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Autism Speaks awards 47 new research grants funding

Autism Speaks has awarded 47 new research grants, totaling $13.2 million, to advance understanding of epigenetic and gene-environment influences, neurobiology, and studies on adolescents and adults with autism. The grants will focus on increasing early diagnosis, improving treatment outcomes, and reducing the economic cost of autism.

Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund awards grant to R.J. Dunlap Marine Conservation Program

The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund has awarded a $2 million grant to the R.J. Dunlap Marine Conservation Program at the University of Miami to support its project on conserving critically endangered oceanic sharks. The program will employ satellite tags to track shark behavior in real-time, helping to determine the species' vulnera...

Post-silicon computing

The University of Pittsburgh has received a $1.8 million grant to create a new kind of computer using a tiny 'toy' with big potential. The project aims to develop a scalable sensing, storage, and computation platform, enabling the creation of high-tech industries and jobs in the United States.

Graphene's strength lies in its defects

Researchers at Brown University discovered that grain boundaries in graphene do not compromise the material's strength. The critical bonds along these boundaries can be as strong as those found in pure graphene when tilted at specific angles, enabling the creation of larger sheets with improved properties.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience·DateNov 11, 2010

Pharma must be held more accountable to its human rights responsibilities

The PLoS Medicine Editorial argues that drug companies' human rights responsibilities have not been adequately addressed, despite the need to make medicines available to those in need. The editorial highlights the importance of accountability and calls for an external body to monitor pharmaceutical companies' policies and practices.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 28, 2010

New role for the JNK protein

A recent study reveals that the JNK protein controls the cell cycle by regulating key drivers of cell growth. The findings suggest that hyperactive JNK activity may contribute to genomic instability and promote tumor growth.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJul 14, 2010

$1.7 million keeps McGill on edge

The McGill University researchers will be working on various projects, including cancer research and bone degeneration, using the new funding. The Canada Foundation for Innovation's investment will help develop Canada's global reputation as a place where outstanding research and training is being conducted.

Brown University-led team discovers how bats avoid collisions

Researchers at Brown University have found that echolocating bats use mental templates to differentiate between broadcast and echo signals, allowing them to minimize sound wave interference. By tweaking sound frequency, bats can create a unique template for each broadcast/echo set, enabling efficient navigation in cluttered environments.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 29, 2010

Option-loaded CEOs swing for fences, but strike out more often

A study by Penn State professors finds that CEOs with stock option-heavy compensation packages lead companies to extreme performance, with more big losses than big gains. High levels of CEO stock options coupled with high investment spending produce a 'combustible combination' resulting in very extreme outcomes.

SourcePenn State·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateOct 15, 2007