News on the grants and awards that fuel scientific work. Covers federal grants, foundation awards, gene-editing and disease programs, and shifts in funding policy.
A new study will examine the role of lifestyle physical activity in cognition among insufficiently active older adults with higher risks for Alzheimer’s or related dementias. The research aims to identify achievable lifestyle health behaviors that can reduce the risk of these conditions.
A study found that distributing small amounts of funding to a large number of researchers generates more new results and innovations than concentrating funds on a few excellent researchers. Research funding above 50 million yen leads to stagnant results, highlighting the importance of efficient allocation strategies.
Scientists have successfully measured the speed of molecular charge migration in a carbon-chain molecule, revealing a movement of several angstroms per femtosecond. The study used a two-color high harmonic spectroscopy scheme with machine learning reconstruction to achieve a temporal resolution of 50 as.
The 3D-BRICKS project aims to develop a new family of 3D nanotransistors using DNA technologies, reducing production costs and increasing computing power. By leveraging carbon nanotubes and self-assembling materials, researchers hope to create compact and efficient nano-transistors.
A new dictionary provides a comprehensive overview of Shakespeare's language, revealing words with reduced mental ability and plant hybrids. The Arden Encyclopedia of Shakespeare's Language offers insights into the linguistic thumbprints of plays and characters, as well as the networks of character interaction.
Researchers have deciphered a biochemical mechanism explaining how cortisone preparations mediate inflammation-resolving effects in human immune cells. Cortisone influences enzymes involved in the formation of inflammation-resolving messenger substances, inducing resolvins early but impairing function later.
Assistant Professor Jinwei Ye at George Mason University has been awarded a $600,000 NSF CAREER Award to develop polarization-based vision systems for autonomous navigation and smart manufacturing. The project aims to improve machine vision systems' capability in geometric and semantic scene understanding.
The University of Tennessee Extension will address health disparities related to poor nutrition, physical activity, and obesity in seven rural Tennessee counties. The CDC's High Obesity Program funding aims to reduce chronic diseases by improving access to fresh foods and opportunities for physical activity.
A recent study published in Neuron reveals that Noelin proteins play a crucial role in learning and memory formation in the mammalian brain. The study found that these proteins act as 'universal anchors' controlling the distribution and dynamics of AMPA receptors, which are essential for synaptic plasticity.
A pair of studies suggest people consistently overestimate support for harmful actions and underestimate support for helpful reactions to controversial research findings. This negativity bias can lead to censorship and harm, with conservative participants more likely to support censoring research.
The University of Texas at El Paso has been awarded a $5.3M grant from the Air Force Research Laboratory to enhance digital engineering training programs. The project will provide pre-professional experiences to 200 students and offer courses in digital engineering.
A new MIT study reveals that soft technology features, such as permitting practices and supply chain management, contribute less than 15% to total cost declines in solar energy systems. Improving these processes could accelerate cost savings in the clean energy transition.
Researchers have identified a novel pathway to stabilize nanoscale precipitates in alloys by utilizing nonequilibrium processes, stopping coarsening and resulting in stable nanostructures. This approach has potential applications in materials used for nuclear applications, batteries, and other industries.
The NIH has established 10 research centers to develop innovative approaches to reducing pregnancy-related complications and deaths. These efforts aim to address disparities in maternal health outcomes by racial and ethnic group, age, education, socioeconomic status, and geographic region.
Researchers used radiocarbon dating and time-series modeling to study the timing and causes of megafauna extinctions at Rancho La Brea Tar Pits. The team found that a sharp decline in population occurred between 13,070 to 12,900 years ago, coinciding with warming and drying climate change and increased fires sparked by humans.
Printable electronics have potential in solar power and LED screens but face challenges in scalable manufacturing. Professor Adam Printz is using a new RAPID printing process to examine fundamental characteristics and advance the field.
The researcher aims to bridge completeness, efficiency, and applications in 3D graphs to solve problems in physics, fluid dynamics, and biotechnology. Geometric graphs can represent molecules, proteins, and drugs, enabling the prediction of their behavior and properties.
A novel CRISPR-based gene-editing treatment, EBT-001, effectively removes SIV from the genomes of non-human primates without off-target effects. The study's findings support the development of a cure for HIV/AIDS in humans and pave the way for ongoing clinical trials.
A team led by Dr. Zixiang Xiong at Texas A&M University aims to understand the fundamental limits of learned source coding, a machine learning-based data compression method. They hope to develop more powerful compression methods for efficient use of wireless communication and less energy consumption by mobile devices.
