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 team of astrophysicists has discovered that hydrogen is concentrated in permanently shaded lunar craters, which could indicate the presence of ice. This finding is significant for future human exploration of the moon and could provide a water source for establishing a manned base.
Researchers found that initial questions deplete self-control resources, making consumers more vulnerable to persuasion. This strategy increases donations and compliance with charitable requests.
The EUROCORES HumVIB program investigates the impact of country-specific factors on individual values, attitudes, and behavior across Europe. The program aims to understand how cultural, social, political, and economic contexts shape human behavior, with potential implications for policy-making and bridging the gender gap.
Researchers are fitting lobsters with transmitters to track their migrations year-round, providing more accurate information about juvenile lobster sources and interactions between populations. The study aims to improve management of the economically valuable fishery, allowing lobsters to remain a staple in New England cuisine.
Professor Hamid Hadim has received a grant to develop an introductory level training course on pressurized water reactor nuclear power plants. The course will provide EPRI staff with better understanding of fundamental principles and design methodologies, enabling more valuable research and development.
Scientists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute developed a method to detect magnetic behaviors of nanomaterials using single carbon nanotubes. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in spintronics, digital storage devices, and selective drug delivery components.
A study estimates that over 1 billion individuals worldwide had presbyopia in 2005, with the condition expected to increase to 1.8 billion by 2050. Most people affected live in developing countries, highlighting a need for accessible corrective glasses and vision care systems.
Researchers at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have developed a new risk model for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) that applies to patients at any stage of the disease. The model provides improved survival projections and treatment guidance, offering hope for better patient outcomes.
Jeannie Albrecht is heading one of 29 academic/industrial research teams working on prototypes to expand the security, manageability, and versatility of networking systems. The team aims to build a user-friendly experiment control and management framework called Gush to support large-scale network management.
The UH Center for Public Policy will create a comprehensive real estate database to understand the complexities of foreclosure in Houston. The database will contain information on home sales, rents, listings, and foreclosures from 2000 to 2008.
Researchers are developing ways to empower consumers and transit service providers in designing accessible transportation equipment, information services, and physical environments. A new Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) will focus on creating a public Web site where riders can report on their experiences and collabora...
Experts warn that cuts in funding for agricultural research and programs could be catastrophic for millions of smallholder farmers in Africa. Targeted investments in areas like controlling stem-rust infections and boosting small-scale fisheries could greatly boost crop yields and lift families out of poverty.
Argonne scientists found a way to induce chirality in pre-biological molecules using X-rays and magnetic fields. This mechanism could have been introduced by irradiation of molecules in the universe, potentially explaining the origin of life.
UBC researchers have developed a new class of ultracold plasma made from molecules, which promises to revolutionize our understanding of plasmas and their properties. The technique creates plasmas three orders of magnitude denser than those made with trapped atoms, allowing for higher levels of correlation and potentially leading to ne...
Several new flood-tolerant rice varieties have passed tests in farmers' fields with flying colors, offering a solution to crop losses due to flooding. The varieties, which can withstand 2 weeks of submergence, are nearly identical to their susceptible counterparts but recover after severe flooding to yield well.
A recent survey shows that nearly a quarter of second-generation Turkish and Moroccan immigrants in the Netherlands drop out of school, while others excel in higher education. The survey attributes the discrepancies to factors such as low parental educational levels, inadequate diversity in schools, and language capacity.
The partnership will test sequestration methods and develop infrastructure to tackle carbon management, with a focus on the region's vast energy resources. The project aims to validate carbon sequestration as a technology to reduce greenhouse gases and promote energy independence.
A new five-year, $1 million NIH grant will help ASU researchers determine the effects of carpal tunnel syndrome on hand dexterity. The study aims to quantify the impact of CTS on grasping and hand control, providing valuable insights into the effectiveness of surgical intervention and physical rehabilitation.
The NWO and KNAW have launched a new research programme, the Joint Scientific Thematic Research Programme (JSTP), with Chinese counterparts. The programme aims to concentrate on different themes every year, with the first call for proposals set to be published in early 2009.
The Rutgers Center has received a second $8 million NIMH grant to expand its research into co-occurring substance use and abuse. This expansion will allow the center to investigate new areas of mental health services issues that arise when individuals with mental illness interact with the criminal justice system.
