering and technology research. The NNCI framework builds on the NNIN and aims to establish a nationwide backbone for nanoscale research.
DESI, an ambitious probe of dark energy, achieves its next major milestone
The DESI Collaboration, led by the U.S. Department of Energy, has achieved a major milestone in its dark energy research project. Using the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument, DESI will measure the redshifts of over 30 million galaxies and quasars with unprecedented precision.
Cornell nanotech facility receives $8 million NSF grant
The Cornell NanoScale Science and Technology Facility will receive $8 million from the National Science Foundation over five years. This grant, combined with a matching commitment from New York state, will provide long-term infrastructure support for ambitious research.
Engineer receives rapid NSF support to probe water woes in Flint, Michigan
Marc Edwards, a renowned expert on municipal water quality, is studying severe iron and lead corrosion in Flint's water system. The investigation aims to understand the 'perfect storm' of problems affecting residents, including high levels of lead in tap water.
NSF invests $10 million in smart, human-centered service systems
The National Science Foundation has invested $10 million in smart service systems that learn from data to center on people through individual feedback and input. These adaptive and individualized interactions create more value.
Golden Goose Award to Cohen and Small for work on hypsographic demography
Cohen and Small's groundbreaking research on hypsographic demography has led to significant benefits in society. Their global model of human population distribution by altitude has informed disaster preparedness, packaging design for food companies, and biomedical studies.
Clemson professor receives grant to delve into the foundation of scientific philosophy
Oberdan is tracing the efforts of a group of intellectuals from diverse fields, including Moritz Schlick's Schlick Zirkel, who developed logical empiricism as a scientific philosophy. The research aims to provide insights into how scientists think about science and its implications for philosophical inquiry.
UM scientist earns grant to study carbon across North America
Researchers will investigate how disturbances like fire and insect infestation are changing the Earth's carbon absorption, and use models to optimize observation networks for detecting impact on ecosystem carbon balance. The project aims to understand how terrestrial landscapes are shifting from being a net carbon sink to a source.
Researchers tackle issues surrounding security tools for software developers
A new research from North Carolina State University explores how security tools are used by software developers, finding that peer influence and corporate culture are key factors in adoption. The study also highlights limitations of current tools, including inaccurate notifications and lack of user-friendly interfaces.