Researchers at Kessler Foundation are conducting novel studies on identity reconstruction, physical and mental fatigue, and upper limb function to improve the lives of individuals with TBI. The studies aim to develop scalable, accessible, and effective interventions using strength-based approaches.
Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are developing new cancer treatments that target the metabolic pathway hijacked by cancer cells. Using neutrons and x-rays, researchers mapped the enzyme structure to design roadblocks along the pathway.
A new imaging method developed by UC researchers can identify specific lung infections in real time, reducing diagnosis time from 2-3 days to hours. The method uses injectable probes that light up under a nuclear imaging machine, enabling faster treatment for critically ill patients.
Megumi Inoue received funding for Mason CARES Plus to assess the impact of Stress Busting Program (SBP) and Music and Memory program on reducing care partner stress. The study aims to identify effective strategies for improving care partner engagement with M&M program.
Researchers have identified key genes involved in producing large amounts of immunoglobulin G, a crucial antibody in the human body. The discovery could lead to advancements in manufacturing antibody-based therapies for diseases such as cancer and arthritis.
Researchers have developed a novel catalysis scheme that enables previously impossible chemical reactions without the use of rare and precious metals. The method uses light to activate the catalyst, allowing for the optimization of the process.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute discovered a new redox chemistry empowered by chloride ions for the development of seawater green batteries. This technology leverages abundant elements such as iron oxides and hydroxides, potentially repurposing iron rust waste materials for modern energy storage.
The rare moss Takakia has developed unique adaptations to survive frost, high UV radiation, and extreme altitudes. Climate change is altering its natural habitat, posing a threat to this ancient species.
Researchers linked chemical changes in seawater to volcanic activity and climate change, with a 7-fold decrease in lithium concentration over the past 150 million years. This shift is attributed to reduced seafloor hydrothermal activity, influenced by tectonic plate movements.
The Estee Lauder Companies' New Incubation Ventures has launched a breakthrough prize for innovative active ingredient companies, R&D labs and scientists pushing the boundaries of Indian consumers. The prize program aims to discover and support the next generation of Indian beauty brands.
Researchers aim to connect manufacturers and cybersecurity experts to create a community interested in solving digital manufacturing security issues. The team plans to build a website for communication and hosting workshops, conferences, and student design competitions.
A WVU study found that U.S. cities with new professional sports teams saw increased influenza mortality rates, with the NHL teams causing the largest increase. The researchers analyzed data from 122 cities and controlled for factors like population and temperature to find a significant correlation between team arrival and flu deaths.
A new grant aims to decipher how diverse breast cancer tumors influence cancer cells' ability to resist treatment. By studying this phenomenon, researchers hope to uncover novel targets for more effective therapies.
Researchers discovered that electrons flow through the bulk of a special type of insulator, rather than at the edges, using magnetic imaging. This finding provides new insights into electron behavior in quantum Hall insulators and informs the development of topological materials for next-generation quantum devices.
A Pitt Professor believes oligodendrocytes, the nerve insulating cells, hold the solution to BCI's nagging problem. By understanding and preserving these cells, researchers aim to improve BCI's performance and expand its applications beyond paralysis.
The study reveals that metallic lithium forms a rhombic dodecahedron in the absence of corrosion, which could lead to safer lithium-metal batteries with increased performance. The researchers developed a new technique for depositing lithium faster than corrosion forms, allowing them to observe this unique shape.
A team of researchers at Texas A&M University has developed a new model to accurately measure ancient ocean temperatures using clumped isotopes. By understanding the reordering process, they were able to identify the role of water as an accelerator in resetting clumped isotope temperatures.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have engineered a synthetic metamaterial to direct mechanical waves along a specific path, adding innovative control to 4D reality. This breakthrough discovery has potential applications in civil engineering, micro-electromechanical systems, and national defense.
A KU project aims to train women leaving incarceration in digital skills, employment, and online navigation to reduce recidivism. The three-year program will support up to 600 women in Kansas and Missouri, providing holistic education and job readiness training.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a system that uses fluid mechanics and chemo-mechanical processes to autonomously assemble hierarchical 3D structures. The system utilizes sticky bonds to drive self-organization, allowing for the construction of complex devices with minimal external intervention.
A new multi-center study found that having a genetic variant in the prealbumin gene alone is not sufficient for diagnosing transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy in older Black patients. Researchers suggest that a blood test measuring prealbumin levels may be useful in identifying patients at risk of developing cardiac amyloidosis.