The F.M. Kirby Foundation awarded a $750,000 grant to support the education of 10 doctoral fellows at Rutgers College of Nursing. The grant will also fund a faculty member's work in teaching, research, and service.
Researchers mapped brain activity associated with speech sounds and voices to identify unique 'neural fingerprints' in listeners. This breakthrough could improve computer systems for automatic speech recognition, revealing a less hierarchical processing of speech across the brain.
Researchers at Penn School Medicine have discovered a molecular balance that governs the number of mature B-cells in the blood stream, balancing immune responses and autoimmunity. By adding BLyS, the 'brakes' on immature B cells are relaxed, while neutralizing it allows memory B cells to survive.
Researchers found brain responds to verbal errors with specific signal that can sometimes be corrected in time, similar to physical actions like grabbing or walking.
A University of Missouri engineer is working to enhance the accuracy of a landmine radar system while minimizing false alarms. He aims to create consistent radar signature patterns for landmines, differentiating them from clutter objects, to increase detection rates and reduce unnecessary military interventions.
Researchers aim to advance tailored communication and health public relations to improve health outcomes through a new news service, Informing Smart Health Decisions (I-SHD). The project will provide locally relevant cancer news stories to minority newspapers nationwide.
Researchers have uncovered evidence of at least three previous major tsunamis in the Indian Ocean over the past 2,800 years, with the most recent occurring between 550 and 700 years ago. The findings suggest that a region's tsunami history can serve as a long-term warning system, highlighting the importance of tsunami education.
The K-State Macdonald Lab is shifting its focus to ultrafast laser science, exploring its potential for molecular engineering, healthcare and energy innovations. Researchers are working to develop optimal laser characteristics to control reactions within molecules.
The University of Missouri Health Communication Research Center has received an $8.6 million grant to improve health literacy and outcomes for at-risk populations. The grant will fund the continuation of Ozioma, a bi-weekly news service that produces localized cancer-related news releases for black communities.
A new study by George Mason University found that nearly half of US states lack a state-level emergency plan or make it difficult for the public to access one. The study graded and ranked the state emergency operations plans on their communication components, finding that only two states received a perfect score.
The Parkinson's Disease Foundation has awarded $150,000 to study the potential of individualized stem cell therapy for treating Parkinson's disease. Researchers will investigate using transformed adult skin cells to replace damaged dopamine neurons in the brains of people with Parkinson's.
The International Council for Science (ICSU) aims to create a global virtual library for scientific data to address inadequate current networks and ensure inter-disciplinary research. The new system will provide quality assurance, promote data publishing, and facilitate access to valuable scientific data.
A Duke University research team observed a naïve brain organizing itself to interpret images of motion for the first time. The study revealed that individual neurons develop specific responses and become organized into functional assemblies called cortical columns.
Researchers have developed a method for 3D optical imaging of anisotropic fluids like liquid crystals, allowing for detailed understanding of molecular order. The technique enables precise control over liquid crystal displays in devices such as TVs and laptops.
The US suicide rate has increased for the first time in a decade, with the largest annual increase seen among middle-aged white women. This trend is part of a broader shift in the epidemiology of suicide, with middle-aged whites emerging as a new high-risk group.
The Titan 80-300 Cubed microscope offers unprecedented resolution, allowing for the identification of atoms and probe electrons at the atomic level. This technology will enable advancements in fields such as materials science, energy production, and pharmaceuticals.
Researchers have identified eight free-living red squirrels that are immune to the squirrelpox viral disease, a significant finding in the struggle to save the species from extinction. The discovery suggests that immunity to the virus could give red squirrels an edge against grey squirrels, which harbor the virus but are immune.
Researchers discovered a hybrid dove species in Uganda with genes from both parental species, showing functional reproduction. The hybrids' coos are effective in attracting females and defending territories, suggesting they may continue to survive and multiply.
A team of scientists has discovered a new population of colliding galaxy clusters that were previously undetected at shorter wavelengths. The discovery confirms theoretical predictions about particle acceleration through turbulent waves generated by violent collisions.
A Brown scientist found that quahog clams increase in number in hypoxic zones, as they can withstand oxygen-depleted waters and their predators cannot survive there. This suggests that certain species may benefit from dead zones, contradicting the conventional wisdom on these areas.
Researchers developed models using sensor data to calculate a system's remaining useful life. These predictions are integrated with maintenance management policies for improved logistics.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have successfully grown blue crabs in freshwater ponds, showing that they can thrive in these environments. The method has the potential to provide a sustainable source of crabs while reducing pressure on coastal populations.
A new imaging study reveals two distinct brain regions competing for control: one associated with risk aversion, the other with a desire for risk-taking. The prefrontal cortex plays a critical role in risk assessment.
Research finds UK baby boomers have limited retirement plans, preferring to maintain current lifestyles. They demonstrate a changing attitude towards inheritance, with a focus on enjoying life rather than leaving a legacy. Baby boomers also show diverse generational views, varying in their perceptions of age, identity, and consumerism.
Scientists will explore chemical reactions in extreme space conditions using a new research center combining laboratory experiments, theoretical studies, and radio-telescope observations. The Center for Chemistry of the Universe aims to expand our understanding of molecule formation that may seed young planets with life.
The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's new Smart Lighting Center will focus on developing novel materials, device technology, and systems applications for smart lighting technologies. The center aims to supplant traditional light bulbs with next-generation devices that are smarter, greener, and ripe for innovation.
The American Physiological Society has established a $50,000 relief fund for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who lost belongings or incurred relocation costs due to Hurricane Ike. The grants aim to help recipients get back on their feet and continue their contributions to the field of physiology.
A JDRF-funded study suggests that exposure to certain bacteria may provide protection against developing type 1 diabetes. Researchers found that mice exposed to these harmless microbes had a lower risk of autoimmune disorders. The findings lend support to the 'hygiene hypothesis' and may lead to new therapeutic approaches for prevention.
Researchers at the GSK-IMCB Group in Singapore have made a groundbreaking discovery about how cells move, revealing a complex of three proteins that regulate the myosin network within a cell. This finding has significant implications for understanding various diseases, including cancer growth and developmental biology.
The Penn State MRSEC will continue its research in four areas: nanoscale motors, nanowires, optical metamaterials, and multiferroics. The center aims to design new materials with unprecedented properties and functions.
The University of Texas at Austin's Center for Electrochemistry has received a $5 million grant to develop new photovoltaic materials, improve battery storage, and enhance electrocatalysts. The initiative aims to promote advances in renewable energy technologies and create next-generation energy solutions.
Researchers will analyze staple food and horticultural markets, focusing on maize, cassava, sorghum, cotton, and vegetables. The goal is to increase agricultural productivity and create efficient, sustainable markets for small farmers.
The rapid growth of tourism in Antarctica poses significant challenges, including environmental impact and lack of funding for monitoring. Marketable visitor rights are proposed as a solution to manage demand and generate revenue for enforcement and monitoring purposes.
Researchers predict when Kondo effect occurs based on magnetic atom geometry, enabling new nanoscale devices. The discovery represents a major advance in understanding this fundamental physical phenomenon.
A recent report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations highlights that higher food prices are partly to blame for the number of hungry people growing, with around 925 million worldwide. To address this, a second Green Revolution is needed to expand productivity sustainably while preserving natural resources.
The Talking Points system uses Bluetooth signals to provide pedestrians with information about points of interest along their path, enhancing navigation for both blind and sighted individuals. The system also incorporates community-generated content through a website, allowing users to access reviews, specials, and sales.
The University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies receives a $300,000 grant to expand its Accelerated BSN program, aiming to alleviate the nation's nursing shortage. The program will provide scholarships to students from underrepresented groups, increasing diversity in the nursing workforce.
Researchers Theresa Jefferson and John Harrald will study social vulnerability in response to an earthquake involving the New Madrid fault. The grant from FEMA enables them to focus on displaced persons, shelter needs, commodity requirements, and special needs in Phase III of the Mid America Earthquake Center research agenda.
Harvard Initiative for Global Health will develop a curriculum in nutrition and global health, addressing infectious disease, perinatal/child health, and chronic diseases. The grant also supports partnerships with Indian and Brazilian research institutions.
New York University has received a $490,000 NSF grant to support female faculty at all levels and broaden participation of women in science through research, workshops, and training seminars. The initiative aims to increase the representation and advancement of women in academic science and engineering careers.