The PULSE project combines magnetic and acoustic levitation to bioprint highly sophisticated organoids that closely mimic human organs. These in vitro heart models will provide invaluable insights into cardiac physiology and pathology, enabling the development of preventive and therapeutic solutions.
A University of Central Florida engineer is leading a $3.3 million ARPA-E funded project to develop simulation software for floating offshore wind turbines. The goal is to improve turbine design and increase their use as a renewable energy source. The software will be licensed or commercialized and can be hosted on a university web page.
Metalenses have been developed with differentiated design principles to eliminate chromatic aberration. By merging bright spots into a single focusing spot, researchers achieved an efficiency of up to 43% and demonstrated the versatility of their approach for various optical applications.
Dr. Amir Asadi's team embeds patterned nanostructures into high-performance composites to achieve multifunctionality and structural integrity simultaneously. This approach offers a practical and scalable method for creating nanostructured materials with tunable properties, revolutionizing the manufacturing of high-performance composites.
Children with greater language diversity are more sensitive to contextual factors when assessing an informant's reliability. This study found that bilingual children selectively trust informants who have provided accurate cues in the past, but not those who provide inaccurate cues. Bilingualism may enhance social-cognitive development ...
Researchers at WVU have developed a way to view synthetic DNA at the atomic level, enabling them to understand how to change its structure for enhanced scissor-like function. This breakthrough could lead to new technology for medical diagnoses and treatments, including potential therapies for diseases like retinal degeneration and cancer.
Researchers are working on a rapid non-invasive diagnostic test using saliva to quickly identify stroke patients who need time-critical treatment. The study aims to develop biomarkers that can accurately distinguish between different types of stroke, enabling suitable patients to receive appropriate treatment speedily.
A Michigan Medicine study in Texas found that 61.4% of older adults with cognitive impairment are still driving, but one-third of caregivers have concerns about their care recipient's ability to drive safely. Researchers emphasize the need for open discussions between caregivers and healthcare professionals to ensure safety.
A new study led by Indiana University School of Medicine researchers shows that primary care clinicians who receive specialized training can make accurate autism diagnoses for over 80 percent of young children referred with developmental delays. The EAE Hub system, a statewide network providing training and collaborative learning, has ...
A new geometric deep learning model called GFCN has been developed to detect stroke lesions in brain imaging scans. The model leverages rich geometric information to segment brain tissue and achieves higher segmentation performance than other neural network architectures.
Researchers at West Virginia University are developing a hydrogen flexible boiler to decarbonize the food and beverage industry. The technology, proposed by Hailin Li, will supply thermal energy by burning clean fuel rather than traditional fossil fuels.
The new Clinical Research Unit will investigate autoantibodies' role in neurological disorders, focusing on diagnosis and treatment. Researchers expect innovative therapies for patients with previously suspected diseases.
A mobile app is being tested to help students with disabilities such as autism, down syndrome, and learning disorders. The app, I-Connect, will enable select students to set goals, track progress, and receive prompts to improve their behavior and engagement in class.
Lero is recruiting 16 top international post-doctoral researchers for a €2.9 million fellowship program focusing on privacy, trust, inclusion and fairness in software expertise. The program will provide discipline-specific skills training and enhance career development.
A team of researchers from the University of Arizona is launching a $7 million consortium to improve water security and water reuse methods in the arid southwestern United States. The project aims to advance water treatment technologies and make systems more efficient, driving sustainable practices.
Researchers at MIT are developing a continuous mRNA manufacturing platform to improve vaccine development and production. The pilot-scale system aims to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and facilitate collaboration in the biopharmaceutical industry.
The team led by Jan J. Weigand developed an innovative method for producing phosphorus-based chemicals, reducing environmental impacts and enabling a more sustainable access to platform chemicals. Phosphorus recycling through electrochemical methods is also being explored, aiming to reduce waste and conserve natural resources.
Researchers at Texas A&M University found that substance use impairs cognitive flexibility by inhibiting specific neurons. Chronic cocaine or alcohol use alters the local inhibitory brain circuit, leading to decreased cognitive flexibility and increased risk of academic deficits and lower quality of life.
George Mason University researchers Judit Ungvari and Leah Nichols have received a $277,602 NSF grant to support International Global Change Research. The grant will provide salary funding and travel costs for annual Sustainability Research and Innovation congresses until April 2026.
Mothers with a criminal record and care experience face negative judgements and excessive scrutiny due to their 'known' status. The study emphasizes the need for supportive dialogue across disciplinary boundaries to break cycles of stigma and social care involvement, focusing on safe spaces and trust-building for care-experienced mothers.